Bad Girl...

OK, OK....so I made a deliberate choice tonight,  being the rebellious girl that I am.

In spite of everything we have learned, I went all out tonight and had my "last supper". I had pizza, wings and wine for supper. This was because I start Optifast tomorrow....April fools joke is on me. Do any of you feel the same way or am I pushing it?

Anyway, I'm not worried. I am resigned and accepting of my new lifestyle, which will be eating smarter and a lot less. Back in 2009 I did Optifast for 20 weeks under a doctors supervision. My weight loss was great but there was no counselling to go along with it, so I gained the weight right back. This time I am determined. I can't feel this weak and helpless again.

In 29 days I will have my surgery and I can't wait to walk without pain...that's my biggest goal.

I would love to hear from anyone who is starting at 400+ pounds because I know it will be a long journey and I wonder what I can expect as far as the speed of my WL. Where should I expect to be at the 1 year mark?

Jane

 

Re: Expected Weight Loss
Here's a tool I found on the site somewhere (enter your weight, height, and use 65% as the "What percent of excess body
weight do you expect to lose?"). It's only a guideline but so far its been spot on for me.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/post+op+planner.php

I did the last supper too - no regrets! Looking back five months later I wouldn't change a single thing. I started at 411 lbs and have a lot more to lose but the changes that have happened in less than half a year... I can't even begin to describe how happy you will be that you did this :) I thought my weight loss was slow, especially because my starting weight was so high and we are told the higher your weight the faster you will lose initially. I saw people who weighed less than me who had surgery at the same time lose more, faster. But in the last month or so I have finally really accepted that it's a personal journey and as long as I am losing, staying on track with my eating, then I am doing well. So it's hard to say where you will be in a year numbers-wise. But I can guarantee you will have more energy, be happier, feel more like yourself than you ever have. It will be good :) Good luck with Opti, since you've done it before you know what you're in for! One day at a time!!

Katie!! You are looking AMAZING!  I noticed the new uploaded pictures  DAYUM!!

Thanks for the encouragement. It's good to hear from someone who started where I'm starting from. I'm committed to the surgery and the process but the little voice in my head says "OMG...what if I don't lose enough weight?"  Following your progress will help. Can I add you to my friend list?

Jane

I just wanted to wish you well as you start your Opti and I'm sure that the weeks will fly by!

I know that many of us have food issues and I encourage you to look into whatever support you might need to make sure that this time around, there will be no regain. Gather your team around you. Friends. Family. Therapists. Spouses. Whoever you may need to ensure that you give it your all for the best successes you can find this time around. We only go round in this life once; make it worthwhile!

Wishing you luck as the big day nears!

Preaching to the choir sister!! LOL My last supper was worth every teeny tiny calorie! And if I had the choice to do it again....absolutely!

I always thought going through this that surgery was the end of the road...it wasn't until surgery that I realized that it was just the beginning.

Say goodbye to your old self sister! Its going to be a great ride. Like others have said, I am 5 months out, and I will tell you, I have hit bumps in the road, but it is all worth it.

 

Good Luck, its going to be amazing!

Katie

Good luck :) I too wanted to walk again without pain in my ankles... I no longer have ANY pain... no longer wear orthotics, get physical therapy and limp around and I no longer have to pace myself when going to the mall or play the "best spot in the lot" game. I no longer need to take anti-inflammatories... zero pain, just a new found zest and love for life :) It is within reach.. hang on!

You made me feel optimistic that I can get rid of some of my pain as i go along...hopefully before I reach GW. Thanks so much

Enjoy your last supper.  Nothing wrong with that.  On my last night before optifast, I went to my favourite Italian place and had a lovely meal:  nice salad, great pasta, and a lovely dessert...and vino!  I wasn't sure I would ever eat at this restaurant again...it seemed so dramatic at the time.  But of course, I have been back to the same restaurant, and had a half order of the pasta and half a salad...and yes, even a glass of wine (I didn't drive afterwards though!).  So no fear.

I had surgery about 18 months ago.  I did start off at 416 lbs.  I reached onederland by my one year anniversary.  But don't compare yourself...everyone loses at a different speed.  I will tell that I worked very hard at it.  As soon as I was given the go ahead (at about the four week mark), I was in the pool swimming at least five days a week (listen to your body though).  Again, after being given the go ahead, I started working with a personal trainer (at about 10 weeks) on strength training and general fitness.  Those first sessions were so basic...just getting my muscles firing properly.  And just getting down and up from the mat were a challenge!  But I did not give up.  Finding the right personal trainer is very important if you go down that road.  If you don't go down that road, you have to find a way to stay motivated and get into the gym or other form of fitness.  I know it helps me keep motivated both physically, but also, it helps with some of my food issues.  If I have a bad day at work, I don't eat...I exercise! 

Anyway, I now weigh 174lbs (give or take a couple of pounds).  I think this is going to be my weight...I've been here for at least three months now.  I'm very active:  kickboxing, gym, and now running.  I don't have anymore pain in my ankles or knees.  I basically have no more limitations.  It's a great journey. 

I do have lots of lose skin...but par for the course.  Have already seen a plastic surgeon (I also have a hernia which needs to be dealt with...so pairing that with a tummy tuck...so it has accelerated the plastic surgery timetable for me).

I'll I can say is keep at it.  Hunger does come back, especially if you're working out.  You need to be mindful of that.  It is a challenge and not always easy, but the rewards of a healthy life are entirely worth it.

Good luck!

DD