NYC_PAULA

29 I loved theater and acting. I gave it up after college because I convinced myself I would never be good enough to make a living at it. I miss it. I signed up for some acting classes not because I think I'm going to change careers but because I want theater to be a part of my life, even if it's just for fun.

I'm in the same boat. I also had a lap band previously. I had my surgery on Feb 7th. I lost a lot the first two weeks and then it stalled. Now that I'm on stage three with food and have clearance for exercising I've noticed the weight is coming off a bit faster now about 3-4 pounds a week. Hang in there. I know at least with me that there is a fear around failing with the second surgery, but I also know I did well with the band until it slipped and had to be removed. I'm hoping if I follow everything to a tee again I'll have the same results of success that will last this time since the sleeve can't slip. Good luck! I'm in your corner.

I don't notice a difference when I look in the mirror but I do notice a difference when I look at photos week over week.

27. Big Goal for 2019 is to write more.

26. Getting back up whenever life knocks me down is what makes me feel powerful.

I think it feels like that at first and yes there are certain habits and foods we can't make the norm anymore, but now that I'm eating solid food again I'm still able to enjoy socializing. I go out to restaurants with friends. I make smart high protein choices. I either order a small plate or take most of the meal home in a doggy bag, but I'm not feeling deprived. I'm focusing on the time spent with friends vs what food I'm going to eat.

22. My greatest victory is probably moving to NYC almost twelve years ago and not only surviving but thriving in the city. B Side: Outside I loved playing SPUD, What Time is It Mr Fox, and 500. Inside I loved my dollhouse, barbies, and American Girl Doll.

19. I'm proud that I've taken a commitment to take care of myself not just physically but mentally and emotionally to. I found a therapist I love and see her once a week. I also go to the post-surgery group at my surgeon's office. Also, update on my goal for the month. Now that I have the full fitness clearance I'm back on track with three workouts a week. Eventually, I'd like to work myself up to more.

I have to remind myself to eat. Especially in the morning. I am just not hungry. I've just moved to solid food but have to do at least one protein shake or supplement because I'm supposed to get 70 grams of protein in. Even if I'm able to eat three meals that are around 20 grams of protein I'm at least 10 grams short. I've been trying to do a protein shake in the morning because I really have no interest in eating that early.

Thanks for sharing this is very helpful.

B Side: I tend to be more of a weekend warrior. I find it easier to fit workouts in during the weekend. If I do stay at home and watch TV or listen to podcasts for part of the weekend I'm usually doing chores/cleaning during.

B side: I love milder seasons. I’d rather workout outside so I run more in Spring and Autumn. Summer isn’t bad either I just have to plan running very early before it gets too humid.

I’d like to find an outlet for getting involved in acting again. I loved theater and did plays and musicals all the way through college.

12. Negative thought I’m going to let go of: This isn’t going to work. I believe if I put in the work it will.

That's amazing. Congrats!

Waiting till my check up on Friday before going back to the gym for classes and weight-bearing exercises. I did go for my first post-surgery run on Saturday and it felt great. My goal is to get back to running for 30 minutes three times a week. I also have an appointment for a complimentary personal training session at my gym later this month. 11. My favorite part of my body has always been my legs. I'm apple shaped and while I'm very critical about my tummy, back, and flat bottom, I have very shapely legs.

We had surgery on the same day. I had a nearly week-long stall somewhere in the 2nd/3rd week. I decided to start weighing myself only once a week. It was a great decision. I realized I dropped almost three pounds in one week after the stall. I also started measuring myself once a week too. Good luck!

10. I think I'm a good writer. I work in content marketing so writing is part of my day job. I also do some freelance writing on the side.

9. Piece of advice I’d give myself, start now! Don’t wait till tomorrow because if you keep waiting for tomorrow you’ll miss today.

Congrats. I hope your surgery went well.

I've been doing Rent the Runway Unlimited as I'm dropping sizes. It is $150 a month but that is less than I would spend to replace my wardrobe every time I drop a size. They have options up to 3X but they seem to have a lot more in sizes 0-20. I have a referral code if anyone is interested in trying it out https://rtr.app.link/e/2rizVmN9TU you can get your first month for $99. For anyone who wants to try a less expensive clothing rental program or one with more plus size options, I've done Gwynnie Bee in the past https://closet.gwynniebee.com/. It's about half the price but you only get two garments at a time. With RTR you get four at a time.

Congrats and also thank you for sharing your experience. Very inspiring!

8. A bad habit I'd like to break is hitting the snooze button then rushing to get ready in the morning. I need to just go to bed 30-60 minutes early so I wake up refreshed.

Today is my one month mark. I started weighing myself once a week instead of daily and it was a good decision for me. Down 26 pounds since surgery! I haven't really noticed it when I look in photos or in the mirror but I notice that my clothes feel looser and I'm fitting into a smaller size. I'm still on the soft food diet for another week, but I'm feeling like I have a little more energy every day. I can't wait till I'm able to start working out again.

Late to the party but excited to join this challenge Starting weight as of 3/1 245 One month post op as of today and in weight loss mode Goal: Set up a fitness routine once I have the clearance to go back to the gym next week #7 I love that I'm a hard worker.