katieroybal

YES! For many years I was obese (OK, technically I still am) and developed an identity as a fat woman. What I wore, what I ate, how I sat, where I sat, who I talked to, vacations, exercise, clothing... even how I walked. All these choices were made through the identity of being fat. Now, 4 or 5 months later, I'm suddenly not that person anymore? I don't think so. I spent years with this identify and that can't be unlearned right away. It may take years to fully understand this new person that I am. Before surgery I tried running. I could maybe run up to a minute before I had to stop and walk. My husband always encouraged me to call myself a running but I just didn't buy into it. I couldn't be a runner if I walked most of the mile. Now, as I'm building up running a full mile without stopping, I feel like a runner. I feel comfortable calling myself a runner. I can embrace it more comfortably. I think the new identity will come with time and new lifestyle adaptions.

@Dashofpixiedust8 you are a gem for sponsoring these challenges. Goal Weight: 165 Current Weight: 174 Today's Date: 8/21/2017

My surgeon said to start walking right away. I was on a weight restriction for 2 months but after that it was full go. I was always active and I love exercise so motivation wasn't a problem. Soreness was. I had to reduce how hard I was pushing my body so I didn't end up crying in bed for 2 or 3 days. Now, at month 5, I'm walking and doing High Intensity Interval Training with a fantastic trainer who keeps me at a good level. Not too hard, not too light. I don't get as sore and I have a blast every time. Yes, I'm more tired on the days I'm working out but I'm not "hungry."

8/11 weighing in at 177.

My weight loss stalled when I started lifting weights. For about a month. The inches still dropped though. After a month I lost a couple pounds. Encouraged, I started lifting heavier weights. Sure enough, I gained those 3 pounds right back and added another. I'm not a doctor, I don't know why it happens. I just know it happens. Don't stop working out. I bet you lose inches even if you don't lose any weight or actually gain a little.

I alternate between Unjury's Chicken Soup protein and Gold's chocolate mixes. I love the Gold's chocolate mixes. Tastes great, mixes well, turns into a slushie if you accidentally leave it in the freezer for too long... Unjury's Chicken Soup protein tastes pretty good if you are in the mood for a hot drink but I think it smells god awful. Like chicken gone bad! Unjury serving: 90 Calories, 1 carb, 21 protein. Gold's: 120 Calories, 3 carb, 24 protein

My Friday checking (late on a Tuesday) CW177

You are so close!!!!!

Check in weight: 176.3 Finally broke the stall from hell!

When I first started eating solids, I could do almost anything. Turkey, chicken eggs, beef. Now I get really nauseous with any deli meat or eggs. It seems to change as time goes on.

Still 180! 180.1 to be exact.

For me, it was really tough to drink during the first few weeks. Small sips were really important. Also, I've developed an intolerance for most waters. Most bottled waters make me queezy. I solved that by drinking higher ph water and that goes down smooooooth. At 3 months out, it was a lot easier to drink water. At 4 months I can drink about 8 ounces without stopping. I don't think it takes long for the water to clear but my doctor has a 30-20-30 rule. Stop drinking 30 minutes before a meal, no liquid with your meal, take 20 minutes to eat and don't drink until 30 minutes after the meal.

That is incredible! Good for you @wcherry5901. I bet you are feeling so much better. I'm down 50 lbs, 42 since surgery. I have about 40 more to go and I noticed it is really slowing down compared to the first couple of months. The constipation sucks and I'm in the same boat as you most days. How is your exercise?

7/14 update was 180.9 pretty sure not change.

7/7 Check in: 180.9

6/30: 182.6. Not much movement. Things are definitely slower than the first two months.

My 6/23 weigh in: 184

Joining a tad bit late but here I am! My first challenge. Goal Weight: 170 Current Weight: 185 (July 16) Today's Date: 183 (July 19)

You might want to search genpro on this forum. It's a controversial product that may not have as much protein as they claim. Many surgeons (including mine) don't approve it as a protein drink after surgery.

I can cross my legs for the first time. I ran for 4 minutes without stopping. I sprinted as fast as I could for about 15 seconds and didn't feel like dying!

Talk to your doc. I have experienced numb hands and numb legs and on occasion, numb face. I tracked it down with my PCP to a low B vitamin level. As long as I take my B12, I do OK.

4/5 here and down 36 lbs since surgery and almost 45 overall. I'm cleared to eat everything but grains. I'm also cleared to exercise as much as I want. Now that I'm much lighter, I can run a little and do some HIIT workouts. I'm increasing my strength training. I don't tolerate eggs very well which is fine because I never really liked them anyways. Water can be a challenge. I should be over 64 ounces since I live in the hot AZ desert but I struggle to remember. The first month was really tough for me and I had buyers regret for a while. I missed food, I missed crunchy things and I missed the family celebrations that came with food. Now, I don't really think about food in the same way. While I spend a lot of time planning food out, it's not with the same obsession as before. Most of the cravings are gone. Potato chips are my one hold out. I don't allow them in the house because I will seek them out.

Excellent! You must be feeling all sorts of wonderful. You look fantastic but I bet you physically feel great as well. Congratulations.

I'm also 2 months out and I can typically only eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup or 3 to 4 ounces. I can eat more of beans, cooked vegetables or mushy vegetables than meat proteins.