Amanda131

Since surgery 14 months ago, I've had many best moments but my top would have to be the morning I went out with my running group and ran 14 miles. I started to think about how far I'd come in merely nine months from the girl who could barely climb a flight of stairs. I actually started crying. FYI it's really hard to run and cry.

Thank you all! Coops- my big change came when I agreed to do a liquid diet with hubs for a few days prior to a procedure he was having. I did Muscle Milk, G2 Gatorade, cream of chicken and egg drop Soup for two and half days. I swear my sleeve shrunk during this time and I lost the cravings for crummy food choices. I originally lost 8 lbs. but gained 3 back when my glycogen store was replenished. As a runner, I need the stored energy so I am okay with that.

Thank you! I had surgery in March 2011.

After a SIX Month stall that turned into me slightly giving up and gaining three pounds, I have lost five pounds. So I can add two pounds to my overall weightloss. The stall is dead! WOO HOO! As funny as this may sound, I worked hard to not freak out during this stall and then slight gain. I didn't want to fall into old destructive routines. I really feel successful for this and on top of the world now that losing is happening again. I need to update my ticker... I am now 203. Three pounds from onederland. I can't wait!

Hi BBJ- I'm came into this post late so I'll be brief. Marriage is too hard to go into it without the promise of great sex to smooth out the rough edges. You're worth toe curling big Os AND a best friend that treats you right (that means not holding your former size over you). But you're smart and have already figured this out. I wish you peace and strength as you work through this break up. They're never easy; even when you do it for all of the right reasons. He hurting and likely to lash out right now. Continue to follow your instincts. It sounds like they're dead on. Hugs- Amanda PS Hubs (even with a 50 lb weight gain) still makes my toes curl after 11 years. That's what you deserve. Hold out for it.

I promise this will pass and you will be able to drink quickly again. I literally chugged a 20 ounce G2 Gatorade this morning after my run- drinking half in the first gulp. Most of us didn't get here because we were ambivalent about food. Therefore it's completely natural to mourn this change in your relationship. In time, you'll be able to enjoy sweets, more than 3 bites of soup, and even a buffet line but in a manner that is much more healthy and normal. You'll be able to experience these things with pleasure rather than guilt. I'm there and it's a wonderful place to be. Give yourself time.

I am 14 months post op. I am tall and can definitely eat like a normal person. I generally eat 1800 calories and have since about 8 months post op. For breakfast, I can eat an egg mcmuffin (minus the top bun) and a hash brown with no issue. I can eat most of a six ounce steak and about half of the sides. I can eat a small cheeseburger and a small French fry. I never appear "odd" or "out of place" in a restaurant. Actually, I was much more odd back when I ate an appetizer, salad, huge entree and dessert. Granted, there are times I wish I could eat more and even joke with my husband that "I wish I had my old stomach for this meal" but it's something I can acknowledge as a result of my former food addiction with a smile and shake of my head. I do not regret my decision. Rather, I'm thankful that I finally have an effective tool to stop that self-destructive behavior. This is merely my experience. Best of luck in your decision. Amanda

Crosswind- Thank you for sharing that you regularly eat 1700-1800 calories. I'm 5'10" and generally take in 1800 as well. I often, though, feel like a VSG freak of nature when I mention that on here as people discuss existing on 800-1000 calorie diets. If I don't hit at least 1500 I feel weak and horrible. So, thanks for validating my caloric needs. Amanda

We have a four year old so hubs had to go home when the daycare closed. Truthfully, I didn't miss him at all. I had a catheter so I didn't need help to the restroom, the nurses were fabulous and I slept like silly.

I don't drink often but I have had wine, jack and coke, and even vodka and red bull. I didnt add alcohol back until five months post op and then only sparingly. You have to remember the trade off. Yes, you can enjoy the drinks but they're liquid calories which will kill any diet- sleeve or no sleeve.

Congratulations! You deserve this. Now, enjoy the heck out of it.

I've also never thrown up. I actually haven't thrown up in almost 12 years... Since that rite of passage: the 21st birthday.

I went to a family wedding and hugged an uncle I hadn't seen since before surgery. He acted very odd during the exchange. When we sat down for dinner he admitted that he didn't have a clue who I was when I hugged him. Loved it!

Congratulations! An 11:50 mile on your first try is pretty darn good! You can absolutely complete any running goal you set your mind to do. Most half marathon training programs run from 4-6 months so definitely doable.

Sometimes, I feel like a weirdo on here.... I can definitely eat more than my sleeved friends. At one year out, I can eat a normal portion of food. I can eat about 5 oz. of Protein, a normal serving (not restaurant size) of veggies and probably a half to full serving of starch. If we are talking bad food choices, I can eat a small burger and most of a small fries. I can easily eat two slices of pizza. Honestly, the amount I can eat scares me as I have 30 lbs. to go. I lost weight so quickly early on that I failed to learn some of the good habits that are natural to others. I'm now having to teach myself not to drink with meals, always eat protein first, etc. Just another perspective...