Redo2017

I am six month post op. My hair started thinning out at the end of month three and just stopped a couple weeks ago. I started 10,000 mcg daily biotin preop and have taken it religiously since then. I honestly think there’s no way to stop it. Some people get lucky and don’t go thru it. I’ve found that dry shampoo at the roots adds a lot of volume and masks the thinness of the hair. If your hair is dark they make black and brown tinted dry shampoos that are great. I use the Batiste brand.

You won’t regret it! I make a pan of it and it lasts me at least 4 meals. The best part is that no one else in the family has figured out how good it is yet so I have it all to myself!

When I crave pizza I make this, but I substitute ricotta cheese for cream cheese. I also throw it under the broiler for the last few minutes of bake time to get it crispy on the edges. http://www.plainchicken.com/2012/03/wheres-crust-pizza.html?m=1 It totally satisfies my craving for pizza or pasta and is unbelievably delicious. The options for toppings are endless. I threw roasted asparagus and turkey meatballs on top last week and it was heavenly.

CW: 175.5 January 10, 2018 Only .5 from my challenge goal. I’ll call it a victory! Today also marks 6 months from surgery for me. I am down 76.5 pounds from the date of surgery and 91.5 pounds from the start of my pre-op diet. Feeling great! Thank you for running the challenge!

Sorry if my post is redundant. I skipped over a lot of content in the thread. I just had to chime in to say that you totally blew my mind with this post. “Unless I achieve moderation food is still in control.” You have completely boiled down my entire struggle with food. I am always feast or famine (pun intended). I completely agree with you but I am very scared to dip my toes into the world of moderation. I have stuck so close to my plan for the past six months for fear of going off the rails. The mental aspect of this process is by far the most difficult part!

I can’t believe how much better I’m feeling these days. Improved sleep, resolution of sleep apnea, diminished joint pain, increased energy, and improved self-esteem. I’ve been really strict about following my surgeon’s plan, with the exception of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when I allowed myself a small portion of dessert. I did lose a lot of hair. It started around month three and is just starting to slow down in the last couple weeks. I am down 90 pounds and I’m hoping to lose another 20 more, give or take. I’m glad we’re catching up on the group! I hope you’ve all had success!

CW: 177 1/3/17 This marks exactly 90 pounds lost since the start of my pre-op diet. Hooray!

CW: 180 12/27 Still not officially out of the 180’s, though I did briefly see 178.5 before Christmas!

CW: 181.6 12/20/17 My body does not want to leave the 180’s! I’ve been bouncing around from 181 to 183 all week long.

Homemade chili: Lean ground beef, red pepper, onion, chili beans, bone broth, one jar of salsa, chili powder, cilantro, salt and pepper. Topped with cheddar cheese. This has been one of my staples (minus the beans in the earlier months) since solids began. Love it.

My surgeon's plan is no fruit for the first three months and then introduce it in moderation, if you want. I am 5 months out and I have chosen to stay off fruit until I am at my goal weight. I know from past experience that I cannot lose while regularly consuming sugar. Benefiber and green leafy veggies have gotten me through so far!

Personally, I need the scale for accountability. As soon as I see my weight trending up I know to immediately adjust.

CW: 183.2 12/13/17

CW: 185.8 12-6-17

CW: 186.7 11/29/17

For me, the biggest concern with alcohol consumption is that I get a huge appetite when I'm drinking. At 4.5 month out I limit myself to a glass of wine on special occasions. It's not worth it to me to get totally derailed on my diet for an evening of intoxication, especially when I still have 30+ pounds to lose. I also know myself, and I am not the best with moderation. Not a good idea to tempt myself. I think that alcohol consumption post surgery has to be something that is decided by each individual, using doctor's advice as a compass. Best of luck to you.

I'm only 4.5 months out, but I am a life-time dieter, so I can offer something about getting on track with weight loss! How about pulling out your doctor's eating guidelines from when you were 3 months post-op and sticking strictly to that? I always find that having strictly defined rules helps me to get back on track with healthy eating, especially when I am out of control with carb consumption. I am so sorry you are struggling. It's an awful feeling. Believe me, I know. Best of luck to you!

CW 188.7 11/2

Now I can view it. Thank you!

I am having trouble accessing the spreadsheet. Google docs is telling me that I need “permission.” Is this accurate?

CW: 191.4 Date: 11/15/17

Goal Weight: 175 Current Weight: 191.1 Today's Date: 11/11/17 Thanks for doing this!

I eat three meals a day, plus a little snack (usually string cheese or cottage cheese) around 3 pm and occasionally a snack after dinner (sugar free jello or some PB2).

God job! Isn't it rewarding? I celebrated with a cute new pair of pants.

Thank you!