Thaeda Member

:) :) :) <3

Hope all goes well! :)

Well IDK about the book, but thanks! Be blessed. :)

Pat, I cannot imagine how hard it is to have to face the fact that "thin" may not happen when that was the reason you had the surgery. If I were in your shoes, it might take me a long time before I was ready to let go of the need to lose all my excess weight, to realize that 71% might be as good as it gets. And yet, now…

I know that scared feeling. This might seem a little off topic, but hang in there with me-- there is a method to my madness: A few years ago I was living really "scared". I was scared to not be liked, I was scared to be vulnerable, I was scared to try new things. Until one day, I woke up and said "I am TIRED of being…

I think you have had GREAT results!! Well done! Your goals for the next year sound reasonable and doable. I love your attitude about your first goal weight being "just a number"--I might need to borrow that attitude the next time I am fussing at myself for being a little bit over my lowest weight--sometimes I give too much…

I am so glad you find my ramblings helpful. :) I will definitely keep updating. I attended a conference this weekend. I was seated RIGHT next to the dessert table last night at dinner. Yes, I did have cake-- but just one piece and I did not let it slide into a "sugar feast" - this morning, I was right back to protein! :)

Not "off the wall" at all-- in fact, quite brilliant! I think part of the reason I am so focused on the regain is because I am not working right now-- I have a job, but until the PA legislature passes a budget, there is no funding for my agency and therefore, no work. ACK. I will make a more concerted effort to have things…

^^^^This^^^^ is what I do-- go back to no sugar and very low carb (between 20-30g per day). Knocks the cravings right out and gets me eating well again. :)

I feel the same way. When I start panicking about gaining ALL of the weight back, I remember that my entire life has changed-- not necessarily because of the size of my stomach- but because of how differently I live my life today-- and how I now absolutely insist on compassion towards myself. I am humbled to have been a…

The name of the game is kindness under every circumstance. You are wise to know this and to be already making adjustments to that end. The tricky part can sometimes be figuring out what "kindness" to self looks like! But we are all in this together. :)

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Birthday!! We should ALL be celebrating the many years of goodness that have been here since the day of your arrival!! YOU are the gift!! :) Be blessed. <3

Hmmmm not sure I can endure the pouch test... but I am mega low carb today and I am already starting to feel a little clearer. Sugar makes me so foggy and emotional-- and it is like I get amnesia every time I start eating it-- totally forgetting how awful I feel when I eat it. Weird!!

You know what-- I HAD forgotten my own advice. Too much not being good to me. Not enough self-care. Thanks for the reminder. :)

I never thought I would agree that maintenance is harder than losing, but it really is. And I thank you for allowing me to slide off the "hypocrite" hook I had hung myself on. :) I so appreciate your confidence in me-- and yes-- I remain hopeful there is a third option I have not considered. I was messaging back and forth…

And I guess that is a large part of my point. I am tired of being obsessed about ANYTHING. I know you found strength training to be your solution and I am very happy for you! I may end up doing that as well. Thanks for your suggestions. The "choir"-- YES---- that is what I want-- BALANCE. But so hard to find. Good to know…

HOLY SMOKES!!! Major progress-- AWESOMENESS!! :)

Why TY!! :)

Sounds like you are doing well! Keep being good to you. :)

It can be frustrating to not see the scale move as fast as we would like. Just continue to do the best you can and be good to you. Over time you will see progress. :)

Well done! I find I can tell the difference between "convenience eating" and a true craving by filling up on good food first-- if I still have the craving, might be something I should indulge in at some point in the next few days. But more often than not, I find once I eat a good, nourishing meal, I am far less tempted.

YAY and love you, too!! :) <3

You know, this journey is all about figuring out what serves us and what doesn't. It takes time for us to figure that out-- planning, evaluating, changing the plan (if needed), adding stuff, taking stuff out... it is all just part of the process. Sounds like you know what you want to do. Keep being good to you! :)

I found that many of my physical maladies improved as I lost weight. That may not be the case for you, but it is what happened to me. I believe we all have an inner wisdom that can offer us guidance at points of decision. My suggestion is you offer an intention each day to be shown what is best for you, and then keep your…

Y'all are most welcome!! It's all about love!! <3

Great news!!! :)

This is a great blog/site with a TON of ideas for all different stages. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

This is a beautiful affirmation!! :)

Pat- you are one of my VSG heroes! You have such commitment and determination. <3

Yes-- that is scary, isn't it? Spent so much time and effort to get to a goal, and then see it slipping away (and if you are like me, I gained and lost and regained over and over and over again pre-surgery, making the fear even worse because historically, it is what alway happened). I have battled fear of regain. I didn't…