Recidivist

That really is an astounding result for 4.5 months. Congratulations!

Okay, I'll play along! I don't have a "before" pic that really represents how big I was, because I generally avoided being photographed back then. My before is from a chorus concert I did--and I will admit that I was wearing a "man girdle" at the time. (Cringe.)
I went from 250 to a low of 132 before bouncing back up to 142.

Okay, I'll play along! I don't have a "before" pic that really represents how big I was, because I generally avoided being photographed back then. My before is from a chorus concert I did--and I will admit that I was wearing a "man girdle" at the time. (Cringe.)
I went from 250 to a low of 132 before bouncing back up to 142.

Okay, I'll play along! I don't have a "before" pic that really represents how big I was, because I generally avoided being photographed back then. My before is from a chorus concert I did--and I will admit that I was wearing a "man girdle" at the time. (Cringe.)
I went from 250 to a low of 132 before bouncing back up to 142.

Okay, I'll play along! I don't have a "before" pic that really represents how big I was, because I generally avoided being photographed back then. My before is from a chorus concert I did--and I will admit that I was wearing a "man girdle" at the time. (Cringe.)
I went from 250 to a low of 132 before bouncing back up to 142.

Okay, I'll play along! I don't have a "before" pic that really represents how big I was, because I generally avoided being photographed back then. My before is from a chorus concert I did--and I will admit that I was wearing a "man girdle" at the time. (Cringe.)
I went from 250 to a low of 132 before bouncing back up to 142.

Okay, I'll play along! I don't have a "before" pic that really represents how big I was, because I generally avoided being photographed back then. My before is from a chorus concert I did--and I will admit that I was wearing a "man girdle" at the time. (Cringe.)
I went from 250 to a low of 132 before bouncing back up to 142.

Okay, I'll play along! I don't have a "before" pic that really represents how big I was, because I generally avoided being photographed back then. My before is from a chorus concert I did--and I will admit that I was wearing a "man girdle" at the time. (Cringe.)
I went from 250 to a low of 132 before bouncing back up to 142.

This.....is 100% bang on. Take only a change of clothes, lip balm, hand moisuriser and standard toiletries. You will sleep or be up walking in the hospital.

When I got home, I lowered the temp in our bedroom and got extra pillows. I sleep on my side and knew it may be uncomfortable. I slept with a soft but plump pillow under my belly to add support. Pajamas were no elastic waist, just a long tshirt and the softest undies I could find.

If you have refreezable ice packs, great. I wrapped them in light towels and put them on my forehead when I got caffeine withdrawl headaches.

Get the very best thermal cup. One that will keep your liquids cool for at least 12 hours. Sip sip sip, and sip sitting upright, and stay upright until you are comfortable it's gone down.

Get some waterproof wound covers. I had to replace three of mine between days 1-5 after showering.

Be prepared to get up and walk if you get gas pains. Gas from the surgery, or gas in your belly. IT HELPS!! While you may feel exhausted, walking moves the gas, and be prepared for flatulence. Be careful though, from about day 3 don't trust a fart!! [emoji23][emoji23]

Be good to yourself.

Good luck as you start on your journey!
As for the hospital: you will likely be too tired to do anything but sleep. I brought several books and didn't read a page. Just bring the bare essentials (i.e., toiletries).
As for home: Definitely take time for yourself, to rest and to let yourself heal--and make sure all of the people around you know that you will need at least two weeks to do that. You will also need time to plan your Water and Protein needs. You will find that you will be obsessed with protein and water for the first several weeks.
Your ideas (candles, films, massager) sound lovely (and yes, the massager is safe). I watched a ton of TV and movies during my three weeks at home before I returned to work. It's important to do whatever will make you feel relaxed and comfortable, and that will be different for everyone. Just be aware that you will have very little energy and will take a LOT of naps! Enjoy it while it lasts!

Thank you for the kind words, guys. I am still feeling pretty emotional about MiL. 😢 It is surreal. She was almost 89 years old, and she had been ready to die for about 5 years due to horrible arthritis in her back (took no meds for it, stating nothing worked). We will miss her, but we are so glad there is an end to her suffering. I hate that it was COVID that finally took her out, but she literally had no health problems except the arthritis and some early dementia, and took no medications. She walked everyday, so we thought a fall or something random like being hit by a car would be her end. Thank you all for reading my ramble. It is therapeutic to think and talk about her. She appeared to be on the road to recovery from COVID when she suddenly went into respiratory distress and her lungs filled with Fluid. Still shocked at how this disease works. It is an ugly beast.
Wishing you and your families good health! ❤️

Just thought of another one: My hands.
I have a pair of super cute mittens that I received as a gift a couple years ago. They were too small, in the sense that the bottom part of my palm would go beyond where they were supposed to. Anyhoo, now they fit fine, which honestly makes no sense to me as I don't understand how the LENGTH of my hand would shrink???
But whatevs, now I am sporting super cute mittens!

I just went & checked my underarms @ms.sss but I can’t remember what they used to be like - lol. And you’re right about cellulite. My thighs aren’t lumpy at all anymore. Shame about my saggy inner thighs though otherwise I’d be flashing some upper leg gams. Can’t comment on my butt cause, you know, I don’t really have one anymore 😁
My eyes used to be so hooded I had seriously researched blepharoplasty & looked for surgeon recommendations before wls. Looks like I’ve saved some money cause I don’t need it now. Whoo hoo! Fingers crossed for those also cursed with droopy lids.
I wish I had cheekbones @GreenTealael. I’m very jealous. Your cheekbones are gorgeous.
I hadn’t thought about the benefits for men @Recidivist of a shrinking pubic area but it sure made me smile 😜.

The change in my armpits was dramatic and unexpected. I don't shave them, but the deep craters made it harder to apply roll-on deodorant.
Ummm...this happens to men as well, and the difference is quite noticeable. In a good way. 🙂

The change in my armpits was dramatic and unexpected. I don't shave them, but the deep craters made it harder to apply roll-on deodorant.
Ummm...this happens to men as well, and the difference is quite noticeable. In a good way. 🙂

The change in my armpits was dramatic and unexpected. I don't shave them, but the deep craters made it harder to apply roll-on deodorant.
Ummm...this happens to men as well, and the difference is quite noticeable. In a good way. 🙂

Have any men out there had plastic surgery and care to comment about it? I'm pretty sure I've settled in at my long-term weight and am now wondering whether I want plastic surgery. Most of you can probably relate to what is going on. I have sagging skin everywhere: neck (which I hate), chest, LOTS on the stomach, thighs and buttocks. I'm not sure if I want to do just the neck, or include the stomach--or do the whole things.
I'd be interested in good or not-so-good experiences you've had. What is the scar like if you have the stomach done?

Have any men out there had plastic surgery and care to comment about it? I'm pretty sure I've settled in at my long-term weight and am now wondering whether I want plastic surgery. Most of you can probably relate to what is going on. I have sagging skin everywhere: neck (which I hate), chest, LOTS on the stomach, thighs and buttocks. I'm not sure if I want to do just the neck, or include the stomach--or do the whole things.
I'd be interested in good or not-so-good experiences you've had. What is the scar like if you have the stomach done?

They also have an app that gets updated with new recipes.

Ok, so I've technically been in maintenance for 1.5 years now. Not counting the first 2 months immediately after stopping weight loss phase (when I lost 12 lbs trying to find my sweet spot), I have basically maintained my current weight +/- 5 lbs the entire time.
I have loosened the reins quite a bit since weight loss days.
Fruit: I am not a big fruit eater, but if presented with something that looks good, I'll eat it. I don't have any off limit fruits, but I don't eat much in the first place anyway...mostly just as a topping on a salad. I hate fruit juice. Oh, but I LOOOOVE avocados, which I probably have 1-2 times a week (again, mostly as a topping on a salad)
Vegetables: I eat all sorts of veggies all the time/every day...with the exception of potatoes.
Refined Sugar: I long ago opened the floodgates to sugar consumption. Dessert is a legitimate food group for me.
Other processed carbs: I still stay away from rice, Pasta, and bread. HOWEVER, I recently discovered the joy of homemade bread making, and have actually had maybe the equivalent of 2 slices of bread this past week or so. Since it was so delicious, I'm going to keep eating it.
I still log my food, but I no longer put as much concern on the type of calorie I consume (to a certain extent), I mostly really only pay attention to my total calories now. So if I eat a cookie or a carrot or some of the ridiculously yummy homemade bread, so long as I stay under 1800 cals (more if I'm exercising more), then it's all good.
I will say though, that I gained and lost 6 lbs TWICE this year...and when I was trying to lose, I did pay attention to the type of calorie. Once I reached my happy place again, I am back to just monitoring total calories.

Fruits and veggies are not "empty" calories - they are loaded with Vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are essential for good health. How do I handle them? With at least 10 servings a day, including the starchy ones!

There are tons of resources, but to start, please watch 3 documentaries: "The Game Changers," "Forks Over Knives," and "What the Health."
There is so much information in these, that I have actually watched them several times each, as well as reading the books of the sources. Forks Over Knives magazine comes out quarterly and is packed with great recipes. You can also get on their email list and get good recipes as well. Many are total hits with my non vegan family.
I can personally tell you that the claims made are true. Even a year after reaching my goal weight, my cholesterol was still 225-235. I attributed it to genetics. After going plant based for only a couple of months, my cholesterol dropped to 150! My triglycerides and LDL are off the charts on the LOW side now! I feel great, have better mental acuity, and the best thing is that I can eat all I want. It is such a natural, healthy way to eat and the numbers show it. Oh yes, I found that soreness after exercise is non existent. I can exercise very hard and never feel sore or like I need a recovery time. This has to do with blood supply and inflammation in the vessels of the muscles. It's pretty amazing.

I tend to eat a lot more vegetables than fruit (with the exception of dates, raisins, avocado and watermelon but even then it's seasonal)
I am not avoiding any vegetables except broccoli and cabbage which give me horrific gas and bloating. I also don't avoid legumes or starchy roots but I try to balance those by eating them with leafy greens.
I think that most non starchy vegetables are still fairly low calorie especially if you prepare them yourself and don't add much fat/sugar to them.
Most vegetables are a natural form of fiber which plays a crucial role in post bariatric surgery health, so I wouldn't necessarily call them "empty calories" as they can serve can serve a purpose plus if I'm being honest, I like the way they taste 😁

Bring 'em on!

I'd like to ask fellow maintainers about fruit and vegetables in maintenance. I'm still pretty careful about my diet, which means prioritizing Protein and avoiding carbs, fat and sugar.
I love fruit and veggies but am still very careful with them as well. I eat green vegetables in limited amounts but avoid starchy ones (potatoes, squash, carrots, etc.). I also eat fruit in moderation but try to stick with berries and I particularly avoid bananas.
I do this in part so I don't fill up on "empty" calories and also because I'm worried about the carbs/sugars these foods may contain.
How do you all handle fruits and vegetables?