Hello

Hello fellow weight loss friends! It's been a while since I've been here, but figured that I was overdue for a visit to the board. I had my 3 month check up last week-- and was pleasantly surprised to find out I've lost 72 pounds since surgery!! Both my physician's assistant and surgeon are thrilled with my progess and encouraging me to keep up what I'm doing. My PA told me that if my weight loss seems to plateau, then I've changed either my exercise, water, vitamins or protein intake. I drink water constantly, at least 32+ ounces a day at work, and I've always got drinks with me, wherever I go. I have learned that I can drink water, crystal light, decaf iced tea or propel/gatorade much more quickly than I can milk. I use protein supplements when I know I am not going to get my protein otherwise, much as my surgeon would rather I didn't use them. But the shakes are a great source and I can drink them over an hour or so. The bars pack a lot more punch as far as protein, and I've found that they work well if I take small bites of it over a morning or afternoon. I find that I espeically need to supplement my proteins over the weekends. I'm not any kind of 'schedule' and I tend to forget to get my meals in. I try to go out for a walk almost every day, or at least 5 days a week. I walk for about an hour and average about 4 miles for each walk. I feel great and on weekends I have even gotten out for 2 walks a day on some days. For the first time ever, I'm motivated to get out and walk and get mad if the weather doesn't cooperate. It's so refreshing!! When I stop to think that it's been over three months since my surgery, it blows my mind. I've grown so accustomed to the changes in my eating and exercise, that it's definitely become routine. Someone asked me a few weeks ago if I found it 'hard' and while I may be the minority here, I don't find it hard. For me, the mental preparation I did in advance really helped me out. I still have no appetite, and while some foods sound good, there's nothing that I've craved. I'll sometimes have a few small pretzels or nacho chips (3-4) in the afternoon or evening if I want something to 'crunch', but otherwise, it's not even a desire anymore. I did break down and buy a 'sin-free' (fat-free, sugar-free) baby ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery with strawberries. I ate maybe half of it and threw the rest away, it didn't do anything for me at all. It was delicious, but at I just decided I didn't want or need the empty calories. For my meals, I'm really not getting much in aside from my 2 ounces of proteins. I know eventually I'll be able to eat more, but for now 2 ounces fills me up. I do try to eat within the 30 minute time frame. I've not had any problems with food, except for tuna salad, which filled me up really quickly, after only about half of my portion. I have to say that is a feeling I don't want to repeat anytime soon. I thought for sure tuna was going to come back out my throat. If you haven't experienced that feeling, I hope you don't! All in all, I think that things are going really well for me. After each of my appointments, I've set a target in my head of where I want to be by the next appointment. I've met both goals, so I'm shooting for 60 more pounds gone by my 6 month appointment! Wish me luck!! I'll try to be more diligent in coming to the board to post. I've always gotten great feedback and support from everyone in here, and hope to do more of the same for each of you! I'm always so impressed to read the comments and stories that people share. I've read some of the messages about the 'fat' days and I've had my share of those. The biggest frustration I've had is that I don't 'see' the changes, except for lose clothes. But looking in the mirror, I don't see anything, although I've gotten lots of compliments from others around me. Oh well, I know it's coming off, I don't need to see it now! Take care and keep up the good work, we're all to be commended for the steps we're taking to reclaim our lives again! Michelle

Michelle, It sounds like you are doing everything correctly. I need to get motivated to exercise. I keep saying I will, but that time hasn't arrived yet... Sigh... Debbie -52

You are right on track. I am right along with Debbie. I need to excercise but my problem is time. I work late then I have to get my kids and get organized for the next day. At work during my breaks I have been walking around the building. So I guess that is a start.

Michelle, You are doing GREAT. Thanks for sharing with us. I don't have the cravings for things like I did a year ago. If we go out, I let my husband decide on the place then I choose my meal from there. Food doesn't have the desire it did before. I still enjoy eating, but don't have the need for the quantity nor the special things like before. Mary