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Anissa Helie
Style Maven (525)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:08 - Edited by: Anissa Helie
I didnt want to hijack the resolutions thread, so figured Id start a new one...
I wish I could say that all it took was proper eating and exercise to reach my goal of 100lb weightloss in 2007, but I actually started with a 'tool'. I was diagnosed with PCOS a couple of years ago, and because of it, it was impossible to lose weight on my own. It didnt matter what kind of exercise I did or what I ate.
I ended up having a Gastric Bypass right after new years. My stomach is literally the size of a ping pong ball, a couple of bites and I am STUFFED! But it hasnt been easy, it has taken ALOT of exercise and completely changing my eating habits and lifestyle. The surgery was just a tool, to reduce the amount of food I could consume and the amount of calories my body just wouldnt let go of with the PCOS.
I know this probably isnt what you wanted to hear, but I honestly believe that anyone could lose it in the same amount of time, so long as they stick to eating right and exercising. Other than the surgery 'forcing' me to have to stick with it.. most of it was done on my own.
I had alot of people.. even family, claiming that the surgery was an easy way out. Although I dont believe its for everyone, because of my inability to lose it with the PCOS, it was my only option. Ive read on the GB forums that alot of people fail after the surgery (take Carnie Wilson for example), not exercising or watching what they eat. Instead of losing the weight and keeping it off, they lose QUICK and put it on just as quick. You have to work it to make it work for you. In some ways, I actually think its HARDER having had the surgery, than doing it on your own if your body will lose it.
I started at 249lbs on Jan 4th and weigh 152 today. Its coming off alot slower now, about 3-4 pounds a week, but after a planned tummy tuck, I should be at goal of 120 by next summer :)
Its amazing the things I can do now. I have taken up my dream of Muay Thai Kickboxing, I can RUN with my dogs, when just a few months ago it hurt to just walk them. I can jump out of bed in the morning instead of having to roll out, and my man thinks im fricken HOT! hah! My teenage daughter and her friends always joke about me being the 'MILF' now. I feel 20 years younger, and have been told I still look like Im in my early 20's. The surgery/weightloss is the best thing Ive ever done for myself.
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Anissa Helie
Style Maven (525)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:11
whew.. that was long winded. didnt mean to write a novel here.
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missmoxie
Model SISter (2541)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:13
well you certainly do look like you're in your 20's and you are one hot mama, haha! good for you. it sounds like that was a lot to overcome to get your body to where you are comfortable in it. also very inspiring! i have an extra 30 to 35 pounds on me right now, 20 of which showed up this past year, ugh! so if you could overcome all that i can get off my lazy but and actually do some cardio and be aware of what i'm eating. hopefully my new dance dance revolution game will help, haha!
good for you anissa
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Sonja
Favorite SISter (5548)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:17
I don't think it's an easy way out, because if you don't change your lifestyle, it will come right back. I used to work with a woman who had the surgery. We would go out to lunch and she would order a half salad, but full dressing! That doesn't seem healthy (to say the least:)
Good for you for making the full commitment and yay for the benefits it is reaping.
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TinaLynn510
SIStv's Favorite Droid
SISter Superior (6868)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:18
Wow.... congrats!
That's quite an accomplishment, no matter how you did it!
I envy you.
I wish I could lose 100 lbs.
That would be a dream come true.
I have hypothyroid, and it's so hard for me to lose weight.
I dropped my calorie intake, and exercising like crazy, and only lost 30 lbs, after 6 months. I was eating about 700 calories a day.
It's so frustrating.
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Corey
Style Addict (1300)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:21
you know what? I still think it's awesome. You totally have the right attitude about the whole thing. I've known a few people that have had the surgery and they just didn't have the right mind set and they are back to where they started or heavier. Good for you for taking controll! You sound so excited about life and that is a good thing...a good motivator too.
And from what I can see from your avitar...You look freaking gorgeous!
Congratulatios again! :)
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Anissa Helie
Style Maven (525)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:23
TinaLynn! 30 lbs in 6 months is awesome on your own!! Seriously, although 5lbs a month doesnt seem like much, do the math.. 30lbs in 6 months. 60lbs in 12 months. 90lbs in a year and a half. By the time I reach my goal, it will have been a year and a half with a total loss of 120-ish lbs. thats ONLY 30 more than YOU can lose in the same amount of time, withOUT the surgery.
Seriously.. stick to it, I think 30lbs in 6 months is fanfrickentastic!
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alohi
Favorite SISter (5091)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:27
it's not an easy way out! shame on them for thinking that.... i do think it's harder in some ways because your right it forces you to do it there's no thinking about it.
good for you and a huge congrats!!!
that's my goal this year to get off my pregnancy weight now that my baby is three i think it's time. ;}
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alohi
Favorite SISter (5091)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:30
I think 30lbs in 6 months is fanfrickentastic!
ok i think this will be my goal.
congrats TinaLynn!!!!
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Anissa Helie
Style Maven (525)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:31
Ohhh.. You know what I learned the other day, that would be good for all of us since we're so addicted to the forums and sitting at the computer? HAH!
Get one of those big bouncy exercise balls, you know.. the ones in the infomercials that make doing situps a fricken breeze!? Use it for a CHAIR at your computer desk/table. It will force you to use your balance and muscles to hold yourself upright, and you can bounce and get even more out of it by just sitting on the boards! I havent tried it yet, but I know someone that uses it.
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TinaLynn510
SIStv's Favorite Droid
SISter Superior (6868)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:35
Use it for a CHAIR at your computer desk/table. It will force you to use your balance and muscles to hold yourself upright, and you can bounce and get even more out of it by just sitting on the boards!
That's a good idea.
I really want one of those balls anyways, so now I have two good reasons.
I ate lean cuisines when I was on my diet, and a lot of fruit and vegetables.
It was really easy, just so frustrating that I wasn't losing as much as I wanted to.
Plus, I couldn't see a difference at all, which wasn't helping my motivation either.
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alohi
Favorite SISter (5091)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:35
i thought about that...
thanks for reminding me. great idea.
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alohi
Favorite SISter (5091)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:39
I ate lean cuisines when I was on my diet, and a lot of fruit and vegetables.
It was really easy, just so frustrating that I wasn't losing as much as I wanted to.
Plus, I couldn't see a difference at all, which wasn't helping my motivation either.
wow! but what an accomplishment!
when you say veggies, was it alot of salads or like stemmed vegtables?
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Anissa Helie
Style Maven (525)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:40 - Edited by: Anissa Helie
TinaLynn.. that just the 'fat girl complex' thing. I still have it, 97lbs later. I DONT see a difference. When I was fat, I didnt believe I was. Now that Im thinner, I think Im still fat. Wait until you see yourself in pictures.. or take some progress pictures every month for motivation. Measure yourself and even when the scale doesnt go down, I bet the inches will.
I saw a picture of my from my daughters birthday, and while clicking through them on the computer, I had to click back one because I had NO idea who the person in the pic was. It was ME!!
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TinaLynn510
SIStv's Favorite Droid
SISter Superior (6868)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:44
when you say veggies, was it alot of salads or like stemmed vegtables?
Both. I didn't eat salads like crazy, or anything.
When we went out, and there wasn't a good option on the menu, then I'd order a salad.
But at home, I would eat lots of carrots, brocolli, green beans, etc.
I snacked on fruit, like grape fruits, and apples.
I guess I should get back on it, this year.
It's just really hard when you are doing it alone.
But I am really ashamed of seeing myself in photos, or out in public.
See... I could go on for an hour here, about this past year in my life, but I don't think anyone wants to read my problems. lol
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groovcat
Haute SISter (916)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:49
I agree on you having the right attitude.
I've lost 37 pounds this year and it's not something that happened overnight nor should it be. Diets that claim more than 5lbs a month sound dangerous.
But its more of a lifestyle change than a diet and I think that's why so many people fail - they don't realize that. They think they'll diet for a couple of months, reach their goal then go back to how life was before.
No.
You need to change the way you think about eating and exercising and realize its a life long change. When I first started dieting this was the hardest mind shift - everything in our society evolves around food and alcohol! For the first 3 months I was a shut in because I needed to hyper-control my environment. Now that I've figured out how to eat right and have actually quit drinking because it makes me feel bad it's much easier to go to a restaurant and order a salad and iced tea.
I did do a program. Well am still doing it - it's called HMR - it's strength is in the maintenance of weight loss. It's hard work maintaining because its so easy to fall back into old habits after practicing them for 37 years.
Anissa you are so right though - it's mind blowing the first time you are able to make your body run without pain, or dance to an entire song without breaks. Way to go!!! Everyone needs tools, but if they work than its nothing to be ashamed of or persecuted for!
/rant
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Courtney DeLaura
Vogue SISter (3744)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 12:56 - Edited by: Courtney DeLaura
I am so amazed and impressed with you.
and proud. you are beautiful and look totally like
you are in your 20's
a couple years back I lost 50 pounds going from
188 to 138
but in the last two years i've plumped back up to 154
i need to get back on that horse or I will be back to
my high weight again.
I did it with weight watchers. LOVE that program.
it's amazing. I recommend it to EVERYONE!
but you have to be dedicated and work it.
I love the bouncy ball idea. totally going to target for one today!
i guess i should put down the dark choc. peanut M&M's :)
Courtney
Project 52
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Anissa Helie
Style Maven (525)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 13:02
i guess i should put down the dark choc. peanut M&M's
Step AWAY from the chocolate.. (ok.. maybe just one or two more ;))
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kitleen
SISter Superior (6648)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 13:04
Get one of those big bouncy exercise balls, you know.. the ones in the infomercials that make doing situps a fricken breeze!?
I have one of these. The kids play with it. That's not what it's for??
j/k I actually need it for situps. Ironically, it makes the situps more challenging, as you are bringing yourself up from farther. However, if I do situps on the floor, I get (i kid you not) rug burn. Fully clothed. My upper butt gets a huge rug burn. The ball keeps it from happening. Go figure.
I may start using it for the computer and/or scrapping now that you mentioned that. Good idea.
Regardless, congrats, Anissa, on making that surgery work for you. I don't think it was the easy way out. You went under the knife and that's scary enough. And then you had to work at it. You look FABULOUS!
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mellymel
Big SIS (4365)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 13:29 - Edited by: mellymel
Wow - thank you so much for sharing. I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago after spending a couple of years wondering wtf was wrong with me. I still haven't lost weight through diet or exercise. I'm getting ready to start taking metformin & doing the low glycemic index diet.
I had been wondering if gastric bypass works for PCOS. I really appreciate your honesty - and Congratulations. I know how hard your journey continues to be.
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MrsVo
Style Addict (1362)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 14:03
I have PCOS as well. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I can totally relate to how hard it makes weight loss. I've been through the BCPs, Metformin, and various other treatments with no change. It's all so frustrating. I'm a marathon runner and I swear I don't start to really see a change in my body until the weeks where I am running 15+ miles on the long runs and 3-4miles everyday. Hubby doesn't understand, friends don't understand, heck even I don't understand. It's nice to know I have some SISters that can relate.
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tia0220
Model SISter (2850)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 14:10
I too have to live with the horros of PCOS. It sucks! Congrats on your success. This is the year for me to kick my butt back into shape! Unfortunately I can NOT afford to have the bypass so I will have to try my best to suceed!
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nola1972
Fashion Plate (283)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 14:12
I totally needed to read this thread- I have a lot to lose and its very hard to come off! I am back on the treadmill but I need a lot more help i have been thinking of weight watchers.hmm lots to think about reading this keeps me motivated-thanks for sharing ladies-now i know you've all had to struggle like i am :)
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tallynt
Style Goddess (7940)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 14:58
Congrats! My sister-in-law also had the surgery and it is hard hard work. You have to change your whole lifestyle if it is going to work.
I lost 25 lbs before I had my first son on WW and loved that program. I managed to lose it again after him right before I had my second son but now after the stressful year I had, I am right back to the weight I was. I have about 35-40 lbs to lose now. (I had to stop before because I got pregnant and wasn't at my goal yet). I am going to go back to WW probably and take it nice and slow. Losing 1-2 lbs a week is the best way to go, more than that and it is too fast. (Aside from the surgery which has it's own numbers). I figure that is 40 weeks of work. Not even a year.
Thanks for sharing. Now we all know we are not alone. =)
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JackieQ
Fashion Plate (317)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 15:25
I really need to lose some weight too, and am glad to read this thread. I want to lose at least 30lbs (I dont even know how much I weigh anymore-Ive boycotted the scale) before I get married and start aving babies. Plus, I am studying to get my teaching degree, and I want to be able to move around and be a role model for my students. Also, I am the maid of honor for my sister (this June!) and would love to lose some by then. I am inspired by you ladies, and cannot wait to take advantage of the free personal training sessions at my school-b/c I do need guidance. And, I want one of those bouncy balls! They do give you a workout!! Thanks SISters!
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lisatanner
SISter Elle (1660)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 16:23
we have one of those balls - my DH uses it for situps and my son plays on it!! :) i think i should start using it as well!! I started Atkins in June - around the end of June - and I've lost around 35 pounds since then. i haven't lost any in over a month though - but i'm maintaining. i just got so very bored with it. i plan to start back in January and get back on the treadmill - and the ball in front of the computer now!!!
so glad you shared your story - awesome job!!! way to go!!
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traceylynne
Haute SISter (958)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 21:25
Wow congrats Anissa I have to got the motivation to do it. I started ww and only stuck with it for about 1.5 mths lost 7lbs I would fluctuate week to week lose 2 gain 2 etc it was crappy.I know I need to excercise more but I have little energy and a hard time breathing 2 years ago i had my lung removed and I am actually afraid to excercise for fear of not being able to breath sounds silly but very real for me. As of Jan 1 I am going to start eating better and excercising more. We should start a thread for motivation and to keep track of how we are doing and tips etc...
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Anissa Helie
Style Maven (525)
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2007 23:06
I agree traceylynne, we should start a motivation thread. I'll work on one in abit :)
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StraitFan10
SISter Superior (6287)
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# Posted: 29 Dec 2007 00:12
I need a SERIOUS motivation thread!!!!! I got a lot of work to do this year!! I lost 22 pounds earlier in the year, and well, It's back!!! I'm not buying new clothes, cause I gave all the others away, I'm on the "I have 2 pairs of pants to wear" thing! It really sucks, so motivation would be wonderful!!!!!
Good for you Anissa, I'm sure what you went through was not easy!!! Way to go girl!!
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scrapprincess2002
Model SISter (2624)
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# Posted: 29 Dec 2007 00:28
congrats to all you who have lost weight its so hard I think the biggest looser gives alot fo peps false ideas they loose so much so fast on that show they don't show the hours of working out and the food they eat ect.. I think if you work out 3-5 hours a day you probly can loose 12-15 lbs a week but who has those hours to work out each day???? not many of us i love to work out but not hours !!!!! I lost about 40 lb last year but have slowly gained some of it back so my goal is to excercise and eat better this year and hopfully i can get closer to my healthy goal
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