What's on your Phot Friday Menu RNY'ers?

qotd: I think there were many moments through the years of losing weight/regaining through dieting but after the bedrest and 2 month premature delivery of my now 3 year old and resulting health decline in myself I really threw in all the last straws. I developed a new autoimmune condition of the skin that was made worse (not caused but made worse) by obesity. (Hidrenitis suppertiva). I had the fibro for years but things just were getting WORSE. The medications to manage the immune issues had side effects of side effects. I could barely climb the scales without being winded and breathless. I had to sit down to dry off after taking a shower. I was so overwhelmed about HOW I was going to care for my children as a newly divorced mom, especially a child with special needs who needed and would need, extra. I knew that I would not be able to maintain weight loss even with all the dieting because of past history and felt so hopeless about my health. I knew the choice was get sicker or DO SOMETHING. NOW. So I did.

Starting the day with my first bit of vitamins and decaf/protein shake (slimfast advanced protein caramel flavor)

B will likely be after dropping younger kids off at school and be about 1/2 mix of 1 T. dry cream of wheat to 1/4 c. milk, 2 ounces organic sweet potato mash, 1 ounce organic applesauce. Mixed well.

I don't know how to add photos very well in the message boards but if you click on my user name I have the before bariatric surgery and most current photo before my revision in my public profile.

Wow, how are you doing now? Are you feeling better? Hugs to you!

I think I am doing better each day now that I can properly hydrate and get nutrition in. I have some catch up to do of course, but it really is like night and day. Emotionally I didn't realize what a toll the past year took. Now that I am able to get what my body needs (not perfectly but pretty darn well) I have so many emotions. I am grateful to be able to drink my water, take my vitamins and eat even simple, nourishing foods. I am angry that I reached out to so many Drs and was so specific and that it took so long to receive the tests and help to correct the course but I try not to dwell on it. (some of the anger is that I was told I wasn't trying hard enough right up to the point I had actual medical proof that it wasn't my fault. Maybe the lesson is to trust myself more? I don't know). I know that there are people in my life who were really worried and even though things are what they are right now several have said that my light/energy is back and that is good to hear. I was getting a lot of negative comments before we knew what was causing the issues. (You look sick/too thin etc. which was discouraging because I really was doing everything I knew to do and felt so physically horrible for so long despite everything. I was starting to really be scared that was my new normal. I think I am learning that what is normal is a moving target. I can only feel what I feel today. It doesn't do me any good to worry about the what ifs about tomorrow but I should focus on doing what I can do for tomorrow, today, if that makes sense).

You've been through a lot! I hope your weight loss helped as much as you expected.

Love the new clothes Peachpie! I love, love, love shopping now but I totally do it on the cheap.

I took several 'naps' yesterday to catch up on the lack of sleep the night before. I had two appointments yesterday the eye doc and then my PCP. I was surprised that my eyes had actually gotten worse and not better. But I did get new cute frames and sunglasses for 1/2 off! At my PCP appointment, my doc took a double take! She was so happy with my progress and took a whole slew of health issues off my medical file. It felt amazing to walk out with her saying, "Come back in a year" instead of a 3-month visit!

Accountability: I ate 17 mini club crackers yesterday - they made me feel sick. Lesson learned.

QOTD: My 'last straw' was listening to the surgeon tell my husband his band had to go because he could develop esophageal cancer if he kept it. I kept my mouth shut during his appointment and then on our way home we (husband and I) talked about my band and my reflux. He encouraged me to call and make an appointment with the doc/surgeon. When I was in her office (not even 24 hours later) I knew I had made the right choice and the process all began. I am so glad my hubster and I did this together.

B: boiled egg and cantaloupe

L: ham and cheese roll ups

D: tbd - we are going away for the night. I will make a healthy choice.

Edit to add: PP chocolate shake sometime during the day.

Can't remember if I already posted this picture.

Wow! You look Awesome, Bethmal!

amazing transformation!

Great job on your progress! Rocking it.

Omg... tried the elliptical machine at the gym today. I made it 15 minutes. It's a start. I don't know how you do it for an hour!