coops

losingnva, Congratulations on an amazing journey to date... I agree with the other poster... I can't see why you will stop losing after two years, for me there is no expiry date to the sleeve - I am not at goal at 21mts+ and I refuse to give up trying. Yes it will take more discipline and exercise, as our bodies get used to what we are doing ... I am very mindful of what, when and how I eat but that doesn't make me perfect. Good luck to you as you continue to move forward... and downward!

Woaw, Sharon, that sounds amazing.. what a great experience! i am really pleased that you have been rewarded for your success ... you are such a positive and insightful person that you are definately the right choice for the WLS campaign! I can't wait to see the finished product! xx

I agree... the more candy coated something is, the sweeter it tastes... and that is what got me fat in the first place! Yes, a lot of the info you share has interested science behind it and I really do enjoy learning new stuff... I also enjoy learning how my body is working and the reasons behind how it reacts. Once again , thank you!

Capt Derel, although I don't know what the USCG actually is... I agree they can jog on!! And I know you will get rid of those 32lbs and then some. I really enjoy reading your posts, they are very informative and make complete sense! Thank you for being an active member and sharing your knowledge!

I also find this a sad situation, yes as a western culture we are getting used to the 'larger' body... yet we are bombarded with skinny images of models etc. It gives out a very confused message to the general population! As regards what others think... I agree with the above, it really doesn't matter (that much...lol)! When others are used to seeing you/us a certain way, they get a little freaked out by change, now that doesn't allow them to be rude or imply ill health! It just scares them... and you've lost a lot of weight FAST - good n you by the way! I've been told that I shouldn't lose any more weight - even though I am still classified as obese... I've been told that any more weight loss and I will look to old/too thin/ ill etc... but I don't listen and care about that... I DO care about my overall health and fitness though! So I will continue to fight the good fight and do what I can with this amazing tool. I think you should just hold your head high, take it as a back handed compliment and try to let it wash over you. Congratulate yourself on your amazing success and good health and enjoy the new 'slim' you!! Well done on getting to goal... and good luck with maintance, not that you'll need it! =]

Pipula, I just wanted you to know that this is the only way, and I mean only way, that I have ever lost anything over 7lbs. I hoped to lose weight; I wanted to... but I too had doubts as it really was the last option for me. I am happy to say, that I lost over that initial 7lbs...lol... and am now up to 74lbs lost - and staying off - in total. Although I am not at my weight goal, I hit my original size goal a couple of months ago... and that is feeling that is just amazing. Make sure you have positive thoughts, even if you hit a stall, focus on the good stuff not the pesky scale and its numbers... honestly, the sleeve is a great tool to get you where you want to be. Good luck =]

ooops... didn't finish... I meant to say ... I am 21mths out now and not at my surgeon's goal, or my personal goal (although I have made my first 'size goal') and I am not giving up... not yet! I haven't lost a pound since the end of Oct but I have gone down a dress size... remember out bodies work in mysterious ways... so try not to focus on just numbers, but the whole YOU. Get back on track and work your sleeve... log your food and aim for Protein first, then green veggies; drink plenty of Water and exercise as and when you can. Please let us know how you get on... and stay in touch. This is a great site for motivation, incouragement and information... Good luck!

prettypebble, you've already received some good advise... and I agree with all the above. It is never too late, remember there is no expiry date on your sleeve, it is with you for life and a tool that we have to learn to use for its beneefits. I am 2

Thin, I can't really add anything as it has already been said. What I do want to say though, is that you are an amazing woman, a strong, kind and inspirational lady who has given me a lot of hope and support over the last 20mths. Please don't internalise this stupid comment - ok, easier said than done - but, my friend, you are not fat anymore... you've lost another person! Sometimes we just need time to lick our wounds when we get hurt... and that is ok... take your time and then remember that you are a success and you DO NOT need permission from others to be YOU - regardless of your weight. Hugs from across the pond my lovely x

sandyd, you're right... this place is just brilliant! I really feel that I have friends here... so much support! I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for the peeps here... they really cheer me on, lift me up and keep me going! MG2 ... don't worry my lovely friend... I know your up to your eyes in it right now! Betty didn't make cake for our birthdays, we bought a huge choc cake...lol... but she did make some last night! *sighs* So far I have been good and stayed away from it! I'm all caked out!! xx

crazy4pluto, how awful for you... I can't imagine what you are going through - the worry and uncertainty of your current news. The only thing I can think of, and I am not sure it will help, is to try and make some good quality Soups or broth to get you through the next phase. Please let us know how you get on... hugs!

Hey! 5dogma has pretty much summed it up for you.... the sleeve is an amazing tool but must be respected as any other surgery. Now, that being said, I can honestly, utterly and completely tell you that this is the ONLY way that I have ever achieved any sort of weight loss - the most has been about 7lb, which took me many, many months of strict dieting - and kept it off over a long period of time. I also agree with setting an achievable, attainable and healthy goal weight... if you surpass it happy days... if you don't make it, then it is devastating and can really mess with your head ( I am 11lbs away from my surgeon's goal, which is completely and utterly realistic, and I am struggling with that mentally as I am 21mths out and whatever I do doesn't effect the scale. I am dealing with this but it can be really tough on the ole self esteem and confidence!). Good luck with your forthcoming surgery... follow your surgeon's rules, relax and try to enjoy the rollercoaster ride that awaits you!

Yea, constipations is a complete and utter pain in the a*se...pun intended. I too suffer from it and have done all my adult life. I am sure that high Protein + sleeve= no can poo! I use benefibre in my Hot drinks - tea, coffee - and if I have a Protein shake I put it in there too... it really does help and it is gentle. might be useful? Unfotuntaley coffee doesn't have any effect on me...*sad face*!

Yep What they said!! Fab, fab, fab! You look fab!! What an amazing transformation - loves it!! x

OMG... Dorrie... you've made me CRY!! Thank you so much for this! Such a lovely, lovely thought made a HUGE impact on me!! Cor bloody hell... Thank YOU!! Yea, I had a great birthday, my daughter shares it wit me so it is great to watch her have a great time. I tend to let her have the day now, so technically I am still 27...lol! Over ate on the cake front... but who gives a sh*t right? LOL! It's my birthday...heheheh Thanks for the lovely wishes... this is my best pressier... xxxx

Wow, thank you for your honesty in this post... it is really relevant to me at the moment cos I am seriously considering a TT and I've just started looking at prices and how to afford it - I think, if hubby agrees, it might be a loan. My sleeve surgeon does a TT, so at my 2 year appointment in July I will ask him for more information. Even through the infection and issues you have faced, your post feels very positive and I remember reading about this when you first started considering it. I am glad that you've went ahead and had it done as you sound more than happy with your decision... good on you! Do you know feel that your weight loss journey is 'complete'? Keep us updated on the whole recovery time... =]

Well done on getting to goal... good luck in maintance, not that you'll need it!! Congratulations! =]

Ladies... I am in awe of your confidence and self image... mine is sh*t!! Please, balls to the weight loss, tell me how to get that confidence in myself!! Seriously I am in awe!! x

Hello all, emlefe, you've had some great responses so far, and I agree, you keep a mighty detailed record and for what is it worth, I feel that you are doing an amazing job! I am interested in the hormone theory though... I am peri menopausal and have been for over a year - started when I was nearly 30 turning 40 - I'm 41 (today ... lol) and been on HRT for just over three mths. I haven't lost a pound since the end of Oct and believe me I've tried everything and then some to shift some more weight...and I have been thinking that it's down to hormones. Now, when I mentioned this to my meopause doc she said that the hormones and HRT will have NO effect on my weight loss as it is a case of cals in v cals out and exercise. OK... so with that being said, I have been consuming anything between 900-1200 cals a day (apart from the last two weeks where I have stopped logging but I guestimate that I am about 1200 most days) and I've seen no movement on the scales. I really do feel that hormones are responsible for a lot more than we think ... that being said, it is not a case of 'Oh I give up it's my hormones' but more of a case where I have to be extra vigilant and patient and carry on waiting to see some movement. And here is the strangest part ... during the last 6mths of no weight loss I have gone down a dress size and that includes jeans!! What is that all about...!! Stick with your programme... things will happen and your body will respond and change! Good luck!

You'r definately shrinking... looking great! Don't let that pesky scale rule your world! x

Catracks ...110lbs-105lbs! OMG! I just can't imagine an adult at that weight- well actually my mother is probablt in that range and she is, at 78, all skin and bones; she is weak and frail and looks bloody awful! (In general good health but doesn't eat... of should I say eats very little!) I am nearly 5'2', so not much difference in our height and I honestly can't see myself at such a low weight... my surgeon said I should shoot for 154lb, which I felt was too heavy ... still not there mind, but that is another story! I am really not interested in being anywhere near the bottom end of the BMI, at BMI of between 27-24 would make me happy! This just goes to show how very subjective the weight loss goal actually is!

Linda, your post makes a lot of sense... sometimes the numbers just don't make sense. Remember, when you get to that first goal, see how you feel! I should imagine you'll be jumping for joy! I know I would at 150-155... and I am only 5'2 ...lol! You're over 2/3s of the way there... let us know how you get on! =]

My restriction is still good...As GreginMI said, the 6-12mths is the optimum restriction and in that time I have also learnt new habits and I believe that is the key! My restriction is very similar to what it was at around 8mths out and I too feel that I eat like a normal person. Of course, I can graze if I WANT to, but at 21mths out I am very mindful as what, how and when I eat. Good food choices has to be a factor... that doesn't mean you can't have a 'treat' - I do, just not daily or even weekly! This really is the best thing I have done for myself and my health!

I am 21mths post op and my sleeve still has great restriction - the same as it was around the 7-8mth marker. I mostly eat three times a day as per my post op instructions and I find this has now become a habit. There are days when I include a snack but it is not every day. i am very lucky in one way as my sleeve can tolerate absolutely anything, and I have had no problems - although this is good I have to be mindful of what I put in my mouth... yes, the sleeve is a tool. I used to weigh everything... now I can eyeball my portions well... but, I do weigh to keep on track every now and again! At this stage for me it is about what, when and how I eat. Since July 2010 I am not interested in sh*tty food - especailly packaged foods and processed foods... if it needs to go ping in a microwave then I won't eat it ...YUK!! I eat a lot of fresh meat and veg now and I have found a huge love of red, orange and yellow peppers... they are my new 'sweeties'!! When it comes to treats, yep, I too eat them, but as the other posters said, they do not rule my world anymore...and say for instance, if I have a biscuit, one or two is my limit as opposed to one or two packets pre sleeve. I also don't feel guilty about treats now! This month has been a food nightmare...Easter, my dad's birthday, my daughter's birthday and my birthday... so lots of treats around and I have enjoyed a small piece of cake or a little bit of chocolate egg... I chose the sleeve because I wanted to be able to eat like a 'naturally slim' person... and it is doing its job well! Good luck as you grow into your teenage sleeve and onwards...

WOW... That is one super-duper NSV... and check out that photo... you look seriously strong there! What an amazing achievement at just 5mths out! You don't look like you have EVER been overweight!!