Crick

When I went for my mammogram a couple of weeks ago, the robe they gave me (one size fits most) was just swimming on me. I looked like a kid trying on my mom’s robe. It was such a nice change to not worry about something like that fitting!

No words needed..........

Keep in mind, that isn’t a real gain - your body just went through a major trauma. I “gained” 10 lbs 3 days post-op. It came off, and then some. They pump you full of fluids when you are hospitalized and your body is trying to adjust. I was on liquids for a week, then purée for 2 weeks. I would stick with strained Soups and Protein drinks and Greek yogurt. I would suggest starting with a quarter cup and see how it goes. Eat that very slowly and stay off the scale for a few weeks. Also, be sure to drink your Water.

Keep in mind, that isn’t a real gain - your body just went through a major trauma. I “gained” 10 lbs 3 days post-op. It came off, and then some. They pump you full of fluids when you are hospitalized and your body is trying to adjust. I was on liquids for a week, then purée for 2 weeks. I would stick with strained Soups and Protein drinks and Greek yogurt. I would suggest starting with a quarter cup and see how it goes. Eat that very slowly and stay off the scale for a few weeks. Also, be sure to drink your Water.

Keep in mind, that isn’t a real gain - your body just went through a major trauma. I “gained” 10 lbs 3 days post-op. It came off, and then some. They pump you full of fluids when you are hospitalized and your body is trying to adjust. I was on liquids for a week, then purée for 2 weeks. I would stick with strained Soups and Protein drinks and Greek yogurt. I would suggest starting with a quarter cup and see how it goes. Eat that very slowly and stay off the scale for a few weeks. Also, be sure to drink your Water.

When I went for my mammogram a couple of weeks ago, the robe they gave me (one size fits most) was just swimming on me. I looked like a kid trying on my mom’s robe. It was such a nice change to not worry about something like that fitting!

Had a similar experience at my beauty therapist. Did up the snap clips on the wrap around robe & it literally fell down. Had to get one with velcro so I could wrap it far enough around it would stay up. Aaah, skinny b*tch problems. Who’d have thunk it. 😁

When I went for my mammogram a couple of weeks ago, the robe they gave me (one size fits most) was just swimming on me. I looked like a kid trying on my mom’s robe. It was such a nice change to not worry about something like that fitting!

When I went for my mammogram a couple of weeks ago, the robe they gave me (one size fits most) was just swimming on me. I looked like a kid trying on my mom’s robe. It was such a nice change to not worry about something like that fitting!

When I went for my mammogram a couple of weeks ago, the robe they gave me (one size fits most) was just swimming on me. I looked like a kid trying on my mom’s robe. It was such a nice change to not worry about something like that fitting!

I dropped into the 100's this week. I'd been looking forward to it for so long that it almost seemed unreal that there was no trumpet fanfare when it happened 📯. I haven't shared it with anyone and am savoring it. The last time I remember being this weight for certain was just around high school graduation. But just so my ego didn't get too big, surgery kicked in the next and gave me foamies and pain when I didn't eat slowly enough. That hasn't happened in a long time. I think it was a poetic-justice reminder.
On a slightly less exciting note, "the girls" have dropped to a size I don't recall since early high school . I've always been well-endowed, even before being morbidly obese, so it is quite a change. I have broken down and purchased some new clothes. I realized for myself, despite being told, that I look terrible in all my too-big clothing. I think it was a security blanket of sorts. For so long, nothing was ever too big or too loose. I still hate shopping. I have no idea what size I need from what store.
I asked the doctor in my program for a suggestion for a therapist. I couldn't get an appointment until February. But I was able to get into a cancellation next week. I'm excited as I had some very specific criteria for a therapist, experience with bariatric patients was only one. I'm looking forward to having someone to process changes with as well as the road ahead. I again want to thank all of you on this board for the ongoing advice and support. I'm grateful for having found you. I belong to a few FB groups and am astounded by the misinformation and lack of preparation/education that is out there.
That's all ❤️

First: Yes, we are all different.
Second: looking solely (and comparing to others) at TOTAL weight loss at a certain point in time (i.e, at the 8th month mark), does not give the REAL picture of weight loss rate. It doesn't take into account a persons current weight, height, how close they are to goal, etc. Your 2lb weight loss in month eight could actually be statistically "better" than your 15lb weight loss in month 1, depending on what your current weight is, and how close you are to goal or baseline.
***
I'm about to get into MATH MODE, so for those whose eyes glaze over at numbers and formulas, the gist is the following, and you can skip the rest, lol:
To attain a more telling view of your rate of weight loss, look at weight loss as a percentage of excess weight lost during period x, instead of total weight lost.
***
Now for those of you who stuck around to read my schpiel, here goes:
Assumption: BMI 25 used as the baseline for goal and calculation of excess weight. I understand that using BMI as baseline is inherently flawed, as it doesn't take into account an individual's biological makeup like muscle mass, bone density, etc, etc., but its the best we can do at an elementary level. I mean, really, not all of us have calipers or full body scanners in our basements, lol.
To calculate rate of excess weight lost (rLoss) for a specified period:
total_weight_lost_during_time_period / excess_weight_at_start_of_time_period
notated as....
rLoss = ( x0 - x1 ) / ( x0 - G )
Where:
G = weight at BMI 25 for one's height.
x0 = weight at start of monitoring period
x1 = weight at end of monitoring period
Using my own numbers as an example, at 5'2", my BMI 25 weight is 135.
Month 1 (m1):
223 : weight at beginning of m1, 201 : weight at end of m1 25% : excess weight loss rate, calculated as: rLoss = ( 223 - 201 ) / ( 223 - 135 ) Month 6 (m6):
138 : weight at beginning of m6, 129 : weight at end of m6 300% : excess weight loss rate, calculated as: rLoss = ( 138 - 129 ) / ( 138 - 135 ) So really, in m6, although i lost less than 1/2 the total weight I lost in m1, i actually did much, much better (statistically) as I was much smaller in m6.
Now fast forward to Month 8, the month you are specifically asking about. I was below BMI 25 by this point so this formula would not apply since my excess weight was zero (I was 119). Despite this, by the end of the 8th month, I lost 2 lbs.
So yeah, the weight loss seems to have slowed down quite a bit if you only look at TOTAL weight lost (2 lbs vs the 22 in m1), but when you look at the lbs loss as compared to my actual body weight at the time, it was statistically a waaaaaaaay better rate.
Ta-da!
MATH, y'all.
P.S. I was 116 this morning.
P.P.S. Sorry this was so long.

7 months and 6 days post-op, and I’ve hit my goal! I lost around 70 lbs pre-op (and over 50 of that before surgery consult in late October of last year - COVID scared me into finally getting motivated to really do something about the weight). Pictures are from fall of 2019, second is about 2 weeks post op, and then the last is from early this week. Thinking of adjusting my goal down another 10 lbs or so as I still want to lose some more, but this is the lowest adult weight I have been. Need to start saving for plastics. I will say, the changes are more noticeable now - even 5 lbs can make a difference. I also started doing strength training about 10 weeks post-op (once I was fully vaccinated) and that has made a MASSIVE difference. I did a body scan and from late March when I started to mid-July (my most recent scan), I lost 35 lbs, which I knew from my scale, but I actually gained 6.5 lbs of muscle and lost 17% body fat. Want to continue to build that muscle and tone and now thinking lose another 10 or so. We shall see. But for today, I Celebrate hitting my goal, especially since everyone at the surgeon’s office said not to set it at that, as most folks only lose 60-70% of their excess weight. Of course, they also only want me to eat plant-based, and that’s not happening either. It’s definitely Fri-YAY!

So my primary focus is on getting Protein first and foremost. Partially because it’s filling and partially because I am working out so much that I need the protein for my muscles. I eat 3 meals a day and usually 1 snack. I definitely try to avoid refined carbs for the most part. Now, I’m not going to lie - I’ve had a cookie 3 or 4 times, or a tiny scoop of gourmet ice cream, but those are occasional one-offs and not something I keep in my house. I’m currently at about 1200 calories a day. My breakfast is pretty boring - I either have chobani less sugar added Greek yogurt with a scoop of GENEPRO Protein Powder, 15-16 raspberries or 10-12 blackberries, and 1/3 a cup of purely Elizabeth grain free granola, or half an “egg wrap” - which is using a low carb tortilla (I like the ole version), egg, grilled veggies (zucchini, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, zucchini and spinach), ground turkey sausage, and shredded mozzarella. lunch and dinner are just dependent on what I’ve cooked - usually something like spinach stuffed chicken breasts, a fajita bowl (meat, a little cheese, grilled onions, and salsa), ground chicken burger, taco salad, etc. Snacks are usually one of the following - 3 apple slices with 2 TBS natural Peanut Butter (just peanuts - no sugar or salt), cashews, chicka boom popcorn (the sea salt one and I measure out 2 cups), or if I am short on protein, “protein pudding” - 1 sugar free pudding cup with a scoop of genepro protein powder. I do also throw in sugar free popsicles and sugar free fudgesicles (but those are part of the liquids and I don’t have to wait to drink after those). My goal is minimum 80 grams of protein. I still try to be low carb and low sugar but my net carbs are usually around 50-60. That is now - I was definitely lower early on - but trying not to be carb phobic of the good carbs now. I was extremely carb phobic at first. Have added more veggies and fruits in the last couple of months, but again, my #1 goal is protein.

Ok ready to post my final before and after photos. Before is around 350lbs, 3 or 4xl shirt. My highest ever confirmed weight was 356 and this was very close to that date in 2014. The other is today, wearing a size medium shirt. Surgery was June 12, 2020, weight 334lbs, 6’4” BMI 40. I hit this weight (193) about 10 months post op and have been maintaining fairly evenly since (up a couple down a couple etc). For anyone on the fence about surgery, do your research but don’t let the scary stories you read here overwhelm you or give you a false sense of their frequency. Yes, bad things can and do happen in any endeavor. No one has a crystal ball, but the statistics of health issues from being obese and the statistics of coming through gastric surgery safely and enjoying positive results speak for themselves. I never dreamed I would feel this good again. I didn’t even think I was that fat…. Just a “big guy.” Looking back at old photos I’m mortified. Looking forward I’m so optimistic and full of life and joy. I feel like this is the “me” that has always been in there, hiding, hoping, waiting to come out. What “you” do you have inside longing to come out and face the world?

Exactly. My surgeon told me 60-65% of excess weight was what to expect. She recommended sleeve for where I was (around a 40-41 BMI when I had my first consult) and for the fact you are unlikely to have dumping issues or absorption issues. However, before she made the final decision I had to do an endoscopy to show that I didn’t have reflux issues or that would mean bypass.
As Luna Girl said, you have to commit to follow the plan and change you eating habits. I did not stray from the pre-op or post-op diet stages, and only ate the things that were appropriate for each stage. Now I’m not going to lie - I’ve had a cookie here or there or a small ice cream a few times - but I log everything and I have one on occasion as a special treat - I don’t eat 6 Cookies in one sitting - actually, I don’t think I’ve even had 6 cookies in total since surgery! And I was probably 5 months along before I had any of those things in small doses. Surgery is a tool - not a magic bullet - and I think sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of that.
The last thing I will say is that my only regret is not doing this sooner. You’ve already done the hardest part in taking the first step - stick with it and good luck on your journey!

7 months and 6 days post-op, and I’ve hit my goal! I lost around 70 lbs pre-op (and over 50 of that before surgery consult in late October of last year - COVID scared me into finally getting motivated to really do something about the weight). Pictures are from fall of 2019, second is about 2 weeks post op, and then the last is from early this week. Thinking of adjusting my goal down another 10 lbs or so as I still want to lose some more, but this is the lowest adult weight I have been. Need to start saving for plastics. I will say, the changes are more noticeable now - even 5 lbs can make a difference. I also started doing strength training about 10 weeks post-op (once I was fully vaccinated) and that has made a MASSIVE difference. I did a body scan and from late March when I started to mid-July (my most recent scan), I lost 35 lbs, which I knew from my scale, but I actually gained 6.5 lbs of muscle and lost 17% body fat. Want to continue to build that muscle and tone and now thinking lose another 10 or so. We shall see. But for today, I Celebrate hitting my goal, especially since everyone at the surgeon’s office said not to set it at that, as most folks only lose 60-70% of their excess weight. Of course, they also only want me to eat plant-based, and that’s not happening either. It’s definitely Fri-YAY!

Spinach stuffed chicken breasts. This was a new recipe to me and very good! I ate about half of the top one.

I don’t know but here is the recipe - I use the paprika app to store all my recipes. I use about 3 cloves of fresh garlic though - it’s probably a bit more than a tsp but I think it gives it a great flavor.
Spinach Stuffed chicken Breasts
Main Courses
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 T. olive oil
1 t. paprika
1 t. salt, divided
¼ t. garlic powder
¼ t. onion powder
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
¼ c. parmesan cheese
2 T. mayonnaise
1 ½ c. fresh chopped spinach
1 t. garlic, minced
½ t. red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Place chicken breasts on cutting board and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Add paprika, ½ t salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir.
Sprinkle evenly on chicken.
4. Cut a pocket into the side of each breast and set aside.
5. Add cream cheese, parmesan cheese, Mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper flakes, and ½ t salt to a small bowl and stir well.
6. Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly.
7. Place the chicken in a 9x13 baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25-30 min or until cooked thoroughly.

Spinach stuffed chicken breasts. This was a new recipe to me and very good! I ate about half of the top one.

When I had surgery in mid-January, I had about 80 lbs of excess weight going by my height - I’m 5 ft 5.5 inches which I round up to 5 6, so 155 would put me at a normal BMI. (I had lost 70 lbs on my own pre-surgery). By 6 months, I had lost all of that plus another 5 lbs. Again, these are averages - you can lose a lot more than that or lose a lot less. Stick to the eating plan and exercise and you’ll be fine.

I don’t know but here is the recipe - I use the paprika app to store all my recipes. I use about 3 cloves of fresh garlic though - it’s probably a bit more than a tsp but I think it gives it a great flavor.
Spinach Stuffed chicken Breasts
Main Courses
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 T. olive oil
1 t. paprika
1 t. salt, divided
¼ t. garlic powder
¼ t. onion powder
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
¼ c. parmesan cheese
2 T. mayonnaise
1 ½ c. fresh chopped spinach
1 t. garlic, minced
½ t. red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Place chicken breasts on cutting board and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Add paprika, ½ t salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir.
Sprinkle evenly on chicken.
4. Cut a pocket into the side of each breast and set aside.
5. Add cream cheese, parmesan cheese, Mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper flakes, and ½ t salt to a small bowl and stir well.
6. Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly.
7. Place the chicken in a 9x13 baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25-30 min or until cooked thoroughly.

Spinach stuffed chicken breasts. This was a new recipe to me and very good! I ate about half of the top one.

Exactly. My surgeon told me 60-65% of excess weight was what to expect. She recommended sleeve for where I was (around a 40-41 BMI when I had my first consult) and for the fact you are unlikely to have dumping issues or absorption issues. However, before she made the final decision I had to do an endoscopy to show that I didn’t have reflux issues or that would mean bypass.
As Luna Girl said, you have to commit to follow the plan and change you eating habits. I did not stray from the pre-op or post-op diet stages, and only ate the things that were appropriate for each stage. Now I’m not going to lie - I’ve had a cookie here or there or a small ice cream a few times - but I log everything and I have one on occasion as a special treat - I don’t eat 6 Cookies in one sitting - actually, I don’t think I’ve even had 6 cookies in total since surgery! And I was probably 5 months along before I had any of those things in small doses. Surgery is a tool - not a magic bullet - and I think sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of that.
The last thing I will say is that my only regret is not doing this sooner. You’ve already done the hardest part in taking the first step - stick with it and good luck on your journey!

7 months and 6 days post-op, and I’ve hit my goal! I lost around 70 lbs pre-op (and over 50 of that before surgery consult in late October of last year - COVID scared me into finally getting motivated to really do something about the weight). Pictures are from fall of 2019, second is about 2 weeks post op, and then the last is from early this week. Thinking of adjusting my goal down another 10 lbs or so as I still want to lose some more, but this is the lowest adult weight I have been. Need to start saving for plastics. I will say, the changes are more noticeable now - even 5 lbs can make a difference. I also started doing strength training about 10 weeks post-op (once I was fully vaccinated) and that has made a MASSIVE difference. I did a body scan and from late March when I started to mid-July (my most recent scan), I lost 35 lbs, which I knew from my scale, but I actually gained 6.5 lbs of muscle and lost 17% body fat. Want to continue to build that muscle and tone and now thinking lose another 10 or so. We shall see. But for today, I Celebrate hitting my goal, especially since everyone at the surgeon’s office said not to set it at that, as most folks only lose 60-70% of their excess weight. Of course, they also only want me to eat plant-based, and that’s not happening either. It’s definitely Fri-YAY!