deedee

Last night after my exercise class the instructor came over to congratulate me on how trim and fit I was looking (I wish I looked the same with my clothes off). I told her I have 15 pounds more to go and then I think I'll be done (still not sure about that final goal, I'll have to wait and see). I also expressed how much harder it has become to drop even a pound and we started talking. This instructor weighs 134.5 lbs, down from 136.5 two weeks ago...two weeks ago we started our winter challenge in class where we weigh and record each week on a chart if we want...that's the only reason I know her weight, because she told me her weight that night. She is in her early 40's and has the body a 20 something would die for, definitely an inspiration for me (maybe after plastics some day:-) Anyway, she expressed that people in her life are always telling her how lucky she is that she can just eat anything because she is so skinny. She then said they just don't understand how hard it is for "us" to lose weight when "we're" smaller so "we" really have to be careful about gaining weight. For the first time I felt almost like I was apart of the smaller group. My entire life I have been apart of the larger group. I started ballet at 2 and even then was the biggest dancer. Throughout school, cheerleading, and dance team, I was always one of the biggest girls. At the time it didn't really bother me, in fact sometimes I took pride that I could keep up and even beat out smaller girls for coveted spots. I had a pretty positive self-esteem, but was always realistic in who I was and my appearance. But last night I realized that I never considered myself as completely "normal" and definitely not "smaller." I don't think anyone was ever rude about my weight (except my older brother could be brutal, but he was family and didn't count), but I also never truly felt included in conversations about "normal" weight and fears. I remember friends talking about gaining 5 pounds over a semester and how they must lose it before this or that, and I was always like "so, that's not a big deal, it's just 5 lbs." I am starting to get that 5 pounds can make a size difference and means you may or may not fit into those jeans or that dress. Enough of my ramble, I just wanted to journal this new experience I'm having. I still don't really fit in the "smaller" group, but I'd say I'm with the "normals" at least amongst my friends.

Thanks newmom! I will definitely look into those options. I've decided to put the Let's Dish on hold until I can speak with the nutritionist today at a follow-up appointment. I will keep you all posted.

Chandra, I think you're doing great so far! You are getting in 3 protein drinks a day, that is an accomplishment in and of itself, I'm so impressed. In my first two weeks, I lost 17 pounds. I then only lost 4 more pounds before having a 13 day stall, but the weight eventually started coming off again and in hindsight I think it came off pretty rapidly. We all lose at different rates, but the important thing is that we all seem to lose. Good luck and try to up that fluid intake!

How are you doing? Was the doctor able to do the surgery?

Yay for not cheating! You are already at the hospital, and I am thinking positive thoughts for you right now. I can't wait to hear from you when you feel up to it!

Welcome! I can't wait to follow your wonderful progress. Good luck with your pre-op journey!

Thanks, I definitely gave him some hugs. The 8's are tight, but I think I might wear them to work at the end of the week, we'll see.

Mine was also related to my water intake, or lack thereof. I've always gotten headaches when I start to get dehydrated. I also suffer from really bad headaches and sinus pressure at different times of the year. You may want to call your surgeon's office if they don't go away soon.

I will definitely think positive thoughts and prayers for you!

Okay, well yesterday (Monday) I weighed 164 lbs. I'm really going to work on upping my Protein this week, so hopefully I'll see a loss next Monday. Today I did a bit of shopping myself...it's so much more fun now that I'm not in the woman's sizes. Let us know how things go when you finally do make it out.

Woohoo Tiff! I'm so happy for your success!

Excellent Helen! What a wonderful feeling that must have been.

:001_tongue: I was drying off this morning after my shower and he opened the door to tell me something and stopped and smiled and said, "wow, you're getting so skinny." It was exactly what I needed to hear because while I was in the shower I kept pinching all of my fat around my belly, hips, and thighs and was feeling pretty disgusted about the fact that I have lost 75 lbs. and still have so much fat and flab. This comment made my whole day because it was such a sincere expression almost like he was caught off guard. I also stopped off to do a little shopping and bought a pair of size 8 pants from Lands End. They are tight, but I can sit in them comfortably. I can't believe that 5 months ago my 22 W's from Lands End were tight and those were the ones with a hidden expandable waist. I LOVE my sleeve!

I remember how good it tasted to have something to actually chew. It also took me a good long while to learn to slow down and recognize my full signal, so you are ahead of me there. Congratulations on graduating to a new food phase!

Sweetie, you will be there before you know it! I started out in a 22-24 in the beginning of July, today I just bought my second pair of size 8's (although they are both very tight), but wear mainly a 10/12 bottom and large top. Have fun shopping!!!

Congratulations Ange! I don't know how I missed this. I hope you are doing well. Keep us posted, I hope to get pregnant so I'd be very interested in how things go for you.

Beginning at 17 days post-op, I had a stall that lasted 13 days (I thought it was only 11, but actually went back to count and it was 13). Towards the end it got kind of difficult, but I did stop weighing myself daily and that sort of helped. Good luck...it will pass eventually and like VA said, take measurements.

Chancie, what a great idea! I too find myself needing a little more accountability and will join in with your Monday weigh-in if you don't mind. I can't wait for you to be in onederland...you have worked so hard and come so far! You are a wonderful inspiration for me.

When I first began solids, I could eat around 2 oz. (sometimes less, sometimes more, depending). My program really stresses only eating 3 meals per day with two snacks (they want those to be protein supplement drinks). I would usually do a yogurt or protein supplement for my first "meal" and then have 2 other meals during the day. I would sometimes have another snack like protein bar or popsicle, it would just depend.

You should call your surgeon. I was cleared for full exercise at one month post-op, but I took it easy with the weights (used 3 lb ones) until 6 or 7 weeks post-op. Now I do remember feeling really tired after exercise in the beginning, which was new for me...usually exercise energized me, but I'm now back to normal in that regard. On the other hand, I've read where surgeon's allow patients to do exercise, non-strenuous, earlier (I think the elliptical might count as non-strenuous??). Good luck, but even if you need to wait, it's not too far off.

I'm so happy you're back, I missed seeing your posts! Congratulations on the 6lbs! I need some of your will power, I probably would have been all over that bacon:-)

I was told absolutely NO fruit with seeds. I had to wait until I was cleared for regular food to have any. I even had to watch that with yogurt. They were worried about seeds getting stuck in the staple line, don't know if this is really as big of an issue as they made it, but I of course listened to my doctor. I'd be curious to see what yours says.

Congratulations to both of you! It will be here before you know it.

Yay for you! When I had 20 lbs. left to lose I decided to try and do it by eating a sensible, balanced diet like a healthy, fit person (versus the low carb/high protein I lost the first 70 lbs. with). My weight loss has definitely slowed down (1-2 pounds per week) so I might go back to the low carb diet just so I can accelerate these last few pounds. I too, just WANT TO BE NORMAL. Good luck!

Good for you AJW! I just had my labs done too, but there are a couple of levels that are too high including my cholesterol. My new goal is to have perfect labs next time.