mrssoupmix

Monica from Kentucky here! I have had this app on my phone for months now and just now really experiencing what it has to offer! Everyone here is so freaking nice Well, just a little about me...
34
5'7"
HW:329
SW:309
CW:201
VSG:8/24/16
I was suffering. I'm sure everyone here knows what I mean. I could not really do to much of anything. I was in pain all the time and I was afraid to sleep because of my sleep apnea. After 8-9 years of research and many sad attempts at dieting, I said that's enough. I wanted a life I could actually live. For my daughter and myself I went for it and there is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful. Is it easy? Heck no. But I have made some amazing life changes that saved my life! Oh how I wish I had done it sooner. My story really isn't very different from anybody else's here but that's what makes it extra cool I'm part of the losing team and I love it

Sex...

Besides clothes shopping, my biggest thing is going somewhere (restaurant, theater, amusement park ride) and not worrying if I'll fit or if whatever I'm sitting on/in will hold me.
3/30/2017 450/413/390

I weighed 397 when I started my six-month pre-op diet program in March 2016. I lost 99 pounds during the pre-op program, weighing 298 on the day of surgery in late September 2016. This morning, I weighed 211. I had the sleeve. I have no reason to believe that I won't get to my goal (180) within 1 year of the surgery.
It is all about grit, perseverance, dedication, and how hard you are willing to work. If you want to succeed bad enough, you will.

I have told anyone and everyone about my entire weight loss journey (including the surgery) since I began my six-month pre-op diet program March 21, 2016. It keeps me accountable, and it also educates people on the realities of weight loss and the surgery itself. I have never had one person say one negative thing to me. I have lost nearly 185 pounds. That is an incredible accomplishment, surgery or not. At this point, people just want to talk about the transformation, and they don't really care about the surgery part. And, most importantly, I am not a liar. I don't want to purposefully mis-represent my situation.
Frankly, I consider the surgery to be a supporting player in this journey. I lost 100 pounds during the six month pre-op diet program before I even had the surgery. The sleeve is only a tool that has been around since the beginning of the second half of my journey. I am the one who has done all of the hard work.
And with my level of weight loss, people would assume that there has been some level of medical intervention.
Everyone has the right to share or not share. But to go out of your way to deceive people is another thing entirely.

It's not our job, that's true. But when you're questioned about your success (and you will be), giving them "advice" that's just plain false is a complete disservice to the people you're speaking to.
If you're giving information such as nutritional tips and advice based on facts you learned throughout the process without actually revealing your surgery, then great....but telling someone you're on a fad diet when you're not is not advice I would give to anyone.
Remember, there are others in the position now that you were before surgery. Some feel lost, some feel defeated. Is it "your job" to help them? Of course not. But if you can help them, then why not try.....that's my underlying point.
To clarify, the journey is a personal one...and though we all have our opinions on what's best, they are just that...opinions. We think they're best because they were best for us individually, and you have to decide what's best for you. My only point was to not be swayed by perceived negativity surrounding WLS.

I told mostly everyone from the moment I started the six month pre-op requirement. It was just easier for me. I didn't want to have to lie or explain why I was eating/drinking in a certain way. I've found everyone to be supportive and no one has dared say to me that I've taken the easy way out. They might be thinking it but I could care less. I'm doing this for my health not for anyone's approval. A good side effect of being up front about it is that people do not push food on me at family events, etc. They know I can only eat a small amount.

Initially, only my wife knew, but, once you start to lose a lot of weight in a relatively short amount of time people will (1) notice and (2) ask questions or ask for advice.
I really don't feel as though I'm helping anyone asking me for advice if I tell them I'm simply doing a fad diet. I'm not big on lying, and certainly not when it's going to send someone else down the (most likely) wrong path....so I decided to own it, wear it on my sleeve, and educate anyone who asks.
There's a cloud of negativity surrounding weight loss surgery, as though we've somehow "taken the easy way out", which couldn't be further from the truth. So I use it as a platform to help others who may have questions or concerns about wls in hopes that it can perhaps help others as it has helped me.
That being said, I don't wear a giant sign on my back that says I had surgery, but those closest to me who ask get the absolute truth.
I also believe when people around you know, it will motivate you more to succeed. If you're telling people that you're on a fad diet, then failing isn't "a bad thing" in their eyes. In fact, it's probably expected as it is with most other fad diets, and so you might be tempted more easily to eat things that you otherwise wouldn't if you are motivated to succeed. This isn't always the case with people who "hide it", but it's certainly something to consider.
In the end, it has to be your decision and you need to do what you're comfortable doing, but the longer we hide behind the fact that we've had surgery, the longer it will take for public acceptance, not to mention that when you're "hiding" it, you're limiting your resources in terms of recipes, information, etc. It's nice to not be afraid to pull my phone out in public and look at this site or search for bariatric recipes without fear someone will see me.

Yes, I track everything in My Fitness Pal too! I recently changed my calorie goal to 1000 and am able to get nearly 100g of Protein a day, which I didn't think possible a few months ago. Some days are more carby though hehe. I think 1000-1200 cals per day at 6 months post op sounds right. Think about how we were eating before - I had 2500-3000 calorie days on the regular! So glad I'm not there anymore.

Thanks! That makes me feel a lot better! Do you track your calories by any chance? Just asking cause it is seriously crazy how fast eating Protein jacks your calories up LOL.


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I'm definitely hungry every 2-3 hours too! It's hard for me because I'm a stay at home mom and I'm cooking all day for my kids. It gets tough! I definitely have to have strength on a daily basis LOL. Thanks so much for replying!!!


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Thank you so much! This made me feel so much better! I can eat a thousand too, actually 1200 is average for me. I track every single bite of food I take in MyFitnessPal! LOL I'm kind of OCD about tracking it LOL. I know most people won't track a bite or two that they take of something, but I do, and sometimes I wonder if that's why my calorie count is higher. I know all my friends I've asked if they count the few times a day they have a bite or two of something, and they always say they don't track little stuff like that, so I don't know LOL. I just want to get this last 40 off! I'm ok with the weight loss slowing down a lot because my skin is having time to catch up it seems. Thanks so much for your honesty. Sometimes people can make you feel awful and it discourages a lot of people from being honest and posting.


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Take a deep breath. It is a thing, because it IS A THING! I have a stall about every 3 weeks. Frustrates the heck out of me.
But eventually they break- Mine last 7-10 days. and then I move on like gang busters. Just stick to the plan and keep chugging Water as you can.
You are in good company.

Take a deep breath. It is a thing, because it IS A THING! I have a stall about every 3 weeks. Frustrates the heck out of me.
But eventually they break- Mine last 7-10 days. and then I move on like gang busters. Just stick to the plan and keep chugging Water as you can.
You are in good company.

Chrissy, I was where you are. I started this journey with what could only be kindly referred to as "baby fine" THIN hair. And the thought of losing it sickened me. Well, I am five months (almost) in and yup, hair is falling out. It started at about 3 months and I lose a good small fistful every morning. I take Biotin religiously, Shampoo every other day with Biotin and collagen shampoo, take my vitamins/flax seed, etc. And it falls out, and the biotin assists with new Hair growth. Not as quickly as it falls out. I got a perm about a month ago to give my hair some body. I can't say it helped. It is not the best side effect. But I am down 70 pounds, wearing "real person" clothes. Enjoying size 12 skirts and skinny jeans, crossing my legs, not being the biggest person in the room, and loving compliments that make me feel beautiful. I'd give all my hair to keep this. It will slow down (dr. says the loss haults when the weight loss does, so I am in NO HURRY, now, for the Hair loss to stop- I'd like to eek 30-40 more pounds out of this sleeve), and your hair will come back. Maybe not as full as before, but when the rest of your body feels this good. You can find a hair cut that works for you. YOu won't be bald, ut you will have thinner hair. But... it will match the rest of you! Relax. It is okay.
Honestly, the Constipation is worse!

Take a deep breath. It is a thing, because it IS A THING! I have a stall about every 3 weeks. Frustrates the heck out of me.
But eventually they break- Mine last 7-10 days. and then I move on like gang busters. Just stick to the plan and keep chugging Water as you can.
You are in good company.

I don't "like" this, I LOVE this!
also five months and just cleared 70 pounds and enjoying the wierd looks my daughter's friends give me--- like "is that your mom?"
It's the little things.
Way to go, friend!

So so true!! Lol. Congrats on your progress too!!!

I don't "like" this, I LOVE this!
also five months and just cleared 70 pounds and enjoying the wierd looks my daughter's friends give me--- like "is that your mom?"
It's the little things.
Way to go, friend!

So I am 5 months post-op and am down 75 lbs.
My 12 year old daughter had a dance performance over the weekend. I was sitting in the balcony at the theater and remained after the show. The performers gathered on stage and were getting feedback from the director. My daughter was looking around so I stood up and waved to her. She looked confused and pointed to herself and was like "me???" Um...yes you silly... she slightly waved and looked somewhat embarrased. She told me afterwards that she DIDN'T RECOGNIZE IT WAS HER OWN MOTHER! At a distance, she visually saw a much skinnier person and thought it was some random person. Ha!! THAT, my friends was so AWESOME!!!

you will always want to eat slow to give your body time to register what you have eaten. yes.. the food gets cold quickly. I used some thermal cups for Soup in the early months. I am about 5 months and have to remind myself to slow down. I work in a fast paced office, so slowing down for lunch is hard for me. you won't always have to eat as slowly as you are now, but it is a good practice. I have, too many times, been caught eating too fast (now that I can physically do it a little more) and then am miserable for a long time. It is better to take it easy.

holy cow, Vinasu, you are throwing some seriously impressive numbers there! 100 pounds!? Awesome!
Calorie Counting it is! Thanks!

I am 5 months post op. I walk about a mile 3-4 times a week at work. I also work out 3 nights a week at a local gym. Intermittently running and walking a mile and doing light weights/many reps.
Moderate, I guess

You are simply experiencing a stall. Stick to your plan. I have had them nearly every 3 weeks. Frustrating, but they pass. Mine last 7-10 days typically

I count every calorie. Letting my body tell me when to stop got me into this mess.

Yes, sometimes I'm still hungry. That's when I serve my Protein on a bed of spinach, riced cauliflower, or miracle noodles.

To lose weight, you must be consuming fewer calories than you are burning. Tracking calories helps me be certain of this.