Candygyrl

I know this is an old topic.. but for some of us it's somewhat flattering to get hit on. It's a sign that we've still got it right? So I was one of those people who said... "I don't notice much difference". Anyways for me its starting. Like 2 weeks ago I had an attractive guy stop me and ask if I were married etc I happily said yes and kept walking. Guys are going out of their way to make eye contact with me to say hello. Or spark conversations or tell me I'm attractive. I do see the difference. It reminds me of the way it used to be but I guess its been so long-- and I was getting hit on in a different way so I guess to me it was the same except its not. Its bittersweet. Yet I feel good about the rediscovered attention. How do or did you handle the attention? How did it make you feel when you started to receive it? Also I've been itching to go out. The other day I went to a local comedy night by myself. As I was being seated in the club, a girl invited me to join her and her friends in their booth. We had a good time and took selfies and I just felt--- I guess included. Did any of you experience increased attention inclusion or acceptance from people in general?? Do you feel good about it? Or the opposite? p

OMG... @dashofpixiedust8 that's awesome !!! Bless you!!! @goplay94123 you can still PM me as well the basics of how to run the challenge and what I'd have to do and I can consider either doing it or helping out with future challenges but I have to regretfully decline at this time.

@@The New Kel I can totally relate to your story too. I felt like he could've cheated, or made me feel bad. His dad used to do that with his mom. I mean a lot even in front of me and we had just started dating. His dad would say things like she used to be so small, and so little. Man she USED to be beautiful, she just let her self go. I don't even want to be seen with her, I'm ashamed of her. Man you disgust me. OMG I didn't know what to say!?! She would just smile. He would say I'm going to just leave one day and get a new house and a new wife. I would feel soooooo bad for her. I hated that. he was such a bully. My husband hated when his dad did that and he never did that to me. Like he was very sensitive to that sort of thing. Recently after my surgery she was interested in having it. Well about 3 weeks ago she had to have gallbladder surgery. Shes in the ICU right now on a ventilator after suffering from a post operative infection!!!! To imagine I compared the sleeve to gallbladder surgery because of how easy it is. And SHE NEARLY DIED!!!! Her husband was completely devastated. She's doing a little better and on the long road to recovery but hopefully he appreciates her more nowadays. BUT, I don't think she will want to have surgery after this! Like I said he remained faithful and I saw his unconditional love for me. He's not perfect and he gets on my nerves sometimes but he's a good man overall. I want to give it back to him. He's always been proud to stand by me but now I want to be his trophy wife who is beautiful from the inside out! So That's why he hasn't been initiating lately because of everything going on with his mom. He's been so worried. So have I but I just wanted to be super supportive. She had a really good day yesterday, opened her eyes, she was using facial expressions to communicate. So they are planning to take her off the ventilator in the next day or 2 which is PROGRESS. So needless to say I had a good night

Like @@laceemouse says there are a few dependent factors. How much weight you have to lose-- obviously if you have more than 100lbs to lose and you lose it rapidly-- theres no escaping it. Its just the reality of it. I for instance thought coming into this I planned to lose 110 lbs. where I am now... I'd be ok with 90 lbs goal.. I'm not going to try and stop it I will let my body lose until it stops on its own. Your age-- if your in your 20's your skins elasticity is a lot greater than someone who is 62. So keep that in mind. How you eat post op. Hitting Protein goals so that you don't lose muscle mass during the rapid weight loss period. Drinking 80-128 oz of Water will help keep you hydrated which keeps skin supple and using good moisturizers and firming lotions may help if only a little. In terms of loose skin or "excess" skin I expect that I will have it. My mom will be having the surgery early next year and they had her do a Body fat composition scan. Which helped them to understand how much body fat she actually has vs, muscle vs water etc. Just because you think you need to lose 100 lbs you may only have 75 lbs of excess fat. This will play a factor in how much excess skin you have. Truthfully, I am trying to get over the shock of losing my butt. I had a donkey booty (I thought) and now its gone. Even compared to what it looked like the last time I was at this weight there is a difference. But the bright side of things I feel great, my health has significantly improved, I look 7 years younger, I look nice in my clothes I can wear smaller sizes (size 10 pants, Medium blouses). My energy levels are incredible . I'm finally living! I can begin to see a little loose skin in my thighs and my arms, my boobs a little less full but right now I'm not all that concerned. I'm sure with another 40lbs to go there will be more. Right now I'm just focused on trying to make sure I get my protein and perform proper exercises (strength training) to help offset some of it, as I am toning and building muscle. From what I understand within a few years our body catches up to the weight loss and things will all balance out. Just keep up with your protein intake and proper exercise throughout maintenance. Remember this is a lifestyle and I'm sure with ongoing fitness regimen your body can be transformed into something far greater.

Im 4 months post op and I don't always hit my Protein goals. I have not experienced any hair loss/thinning. Other than normal shedding. I was taking 5000 units of Biotin twice a day until about the end of September then I stopped taking it. I'll throw it in my purse and start taking it again tonight.

Although Alcohol is frowned upon due to lack of nutritional value, empty calories, sugar content etc. You have to gage it for yourself. Is it worth it? Are you following your plan? What will your limitations be? This could turn into a regular thing and that's where it can start to get fuzzy. My personal experience I am a little over 4 months myself. I do drink occasional cocktails. During the summer MY husband and I were going out approx. 3 nights a week. Alcohol would sometimes be involved. I explained to him I can't drink like that but I don't mind joining you for a drink just understand that I'm concerned how the calories affect my weight loss. If I were dating, I'd just say, I'm trying to lose a few lbs so I'm trying to chill on the drinking for now. I exercise 4 days a week. 1 hour. I follow my plan as best as I can. Sometimes I don't eat enough but I'm working on it. If I have plans to go out that day, or later I adjust my eating to accommodate a potential drink. If I'm having a bad week plan wise-- I don't drink. It is a very fine balance and I'm very disciplined. I've not experienced any stalls since surgery. If I felt like it slowed down my weight or caused me to stall I would not do it. On the other hand, I have a friend who had the sleeve. She has stayed within 10 lbs of her goal weight for 4 years. I feel that she drinks often. Maybe because I'm not a big drinker. She goes out at least 3-4 nights a week and drinks 2-3 cocktails each time. Mind you she had to have a revision because drinking stalled her weight loss after the first surgery. So think about that. It's not a good idea... WLS patients tend to give up one vice for another. If you can be sensible about it I don't see it being a problem. Just know that by you being on the single scene... the opportunity may present itself far more often in the months to come. I'm a married old hag so I don't go out much-- not as many opportunities to get in trouble.

I know the challenges help motivate us and keep us engaged. I know they are probably crazy busy to do so I appreciate the ones who step up to the plate. Tomorrow marks officially 2 weeks til thanksgiving. Challenge can run until 11/28 and then its time to get ready for Christmas. This is the time where everyone struggles the most so it would be nice to get one started for the holiday season.

I'll be 5 months post op next week I'm down almost 70lbs... So far changes are for the better. In his eyes I was always beautiful. When I started to feel my energy return and gain confidence with my looks I initiated things that I hadn't in awhile. For instance-- my husband is the kind of guy that likes to get out and do things. Because of my weight-- I preferred to stay home. SO I would come home from work, shower and change and then ask him if he wanted to go listen to some live jazz, or local comedy club, just randomly. I would grab tix for a concert, or we would attend a wedding and it gave us something to look forward to. He really enjoyed doing things like that and it helped make us feel connected. Now I do find he does not initiate sex as often as he used to. Not sure if it has to do with personal things or changes in my body. I'm totally ok with it, it's just I couldn't keep him off of me before and now it's like eh if it happens it happens. We have fun together and hes totally supportive. He's about 187-190 so I almost weigh less than him. He's been on a mission to get to his ideal weight so that we can be fit and healthy together. So he goes to the gym with me and so far my weight loss has brought us closer. I'm sure there will be some insecurity down the line, some jealousy but so far he's been cool. We'll see where things are a few months from now. Or a year from now. I feel like our marriage has been renewed. @@The New Kel I am soooo with you on the vain part. My hubby has a bad habit of telling people at work how beautiful his wife is. I hate that because it puts too much pressure on me. When we are at an event or outing and run into someone from his job they are probably like that's his wife??? That's who he was talking about ewww. Now I want them to be like what's she doing with him??? Or how'd he get her??? Does she have any sisters? lol! I'd be proud to stand by his side and I would dote all over him because he's been true to me from day 1.

Yes I am right here with you sister!!!!! I find it challenging to stay on track as well! I do well throughout the work week as I bring my lunch and Snacks for the day. I find that I don't really eat after I leave so my last meal is usually by 5pm with maybe a light snack if needed around 8 or 9 pm. I'm working around a concept of fasting approx 4-6 hours before bedtime. Anyways on the weekends-- I find that since I don't plan my eating on the weekends I don't eat like I should. Or I will have gone the whole day and finally notice around 6 well Jesus I haven't eaten all day! I take for granted that I'm around the house and that food is available buuuuuut I'm usually out and about running around and fast food for me is a NO NO NO NO NO!!!! Although Cookies are not my vice but occasionally on date night weekends I may have a cocktail or glass of wine that I used to feel very guilty about but no longer. I made a choice. I own that choice and I learn to understand how those choices may affect me. If I choose to have an occasional cocktail or glass of wine once or twice a month so be it. None of us are perfect. But if you are giving your meal plan serious effort 90% of the time its ok to have a occasional treat in moderation. Now I wouldn't have a drink every weekend-- I would have to make some changes there if that were happening. So if you find yourself veering off plan every weekend then it may be time to consider developing a strategy right now to help you stay on track. So just like you set yourself up for work during the week set yourself up for home on the weekends. I've started buying mini fruit and veggie trays and even prepared chicken and tuna salads from those swanky market delis to get me through the weekend days at least. Nights are usually a little less planned and it all depends on what we do. Its easier to make better choices at dinner when you've done well throughout the day.

You will miss it at first especially while transitioning through the different phases of your diet post op. It will be short lived-- at least it was for me especially once I realized how little I could actually eat-- it kind of took the thrill out of it. Now at over 60lbs down I feel great-- I look great-- I don't care to look back. I eat out of necessity now and I don't spend so much time thinking about it. As long as it has Protein or it is a fruit or vegetable I'm good to go. Now last month-- there was a similar thread and I talked about how much I miss breads etc but now that I've hit onederland and I'm seeing this major change in my bodyform-- I'm over it!!!!!! Eat to live!!!

I wish you the best of luck. I couldn't imagine having gone through all of this since 15!?! Also You lost a pretty good amount of weight after the sleeve-- I'm not sure what your starting weight was but when you say you were back up to 230 I assume it was around that??? -70lbs I'm guessing would've put you at about 160? Which is nothing to sneeze at!!!! I'm sure you probably could have lost more if carb intake had been limited a bit more during your weight loss phase. My surgeon didn't banish it but with my PCOS-- my body doesn't process carbs well so other than whats naturally found in fruit and veggies and an occasional dressing or dip I try not to consume carbs if possible. Granted I may have a few mini pretzels with hummus or whole wheat crackers with tuna BUT it is very far and few between and far less than the serving size suggests. How is your exercise? Again with PCOS I understand I have to work 3 times as hard to lose,burn off weight so as soon as I was able my goal was to workout 4-5 days a week 1 hour daily. Coupled with my new eating regimen and limited portions the combo has proven successful. But again it takes a consistent approach to all of those components-- all the time. Now it's quite natural. I'm only 4 1/2 months out but each day gives birth to my new lifestyle. Sounds like you were diagnosed after your surgery but it's extremely helpful knowing how PCOS affects you. My mindset going into this was totally different than it would have been had I not known about my PCOS. Again I wish you the best in whatever decision you make towards a healthier new you.

I'm obsessed with Game of Thrones right now. I just started watching about 1 month ago and I've only got 5-6 episodes till the most recent season finale. I've been missing out!

I was interested in this topic because I have been thinking about this over the last week or so. I am getting to a weight where Im comfortable and I average about 15 lbs a month. I would like to slow down to about 5 lbs a month now. Not sure how to do that. I haven't had a stall yet but I imagine its coming. Trust me I would embrace it and I wouldn't be mad at all!!!! I may have a 0-1lb weight loss right around my cycle but afterward I drop about 3-5 lbs. I was exercising 4-5 days a week but I have stopped that because I am losing inches like crazy and I look a lot smaller than I weigh. But it seems that you all are referring to upping calories for the sake of speeding up metabolism??? I don't think I will try to slow down my loss. I think it will all average out I just don't want to be as small as I thought I did. I want to be at a weight that is healthy for me and realistic to maintain.

I'm late just wanted to chime in. Not many people know about my surgery So I don't feel any social pressure. When I order I always ask them to bring be a carry out container with my meal. That way when I'm done-- I can quietly pack my food away while we're chatting it up. No one is really paying attention to me and what I eat or don't eat.

costco SELLS THIS PANKO CRUSTED TILAPIA by Trident seafood!!! AMAZING!!!!! I have had this several times. It's so quick and easy to make. No issues. pieces are pretty big so I cant eat more than 1/2 of a fillet.

@@busybeebug that's my next step... I'm going to train over the next few months and see if I can have a hand in reconstructing this new body o'mine.

Goal Weight (by end of Challenge) 189 lbs (aiming to be out of the 190's) Current Weight: 191.6 Did not hit goal but I'm still proud of me!!!! I low key had a goal range of high 180's low 190's and I think I hit right within my target. Now lets get ready for Thanksgiving!!!

Thanks guys I feel like I'm tripping but I feel like (although that didnt' happen) I just woke up and my body was different. I guess I feel like I've been every weight leading up to my highest. I remember what I looked like, and what size I wore, the clothes I wore because it didn't happen overnight and I had a little time in each 10 lb increment. I pictured that on the way down that It would be like that but in reverse. @@Dashofpixiedust8 you're right-- I think I'm In shock and I guess I just wanted to lose weight so BAAAAAADLYY that I never thought about how I would react to my body changing. It's an adjustment getting used to a new me. Who would've thunk??? @@Butterflywarrior very insightful... it's up to me. My attitude-- my feelings about me determine how I will respond. I am still getting used to me and I will continue to change physically. This is only the beginning. I really hated my old body-- so why am I mourning it. Sooooo I will have to learn to love the new me so that I don't grow to hate the new me too. @armygalbonnie-- yes I do think some clothing manufacturers are quite generous with their sizing and fabrics. I can fit some 10's and in another brand I can't get into the 12 until I'm in a 8! LOL. All I am saying that years before-- I couldn't fit into a 10 at 190 if I slathered up with lard and jumped into it from 30 ft so there have definitely been some changes.... I think it all boils down to I need to get used to the new me. There's way too many positives to look back. I guess it will just take time.

I'm sorry If this bothers some of you. if you don't want to read about someone mad about their rapidly melting curves then move on. Ok I know I should be eternally grateful to all the powers that be yaddy yaddy yah BUT. I knew I had at least a year to try and get to goal or lose as much as possible because things would slow down significantly after 12 mos post op. Obviously I want to see myself get to or under goal within that time frame and I knew that I would probably lose the curves I value so much by the time I got there buuuuuuut I thought I had more time. I desperately wanted to get to Onederland because-- who doesn't?!? I remember years ago when I started gaining weight I got the booty I always wanted when I hit about 165. Of course with each passing 10 lbs (at a rate of about 10-15 lbs a yr for the next 7-8 years) it only got bigger. So needless to say there comes a point where your weight starts to distribute to other areas like the thighs, lovehandles, stomach, arms etc and then it's not cute anymore. Well after surgery I had accepted that by the time I hit goal I'd probably lose all my lovely curves but in the mean time and in between time I thought I'd have some time before me and my curves parted ways. Specifically between the weights of 160-195lbs I thought I'd have a little fun fittling back into smaller clothes while ALSO enjoying my smaller waistline and still bigger hips and butt. WELLLLLL I am sadly mistaken. Currently I am about 191 lbs. Hit Onederland 2nd week of October planned to be in the high 180's low 190's by 10/31 and yes I made it. Next goal is 175 by the end of November, early December and then about 5lbs every month therafter until goal. But my curves have also begun to rapidly disappear at a rate that's concerning and also disappointing. When I was 190 in the past-- I could squeeze into a womens 14. Maybe a 12 if I was lucky. My butt was very very big. Hips even bigger. Specifically my hips/butt was about 52 inches. Now at 190, I can fit easily into a 10 and Medium shirts and IM NOT COMPLAINING but I'm just trying to understand why things are this different. I haven't measured but I'm sure my hips/butt is about 46 inches. I mean I'm a little flabby but not anything concerning at this point. Which means in another 30 lbs I might be in a 6? At 160? I was barely able to fit clothes in the Jr section at 160. I mean it was a struggle!!! Which was why I started yo yo dieting in the first place. I have stopped going to the gym because I don't know what to do. I don't want to do another minute of cardio due to the speed of weight loss. I mean don't get me wrong. I'm definitely on track. I don't think I'm losing any faster or slower than I should be. I am ready now that I'm just slightly past halfway to goal to do more weights and lifting, toning and resistance training for the rest of the way until I get where I want to be. If I didn't have the surgery I would've probably went for another 15 lbs and then stopped. I can't eat very much so I can't slow things down and I want desperately to lose weight but I guess it's happening quicker than I expected and my curves with it. I am so grateful for the victories along the way I went to the amusement park Saturday and was able to for the first time in several years get on EVERY single ride. My husband attributes this to the fact that my big ol butt is ALLLLLL Goooooooone. I think that hurt my feelings even though I know he didn't mean to I'm like really? That's how you feel? its ALLLLLLLL GOOOOOOONE??? already? I took pictures and actually like the way I look in them for the first time in at least 7 years! Soooo that means a lot! I'm healthy. High Blood pressure is GONE! Insulin resistance NO MORE!!!!!!!! So I know I'm being very petty right now but it does bother me. I think this open enrollment period I will start a health savings account through my employer and start putting money aside for my breast augmentation and brazillian butt lift or Lipo with Gluteal fat injections. Since my WLS was paid for 100% via insurance-- Surely I could save at least half of the amount for my cosmetic procedures and the other half I'll put on my credit card. Any tips in the meanwhile??? Shapewear that gives you a butt lift? Exercise regimen?

Nope... but sweets isn't my vice anyways. So I hadn't even thought about it at all today.. until now but I'm still like meh... no thanks. BTW... Candygyrl is a nickname I received in jr high. Part of it has to do with my actual name... the other part of it is I always had Candy. Always. My grandparents would give me like $20 bucks everytime I visited so I would blow it all on Candy. So much in fact I used to sell it and earn every penny plus an extra $10. Sometimes when I was bored I'd throw it all up in the air and watch kids scramble for it just for kicks and giggles. But eventually I got away from eating candy as much when I graduated high school so... mainly because I wanted to keep my teeth for as long as possible and my family had a history of decayed teeth.

Happy belated bday SCORPIO TWIN!!!!!! Mines was the 25th as well and I was enjoying lots of pampering at the spa all day!!!! As far as cake...My family is very respectful and don't even want to have a cake in my honor... but it is tradition so LET THEM EAT CAKE!!!! I'll pass. For some it's very tempting but I've given myself the greatest possible gift. -60lbs in 4 months---- and 4 lbs away from hitting my monthly target. We discussed getting a small/mini round cake and everyone eating bariatric size portions in the little dessert cups/plates with the little forks. Ya know just a little taste and divided up so theres none left. I was never huge on sweets so this would not be a trigger for me. I've had a pinch of cake here and a teaspoon of ice cream there just maybe 2 or 3 times since surgery and its not ever led to anything else, or stalled my weight loss or anything detrimental. Listen to your peers though. You're still pretty early out so this may not be a good idea if it has already passed. Mines is scheduled for Sunday soooo we'll see.

I want to say it's your own insecurity. We tend to manifest things based on our own fears--- remember monsters under the bed? I know when I'm at the Gym I'm not focused on anybody but me. Now I have caught a few stares on that treadmill but it's mostly from guys and I know they were watching my ass wobble wobble. Treadmills face-- forward butts are to the perimeter-- mirrors also face forward so I caught 1 or 2 take a double take and right before walking into the locker room pause for about 5-6 seconds to watch a little longer before going in. I was used to it so it amused me to catch them staring. Not sure now... doesn't happen as much. NOW I will say, I was following a you tuber and she talked about gymtimidation. She lost over 100 lbs on her own and when she first started going to this certain gym-- she felt the same way. This certain gym had a reputation and many of their patrons were very trim and fit. She talked about how the women were dressed in cute or expensive workout gear from head to toe, the men were extremely fit. She felt that they were just there to hangout and meet up and look cute. Sometimes she felt like they were looking at her like "what are you even doing here"? She kept going and saying to herself "just wait". Once the weight started coming off of her-- she no longer felt that way. She is now a personal fitness trainer in the same gym and she admits she herself judged them unfairly. She mentioned that these people signed up for her classes. She saw their dedication, their hard work and believed they were some of the hardest working people she has come across. She even mentioned how many of these same people tell her "I remember when you first started coming and how hard you worked and I would say Go GIRL!! Get it! or I was cheering you on". So I stated all of that to say-- I don't want to totally blame your fear on feeling that way because it does happen. But these same people who are "staring" might be silently rooting for you. This should be a motivator for you-- keep going. Work harder. And in your head keep repeating "Just Wait".

Goal Weight (by end of Challenge) 189 lbs (aiming to be out of the 190's) Current Weight: 195.4 Today's Date: 10/24/16

That's an awesome idea. My bday is Tuesday and I've taken the day off. I am actually 50% to goal and planning a Spa Day paid for by the hubby. I will consider that also as my reward... Good luck to you. Also theres a product by Mary Kay that I think is fabulous-- It's called satin hands. There's like a 3-4 step kit. If I remember well,( even if you don't get the kit just follow this treatment plan) You cleanse your hands first with a mild soap. You can use a basic antibacterial soap or your favorite hand soap in general. You put this oil on first Its kind of like Vaseline you could probably use baby oil or something like it. Rub it in all over your hands front to back. Then you put this exfoliating scrub on. Its something like a St. Ives scrub you can find at your local retailer or you could probably make a sugar/honey scrub. Rub it in really well all over front to back (with the oil still on from the first step. Then rinse-- well with warm Water. Followed by an ultra moisturizing lotion. I used to do it twice a day and it made my hands feel and look so nice. That's saying a lot cause I have man hands lol! Try to remain hydrated. Treat yourself to a manicure every 2 weeks Find a good moisturizer If all else fails there Juvaderm... an injectable filler that makes your hands look more youthful.

Who are you talking about? Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App It means... simply put-- we're having fun reminiscing about the said topic. Someone put a damper on the perspective hence the name "wetblanketass" "non perspective havingass". Everyones entitled to their 2 cents but we don't all have this holier than thou thinking. It's ok to miss a few things... but at the same time the opinions of those who don't miss things are fine too. Just having a little friendly banter... not sure that it was necessarily received that way. Somebody just got a little roasted that's all---- not to be taken personally Now back to regularly scheduled programming!