newself

oh my gosh! I got teary reading this; I had no idea. You are such an inspiration and such a fighter! Sending you nothing but love and good vibes! I love your posts- I've been super busy lately and only have a few minutes to check this per day but your thread is always the first I read!

Oh No!! I've been there! I'm in the Dallas area and walk at 6:00 am; it's horrible getting myself out of bed, but worth it as my walk is ending and the sun is in full force. Glad to hear you are recovering and not too sunburned!

I'm approaching this a little differently... I was an overweight, but not obese child, lost weight by running in college and got to my body's happy weight of 145; I could eat what I wanted on weekends and eat healthy (but not perfect) during the week. Infertility treatments, pregnancies, my knees took running off the table etc upped my weight close to 200 and then my mom being on hospice, plus menopause took my weight to close to 240. I lost the 20 lbs and gained them over and over. I hated how I felt because I knew what it felt like to feel physically fit, I felt uncomfortable in my skin. BUT- the worst part about dieting was that getting on the scale could and often times would literally ruin my day to the point of me not finding any joy in anything or anyone; and I'm a "glass in half full," person. When I hit my first stall I felt those feelings or despair rise up again and I was DONE. I put the scale away, and I'm not sure when I will get on it again. BUT, my clothes are way too big, wearing jeans I haven't worn in forever. I feel better, I can move better. I'm really, really happy. I walk my dogs every morning and I'm happy. I am careful about what I eat, but I had a glass of wine with some friends on the patio while we laughed until we cried, and I was so happy. So... will I reach my goal weight? I don't know. But I feel more in control, healthier and happier than I have been in a long time and that is all I really care about.

I work from home. Took off 3 days including surgery day. Very easy recovery but I wish I had just taken the week off, not because I felt bad (I did not take my pain pills) but because i was still not really focused.

@creekimp makes a valid point here; it's important to realistically gauge the help you will have after the surgeries. Talking to both surgeons is much better than asking us. Keep us updated!

I had VSG and it was done outpatient. I did not take any of the prescribed pain pills other than a tramadol the first night home. I had some discomfort from gas for the first few days, but nothing unbearable. I took off 3 days (including the surgery day) and was back at my (work from home) job full time on day 4. My kids are away at college and end of high school, so they don't really need me like your little ones. If I were you, I'd just do it, then you will have the already approved PTO to recover away from your commute, and take care of your hubby. I'm so sorry you and your husband are having to go thru this at such a young age, but gosh, this time next year you both will be rockin' healthy bodies!!!!!

That's awesome! Congrats!!!

Well judging from the picts you posted a few days ago, I would say that you are more than ready to break out the shorts and t-shirts and have a great/cool time! It will be so fun!!! Eeeek- I'm so happy for you!!!!!!!!!

Well heck yes you want both and you will get both!!!! My calorie intake has fluctuated by 200 calories or so per day depending on what's going on and the scale doesn't seem to reflect either higher or lower (I like to think that by confusing my body I can lose faster). BUT, my water intake does reflect in my weight gain or loss. Our bodies are very interesting and very different. It's actually fascinating. Keep up the good work! Short and bathing suit season is right around the corner!!

I'm in the same situation. Got lazy about measuring water and I'm pretty sure I'm paying for it now...

At a 27.5 loss,. my face is starting to sag (I'm 50). I'm getting botox next week but I think thinner people look younger than heavier folks. Regardless, I'm glad I had VGS.

OMG! I can see a big difference! You look adorable! I get it about the scale and making questionable choices. I'm hovering around your weight, and I'm fighting the urge to compare to others. I'm 50 years old (post m) so my metabolism is slower. I'll post picts once I figure out how I'm so proud of you- huge smile this morning!!!!

Thanks for the info. This is interesting; I'm going to try it as well. I've never been a big meat eater and I do feel like I'm getting oversaturated with dairy. Now that I'm out of the initial shock of new eating, tracking protein etc I need to look outside of my box.

sounds awesome- I'm trying this! But I need to know more about pea protein and brn rice protein! What are benefits? Why use this instead of just reg unflavored protein powder Where can I buy it?

Coffee has been my only cheat on the program... I have a cup with protein drink in the morning. I gave up diet coke a few years ago and then had one before pre diet bc I knew I would not be able to have one again and it tasted gross- nothing like I remembered!

I was out patient however not on fast recovery. My surgeon only did outpatient on Monday mornings in case there were any complications. Could not eat day of surgery, 2 protein drinks and dinner of protein & veg. No juices, no sodas. Post surgery the same as most here, clear liquids to liquids to puree etc.

My advice is to literally take this one day at a time. On one hand, it's very helpful to know what others are experiencing beofre and after the surgery, but on the other hand it can be really overwhelming reading the various experiences, opinions etc. You are in the beginning of a crazy journey so focus on what you need to do now, and don't get too freaked out about the future. You will do fine, just being able to reach out for help and feedback is great! A supportive family is very helpful. We all have issues otherwise we would not be here. Just taking this first step proves you want a better healthier life for yourself and that is the opposite of crazy!

Since surgery- a 2 year old with a human brain! 27 lbs.

I've eaten at a variety of restaurants, and initially I was so scared that I stuck with soup. Now, I will order taco's with lettuce instead of shells, chili, grilled protein etc and take home the leftovers. I order water but I've always only ordered water...

People always wonder why I'm overweight. I don't really eat fast food, but I ate all day long and my snacks were not really snacks; they were the same calorie count as a "normal meal." My high weight was 240 over the years, I got it down 20 lbs repeatedly but it was incredibly hard and took months and months, only to rebound. This surgery was a last ditch effort to feel good in my skin, mentally and physically. I had to pay out of pocket because I did not have a co morbidity and a 34 bmi, so obviously this was not a life and death surgery for me. That is my background. This is not an easy road, BUT it will teach you to slow down and eat much, much less food. No, you will not be able to pig out but you will be able to have a bite or two of your favorite foods and be satisfied. I am able to enjoy each bite without shoveling in as much as possible. At celebration events you will taste a little bit of various foods and not have that bulging full feeling that feels horrible. I know this is hard to believe, but I do not miss the gorging at the holidays. I feel a huge amount of pride and control over my body and choices. I'm only 7.5 weeks out but I can say this is the best things I've ever done for myself! I've lost 26.8 lbs as of last week. Like you I have never been a part of a forum or read any but, here is so much wisdom on these pages, and I have learned so much.

I kept mine a secret except for my husband and a few friends. I've been on so many crazy diets over the years that no one has blinked an eye over what they perceive as another crazy diet. I don't feel I owe anyone an explanation.

That's awesome!! Something to keep n mind and the calorie/metabolism theory makes sense.

It's happened to all of us! We are all on still such a learning curve and everyone's body responds differently to foods, combinations etc. In my opinion, the best part of this is lessons learned and getting back to what works. Thanks for the honesty. makes this journey so much easier! xoxo

I did not lose much pre op but I've lost almost 25 lbs since surgery. As long as you are following whatever plan they gave you, they will do the surgery and then after surgery the weight will come off.

That's awesome news! You're dropping all kinds of things- weight, meds, cankles! I'm so very proud of you and your success! I'm going to IM you in the next few days so I can figure out the banner. But I'm at 198.8- we are literally in this together!