7.5 months out appt & "you look really great"

I had my 7.5 month appointment today.  I'm down 115 pounds, a normal BMI, 2 pounds above my initial goal weight, and feeling pretty fantastic.  I told my surgeon about feeling tired the past few weeks, and he ordered a set of labs so we'll see if anything is off.  He told me to expect to lose more weight (hahaha!), and that he usually sees a slow down after 6 months but my weight loss has been consistent for about the last three months (thankfully).  I'm 93% of the way to an ideal body weight, and my plan is to get there - it's 12 more pounds.

He told me no less than 4 times throughout our appointment that I look really great.  He was so smiley and happy.  It made me feel wonderful.  Two other people at the office also told me I look really great.  I can't believe it's been 7.5 months.  It feels like yesterday in some ways.  This surgery was the best thing outside of therapy that I've ever done for myself. 

Some random NSVs - I bought a size 4 dress from Banana Republic (what the heck?!).  I was going to try on the 6, but they only had a 4 and a 10, so I thought I might as well.  It fits perfect.  I'm sure it's vanity sized, and I'm built small on top so dresses are always a smaller size than pants but still.  A 4!  In my closet!  I'm psyched to wear it out to dinner with a friend this weekend.  It's yellow and adorable, and a little short.  hehe

I love having my photo taken now.

I don't get all defensive and weird when people look at me bc I don't think it's bc I'm so big anymore. 

I love dressing up, putting makeup on, going out bc I feel great about myself.  My outside mirrors how I feel on the inside so much more.

My husband compliments me all the time.  He's always told me I'm beautiful, but he seems so surprised now sometimes when he sees me.  Surprised and delighted.  He's not a very verbal guy, so this is huge.

I love shopping.  Probably too much.  I'm watching this as I think it could potentially be a transfer addiction.

All in all, I'm thrilled with my sleeve, my surgeon, my support system (of which you all are a part) and my life in general.

I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing my initial goal before I hit 8 months.  I'm starting to feel OK with getting to maintenance soon.  I'm still scared, but I'm feeling more confident in myself.  I'm happy to answer any questions.  I'm an open book.  I've gotten so much help and support from this forum.  I don't know if I would be where I am without you guys.  Special thanks as always to Elina for telling it like it is, for always inspiring and motivating me, for giving so much confidence and actually making me feel like 140 pounds is not only doable, but sustainable.  And special thanks to Jen who always makes me laugh even when I want to cry, who makes me feel beautiful and awesome, and for just being so honest and kind to absolutely everyone.

You are now a guiding light ,, you are a VET who inspires and motivates others.  Your success is fantastic and yes, it is sustainable.  You have succeeded and will continue to succeed.  I will never tell you that it's going to be super easy, but I can tell you that it is very doable and you really never have to gain any weight back.  You can have your dream and you can keep it.  Hugs to you and thank you for your kind words.  You move me to tears with both your success and your shout out to me.  Thank you for the acknowledgment and please know that you can always reach out anytime if you should ever need anything.

Oh goodness, I don't know about all that.  One day at a time.  Trying to learn from my slip ups.  Enjoying the journey because everything is a learning experience.

I love that you are so honest.  I know it's not going to be easy.  When my surgeon asked me if I felt I could maintain my weight loss today, I said wholehearted, "Yes! With constant vigilance!" It made me think of you.  :) 

Thank you so much for being there.  I owe so much of my success so far to you.  That is totally sincere. 

Congrats!! You are amazing, inspiring, and beautiful!!

Thank you!  You, my dear, are the same!  You are kicking butt!

You have done an amazing job and are SUCH an inspiration to me while I begin my journey! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us.  Have you done the 600-800 cal, under 40 carb and over 70 protein plan to get to your goal? Do you work out much?

I usually work out about 5 days a week.  I was not terribly consistent until about month three or so.  I really do love exercise, though, and I've been pretty active for about the past 7-8 years.  I'm going to really ramp it up in the next few weeks with some kettlebells, then eventually start Crossfit.  I'm really sick right now, so I haven't worked out in a few days. 

For the first 3-4 months, my goal was just to get 70g of protein and stay until 40g of carbs.  I usually ended up with about 400-500 calories.  I weigh everything.  Around 4-5 months, I noticed my weight loss starting to slow just a bit.  I freaked out, and followed what Elina, Frisco and others have advocated - 80-100g of protein, less than 20g of carbs, and I'm around 600-650 calories a day.  I'm satisfied without being full.  I have more room for veggies now, so that's what I eat after I finish my protein.  I drink around a gallon of water a day. 

Everyone's journey is different.  I really wanted to maximize my weight loss in the so-called honeymoon period.  I haven't been perfect.  I've had slip ups, but I get back on the wagon the next meal and I try really hard to figure out the WHY behind the slip up.  I also am trying really positive self talk when I don't give into a typical pattern of behavior - ie saying no to fro-yo that I don't need just because I'm with friends who are having it.

Thanks for sharing! I also am hell bent on maximizing the "honeymoon period" especially since I will need to get ACL reconstruction surgery at around 6 to 8 months post op!  Less than 20g of carbs seems nearly impossible to me right now but I am sure it's because I am on all shakes and they all have some carbs! When I am on mostly real food, I am sure I can do less.

I LOVE Crossfit! I was just telling my sister that I really want to get back to Crossfit workouts post-op but will probably have to wait until fully healed from ACL reconstruction and that takes about 6 months!  

You are an inspiration and look FAB!

Thanks for sharing! I also am hell bent on maximizing the "honeymoon period" especially since I will need to get ACL reconstruction surgery at around 6 to 8 months post op!  Less than 20g of carbs seems nearly impossible to me right now but I am sure it's because I am on all shakes and they all have some carbs! When I am on mostly real food, I am sure I can do less.

I LOVE Crossfit! I was just telling my sister that I really want to get back to Crossfit workouts post-op but will probably have to wait until fully healed from ACL reconstruction and that takes about 6 months!  

You are an inspiration and look FAB!

If less than 20g of carbs is how you to approach it, you'll find a way.  I promise.  I eat a lot of chicken breast and veggies :)  My protein shake has 2g of carbs per serving, and I generally have 1.5 serving a day primarily bc I like it.  I eat very little dairy. 

Good luck on the ACL surgery!