vongphillips

It has been awhile since I've posted a before and after. Hope it inspires anyone newly sleeved as to what is possible. Preop I was a size 22 now I wear a 4.  

I am not too much help because I am only 11 days out of surgery but I was 206 when I started and lost 10lbs on my 2 week all liquid diet and 10lbs. since surgery. I anticipate the number of pounds will be lower as the months go on. We will get there! I am sure the percentages are about equal on people who weigh more than 200 and those who are 200 or less. So my 5-7 lbs a month will be close to someone's 10-15 lbs a month in individual percentages. Hopefully that makes kinda sense.....

I am not too much help because I am only 11 days out of surgery but I was 206 when I started and lost 10lbs on my 2 week all liquid diet and 10lbs. since surgery. I anticipate the number of pounds will be lower as the months go on. We will get there! I am sure the percentages are about equal on people who weigh more than 200 and those who are 200 or less. So my 5-7 lbs a month will be close to someone's 10-15 lbs a month in individual percentages. Hopefully that makes kinda sense.....

I am not too much help because I am only 11 days out of surgery but I was 206 when I started and lost 10lbs on my 2 week all liquid diet and 10lbs. since surgery. I anticipate the number of pounds will be lower as the months go on. We will get there! I am sure the percentages are about equal on people who weigh more than 200 and those who are 200 or less. So my 5-7 lbs a month will be close to someone's 10-15 lbs a month in individual percentages. Hopefully that makes kinda sense.....

I am not too much help because I am only 11 days out of surgery but I was 206 when I started and lost 10lbs on my 2 week all liquid diet and 10lbs. since surgery. I anticipate the number of pounds will be lower as the months go on. We will get there! I am sure the percentages are about equal on people who weigh more than 200 and those who are 200 or less. So my 5-7 lbs a month will be close to someone's 10-15 lbs a month in individual percentages. Hopefully that makes kinda sense.....

I am not too much help because I am only 11 days out of surgery but I was 206 when I started and lost 10lbs on my 2 week all liquid diet and 10lbs. since surgery. I anticipate the number of pounds will be lower as the months go on. We will get there! I am sure the percentages are about equal on people who weigh more than 200 and those who are 200 or less. So my 5-7 lbs a month will be close to someone's 10-15 lbs a month in individual percentages. Hopefully that makes kinda sense.....

I am not too much help because I am only 11 days out of surgery but I was 206 when I started and lost 10lbs on my 2 week all liquid diet and 10lbs. since surgery. I anticipate the number of pounds will be lower as the months go on. We will get there! I am sure the percentages are about equal on people who weigh more than 200 and those who are 200 or less. So my 5-7 lbs a month will be close to someone's 10-15 lbs a month in individual percentages. Hopefully that makes kinda sense.....

I am not too much help because I am only 11 days out of surgery but I was 206 when I started and lost 10lbs on my 2 week all liquid diet and 10lbs. since surgery. I anticipate the number of pounds will be lower as the months go on. We will get there! I am sure the percentages are about equal on people who weigh more than 200 and those who are 200 or less. So my 5-7 lbs a month will be close to someone's 10-15 lbs a month in individual percentages. Hopefully that makes kinda sense.....

I really wanted to share this, because I feel very proud. And because I often see people posting about whether or not they should do it and how afraid they are, but I am one of these people who says: this is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my adult life!
The pic on the left was taken Aug. 31 2015 at around 320+ pounds. I had my surgery Nov 23, 2015. The photo on the right was taken a little over a week ago. 54 pounds until I reach my goal weight.

Gosh I love these!!! So today is my 10 month post op surgiversary. I'm down 142 lbs so far and feel so much better. But these pics make rainbows and glitter shoot from my heart!!! Loving how I'm starting to look. My skin is an issue but it will not take my happiness from me. I've come a hell of a long way and I'm damn proud of myself. Please post all your pics, I love seeing all you beautiful people!!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Here, let me help you. More potential here:

I am sorry to mislead you. Here's a picture of some monkey love:

(Don't get technical on me, they are probably considered apes).

Wow so that leaves a whole lotta nothing to eat! I suspect my reply may be a bit controversial, but for one thing I avoid anything that says fat free or low fat, unless that is naturally the case. Otherwise it usually means added carbs and fillers.
I have adjusted my own diet to what has worked best for me in the past and that is.. a low carb, HIGH FAT diet. Yes really, high fat. I eat real butter, real mayo, bacon, sausage, whole milk yogurt, and the like. I know this is going to freak some people out (OMG THE RULES!) but know what happened when I got off the low fat bandwagon? I broke my 3 week stall immediately and dropped about 7 pounds in one week. I also experienced a great reduction in hunger! I did this at about the 2 month mark. Today is my 3 month surgiversary.
So anyway I confessed my rebellious diet switcharoo to my nutritionist yesterday and she didn't have much to say about it other than maybe by eating more fat I was bumping myself out of starvation mode and needed the extra calories to break my stall. She may be partly right but I can't agree entirely because I am, as I keep saying, A Professional Dieter. I know my body better than anyone and how it reacts to various percentages of macronutrients. Doing Low Carb/High Fat in the past was by far the most successful plan for me. I was able to drop 50 pounds in 5 months, without surgery and reached my ideal weight in maybe 7 or 8 months. (How did I gain it back? I ate carbs again.)
I guess my point is, in the end we should all do whatever works best for us. I learned pretty early that I was in no danger of dumping, I also learned pretty early, that carbs such as crackers, fruit, and even vegetables were causing me to stall, but that didn't surprise me because it's not the first time.
Early on you should just do whatever your team tells you to do (there's not much chance of sticking to low fat, low sugar, and low salt tho - good luck with that) Once you are more "on your own", you can choose to continue following their rules if they are working for you, or make your own if that works better. I make sure my team knows what I'm doing, and as long as I'm getting such great results, I will continue doing what works.
Ok go easy on me.

OK, since it's true confession time
Dad of four great kids, 3/4's are out of the house and my youngest daughter is entering her senior year of high school. Once she is in college I am heading out of Oklahoma (I love the people, OKC, is actually a very cool place right now, but the damn pollen is killing me).
I was married for 21 years. 15 were happy. The last six sucked pond Water.
My ex was hospitalized because of mental illness. I found a therapist with the idea of learning how to help her. To my surprise, I realized I was the one who needed the help (kind of like what they tell you on an airplane,,,put your own mask on first before you put a mask on your kids).
Funny thing, when I realized what my problems were and I started to change, I realized just how toxic my relationship was with my ex. It took a few years, but we finally ended the madness.
I am election/political professional. That means I really get into numbers as well as people. That helped me look at dating in a very skewed way, but it worked. I understand how to find the people I wanted to meet and worked very seriously to communicate to them.
I really enjoy sex and intimate time with my significant other. I study this subject because I am serious about maximizing her pleasure. I have taken two classes on yoni massages. (look it up on your own and PM if you want me more info). MEN, it is damn fun to figure out how complex women really are, take time to study them. If you are a guy and you don't realize the sexual potential of a woman...shame. It will blow your mind, and I am convinced that if a guy will take the time to learn that potential, it will pay off more than you will ever realize...women's capacity for giving is greater than you know, but only if she trusts and cares. Nuff said there.
I have the coolist job in the world. I have a virtual staff of over 500 people all over the world. I have a great team to make it all work.
I get to teach future generations. I am very frank with my mistakes which helps the next generation do more than I ever could.
I was a poli sci major, but my concentration was on the eastern block and the commies. I started my military career as a private (I was an MP), became a SGT (very cool job in the Army), but after I was commissioned I ended as a Cpt. (I literally am Cpt. Kirk).
I am not bragging (and thankfully have never been called to do it), but I can take out anyone from 3/4's of a mile away with a .50cal sniper rifle, and I have enjoyed close in fights since taking Aikido and Karate for the last 15 years.
I am exceedingly proud of my kids...one who is a restaurant manager at Disney, my oldest son is about to become a teacher, my next son is becoming a physical therapist, and my youngest is now in the top 10 of her class and is going to OU to study Geology and wants to work in the State Department.
I love my GF beyond measure. We are a testimate that it is never too late to find a relationship that brings you happiness and at 53, we can still make a randy teenager green with envy when we are alone as a couple. (We both had 20+ year marriages, and tried to save them despite the dysfunction, but we also both grew from the experience and have used those lessons to help each other).
I am very thankful that I found WLS as an option and have tried to honor it by being part of the greater community, and be an evangelist, mentor and teacher,

DANG IT!!!

ALL OF YOU HAVE OUTSHINED ME WITH YOUR AWESOMENESS.

Great thread! I've enjoyed reading all of these and finding certain things I have in common with some of you. You've inspired me to create my own list:
I have two daughters - one is 16 and the other is 5.
Yes, I love living in Colorado. No, I don't smoke pot.
My first marriage only lasted a little over a year. We split when my daughter was born, because I didn't want to continue living in a van while traveling to frisbee tournaments. Yes, we were very young. :-)
I was a single mom for 9 years. During that time I completed my bachelors and masters degrees and became a Career Counselor. I am so thankful to family that helped me out during those years. I don't know how single parents do it without a strong support system!
I met my current husband on eHarmony. We have been married for 7 years.
Lipstick Lady, this one's for you: I'm a first degree black belt in taekwondo, but haven't actually practiced in almost 10 years. Once there was an expectation to teach it to others, I lost all interest. I enjoyed the learning part of it, so I think I need to learn a new martial art. Now that my weight loss has begun (one month post surgery), I want to try Tai Chi.
I'm not an animal person. We finally caved in and let my oldest daughter get a snake. I'd probably allow a cat too, but my husband's allergic.
My current tv favorites are: Game of Thrones, Supernatural, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Madam Secretary.
I love to read. I've been with my book club for 6 years and we meet once a month. It's my greatest social outlet.
I love to travel, as does my family. We prioritize vacations and put money into that fund every month. Our house may be outdated and our cars may be old, but we do have good vacations. Over the past 20 years, I've been to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Iceland, much of Europe, and almost all of the states.
My 16 year old is currently on her first trip without me. It's a school trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. I'm unbelievably jealous but so happy she gets that opportunity.
I'm definitely an introvert. I can enjoy myself around other people, interact with groups, and teach workshops or classes, but I'm always exhausted after. I need time by myself or I'm a raging b*&%$.
I have found that I have become happier and more confident with age. In my late teens and most of my 20s, I was a bit of an emotional wreck. Getting older has it's positive side.
One of my regrets is that I didn't pursue a career in art, simply because I knew it would be hard to make a living. So, I've recently started taking a few art classes at the local community college. I'm learning a great deal and am getting positive feedback on my art. It's exciting to be pursuing an old interest once again.
When I was growing up, my dad was a ski instructor in Aspen. We had free passes to all 4 ski mountains there. It was awesome. Now I haven't skiied in about 12 years, and I don't miss it.
Thanks for letting me get to know some of you better! Being so newly post op, it's easy to get completely wrapped up in talk about weight loss, food, surgery, etc. Like all of you, I am more than just my WLS.
Christi

I so love this thread! Cannot respond to OP now, but will when I get back to my laptop. Such interesting people you all are!

This is great! Let's see.....
1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19
2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months
3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)
4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol
5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry
6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)
7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments
8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.
9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.
10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on
11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all
12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!
Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)

This is great! Let's see.....
1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19
2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months
3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)
4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol
5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry
6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)
7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments
8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.
9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.
10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on
11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all
12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!
Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)

This is great! Let's see.....
1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19
2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months
3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)
4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol
5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry
6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)
7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments
8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.
9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.
10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on
11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all
12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!
Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)

This is great! Let's see.....
1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19
2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months
3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)
4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol
5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry
6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)
7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments
8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.
9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.
10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on
11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all
12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!
Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)

This is great! Let's see.....
1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19
2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months
3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)
4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol
5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry
6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)
7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments
8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.
9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.
10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on
11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all
12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!
Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

This is great! Let's see.....
1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19
2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months
3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)
4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol
5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry
6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)
7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments
8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.
9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.
10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on
11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all
12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!
Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)

This is great! Let's see.....
1. I have been married for 16 years but together 19
2. I have 4 kiddos ages 17, 13, 9, and 18 months
3. I never would have thought it but I REALLY have enjoyed being an older mom. I have so much more patience and really appreciate all the baby steps of growing. (although it will be FOREVER before my husband and I are alone again)
4. I love reality TV but not all reality tv. If it could expand my knowledge, it is not for me. It must kill brain cells! Lol
5. I was a hair stylist and loved if for a few years but moving from city to city killed that career and now I am in the mortgage industry
6. I have 2 cats that are like my husband's children (not when it comes to cleaning the kitty litter)
7. My 17 yr old is a tennis player so we are always out on weekends at tournaments
8. According to my kids, I have become a better cook since starting my liquid diet because I no longer taste as I cook and pray for the best. Apparently my taste buds are off and I over season.
9. I love to binge watch shows on Netflix and Amazon.
10. I love comedies and horrors but I do get scared and sleep with the light on
11. I make better pho than my thai sister-in-laws. I can make a few things but my pho is the best of them all
12. I love to vacation at the beach but do not want to live there. Can you say sticky, muggy, sand everywhere!
Ok, I guess that is enough. I could go on and on.......(middle child syndrome......look at me, look at me!!) :)