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coops

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    coops got a reaction from Erica1413 in Before And After Gastric Sleeve Surgery Photos   
    Hi Stacy,
    I am just over half way there and I use my before and after pics to keep me motivated, especially when I am in a stall ... I am real slow loser but I am losing...
    Here goes, hopes this helps...
    [
    this was the day I went in to hospital 2nd July 2010

    this was the end of June 10

    last week

    side view!!

    this is this week at 32 weeks post op, my most recent pic
    Like I said, I still have a fair bit to go, but when I look back and am pleased with the progress so far... I look forward to sharing goal pics!!





  2. Like
    coops got a reaction from crigney21 in What was your weight lose @ 2 months out?   
    Hey,
    Interesting thread...
    Starting weight 238...
    wk 8 weight 209 loss of 29lb
    wk 12 weight 203 loss of 35lb
    wk 16 weight 196 loss of 42lb
    as you can see a considerable slow down... which I assume is fairly normal!
    I am now just 6mths out and have lost 48lb in total, slow but sure!!!
    My BMI is on my ticker!
    Hope this helps
  3. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    As for me - it is over 8 years sleeved for me now and things haven't really changed in the last year. I am down a little but still at least 14lbs over where I stabilised, which was another 14lbs where I set a goal weight! So, all in all I would still like to get rid of at least 28lbs!
    I've had to buy new clothes - that was really depressing! And I have zero energy to work out. School life is really stressful and my anxiety levels are ever increasing whereas my sleep is decreasing! This leaves me in a constant state of exhaustion. This is the last week in school before the summer holidays. We are going away Tuesday for 3 weeks and as much as I am looking forward to it I am dreading the whole swimming costume-wearing malarkey! It is gonna be three weeks of 'faking it, 'til I make it!' Plus a lot of sleeping and rest.
    On a plus note, I went back to being vegetarian last Sept and I have now fully transitioned to a vegan way of eating. This has been a really powerful move for me, not only for ethical reasons but for health reasons too. I initially looked into it to see if it would help my menopause - I have really been suffering with the symptoms for nearly 10 years and it is really getting me down (plus I am sure it has contributed to my weight gain). So, I thought I would see if changing my diet to a more plant based/vegan way would help.
    Although, I still get major hot flushes, they have generally decreased. My headaches/migraines have also improved. But, the biggest change is the digestion of my food. I have always been constipated - all my life - and since I removed dairy, especially cow's milk, I am no longer constipated! This has made me really hopeful that my gut is now working better and therefore my metabolic rate is improving. With time (and rest from work) I am hoping that my body will keep responding and I will feel more energised and therefore move more.

    I refuse to give up! I refuse to accept this weight that I am currently. I will keep on keeping on!


  4. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    @clk Cheri! What a load of ole cobblers... I agree with you when you said 'do your own thing'. You have always been the type of lady that has thought this way and good for you for following your own wise words - one size doesn't fit all! You gotta do what is right for you!
    Good luck with being you and getting to a point where you feel 'right' (if that exists!) but you know what I mean. Hugs x
  5. Like
    coops got a reaction from ausmith in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Cheri,
    Thanks for this insight. I understand the control element; in so much as when I eat when I shouldn't/not hungry/'naughty' food, I feel that I have no control. Stupid as in reality, if someone was watching, they would not look at me as an out of control eater! However, I feel that I don't have control over my body - early menopause started that train of thought... and now weight gain and not being able to lose it. I've lost my mojo and am hating this head space I am in... one of constant exhaustion and disappointment (not just with weight but many areas of my life).
    But, life goes on and the world keeps turning... we keep on fighting the good fight!
    Stay safe and well my friend x
  6. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    As for me - it is over 8 years sleeved for me now and things haven't really changed in the last year. I am down a little but still at least 14lbs over where I stabilised, which was another 14lbs where I set a goal weight! So, all in all I would still like to get rid of at least 28lbs!
    I've had to buy new clothes - that was really depressing! And I have zero energy to work out. School life is really stressful and my anxiety levels are ever increasing whereas my sleep is decreasing! This leaves me in a constant state of exhaustion. This is the last week in school before the summer holidays. We are going away Tuesday for 3 weeks and as much as I am looking forward to it I am dreading the whole swimming costume-wearing malarkey! It is gonna be three weeks of 'faking it, 'til I make it!' Plus a lot of sleeping and rest.
    On a plus note, I went back to being vegetarian last Sept and I have now fully transitioned to a vegan way of eating. This has been a really powerful move for me, not only for ethical reasons but for health reasons too. I initially looked into it to see if it would help my menopause - I have really been suffering with the symptoms for nearly 10 years and it is really getting me down (plus I am sure it has contributed to my weight gain). So, I thought I would see if changing my diet to a more plant based/vegan way would help.
    Although, I still get major hot flushes, they have generally decreased. My headaches/migraines have also improved. But, the biggest change is the digestion of my food. I have always been constipated - all my life - and since I removed dairy, especially cow's milk, I am no longer constipated! This has made me really hopeful that my gut is now working better and therefore my metabolic rate is improving. With time (and rest from work) I am hoping that my body will keep responding and I will feel more energised and therefore move more.

    I refuse to give up! I refuse to accept this weight that I am currently. I will keep on keeping on!


  7. Like
    coops reacted to playlikeworldchamps in 5 years and it is never too late   
    Happy to report that almost 3 months later i am down 30 and BMI is 29.99. lol. i’ll take that and say i am back to being “only” overweight. i really was feeling hopeless and ready to give up. getting off
    sugar and doing intermittent fasting has changed my life!
  8. Like
    coops reacted to clk in Sleeve Veterans: What makes you successful long term?   
    I'm 7 years out. I'm 116 pounds. My body picked my goal weight for me and really likes it here, so maintaining is easier than it could be. But I do have rules I live by.

    I weigh at least weekly. I do not worry about tiny fluctuations but nip anything out of my maintenance window immediately. Complacency leads to larger regain. I don't avoid food groups, but I do put Protein first. I will usually choose a protein snack. I indulge when I want, because I believe forbidden foods lead to binges. I don't want the yo-yo. It works for me. I never graze. I either portion food out and eat it, or I don't, but no mindless or emotional eating.

    I still have a ton of restriction, so maybe that's made my journey easier. And my tastes changed a lot. I don't care for potatoes, or sweets. I can't have milk or eat ice cream due to lactose intolerance. But just being mindful is what keeps me successful. I think before I eat. I don't have to track anymore, it's just second nature. The scale is my tracker. And it hardly moves.

    I think this is the ideal. I'm happy, can't complain.

    Cheri
  9. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    @clk Cheri! What a load of ole cobblers... I agree with you when you said 'do your own thing'. You have always been the type of lady that has thought this way and good for you for following your own wise words - one size doesn't fit all! You gotta do what is right for you!
    Good luck with being you and getting to a point where you feel 'right' (if that exists!) but you know what I mean. Hugs x
  10. Like
    coops got a reaction from ausmith in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Cheri,
    Thanks for this insight. I understand the control element; in so much as when I eat when I shouldn't/not hungry/'naughty' food, I feel that I have no control. Stupid as in reality, if someone was watching, they would not look at me as an out of control eater! However, I feel that I don't have control over my body - early menopause started that train of thought... and now weight gain and not being able to lose it. I've lost my mojo and am hating this head space I am in... one of constant exhaustion and disappointment (not just with weight but many areas of my life).
    But, life goes on and the world keeps turning... we keep on fighting the good fight!
    Stay safe and well my friend x
  11. Like
    coops reacted to _Kate_ in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Hiya coops.. I’m UK too and used to enjoy milky coffee. I now use Alpro fresh light Soya Milk (not the unsweetened) and that feels like a treat during the day.
    For me it’s all been about the carbs. Low carbs/Keto weight drops off although much slower than during the honeymoon phase. This milk is carb free, 78cals and 7.1g of Protein, 4.3 fibre for 12oz.
    Wishing you the best for keeping on track !
    Kate 😀
  12. Like
    coops got a reaction from mylighthouse in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    This week I have gone back to a liquid/soft food diet similar to post op... my portions are larger than post op as my sleeve is now mature. So far, I have not lost an ounce - clearly I am disappointed by this as I would of liked to see the scale move, if only a little. I will continue with it for another day; I originally give myself a 5 day target and will see that through. Although, I have not seen a loss (yet - I remain hopeful as I am defo in calorie deficit) I have learnt things about my eating habits. Firstly, I don't 'need' to eat just because it is lunch time, dinner time etc. Just having liquids through the day has been a real reminder that my hunger is not 'real' per se. I have realised that a lot of the time it is head hunger. The other thing I have learnt is that I have not been drinking enough Water and I have increased this over the last week. I eat half a bowl of porridge in the evening and I can't finish the portion I give myself, which isn't a large portion! This is a good thing and has made me realise that I have been testing my sleeve and, on occasion, over eating for its capacity. I have also began to understand that I don't 'need' the food I thought I did for my body and mind to function. I am still working long hours without huge fatigue from a lack of food that I thought I would have. I am tired, beyond tired most days, but this is because I am working 10-16 hours week days and also working at least one day on the weekend.
    I haven't managed to do any form of work out, however, I do at least 10,000 steps a day, average this week is 12,000. I do realise that I need to do more but with my work load so high at the moment I am fighting time.
    Basically, with or without weight loss this has been a positive week for me as I feel I am re learning eating habits that I gained post op. Hopefully I will see a loss soon!
  13. Like
    coops got a reaction from ausmith in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Cheri,
    Thanks for this insight. I understand the control element; in so much as when I eat when I shouldn't/not hungry/'naughty' food, I feel that I have no control. Stupid as in reality, if someone was watching, they would not look at me as an out of control eater! However, I feel that I don't have control over my body - early menopause started that train of thought... and now weight gain and not being able to lose it. I've lost my mojo and am hating this head space I am in... one of constant exhaustion and disappointment (not just with weight but many areas of my life).
    But, life goes on and the world keeps turning... we keep on fighting the good fight!
    Stay safe and well my friend x
  14. Like
    coops got a reaction from ausmith in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Cheri,
    Thanks for this insight. I understand the control element; in so much as when I eat when I shouldn't/not hungry/'naughty' food, I feel that I have no control. Stupid as in reality, if someone was watching, they would not look at me as an out of control eater! However, I feel that I don't have control over my body - early menopause started that train of thought... and now weight gain and not being able to lose it. I've lost my mojo and am hating this head space I am in... one of constant exhaustion and disappointment (not just with weight but many areas of my life).
    But, life goes on and the world keeps turning... we keep on fighting the good fight!
    Stay safe and well my friend x
  15. Like
    coops got a reaction from ausmith in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Cheri,
    Thanks for this insight. I understand the control element; in so much as when I eat when I shouldn't/not hungry/'naughty' food, I feel that I have no control. Stupid as in reality, if someone was watching, they would not look at me as an out of control eater! However, I feel that I don't have control over my body - early menopause started that train of thought... and now weight gain and not being able to lose it. I've lost my mojo and am hating this head space I am in... one of constant exhaustion and disappointment (not just with weight but many areas of my life).
    But, life goes on and the world keeps turning... we keep on fighting the good fight!
    Stay safe and well my friend x
  16. Like
    coops got a reaction from Stella S in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Hello all,
    I haven't been around for a long ole time and thought I would drop by.

    My sleeve will be 7 years old in July. Over the last year, I - like so many others it would appear - have started to regain; it is 14lbs at the moment. I can honestly say it isn't by eating crap food all day everyday. My diet is 85% clean and 15% rubbish. After being sleeved I turned into a food 'snob' and still don't eat a lot of processed foods and junk. Obviously I am not perfect either! One thing that has really changed though is my exercise habits. I went from being really active and strong to not doing a lot. The only real exercise I do now is walking, which as much as I enjoy, doesn't make me sweat and ache like the other types of exercise I used to do. I need to work on this.

    Another area of my life that has changed in the last 18mths is work - I am a teacher and my work load has increased (with a small promotion). I work between 10-16 hrs a day weekdays and sometimes on a Sunday. I refuse to work on a Saturday! So this has really impacted on my free time and also my stress levels. I also have had a lot of stress in my home life, which I feel is lessening a little now. However, I feel totally exhausted 90% of the time. I have been to the docs and am getting my bloods tested for cortisol and thyroid next week.
    I am finding it really hard to juggle work, home life, the house, caring for elderly parents and then finding the energy and motivation to move faster than a walk! Does anyone else feel like this? How do I overcome it?

    I have tried to lose the regain - trying all sorts of different methods (low carb, 5:2, 16:8, low sugar etc) - over the last 4 mths but no joy. The only thing I haven't tried is the pouch reset, which I am contemplating, I have noticed that I can eat more these days, if I chose to, so I am mindful of that and I still use a small plate to control my portions.
    If you have done the pouch reset, what was your experience?

    One thing I have been thinking about is being resleeved - if I could ever afford it (I was self pay as I am in the UK). Has anyone had this done? What are the results? Is it worth the money.

    I feel that I am at a weird cross roads... at 46 I am 'ok' with me. But I know I could be fitter and stronger. What I worry about is regaining all the weight that I have lost.

    Any thoughts are welcome!
  17. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Just a quick update... I completed my 5 day liquid/soft food and felt it went well. My hubby joined me and he was also surprised at how he 'functioned' on it - including 3 training sessions.
    The results, for me, weren't what I wanted on the scale... I lost half a pound! I was really disappointed. Hubby on the other had lost 10lb. Hmmm, that just isn't fair...lol! But, as I have said before, I will keep on keeping on!
    Then, on Saturday whilst walking the dog, I tripped on his lead and landed on my right knee cap. Wow! The pain was incredible and made me feel sick. Needless to say, I am now hobbling along using crutches - luckily there is nothing broken or fractured so it is just a case of rest and letting the swelling and bruising go down. Not great for activity levels though!
  18. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Just a quick update... I completed my 5 day liquid/soft food and felt it went well. My hubby joined me and he was also surprised at how he 'functioned' on it - including 3 training sessions.
    The results, for me, weren't what I wanted on the scale... I lost half a pound! I was really disappointed. Hubby on the other had lost 10lb. Hmmm, that just isn't fair...lol! But, as I have said before, I will keep on keeping on!
    Then, on Saturday whilst walking the dog, I tripped on his lead and landed on my right knee cap. Wow! The pain was incredible and made me feel sick. Needless to say, I am now hobbling along using crutches - luckily there is nothing broken or fractured so it is just a case of rest and letting the swelling and bruising go down. Not great for activity levels though!
  19. Like
    coops got a reaction from Erica1413 in Before And After Gastric Sleeve Surgery Photos   
    Hi Stacy,
    I am just over half way there and I use my before and after pics to keep me motivated, especially when I am in a stall ... I am real slow loser but I am losing...
    Here goes, hopes this helps...
    [
    this was the day I went in to hospital 2nd July 2010

    this was the end of June 10

    last week

    side view!!

    this is this week at 32 weeks post op, my most recent pic
    Like I said, I still have a fair bit to go, but when I look back and am pleased with the progress so far... I look forward to sharing goal pics!!





  20. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Jess,
    thank you for your insight... I really hadn't considered myself 'normal' but you're right; a lot of women gain weight as they go through the menopause - I've seen it some of my friends. And, the similar theme seems to be all around the middle - where mine has gone. I just get frustrated, especially when my doc says that I should not be gaining just because I am going through the menopause! I have been going through it for 8 years now, so I suppose when we apply the 'normal' logic I am doing ok.
    However, I don't like it.... I don't like feeling and looking 'round' again! Even though I am no where near my starting weight, I am starting to feel the same feeling towards myself as I did when I was 238lbs. I know I have to work on my head space... something I continually fight with; always have done.
    x
  21. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    A little update - two of the four pounds I put on since joining the gym have come off... I am really enjoying the classes and moving more. Not seeing any change in my clothes, but I know it is early days. However, I have seen an improvement.... I have a Fitbit and before the gym my resting heart rate was 65, now it goes between 59-61. So even though the scale isn't being kind I am liking that internal improvement that moving has given me to date... I am hoping that as time goes on my resting heart rate stays in the 50s.
    I honestly think stress is really tampering with my weight too... the stress levels in work just keeping getting higher and higher. It is a melting pot of madness now. Two teachers are on long term sick due to work related stress (and these are seasoned, fantastic teachers!), kind of sums it up to me.
    Anyway, I will keep on keeping on... my mantra for the last 7 years isn't gonna change anytime soon,,,lol

    Hope you are all well - keep us updated and lets do this together!
  22. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Hey Cheri!
    Yea, a mini reunion for sure... good to hear from you! Are you back in the States permanently now? How have you keeping? It is so reassuring to see the 'old' faces isn't it; and to see that we all have the same or similar struggles. I always appreciated your advise and words of wisdom and encouragement. Stay in touch x
  23. Like
    coops got a reaction from Stella S in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    Hello all,
    I haven't been around for a long ole time and thought I would drop by.

    My sleeve will be 7 years old in July. Over the last year, I - like so many others it would appear - have started to regain; it is 14lbs at the moment. I can honestly say it isn't by eating crap food all day everyday. My diet is 85% clean and 15% rubbish. After being sleeved I turned into a food 'snob' and still don't eat a lot of processed foods and junk. Obviously I am not perfect either! One thing that has really changed though is my exercise habits. I went from being really active and strong to not doing a lot. The only real exercise I do now is walking, which as much as I enjoy, doesn't make me sweat and ache like the other types of exercise I used to do. I need to work on this.

    Another area of my life that has changed in the last 18mths is work - I am a teacher and my work load has increased (with a small promotion). I work between 10-16 hrs a day weekdays and sometimes on a Sunday. I refuse to work on a Saturday! So this has really impacted on my free time and also my stress levels. I also have had a lot of stress in my home life, which I feel is lessening a little now. However, I feel totally exhausted 90% of the time. I have been to the docs and am getting my bloods tested for cortisol and thyroid next week.
    I am finding it really hard to juggle work, home life, the house, caring for elderly parents and then finding the energy and motivation to move faster than a walk! Does anyone else feel like this? How do I overcome it?

    I have tried to lose the regain - trying all sorts of different methods (low carb, 5:2, 16:8, low sugar etc) - over the last 4 mths but no joy. The only thing I haven't tried is the pouch reset, which I am contemplating, I have noticed that I can eat more these days, if I chose to, so I am mindful of that and I still use a small plate to control my portions.
    If you have done the pouch reset, what was your experience?

    One thing I have been thinking about is being resleeved - if I could ever afford it (I was self pay as I am in the UK). Has anyone had this done? What are the results? Is it worth the money.

    I feel that I am at a weird cross roads... at 46 I am 'ok' with me. But I know I could be fitter and stronger. What I worry about is regaining all the weight that I have lost.

    Any thoughts are welcome!
  24. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    So last week I had a week of the gym - I have been mentally and physically exhausted. Work continues to be intense and it is wearing me down. Luckily, we only have two weeks left in school before we break for the summer holidays. I intend to go to the gym n the day then; taking advantage on no work routine (I will do work at home, but I also intend to take some well needed head rest!).
    I go on holiday in a month... 2 weeks in Cyprus with the husband! My kids are old enough to leave at home now and they don't want to come with us! As much as I am looking forward to it, however, I am also dreading it. I will have to but all new swim wear.
    After I lost my weight and stabilised (albeit not at target weight) I had a TT and on holidays post TT I was brave enough to wear a bikini. Now, I have the old feelings of 'I am two fat to wear a bikini', even though I know I am not 'really'. I feel that since I have gained weight, I have lost the body confidence I worked so hard to get. Although I tell myself that I am still looking ok, the voice is getting quieter and quieter!
    I know that that sounds totally irrational and that I shouldn't let the scale dictate how I feel and perceive myself, but I can't seem to help it. I suppose I am getting beyond frustrated that no matter what I do, I can't seem to get rid of the regain!
    The only thing that helps, is knowing that I am not alone... and popping on here now and again, really helps.

    Feel free to share your experiences or words of guidance.
    x
  25. Like
    coops got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!   
    So last week I had a week of the gym - I have been mentally and physically exhausted. Work continues to be intense and it is wearing me down. Luckily, we only have two weeks left in school before we break for the summer holidays. I intend to go to the gym n the day then; taking advantage on no work routine (I will do work at home, but I also intend to take some well needed head rest!).
    I go on holiday in a month... 2 weeks in Cyprus with the husband! My kids are old enough to leave at home now and they don't want to come with us! As much as I am looking forward to it, however, I am also dreading it. I will have to but all new swim wear.
    After I lost my weight and stabilised (albeit not at target weight) I had a TT and on holidays post TT I was brave enough to wear a bikini. Now, I have the old feelings of 'I am two fat to wear a bikini', even though I know I am not 'really'. I feel that since I have gained weight, I have lost the body confidence I worked so hard to get. Although I tell myself that I am still looking ok, the voice is getting quieter and quieter!
    I know that that sounds totally irrational and that I shouldn't let the scale dictate how I feel and perceive myself, but I can't seem to help it. I suppose I am getting beyond frustrated that no matter what I do, I can't seem to get rid of the regain!
    The only thing that helps, is knowing that I am not alone... and popping on here now and again, really helps.

    Feel free to share your experiences or words of guidance.
    x

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