Slow Losers

Pamela sweetie - now hold on a sec. I'm in a size 14 because I only had a little over 100 lbs to lose when I had surgery - so it would stand to reason I'd reach smaller sizes sooner; but that does NOT mean that you're not doing an awesome job! You ARE!! You keep on posting girlfriend!!

Not that it's a contest, but I just may be the slowest one here. I've lost 70 pounds since my surgery. Even though by most standards post WLS that is slow, but I am thrilled at my success. Unfortunately, eating is not a problem. I can eat anything. Really. I can also eat large amounts of anything. So, my challenge is trying to limit my intake (very similar to post WLS, however the hunger is mostly in my head, and occasionally it is real. The big challenge is determining the difference.). I'm not wishing for complications, and I know many people have trouble eating post WLS. I'm glad I'm not one of them, but I do wish I had that "shut off" valve that would tell me I'm full after eating 2-6 ounces instead of not feeling anything after eating 12-16 ounces. yes, my surgeon is aware of this, and seemingly baffled as well. Other than being able to eat a lot, I'm perfectly fine (and greatful). I, too, am losing fromt he top down. I have lost 10 inches off of my hips, but they are still big. I'd love to have the "brick house" measurements of 36-24-36...right now I'm 46-36-46. I have around another 30-50 to lose to get there. I am not only considering plastic (er...I mean reconstructive) surgery, but I am definately getting it. I'm already saving up for a brachioplasty (arm lift). My arms have always looked flabby, and now they look deflated and flabby. I am getting by for now wearing long sleeves to hide them, even when I work out. This summer will be tough, as I won't be getting reconstructive surgery until this fall (I play football in the summer and early fall, and don't want to interfere with my game schedule, nor do I want to let my team down). So, after football, I will be getting the arms done. Hubby says I could use a boob job, but I tell him I'm 33 years old and my boobs don't need to look like they're 18. As long as I can roll them up and stuff them in, or, for that matter tuck them in my pants then he and I will be the only ones who get the delight of seeing my saggy boobs. My stomach is another matter. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all of my extra skin here. I don't know if it will gradually reduce on it's own, or if I'll need help from medical science here. Time will tell. Good luck, glad you're here. Diana

Thanks for the responses. Although it may sound as if I'm on the pity trail, I'm not...Like Pam said, we know we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, but it's only human to do so. Intellectually we know that every one is different, however this is rather unchartered territory. I am thrilled and delighted for everyone that makes their goals and is sliding into any "normal" size, your trials have changed and so has your perspective. I'm reaching out to others like me, because that is the support that I seek at this time. For a slow loser we are still on the other side of that hill, our journey is longer and so are the challenges. Not a bad thing, just takes more fortitude and support. Please understand that being a slow loser doesn't mean that I'm not eating right, not getting protein or not exercising. I know there are people out there that haven't changed their eating habits and I feel badly for them, because this is only a tool and weight gain can and will occur. I am thrilled to of lost what I have, I am so grateful to God for this blessing. I do know that being a slower loser is in my best interest my skin is in relatively good shape, I will only need a breast augmentation and lift and for someone who weighed in at 385 that is unbelievable. I am a survivor, blessed by God. I live life every day in thanks and appreciation. I don't ever want to post something that sounds bitter, jealous, feeling pity for myself. I just want to share with others that are in a similar space as myself. My posts are always this way and the responses amuse me. I'm here to reach out to others, share my perspective and solicit responses from those that can relate. I don't need to be chastized for how I feel. This journey has been incredible, every day I'm so thankful that I made the right decision. You women are such a source of encouragement. Although I don't post often, I am enpowered by your strength and energy. Thank you for sharing, you really ROCK!!!! Shrinking, but no shrinking violet... LOL Hugs....Tracey in SF 356/250 - One day at a time Lap RNY 7/30/04

Don't get discouraged Tracey. I had surgey 7/16/04 and I've only lost 104lbs. you ahve to remember that we all weighed different amounts and are built different. I am 5'11 and started out at 319lbs and now I weigh 215lbs, but I wear a size 12 in pants and an xtra large top because of my boobs. See we are all moving at about the same pace because we are losing it differently. My doc has set a goal of 180lbs, but really wants me to get to about 165-170lbs. Don't even concentrate so much on the pounds especially if you're losing inches. Take care, Tee 319/215/175

Boy Oh Boy. I so relate to all of this, I am the slow looser, BUT i'm very happy for every pound and every inch that is off. I like a few of you, can eat anything, and a good amoumt of it, so I have to be very careful. It isn't real easy for me. but a lot easier then before surgery, Tracy! You go girl ,we are all here with you, and you need to stay with us, I to am guilty of not posting evry often, so I will get better at it, because I know if i didn't read about the July babies I would fail. you all help me so much, I have lost 68 pds . 34 more to go. Lap RNY 7/13/ 04

Although I have lost about the same as you I too still have a long way to go. I started at 378. After months of complications and a gallbladder surgery I still am not getting in enough calories and have not lost for over four weeks. I put one day of eating on fitday last week and had only eaten 400 calories, then struggled to get it up to 711. I try to get at least two protein drinks a day and eat something once or twice a day. Other than that I just cannot get any more in. Wendy's chili goes down good for me and I can eat the whole container now. Some days I can eat more than others. I know I would loose more if I could eat the near 1000 calories. Maybe we will get there yet. Also, I think age and how much you can exercise contributes to the rate of losing.