Candygyrl

Weigh in for 3/13 Goal weight by end of challenge 160-165 lbs Current weight 161.2 lbs

Yes. Between jan and now i have lost maybe 5 lbs. But I changed some things to slow my weight loss. Like incorporating carbs into my diet more regularly. Like for instance, i wouldn't dare eat a sandwich, crackers nothing, now i do. I'll eat 1/2 turkey sandwich on multigrain or whole wheat crackers with chicken salad. Pretzrls with my apples and mozzarella cheese. This slowed me waaaaaaaay down apparently because ive clearly only lost about 6 lbs from Jan to now. But i wanted to slow down to like 5 lbs a month. I'm fine with it. I'm very close to goal, and as long as I'm not gaining. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

I have been fortunate I must say. No issues with food coming back up or the inability to tolerate certain foods. In the beginning, I'll admit eating was just uncomfortable. I felt like even if I fixed myself a saucer sized plate of food i still couldn't eat it all. I had to learn to be ok eating 2-3 bites of food and stop. I made sure to enjoy those 3 bites and walk away. If I had to come back to it in an hour sobeit. Now at 8 mos out. I can eat more not much more but I notice I can drink more water in one sitting, or eat a 1/2 cup of chicken chili whereas i could not before. I could drink 3 sips at best and maybe 1/4 of chili maybe even less. But be OK with only having 2 bites of something. Then come back to it in 30 min and have another bite or 2. Over time it'll get better. Take advantage of it in the meanwhile. Just make sure its a protein! Whichever one you can handle. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

I received a huge assortment of chocolates and a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries. I shared them with co workers and did not have a single one. Whatever was left I gave to my kids to enjoy. No biggie! Its the thought that counts what's valentines without chocolates.

8 mos out I've always been able to pretty much eat or tolerate anything HOWEVER. Eggs and apples don't sit well. they make me queezy. I don't have reflux or anything I just have a nauseated feeling after eating eggs or apples.

Goal Weight: 160-165lbs by end of challenge Current Weight: 165.8 lbs Today's Date: 3/6/2017

I am 7 months out and have experienced substantial hair thinning. My hair is usually very thick and coarse its fine and thin now. I've been told this would happen, I've read that it will happen so I wasn't surprised when it happened. But I have no doubt it will come back in healthy and strong by this time next year. I'm having fun experimenting with alternative hair styling options. Along with my multivitamins, Iron and Calcium I'm taking vitamin E along with 5000u of Biotin daily. Hang in there the sacrifices are well worth the price!

I spoke prematurely. I attempted it again and was successful. Thanks!

My surgery date is wrong and I wanted to change it but am unable.

I am so tardy to the party!!!!! So I've been gone since around November except to check in on the weight loss challenges but no real activity. I recently started lurking around a couple days ago and noticed some changes. Like in the site itself... also the fact that we can no longer add status updates. So I thought hmmm.... Then I noticed certain people that usually commented on everything--- there were no comments so I did a little investigating and I don't know what happened 1/14 but it sounds like all hell broke loose. Anyways not here to stir the pot... I'm just blown away by the shake up.

Never Say Never.... I created this topic in August of 2016. Today is Feb 2017 and as I read back over this I think I knew all along it could happen. Lets just say I did travel back down that road. I've lost close to 85 lbs and with all my newfound interests... I never stopped thinking about "him". Soooooo one day I was out with friends and I got the impulsive urge to reach out to him So I did by requesting him as a friend on FB. He responded the following day on fb messenger and seemed very happy to hear from me. He text me his phone number and explained how much he missed me and was so happy to hear from me. So we went back and forth and although we didn't have a lot of time he was eager to meet up with me if only for a hug and quick hello. I was super excited to reveal my new self to him and he seemed already excited to see me the way he knew me. We met up briefly and the smile on his face was worth it all. We hugged and agreed to keep in touch and link up real soon. When I walked away he grabbed me again, hugged me and said damn baby you look soooo good I miss everything about you. I was satisfied with having just seen him. I figured he wouldn't follow through with further contact. Well we remained in contact. We did meet up all the old feelings never left and I was once again in love but very cautious. What was I doing? The man I'm married to has gone through enough already. BUT I couldn't stop myself I was already in too deep. This time it was different. I was getting what I needed from him. He was highly responsive to my texts, He initiated. almost like he had a 2nd chance to make a 1st impressionHe even said I thought I would never see you again. I never forgot you and don't think I haven't tried to find you. COme to find out when we started texting through FB messenger I saw 4 previous attempts over the last 2 years where he attempted to reach out to me. The most recent attempt prior to my December contact to him was May 2016. For some reason I never got them. It looks like he sent them and I just never responded. Anyways Everything was awesome I was having my cake and eating it too. I know it wasn't fair to my husband but I really needed to obtain closure from this situation. I needed validation, affirmation and I was getting a little more than that. Well a little more than a month since we reunited, my husband found out that I had been back in contact with him and he was of course devastated, heartbroken you name it. He did reach out to the young man and he was very apologetic to my husband. He did continue to contact me and even though I shouldn't have I welcomed his contact and we continued to make plans to spend time together. Several days after my husband found out... I received a text message from the guys phone. I guess his girlfriend was notifying me that he had one. She then left a vm on my phone screaming at the young man and demanding he tell her he has a GF and a baby on the way. I was hurt because he lied to me. I asked him several times if he had someone and he adamantly told me no. He knew my marital status therefore he had no reason to lie. He later told me that he thought if he admitted to having a GF he would lose me. I told him that we both need to go fix our lives accept that we are not meant to be in each others lives and I wished him the best. I did not feel bad about the GF because if he had been honest she may not have ever found out. (twisted thinking) Because I thought he was single, I contacted him when it was convienient for me. If id known about his GF I would have been more considerate. I do feel bad for my hubby although he understands how this guy affected me and that I needed closure I hate stepping on his heart to get it. Well I got it. It never had anything to do with the way I looked-- he just wished things were different because he developed feelings for me. The best way to get over what he could not have was to move on. He did think I looked amazing but did not comment on the weight loss. My husband and I have patched things up and you would think that he was the one that messed up because I've been getting flowers and candy and edible arrangements, trips to the jewelry store etc. My husband says he feels relieved and believes he finally has me back totally as he knows how I had been previously tormented. In the end I know it was wrong, it was very selfish of me to have an affair in the first place it was dead wrong for me to reach out to him recently. it all worked out though and I do not regret it. A huge weight was lifted from my shoulders-- I don't really think about him anymore. Really now-- I could care less.

too bad this thread is no longer active I would like to discuss our new shopping habits. I'm not bypassing my bills to shop but I am receiving frequent packages from online stores that I love. I love not having to go to the mall sometimes so its easy for me to pick up a few cute tops, boots, jeans or a dress online. Now I just told myself I need to stop but now its time to think about spring/summer. uh oh.

I am at 7 mos. My nutritionist gave me the indication I could eat what I wanted as well. Within reason of course. She provided me with a list of typical fast food restaurants and food suggestions including their calorie content, Protein etc. She reinforced the importance of pairing my carbs with a protein and encouraged whole grains whenever possible. It really does depend on your goals. I am trying to slow my weight loss therefore, I would allow myself a Taco if I want one. I have eaten tacos. I can usually only eat 1. Preferrably I make my own. I use the tortilla shell but I may use ground turkey, extra veggies (lettuce/tomato), a little cheese and sour cream. Then that would be it. I wouldn't have another taco for weeks if I didn't think about it. I think about what I've eaten up to this point. I feel that for the most part I've developed some pretty good habits so I try to stay on track with those principles. Eating every 3 -4 hours. Protein first, then incorporate veggies and fruits throughout the day and in between meals along with other snack ideas like nuts, cheese, yogurt. Along with getting in daily fluids. No meals after 7 except special occasions which fall every blue moon. I still can't eat very much and I don't try to. If I was only able to eat a portion of my salmon and broccoli, I put it away and have it during another meal. I don't try to wait 45 min- 1hr and then finish it off. I can see people getting in trouble this way. it can lead to overeating. Walk away, wait 3-4 hours have it for dinner.

When you can no longer shop in your favorite plus size stores anymore When you and your 12 year old and raiding each others closets When you reach a weight lower than your hubby and kids When you buy Jeans from fashion nova in a size 13 (juniors) and they are a little loose so you buy another pair in an 11 and when they arrive you realize you could have gone down 1 more size When you don't have to try on your clothes anymore when shopping. You can pretty much eyeball it. When you wear clothes that were purchased as a NSV award during previous weight loss attempts and they are now too big When people see you and say I want to look like you

Goal Weight by end of challenge : 155lbs Current Weight: 166.8lbs Today's Date: 2/14/2017

I cant read all the comments but OP I totally understand where you are coming from. Clearly we want to be a healthy weight but some of us don't want to be saggy skin and bones regardless if it's healthier. I think 185lbs is a reasonable goal. Just remember you may have some regain 1-2 years post op so you want to try and aim 5-10 lbs under goal so you will have some wiggle room to work with in case you do. You will discover what you are comfortable with once you settle into your body. My goal initially was 135 lbs. But now that I'm in the 160's I feel good here. I just ask myself if I were to gain 10-15 lbs how would I feel at that weight? I felt and looked good 15 lbs ago, but that would be my max weight. I don't ever want to hit my max weight so I'm thinking if I can hit 150-155 if I gain 10-15 lbs that would put me at 160-165lbs kind of close to where I am right now and my goal is to be able to maintain my weight within in the post op years to come. Don't worry about that too much right now. Just focus on being a healthier you. Everything else will fall into place. Enjoy your golden moment!

Thank you! I appreciate all feedback. I guess she is asking me to find a Dr. for her in an area that I do live in! But I am an RN and I think she feels like I know what to look for when selecting a health care facility. So I have been looking at the Carolinas Medical Center so far. I will look into the Carolinas weight and wellness center. I want to find a really good and supportive center first and foremost that is convenient for her to get to but will also provide her with the comprehensive care and support that she will need and be conscientious of all the things you mentioned above.

GREAT JOB!!!! Keep it up!!!!!!

SO in my head an ideal dress size is a 6. That's also the answer I believe if you surveyed 100 random women in the street they would say. I'm currently a 10, sometimes an 8. I can buy dresses from Fashion Nova in a Medium and they fit great. @Kathy812 I'm glad you commented about regain. As I'm getting closer to my goal I need to keep this in mind although I hoped to maintain my weight within 5-10 lbs of goal by going slightly under so when or if I gain, I'm still at or near my goal weight.

Yes I get this all the time! I don't take offense or feel as if people are being too opinionated or invasive. There are people I work with who may not know me personally but have seen me around who say wow you look great you don't plan to lose more do you? or People who know me well who say you look good right there don't lose anymore because you are a nice weight and you still have great curves you don't want to lose that. My mom feels like I should ignore everyone lose as much as I can because why else go to this extreme to have surgery without achieving the highest weight loss possible. I feel like I'm a good weight too but I know I want to lose a little more just to have some wiggle room. I'm 5 '4 166 pear shaped size 8-10. 160 would be a max weight 150 would be a reach weight. 140 was my original goal but now I don 't think I want to go lower than 150 lb. So all that matters is what you think and feel. let them say whatever I take it as a compliment that people think you're getting too skinny lol! I've been wanting that problem for years.

Sooo Im at like 7 months right now... I'm at a weight that's very comfortable for me so if I can slow my weight loss to about 5 lbs a month I'd be satisfied!!! My goal was 140--- Now I feel like 160 might be it for me... I'm 167 currently. I'm not concerned about slow weight loss. SO... I keep my routine going. I don't count calories AT ALL!!!!!! I'm more focused on food groups. I still have something light for breakfast- a fruit and veggie smoothie, or a Protein shake, or fruit and yogurt or Breakfast meat but I eat something preferably something with protein but sometimes I just want a smoothie. Grazing is life!!!!!! I bring or purchase a grazebox at work so my Snacks are already ready to go. My grazebox usually contains 4 items it could be 8 cheese cubes, 10 cucumber slices , 15 grapes, and 1/4 cup of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pecans, peanuts) Its in a divided container so it fits perfectly. I have other combinations like cheese, apple slices, hummus and celery, or Nuts, pineapple, carrots and strawberries. Anyways I graze on this ALL DAY at work starting at about noon. My lunch is usually 1 item. Today it was 4 lemon pepper wing dings, Tomorrow it might be a mini garden salad with grilled chicken. It might be a leftover baked porkchop or lobstertail from last nights dinner. By 3 oclock I'm back snacking on my grazebox and I usually still have food left over by the end of the day. I take it home and add it to my grazebox for the next day. Sometimes I can easily skip lunch because the grazebox keeps me satisfied. Its all about what you are grazing on. I usually leave work about 430-5pm I have to pick kids up and stop by the store sometimes I snack on what remains of the grazebox or whatever was left from lunch but I don't typically eat after 6pm and I'm not hungry. Now 1-2 times per week I may eat out with the family, or join a friend for drinks but that is the only instance where I may really eat past 6 or 7pm. Sometimes I might just purchase food eat a few bites of salad and carryout the rest. Find what works for you... I personally see nothing wrong with grazing. Just watch the carbs and make sure your activity levels are where they should be. You know what that is... what works for you may not work for me and vice versa. I was going to the gym 4-5 days a week but I wasn't pushing myself so I started taking kickboxing classes, boot camp and classes that would push me to my physical limits.

I know I'm late buuuuuut I want in... Goal Weight by end of challenge : 155lbs Current Weight: 167.4lbs Today's Date: 2/9/2017

Hey yall, I'm actually from the Michigan area but due to my success with the sleeve so far, my sister in law is really interested in having it. She lives in the Charlotte area (university district) and asked me to help her find some great Dr.'s she could go to. I don't know the area at all so I figured I'd start with you guys. So far I picked up a Dr. Ryan Heider... if there are any other suggestions, reputable health systems, Bariatric surgeons, centers of excellence in the charlotte area Please share. I'm hoping to have some info for her by the end of the week so she can start the process soon. Thanks!

Carbs for ME are a slippery slope. Nothing wrong with them however they do slow or stall weight loss and increase hunger drive. Since a stall is something that I wanted I added carbs into my eating plan. SInce then even though I am exercising-- boot camp, kick boxing, resistance training, most days of the week. my weight loss is minimal. Right now Im comfortable with 5 lbs a month. If ever I want to speed up my weight loss again I'll just drop back down to less than 20g carbs and increase my Protein intake which I was recently told I have a daily goal of 60g/day which I can hit with ease. Good luck to you.

Yes. I did not have very many physical symptoms of PCOS like facial hair, or acanthosis nigrican it was mostly the irregular or absence of my menstrual cycle, infertility, mood swings, elevated hgb a1c therefore I would get hypoglycemic and of course the weight gain and PCOS belly. I am DELIVERT!!!! at 171.8 My belly is about a 28 inches I'd like it to go down to about a 24, 25. Hgb a1c is like 5.2, No mood swings although I do have periods of restlessness and anxiety that come and go. Cycles are coming like clockwork and they are fairly normal and weight loss remains steady. So yes I would say my PCOS symptoms have most certainly improved. I am 6 months post op.