DrmBig4Evr

Surgery weight:258
Today weight 170
Goal weighy 150/155...

Hello fellow sleevers,
just thought I would start a thread for all those who want to get to goal in 2012, regardless of where we are in the process.
I posted it the 'Slow Loser' thread, because that is what I am!! (I am not complaining by the way, just pleased to be a loser...lol)
For me to get there, I know that at 18mths out I need to be strict, accountable and have support from those in the same 'place', who understand that the sleeve isn't a miracle but a tool.
I have done well so far, but the weight hasn't 'melted' off me and since 6mths post op I have had to fight for each and every pound. At first it made me a little bitter, frustrated and I started to get into a 'dark place' about it, now the scale victory tastes sooooo sweet!
I have taken the month of December 'off'... I needed to rest from the constant worry of food, cals, Water, carbs and protein... my head was spinning and I was starting to feel very frustrated and overwhelmed at not being at goal again. I needed time out!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas period and I have eaten what I wanted and when I wanted it; this includes ALL foods, no food was off limit and I let my sleeve do its job! The quantity was low but I still enjoyed every mouthful. Interestingly, I found that my cravings were satisified very quickly... 1 or 2 biscuits/sweets, and so on, hit the spot, instead of 5,6,7,... you get the picture. Subconscious damage limitation? I don't know but I like it!
I have learnt a lot by doing this. I now know that I can eat a little more if I 'try'... I know that I can enjoy food again without feeling guilty and I know that food doesn't have to be the enemy. So, with all that, what was the outcome? Yep, I have gained 2lbs above my personal bounce! Oops!
I am not, in the slightest, worried about this because I KNOW what is the cause... sugar and salt! And this time, I am sure it will come off as quick as it went on!
So, what is the plan?
Per my surgeon's instructions: I am going back to basics... yep that ole one...lol
3 meals a day - no snacking.
Weighing my meals between 6-8oz depending on what is on the plate.
Protein first, followed by veggies.
Plenty of water.
A limit of 1000 cals a day.
Continue with my exercise - boxing twice a week, gym in work 1-2 times a week (depending on work load) and walking my dog (just over a 2 mile circuit). The exercise is the only thing that I have stuck to in December... I actually enjoy it now!!

As a side note, and I ain't sure if my American friends can get this, but here in the Uk, on SKY there are a few fitness channels. I have recorded some aerobic workouts that are really good... they're free and can be done at home... this is saving me some money on classes and DVDs and if I don't like the workout I can delete and look for another!! Bonus!!
Ok, who is ready to join me on the final stretch to goal... hope on board and enjoy the ride my friends...

new here to the forum, had my surgery in February (6wks post-op today). Good luck!

Long flight from Virginia. We arrived a day early at San Diego. I called Lora who seemed very sweet and was told Alina was picking us up. She was helping out as CeCe (Dr. Kellys wife) was at a sport competition with their son for a few days. Alina showed up, very nice and spoke very good english. The hospital wasnt going to be ready for a few hours, so Alina took us to grab a quick bite (broth for me)and gave us about a 4.5 hr tour of San Diego and TJ. Filling in history and telling us about the country. She's very pleasant and friendly. My mom and I really enjoyed the day.
Arriving at florence, everyone was friendly. It was clean, a bit dated as others have said, but adequate. My room was functional. I got the room others spoke of with the cafeteria trash view. Lol Some other rooms have a nicer view. It felt a little less private with the guys spraying down and dropping trash there in the evenings, but still it worked. Im not one to need plush or hand holding so the amenities and equipment were fine.They ARE renovating Florence, so I expect future patients will see rooms more up to date.
Dr. Kelly came in that evening to meet me. I can't speak more highly of another physician. He is very personable and caring. Willing to explain and answer all questions. I didn't feel uncomfy at all and actually felt completely at ease with him.
Next day: I have horrible veins, but they got it started on the 2nd try. Surgery at 10. There were alot of surgeries there due to Illan and Garcia now using the facility, but Kelly only did 3 that day I think, me being the first. It was quick..joking with the anesthesiologist and surgical team one minute, woke up in my room the next.
First day was rough. I've never been put under, and my reaction to the drug was nausea. I threw up on and off the first day, even with nausea meds, but NEVER had pain. Kind of a funny spasm or tight feeling under the diaphragm from the gas, but not pain. I walked as much as possible and slept. The nurses were nice and most spoke atleast some english. Anna and Sara were especially sweet. Communication wasn't a problem.
Next day..Vein blew, and many attempts over the day for IV access not their fault really, my veins had run for the border. Finally got it in late afternoon. I was better, up walking, going outside and so ready to leave the hospital. Barely feeling like I had anything done. I met several other patients including other VSTers and the support and camaraderie amongst us was really cool. Almost like we knew eachother. : )
Saturday...Leak test at Angeles Hospital..this is a modern, very nice facility. The dye was horrible, no lie..have some sugar free gum available for afterwards to get the taste out....then off to Hotel Lucerna. Wow. Beautiful is all I can say. I will stay again when I go back to visit TJ. The hotel broth isnt bad, its a standard broth. The menu for guests is good. Popsicles are comforting. But the restaurant across the street (Casa de Mole..I think)is amazingly good both for broth and guests. I was rarely in my room, but out wandering and walking.
Alina picked us up Sunday and we went shopping in the market place for a couple hours and rode along the beach area which was crowded due to spring break. I got coconut Water still in the nut, it was refreshing, hydrating and gave me a bit of variety. I managed atleast one 20 oz gatorade a day and some water(small sips constantly in hand), 2 tblsp chicken broth at dinner if I set my spoon down for a moment between bites..maybe 4 tblsp over a 30-40 minute period. Even today, 5 days postop, I feel no hunger and I feel great.
Dr. Kelly checked in everyday, even at the hotel and took the time to connect and chat. I really liked him and will visit in the future. I am very happy with my choice. With surgeon, coordinators,facility..I would do it exactly the same again.
CeCe picked us up on Monday, stopped for coffee across the border and we flew home with no issues.
I really enjoyed my stay and my experience.
Best of luck in your own choices and journey.

Stalls can last for awhile. If you haven't already, I'd take your measurements because when the scale stops moving is usually when your body is catching up by losing inches. I am 3 1/2 mo. out and stalled for a good 3 weeks and am only down 44 lbs....but I've lost over 18" and am down 3 sizes. Don't get discouraged...it will start up again.

Track everything in MyFitnessPal. I know ... it's a pain in the butt, but do it. Get into the habit now, it will pay dividends later.
When you exercise, are you working up a big sweat or just going through the motions? You gotta get your heart rate up for exercise to count, IMO.
Don't use the scale. Give yourself a one month break. It can only provide discouragement which can lead to cheating.
Get your liquids up.
Just keep doing the right thing and it will happen. This is one of the reasons why I think it does us no good to share that we are having the surgery. Other people just don't understand the process.

Had the band for 10 years and it sucked. I did not like having a "pouch" and feared the rny would be too similiar.
I had so much weight to lose, I decided that if the sleeve didn't give me good results, I would be open to getting the DS, but not the RNY. The sleeve worked great for me, I have lost 150+ in 14 months and am now maintaining.

Do I officially lose my man card now? Lol! Feels great! The reason I am getting one (at this moment) is because my feet were all gross when I noticed them at Yoga a couple days ago. My feet were drying out from all the running I do. They were flaking on the heals. I know, gross! Had to use the big cheese grater on my feet. Lol.
Besides , I am here with my wife. Marriage bonding!! I do not think I would have done this pre op, but now I care how I look and I am no longer an anti social hermit. It is sort of strange in a way, but hey, post op is a great time to make changes in your life. Feet are now ready for another round of yoga vinayse.
Hey guys, time to go out and do new things you never would have done before. It is enlightening and makes you a more rounded person. Running 10 k one day, cross fit the next day, hot yoga the next day, hiking the next day, etc. Fun stuff being a post op!!!

I had surgery October 17th and am down 64 pds so far! I feel so good! Just wanted to share

Beautiful both inside and out! You are one of the most positive people in this forum! Congrats!

Had to buy new pants. Bought two pairs of jeans in size 14 from the Gap. Felt good buying those. :-)

I drink diet coke and diet sprite almost daily. I drink it over ice and have no issues at all. I didn't do this surgery to become a complete health nut....I did it to help control my binge eating. And it's doing exactly that.

Actually, per my studies and conversation with bariatric specialists it's highly unlikely to cause any significant stretching with a sleeve. The fundus (the stretchy part of the stomach) is the portion of your stomach that is mostly or totally removed in a sleeve surgery. The idea of stretching is a holdover from the gastric bypass, in which the pouch does include fundus material and will stretch.
That said, carbonation can create discomfort, the acids in many sodas can be hard on your stomach, and regular sweet sodas are like drinking a sugar bowl. It definitely isn't anything I want to play with early on, and when I'm ready to give carbonation a go, I'll stick to sparkling Water with a splash of juice.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using VST

You guys are mean! Lol I feel like an outcast! It may of only been a dream or something..... Oh look I just got a call and they said April fools to me. Gee what a mix up ha ha ha?

I'm also going to buy a dolphin!

April Fools right???

Ate too much today but still probably less than half of what I would've eaten last year! The sweets are what got me.
I'll do better tomorrow! Hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter!!!

I watched a Diners, drive thrus and dives marathon right after my surgery. Can you say "food porn"? I also was staying at my sisters house for my second week post op and jumped at the chance at cooking all the meals. I actually found that watching shows about food and cooking fills a void and it's comforting to know that I don't have to eat ALL the food in order to still enjoy food... I enjoyed cooking very much even though I didn't get so much as a taste! I'm a foodie and this surgery hasn't changed that. I still love to cook and I love everything about food... I'm just going to be eating less of it in the future and actually looking forward to when my desire for quantity won't overshadow my focus on QUALITY!

Honestly my doctor. Gave me one of those inhale breathing. Pumps you know the one where u can place the little blue marker at maybe 1500 or 2200..but it gives your lungs air it builds it back up and your suppose to do it 10 times a day and it really does give u your breath back..and lessen the fatigue..try it love

What I would do if I was you is go back to the basics. Cut back on the carbs, increase your Protein and veggies add a shake a day. And seek some counseling on dealing with your emotional stress. I wouldn't worry about stretching your pouch at this moment you need to focus on your emotions so you can get that under control because once you do that you can focus on losing that twenty lbs and maintaining.

Hey guys I'm Mya. I had my veg surgery on 3/11/13 and this is the best change I could. Have made. 1 month before my 2 week liquid diet I weighed 371 lbs and as of today I am 328 lbs this is the best ..

My post op diet says that I should be eating 3-4 oz of food, but honestly I maybe can stomach about 2 oz before getting full. Listen to your stomach and as Laura said, just make sure you eat slowly and chew. I've definitely already learned my lesson on that one. It is the hardest thing for me to do as well.

No you're on the right track! I need to make a formal goal list. I have goals in my mind both weight and NSV's like getting in my Protein everyday or being confident in a bathing suit, but need to write them down! Congrats on hitting your first goal. The .4 will be off in the next day or two! lol!

You did get hit by a bus! They didn't tell you that happened while you were out?? lol, well it gets much better after about 5-6 days you begin to feel a little normal. I am 3 weeks out and some days are better than others with the gas and the incision pain, the one where the stomach comes out still gets me sometimes!! Pain meds, gas x, and prevacid are your friends right now, use them! Good luck!

Beautiful both inside and out! You are one of the most positive people in this forum! Congrats!