4 month checkup

Hi guys! I had my four month checkup on Thursday. I lost a total of 7 lbs for the month of February..for a grand total of 86 pounds. I was a little disappointed with that small amount..I'm used to the 15-19lbs down per month. However, the doctor did tell me that I'm 2 lbs away from normal weight! Kinda strange for me to hear especially when I have always been "fat or obese" or always being told, "you need to lose weight". It just doesn't register yet lol. I really want to get down to 140lbs but the doctor told me that it would be too thin for me..so I'm listening to his advice and am shooting for 155 lbs. I just want to be so far away from 200 lbs..I just never want the diabetes to return again. We also talked about other issues that have been popping up this month..I'm obesessed with the scale, exercise, going out to eat and with the way people are noticing me and giving me attention..especially the guys. He said that maybe I need to go see a counselor..eek!! I guess I can see why though. I think that this surgery has been the hardest for me mentally..I still see a fat person in the mirror (I have to see a picture of myself and compare it to see the changes)..to me, I still look the same (dr. said you'd be the last to see) I was asked at the bank this past month for a second ID because mine didn't look like me. My friend that I've known since I was 6 said to me the first time she saw me since the surgery...that OMG this doesn't look like you anymore..you're face has changed so much. Then you have my husband..who tells me that I need to get down to 140lbs that there's still fat..never once has he said that I look good or helps me keep positive with the progress that I've made. It's hard. My mom bless her heart..she was diagnosed with kidney disease and heart disease this month and she goes with me to every appointment and cheers me on but then says she's jealous that she wished it was her losing all the weight and puts herself down (she's a size 12 and looks awesome for being 52!!) What people don't understand is that I did this for my health. I didn't do it for vanity. I'm so scared that my diabetes will come back and that's why I'm fighting hard to get where I need to be...even though I'm in a size 8 pant, it just doesn't seem to be good enough.. And..oh yes..I'm losing my hair too.It started about 3 weeks ago. I have very fine, thin hair. That's bothering me big time too. I know it's just temporary but it sucks!! Sorry for such a long post..I just had a lot to say

Hi! First I want to say that I loved your profile--I read every word. We are very close in age and cir****tances. Second, you are not alone. I think many of us are all facing the sames issues--changing so fast that selling my cute clothes brought me to tears, not knowing what to say when compliments keep rolling in, people not recognizing you and then making a huge embarrassing public scene as they shriek on and on about your changes...need I say more? You understand. These are major issues and I'm not ashamed to say that I see a counselor for help. We all need emotional support through this process. I started out at once a week for 4 sessions and now go every other week. I feel like I need to support myself in every way to make this successful and talking things through helps me start looking at why (besides medical/genetic reasons) that I got heavy in the first place. It's also great to just vent a bit and be truthful about what bothers you. So, as you can read, I'm pro-counseling and highly suggest that you try it out! Stomach surgery doesn't work on your head.... Lastly, I would suggest limiting your weigh-ins. I could never tell you to throw out your scale because I weigh myself first thing in the am and last thing in evening because I want to know how my day went. That's all I allow, though. I made a pact with myself that twice a day max was it. No obessing! I'm truly sorry that your husband is not more supportive. Things changing so much are hard enough to deal with...so glad your mom is there for you. Email me if you need support, I love having WLS penpals! Hang in there! You are working very hard and are extremely successful! It's only been 4 months, give yourself a bit if a break and congratulate yourself on your progress! If someone had asked me prior to surgery if I would love to loose 70 lbs and that's all, would I have said yes? YES!!!! Oh and by the way--I'm loosing hair too!! I consider it part of the decision I made and move on. Hair doesn't make a woman. Just keep up the protein, biotin, and try the nioxin products to stimulate new growth and hair loss will be over before you know it! -Laura 10/19/06 -70 lbs 280/210/170 5'11

Hi Laura~ Thanks for responding to my post. I also read your profile too-every word! We are close in age (love to be in my late 20's again ;) ) and cir****tances. I read your profile and it gave me some comfort that I'm not alone in what I'm experiencing so far in this journey. It seems as though that we are experiencing the same types of things with other peoples reactions, our clothing and our attitudes towards ourselves..especially not seeing what everyone else is. It's just hard when your mind hasn't caught up to your body. The doctor keeps telling me "you're the last one to notice". Feel free to email me as well..we have alot in common Laura! Take care and have a great week! Bridgett

Sorry about your husband. Mine is pretty good, but he just quit smoking (again), and is being a total jacka@@ this weekend. I'm losing massive amounts of hair, and it scares me beyond words. I have naturally curly hair and if I get it cut short I will look like little orphan annie. The shorter it is, the more curl it gets. I hate it. Plus being so curly it gets tangly and I have to pull it to brush out the tangles and BAM....1000 more hairs gone. Hopefully the hairloss stage will end SOON. Sheryl 292/212/160 ps-size 8 is awesome!!!! that's like my dream size.

A man giving up smoking has got to be hard..I deal with men at work who are kicking the habit and they end up being real jerks. Sorry to hear about your hair too Sheryl..I have naturally wavy hair but I always slick it back into a ponytail..I am scared to cut my hair off. I think I would look really goofy!lol. Hang in there..I haven't found anything that works on the hair loss yet but I'm trying everything. If I find something that works, I'll pass it on! Take care and thanks

Congrats on your progress and focus on the POSITIVE!! Ignore the negative crap, no matter who it comes from! And counseling is always a great idea. I've seen a counselor in the past and it always helps me!