thisgirlhunts

I have the Nexplanon implant. I lost weight prior to my surgery by following my NUT's plan and exercising. My surgeon wanted my implant removed one month prior to surgery due to a family history of blood clots. I had new implant inserted one month after surgery when I was cleared from the risk of developing a blood clot. Since then I've lost 66 lbs. (I'm a little over 4 months out from surgery.) In my experience, both pre- and post-op, birth control has had no impact on my weight loss. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

One of my favorite sides dishes is roasted spaghetti squash with sautéed spinach, garlic, and a sprinkling of feta cheese. You can sub Parmesan if you're not fond of feta. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I use Flintstone's Complete as well. Unfortunately, prior to surgery, I bought a big bottle of chewable bariatric multivitamins and couldn't stand the taste! Plus they were huge--it felt like you were chewing on one for days! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

241 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

242.2 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Rats! Forgot to post on Monday. 243.4 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Abby, you are inspiring! You write so reflectively of where this journey has taken you and what you have overcome. Well-deserved congratulations and best wishes for a happy, healthy future! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think every surgeon's practice is different. I don't believe it was an insurance requirement; just a requirement for my surgeon. But the exercise physiologist did help me with a pre-op exercise plan and I can consult with him (and the NUT) as much as needed post-op. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have Highmark BCBS in PA. I met once with the surgeon (initial consultation), 6 times with my NUT (and weighed in each time to track what the insurance required me to lose), once with the exercise physiologist, and then another visit with the surgeon about 2 weeks out from my surgery. My surgeon's office staff was very helpful in explaining all the insurance requirements during my initial visit. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Active weight loss mode CW: 249.3 GW: 235 Thanks for coordinating this challenge! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in! Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What?!? I love cottage cheese! :-) I eat cottage cheese with a topping of sugar-free apple butter! Yum, yum, yum! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've been shopping like mad for the last week or so. We're going on vacation next week and then I'm back to work (middle school teacher) right after we return. I went through my closet and only 4-5 pieces of my wardrobe don't make me look like I'm swimming in my clothes. I still want to gravitate to the plus size section, even though it's too big. It's hard to retrain your brain...hard but fun! I find myself gravitating towards bright colors and sleeveless tops--something I totally avoided before my surgery. I'm trying to buy versatile pieces that will hopefully see me through a few size changes because, let's face it, a new wardrobe is expensive! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Generally, co-morbidities for bariatric surgery are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, and possibly others like GERD. I think they are probably just asking about migraines in regards to knowing your total health history, just like they will ask about previous surgeries. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! We have very similar stats. I was sleeved 6/13/16 and was 286 the day of surgery. (I was 303 when starting the liquid diet before surgery.) I'm at 249 now and that's lower than any adult weight I remember. You'll be there soon, too! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm at the point now where I need to shop for new clothes as well. None of my dress clothes for work (I'm a teacher) fit anymore. Like the other posters, I've been visiting thrift stores and the clearance racks at places like Kohl's. Trying on new clothes in smaller sizes has been fun! I bought a large shirt yesterday--a large!!! I'm also trying to recoup some money by selling my "too big" clothes at a local consignment sale that's held each fall and spring. It's well-known in my area and I've made some cash there before selling unwanted items. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@plane224 l loved your phrase "My budget is smaller than my style." That's great! :-) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm sorry that you're having an aversion to meat. In addition to the items other posters mentioned, you may want to try the Atkins Lift Protein drinks. I think I may have developed some lactose intolerance issues, so I'm trying out the lemonade flavor now instead of my usual Premier Protein shake. (I was sleeved 6/13, too.) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in the soft solid food stage. I know that many people eat chili at this point and I'd love to do that, too! Do I need to worry about tomato seeds or I am overthinking the "no seeds" rule? (I'm emailing my NUT but was curious what the vets think.) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You've done a brave thing! It's hard for anyone to admit that they've gotten off track and that they need to reset themselves. I believe that you've recognized some of your triggers and now you are taking the steps to be successful once again. Healing--physically, emotionally, and spiritually--from grief is hard! I wish you peace on this journey as you come to terms with the grief and the changes you need to make. I believe you will be successful! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I checked my packets of unjury Protein shakes and they listed milk as an ingredient. I think Orgain makes a dairy-free Protein shake. (I have a friend who also avoids dairy and I'm pretty sure she mentioned these as dairy-free.) I don't know about their sugar/carb content though. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've been given the go-ahead from my doc to resume all normal activities. I'd like to start some strength training at the local Y. I'm familiar with the machines and how to use them. Does anyone have recommendations for an app to track progress, specifically for strength training? (I used to carry around a clipboard--but there has to be an app to make it easier!) I've done some Googling, but thought I'd come to real experts for advice! Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Welcome, Sandy! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You can do it! I'm glad that you made the commitment to sign up for three months. You didn't give up--this shows the strength of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Five years ago, around 280+ lbs, I decided to run a half-marathon to Celebrate my 30th birthday. Crazy, right?!? I remember the owner of my gym telling me something that has stuck with me--something that I repeat to myself when the going gets tough: "Your body can do it. Physically--you can do this." Now's the time for you to get your mind strong, too! Believe that you will make it through the next 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, to the end of class. And when you're done, be proud that you did make it through. You've got this! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Best wishes as you move forward on this journey! It is an emotional journey--for me, it was so hard to admit that I needed help to control my eating. But it's also empowering--my sleeve is a tool that helps me but I am making the choices to make my life better! It sounds as if you have a lot of support--that's great! And congrats on quitting smoking--that's a game changer right there! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App