deedee

You look great!!!

Woohoo!!!!!!!! You might enjoy that nice restaurant, it's your birthday and you can probably eat off those left overs for a couple of days;-) Do you have a favorite place you enjoy visiting...like the zoo, plays, live music??? You can always check out the paper. Again, congratulations on the overweight milestone!!!!!!!!

Glad to hear everything is going so well! The liquid stage really was one of the hardest parts of this journey, but luckily it's over pretty quickly.

Welcome! Good luck with the pre-op process. Yes, the diet depends on the you and your surgeon. Keep us posted on how things progress.

I really like it too, but I love black dresses! I think it's a great style and with the pleats, you shouldn't miss the puffy skirt and I'm sure you'll look FABULOUS!!! Sorry to hear that your Baltimore trip, but I completely understand about traffic.

I might try a little jogging in the spring (well when the snow stops) and see if it's less painful now that I'm lighter? I really think it's great exercise, but I don't want to lose too much in my thighs and butt...I've always liked thickness and curves, just really want to tone the flabbiness up down there.

Thanks guys! I made my husband do a photo shoot of me after exercising this morning. He didn't understand why and at the end when he asked and I told him because I'm normal now...he just smiled and shook his head. That's why I love this site so much, we all get it.

Oh Tiff, I am so sorry. You have been through so much and now this...yuck! Mine was found diseased last summer, but I'm hoping I can wait until this summer to get it out. Please know that I'll be keeping you in my prayers. Big hugs!!!

Great job on your dining out experience. It does get easier and for me the more comfortable I began to feel the less need for explanations as to why I was eating so little. Congratulations on your loss!

Don't know when/if you're heading to Baltimore (with the snow coming;-), but here are I like although you'd them have to find a little wrap or jacket. FYI-my tastes tend to run a little preppy, classic, and plain for my own dresses, but these seemed to me to be nice and a little more trendy out of the bunch??? Have fun shopping! Also comes in more Eastery colors ANN TAYLOR: Silk Crossover Bridesmaid Dress This probably wouldn't work for this time of year, but it's just fun ANN TAYLOR: Silk Modern Floral Print Sheath Dress Let me know how your search goes.

I have finally broken my 12 day stall (sitting at 150 lbs.) and this morning weighed in at 149.5 pounds. This puts my bmi officially in the normal range (barely, but I'll take it) :thumbup1: I am just so happy. I've been normal on the scale at Jazzercise and even hit my goal weight on the Wii Fit scale, but my bathroom scale is the one I've been waiting on...the one that "counts" and it's finally there too. Thank you to everyone on this site for their support, words of encouragement, and friendship. I know I'm not quite done yet, but feel I've just jumped my last big hurdle and I WILL make it to the finish line now.

Welcome Rob to VST! I'm glad you are at peace with your decision. Good luck with your pre-op journey and please keep us posted.

I started about 1 month pre-op. I went to my consultation appointment late June scheduled my surgery for about 5.5 weeks later in the beginning of August. I was given a binder and made another pre-op appointment with both the surgeon and nutritionist (part of the requirements) for 4 weeks pre-op. I read my binder when I got home and it talked about how I needed to begin an Atkins type diet immediately due to my surgery coming up so soon. I'd never done this type of diet and called the office (I was going on a week trip and wasn't sure what to do), they said I should try to cut back on the carbs and the nutritionist would explain things at my pre-op appointment and really begin the diet 1 month pre-op. My surgeon's practice puts some on a liquid diet and has some do the Atkins style diet depending on bmi and/or comorbidities. I did have to do 2 days of a clear liquid diet right before surgery. You may want to call the office just for clarification.

I was always very regular before surgery (2-3 times per day). Since surgery I've had problems with constipation, even Miralax took about 6 days (I think) to get things moving. My longest bought lasted 11 days. Now at almost 6 months out, I eat more of a balanced diet with fiber, etc. but there are still times when I don't go for 3-4 days. Earlier this week I thought wow, I've gained 1.5 pounds, but sure enough I realized I hadn't had a bm for a few days and after was back to the weight I had been (I know...way too much info.). FYI-Usually spinach and apples help me, but not always. Good luck!

My fingers and toes are crossed for you. I hope you get to feeling better soon. Why does life have to be so difficult?

Congratulations! Stalls can be so frustrating.

This is just my opinion and experience, BUT I have not been as successful as others...so take it for what it is. I followed the low carb diet (30 carbs or less) for 1 month pre-op and most of the first 3 months post-op. At that point I decided to try to lose the rest of my weight eating a more "normal" diet so that I'd be sure to be able to maintain once I got to goal. I also figured that if I stalled, I could go back to low carb. My carb intake typically ranges from 30-100 per day. Since New Year's Eve I've added a few too many simple carbs back in (mostly on the weekends) and really need to work on that. I'm in a bit of a stall right now, but REALLY want to get to goal (2 pound away again as of today) so I'm thinking I need to go back low carb for a couple of weeks. You may want to run your ideas by your nutritionist/surgeon. Mine felt I was being successful enough and didn't mind me doing it this way (well, I didn't really ask, but did inform). Good luck on whatever you decide. It's kind of fun (in a weird kind of way) learning how to live again.

Congratulations, that is such good news!!! You are doing so well on your journey.

Welcome Lauren! Good for you making the decision to become healthier. I was 29 and definitely wanted to live a healthier, more active life in my 30's and so far that is happening...so glad I did this. I wish you luck on your pre-op journey!

Don't apologize, you look GREAT!!!

lol about the Wii, yes it's a stickler. Glad you are feeling more normal. I look forward to your Friday post!

I so wish we could go shopping together! Next time for sure. I'll try to post some links later, but have you thought of going to Nordstrom Rack? I was there a few weeks ago and found great dresses. I bought this amazing red dress that I'm going to wear for Valentine's Day. And happy belated birthday to your baby!

I'd never hear of it, would love to know what you think.

I remember the first time I realized I couldn't use food to make me feel better post-op...it sucked, but thank god I had this tool in place. Good luck with your loan process, I'm rooting for you you!

Welcome to VST! Congratulations on getting your date. This is a great site to ask all the questions you have and get needed support. Keep us posted on your journey.