bigmamaAfrica

Feeling so good!!!!

Like others, I will be putting away money now for the next 1.5-2 years to get plastics done. However, I don't see that as a gift to myself, it's just the second part of the weight loss journey. I would also like to get a tattoo, but I would wait until after plastics are finished.
So, for hitting goal, I'd like to do something that I would never have been able to do at my current or highest weight, like climb Kilimanjaro, or hike to Everest base camp, or see the gorillas in Uganda/Rwanda (forgetting the fact that the hours+ hike through a humid jungle would have been a killer, apparently the silverback gorillas feel threatened by "large" (i.e. obese) humans and will sometimes show displays of aggression towards them). Or there are some great walks that I would like to do, such as the Camino de Santiago in France/Spain or the Machu Picchu trek in Peru. I'll probably need to keep a separate savings account for any of those trips as well.

This thread is encouraging. I've been debating myself in starting a YouTube channel for those of us years out. I'm 7 years out. I'm also looking into becoming a Personal Trainer and Health Lifestyle Coach to WLS patients only. Maybe something to consider heavily going into 2017.
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Me and my side kick. I was sleeved on Mar 30th. I live in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (West Africa).
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These last few lbs are so hard but I'm going to do it!!!! Posting a photo because I spent months looking at before/afters before surgery and I know how much it can inspire others!

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I was sleeved in March and so far i have been going through my old stash of clothes but they are all still baggy. The sloppy look is not cute for the office, so I will be buying some new office wear pieces. I live in Ivory Coast and tailoring is really good. I am getting lots of cute dresses made. Even twinning with my kids!
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I was sleeved in March and so far i have been going through my old stash of clothes but they are all still baggy. The sloppy look is not cute for the office, so I will be buying some new office wear pieces. I live in Ivory Coast and tailoring is really good. I am getting lots of cute dresses made. Even twinning with my kids!
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I was sleeved in March and so far i have been going through my old stash of clothes but they are all still baggy. The sloppy look is not cute for the office, so I will be buying some new office wear pieces. I live in Ivory Coast and tailoring is really good. I am getting lots of cute dresses made. Even twinning with my kids!
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One thing I love about FB’s on this day feature is seeing all the selfies I used to take lol. This picture really got me though. It was a picture of my niece and I taken one year ago. I see someone who although she is smiling, she is dead on the inside. Longing to break free from the chains of obesity. January 7th of this year I started my new sleeved life. It has not been easy, but I do not regret my decision not one bit. Exercise has become something that I enjoy to do, I never thought I would say that! I am able to be the active mom that my son deserves to have. I no longer get tired and out of breath playing with him. I had got to the point where I hid from my friends because I was ashamed of myself. Not anymore. I am able to walk with my head held high and am proud of the progress I have made so far. I included a full body shot as well the beach picture was taken July 2015. I really needed to see these pictures side by side, the last few months things have slowed down tremendously. It’s not because I haven’t been putting the work in, I am just trying to be patient as I can be. I know I will get to where I want to be.
The only thing I miss about the old me from last year is my longer hair!

I got the loaded potato Soup from Safeway and blended it and it's amazing. I don't use lowfat Soups because they don't keep me full and I'm no where close to hitting the calorie goals my surgeon gave me and he said it's totally fine
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Yes the homemade Soup is fine puréed ... I would very slowly introduce it because the Tomato may or may not give you acid. So here's what I did.... make sure you have zero fluids 30 mins prior. Then pour your 1/4 cup of soup and grab your baby spoon... and set a timer on your phone for 20 mins. And slowly sip your soup. If you can't finish then that's ok. Stop when u feel pressure under your breast bone it means ur full. Then get up and set another timer for 30 mins... remember no fluids ...and take some gas x strips if You feel the need. ...and walk it off.. get some good burps out...You don't have to walk the entire time but stay active.
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On top of those already mentioned above I also watch Leelee VSG, See Jane Shrink, and SJs journey..also recently watched some videos from Perforce. Being based in (and from) Africa it can be difficult to relate sometimes but i love their personal stories and sense of humors.
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Brittbratt is good too
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True story: Went to visit the in-laws in Eastern Europe. We arrive in the evening and we're told my mother-in-law has been cooking for two days to make this rare delicacy to welcome us. MIL is a really great cook, so I'm intrigued. We get to their place and she serves carp in aspic with peas and carrots floating around. It's slathered in a beet and horseradish mixture.
Everyone was delighted. I was...not. I choked down enough to be polite and pushed the rest on to DH's plate.
Moral of the story: you should not give anyone carp. Especially don't give people carp when they aren't expecting it. And never, ever give people carp smothered in beets and horseradish.
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If you kids keep giving carp to tess she might just tuna round and check all of y'all!

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I ain't no dollar back girl...
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Its bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
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I never seen a plan that day "do what makes you feel good when you're hungry." But you are right, you are doing it your way.
Good luck, but dont tell others it is because of insurance reasons because that is a lie and dangerous.
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I'm five years out and I tried Pasta and rice maybe two years after my surgery because I was nervous to try it.. those foods are fillers for me.. if I eat those I won't get my Protein in at all.. don't mind the harsh comments.. we are human and as human we learn from experience. I love rice but now I can not eat it because it hurts when I eat it.. I think for everyone to say they don't spurge or go of course every now and then is total BS ... If you try it talk to your Nut first and see what he or she has to say on a good time frame to try it. They might advise against doing so, but you never know they are human to who indulges here and there also I am sure.
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Hi March Sleevers, How are you doing? I am down 85 lbs.. Happy as a clam. Best thing I ever did.
I have to admit- shopping is hard just because i don't know where the right size in the normal stores. For so many years- I had to shop in the large lady sections or stores.. It is an adjustment. QUestion for you- How did you come up with your goal weight? My Doctor gave me a goal of 80 lbs. I wanted to lose at least 100- if not 120... I just do not want to have my expectation to high. So it is a question of when I hit my re-set point.. Any thoughts on this subject for those that are 6 or more months post surgery?

Was out and about, ran into an old friend. He asked for me to come over for dinner, meet his current family. When I got there, it was nothing but unhealthy foods. Foods I was addicted to before the band. Still am but I stay away from it. Cakes, Cookies, loads of fried breaded fish, chips with dips. I didn't leave but I did remove the breading from the fish, and did what I can. He asked why I was doing that. I told him it all looked delicious, he had become quite a cook but my doctor told me to stay on a strict diet or my health will deteriorate. I am not a strict dieter, I am a moderation person with almost every food, but not with anything sweet because of my past addiction to them.

I can lose weight just through diet but for bigger results i add in exercise. I also feel exercise (especially weight/ resistance training) helps with toning, tightening and building a leaner shape.
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I make my own lotions, soaps, and other skin care products. I own a little company and sell at show and etsy. If you can't find anything at all contact me and I can make you some lotion and body butter with both products.
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This recipe is my family's favorite I try not to make it as often only because it has 313 calories and I am for 300 per meal. But when I do make this they love it hope you will try it if so enjoy!
Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken:
Philly Fat Free cream cheese, 1 block (8oz)
1 Can of cream of chicken Soup, 98% Fat free
1 Package good seasons Italian dressing mix
1/2 Cup Water
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Directions:
Spray crockpot with nonstick spray. Place chicken in crockpot, mix italian dressing mix and Water, pour over chicken. Cut cream cheese into cubes, spread out over chicken. Pour can of Soup over all. Cover, cook on low 6-8 hrs, or high 4-6 hrs.
Nutrition: Servings per recipe: 6
serving size: 1 serving
Calories: 313
Total Fat: 3.0
Saturated fat: 1.0 g
Cholesterol: 125.0 mg
Sodium: 718 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 7.0 g
Sugars: 1.0 g
Protein: 51.0 g

Oh man, I love this!!! I can't believe how much difference it makes to use a Ninja blender for a Protein drink! I took my usual 8 oz skim milk and Bariatric Advantage chocolate powder and put in 2 tbs healthy Peanut Butter and some Fiber powder. Blend. Then some ice. WOW!! It tastes like a frosty from Wendy's ...no, even better!!!!!!!!!!!!