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Glad to see everyone is doing well! I’m a verrrrry slow loser. I try not to compare myself though because I know everyone’s body’s and journeys are different. I’m down a little over 50 lbs. I’d like to lose about 60 more. I’m struggling with animal proteins, they really don’t sit well. Soft foods are still the safest bet. I’m honestly not following my plan too closely because all I’m supposed to be eating right now is protein (from animals or beans or yogurt/dairy) and veggies. I stalled for 5 weeks 2 weeks after my operation. And then again more recently. What has helped me is upping my calories, which was my nutritionists suggestion. I need to start exercising, I tried Orange Theory and signed up but now I’m scared to go back. I almost starting crying during the class bc it is so overwhelmingly difficult. Lol.

Hmmm. Well that’s interesting bc I literally physically *cannot eat >800-900 calories daily if I’m eating food I want/need to eat. I mean, yeah I could hold 900 calories of chocolate cake, or mashed potatoes, or candy (although probs not in one sitting), but if we are talking about typical things that I eat now, I have nowhere near the capacity to hold over 800 unless I drink a few glasses of wine. Heck even 2-3oz bourbon has at most 150 cals. This makes me think that even though I consider myself more or less in maintenance, I’m basing that off of my BMI and goals that I had set. Wow, my mind is blown thinking about this.....

My trash Android, lap for support, window & rainy day for light 😬🔦👌 I usually take BS photos i when I can remember on the run but I took my time today prepping this salad so it was no rush Second pic I was in a rush to leave 😂

Lol! See I was just looking back over the pics and thinking how much my hips stick out by a mile and wishing I had legs that were about 3 inches longer than they were bc they look so short and stubby to me. Lol, I moved the mirror from the attic room to my bedroom bc the electrical outlet stopped working and I needed better light to do my hair. Long story, but my master bath has about the worst lighting on the planet and one.....ONE single outlet that’s nowhere convenient to a mirror so I’ve always used that room right off of it for my hair stuff. Whelp, the outlet is fried (and I have no idea why) so I’m temporary moving home base to the bedroom (which I dislike doing because I don’t like having “stuff” junking up my oasis. Oh well, hopefully hubs can fix it soon and I’ll come to grips with my body all at the same time

I also watch "that bs guy"

I think give it time, I couldn’t tolerate chicken, tuna, sardines during the soft phase no matter how slow or how wet i made it but honestly my body was having a tough time with meat And fats prior due to my gallbladder and food allergies. I did tolerate beef better but grass fed organic beef, and vegetarian organic chicken (green wise Publix store brand) I would just buy and eat less or when chicken went bogo. It depends on the quality meat. But for now I’m working on high protein veggie burgers that have pea protein and vegetables. never cook things dry, keep meat portions smaller too. also can I suggest getting a good digestive enzyme like garden of life chewable, something with a range of enzymes that will help you with the hard to digest foods. I buy from vitamin shoppe or vitacost. I dislike our local gnc it’s a franchise ... but if you have a good shop you can ask about digestive enzymes. also as I said, give things time and try them in small doses even with sleeve. (I had bypass) digestive enzymes can help with preventive for developing GERd.

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...

Well mostly the food in our cart is protein,veg,dairy, and the ever-important food group, iced coffee. The only time I add carbs in any form in my cart is when I’m shopping for an event. I actually do view carts full of soda pop, pop tarts, kid cereal, chips, crackers, cookies, ice cream, bread,pasta,boxes of Mac and cheese., etc to be “fat people food”. I know bc I used to have carts that looked like that and that’s part of why I got so fat. That being said, I don’t judge bc everyone has their story and that’s their business. It does make me sad though that the cheaper food is the stuff that’s mostly garbage. Not saying that only the MO walk around with carts like this, but there’s a much higher incident if it.

I just spoke to the surgeon about this bc I got mine (4 days early). This is not uncommon. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

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

I was addressing her comments about "feeling fat". And I have days like that. It doesn't mean it's disordered thoughts or behaviors. It means I'm retaining fluid and so I do go back to IF with my low low days filled with lots of low cal food. The bloat leaves, I get some added bonus of autophagy, pain levels decrease, asthma symptoms improve. I'm back down in the range I'm comfy in and then it's life as usual. That what motivated my advice to her...so she would feel more confident in her body and her dress. I agree she doesn't need to lose weight---she looks smokin hot right now. But how we feel inside our body is often quite different. And her hubs comment was totally BS. (And no offense meant or taken. )

Had a good day yesterday. I ended up eating at my "normal" day level for M-Thursday. LOL. I do this cuz it's my way of doing maintenance. I know each weekend I will likely put on 1-3lbs. Not that I eat poorly, but I eat more high calorie food and probably have more carbs. So then I do the Dr. Fung shuffle at the top of the week to get it back off. It works so far and when it stops working, then it's time to shift to a new plan. Today with be an ADF DD for me. Tuesday November 20, 57 F 20mo PO RNY, Maintenance 131.8lbs B-Protein Lattes (4oz PP) L-1 1/2cups chopped salad + 1/2c tuna salad + 1c bouillon AS-1 cup bouillon + cucumber and baby carrots D-grilled shrimp + chickie boob + steamed broccoli + 1/2 caesar no croutons + 1 caprese stack + pelligrino BS-almonds + 1 square Lindt 90% chocolate Daily Totals: 789 cals; 63g protein; 41g fat; 37g carbs; 9g fiber; 28g net carbs

Today is weigh in day. I may have lost a few pounds, or none at all. I've been roller-coasting 5 pounds this last month. Then I got sick and "fed" my cold with soda crackers because I was so nauseated. That has led to a bit of water weight which I'm still trying to flush out. Question for anyone who reads this, How much protein is too much during this pre-operative time? I'm not on a specific diet yet, but I'm still getting in 80-100g of protein a day.

Getting started here in KS and have Anthem BC/BS-CA. Current BMI is 44- no co morbities. My question is- if during the Doctor monitored diet & exercise 6 month period, my weight dips under the qualifying 40 BMT; is it possible that I'll become disqualified? Just wondering... Thanks in advance for any input!

Love this plan! I find that when I pre-plan indulgences, that I don’t get as tempted at other times bc I know I’ve got “my time” scheduled in. You know what I learned? I’ve learned that if I plan out these things, I eat and drink less than when I don’t have something planned out and life gets to me and I snap. We are not going to be perfect all of the time, but the key is to plan our imperfect moments and if we get caught up in accidental ones to learn from them and move on.

Anyone here with Texas BC/BS? I've scheduled my first consult for December and know they require 6 months with a nutrition program before surgery. I'm in school and want to get the surgery done over the summer ASAP so I won't be at risk of missing any of the fall semester. How has the timing been for everyone else on this insurance? Has anyone had any problems getting approved for the surgery right at the 6 month mark? Thanks!!!

Well my weight bounced up today. I'm sure it's leftover from the weekend partying. But that's ok. I did my ADF DD (down day) successfully yesterday. Made it to 3pm before I had a few pepperoni slices as I headed out the door to get a load of boxes moved from 1 storage to the other...sigh. YES. The storage move continues. Gah. Hatin it. Ready to be done! I just want to reiterate this isn't a normal day of food for me in maintenance. Yesterday was a IF day where I actively wanted to keep my cals <500 and protein <20g ideally (for autophagy), but I ended up over. OH well. Monday, November 18 Maintenance: 5'4", 57y, F, 20mo PO RNY, 132.8lbs B-black decaff L-black decaff + green tea decaff AS-BH pepperoni + uncured salami slices Dinner-Italian Sausage & marinara + 1/3 caesar (no croutons) + grilled salmon + grilled shrimp + steamed broccoli + garlic BS-black decaff Daily Totals: 489cals; 38g protein; 33g fat; 11g carbs; 3g fiber; 8g net carbs.

Sunday, November 17 Maintenance: 5'4", 57y, F, 20mo PO RNY, 131.8lbs Mr. F. felt bad yesterday so he got to choose dinner, which was of course, steak. LOL. So my planned foil fish will get eaten tonight for dins. After a weekend of heavy heavy eatin', I'm ready to do this week with Mr. F. We're gonna do my old flame week of ADF with calorie restriction to 500cals EOD. It really kills inflammation and I've been having killer hip and back pain lately. So I'm hoping it will help with that and will also help Mr. F. drop a few pounds that have crept back on his frame. I'm actually looking forward to today and to not eating until 3pm (also doing TRE 18:6 with the ADF). Tomorrow will be a regular weekly M-Th day for me and closer to the 850calorie range. Although we didn't have shananigans yesterday, I managed to pack away the food and the cals/macros! I've been consistently over-eating protein lately, and think that may be one of the sources of inflammation. So we'll see! B1-Avocado Chaffle with Poached Egg & 2% Cheddar + Bacon L-Green Soup with Veggies & Shrimp + Poached Egg Whites (1/2 recip) AS-Baby Carrots & Cucumber D-Grilled Steak + Loaded Garlic Broccoli + Avocado Slices BS-Almonds + Lindt Dark Chocolate Totals: 1143 Calories; 82g protein; 69g fat; 52g carbs; 19g Fiber; 33g net carbs

Done two tables 28 people fed and i have a buzz - so all good and they had a good time DONT DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE STRONG AS HELL - BUT ALL SAID WAS WORTH IT

Yes!!!! Yes to all of this! I have a long torso, short stubby and chunky legs. Had HUMONGOUS breast (i also would spill out of DDD) and got my reduction in 2010 after a bout with breast cancer bc finally my insurance would pay for it. Went from G cup to B cup and haven’t regretted one instant of it. I’m definitely an A cup now and I’m actually pretty thrilled with the fact. For me, the ONLY way I’m getting these chunky legs taken care of is lipo the cellulite that covers my upper legs. Then of course get rid of all the loose skin and excess flab hanging on my waist/lower abs. Sadly there’s no amount of exercise or toning that can remove saggy, flappy skin. Oh and sorry sillykitty, I’m kinda jacking your plastics thread, but since I’m nowhere close to a consult I didn’t want to start one of my own and I wanted to vent about frustrations with my bod even after losing >100 pounds.

Okay so one of my friends almost died earlier this year and she’s currently needing to get on a heart transplant list, but they won’t even put her on the list due to her super-MO ( if I had to guess, I would say she’s at least 350+ pounds, and that would be a conservative guess). The answer her docs have come up with? Bariatric surgery to get off a hundred pounds or more, then she can be on a transplant list. Her prognosis without transplant? Not good at all. She’s 46 years old and they are telling her she’ll likely not see 50 without it. Her response? She’s still freaking “undecided” bc she doesn’t want to “lose her current relationship to food” It was an extremely rough convo for me to have bc she’s a highly intelligent woman, but I just can’t believe that she’s honestly thinking about allowing food to literally kill her. For the record, all I did was go over the pros and cons of WLS, and tried my best to not sound like I was trying to convince her, but dang it was tough bc i know what will happen if she doesn’t do it

Honestly if I’m lucky enough to drop another size, my tummy pooch will look just like that. Right now is still semi-disguised in clothes bc I still am carrying more weight around my hips/lower abs, but with no clothes on it’s very noticeable

Saturday November 16, 57 F 20mo PO RNY, Maintenance 131.4lbs It was Saturday Shenanigans day and date day. We did our walking and worked in storage for a few hours moving boxes. That's how I justified Saturday afternoon in our little neighborhood place watching football and having a tequila and beer. Back down to the lower end of my maintenance window which feels better. We have no shenanigans planned for today other than I had a big brunch and probably won't eat until dinner. Think dinner will be foil wrapped basa filets. B-SF Peppermint Mocha Latte + SF Pumpkin Pie BC Latte (4oz PP) Brunch-Bacon Egg Cheese Chaffle + Grape Tomatoes AS-Nekkid Wings + Side Salad w/blue cheese dressing no croutons + baby carrots & celery with ranch + 1 tequila + Miller Lite with lime BS-1/2 Low Carb Wrap with BH Pepperoni, shredded cabbage, purple onion, WF Asian + Twin Peaks Protein Puffs + 1 whiskey + decaf coffee Daily Totals: 1250cals; 75g protein; 56g fat; 45g carbs; 13g fiber; 32g net carbs

Yesterday was a big ol' food day for me. I was hungry all day. And so I ate. Oddly, I was also exhausted and in a crummy mood. I didn't even get up and walk yesterday cuz my mood was so bad and I was so tired. So I took a day off. Today I pay the piper cuz I'm up to 133.4lbs (pre-poopy weight). I am working on day 2 poopless, so I do think I can account for it beyond just having a ton of food in my body from yesterday. Fri, Nov. 15 Maintenance : 5'4" / 19mo PO Sleeve / 133.4 lbs B1-Protein Lattes (pumpkin pie + banana PP 4oz) B2-Open faced Chaffle McMuffin (egg + eggwhite + uncured hard salami + 2% deli deluxe cheese + Psylli Chaffle) L-1/2 Rec Green Soup (broccoli + spin + cabbage + asian stuff + broth + egg puff + shrimp) AS-Frigo Lite Cheesestick + uncured hard salami +almonds + baby carrots D-Caprese stack + broccoli & garlic + spinach & garlic + grilled chicken + 2 glasses cabernet + 1 espresso with heavy cream BS-almonds + 1 square Lindt 90% Dark Chocolate Daily Totals: 1509cals; 91g protein; 85g fat; 49g carbs; 16g fiber; 33g net carbs

omg lol I swear we were meant to meet bc one of the things I wanted to do was a new crab boil restaurant lol. I start my preop diet the week after Thanksgiving thank god! Girl we are in this...1 month away 🤗