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Hello! I started my journey of weigh in's and appointments to get the gastric sleeve May 2018. I lost 30 pounds on my own by July 2018. I refused to use diet pills. i started out at 339.8lbs March 2018. by October 2018 I was 247lbs. I live in Panama City, Florida. Hurricane Michael ripped through my town as a category 5. I was displaced until August 2019 when I purchased my new house. I was on a roll until this Hurricane. I was unable to weigh in the last two months of my process (October and November) as there was no power or water for 4 weeks after the hurricane.And most buildings were destroyed. I have since gained a little bit of the weight back while trying to maintain for so many months while going through the healing process of this horrible natural disaster. One week ago I started the process again. In an attempt for them to let me pick up where I left off in the process seeing as it was not my fault that I could not weigh in for two months. I'm going to a metabolic center in Tallahassee and I am super excited to continue on in my weight loss journey using this tool to help me continue to loose more weight. If you have any advice for me prior to surgery or after I would greatly appreciate it.

Generally looser bowel motions are quite a normal consequence of gastric bypass. It is all to do with the different absorption post op. The first thing you should look at is what you are eating. Too much fat/sugar are going to cause problems.Lactose also causes issues for a lot of people postop If you have checked your diet and there is no obvious cause then you should speak to your Dr. There are drugs they can give you that slow down the rate of gastric emptying. You should also consider how bad the problem is. If you are passing loose motions all day long then yes you probably need help. However if it is just that they are unformed and more than previously but at a certain time of day you may be able to adjust your lifestyle to accomodate it. I have accepted that looser bowel motions are part of my new normal. They tend to be mainly in the early morning which means that it is best to be at home at this time. I don’t really have issues the rest of the time.

Does anyone know a remedy for loose and unformed stool? Also looking to slow down number of bowel movements...

Tiny Desk Rank™ I went window shopping for a new coat in Nordstrom Rack last night and tried on 4 sizes of the same Lauren by Ralph Lauren Tweed coat The sizes were 0, 2, 4 & 6. 0 -2 were *slightly* too small with no detectable difference between the sizes. I couldn't button them comfortably but I did have an athletic sweater under Size 4 & 6 were slightly too snug at the button (4 - but I had an athletic sweater on still) or slightly too loose in the back dart (6) The 4 could have been the 0 or 2, the 6 could have been an 8 or 10 in the end. This isn't a cheaply made inexpensive low end brand. They have old pattern blocks/block makers. What is going on? I wish I took pics to prove this exercise in futility but the store was so filled with people I could barely get a mirror to myself Side rant: I was quite upset to fit into anything marked size 0, it feels misleading. Also my home "Mirror Mirror" does wonder for my confidence but public mirrors ... Meh. I looked thin and flat all over in the wrong places. I think its the monolithic floor to ceiling size that dwarfs my ego 😔

So, today I am 11 1/2 weeks post op and my weight loss has significantly slowed/stalled. I am lucky at this point if I drop even 1 pound in a week. Day in and day out, the scale fluctuates up and down by 2 pounds, but mostly does not actually drop below my last low. Can't remember exactly when this started, but probably about 3+ weeks ago. Still following docs orders, although I admit I am bad about measuring and recording. I also still struggle to get in all of my fluids. So much so that last week I had to have a medical procedure done... and couldn't eat anything for 8 hours before a procedure at 1 pm, which really meant I couldn't eat anything since before bed the night before. By the time I got to the docs office, I was VERY dehydrated and asked the doc to give me extra fluids. But before they did... they had to fight to find a place to start my IV. Took the anesthesiologist to get it because the nurse couldn't get it. And when she did... I actually fainted from dehydration. Seriously. Needless to say, they gave me the extra fluids I asked for. And yay for me, they didn't get to do the procedure afterall do to another complication... which means I get to do this again LMAO. Back to my stall... I am sure some of it has to do with the fact that I am still not getting enough fluids and calories. I am not doing terribly, but I am not doing great at it either. But at the same time, I am doing so much more activity. I walk a lot, whenever I can. Today I did 6 miles, last weekend I did 9. And my body IS drastically changing. I was a size 16/XL. My abdomen was very protruding. I quickly dropped to a 14/large. I bought size 12 pants when they were tight on me to go back to work... and when I did at 9 weeks post op, they fit perfectly. Then I bought a few mediums because I would be able to wear them in a couple months. I also received an XL shirt that I ordered ages ago at work that arrived last week... and I switched it out to a women's medium thinking it would fit me "soon". I tried that shirt on last week and it was too snug to wear. Since I have so few work clothes, I decided to try it on again this week... and it fit... and looked a little LOOSE! Then I ordered 2 pairs of hiking pants to shrink into soon... a size 10 and a size 8... the size 8 arrived first so I tried it on for fun.... it is tight... but I was able to get them on and zip/button them! The size 10 is perfect though I don't think I will be wearing them for long. And the fact that I could squeeze into the size 8 is just so exciting! Seriously, that means I am just about half the clothing size I was when I started. Anyhow... just wanted to remind all of those who are 'STUCK" to pay attention to their clothing sizes/body shape... just because you aren't losing weight, does NOT mean that you have stopped losing inches! And for those who are much more active than before, remember: Muscle weighs more than fat. You are gaining muscle which offsets the "weight" loss... but building more muscle will help you lose more fat!

I'm just shy two weeks out, and this is honestly the only thing keeping me from loosing it. I've had my pureed/soft foods grocery list made up for at least a week and I frequently add to and revise it. It's the only way to convince myself to drink yet *another* protein shake.

Wow! I cant wait to see the results after fully healed. I bet it will look amazing. Already tell the skin is so much tighter. How much pain are u in? Congrats on your weightloss journey!!!

I had the bypass done on August 28 and just had my 3 month post op visit. My surgeon is beyond thrilled with my results! I have lost over 50% of my excess weight to date and he said he wouldn't be surprised if I was near or at goal by 6 months. I also met with the nutritionist and she is perfectly happy with how things are going as well. I told her there are days I don't want to eat very much, if at all, and she said that's totally normal and fine but not to force myself to eat. She's ok that some meals I only get 1/4 cup of food and others I can eat a 1/2 cup. My goal is to be 199 by the new year, and if I keep losing at the rate I have been it's a very feasible goal! My surgeon also said that I could start looking for a plastic surgeon to get rid of the some excess belly skin because I'm already getting rashes and having pain from it, that won't happen until later next year though as summer 2020 is already filling up fast. I also bought a new swimsuit for our cruise in June, in a MEDIUM! I tried on the medium top yesterday and while it was a little snug fingers crossed it should fit perfect by then! It was on clearance so even if it's too big by then it's not a huge loss of money. I also got bottoms in a medium!

Well, I tell you what - NYC is definitely hailing there's a new hot girl in town!!! You must be over-the-moon happy and as you noted, life is good! Feeling lighter on my feet everyday no longer carrying all the baggage. This morning, I moved into a new decade of 139 lbs. Yay! I'm still in loosing mode BUT if you'd let me borrow 2 inches, I'd be at goal today! Haha. That would leave you a nice 5' 7" tall and me 5' 2" taller! LOL. I really don't count calories and eat 75% raw like salads, shrimp or lobster bites, cottage cheese, lots of veggies, nuts and fruit. And, baked crackers with high quality thin slice of cheese for a treat with fresh tomato salsa. Eat very few processed foods. 80 - 100+ oz. water a day, decaf hot tea in the evenings. Cold shrimp cocktail appetizer is my go to for dinner's out socially. Not a big fish girl. I'll bring that dish with me to a friend's in Boca for Thanksgiving dinner. I remain very strict, and never wish to return to the carte blanch eating coma. I walk Bobby (the wire fox terrier) three times a day and my profession keeps me very physically active. How's your riding? Do you feel more flexible in the sport now? Do the horses respond to you differently now? I do have ample excess skin front side that really weighs down + off balances posture on new, very petite frame. i.e. The jacket below is a 10 petite, but really should be a 6 or 8 if not for extra abdominal skin. Clothing sizes, of course, vary with each garment style. I interviewed plastic surgeon's and found an excellent one here in Jupiter. If all goes well, Lolo, surgery is slated for late January 2020. Oh boy! It will be an arduous timely recovery given the fleur de lis tummy tuck - the breast lift, not so much. However, I knew this phase was to follow, and I desire to look my best going forward and in the gown I designed for our May 2020 - vow renewal and gala on mainline, Philadelphia springtime. So excited! So, I am a women on a mission. Planning holidays here? If in town, let's definitely get together and compare notes + celebrate our victories! I'd really enjoy that. We are decking the halls this weekend, even the car. Haha. Good to connect AND I am so very happy for you, Lolo. Your beauty, resolve and determination just radiant. CONGRATULATIONS! Life is good. ;]

Just throwing my 2 cents worth in.......... I also drink only tea now. When I want something a little sweeter, I use a tea that is more spicy with cinnamon. If you can stay off the artificial sweeteners, you will find that your taste buds will change. Bigelow's Vanilla Chai are Celestial Seasoning's Bengal Spice are two of my favs. Artificial sweetener does you no favors. It messes with your stomach/brain communications which can cause you to eat more, can trigger insulin release in some situations, and can cause loose stools (the sugar alcohols). Repeated studies have shown that people use drink diet sodas actually gain more weight than those who drink regular soda. Using fruit and sweet spices like cinnamon can go a long way in satisfying the need for sweetness, but you have to give your taste buds a couple of weeks to make the transition.

Good morning, Sheribear - untucked. But, feeling the slacks appear a bit bunchy and loose... not flattering your wonderful new figure! With this untucked variegated top - maybe pair it with a nice solid black, quality spandex form fitting bottoms (love your hips + curves) with black boots? You wear black so well. And, I can hear Oklahoma all the way to Florida hailing there's a hot new girl in town! BTW, there's that cool closet again even with furniture. The to die for girl's cave! Can we all come up to the attic to try clothes on, too!? Haha. ;]

Thanks Sophie ! I pretty much am in maintenance , fluctuate between 169-172 and although the charts say 168 is goal, this fees just fine . I am a size medium /8-10 and don’t really have any loose skin . Exercise a few times a week and probably eat 1500 calories a day . Life is good ! How r u doing ?

Hi all, Just checking in. Yesterday was 11 months for me. I weighed in this morning at 121.6! Can you believe that my primary doctor is talking about me getting underweight! I feel like my legs are still pretty thick but it is all extra skin he said. My top half is really little at a size XS and bottoms are a size 0 or 2. I eat approximately 800 calories per day and exercise 2-3 days per week. I don't have up to date photos yet but the ones I am posting are from about 1 1/2 months ago and I am 5 pounds lighter now. I am 52 yo and feeling great.

I’m trying to catch up on emails coming from BariatricPal. Such a tiring morning with a dr appointment that didn’t go as planned, needing to return shorts and a jacket for a smaller size in Kohl’s. And groceries. And now having a late breakfast lunch. While thinking about a comment someone made to me last night. My mother’s boyfriend (at Bingo) commented on my weight When I took my jacket off, which I hate. And I said to a friend of my mother’s I lost almost 80lbs. She said at least it doesn’t look like I have loose skin, I said oh but I do. And her answer was at your age you can exercise to tighten up. I didn’t answer, i couldn’t, but in my head I’m thinking A. Not at my age now, b. Not when I can’t exercise and c. Even though my current compression pants hide it i desperately want thigh tuck to wear normal shorts and maybe even skirts. Thinking big I’d love a tummy tuck and liposuction and other things but I’m in the dilemma of not having funds. Unless I apply for special credit and go to BariatricPal Mx hospital. given my medical history it should not be priority but my thighs are so ugly (the worst part for me) and a lot of extra belly skin. My neck isn’t too bad I use bio oil I think and always exfoliate and moisturize. Plus not much sun exposure lately. I’d love to be comfortable to get in the pool (though chlorine hates me) my chemical sensitivities put a kink in my treatment plan at my doctor. And will need more doctors appointments and to deal with my bad knees, degenerative scoliosis, degenerative si joints, degenerative discs, etc. I haven’t look at my butt I’d rather not know right now. but the thigh swelling, wrinkling sagging, belly swelling extra skin are causing pain too. It just says heavy on my frame and kind of makes me sad when I want to just rest without too much clothes on and not feel disgusted. ive always felt the need to just stay covered.

Thank you so much for saying this. One of the reasons that I post in here is as a mental exercise to battle dysmorphia. I’m not the type to look in a mirror and give myself positive affirmations, but taking pictures of my outfits is something I can do. It helps with mentally mapping out my body. I’d have to say the dysmorphia is still there, but I suspect it’s far better than I would have if I didn’t participate here. My hope was that we’d have more people posting as they lose. I think it’s so important to love yourself where you are now, spend even a bit of money on some nice thrift store clothes as you shrink so that you feel confident in your skin, and celebrate the work you are putting in. I chose to have bariatric surgery not because I hated myself and where I was, but because I love myself and wanted the freedom that not being MO brings. Like it or not, the world is cruel to people who are MO. It’s personal as well as systemic. Anyhoo, enough rambling! Here is today’s outfit. I need to tailor the blazer’s sleeves a bit, but I think otherwise it hits well on my hips, and I can officially close it over my chest now! So, I got to pull it out of my “to shrink into” bin last night.

Thank you, ladies, for you're honest and sincere input! I respect and value everything each have said and the insight your experience renders. I will definitely compare all the pro and cons. (I also love playing scrabble, and am a big To Do List girl, too!) Whenever I need to make a major decision personally or professionally, I literally write out two columns, one pro and one con. It's a great way for the subject matter at hand to become crystal clear on paper. That said, I absolutely bonded today with the female plastic surgeon and her staff. I never sensed they were selling surgery. I asked for a thorough exam with an honest evaluation and answers to my concerns which were raised here on the thread. I expressed my goals were not for a body beautiful. I'm now 60 and realistic. My hubby and I joke, I'll be like Mrs. Frankenstein 2020! The current severely sagging, elongated breasts (boy, now that's a pretty picture) are now causing back pain; a bit of a hunch back is forming; and two rolls of abdominal skin causing posture imbalance, rash and bones to protrude now that my frame has become relatively small. None were issues before when I was big and plump, as the weight balanced out everything proportionately, surgeon noted. With careful examination of my entire body in the raw - she did not wish me to loose much more weight feeling I'd crossover to gaunt. Nor felt the weight on the scale was an accurate measurement of my body frame and type. She concluded, I was an excellent candidate with a great underlying structure in good health, and addressing the loose skin now was a good thing. We met for over an hour discussing this, good nutrition and other relevant topics. My appointment lasted 2 ½ hours. I felt them professional, thorough and attentive to the sleeve nuances. The surgeon was quite confident and enthusiastic about sculpting me to my personal finish line. She loved and was inspired by the 25th gala gown design sketch for May 2020 - I had shared on the OOTD thread. Call me rebel, guinea pig, stupid or a trail blazer - but I scheduled my breast lift and a fleur de lis tummy tuck for this winter, January 2020 with exparel pain medication to deaden nerves that first week. They were most forthright to my questions for recovery time + post surgery pain + uncomfortableness given the sometimes precarious vertical and horizontal lower abdominal intersection that can sometimes cause healing complications. Hopefully, that will not be my plight. I am to use a walker and not stand erect for the first few weeks until that particular incision shows healthy healing. An arduous endeavor. Hubby and I will go to pre-op appointment. However, we will continue to proceed with caution and remain attentive. As a super responder (Dr. Weiner's term) as I think many of us are here - I was actually a very jovial, active in my field, former professional full-figure model, fit, sturdy overweight who ate fairly healthy (until reading the obesity code, a real eye opener to the toxic foods we thought were good for us like 21st century breeds of brown rice, whole wheat bread and wheat pasta + all white powders, like cocaine, just kidding!...) and exercised regularly. No real obesity issues accept left knee joint pain from previous injuries (ergo, the penchant for flat shoes) as a runner exasperated by too much weight. Even heavy, I strived to be my best possible self BUT no doubt, my good fortune would eventually run out moving into older adulthood. The sleeve has addressed the metabolic disease beautifully. I remain cautiously optimistic about this next phase. My former Miami modeling agency has asked if I'd be interested in registering as a relatable, older adult petite woman. Absolutely, of course. You often get to keep the clothing you model. Fun! Just no high heels... Oh, and I thought this definition + history was way cool: Plastikos - Greek root to mold or give form. Egypt 3000 BC first historical evidence of plastic surgeon pioneers caring for facial wounds via duels and jousts. 1800's better tools and techniques invented. WWI becoming prominent for wounded soldiers. 1950's thru today, an established art and science with continuing advances with modern technologies. My surgeon is 10 years practiced, yet on the cutting edge. Not too young or too old. Interviewed three surgeons, will cancel the last two interviews. Did not mean to write a novel...

Hi, I would absolutely LOVE to see Alaska! All the wildlife. Yes I am a July sibling lol. July 8th, 2019. I am doing well. Went from start 203, surgery 198 to 166 today. I could... should be better.. I am 53, an do enjoy a little wine etc. I feel so much better. I have fine but a whole lot of hair. At 3.5 month I did have some come out more than I wanted. It appears it may have slowed down now at 4.5 months, I think me and my husband are the only ones to notice. I am going to cut my hair medium length in the next couple days as it isn’t as full. I started bariatric vitamins months prior to surgery, I take the bariatric vitamins, biotin, hair skin nails with vitamins, sublingual d3, sublingual b complex, collagen, msm, protein either shake or powder daily. It is frustrating. I guess it is normal to lose up toll 6 months. Hoping it doesn’t last that long. My nails are ruined from my psoriatic arthritis so I couldn’t tell you if that is affected. the issue with my liver was 10 years ago when I was just diagnosed with my autoimmune disorders. That is why I try to double check everything from my doctors. I made certain I hit my goals. It is confusing because some say you cam only absorb a certain amount at a time. I added peanut butter powder, collagen powder to my shakes etc. So all of that may have been a waste. hope you hair loss stops ASAP as it sucks. No other way to say it. Hope you are hitting all your goals!

I’m trying to answer before I crash for the night. Laundry day always has me beat and I went to play bingo. I don’t get out much. Tomorrow I’m supposed to have a interstitial cystitis treatment but the last one made me very sick. im trying to branch out and add new things and find it a struggle to keep on top of it all. I tend to be over honest especially in writing with my thoughts though I can’t always process the emotions. Yeah I could use a break from myself but I am ocd. Maybe some would call it an eating disorder. I just need control of even one thing in my life. I tried so hard to not let stresses to cause me to make mistakes. If I do i get back on track. Without family, being just my mom and I the holidays will be tough. Especially since it tends to be centered around food I try not to let others habits influence mine. That’s hard. To do the head work. To not fall into bad habits. To know what foods are good for our bodies. I’m far far from perfect but I’ve got nothing else so I fight until I can’t. I want to at least have words to help if I can. And I know sometimes that’s not wanted. I wish my moms friend would listen and take care of himself. When people notice I lost weight they say things like you don’t have loose skin or exercise can fix it (nope) I don’t think they realize my age. And my body feels even older. now I’m rambling. Each day I weigh myself I hold my breath and hope for the best and that I can keep the right path despite stress and pain and exhaustion. My childhood was rather hellish and always had weird food issues. But keep working at it, starting with navigating what works for you.

These stalls suck and do a number on your head. After hitting GW last month, I too decided to just kind of play things be ear for a few weeks and then this last week I’ve gotten a bit more serious bc I want to get a couple pounds below 150 to give myself some wiggle room for vacation. I too think I set a high-ish GW (155, 5’7”) and I’m okay with it bc I’m older and I’ve always had a lower RMR and I want to be able to eat 1200-1500 calories some day and quite frankly I could kill myself to try to get below 140..... but why? I guarantee if I did, then I would immediately gain 5-10 pounds the moment I started eating >750 calories/day so why stress it out? I think your lifting goal is awesome and where I plan on changing my body later is through plastics (for sculpting and skin removal) and through Pilates and running. Okay, so my GW has now shifted to any weight

your doing great we all loose at different rates work your process keep up the great work

I have heard that too. My thinking is that they might remove 4-5 pounds of skin/fat however initially you swell so you can't see that on the scale then when you do get an accurate weight a few weeks later it might be only 1-2 pounds lighter. My theory is that your body adjust to stay at a set weight so you may have lost 4 pounds from your tummy for skin removal but you gain a few pounds and it is probable distributed everywhere else.

Just be careful that the sugar substitute doesn't affect your stomach. Some substitutes like erythritol can cause gas and loose stools. Especially if eating too many products with it.

I think it’s ok to post here if you aren’t ready to start your own. I kind of stepped in a lot of posts too. I don’t want to wait for plastic surgery but my body might have other plans. We do what we can when we are ready. They say to be as close to goal as possible and be able to maintain it. I personally feel getting rid of the extra skin will help me feel more likely to maintain. I’ve struggled for a long time. Some fat can’t be lost without liposuction along with skin removal. And all depends what shape we wish to have.

@FluffyChix, @Sheribear68 @GreenTealael just a thank you for making me feel ok to write this post that I put off out of sheer exhaustion due to post exertional malaise from myalgic Encephalomyelitis chronic illness that effects my entire body life and self. And autism spectrum that makes me fear speaking openly in a forum. My words are not brief enough so I apologize in advance. And if I can’t stay on topic or veer in various directions too. This has been a long time coming a longer fight than my surgery alone. I was reminded of my mom saying how when I was little I said something like what do I do when I get big and my clothes don’t fit as if I’d suddenly be grown up. i had a very unexpected weight loss win that came upon me sudden and overwhelming. I’ve very little energy not due to surgery. that’s a long story but I’ve been trying to make my bedroom a real bedroom I’ve never settled in since moving and my bathroom finally is almost done being fixed and bought a nice MCM dresser for very cheap on Houzz but my ocd I needed drawer bins to organize myself. I had my clothes in plastic bins in the closet. (Another phobia) After surgery I started to wear compression Capri shorts or pants both because they fit a size range, for orthostatic intolerance aka pots benefits and to hold in jiggle. I also wore oversized men’s t-shirts. I was always a denim and tshirt person. I don’t usually have a lot of clothing. I had a bin in my closet for a long time with brand new shorts that didn’t fit Levis I think size 6 and size small men’s tops. I had another bin with size medium compression bottoms that I got after surgery. And then the bigger siZes that were much too tight by the time I had surgery, I got exhausted getting too big for my usual denim shorts so fast. I buy when I find them cheap less than $10 no more than $15. I’m on a tight budget. I found a pair of size 6 jeans in target and thought these will never fit me. But they were awesome for $10 beautiful matte black with buttons and short enough for me, I thought they wouldn’t fit. I thought My size smalls will never fit me. Even if they run bigger than usual. Which they do. I admit which is fine. I wore a large size xl on the size range and switched to the smaller size large and large men’s. In the past I wore tight size 16 jeans and plus size tops. I’ve been there before. a week or so ago I said I will try on the jeans and was shocked they fit and then all the clothes fit and my old bras no longer fit but I had back ups of undies and sports bras put away and now I’m glad I did. and I had to finally organize my clothes in my dresser kon mari style and I’ve never had this much clothes. Never. Might not seem like much but to me it is, That even the denim shorts fit so it’s overwhelming. I need to get them in a Smaller size for hot weather again. But needed pants for when it’s chilly. And I started looking at swimwear. I haven’t even done that ever in my life. Though I want Bermuda length bottoms and rash guard due to wrinkly saggy skin. All of a sudden my clothes are smaller than I thought they could ever be again. my body image I don’t feel small still. Just oddly bony in all the wrong places. And too big in others. And wishing for skin removal. And wondering if anyone has discussed this with their surgeon. I suddenly have the desire to be able to wear shorts that I probably didn’t since I was eight years old the last time I might have been considered thin and maybe a Tom boy. I want to be that kid and not how old am I? I know I can’t get it back but when you fight your body for so long you want simple things. Other people let it roll off their backs. Look away but we see ourselves every day. i think I feel if I post this it will jinx it that my weight started to go down a little faster than I expected. I’m still a ways away from goal at my height. But I’m ok with that. I’m exhausted and overwhelmed at the same time, my eating needs to be careful and calculating and I slip up in small ways. Find myself tempted by old habits developed because I was losing my ability to taste the food I was eating and having to back step from adding salt or butter or ketchup or carbs. And realizing some things can’t change and I have to keep adapting. I still don’t know why I can’t taste food properly one would think it would help I thought surgery changed it but it s going back to the way it was so I need to adapt again. You still want foods to taste good the bites you do eat. We struggle with our perception of food and nutrition. And not always fitting the norms while trying to succeed. I admit I added evening coffee because it helps things move along and sometimes sleep a little better but some days it’s not as effective at calming my heart rate or stress due to ADHD, orthostatic intolerance. I can’t be as active as most people either. gotta keep the gut moving. But I had some problems there too I’m still working on. My gastroenterologist is the only one in the area and tests showed colitis of some kind but not my colonoscopy. Plus he did the balloon dilation this time and tore my esophagus. And I’m not due to see my surgeon for a few months, I’m needing to see a new neurologist, spine doctor, cardiologist so I’m the opposite of most in needing more doctors. Weight loss isn’t a easy answer or a cure but don’t let it hold you back from trying, I am also dealing with crazy emotions and can’t process my weight loss. And can’t explain how I feel because this is a permanent change in a life where I can’t control anything else. I’m now in menopause due to recent surgery and need to manage new chronic conditions along with existing ones. and ones yet to be diagnosed. Ie. A neurological cause of dysphasia muscle weakness. my thoughts have been scattered and exhausting and I’m in a difficult head space because of where my life couldn’t go. And won’t. it was either give up and lose because of my chronic illness or keep gaining weight. And lose even more of myself. The surgery just exposed weaknesses that I didn’t expect but need to adapt to. The weight was killing me faster hurting me more. My mom has someone in her life and he needs to consider bariatric surgery he is 6’ over 330lbs has diabetes, high blood pressure is on a lot of meds, thinks he is eating healthy enough, thinks protein balances carbs and sugars, needs knee replacement. says he knows what’s right. But he judges me and my weight loss journey, comments how I look and how he thinks I should feel about it rather than focus on working on himself. And I’m finding that hard. Because he is capable but he wants the doctors and pills to do the work. And maybe because I never trusted the doctors or pills I see things differently. But it’s hard to be around people who watch how you eat or don’t eat and think it too strange for them to understand. ive spent my life on the outside and people can’t understand my chronic illness, or what my weight was doing to me overall, and that I will never be well but couldn’t continue on the path of gaining weight and the burden it put on my body. i wish someone could edit this so it could make sense. I write things and then panic about what I said. I hold back words most of my life and now I am trying not to in hopes it can reach the few people who feel as weird as I do. Struggle with health, body issues, life itself. And just want to have a body they feel good in for themselves and skin they can be comfortable in for themselves. Not just image but how we feel in clothes how we feel in our life whatever type of life it is. And not let the people around us define it or alter it yet not have to disconnect from them either. I don’t have much in my life and I’m hanging on as hard as I can to what is left. And my weight was part of this to try and have something I never could. I see my age I feel older and I’m trying each moment to stay on my feet upwardly mobile and not bed bound. Which honestly I am much of the time. Not by choice. And no one in the Weight loss journey talks about this side of things. The people that can’t be as active but struggle with food issues too. And that diet and exercise, especially exercise can’t fix. I haven’t had a normal life my body has been old before anyone else. I live around 90 year olds more active than me. ive been writing this over an hour and I’ve exhausted myself and Im putting it out in a public forum and that scares me. Especially since it’s scattered and long. Like all my other posts. I try to check in and answer what I can and took a while to come around to post my update. I’m shocked at six months and I’ve gone from 5’ 0” over 208 lbs BMI of 40, to around 130 lbs. I weigh myself dressed so I don’t feel shocked at changes. I weigh myself daily. Log my food the best I can. Do this for you and no one else, do this because you are ready even when you feel you aren’t. Do this for your health but also your wellbeing. Do this knowing that you need to still put in the work. Do this knowing each persons experience is different but yours is yours and as important as anyone else’s. im most resistant to changes but sometimes we have to adapt or die. Ignore the numbers or what other people desire, and do this for ourselves. I need a brain edit. I’ve said too much but only touched the surface. I know this is a public forum and I probably didn’t stay in a linear train of thought. My hormones are all whacked and I see life staring at me taunting me. We just want to fit. Even when we think we never will. I know my experience isn’t much and I’m terrible with words. If this needs to be removed that’s ok. I just felt I needed to say them.

Most definitely. He took liberties, I feel, from a point of arrogance and ignorance! The extra skin on our newer figures is not simply a vanity issue as he implied (what a twit) - Especially for us petite body types... I've noted this extra skin weighs me down, effects my balance and posture. Tight foundations are not healthy for our organs. Corsets be damned for the previous women of yesteryear. Can you even image being tied up in one for the sake of fashion! I also find a size smaller pant (not the stretchy kind) is more appropriate - if not for all the tummy flesh and muffin top dilemma. I hope he did not steal your joy and anticipation. Will just call him Dr. Clueless.