happy1957

No I don't believe so. That means you are burning off an extra 100 calories and getting closer to goal. The best of luck to you..

The Flintstones are more than sufficient since children need more vitamins than adults in many cases. Look at the bottle, most levels are over 100% of the daily requirement for Adults. I just had labs done for my 1 year post op visit. Everything was great with the exception of vitamin D. I am at toxic levels in that because of the levels found in both my calcium and the Flintstones I'm looking for a lower dosage in the calcium supplements as soon as my current supply runs out. The calcium citrate gummies the best.

Good day...I am 14 months out and many "cons" I've read here do pass with time. You become very routined about not drinking with meals, it becomes easier to go out and eat, just ask for a container immediately and put the food you'll be taking home away and out of sight. I am not perfect, do eat not so healthy foods, but try to do a little extra exercise or drink a Protein drink for a meal so I can have that piece of cake or things I just crave. Now the scariest part of this journey is ahead of me. Maintenance I met goal in Dec one year out, but already feel that I have to be far more conscience of what I'm putting in my mouth because I CAN eat more, I CAN eat everything I want without issues and I find that I even now have to be careful NOT to graze. I always had issues not knowing the difference between thirst and hunger. Well that came back too. I also have far more cravings for things of my past. I was eating the same things all the time for awhile because it was easy. Now I find I'm better and cook things ahead. I bought a bunch of 1 cup containers and as I cook meals I always put one aside and in some cases several aside in the freezer. I will cook an entire crock pot full of chicken tenders in my favorite seasons or cream of chicken Soup, or meatballs, etc and divide that into several little freezer meals. I also make chili, shepherds pie, taco meat etc and freeze that too. I actually find it interesting that what I used to either scrap into the trash or just shovel into my mouth before putting the pan into the dish washer after meals is now what I eat for lunch. I will grab one of these containers out of the freezer and bring along a steam vegetable bag to work on Monday and can eat off of the vegetables all week, just changing out the meat variety. I love McDonald's select chicken. I will buy a 10 piece, divide that into 5 snack bags and throw that into the freezer. The thing that works best is that I always have food available and quickly so I don't just eat something I shouldn't. I fortunately have a toaster oven and a microwave at work. My physician told me that the people that do the best with maintenance are the ones who always measure their food and eat on a bread and butter plate. Never waver from these two things and I will be successful. The sleeve is just a tool and you have to remember not to become complacent when using it, just like any other dangerous equipment. I have accomplished all that I set out to do. I no longer take blood pressure, cholesterol or acid reflux medications. I also am cured of MIGRAINES, an unexpected miracle. The biggest negative thing I can find so far is that I was NOT mentally prepared for the negative comments. I work in a public place and see more than 50 people a day that have been regulars for 10 years. Most I see once every 6 months to a year. Everyday I get so many negative comments about how thin I look, how hollow my face is, how I aged terrible etc. Then the next person tells me I look younger, and I too even got a "you're hot" this week . My first of that particular verbiage since I'm an old lady. The nice thing it was said by a man that is about my age and I consider him "hot" too. Overall I have been reduced to tears on certain days because 5-6 people in a row ask me if I'm sick. I honestly think they just are shocked because it's been a year since they've seen me. I think I look age appropriate, but when you get up each day at 4:30 am, work out and work hard at looking good, it is painful to hear the constant barrage of "don't lose any more weight, you're too thin, are you sick?" When I was overweight my entire life I heard "you have such a pretty face, if you could only take off a few pounds". which I did successfully a 100 times, but failed at keeping it off. Now the wrinkles show because I always had them but they were filled in with natural fat. I am not opposed to plastics and if I ever find myself in a financial position to get it done, I will be the first in line. I have absolutely NO REGRETS. I find it important to keep coming back here and read about others struggles to remind myself just how far I've come. I still feel like the same person. I don't even feel smaller (most people think this is weird) , it's just a little easier to cross my legs. :-)

I am 13 months out. My weight loss slowed nearly to a halt at about 10 months. I increased my exercise which in turn made me gain a lb or so. No real loss in 2-3 months. I also have had my hunger return with a vengeance. I crave sweets terribly. I hope this passes too. I can eat a lot more than a year ago, of course all the bad foods seem to be sliders and I can eat a lot of popcorn etc. I still measure my foods but honestly have felt I'm on a "diet" the last month or so since I am fighting my urges every day. It seems that I have hit the "wall" everyone talks about. I am fine with my current weight, was told by my surgeon that I have exceeded their expectations, but have a great fear of failing on the maintenance as I have my entire life. I hope this hunger and cravings is a passing moment on my journey. I feel sad while I am writing this because honestly, my journey had been easier than ever anticipated. I have never had a moment of regret and have been pleased with my results. No more blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, or even a migraine since having this surgery. Yet my big fear is that things are changing. I pray I can maintain this way of life. and am trying one day at a time.

Ok friends. The last two weeks I have been disappointed with first a 2lb gain and then a 2lb loss. So I broke even. Now week three, still no loss. What is going on? I am only 5 weeks post op and since the second I stopped liquids and introduced food, I am at a stand still. I am no longer disappointed, but getting depressed. I am watching people around me at work on weight watchers who are eating heartily and losing lots of weight week to week and I am the one who had major surgery and eat nothing in comparison and yet my scale doesn't move. I am doing everything right! When can I expect weight loss? My Dr had set a goal of 6 lbs to lose before my next visit which is in 9 days. It isn't going to be possible. Has anyone else had this experience?????????

I know one person who had a low BMI, 35 exactly... She has lost a great deal of weight, some think she looks unhealthy and is to thin and now she has hypoglycemia. She needs to eat constantly to take care of that. I guess it's how you plan on taking care of yourself. It's not just losing weight, but eating right and exercising to keep yourself healthy. Do it for the right reasons, HEALTH should be the ONLY reason. Vanity will get you into trouble. The best of luck to you.

Congratulations, it's the BEST gift you could ever give yourself. In one year I am rid of migraines, high blood pressure, acid reflux and my cholesterol (although not low) is calculated in a manner that allowed me to stop the meds since my Good cholesterol is so good, the rest is hereditary. I also had an intermittent hip issue that has not bothered me in a very long time and I didn't realize it until I read this post. I wish you the best of luck and take full advantage of this tool. You'll be a happy camper too.

I don't think you need to do anything. I went with a bag of crap and needed nothing. They even supplied the robe.. I did prefer my own tooth brush, but I was only there 2 days and was walking most of that time and trying to sip on 1-2 ounces of water. Don't bring anything of value.. No phones or Ipads etc. My sister had her Ipad stolen during her surgery, but eventually found it when the only person she saw in the room somehow found it in the laundry.. :-) I don't think you'll even need the PJ's. Johnnies and a robe and little slipper socks were all provided to me. Like I said, I had brought all of that, but it was unnecessary.. Good luck, this is the BEST gift you could ever give yourself..

Congratulations, phenomenal job! Love all your new found abilities. I too shed a tear for you..

Happy Holidays fellow Dec. sleevers. It will be one year on Dec. 28th. I have lost about 54 lbs since surgery for a total of 65 lbs. I am just 3.5 lbs from the goal that the Bariactric Center set, which was based on my overall bone density, muscle mass and body fat. That is still overweight according to all medical charts, but I do carry a lot of muscle, especially in my lower body. I have lots of concerns and that is why I am here today. I am hearing far more negative responses from people than I ever anticipated. I am hearing, OMG, are you OK? You're looking ill, your face is hollow, you're to thin, please don't lose any more weight, you look so much older etc. I work in a public place and people are way to honest at times. Some days all I hear is negative. Yes,I have my supporters too, but the negativity is something I was NOT mentally prepared for. I get up at 4:30 five days a week and work out. I am 55 years young, but between 2-3 o'clock in the afternoon I could use an old lady nap, but overall I'm in good health. Losing the natural fat has allowed the wrinkles that existed, but that were hidden and plumped up with fat now shine through. I would say my face is sagging. :-( I hope to win the meg-a-bucks for some plastics, but don't see them in my future. :-( It's funny how my entire life I heard, "You have such a pretty face, to bad you couldn't take off a few lbs"... Now, the opposite. I am concerned about this coming year, how much more will I lose? Can I maintain this loss since I've never won that battle in the past. How can I make myself look healthier and or deal with the negativity. My face is thin, no doubt, but check out the rear, it's still there bold and proud. Has anyone here been in my shoes? If so, how are you dealing with it. I still wear a size 10, not a skinny mini here, but a round petite woman.

Good morning...Unfortunately I found this post to late and I can't hang around to write a long response. I have Aetna, had the BMI, Co-Morbidities and yet was denied. I did finally win the last appeal. My problem was that I had not maintained the BMI required for a consistent 2 years . I did have 23 years of weight documentation showing my roller coaster of cycling over three year periods. Read my profile.. feel free to ask questions. I was sleeved 12/28/11 and am now just 3.5 lbs from goal. The best thing I've ever done for myself. Good luck!

DITTO on the suggestions .. :-) Congratulations!!!

Congratulations... so happy for you. Over two years and doing fabulous! BE PROUD!

Robbie...I believe that this forum typically is supportive. Not sure if the "Full Moon" had something to do with the emotions here. :-) I am not at a normal BMI yet, still considered overweight, yet already hear how OLD, SICK, HOLLOW that I look. There are so many things to consider. Are you aerobically working out to much? If you're not working out, maybe adding a weight lifting work out may help add some pounds with the new found muscle. I am a slow loser, was sleeved on Dec 28, 2012 and although have lost 65 lbs total, only 50 since surgery. I think that is a nice slow pace, yet I am am older and have lost from my upper half to the point that I get the "please don't lose anymore weight comments. I also started at 40 bmi . The weight loss has slowed down, I work out 5 days a week, but do eat 5 times a day, three meals and typically nuts etc mid morning and mid afternoon. Cheese is also a good calorie intact and good for you. Drink protein drinks, they too are great and add calories. The best of luck to you.

Congratulations!... I was sleeved on Dec. 28th, have lost only half of what you have, but our stats are just about the same. I'm 4lbs from goal and hope to make for my surgiversary too. Keep up the great work!

You are worried about your boobs, but overall you want them to be proportionate to the rest of of your body. I have lost girth, but started with a 40DD and am know wearing a 34DD. The breasts are there, (also post menopausal) so they are not perky anymore, but in clothes of course they still look proportionate. I would say they are like giant skin tags, but look great rolled up into a good bra. I used to be a 40DD wide and now am a 34DD long.. :-)

Hi Suzjag... I am sorry that you are feeling this way. You are looking at the sleeve as a negative instrument. It is a wonderful tool. I am pleased every time it stops me from eating what I want. If it dd not, it wouldn't be doing it's job. You have lost 40 lbs...that is wonderful, could you have done it without he sleeve in such a short time? I too can think of a couple times I was subject to the sleeve not letting me have what I wanted. I was eating chips and salsa both times. I could have eaten until I passed out, but the sleeve put the brakes on and warned me first before that uncomfortable feeling. I always get a runny nose when I have hit the full mark. I use that as my gage before the uncomfortable, stuffed feeling comes on. I am just 10 months out, but hope this is a life time tool. I hope you can learn to see this in a positive way. I am off of blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds and find my life so much more enhanced by the ability to fit in and have the energy to do what I want. Good luck to you.

You made me laugh right out loud with the "mother" thing. I look exactly like my DAD, but without the natural wrinkle fill of "fat", I have a lot of my mothers features and she looks back at me occasionally too.. My sister who also had this done and is a lot thinner than me, see's her mother every day.. :-)

I too am large framed, have never been below 128, that was starving to death, consuming just 500 calories a day. The bariactric center has a special scale that tells bone mass, muscle mass and fat. They set the higher weight. The Dr had said 127. My body still feels plump to me, especially the mid section, but I've been told it's mostly loose skin. My face has been hit the hardest. I am 55 and don't want to be twiggy, I'm happy to be a size 8 or 10. I have an hour glass figure even when I'm heavy, I would like to keep that and not look like Gumby. I guess I continue the exercise, and save for some plastics. :-)

Hi Iggy, we have about the same stats.... I am already hearing how "sickly" I look, how hollow my face is, how wrinkled I've become". When I was heavier, it was always, you're a pretty woman to bad you couldn't keep the weight off. Now "don't lose anymore weight".. Fat is a natural wrinkle filler, no fat, no filler. So now I save for the face lift. :-( . At 110 I'd be dead.. I want to stop at 140 as the Dr suggests.

I am barely 5ft. Weighed 209, wore a size 18 pants, 1x top, now I am the same height I hope, 144 lbs, size 10 petite pants and medium/large petite tops. I no longer need a wide shoe. I have a larger goal weight than the average 5ft woman. I do carry a lot of muscle and am just 4 lbs from goal. Surgery was 12/28/11. I don't feel any different. I don't feel smaller.

May I ask how much of a weight watchers meal can you eat?

I didn't realize that there is a dandruff version, but yes it's the same company and name, just a different version, mine is fortifying. www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/our_products/product-struct.aspx?tpcode=OUR_PRODUCTS%5EPRD_HAIRCARE%5EFRUCTIS%5EFRUCTIS_DISCOVER%5EFRUCTIS_FALL_FIGHT