Amanda131

Congratulations! You're in that final stretch where things aren't always as they appear. Like you, I've struggled to lose anything since November. Part of my issue is training for a high-mileage race that required me to push carbs. I've only lost three pounds since November. But, like you, I looked at an alternate measurement than just the scale. For me, it was the tape measure. Although I've only lost two pounds I dropped two inches in my waist, hips and chest and another inch off each thigh. That tells me I must've gained some muscle while losing fat. I'll take it! Keep up those awesome workouts and the body fat will keep disappearing. Amanda

Perception is EVERYTHING! I am a strong believer that attitude influences all. You are so wise for recognizing this early on. Best of Luck! Amanda

I am about 5' 10" tall. Prior to surgery I weighed 316 lbs. and wore a 24. I've since lost 112 lbs. I am now 204 lbs. and consistently wear a size 14 with a few 16s and 12s depending on the brand. I am training for a 1/2 marathon and have quite a bit of muscle. I attribute that to being able to wear a 14 at 200lbs.

Congratulations! I'm so excited for you.I was out running in the rain here in Houston this morning, too. My big race is next week. Fair warning: long distance running can become addictive.

Fair warning. I fell into (what I now feel is) the trap of eating whatever I wanted. I did this for 7 months and continued to drop loads of weight. BUT, I hit month eight, my restriction relaxed just a bit and suddenly I am eating whatever I want and not losing. I have only lost two pounds since October 31st. Granted, I am thirty pounds from goal but this is very frustrating. The most frustrating is that I let myself become dependent on poor food choices again when I had a fantastic opportunity to let them go. The obvious answer is get back on the program, but yourself on Diva's bootcamp and move forward. I'm learning the hard way that this is MUCH easier said than done. This is just my experience. Take it for what it's worth. Best of luck to you! Amanda

Happy- I was like you and did not struggle with liquids at all. My surgeon also skipped "mushies". I went from two weeks of liquids straight to soft foods. After relatively easily meeting liquid goals, I was pleasantly surprised when I barely ate a whole egg and was uncomfortably full... I probably should have stopped a bit sooner. No worries! Best of luck! Amanda

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I think you were so intelligent to quickly assess that the pain and fever weren't normal and then take the steps to get yourself to the hospital. I can't imagine looking to two weeks without even a drink. I think the "glass half full" mentality is that you have been given a wonderful (even if not ideal or even wanted) opportunity to make peace with the mental aspect of food. You know- lemons, making lemonade and all that. Cyber hugs! Amanda

Lately, I am loving fresh cherries. They really do taste like candy to me and I believe they're really good for your kidneys. Amanda

Mine was what I term the "Blingy Booty" jeans aka Miss Me Jeans and a sparkly rhinestoned belt. I am excited to report I was able to buy both a couple of weeks ago.

My plan didn't allow raw veggies such as salad until 12 weeks postop. I can't remember what the rule was for rice but I do remember that I didn't care for it when I did try it. It is still one of the few things that really doesn't agree with me. I technically can eat it but it makes me feel very full and bloated- no fun. Good luck! Amanda

My surgery and recovery, physically speaking, were a breeze! I sometimes almost felt that I cheated when I saw how others were struggling. I did techinically have a complication in that one incision became slightly infected. This meant a little oozing at the incision site that resulted in a round of antibiotics and nothing more. Recovery from the mental aspects of surgery was by the hardest part for me.

I'm am also a heated blanket devotee. I got one a month ago and I'm fairly certain it saved my marriage. Once I get cold the only thing that helps me is a steaming hot bath in our deep garden tub. That's how I warm up these days. I take a hot bath almost daily just to be warm. Sad.

I'm so in! I haven't been a slow loser when doing what I'm supposed to but these last thirty pounds seemed to have geeked me out and I've been off program since Thanksgiving. But, I'm ready now! Let's do this. Amanda

I felt a similar lump when I swallowed following surgery especially if I took too large of a bite or didn't chew enough. My Dr. attributed it to the hiatal hernia repair. That being said, it's always best to be safe. Give your dr. a call and see what they say. Good Luck! Amanda

Love this topic! For me, like the rest of you, 2011 was a banner year. January to February I spent going through the motions and various required visits for insurance to cover VSG. This included various freak outs as to what I was doing and if I would ever eat normal again. March 1st became an icon date in my life when I had surgery. I literally feel my life should be measured pre and post VSG. I lost weight very quickly- more than 50 lbs. in two months. As I dropped weight I found a level of confidence that I am not sure I have ever possessed previously. In June, I applied for a position on a lark that seemed waaaayyyy out of the realm of possibility. Well, the confidence came through and they hired me! In July, I decided it was time to pursue a goal that I secretly thought unattainable and signed up for a 1/2 marathone training program even though I could barely run a mile. Two weeks ago, I ran 14!!! Over the course of this year I have lost 111 lbs, and gone from a tight 24 to a solid 14 (and sometimes 12). Heck, I even lost a shoe size! This year has been equal parts amazing and terrifying. I am not sure I ever realized how scary it would be facing food demons and embracing all that I have to offer the world. Have you guys noticed that too or is it just me? Regardless, yay for us!! Amanda

Count me in. I received a rather significant promotion this summer that, while I was completely qualified and deserving, I do not believe I would have recieved had I not lost the weight. Since then, I have been very interested in this topic. Amanda

Ha! That's a fun and funny NSV! I love it! )

I wear a pair of compression shorts (they look like spandex bike shorts) most days. I feel like they have helped me but I have no solid proof. I bought them at walmart for about $15. I like that they make my waistline look more firm and offer a better silhouette. I also wear compression-like capris when I run for the same reasons as PDxMan. As for not working out, I didn't like it pre-op either. An amazing thing happens as you lose the weight, working out becomes less painful and more invigorating. I started to like it, then love it and now I crave it. I hope it's the same for you.

Hi AKMama- I have lost 111 lbs. so far and although the skin in my upper arms, upper legs and lower stomach isn't gorgeous, it isn't all that bad either. I am not sure of your age or skin elasticity but I am 32 and super fair (which is considered the least elastic skin) and I am noticing some definite tightening in the last couple of months. I will say that exercise seems to play a large role and I have used compression garments and feel that has helped as well. Long story short- it ain't that bad. And, Hubs and I are the only one to see the sagging skin but EVERYONE sees my smaller jean size. Good luck to you! Amanda

I ADORE resolution time... It calls to the planner within me. I'm also usually pretty good about following through on them so let's see how this year goes. 1. Work on perfecting my marriage. I like how Decamom put it... I need to see Hubs as more of an advocate than adversary. 2. Join a group fitness class, probably yoga, once a week. I am STILL terrified of these and need to get over it. 3. Complete an indoor triathlon so I can figure out if I love it enough to invest in a bike. 4. Run a FULL marathon. Last year, my goal was a half marathon and I completed that two weeks ago! 5. Lose the last 30 lbs or whatever it takes to wiggle myself into size 10 non-stretchy jeans. 6. Volunteer. I feel a need to give back more than I have been. I hope to work at a local children's hospital as a tutor or something of that nature.

Bionic- This is truly one of the best posts I've read in a long time. I really appreciated the insight and I'm not even a revision patient. Amanda

As the others have said, you look amazing and so darn happy! I would like to add that I am seriously coveting the handbag you are holding in front of the Christmas tree. Many congratulations! Amanda

Lex- Congratulations! We are at similar points in our journey and I can so relate to weightloss slowing down and especially the people saying you've lost enough. It can be so frustrating at times! Hang in there- 160 is waiting for you. Best of luck on the last leg! Amanda

Hi Friends- Please do not be anxious about being able to eat more than others. I have been able to eat more than others from very early on and I can promise you that it has not negatively affected my weightloss. Some reasons that you are able to eat more include: less swelling than others, your surgeon used a bigger bougie (tool to set the stomach size), you have a longer stomach (likely if you are tall) and/or that you haven't progressed to dense enough foods to actually feel the full level of restriction. Now, with that being said, I would also caution you to not eat more just because your stomach will allow you. I fell into this for a bit. Plan you meals and portion sizes and stick to your plan. This will help you be successful. Talk with your nutritionist and watch the scale to help you determine the appropriate number of calories. For me, I started with 800-1000 at about week 5 and then moved to 1200 at about 4 months and now at 10 months I take in 1500 with a lot of running. We are each different with different activites so you really have to listen to your body and your health professionals to determine what is best for you. At four weeks out my typical meals included 1-2 scrambled eggs, Muscle Milk Light, Greek Yogurt, one ounce cheeses, Lean Cuisines that were meat and veggie based (I ate about 3/4), Salmon (about 4 oz.), Ground beef and well cooked veggies- I did not care for bread or rice and did not introduce raw produce into my diet until after week 12. Best of luck to you! Amanda

Hi PEvette- I actively sought therapy prior to getting sleeved for resolution with my food issues. Like you, I had been heavy since I was a child but I managed to drop 80 lbs. on three different occasions and then promptly gain it all plus 10 lbs. back. I wanted to figure out why I have done this, why food had such a hold on me and whatever I needed to know to finally be successful. The therapist I choose helped me with all aspects of my life because, really, all aspects of my like contributed to my dependency on food. She then helped me discover where my relationship with food went wrong, what my triggers were for poor choices and how to change my behaviors. The work we did before surgery was huge in prepping me mentally for life with a small stomach. I continued to see her for the first four months post-op as I found that I needed a sounding board as I worked out my new lifestyle. I stopped seeing her for about 6 months and just last week popped in for a "check up". It seems I am hung up at 205 and I am making poor choices keeping me here. I actually have anxiety about what life will be like once I get under 200 (totally weird, I know). Anyway, having that pre-established relationship allowed me to drop in and work on getting my head right. Basically, she helped me recognize that I fear that once I hit goal I will start to gain again like in the past. Long story short, I am big fan of using a therapist in this journey. I believe our head/emotions are big part of what lead to the weight gain and this tool will not be effective unless we get those right. I figured that if I was willing to permanently remove 80% of my stomach, then I better be willing to talk with someone to make sure this tool worked forever. But, this is just me and my experience. Others may feel differently. Best of luck to you on your journey! Amanda