feedyoureye

Cathy, happy for your brother.... always nice to see a happy ending.
I went and took my driving tests yesterday and passed, so went out for my first motorcycle ride on real roads. Managed not to crash. Had a blast! Craig and I hopped on the 650 and he took me to some country roads around 15 minutes from here where I was set free to practice. 40 miles per hours seemed like 60.... First day a success. Cheers all.... K

SW 260
lowest weight after surgery, 170 (took me 3 years to get there)
stated goal 170-173
bad year where my mom died, my little dog died and developed bone spurs in my right knee....
current weight 195
still working on it... would love to get the weight down a bit again...
I am a vegetarian, I am currently 62 years old, 5'9", large boned.
I take a bellydance class twice a week, walk twice a week, and kayak or hike or something once a week.
I do not do very low carbs, never did.... I do take my Vitamins, don't always drink enough Water but keep trying to,
when I use fit bit and myfitnesspal I am more successfull than if I do not. I do a partial fast twice a week (the 5:2)
I still want to answer the call to adventure and I'm going to try and get my motorcycle license next week.
You can never fully forget that you need to keep on track. Its boring, disappointing and unpredictable.... I fall off the wagon weeks at a time, but I really try not to forget... and get back on track. I don't want to make change that I can't keep doing... that leads to yoyo. so, no fad diets. No cutting out things I like completely. I try to eat more veggies all the time, find things I really like that make me feel good and are really healthy choices. I try and drown out the crap eating with lots of good eating. This forum is my society. When I leave it, I start to forget where I am.

Florinda hope you get sorted soon, sounds like you are in a lot of pain both physically and emotionally.
Sheryl glad the removal went well and that you are healing. Do you have to wait a certain amount of time before they put a new implant in? Don't do too much physical work that might annoy your wound.
Back to work Monday after a 2 week break. The first week I caught up with some chores at home then had a beautiful weekend at the coast ( in Wales - I did shout Hi Coops as I passed by). This week I have devoted to my mum and clearing a couple of more rooms. 1 skip, a lot of paint and some new carpets the 2 bedrooms are now clean and tidy. My mum now lives alone as my brother (49) has found love, got engaged and moved in with her. I'm so pleased for him and she is a nice lady and is good for him. This brother has had a bit of a rough life he is number 6 in the family and was born 2 months after my dad died. He has had a difficult relationship with mum ( bonding might of not happened cos she was in grief). He was a naughty boy in his teens and got in trouble and came to the attention of the authorities. Much to mums shame. Anyway long term unemployed in early 20s but when eldest brother was ill he became his carer so mum was able to have him home and he cared for him until he had to go into a home where more intense care could be given. Anyway brother passed and then miraculously no 6 got his first proper job. He was been in continuous employment ever since. Continued to live at home cos it was easy but relationship with mum didn't improve. Anyway quite mundane existence til he met his soulmate about 6 months ago... Nice ending for him. I did however make him move his 49 years of detritus out of the house this week so I could clean the room!!
Hope everyone is well, Autumn here and the leaves are beautiful. Just off to see James Bond film with hubby - not my cup of tea but he came to see suffragettes with me last week so I have go and see one he wants to see.

How about calling it "The Top 50 from Vets to you... with a bow on it"
or
"VAQs" Veterans Answer Questions
My personal fav is "I am 2 1/2 weeks out and have stopped losing weight!".... followed by the 3 week stall talk. Prefaced by the admonishment of "Listen to your Doc and Nut" of course.

My favorite topics:

Will I grow an inch for every 10 pounds I lose?

Did my doctor really perform surgery? I can still eat ...

I've only lost 50 pounds in the last 6 weeks. Why am I losing so SLLLLLOOOOOOOWWWWWW!?!?!?!

How about a menu style answer pool that people can pick for their posts when they ask questions and don't like the respectfully given answers that are truthful but are not what they want to hear or they are looking for people to validate their incorrect actions. Such as:
"Can I eat hard tacos 5 days after surgery".
"I am in a pissy-pants mood because I am the only one who ever had to go on a pre or post WLS diet".
"Can I drink 1/2 a bottle of JD 5 days after surgery as long as it is 15 minutes before or 30 minutes after eating my hard Tacos, and oh yeah, I'm in a pissy-pants mood too due to my post WLS diet".
Choices can be:
"You are doing everything opposite of what every surgeon ever said, you are right and they are all wrong".
"Yes, Tacos and other hard foods are allowed 5 days post surgery"
"We all love reading your pissy-pants rants and look forward to more of them in the future".

I like this! While I agree with @@Ashlegal that folks may still feel compelled to post about their specific situation (the reasons she listed are valid and make sense), I think this could both help vets feel less annoyed AND help the newbs.
Topic ideas:
Which surgery should I have?
recipes
Third Week Stall
How much time should I take off work?
How did you take time off? (info about short-term disability, what you have to/don't have to tell)
Since there's so much disagreement about many of these topics, I second the idea of including links to our best old threads about them.
Btw, I work as a writer and editor (first for newspapers, now in marketing) and I'm happy to assist if you'd like my help.

Lisa, I find this statement darling... I so wish this was my experience... It is a romantic notion to me. For me, maintenance is almost the same as trying to lose weight before surgery..... with a couple of important exceptions. I have managed to change a few habits... 1. I come here to check in with people who will listen and have understanding. (thats you Cowgirl and most other Vets). 2. I made the effort to insert exercise and medical care into my life. 3. WHEN I keep track of how much I eat, when and what I eat and weight myself every day... I usually don't gain. The biggest difference is I have kept off over 65% of my excess weight... which is better than the norm statistically, and would have been impossible before WLS. The Vets who were here when I joined over 5 years ago were the bread and butter (sorry...) of my success. I was addicted to their comments.... I actually started at the very first posts here and read them ALL. (couldn't do that now....). I asked all the beginning questions that I couldn't find the answers for. I come back now for ME and the support I need including staying accountable.... that's why I'm the one who confesses my weakness and details of trials so much! My enemy is time passing without staying conscience of what I'm doing, successful or otherwise.... and paying it forward.... such as it is. I miss my old mentors that are gone. So happy to see them check in now and again.

Lisa, I find this statement darling... I so wish this was my experience... It is a romantic notion to me. For me, maintenance is almost the same as trying to lose weight before surgery..... with a couple of important exceptions. I have managed to change a few habits... 1. I come here to check in with people who will listen and have understanding. (thats you Cowgirl and most other Vets). 2. I made the effort to insert exercise and medical care into my life. 3. WHEN I keep track of how much I eat, when and what I eat and weight myself every day... I usually don't gain. The biggest difference is I have kept off over 65% of my excess weight... which is better than the norm statistically, and would have been impossible before WLS. The Vets who were here when I joined over 5 years ago were the bread and butter (sorry...) of my success. I was addicted to their comments.... I actually started at the very first posts here and read them ALL. (couldn't do that now....). I asked all the beginning questions that I couldn't find the answers for. I come back now for ME and the support I need including staying accountable.... that's why I'm the one who confesses my weakness and details of trials so much! My enemy is time passing without staying conscience of what I'm doing, successful or otherwise.... and paying it forward.... such as it is. I miss my old mentors that are gone. So happy to see them check in now and again.

At what point do you become a Veteran? I don't think I am one so I don't know if I'm suppose to be typing or not?! I've already been kicked out of the "exclusive manly room" that is basically answered by women....not that I would know that because I don't go in there....anymore. I would like to point out that my "title" says legend. So I'm basically famous. Oh I would also like to say that since I'm confused about my status at the moment I did NOT in fact read any of the responses just in case I'm not suppose to.

Actually I said at first I *thought* you were a bully, but then learned to love ya!
Then I got all nervous about butting in since I'm not a vet so I deleted.

As a newbie, I looked to veterans to know what to expect as time passed. I found that more than relevant, I found it invaluable. As a veteran, I still look to those who have gone before me for the same information and guidance. I find it more than relevant, I find it invaluable. So you, Proud Granny, Sleeve 4 Me, Queen of Crop, FeedYourEyes, and all of the vets-- are relevant to me!
Occasionally I reply to folks that are early out but usually I stick to the general WLS threads, veteran's forum and maintenance areas. I simply can't stomach (pun intended) responding to one more "I drank an entire Big Gulp of Coke 2 days post op, did I break my sleeve?" or any other question that for lack of better word is idiotic. So in that vein, I never put myself in the line of fire to be accused of bashing, etc. I use the Bambi philosophy (if I can't say anything nice, I don't say anything) so thank you (and Lipstick Lady, etc) for "taking one for the team" when you give accurate and thoughtful answers to questions like that. However, I also agree that we are irrelevant at times to newbies because if a response does not fit within the answers they expected to get, then it is deemed unacceptable, i.e. you are bashing, judgmental and/or unsupportive. Obviously, Jane, anyone who has read more than one of your posts knows that couldn't be further from the truth. In those instances I take my jacks and go home. I don't reply, I don't play the game and frankly even if I did reply and someone got upset from it, I also recognize that it won't matter.
So many of the folks that post here that get all riled up, drop off this site within a few months post op anyway and We are still here doing what we need to do to be successful and supportive.

When I came back from Afghanistan I was 159 lbs, the best I've achieved post-op, and only then did I almost begin to see the glimmer of a body that I could feel proud of and confident in, and even then I was angry at my overhanging bulgy pudenda.
I have that pain in my back still, I have a corresponding pain in the middle of my right side ribcage now, persistent. I have no appetite and feel constipated but don't think I am. I pretty much just drink coffee and eat a couple of bites of food when I get home, before collapsing in bed. Yesterday I drank several coffees, ate a small biscotto, and a few bites of salad.
Without love, life has no meaning or purpose.
I realize I am a slave to my chemistry, whatever enzymes or hormones or chemicals washing over my brain, there is no "true" emotion, it is all a result of the chemical cocktail bathing your brain atm. I am on an outstanding amount of Vitamin D, as well as B, as well as an anti-depressant, and I still feel totally hopeless and fatalistic.
---------------------------
Chemistry can be a Bi*ch. So hard to fight. Perspective can be such a game changer... and our perspective seems immutable, and constant in the long moment... but that is the illusion of Mara. Every moment is charged with the possibility of change... Good? Bad? are both fleeting.... a fly thinks sh*t is the best dinner EVER. The sh*t has not changed, only the perspective. There is opportunity every where. The world is full of women who weigh societies perfect weight and hate their lives. Where does happiness really lay? Its the holy grail. Perhaps you need a spiritual journey?

Sheryl, glad that surgery went well, hope you get help with the pain.
Kim you write something such marvellous things which really resonate.
Me I'm on holiday for the weekend, at the beach with my dog and husband (not necessarily in that order). You will know it Coops we are at Lily Ponds at Bosherton. We love it here, tonight we were on South Beach in Tenby - dog thought she had died and gone to heaven. Too much wine and good company ...

Thanks for the link Kim - need to do and want to do it as I need to de- carb. I just need my head in the right place. I'm just over the 200 mark and I want my weight to start with a 1. It seems to be a right psychological barrier. It was the same when I lost 1st time, I went into a stall for many weeks at 200. All in my head I would like to be think but really it is on my hips!

Get back on the wagon. Don't give up. This is a lifetime project.

I have posted this before, but it really illustrates this point....

Jorge, congratulations on your weight loss and keeping most of it off for 3 years! That 20 pound bounce is harder and harder to get off for me too... I keep trying though... really don't want to gain more!

160.2 this morning! I was expecting to stay even but had a 2# loss this week. Just 2# more to be back to goal!!!

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/849908_1 Probability of an Obese Person Attaining Normal Body Weight: Cohort Study Using Electronic Health Records AbstractObjectives. We examined the probability of an obese person attaining normal body weight.
Methods. We drew a sample of individuals aged 20 years and older from the United Kingdom's Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 2004 to 2014. We analyzed data for 76,704 obese men and 99,791 obese women. We excluded participants who received bariatric surgery. We estimated the probability of attaining normal weight or 5% reduction in body weight.
Results. During a maximum of 9 years' follow-up, 1283 men and 2245 women attained normal body weight. In simple obesity (body mass index = 30.0–34.9 kg/m2), the annual probability of attaining normal weight was 1 in 210 for men and 1 in 124 for women, increasing to 1 in 1290 for men and 1 in 677 for women with morbid obesity (body mass index = 40.0–44.9 kg/m2). The annual probability of achieving a 5% weight reduction was 1 in 8 for men and 1 in 7 for women with morbid obesity.
Conclusions. The probability of attaining normal weight or maintaining weight loss is low. Obesity treatment frameworks grounded in community-based weight management programs may be ineffective.
This is only the abstract from a larger article.

I meet with him next week I'll tell you what I heard.

I'm back. It appears I just dropped out for a couple of weeks. I did go camping in Yosemite for 4 days, and again to an adventure motorcycle conference (camping again for 3 days) just over the hill from Yosemite valley in the home of the "Mother Lode", Mariposa. I got back 3 pounds heavier, at 199.8.... what a shock.... at least it wasn't 200! I got onto the 5 day sleeve test right away and have lost 5 pounds in 4 days... hope to keep up some better habits.... Hubby wants to lose 50 pounds... he is a newby weight losser.. and is glomming onto all the crappy weight loss plans like God is talking to him. He wants me to go along with them, but I really have to do it my way after trying so many diets in my life.
Sarah, so happy to hear the promising news about your dad....
I love hearing about the knees and the hips.... my knee is going off..... the cortisone shot is mostly worn off... I think I will try the lube shot next... and my dance teacher is ramping up exercises to get my supporting muscles in better shape, bless her heart!
Florinda, you must be sipping coffee right now, on some ancient street.... having fun?
Sorry I have been gone so long... Cathy, Coops, Denise, Sheryl, Kelly, Sarah, Florinda....
Crazy news? Im going to take classes to get my motorcycle license next week. One step at a time... if I feel ok about it, confidente, I will take more lessons, then prep for some adventure motorcycling... maybe to Alaska. Adventure. I never thought I would do this, and here I am doing it. At 62. Go figure!

How did your Nut visit go on the 6th?

You are in the honeymoon. Later, you can eat more, you WANT to eat more, you get bored with limited food choices, old habits show their ugly head. You may get to goal, just keep up the good work. If not, sooner, than later you might... it took me 3 years. I have regained 18-22 pounds twice... getting it off the second time right now... at 12 pounds over goal and sill a success. You don't and can't know how it is to be 3-4 years out untill your there. You have done the right thing, just take it a day at a time, Protein first, don't drink with or right after meals.... cut the carbs at least some.... get some exercise and enjpy the ride. Don't give up, its for life.

When I get into the tub and my body is actually under Water and my stomach is not sticking out!