brandnewme2015

Timely post @@LipstickLady! Thank you!

Cold all the time! Just not enough "meat on my bones" anymore!

It is quite normal to be nervous: this is a life-altering change. What you eat and how much you eat will be drastically different than what you have been used to your entire life- but you know what? You can DO this for a healthier and happier YOU! I'm 18 months post-op and have no regrets- except for not doing it sooner! Good luck on your journey!

Please don't judge me, but I have an honest question for any veterans that might be browsing this topic. I was a size 18, XL when I started my journey over a year ago- fast forward to the present: I am a Size 0 and struggling to find appropriate clothing for a petite woman in her 40's, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It is a "problem" I never thought I'd have. Any advice for anyone out there with this issue? Where do you shop??

I lost 50 lbs. in 6 mos. I still haven't figured out how to maintain & stop the loss (I've lost 25 lbs. more than I wanted to) but I'm a work in progress. Docs and nutritionist tell me to eat more smaller meals during the day, add more carbs and Protein. My BMI isn't too low (yet), but I am close to being underweight so am trying hard to find that happy medium. Good luck!

I had my surgery 10 months ago and here are some pros and cons: Pros I am healthier and more energetic: don't need my CPAP, can exercise longer and harder- with no aches, pains, and running out of breath. I've dropped almost 10 sizes and can fit into clothes that models wear. I get compliments on my weight loss constantly- and oddly enough; it seems that more people talk to me (even strangers). It's been a great ego boost. I don't over-eat and I'm no longer an emotional eater: I've found more productive ways to cope with stress. Cons I have had to buy a new wardrobe which has become expensive- although I now shop at thrift shops, Ebay, and consignment stores. It is VERY difficult to find clothing in size 0,00, and even 2P. I do still occasionally get sick and vomit when I've had too much (which is usually very little to most people) or have eaten something high fat/ high sugar It's much harder to maintain my weight than I imagined. My weight fluctuates between 119 and 121 and I'm still trying to find that sweet spot. I have had some hair loss and thinning, and am virtually flat-chested. This is nothing that a good weave/hairpiece/wig and push up/padded bra can't fix. Though I have more "cons": the #1 goal for having the surgery was to get healthier and I have achieved that. The "side effects" are a small price to pay considering I was on a dangerous path before the surgery.

Pre-surgery pic 180 lbs. Size 16p Post & goal pic 125 lbs. Size 0-2p I weigh 122 now.

It's so nice to read about all of us wonderful women of color taking charge of our weight in a way that is not the "norm" in the black community. I have many relatives, predominantly in the south, who are proud of being a BBBW, but at the expense of many health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, high bp. It's NOT ok to stress your heart, your bones, and your joints like that and we should NOT accept the excuse of "it's in our genes". I've stopped over-indulging in fried foods, big pieces of cobbler with 3 scoops of ice cream, and mashed potatoes bathed in gravy, and my heart and body thank me for it! I may not have any junk in my trunk anymore, or ample bosoms like I used to, but I'm healthier and have accepted my new body and my new life ❤ Good luck to all you ladies and God Bless!

125! Thanks for the challenge, @@stephh! My doc says I shouldn't lose anymore so unless I fall off the wagon, this was my last challenge.

Sorry I'm late 126.4!

good luck!

123.4. Thanks

I remember it being very difficult getting those requirements in. My doctor told me not to worry early on and that's to be expected. You might want to try adding Protein Powder to your soup. Also, sugar free Popsicles can be included in your liquids requirement. Good luck!

it will get better! Hang in there - it will all be worth it!

I am down 58lbs, in 6mthsgone.jpg from surgery Looking good!