Cl@ireyBearry

Amazing!! I’m at 228 down from 298 and I can’t wait to get to below 200!

Amazing!! I’m at 228 down from 298 and I can’t wait to get to below 200!

Today I finally reached Onederland. 199.3 pounds. :)

I don’t have any advice regarding a Tummy Tuck, but I have to say I admire your bravery for moving forward with another life changing surgery!!!

I got surgery to improve my quality of life. I’m 30, no medical issues and fairly active and healthy. I walk my dog daily, no reflux, apnea, don’t have problems moving, no back,joint pain. But that doesn’t mean that they couldn’t develop as I got older. I got surgery as a weight loss tool when nothing else has worked- I have tried everything else too. The frozen meal plan, the pills- good and bad ones, slim fast, the WeightWatchers, personal trainer. I love my body, I’m ok with all the curves that I had when I weighed around 225 in 2016. But the weight kept packing on. And as a teacher I was always on my feet, and eating those frozen meals to help lose weight, and I still packed on 30 more pounds In 2017, then lost some- 20 lbs, but it came right back and more. Come October 2018 I was around 280. I told my partner that if I even hit 300, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself anymore. Then, when 5 pounds a month kept tacking itself on even with walking and making changes to eating healthier nothing helped, since every time you lose weight it makes it harder to keep it off because your fat cells are already ready to grow again, I had to do something drastic. I made the decision to do Bariatric surgery, the DS LOOP, so that I would have a tool for weight loss- the only one that I have never tried before. My BMI at around 45 was the qualifying factor that made me a candidate- so my insurance would cover it. NOW I am 57 POUNDS down and my quality of life is truly so much batter. I realized I had stopped really looking in the mirror except for a quick glance, and now I can stand to ADMIRE. It doesn’t always feel like I’ve lost that much, or that I look that differently than before, so I take out the pre surgery pictures to remind myself that all the sacrifices are worth it. This is THE BEST GIFT I HAVE EVER GIVEN TO MYSELF. And even though it can be difficult, you see results immediately. Every time you choose the right foods 2 days in a row, you lose weight and don’t feel sick. It’s really up to you once the surgery is over. But it’s the easiest “diet” I’ve ever had!

I hope things get better for you. The changes I have made in my eating habits have been the simplest daily decisions of my life. It is not EASY, but this surgery saved my life. Emotionally, physically, mentally, I can have a positive relationship with food and water- see it as fuel for my body to carry me to do the good wonderful work I want to do in my life. Simply sitting comfortably in a chair now, only 4 months out and 57 lbs down. Running after my nieces who are my favorite people, having the energy to play, being able to get down on the floor and crawl around, walking my dogs again, putting on makeup, feeling like a person in the world. Yes, surgery isn’t the solution, but if I knew how to do it and it had worked with whatever diets I tried before I wouldn’t have gotten to 297 lbs. I really hope you can find support with meals you enjoy, chocolate Protein Shakes that taste like milkshakes!!! Try the Vitamin patches!! No yucky pills!! Get support from your loved ones.... I can’t imagine they would rather judge you and have you feel embarrassed, when they could support you and watch your health improve. It is so much more embarrassing for me to not fit in a booth, or get out of breath, or get dirty looks in fast food places or restaurants- the dirty looks of a fat shaming society. I’d much rather take out my Protein Bar, order a salad and eat half?! (Yes to leftovers!!) and I get to eat 6 times a day!!! I add sugar free strawberry topping to the plain Greek yogurt and all of the sudden I’ve got STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE!! I love shrimp, and it’s less expensive now because I only need 4-5 to fill me up! cheese sticks wrapped in honey ham lunch meat are my go-to! I don’t always follow the 20-20-20 rule. But all I can do is do my best! And I know I would rather eat cottage cheese with mandarin oranges every day, than struggle to clip my own toenails. To not have my seatbelt lock every time I move because it’s not as stretched out. I can use armrests on chairs not, and not have to look for the bench. My feet don’t constantly hurt dragging around 60 extra pounds! There are so many ways to individualize this new eating lifestyle to fit YOU! And I believe in you!

I hope things get better for you. The changes I have made in my eating habits have been the simplest daily decisions of my life. It is not EASY, but this surgery saved my life. Emotionally, physically, mentally, I can have a positive relationship with food and water- see it as fuel for my body to carry me to do the good wonderful work I want to do in my life. Simply sitting comfortably in a chair now, only 4 months out and 57 lbs down. Running after my nieces who are my favorite people, having the energy to play, being able to get down on the floor and crawl around, walking my dogs again, putting on makeup, feeling like a person in the world. Yes, surgery isn’t the solution, but if I knew how to do it and it had worked with whatever diets I tried before I wouldn’t have gotten to 297 lbs. I really hope you can find support with meals you enjoy, chocolate Protein Shakes that taste like milkshakes!!! Try the Vitamin patches!! No yucky pills!! Get support from your loved ones.... I can’t imagine they would rather judge you and have you feel embarrassed, when they could support you and watch your health improve. It is so much more embarrassing for me to not fit in a booth, or get out of breath, or get dirty looks in fast food places or restaurants- the dirty looks of a fat shaming society. I’d much rather take out my Protein Bar, order a salad and eat half?! (Yes to leftovers!!) and I get to eat 6 times a day!!! I add sugar free strawberry topping to the plain Greek yogurt and all of the sudden I’ve got STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE!! I love shrimp, and it’s less expensive now because I only need 4-5 to fill me up! cheese sticks wrapped in honey ham lunch meat are my go-to! I don’t always follow the 20-20-20 rule. But all I can do is do my best! And I know I would rather eat cottage cheese with mandarin oranges every day, than struggle to clip my own toenails. To not have my seatbelt lock every time I move because it’s not as stretched out. I can use armrests on chairs not, and not have to look for the bench. My feet don’t constantly hurt dragging around 60 extra pounds! There are so many ways to individualize this new eating lifestyle to fit YOU! And I believe in you!

I hope things get better for you. The changes I have made in my eating habits have been the simplest daily decisions of my life. It is not EASY, but this surgery saved my life. Emotionally, physically, mentally, I can have a positive relationship with food and water- see it as fuel for my body to carry me to do the good wonderful work I want to do in my life. Simply sitting comfortably in a chair now, only 4 months out and 57 lbs down. Running after my nieces who are my favorite people, having the energy to play, being able to get down on the floor and crawl around, walking my dogs again, putting on makeup, feeling like a person in the world. Yes, surgery isn’t the solution, but if I knew how to do it and it had worked with whatever diets I tried before I wouldn’t have gotten to 297 lbs. I really hope you can find support with meals you enjoy, chocolate Protein Shakes that taste like milkshakes!!! Try the Vitamin patches!! No yucky pills!! Get support from your loved ones.... I can’t imagine they would rather judge you and have you feel embarrassed, when they could support you and watch your health improve. It is so much more embarrassing for me to not fit in a booth, or get out of breath, or get dirty looks in fast food places or restaurants- the dirty looks of a fat shaming society. I’d much rather take out my Protein Bar, order a salad and eat half?! (Yes to leftovers!!) and I get to eat 6 times a day!!! I add sugar free strawberry topping to the plain Greek yogurt and all of the sudden I’ve got STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE!! I love shrimp, and it’s less expensive now because I only need 4-5 to fill me up! cheese sticks wrapped in honey ham lunch meat are my go-to! I don’t always follow the 20-20-20 rule. But all I can do is do my best! And I know I would rather eat cottage cheese with mandarin oranges every day, than struggle to clip my own toenails. To not have my seatbelt lock every time I move because it’s not as stretched out. I can use armrests on chairs not, and not have to look for the bench. My feet don’t constantly hurt dragging around 60 extra pounds! There are so many ways to individualize this new eating lifestyle to fit YOU! And I believe in you!

I hope things get better for you. The changes I have made in my eating habits have been the simplest daily decisions of my life. It is not EASY, but this surgery saved my life. Emotionally, physically, mentally, I can have a positive relationship with food and water- see it as fuel for my body to carry me to do the good wonderful work I want to do in my life. Simply sitting comfortably in a chair now, only 4 months out and 57 lbs down. Running after my nieces who are my favorite people, having the energy to play, being able to get down on the floor and crawl around, walking my dogs again, putting on makeup, feeling like a person in the world. Yes, surgery isn’t the solution, but if I knew how to do it and it had worked with whatever diets I tried before I wouldn’t have gotten to 297 lbs. I really hope you can find support with meals you enjoy, chocolate Protein Shakes that taste like milkshakes!!! Try the Vitamin patches!! No yucky pills!! Get support from your loved ones.... I can’t imagine they would rather judge you and have you feel embarrassed, when they could support you and watch your health improve. It is so much more embarrassing for me to not fit in a booth, or get out of breath, or get dirty looks in fast food places or restaurants- the dirty looks of a fat shaming society. I’d much rather take out my Protein Bar, order a salad and eat half?! (Yes to leftovers!!) and I get to eat 6 times a day!!! I add sugar free strawberry topping to the plain Greek yogurt and all of the sudden I’ve got STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE!! I love shrimp, and it’s less expensive now because I only need 4-5 to fill me up! cheese sticks wrapped in honey ham lunch meat are my go-to! I don’t always follow the 20-20-20 rule. But all I can do is do my best! And I know I would rather eat cottage cheese with mandarin oranges every day, than struggle to clip my own toenails. To not have my seatbelt lock every time I move because it’s not as stretched out. I can use armrests on chairs not, and not have to look for the bench. My feet don’t constantly hurt dragging around 60 extra pounds! There are so many ways to individualize this new eating lifestyle to fit YOU! And I believe in you!

I am so very sorry you feel this way. But I’m at a loss. I take a Vitamin in the morning and eat two chewables. I’m OFF all my other meds! My whole life STILL revolves around eating. My family gets together and we eat. We go out with friends and eat. We fellowship at church and eat. I always bring a drink and almost 75 % of the time there is something I can eat. If not, I still join in and visit and talk.
I don’t feel neglected. Everyone we know supports my decision to have the surgery.
My husband and I go out to eat all of the time. I either eat my 1/2 cup off of his plate, or just get an appetizer or a kids plate.
I’ve lost 50 lbs in 5 months. Kinda slow, but exactly what the dr told me to expect. I have about 60 more to go but IVE NEVER FELT BETTER AND MORE SUCCESSFUL IN YEARS.
I hope you find some peace.

And I have a stack that is going to Goodwill, packed the Styrofoam boxes I had from my TPN supplies, I think I am at a count of 9, they should be grateful for that sizes. My county, Knox, has a high % of obesity, so I'm sure they won't last long there.

All of this!

Let me say first that if anybody goes into this with the attitude that nothing food-related will change in their lives then they have nobody but themselves to blame.
The whole point is to change your relationship with food and make different choices and this surgery is but one single tool (albeit a very important one) in the toolbox.


I went to a wedding out of town 16 days post op and was able to make it work with packets of Protein Shakes, milk, and yes....... loads and loads of Water. I carried around a water bottle into the church with me and wasn’t one bit embarrassed.
Since my surgery on 2/6 this year, I’ve worked Mother’s Day. I’ve worked Memorial Day. I even worked through multiple family bdays. I would’ve given anything not to work those days and have the freedom to have angsted about food I didn’t get to eat, but instead I put on my big girl pants and went to work!
But here are the things I do when I’m NOT at work:
I get some kind of exercise daily. I journal. I check over my goals and adjust/tweak whenever I’m not on target. I ENJOY the lighter, fitter, healthier me. I plan future days off and schedule in some “fun” time throughout every week.

Gotta be honest: the month of May completely sucked for me. I hit the 3 month stall hard-core and I’m still foundering around trying to get my body to start losing again after gaining 1.2 pounds over the last 3 weeks. I have lost a total of a couple inches so it hasn’t been a complete bust.
I’ve gone from feeling like a complete diet failure on some days to taking a deep breath and embracing the stall and pushing forward because going back to what I was is not an option.
One thing for certain is even on my worst days, I do not regret this decision for even one second.

If you are indeed not a troll, I cannot suggest strongly enough to seek professional help.
The kind of anger that you’re describing runs so much deeper than what your stomach can and cannot hold.
Eating small amounts of healthy nutritious food without being hungry all of the time is a complete joy in my life and I’m thankful every single day I made this choice to give myself a longer, healthier, and happier life.

If you were trying to warn people off bariatric surgery with this post I think you've done the opposite. For starters, I'm not even sure you're real. Second, if you got a major surgery such as this without doing any research... that's on you.

Six food trucks and there was NOTHING you could eat? You sound like you're purposely being difficult because you're so angry. There were no hot dogs? Pull it off the bun and eat half. No big deal. A taco truck? Eat the meat & cheese, skip the shell. You are being purposely difficult in some attempt to punish everyone for your anger.

Mother's Day - you couldn't go out for Breakfast? Why on earth not? Assuming you were 4 weeks post op by then you could have ordered scrambled eggs with cheese and a side of cottage cheese instead of hash browns. IF the point of the holiday was to spend it with loved ones, that's what you do. If you're so mortified by the waitress asking if you enjoyed your meal ask for a to-go box the moment they set it down and pack up what you won't eat.

You look like a fool carrying a water bottle - are you serious with this? American's have a drink in hand ALL THE TIME. Soda, coffee cups, frap cups. People are constantly walking around with drinks.

Im not sure if I hope you're real or not. If you're not real, you are a real sad individual to come on here and troll people trying to improve their lives. Get a new hobby. If you are real... please get help. For the sake of your family, please.

You are worried about doing things because they make you look like an idiot , maybe you should worry less about what other people think and do what is good for you. One could also say that posting for the first time on a site like this about how bad things are and trying to put other people off could make one look like an idiot. A much better first post would have had a backstory and if a person is struggling asked for help!
I don’t have a bunch of rules and restrictions, I eat like a “ normal” person just in much smaller quantities.
If you follow the 20/20/20 rule for eating and drinking then there aren’t hours in a day where you can’t drink. I don’t see what is wrong with carrying a Water bottle as it is something a lot of people do these days, however unless you are going bushwalking it’s not really necessary. Most of the time we are not that far away from somewhere we can get a drink.
Having to carry a lunchbox everywhere you go is also not normal. Generally there is always something available that is suitable to eat. Even at unhealthy fast food restaurants if you focus on Protein you will find something. Eat some ribs, or the burger without the bun or some chicken or go to a 7/11 or supermarket and buy a yogurt or some cheese or.............
I have just been on a months holiday to the USA, UK, Asia. Not once did I need to carry a lunchbox, I didn’t starve and I didn’t feel like an idiot. At the end of the trip I had lost weight with very little effort on my part.
Sorry that you feel you weren’t given any info but there is a lot of info available for the taking for those that are happy to do thorough research.
I think that maybe you need to see a food psychologist as it sounds as though you have an emotional attachment to food that you are struggling with. I hope that you are able to overcome your issues and that you can start using this tool to it’s full advantage and eat in a normal happy way

So what I have restrictions, so what people see me with a water bottle and so what there are things I can’t eat anymore.. Trust me, I hit my pizza quota and chocolate quota like 19 years ago.. Weight watchers 6xs.. Jenny Craig 2xs.. Adkins umpteen times.. trainers 2xs.. I FINALLY feel like the person I was suppose to be .. my surgery was only a tool.... I was prepared for the hard stuff and now I’m reaping the good stuff.. screw the food.. I chose LIFE

The first few months after surgery are hard. Do you want to live to see your kids get married? Have grandchildren? PLay with grandchildren? Then buck up, buttercup. Put on your big girl panties and go see a therapist to talk about your food issues. You clearly have them.
I'm almost 3 years out and 150 pounds down. (I've stopped updating my ticker - it's a pain in the a$$.) I fence at a national level and am ranked 23rd among women age 50-59 in the United States. I started fencing after I lost the weight.
I understand the need to vent in a safe place, but you need to get your head in the right place. Because if your head isn't in the right place, nothing is going to work. This is only a tool. Not a magic bullet.

I got surgery to improve my quality of life. I’m 30, no medical issues and fairly active and healthy. I walk my dog daily, no reflux, apnea, don’t have problems moving, no back,joint pain. But that doesn’t mean that they couldn’t develop as I got older. I got surgery as a weight loss tool when nothing else has worked- I have tried everything else too. The frozen meal plan, the pills- good and bad ones, slim fast, the WeightWatchers, personal trainer. I love my body, I’m ok with all the curves that I had when I weighed around 225 in 2016. But the weight kept packing on. And as a teacher I was always on my feet, and eating those frozen meals to help lose weight, and I still packed on 30 more pounds In 2017, then lost some- 20 lbs, but it came right back and more. Come October 2018 I was around 280. I told my partner that if I even hit 300, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself anymore. Then, when 5 pounds a month kept tacking itself on even with walking and making changes to eating healthier nothing helped, since every time you lose weight it makes it harder to keep it off because your fat cells are already ready to grow again, I had to do something drastic. I made the decision to do Bariatric surgery, the DS LOOP, so that I would have a tool for weight loss- the only one that I have never tried before. My BMI at around 45 was the qualifying factor that made me a candidate- so my insurance would cover it. NOW I am 57 POUNDS down and my quality of life is truly so much batter. I realized I had stopped really looking in the mirror except for a quick glance, and now I can stand to ADMIRE. It doesn’t always feel like I’ve lost that much, or that I look that differently than before, so I take out the pre surgery pictures to remind myself that all the sacrifices are worth it. This is THE BEST GIFT I HAVE EVER GIVEN TO MYSELF. And even though it can be difficult, you see results immediately. Every time you choose the right foods 2 days in a row, you lose weight and don’t feel sick. It’s really up to you once the surgery is over. But it’s the easiest “diet” I’ve ever had!

I love seeing the progress people have made after surgery. So for those comfortable enough to share them I'd love to see your before and after (and even progress) pics. I haven't had surgery yet (and wont for at least another 3mths) so I don't have any to post but I still like seeing what I have to look forward to. The pic below is me at my highest of 316lbs 2hrs after my son was born.

A month before surgery, I switched to decaf...Then went back to Yummy coffee again about a month after surgery. I don't drink that much though. Just a medium cup in the morning....coz it is one of the best parts of waking up 😍

A few months in eating a dessert tbh 😂
❤ Get well (and zero Gatorade) soon ❤