Georgia

I'm finding this article kinda depressing and very TRUE! lol Janice Bridge, a registry member who has successfully maintained a 135-pound weight loss for about five years, is a perfect example. “It’s one of the hardest things there is,” she says. “It’s something that has to be focused on every minute. I’m not always thinking about food, but I am always aware of food.” “I think many people who are anxious to lose weight don’t fully understand what the consequences are going to be, nor does the medical community fully explain this to people,” Rudolph Leibel, an obesity researcher at Columbia University in New York, says. “We don’t want to make them feel hopeless, but we do want to make them understand that they are trying to buck a biological system that is going to try to make it hard for them.” HERE IT IS ---- The data generated by these experiments suggest that once a person loses about 10 percent of body weight, he or she is metabolically different than a similar-size person who is naturally the same weight. The research shows that the changes that occur after weight loss translate to a huge caloric disadvantage of about 250 to 400 calories. For instance, one woman who entered the Columbia studies at 230 pounds was eating about 3,000 calories to maintain that weight. Once she dropped to 190 pounds, losing 17 percent of her body weight, metabolic studies determined that she needed about 2,300 daily calories to maintain the new lower weight. That may sound like plenty, but the typical 30-year-old 190-pound woman can consume about 2,600 calories to maintain her weight — 300 more calories than the woman who dieted to get there A result is that after losing weight, your muscles burn 20 to 25 percent fewer calories during everyday activity and moderate aerobic exercise than those of a person who is naturally at the same weight. That means a dieter who thinks she is burning 200 calories during a brisk half-hour walk is probably using closer to 150 to 160 calories.

Here you go, Coops, Feedyoureye and others!! (from the NYT article) There is no consistent pattern to how people in the registry lost weight — some did it on Weight Watchers, others with Jenny Craig, some by cutting carbs on the Atkins diet and a very small number lost weight through surgery. But their eating and exercise habits appear to reflect what researchers find in the lab: to lose weight and keep it off, a person must eat fewer calories and exercise far more than a person who maintains the same weight naturally. Registry members exercise about an hour or more each day — the average weight-loser puts in the equivalent of a four-mile daily walk, seven days a week. They get on a scale every day in order to keep their weight within a narrow range. They eat Breakfast regularly. Most watch less than half as much television as the overall population. They eat the same foods and in the same patterns consistently each day and don’t “cheat” on weekends or holidays. They also appear to eat less than most people, with estimates ranging from 50 to 300 fewer daily calories. Sigh!!

At almost 3 years out, no regrets. NONE! I had no complications except minor ones for a short period like extreme tiredness, lightheaded, some sliming and up chucking because I are too fast or ate bread (ALWAYS got stuck!) but I'd do it again tomorrow. Yes, life food wise as you know it is gone and that "high" of indulging is gone but isn't that WHY we do it? Because we couldn't do it on our own and our health suffered? Life is good. Even on the days the THOUGHT of eating something turns out to be "not so much!" Lol. Yep, when I put on those size 8 and 10 skirts I can deal with the rest! Smile

Just found this. I'm from Conway. Used Dr Gibbs and Baptist. Had Fed BcBs and paid 250 Dr. 300 Hospital. Total bill was $32,000!! No problems. Lost 100 lbs and reached goal in seven mos. almost 3 yrs out. Have regained small amt over past year and working to lose it by low carb. Tough to lose once you gain! And you CAN eat all the snacks you can get down! Lol. Watch the "sliders"! Love my sleeve. Would do it again tomorrow. Went from 250 to 150.

And um, is it and when you LIKE to eat your gummy prenatal (yes, prenatal for hair growth) because they taste like candy and are sugar coated? ????????????????????

Anybody got a really good idea WHY we don't/can't lose these dadgum (good old southern word) pounds once we reach goal/setpoint? I have always lost weight easily and DID even lose quickly with VSG. I regained over a period of months 12-13 lbs and boy, it's like pulling teeth to get these things to go away. I have religiously (well, maybe one small slip here and there) truly been rigid with low carb and I have, on a GOOD day, lost 5 lbs in a month. And today, 3 lbs on a BAD day! lol Down 2, up 2, down, up two, down one, up two. You get the picture. Even though I am really at a somewhat normal weight/BMI 24.9 right now, it looks like I could STILL lose weight again after 3 years like before. What do you think happens to our metabolisms/bodies that changes this so drastically? I mean, if I even have a BITE of something with high calorie/carbs it seems I lose the ground I have fought hard for in a MUCH shorter time frame. Ha! I know you all have the same issues. We've discussed. But really??? Is my body so rigid now that I'm going to have to be this strict for LIFE to be able to MAINTAIN??? Yikes!! I say this with some humor because I am "okay" with where I am, I'd LIKE to get back to my low bounce area and hold it but seems like it ain't happening! (and I want to be at the same weight I was last year when I went for my annual with surgeon. lol) Peace!

Why are we not supposed to take cortisone?

Yeah, Feed, I'm going to incorporate some fruit in soon like southbeach. I can't live without fruit. Do you ever get bloated from so much wheat? I imagine , though, your system is used to the way you eat and adjusts accordingly. I think about the fact that I want to just not THINK about eating and lifestyle all the time which if I had just not allowed myself to self indulge in so much junk I wouldn't be re-losing the same pounds. Lol. But, it is what it is. I know now what can happen even with the sleeve and once I feel comfortable that I can maintain what I've lost , I'll allow myself some leeway but try HARD to not do this again! Have a great weekend!

I cannot wait for pics from you both!

I'll be honest, Girls, I get EXTREMELY jealous when I read these! lol I really don't have a big "apron" but I do have the results of 2 C-Sections, a Hysterectomy, and losing 100 lbs AND being 59! lol I really, really, really want a TT but it's not in the cards right now. Very happy for both of you, though! Really!!!!!!

What I'VE noticed, is the trend for more and more people with a smaller amount of weight, no health issues etc, getting sleeved. Maybe some of the problem with regrets. If you have not faced a lifetime of being overweight, severe health issues, etc, it might be tougher to not have some regret. As for me, I don't have a SINGLE regret. I am 2 months from being 3 years out. Lost 100 lbs in about 8 mos with little effort on my part. I did not have hunger, stalls of any kind during that time and only suffered some hypoglycemia/lightheadedness. Now, I'm trying to lose the 15 lbs Ive regained over the last year or so; which means YES, you can regain, yes, you DO experience hunger later on (even though they said that magic grehlin was gone! lol) and yes, junk food literally SLIDES down the throat very easily and quickly! lol That said, it is NOT a magic bullet - there is work involved in keeping it off long-term and there is definitely a life change for the old way of eating for enjoyment. Because unless you are downing a bag of powdered donuts (which I can VERY EASILYD0) you still have great restriction and usually I only eat a few bites before I'm "done!" I had a great surgeon but that was about it. I didn't have any support afterward except offered a support group through a hospital once a month. No nutrition follow-up (one pre visit) etc. What I found is that I easily reached goal - I easily handled the changes - but after a period of time, I realized that "head wise" that junk food addict was still there! Ha! Again, I have NO REGRETS! I have been at the same weight basically for three years now - no sleep apnea, no High blood pressure, no medications at all. Still wear size 10 and happy with it. It's what you make it!!! Good luck to all.

I can remember those days! I DID go out to eat - and was trying to "hide" the fact that I had had the surgery! lol I did do a lot of pushing food around but refried Beans became my best friend at Mexican Restaurants. Soup at others. THIS TOO SHALL PASS! Many a time, I excused myself and went to the BR to "slime" or even throw up. But, I admit, because I was losing so quickly and enjoying the loss, I was able to deal with it okay. I did not have nausea at night, but I did get extremely light headed and one night got up from bed, passed out, cut my lip open and woke up to my husband shouting over me! (smile) Again, THIS TOO SHALL PASS. It's like other things in life - we learn to "deal" or it takes care of itself at some point. You will NEVER be able to "eat out" and enjoy FOOD (and that's really the problem, isn't it?) like you did and that's why we all wound up fat and sick. But, boy, you CAN feel great is those smaller size clothes, and the compliments you will receive along with the much improved health. Hang in there, Girlfriend! THIS TOO SHALL PASS!

Okay, friends, I just copied this from another topic. I watched the video and OMG, i will BE making this! Pasta made from chicken! NO CARBS, gluten free, low calorie. And EASY. Here is the link http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/rocco-dispiritos-pasta-al-pomodoro/

I WILL be making this! So easy and looks fantastic! Have you tried it yet?

Maybe you don't right now, but when you get down to around 170 or so, you will. Now, I tend to carry all of my weight "up top" (apple shaped) Never had a butt of hips per se. So I tend to STILL wear looser fitting tops and go for bigger sweaters until a friend said, "Stop that!" Buy YOUR size now! lol But I sure like putting on my pencil skirts now and find that I can't bring myself to wear even an A line skirt because I FEEL fatter. (head stuff !) Hang in there! But just know that even now, almost 3 years out and basically been at goal for about 2 years, I "think" of myself as a fat girl. WE do it to ourselves. Others see us differently. Good luck!

Okay, Swizzly, what exactly is "primal"- kinda low carb? So, if I understand it correctly, primal meaning what would have been available for early residents of Earth! lol Mainly, meat, veggies, fruits (within reason). Do you do any dairy at all? Like cheese? But not starches, grains, breads, etc. Do you ever eat any thing like oatmeal?

I'm really interested in doing it but.... wondering if allowing myself to "eat anything reasonablly" will work. I'm doing serious low carb and and sick, sick, sick of it but sticking it out because you tend to lose faster but I don't think it is sustainable for me long term. I THINK I could really enjoy this since two days, I would basically LOW CARB it for the 500 calories "fast" days and the other days add fruit, low cal portion controlled whatever. I think this would be more "maintenance" for us NOT weight loss it seems to me. Now, if you had a lot to lose or your body was not in the mode ours is in from long term weight loss, I think it would be a great loss plan. thoughts? I first thought I'm going to do that NOW, then I started losing on low carb to get the "re-gain" off and now scared to change! lol

Coops, yes, no "whites". The only problem is I find that after almost 3 weeks of this, I can't hardly stomach (ha!) anything of any Protein nature. Yuck! Just grilled chicken breasts, broccoli and green Beans and I might have eaten 3 bites! A couple of bites and then eck! lol I can manage Breakfast type meats - bacon, sausage, and an egg or two. I do eat nuts (and have to watch that because I will overeat those!) Today especially, things just taste "off." I've found that my tastebuds are all mixed up now. The "thought" of something sounds really good but when the real thing hits my mouth, not so much. I'm sure all of you have this too. If you could just have a small amount of something and eat it with it tasting good, I think it would be okay. Somehow or another, that is not the case with me. i do feel better just because I don't feel at all bloated and I have lost about 5 lbs (give or take a few ounces on a daily basis) and will continue with this but know that long term I couldn't just do total low carb. Feedyoureye, I think the 72% sounds about right too. And after losing 100 lbs, keeping 75 off for LIFE seems really good, even though I will def try to keep it ALL off. I'm about 80% right now. Coops, I say when that what ever it is goes away, you will be in the 150s permanently! Hey, while I am thinking of it, I bought the book/recipes for FASTDIET (originating in UK). Anybody tried this concept. Alternate fast days. I think this would be excellent for me if it could be done correctly. (smile)

In a heartbeat!!! Tomorrow! Life changing. But just know you WILL have to deal with junk food and snacking down the road. It's not a "magic bullet". So glad I did it.

I used to have regular massages and would die from embarrassment when the masseus would say something like" Man, you must really be HUNGRY,". Lol. Almost three years out STILL gurgles.

Yaay for you!,, kinda jealous too. Lol. Don't have BCBS anymore. Tricare who WON'T cover it!

“@WomensHealthMag: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”—Winston Churchill #nevergiveup Says it all!

BTW, I haven't heard or seen anyone with VSG who has regained ALL of their weight. A few pounds, yes, but I, honestly, with the sleeve don't know if it would be possible to ever eat as much or gain all if it back. I say do what your heart And soul says do. Your Mom is your Mom. We worry. It's our job. . She will be okay with it if you are positive it's for you. Good luck