Good morning,

• What are challenges you're working through right now?

• Areas of improvement?

• How about wins?

Let's talk.

Let's have a good week.

—FGS

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Hey @@fatgirlsvelte The waiting is my challenge right now - that and I have a pinched nerve in my neck so I'm miserable (and on prednisone)! I am so ready to be on the other side of the loser's bench!

I can say though that although I'm ravenous on the prednisone - I've done pretty good at keeping myself under control. So that's a win!

@@KristenLe,

Good on you. That can't be easy, especially when you are in pain. Are you in physical therapy right now?

Keep your head up!

Hey @@fatgirlsvelte The waiting is my challenge right now - that and I have a pinched nerve in my neck so I'm miserable (and on prednisone)! I am so ready to be on the other side of the loser's bench!
I can say though that although I'm ravenous on the prednisone - I've done pretty good at keeping myself under control. So that's a win!

• What are challenges you're working through right now? working my way through grieving the sudden loss of my Daddy. it's a rough process and takes a lot of energy, time and self attention. and some medical stuff not related to WLS.

• Areas of improvement? I've just gone off my BP medications, which feels like a miracle to me. now off all prescriptions.

• How about wins? last week I went home on vacation. I could walk and swim until everyone else gave out. I could run in knee deep Water - and on the wet sand. it was bliss. There's nothing like a Northern Michigan beach vacation in July or August. I am healed enough that I could eat small bites of anything I wanted - but never felt like I needed to eat more than I should. example: my Aunt Maryann made a cheesecake. I had two forkfuls. totally satisfied. it was incredibly good. Back to real life tomorrow.

I'm a little under 3 months post-knee surgery, and it's taking soooooo looooooong to heal. I'm told everything is healing well and normally, but it's still driving me insane being so inactive, dealing with pain all day, walking strangely, etc. I can't even do most yoga yet because I have to be careful. So I've been losing <5 pounds a month since I had my knee fixed and I've still got almost 50 pounds until my goal of 170. I mean, 5 pounds is still a loss and I should be happy, but it's frustrating to me to lose the momentum that I had because I have to remain so sedentary. I'm also dealing with some of the worst anxiety I've had in my life. I have an anxiety disorder and it's been sort of out of control for weeks now on and off (including panic attacks, trouble sleeping, huge mood swings, crying spells, etc...) so that's been fun. I think something is wonky with my hormones, because I've been far more emotional and crazy for the past couple months than I can ever remember being in my life, and that's saying something! Time to see my gyno again! In the mean time, I'm trying not to eat everything in sight or starve myself. Those were my go-to coping mechanisms, and feeling so out of control on top of weird hormone fluctuations is making me alternately ravenous and repulsed by food. Doing my best here. :/

As for areas of improvement, I really need to get back to drinking enough Water. I've been doing well the past several days but I can't seem to find a way to get this water in besides Soups and broths (which I love, but the huge amount of sodium makes me retain water like nobody's business). I've tried everything - infused water, skinny girl, crystal light, lifewater, different temps of water, tea, the list goes on and on. I crave salt like crazy, and drinking a lot of broth/soup would satisfy that craving and also help me get my water in, but that salt content is a problem.

I have had some wins, though. I always try to remember those when I'm stressing out or feeling bad about myself physically or emotionally. I think I may be down into a size 14 now, or close to it. 14 is the average female pant size in the US. I... am average. That feels freaking incredible to be able to say that. I'm average-sized! I don't feel like I look that way but I think that's just my body dysmorphia talking, telling me I'm huge and hideous. I've been doing online window shopping (I'm afraid to buy anything until maybe the end of August, because who knows if the jeans and so on will fit by the Fall?!) and I can shop in the normal sizes, albeit the high end of normal. But when was the last time I could just go buy a pair of jeans at JCPenney? Or just put on a large tshirt and have it fit? I honestly can't remember. I was 300 pounds by the time I was 14. I have never experienced "average" and I can't even describe how wonderful it feels.

All in all, here's the verdict right now: I'm sort of miserable and incredibly anxious, but I recognize that I've come such a loooong way. I recognize how amazing my life is compared to how it was 2 years ago. I'm excited to get back to school in three weeks and actually get my life together. I'm doing pretty damn well, and I have to make myself remember that during the frequent occurrences of crippling anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.

@@KristenLe,

Good on you. That can't be easy, especially when you are in pain. Are you in physical therapy right now?

Keep your head up!

Hey @@fatgirlsvelte The waiting is my challenge right now - that and I have a pinched nerve in my neck so I'm miserable (and on prednisone)! I am so ready to be on the other side of the loser's bench!

I can say though that although I'm ravenous on the prednisone - I've done pretty good at keeping myself under control. So that's a win!

Dr ordered PT today. Next will be injection into neck. Just anxious that nothing delays surgery in Sept!

IM me if you need to talk through anything at all with your Papa. Have lost both of my parents; it's so gosh darn difficult. Sometimes an unbiased ear can be a good platform to jump off of. Remember self care in all of it too...

As far as your medications? You just be over the moon about that! Congratulations! Lovely with the family time...and so awesome to read your post.

Hang in there, Christina.

• What are challenges you're working through right now? working my way through grieving the sudden loss of my Daddy. it's a rough process and takes a lot of energy, time and self attention. and some medical stuff not related to WLS.

• Areas of improvement? I've just gone off my BP medications, which feels like a miracle to me. now off all prescriptions.

• How about wins? last week I went home on vacation. I could walk and swim until everyone else gave out. I could run in knee deep Water - and on the wet sand. it was bliss. There's nothing like a Northern Michigan beach vacation in July or August. I am healed enough that I could eat small bites of anything I wanted - but never felt like I needed to eat more than I should. example: my Aunt Maryann made a cheesecake. I had two forkfuls. totally satisfied. it was incredibly good. Back to real life tomorrow.

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Lady...you're doing amazingly—think of all your body is going through right now! The hormones! The anxiety! The surgeries! The fact that you are aware of what's going on and can address it levelheaded is 99% of the game even though it sucks...but I can read through your words that you are tough as nails.

5 pounds is amazing—and the sedentary in and of itself is a blessing: think of how ace you'll be once your back and brand new again, on a fully healed replacement.

Your crew is here for you--you're in it to win it!

All in all, here's the verdict right now: I'm sort of miserable and incredibly anxious, but I recognize that I've come such a loooong way. I recognize how amazing my life is compared to how it was 2 years ago. I'm excited to get back to school in three weeks and actually get my life together. I'm doing pretty damn well, and I have to make myself remember that during the frequent occurrences of crippling anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.

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I'm working through the guilt of cancelling a long awaited family vacation and losing a ton of money we can't afford to lose because my surgery was scheduled for August 22, right in the middle of the planned vacation and two days from my husbands 50th birthday. (I don't want to put it off because it's already super close to when I have to return to work).

I am really improving in my preparation and mindset. Getting used to getting fluids in, watching my Protein intake and learning new ways to cope with life beyond turning to food. I had already done away with straws, soda, gum and caffeine.

My win is also my challenge incidentally. Not only did I happen to pick a great man who is supporting me 100% despite losing his vacation, birthday and literally thousands of dollars BUT I am seeing it through despite my tendency to bury my needs under the needs of my family. I am finally taking care of what I need to be happy.

Christina, so sorry about your daddy... There are no words. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Cervidae, ironically it was physical therapy after shattering my leg that led me to lose 111 pounds the last time I did it - I am certain you will get right back on track as soon as you are cleared to exercise. Which will also help with the anxiety and mood swings I'm sure

Kristen, I'm with you...waiting sucks.

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First off this is a great thread!

What are challenges you're working through right now? I am still dealing with some back issues but they have improved greatly since surgery and I anticipate that improvement will continue.

Areas of improvement? I am learning to be a better me in a positive way. I take more time for myself i.e. take a lunch break, take time to pack things I need to get through the day, I am investing into myself (hobbies.). It has been cool because the fam is supportive.

I have also improved in getting my Water and Protein in and this has been great.

How about wins? I think a win for me although still relatively new with the sleeve I am still excited about having gone through the process and seeing the weight come off. I am wearing clothes I haven't been able to wear for a long time. Oh I can also cross my legs again! I am a licensed to be a Zumba instructor and may have a gig in the fall so I am really working to get back my workout stamina before surgery....I completed an intense hour long workout session this past weekend and it was a confidence booster but I pretty rested the rest of the day.

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Money...is always just the biggest stressor. Sorry to read you're going through that. One of my dear friends, who is a Pastor, used to say, "If it's money trouble, it's not trouble," and I've still yet to figure out what he meant by that (hope this makes you smile a bit).

Awesome on the surgery, even with the hurtles coming at you...and I love that you are aware of having the 100% support of your man. That's just incredible. Keep him close to your chest, and keep up the awesome work on your fluids/protein/et al.

I'm working through the guilt of cancelling a long awaited family vacation and losing a ton of money we can't afford to lose because my surgery was scheduled for August 22, right in the middle of the planned vacation and two days from my husbands 50th birthday. (I don't want to put it off because it's already super close to when I have to return to work).

I am really improving in my preparation and mindset. Getting used to getting fluids in, watching my Protein intake and learning new ways to cope with life beyond turning to food. I had already done away with straws, soda, gum and caffeine.

My win is also my challenge incidentally. Not only did I happen to pick a great man who is supporting me 100% despite losing his vacation, birthday and literally thousands of dollars BUT I am seeing it through despite my tendency to bury my needs under the needs of my family. I am finally taking care of what I need to be happy.

This is a great post!

Backs are important you know...that's definitely a challenge (haha)--I am so happy to read that they are improving since the surgery. That's amazing, and your attitude is 100%.

lunch breaks are my achilles heel too...sometimes I feel leaving the work desk is impossible, but I need to focus on at least doing the pre-op walking program. Freaking amazing on being able to cross your legs and the Zumba gig...I wish I lived closer so I could come out and support you!

#YAS

First off this is a great thread!

What are challenges you're working through right now? I am still dealing with some back issues but they have improved greatly since surgery and I anticipate that improvement will continue.

Areas of improvement? I am learning to be a better me in a positive way. I take more time for myself i.e. take a lunch break, take time to pack things I need to get through the day, I am investing into myself (hobbies.). It has been cool because the fam is supportive.
I have also improved in getting my Water and Protein in and this has been great.

How about wins? I think a win for me although still relatively new with the sleeve I am still excited about having gone through the process and seeing the weight come off. I am wearing clothes I haven't been able to wear for a long time. Oh I can also cross my legs again! I am a licensed to be a Zumba instructor and may have a gig in the fall so I am really working to get back my workout stamina before surgery....I completed an intense hour long workout session this past weekend and it was a confidence booster but I pretty rested the rest of the day.


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My challenge right now is finding time to eat at work. I pack things to eat on the run. Just not getting breaks.

Areas of improvement. My upper body. Starting a weight lifting program. It's going well.

Wins. Life is pretty much normal. Working on fitness goals.

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My challenges: dealing with some serious relationship issues that my s/o does not seem to be taking so seriously. Frankly, I'm at the end of my rope and I think our relationship may be as well.

Areas of improvement: I am starting to notice some serious muscle definition. I've been working out with a personal trainer for 3 months and I feel so strong! It's a great feeling.

Wins: I graduate with my Bachelors Degree in Nursing on Saturday! I got my associates degree in 2014 and have been working full time as an RN while going to school full time for my BSN! So excited to be finished.

Also I went shopping for a dress to wear to the commencement yesterday and I was trying on SIZE 12 DRESSES! I was in a 22/24 this time last year! Talk about a win!

@ MayMarie congratulations on your educational achievement!!!!That is a major accomplishment.

A big cheer for you and your success with your weight loss.

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