lsereno

People share their opinions for a lot of reasons: maybe they love you and they're scared (My Mom fell in this camp), maybe they are just clueless (every one who said 'Why don't you just diet' fell in this camp!), and some are just haters. For those that love you, take the time to help them get over their fears, but stick to your guns! I took Mom to a support group meeting and she met my doctor too. She knew my heatlh was compromised because of my weight so that was already worrying her, so she was an easier sell on the operation. But she was still scared for me. I told her I had to weigh the risks of staying fat vs. having the operation and having the operation won. For those that are clueless, if I cared enough about them I said "My Dr. and I have agreed this is the best option for me." No more discussion. If they kept on, I told them I didn't want to discuss it. For haters, just ignore the suckers. They really are just jealous. Best wishes on your journey! Lynda

Thanks everyone! I am still in a bit of shock. Just realizing I am officially off the loser's bench and on the goalies bench! Yeehaa maintenance! Lynda

I can eat pretty much the same stuff as I did pre-op, but I'm much more Protein focused now. So I have lowfat cheese and lunch meat, greek yogurt, and soy milk (can't tolerate regular milk post-op). Since I eat so much less than I used to, I'm careful when buying fruits and veggies. I like the small tangerines because they are a good snack size. I also like the bagged spinach, because it's easy to just throw a little in a Soup or sandwich, or wilt some to go with a hunk of grilled protein. I buy frozen berries now because I wasn't eating them fast enough to finish off a box of fresh ones before they spoiled. I buy loose veggies, like a handful of brussels sprouts, or a zucchini. And for drinks, I mostly have Water throughout the day. But I wasn't a big soda lover to start with. Lynda

Hi all, GOAL!!!!!!! Today I weighed 134.5!!! I am officially in maintenance! What a wild ride it's been the last 10 months! I posed a longer message in Success Stories. I still can't believe I'm actually here :-) Lynda SW-139.3.....CW-135.1.....GW-135!!! Feb. 10: 139.3 Feb. 17: 138.3 Feb. 24: 137.6 March 2: 136.4 March 9: 137.4 March 16: 135.1 March 23: 135.9 March 25: GOAL! 134.5 March 30: April 6: Easter:

Hi all, I've been hovering around goal for weeks but today I am finally, officially there! I weighed 134.5 this morning. It's not my normal weigh in day, but I said the day I get to goal, that's the day I declare it! Time to join the maintenance threads!!!! I'm loving my new life. Over the course of this, I have spent time worrying I would never get to goal so it is extra sweet that I am here! During the last 10 months I have learned: How to walk with my knees closer together and my back straight because I'm not carrying 100+ extra pounds everywhere I go. Tracking food and Water can be easy: I use a white board on my fridge door. I have to have a group exercise. I simply will not exercise on my own. I look great in $5 tshirts from Walmart and Target. Probably two pounds of my weight loss is from my thinner hair, but it is coming back! The freezer is my friend. I freeze lots of bits of veggies and meats and reuse them later. Only the skinniest people obsess about my weight loss. What's up with that? I'm looking forward to maintaining my weight and enjoying my healthy life. I feel like I've been given a gift of good health and I am enjoying it every day! Lynda

Congrats goalie! You look fabulous! I've read loose skin is reabsorbed a bit during the first year, so keep workin out and give it a chance. I'm really hoping some of mine will disappear. It does look better spread over muscle, but I'd like it GONE! lynda

I love Splenda and don't have problems with it, but my friend prefers to blue packet, Nutrasweet. Maybe try it and the old standby pink packet artificial sweetener? If you can't use any sugar replacements or find a Protein powder with a sugar-replacement that works for you, try the unsweetened Protein Powder or the chicken Soup flavor from

Congrats Meg! You have worked so hard to get here and you deserve a big hand! Thanks for sharing your struggles, successes, and tips along the way. Lynda

So my pre-op and transition post-op clothes are finally all given away except for maybe a couple of pairs of jeans that are a little too big. Most of the too big shoes have left the building. I have new, smaller bracelets and I'm getting my favorite rings resized. But I finally realized yesterday what is wrong with my necklaces: my neck is skinnier and they now hang too low! Guess I'm going to have to buy a couple of shorter chains for my pendants too! Oh, my, the struggles of weight loss :-) Lynda

At 10 months out, I rarely rely on a Protein shake. Even when traveling the last couple of times, I got enough protein through food (full disclosure: I get 30+ grams of protein in before lunch with a cup of non-fat Fage 0, a Soy Latte, and under 100 calories in whole grains). My grocery bill, liquor bill, and dining out bill are all smaller. As is my clothing bill (It's amazing how great a $5 Walmart t looks on me now!), my medication bill (no more cholesterol med and only one blood pressure med), and my gym bill (no more personal trainer 3 times per week - I can now keep up in the free group exercise classes!). I do spend on Vitamins, but I buy in bulk. And the greek yogurt is pricey too, but I get it at costco. Lynda

Each doctor's plan is different, but your Dr. does seem aggressive about the amount of calories to consume. I don't know the answer to the starvation mode question, but I didn't hit a starvation mode thing. I've lost weight steadily until the last month. I'm already at a lower BMI than many people at goal, but I prefer I thinner look and I'm small boned. I moved steadily up the calorie range, but am just now regularly hitting 1200 calories a day at 10 months out. I went from 400 calories to 600, then 800 and 900 to now, when I average between 900 and 1000 most days. On days I go over 1000, I generally have had Snacks or drink ( I was cleared for 1-2 drinks a couple of times per week at 6 months). Lynda

Greek Yogurt can be too thick, but I've got a tip for making it creamier: Just add a little Water and stir. I use the Fage 0, which has 23 grams of Protein and 130 calories per cup, and stir in a little water and some splenda. I like to top it with some berries sweetened with splenda. Lynda

Not sure what you're doing, but here is what worked for me: Exercise at least 5 days a week, average about 45 minutes. 50/50 mix of strength training and walking. Measure my food: I use a scale instead of eyeballing or stuffing food in a measuring cup. It's more accurate for me. Track my food and water. Protein first, at least 60 grams per day. 64 oz. of fluid per day. Fruit with breakfast, veggies with lunch and dinner. Whole grain for most starches. Limit fatty foods and snacking if weight is not coming off or weight goes up.

Suzanne, Thanks for sharing. You inspire me! At just .1 lb to goal, maintenance and avoiding weight regain is on my mind. I have been snacking some, but slowly still losing, so I hope to be able continue with about the same amount/types of foods in maintenance. I do exercise 5-6 days per week, get in my Protein and fluids and include healthy dairy, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains in my diet. And I follow the Vitamin regimen recommended by Kaiser Fremont. I hope I am as successful as you in maintenance! Lynda

Congrats and Happy Sleeviversary!

Hi all, OMG - I am .1 lb away from GOAL. The day I am at 150, I am declaring GOAL if it is a Friday or not!! I've been pretty good this week. A little snacking, but I brought it way back under control and I've been walking a couple extra days. I did miss one workout on Monday. Lynda SW-139.3.....CW-135.1.....GW-135!!! Feb. 10: 139.3 Feb. 17: 138.3 Feb. 24: 137.6 March 2: 136.4 March 9: 137.4 March 16: 135.1 March 23: March 30: April 6: Easter:

Congrats and welcome to Onderland! That's some rockin weight loss - you have really been working that sleeve! Lynda

Haha Queen of Crop, I know what you mean about hanging on. I just let go of my pink Nasa sweatshirt, my beautiful black leather jacket, and my pink UFO museum raincoat. I loved them so much, but looked like Edith Ann wearing her mother's clothes so they had to go. I offer my too big clothes at my support group and then take what whats left to the Salvation Army. Lynda

Hey you May 2012 Sleevers! I was a May 2011 Sleever and will be celebrating my first sleeviversary on May 17. I feel a special kinship for each of you! The days leading up to surgery can be so hectic and kinda scary. But look at my stats - so worth it! I hope you don't mind me popping in on your thread to wish you luck and share my story. Love and best wishes to each of you! And especially any sleever sisters or brothers who will share my date: May 17! Lynda

Mine started coming out at 4 months too. I think there is regrowth now at almost 10 moths. I have little short hairs that stick up and it is thick at the roots again. Lynda