MINI-Me

Wow! I really don't know what to say to that. I know I only have 9 months of experience with the sleeve, but I can't believe that I have less chance of keeping off the weight longer than a bypass patient. I don't know your surgeon or his/her experience, but I suggest maybe getting a second opinion. Revision is a major decision and having several expert opinions is definitely worth the time/effort.

I definitely relate to the emotions. While I am still within a healthy weight with more loss, I really am at a good spot now. I could stop and be pleased with myself. I too don't know how to relate to maintenance. What is normal? What should I set as a bounce point before I need to go back into diet mode? How do I live life without dieting or watching the scale like a hawk? Any "maintainers" out there have any advice?

OK ... now I am blushing. Thank you.

Thank you ... That Trace Atkins song, "One Hot Moma" has become our theme song around here. My husband is so great - he can't keep his hands off of me these days. AND, I'm not complaining!

I've always been a bit of a pear shape ... so my stubborn fat is in the hips and lower abdomen. I keep telling myself that after babies and being in my 40's I look HOT, but I still want that fat gone.

What an awesome story. I am so happy for you. I remember hitting "normal" and it definitely felt surreal. CONGRATULATIONS!

Did he/she say why they recommended g-bypass instead of the sleeve?

I have always had thick hair. My friends with thinner hair love it, but that's because it doesn't take them an hour to dry and straighten it! I have lost quite a bit, but thankfully no balding spots yet. It seems to be slowing down now (started around 4 months). Thanks everyone!

Thanks! Stalls are the worst. I know it's not easy hearing "everybody goes through it" ... but it really does pass. Just keep doing the same things you were doing before the stall. Also - check those body measurements. Those changes help get you through those blasted stalls!

Haven't been able (read brave enough) to do this until now ... but thought I would post before and after pictures. Not sure I am at optimal weight yet, but getting close.

That is GREAT news!

I would say do what works for you. We are all different. Your nut has guidelines for the "majority" but if it works for you, I say go for it. We are talking about 200 calories here. 600 sounds very low & within those guidelines, hard to get proper nutrition. I would also go after that MIA surgeon - he/she should be available even after the check has cleared the bank.

AWESOME ... GREAT JOB!

Like the others have said ... it REALLY does get better. PROMISE!!!!!

Dear Santa, I know you are really busy in December 24th (Christmas Eve) ... Think you could put off your Carribean vacation just a few days and schedule HopeandFaith for surgery on the 26th? Thanks, Mini

It really depends on your doctor/nuts meal plan for you. At 6-8 weeks out, I could eat a lot of items. Some people are just off liquids and on mushies by then. The good news is that cruises have so many food options. Plus, if you eat in the main dining room, they are more than happy to help with dietary requirements. For the buffets, you can always find some Soups and "mushy" food. You may want to bring along some Protein powders. How exciting ... a new you and a cruise. I am totally jealous!!!

I was a "lower" BMI too. Made me laugh that I was considered "little" for an obese person. I am so excited to have finally beaten the fat. I read somewhere that we will always be "obese" - we may go into remission, but our bodies are just made to be obese. That is probably true - especially if you look at my family history. But this little tummy is my secret weapon against obesity. Let's Celebrate remission!!! Best of luck. I look forward to hearing about your journey. It's a wild ride!

I can understand the frustration ... once you make a life changing decision, you want to change your life. It's great that you are on the cancellation list. Until then, use this forum. Post your frustrations, temptations, etc ... we will help you through. Best of luck!

I did not use them personally, but do attend their support group meetings. I have heard excellent things about them & personally know 3 people who used them. My three friends were very pleased with the surgery and after-care. http://pugetsoundsurgicalcenter.com/sleeve-gastrectomy.html

Not a downer at all ... this is a journey & we all have to find what works for us. My nutritionist gave me "guidelines" to follow because everyone is different. I too have stalls and they are SUPER FRUSTRATING! But, feel free to experiment a little and find what works for you. This is not a race to see how fast you can lose. This is a journey to a whole new you. For me, Snacks will always be part of my life. I enjoy them and feel deprived if I don't have them. (And for me, deprivation means a binge.) So, I have found a way to incorporate them in my life. And, it's working for me. BUT, if snacks cause a major problem for you, then it may be better just to leave them out for now. I don't mean this to sound preachy. Believe me, it's been an exciting, emotional, terrific, horrific journey so far ... But, I'm learning to be the new me. YOU CAN TOO!

What about adding some meat to your Breakfast or a mid-morning snack? Maybe some leftover grilled chicken or lean steak. That will keep the fat and carbs low, but increase your Protein & calories. Too bad you don't like yogurt. Carbmasters has some excellent yogurt for 4g of Carb, 80 calories, and 12g of protein. To stay within your carb limits (I believe you are more strict than this that I have been), I believe adding lean protein would be your best choice right now. Others - do you have ideas for Angie? I know we have some creative people out there!

Amber, HUGE HUGS to you. You've been through a tough ordeal. But, the good news is that you are on the recovery side. When do you see your surgeon again? What were his recommendations for being at home and the pain? If you aren't going to see him for a while, I would call & tell him exactly what you told us. Maybe he can offer some advice or at least allay your fears for blood clots and movement. Keep us posted on your recovery! Mini

Angie - Can you give me an idea of what a day or two looks like for you as far as eating? From there, I may be able to offer some advice. Best of luck - stalls are soooooooooooooooo frustrating!

Sounds like you have received some good advice from all the people on here. Another suggestion I have is to take your husband and maybe even your daughter to a seminar given by your surgeon (I think most have them). Let them hear what the surgeon has to say about obesity and traditional weight loss. My husband was very supportive from the beginning, but I know the numbers and statistics really helped him to understand this was the best decision for me. Good luck ... when you are feeling down, just come out here and talk. We are here for you.

I guess it depends on what you mean by "larger portions". Are you comparing to right after surgery, 3 months out, 6 months out, etc? I think the first few months had MORE restriction that we want "full time" due to the swelling and healing. It seems like people kinda hit a new eating max (maybe from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup to sometimes up to 1 cup) during a timeframe that first year. I'm not quite 9 months, but I know I can eat more than at 6 months. But, I'm ok with that. I still have great restriction & can eat enough to keep me healthy and nurished. Best of luck ... to get those last pounds off, try going back to basics and remembering the "Do's" and "Do Nots" ... Protein first, etc. Keep us updated on your progress. You've done amazingly well in 1 year. CONGRATS!