learn2cook

I agree, the process of climbing sounds very interesting. Also, my big challenge was switching careers at 50. Like get masters and really go for it. I’m thinking some martial arts next, or a new love interest. Think about what scares you and do that?

By the way, your weight loss is phenomenal and I’m very impressed!

I had significant hair loss and planned on splurging on a wig made with real hair for the transition. ShoppGirl was right about no magic potion, just time. Anyway, I found I wanted a change and got a cute haircut that flatters me and is easy to style. The cut hid the hair loss and I don’t need a wig. One woman in my WLS group shaved it all off, she looks great! Open your mind to trying new things and save the wig idea for a backup. You might be surprised in a good way.

Loads of muscle definition WOW! Very inspiring:)

I agree with the above posters. I was curious about the same thing and measured out what feels comfortable when eating. I can eat 4oz of meat, tofu or whatever protein. Then I feel good with 1/2 cup of salad or berries or anything veg/fruit. If the meat is physically bigger, just 2 oz of veg/fruit fits in afterwards. I’m 11 months out. All mashed up, about 1 cup of food fits in, like the size of my fist closed up. I did overeat at family reunion this weekend for the first time, watermelon, I went for a walk to feel comfortable again. There was no throwing up. Again, everyone is different.

Was it good? I melted the butter and dipped my fork tines in the butter to get the taste, but not too many calories. I’ve made sauces with olive oil or grape seed oil, or cook with the oils in spray can form from Trader Joe’s to keep amounts low. Sometimes I heat up a low calorie salad dressing for a dip, it brings out delicious flavors warmed up. I went out last fall with friends and ate my lobster with just the lemon. It was still tasty!

I love everyone’s music and do a little of each too and podcasts for the bike. I have to add Lizzo, Gaelic Storm, and Ojos des Brujo to get my legs going.

Get a flattering haircut, check out YouTube videos on flattering for you styles. Use a tinted matte eye shadow to disguise any scalp shine if necessary. Then wait it out. My hair loss started around 5 months and ended at 10 months. It doesn’t last forever!

Mine was the same as this. The two doctors got involved one to one. The surgical doc explained to the insurance doc why it was necessary due to extreme GERD. It sounds like it may happen if your surgical doc graduated from Harvard and the insurance doc was a retired pediatrician let’s hope. Crossed fingers!

I remember going to WW at that age and loosing 50lbs. There was no loose skin after a short while. (Can’t say the same at 54yrs!). Give your body two years to reabsorb itself. My knees never looked smooth, but everything else tightened right up, you will too.

Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉!

Well said Tek! I have found that I can combine protein with a sugary treat and then don’t dump, but then there is the trade off of calories or not feeling deprived. Well, if I’m full of hamburger, I can eat that cookie, but I’m already “full” the extra will just be uncomfortable! It sounds like the original poster walked to the ice cream shop. Exercise can sometimes buff off the original sugar high of a dump and prevent one from starting. Or you are just in the majority of non-dumpers.

My 45 year old female 1st cousin just died from a heart attack. My other 1st cousin had his first heart attack at 38. I’m feeling so grateful I had the surgery! There’s no guarantees but I’ve increased my health odds in the right direction.

Wow Jason n that’s great!

i found the Ripple powder for water and the Owyn premade shakes completely plant made. There were other plant options at VitaminShoppe but look at the sugars too. The prices just went way up on Amazon. I got my local shop to carry it.

Aside, now I’m curious about what these “twisties “ are??? I was thinking licorice twists but now I must be wrong??

Welcome! I’m not in your area but I can tell you what to look for in a WL center. Others could chip in with ideas too… I looked for a place that was easy to continue seeing and traveling to because there are many visits. I looked for big sturdy furniture and scales. I looked for solid medical degrees of the docs and how many surgeries they had performed. I looked at the affiliated hospitals so I knew my insurance would approve good care. I made sure there was certified and licensed dietitians with Master’s degrees in science. Lastly I looked to find follow up care with pre and post surgical groups that meet up monthly and they chat. Those are all good indicators of a good, well run program. I think I’m luckier than most in such choices because I live near Boston MA.

Slip ups happen to everyone. I found I could no longer work nights anymore. As soon as I stopped, 10lbs came off and stayed off. Melatonin and cortisol levels get all mixed up, I think we all know this at this point. I kept the snacking limited by eating “breakfast” at midnight. I prepared healthier snacks that didn’t trigger a binge, and left all money and bank cards at home, even deactivated the Apple Pay. Best of luck!

“I found the psychological aspect to be the most important long term.” I wholeheartedly agree! Not everyone needs this but therapy has helped tremendously for me and my family. It’s important to address the underlying issues while making new healthy habits.

I was talking with a (never been fat) friend at work and she was sharing all the meal planning and prep she does for herself in little containers. OMG how did I go my whole life and not know that regular thin people spend their time doing all this prep stuff!

I went on a brunch date that was nice. We chatted about everything and I ended up blurting how I lost the weight because they knew me from before. Eggs were a good choice, and yes I drank real coffee with milk in it. No sparks but the beginning of a good friendship.

I wasn’t counting calories then my dietitian did and explained I wasn’t eating enough. I’m still not a stickler but she’s right, eating up to 2k does make me loose. I do track faithfully every thing I eat so I’m honest with myself.

I colored and used my Fitbit to track my water. I mindlessly watched YouTube videos. Do whatever it takes to pass the time. It gets better each day. You’ll be so happy to sleep in your own bed (day 4 for me). Then I was so happy when I could get out of a chair easily, (day 5). I made a habit of watching sunsets and being grateful for another day done. Then the weight really starts to come off, and you’re not even hungry. Going up stairs after two weeks feels like floating. It will get better.

I never had the band or anything else. I’ve had bypass and it has helped with GERD issues for the most part. Only a small portion of us get dumping, like 10% or so? Anyone can correct me, please. I still have to plan meals, weigh and measure everything to keep myself on track. I work it as hard as any time before surgery only the surgery reinforces portion control and increases my odds for loosing and keeping it off. You will need to meet medical criteria to getting bypass or mini bypass. It sounds like you’ve done a lot of work to get to where you are now physically and emotionally! Congratulations:) There’s a thread on here or two about band to sleeve/bypass. You might find better info on there.

I LOVE that you can see non-scale victories! (I wish I had had the courage to do that.) You are fierce!