juliarh

Awesome job!! 80 pounds in less than 4 months! I love your advice to the newbies too -- they're hard lessons to learn, but necessary -- for instance, you were sleeved just a week before me and yet you've lost 9 more pounds than I have -- and, the lesson learned is that even though we share our journeys, we are essentially travelling the journey alone -- it's our own bodies, not everyone else's -- there is no "normal." So yay!! Hooray!! and happy dance for 80 pounds gone forever!

I ate sugars for the first time since surgery for Xmas and let me tell you, I did not feel good -- my tummy rumbled and I felt very loopy. NEVER again. Now, bread doesn't bother me (just expands to the point of uncomfortable) and rice same thing. But out and out sugar, oh no, never, ever again. I too get a lot of gas with milk products (I was lactose intolerant before, so . . ) -- like Tiff, I let my presence be known! So I'm with ya!

You said it! I'm so damn happy for this sleeve I can't even begin to say how much -- just think, last year I would have gained 10 pounds, no kidding! And I continue to lose (even if it's just under a pound!) -- couldn't ask for more. And, like you, I'm back on track -- protein first, tons of water, and exercise!! Very happy -- and the best thing is, is that the negative self-talk didn't come into play Thank you SLEEVE!!!

Hooray Pam!! I'm so excited for you -- you're almost in onderland, you're almost half-way done with your weight loss and all in 3 months!!! Incredible Very happy, very excited for you -- doing the happy dance!

I too, am like everyone else. I lost 75 pounds before I had my first son and then during my pregnancy I gained every pound back. Then I only lost 35 pounds post pregnancy. sigh. Then, like Tiff, it was Weight Watchers. Lost some, gained more. Lost some, gained more. And then I tried crazy diets (like the Cookie Diet) -- I KNOW I can lose, that's never been the issue for me. The issue, like Diva and BlackBerry, is being able to have a bad week eating-wise or a long plateau and not just give in -- in the past, I couldn't just get back on the wagon because the negative self-talk would do me in. Now, with the sleeve, I don't have a real choice. And I'm glad for it! This past week, I allowed myself to Celebrate Christmas (which is a couple of bites of pie) -- I ate Protein first and then the small bites -- but I still lost! I have NEVER lost over Thanksgiving and Christmas in my life -- never. But I did. And it's only due to the sleeve -- So, yes, my answer is like everyone else's answer -- but, that's the point, isn't it?

You are looking awesome! And I agree with the others, if I saw you on the street, I wouldn't think that you had any weight to lose Isn't it nice that your doctor is so invested in his work (you) that he was that happy -- my doctor is reacting similarly (no crying yet, though) and I just think it's wonderful to have a medical professional care so much -- I'm really really happy and proud of you!! Keep up the awesome work!

I'm so sorry you're depressed, and like Chilo says, you should see your dr. That said, your rapid weight loss could be a contributing factor -- the release of hormones when you lose fat can mess with the balance of your system -- I know just a month a go (I've been sleeved almost 4 months) I went through a spell where EVERYTHING made me sad -- I cried over EVERYTHING. And then, magically, it got better. Don't know what happened, maybe it was the holidays, maybe it was my period, maybe it was the weight loss. But now it's better. So, please see your doctor and know that a lot of people experience some sadness after getting weight loss surgery.

Thanks Stacy -- I'll take a look at them

Hey guys -- it was a good Christmas for me -- we had 21 people at our house -- it was a potluck dinner, so I did allow myself small bites of whatever I wanted. But, I couldn't finish hardly anything -- after getting the protein in, that was about it. oh well -- couple of bites of pie and that's it. sigh. But I did go down .6 lbs -- not a whole bunch but something -- I have to admit my eating was off (not in a bad way) but when I was preparing for the dinner, etc., I just forgot to eat, so I know my body is holding onto water (can see it in my ankles) -- so I've upped my water intake and am eating better. It's hard to remember to eat when you're not hungry!! Onward and downward!!! Right??? Have a great day everyone!

Thanks so much Tiff -- I just went online and googled Wacoal and they have an online store -- maybe you could see if they have any retailers near where you live . . . the bras look nice and actually look like they might lift the girls up a bit -- thanks again!

Ok, I can now wear Victoria Secret's bras (yay me!) -- BUT, I have NO idea which bras are good, etc. I need some recommendations! I am a 38 D right now (my 42 DDs are huge on me) -- basically I need my girls to go up and together I would really appreciate any input because I have to order online (yep, sucks) -- so any guidance would be HIGHLY appreciated

Irene, I would NEVER have recognized you at your higher weight -- it's just such a drastic change!! Incredible

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday -- I too am enjoying the holiday so far -- making cookies but not eating them who'd have thought that possible?? Having a big dinner on the 25th with a bunch of friends, potluck style so I'm just making the turkey. It will be nice. Hope everyone else is doing well!

Maybe I'll get close . . . fingers crossed!! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Avilda .................270.............196..............184............12 (12-9-10 191 down 5) Back on track!!! BlackBerryJuice...........208...........155...........155..............0 (Dec. 19th goal - reached a week early!!!!) Brendasgonnalose 335......244.............235............4 ( 12-20-10 239 down 3) Chilo1.............216...................169..............154................15 (down to 160- so back to original goal of 154!!!)) Dansha...........220..................220...............195................25;) DJackson........246.................230...............220................10 Filosophia Scandinavia...205...205.............187...............17 (Will be sleeved on the 30th November) Fit ..................290.................250.8..............235.8............15 GayleSBennett ....232.................201................189...............11 Good Luck everyone! =) Juliarh............303.6.................232.4..............225................7.2 Kgremmy........225..................221..............199................22 (being sleeved 12/14/10) Labrys............238..................208.................193...............15 Laylasmojo......242.................200.6.............185.............15.6 LilMissDiva........247...............236.............226.8..........9.2 Lisalu..............210..................137..............130.................7 livelovelaugh....236..................216................196...............20 Maddie............257.................167................147................20 merieri............240..................206...............190................16 Mini-Me...........203...................128.6..............125.............3.6 (Getting Better!) Mommy2Girls....275..................256.............240...............16 mp8btpc.........199...................160...............145...............15 pattimomof3NJ.....203.4..........168.1............170...............-1.9 BELOW GOAL!!! Pumpkin97....220...................150...............143...............7 (this is my goal for Jan 1 2011) Sleeve 4 me ...204...................167..............164..............3 Stacy160.........258..................174...............148...............16 StaySea........299...................299.................275.............24 twoboysandagirl..226..........212................199..............13( made goal 8 days post op) NEW GOAL 185

You know, Irene, I figured that out too -- it kinda sucks because even though I enjoy the after-effects of exercising, I have to FORCE myself to go every time. sucks. But, I do know makes the pounds go away faster than sitting on my butt! HOWEVER, it's good that you lost a pound!! HOORAY You're still on the losing track, my friend!

you're looking fabulous! the sweater/jeans/boots combo is very cute congratulations!

good morning September Sleevers! I lost 4.2 pounds this week, which is nice considering I barely lost last week. All my kids are home from college so the house is chaotic and I'm trying desperately to get ready for Christmas and it's not working! But the fact that I keep losing is a good thing Hope everyone is doing well!! Have a Merry Christmas!

I think I'm going to start doing things for me. Because I"m a mom, and I will be working soon (God willing), I don't often just do things for me, such as taking art classes, maybe learn French -- I don't know -- things I normally would put on the back burner -- and you know what? If I keep putting things on the back burner, they'll stay there!! So I'm gonna do something for me!

I was told to wait 2 weeks -- but I didn't start until a month or so out.

Hi DeeDee -- I'm an adoptive mom to two great kids (I have one biological one as well - and it was a struggle to have him) -- congratulations on the wonderful journey you're about to embark upon The only regret I have is that I wasn't the one to carry them for the 9 months before they were born -- I love them so -- AND theyre teenagers now. (so sometimes they try to act unlovable, but ya know, they just can't get rid of me ) -- here are some pics of them

You're looking great!!! Keep up the terrific work

Happy birthday Tiff! I hope it's been a great day

I eat out a lot -- but I've resigned myself to the fact that my husband will eat whatever I don't eat. For me, the whole purpose in going out is enjoying not having to cook and enjoying the company -- in fact, like others, I find the huge portions now really daunting and can't imagine eating it all even if I could! I know 3 weeks out I could barely eat anything -- now, I'm able to eat about 3/4 of a cup of food, so it's much more enjoyable now.

That's great news Tiff -- congrats!

Hi -- I took a very logical approach to my goal weight -- I took the highest weight at my BMI range (165) and made it that -- I want to be a normal weight. Now, if I go lower, hooray. If I end up fighting to get to 165, oh well. It's a goal, it's not set in stone. My real goal in having the sleeve was to be healthier -- so if I get close, I'll be happy