Miss Topaz

I'm a year and a half out. I would tell you to definitely use a tracking app (MyFitnessPal was mine) and a food scale. You'd be amazed how little or how much 2.5-3 ounces can be, depending on the food! Start small with portions and don't try to push yourself. Seriously, a quarter cup is not a lot of food, but at the beginning it will be! (that doesn't last, don't worry). YOu will find that some foods fill you up much more than others. I can eat a lot of salad greens. THat makes sense due to Water. But ground beef vs chicken or eggs - big difference. Eggs and chicken fill me up faster.

Get in your Protein and take your Vitamins. Vitamins are relatively easy and will make a huge difference in your health. Walk. YOu don't have to run marathons. Just walking will help.

Re sweets. Don't keep them in the house if you can. I find that if I'm really craving something, getting something out, preferably splitting it, helps me. But, if it's something that's likely to cause you to binge or crave carbs later - don't do it. That is a bit different for all of us. After 6 months I started incorporating small amounts of carbs back into my diet. I find it helps me in the poo department.

BIGGEST TIP! Use these sites for support and tips. However, this is YOUR journey. You, your situation and your physical and mental health history are different than everyone else. If someone tells you to go Keto and it's just not something you can sustain - it's not for you. YOu have to find your own path. Don't compare yourself to others. Some lost faster than me, but they started out in a different place with a different body and issues. Find your way and don't give up!

Hey all! Sleeved Jan 23 2018. We've all come so far! Currently sitting at about 203 on my home scale in the mornings. I have a birthday later this month and would love to onederland to be my gift! Loss definitely has slowed, but I'm also working on finding balance between living a new normal and obsessing over everything that goes in my mouth. Down several pants sizes (24 to 14) and feeling good about that. Starting to plan for what plastics to have some day. I've started weight lifting 2x/week which I love. My knees are not 100% sure, but they're hanging in there. With dark coming earlier and time change today, it's tougher to get 30 min in of walking daily. I don't like to walk my dogs after dark. We have a coyote problem in Colorado.....

I can down a couple cups with about 2 ounces of Protein. anything more is too much

22 hours ago, abefroman329 said:

Oh, waffles...waffles would not go well for me post-surgery.

the waffle was very filling so i concentrated on the chicken. i have made Protein pancakes and waffles since surgery. hubby has adjusted to them and it's nice to make him one of his favorites once in a while and enjoy it with him. but everyone has to do what works for them!

I've had a single piece of fried chicken twice since surgery. It was tasty and didn't bother my tum. I have avoided fried chicken for years, along with most other fried foods. But chicken and waffles just sounded so good and I knew this place did it well. It didn't set off cravings - and with only one piece, there was nothing left in the fridge to tempt me later. No, not a good choice overall, but I don't regret it.

Buyers remorse is common the first week - what you're feeling is completely normal. The first couple of weeks were tough. My surgeon calls it the "boring diet", coupled with all the other healing stuff. But it does get better and you'll feel normal soon! Some days I even almost forget I had surgery 4 months ago!

Everyone is different. Are you still feeling a lot of swelling? Right now you are healing and your body is reacting to surgery. Concentrate on your Water and Protein. The loss will continue to come!

I've had skin cancer, so less would be fantastic. Of course, then I moved closer to the sun....

Hey y'all! Anyone here want to be friends on MFP? I'm thinking about doing a challenge or bootcamp group. Here's my nic: littlegibbs62 (I think that's right!) Drop a pm with your nic to me or post it here--depending on how private you want to be!

13 hours ago, Frustr8 said:

xoxococojay when you send that false friend to that condo Satan has ready in Hades, I have her a room-mate. I was recently,told By now you should have to terms with the way you are. Now stop trying to rock the boat!" ,Maybe I misunderstood but I think she,just told me to "Sit Down, Shut Up and Die!" Thiscwasvsomeone I had known for years but I never realized till now how she really felt about me. I believe I shall remove her from my life.👎😓

OMG! That is a horrible thing to say to anyone! No matter our age, I believe we should always strive for growth and certainly health! Def remove her from your life!

Thanks for sharing. I've only had one cider since surgery, but have wondered. Luckily, I don't miss it much. I'll keep on being very careful!

We didn't eat out until I transitioned to "regular" diet. I sat with hubby while he ate at the mall food court once during early stages and that was torture! I order Water and sip it until we actually order our food. I look for healthier options and usually avoid the bread. I had a garlic knot before dinner last night and it almost ruined my whole dinner - it was so filling. If I get a burger, I ask for it bunless and always order veggies of some sort on the side when that's an option. But I just eat what I can, concentrating on the Protein, and then get a box to go. Helps to order something that you don't mind having cold later or that will reheat easily!

It's totally do-able, but will be different than meals out before. We don't share appetizers or dessert or anything. But I don't feel deprived!

I also took the day off before (my surgery was on a tuesday, so not going in Monday just seemed to make sense). For the first few days post surgery you'll mainly just drink and sip and sleep , so don't worry too much about pre-preparing food. Most of us did it tho! I made food for my family ahead. If you have any cleaning to do though, good time to do it. You won't be cleaning after surgery. I didn't use much from my hospital bag but phone, charger, and - if you don't already have it, go get Biotene mouth spray. Your mouth will be dry and while you can't drink immediately after surgery it's a lifesaver!

13 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

Ha!!!! OMG. I swear, I'm still way big, but I'm wearing a size 16. I completely breezed past the 18s in my magic pants! *snort* Now I can safely relinquish the big clothes in my closet at the clothing swap at the support group at the first of June! Bahahahaahaha! So dang cool. I don't even care if the jeggings make my ass look big!

YAAAASSSSS!! Excellent haul and exceptional progress! I wish I'd known about senior day at Goodwill. I could've used hubby's advanced age to my advantage! (LOL I'm not far behind him, but thanks to nature and my salon, I'm far less gray!)

Hubby and I are still neck and neck in the weight race. Every time I lose 2 pounds post surgery, he does as well all on his own. Men suck I will beat him! We went shopping for jeans for him and shorts/skorts/capris for me yesterday. None of my summer bottoms fit! I was hoping to get a denim skort (prefer skirt look to shorts on me). Couldn't find a single one, but found that 16W shorts fit perfectly! Got one pair in black and I'll go back to look for more in a month, closer to my vacation. I'll stretch out that one lone pair in the evenings and weekends if I can. But, I also tried on a pair of regular 16s from the misses section - tight but I can shut them! So, of course I bought those too and will try them on again in a couple weeks. Misses!!! I can't remember the last time...

2 minutes ago, Kay07 said:

Hi everyone, I am feeling GREAT today! Yesterday was a bit rough, bit now I am doing much better. Just had my contrast test to make sure there is no leak, then I’ll be cleared to have Water. Sooooo thirsty.

Thank you all for your support!

Fantastic news! Congrats on joining the losers bench!

I think Fluffy may have to change her name to Formerly Fluffy! Great job girl!

On ‎5‎/‎13‎/‎2018 at 5:30 PM, Frustr8 said:

Well maybe I can rock it after all? Now to find out whether it will be Dr Noria(female) or Dr Needleman(male, older and Department Head) and when this wonderous day can be? After the 24th many more answers will come. Its been such a l*o*n*g. journey, did you know I started seeking bariatric surgery in August 2015? Sometimes I fear I will die before I complete it. That frightens me more than anything else about the process💦. I would be willing to have only local anesthesia rather than to be refused again. But I should have courage things will go well for me after all, shouldn't I? Oh Ms Topaz i,weary of it all.

Frustr8 - you WILL have your Cinderella moment! I'm keeping the faith!

I confess all i wanted was carbs this weekend, and I ate chocolate and waffles. But in general, I confess that I'm wickedly pleased that by the time I see one of my best friends (in another part of the country) again, I'll likely wear a size smaller than she does. She means well, but is from a very judgemental family and has always been disapproving of my weight gain - but super supportive of my loss attempts too. I feel a little shallow-competitive, but, it's I confess time!

2 hours ago, Frustr8 said:

I just thought of something silly to worry about. I will be having my surgery at Ohio,State University, team colors scarlet and gray, I have strawberry blonde hair, I am going to look plug ugly in those colors. What if they start giggling when they see me and can't complete the surgery? Now don't,your "sillies" sound better than that one? Smile and Rock Your Big Day😷

Frustr8 - as a lifelong Wolverine, I can tell you that everyone looks pretty nasty in scarlet and gray! You will actually make it look kinda good!

You have done it!

Dropped off all those lovely carbs this morning. I did have 2 bowls for hubby leftover, and about a half a bowl I can indulge in later so I don't feel deprived.

Went to mother's day brunch with hubby and a friend whose kids are out of town. I had just broken into the 220s yesterday, but I fear no more! (hey! the ice cream man just drove past my house and I wasn't tempted!) ok, after that random stream of consciousness... went to a local joint famed for their pan fried chicken. It is really good but usually fried chicken doesn't tempt me . But they had a chicken and waffle special and they have this blackberry butter...... So, poor choices. I ate a fresh hot roll as it takes 30 min for the chicken. Half a waffle and part of my chicken breast. And I feel Thanksgiving stuffed. Ugh! I know better!

Guess I just proved that despite what y'all believed, Miss Topaz is not perfect! except perfectly imperfect of course!

Happy mothers day to you Miss Fluffy! Proud of you for hitting that nature preserve! Once I can move again, I'll move my arse in some way (looks like rain so might be inside).

Great job!

fabulous! congrats on payoff for all your hard work!

8 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

Declaring victory over yesterday!

Last night we went out to dinner with sissy and BIL for his birthday. We went to a neighborhood Italian place known for their pizza and Pasta dishes.

Despite being repeatedly offered wine and a slice of pizza, I had my portobello mushroom with provolone, chicken, roasted rbp, and spinach. I ate 1/3 of it and brought the rest home. I enjoyed the evening with everyone and had so much fun. And came home knowing that it's MORE than possible to have fun while eating luxuriously and healthy.

Score one for the gipper!

I'm so glad I read this shortly before leaving for a charity Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet! I am generally bored to tears at this sort of event, but hubby insists I accompany him to at least one such event annually. I don't know what will be served, but am sure there will be carby sides and dessert. Send me some of your strength oh fluffy one!

Went to the grocery earlier. Picked up portabello mushroom caps stuffed with spinach and mozzarella. Not sure the Protein content, but it will be a nice, low-carb lunch alternative this week. I suspect I'll only be able to eat half.

Baked pumpkin bread this morning and bought all the fixins for potato Soup, including heavy cream. Am I out of my forkin' mind? Nah? One of my employees suffered a horrific family tragedy this week. We're doing a food train and tomorrow I bring lunch for her and her family. All those lovely carbs will be delivered elsewhere! But damn - I make great potato soup!

8 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

Yes, I tasted a couple of sips of a Michelada. BIG mistake. Not anxious to repeat alcohol any time soon--including my beloved wine. Honestly, I thought I'd miss it. But I do not. I'm much happier with tea. And plus, any time pre-surg that I had alcohol of any kind, I stalled for 4 days. I could count it on the calendar. And I'd usually go up a couple pounds about 2 days after drinking. It SUCKED!

I don't really miss it either. I tried the cider, and sipped one sip of hubby's mimosa at brunch, but wasn't tempted to order my own. Hubby was not surprised. I've always been the DD - and never had a problem with it. And yeah, while I did weight watchers, if I had one glass any time during the week - no loss.

This is a huge decision so no surprise that you're having second thoughts. However, I wish I'd done this 10 years ago when a doctor first suggested it! Your co-workers are well-meaning but not well-informed. They haven't done the research and have likely just heard that you can only ever eat a tablespoon of food ever again (I had someone tell me that). The first few weeks are tough. Won't lie and say they're not. But 15 weeks out, I went out with hubby last night, had a bowl of chili (well, not all of it - big bowl) and even had my first drink post-op. Life is "normal" but I would say I eat like those "skinny b*****s" we used to see out. No one at work knows I've had surgery and they just think I've reduced my portions, but they see me eat and don't bat an eye.