2bfit

Here's to recommitting! I am with you! I am 2 1/2 years post op and I gained back 10lbs. I never reached my goal of 140 but I was happy and comforable at about 150-153. About a month ago I went back to MFP and that's helping me keep things in check. I was definitely eating way more than I needed to be. I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism this week. So I am sure the combo of eating carbs, drinking alcohol and the thyroid issue did not help much. I have also been under a lot of stress. I am hoping that by trying to get back on the plan I can finally get to my goal weight. These extra 10lbs feels like I am carrying a brick around my neck. It is strange how much more you feel your body weight once you have lost so much.
I know we can do this! We have to remember what we felt like before we started this journey and that should help give us a kick in the rear I don't ever want to be heavy again and catching old habits early is a good start.

TPO is the Thyroid peroxidase enzyme that assists the chemical reaction that adds iodine to a Protein called thyroglobulin, a critical step in generating thyroid hormones. It is the lab test that's determines Hashimotos. My TSH was 1.8 which is normal but my TPO was 97 and the range is 0-34. So now I'm on Synthroid.

Here's to recommitting! I am with you! I am 2 1/2 years post op and I gained back 10lbs. I never reached my goal of 140 but I was happy and comforable at about 150-153. About a month ago I went back to MFP and that's helping me keep things in check. I was definitely eating way more than I needed to be. I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism this week. So I am sure the combo of eating carbs, drinking alcohol and the thyroid issue did not help much. I have also been under a lot of stress. I am hoping that by trying to get back on the plan I can finally get to my goal weight. These extra 10lbs feels like I am carrying a brick around my neck. It is strange how much more you feel your body weight once you have lost so much.
I know we can do this! We have to remember what we felt like before we started this journey and that should help give us a kick in the rear I don't ever want to be heavy again and catching old habits early is a good start.

I take Biotin religiously and was attributing my Hair loss to the weight loss.
I just found out I have Hashimotos (hypothyroid).
Get your levels checked asap if you think this might apply to you. Even if your TSH is normal your TPO may not be. This might be an underlying cause. It took me three years to get an answer. All of my Vitamin levels and labs were normal except for my TPO.
I also started using Keranique and Rogaine for women. Good luck!

Coops I could not take the menopuse symptoms and I got on bio identical hormones. I feel so much better and honestly, I hope I never have to stop them.
I can't live without sleep.

Hi Coops,
Well, here is what I would try if you are interested, and remember, it's never too late and I believe you can do it. Let us know how you do. Good luck!
Kickstart yourself with 2 or 3 days of just liquid Protein shakes. I found this sort of "reactivates" my sleeve and gets my head back on. It's hard to do after eating somewhat normally, but it does get the restriction fired up again (at least for me). Start writing everything down again - MFP or other Measure your food. I have started eyeballing things, not a great habit to get into... Get that Water in! 64 oz minimum, you know the drill. The same old routine: firm Protein first, then vegs, then carbs. Plan out your exercise regime. Maybe split your time between cardio and strength training. Cardio will burn fat, strength training will build muscle, which will raise your metabolic rate over time.

I've managed to get off track. I've gained 15-20 pounds back after reaching my goal (lost 100 lbs) because of stress and boredom eating - eating tons of simple carbs and drinking calories.
So today, I'm publicly recommitting to going back to the basics. This week, I've already given up the caloric drinks and started back exercising. The last step is getting back to smaller meals consisting primarily of Protein and dealing with stress in other ways.
I'm proud of myself for catching it before gaining too much weight. If anyone else is in the same boat, join me in recommitting to looking and feeling fabulous.
Pamela

I had a total thyroidectomy due to cancer. I had everything removed including parathyroid and lymph nodes.
Your life definitely changes bc of this. Stay on top of your meds. The synthroid is amazing stuff, but I was told to never take generic. As well as Calcium when u take it. Even milk in your coffee will counter act your synthroid
Once your synthroid gets regulated which could take months to years you will start to feel better. The synthroid actually helps me w my weight now. My doc actually keeps me a lil hyper active now and I love it. Good luck w everything!! Anything else u want to know you can message me. I have been dealing w thyroid issues for about 15 years

Great thread Fiddleman!
My most important strategy is abstinence from sugar. Sigh... It's not what I was hoping for, but since I started off last year trying to lose a chunk of regain, did a face plant into a cupcake in mid-February and ended up hopelessly trapped in a sugar vortex and ending the year with 10 more pounds of regain to take off, I think it's official. I simply cannot do moderation.
Fortunately, I've found some wonderful sources for recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth without creating a craving for more. And, I've rediscovered the strength that comes from being ABLE to turn down the goodies in the break room, because I've got all that out of my system and I'm not a raging cookie monster.
That's my battle, and one I suspect I'll be fighting to my last days, but at least for the moment I'm winning. And it makes everything else pay off - the vigilance on the scale, sticking to it even when I know I'm doing everything right and I'm not seeing the losses I "think" I've "earned", the regular exercise, and the establishing of new routines to keep me distracted and away from food as a source of self-soothing.
The exercise is the other key element for me. It's my stress release valve, it occupies chunks of my day I'd otherwise be spending raiding the pantry, and on days when I can get out hiking in my beloved mountain trails, it's healing to my soul. It gives me much-needed solitude and space and time for self-reflection. It's as necessary to my well-being as anything else I do. And, oh yeah, the extra calories burned are a nice bonus, though I have to be pretty careful about how I spend them (see reference to the #@@%*@%# sugar vortex above).

Thank you all for your words of support. Most days this is all very do-able, but every once in awhile...we all struggle a little.
2bFit - plastics are hard. I had mine in October (lower body lift, breast lift and aug, arm lift and small thigh lift) and while I am recovered, I still get a bit of low belly swelling after intense exercise or ironically, after alot of sitting. It isn't too bad, but it is uncomfortable and i hate it. Luckily no leg swelling. I am told this could last a year because the lymphatic system is still rebuilding the drainage paths! I am sorry that your scars are so disappointing. I didn't have the long thigh lift (the one most people get). I have mixed feelings about that decision. On the one hand, the work I had done got rid of the absolutely unreal ugly upper inner thigh skin/saggy pockets i had going on with very minimal scarring. Flip side, that my thighs still have some loose skin. I would have that whole skinny legs thing going on had I done a more extensive procedure there, but it is all tradeoffs. I think all in all I made the right choice. I do have scars on my arms, my lower body lift (breast ones you can't even see) but they are improving week by week. The funny thing is I hardly notice them. I thought i would be weirded out by the scars but I feel so much better about my body without the skin that the scars just seem irrelevant to me.
I know you can get back on the program. We all have setbacks - and that is the difficulty of maintenance... the "carrying on" even when we don't feel like it. One of the reasons I got plastics was that I wanted that "feeling" of having a normal body and hoping that helps me with maintenance.
This week, I came home from a great business trip to some real "issues" in my private and work life. I am feeling the stress and I am feeling lonely and at times overwhelmed. I am tempted at times to comfort myself with food. food doesn't make a very good friend though so I am reminding myself to pet my doggies and talk to my real friends instead.

that's because you lost all of your insulation! :hurray: I can totally live with that! :biggrin:

I have an appointment to see my surgeon tomorrow for my one year follow up. At this appt I will be given a referral for plastics.
I need a thigh, butt, arm and boob lift. I am wondering if anyone has had these things done and if your insurance covered any of it. I live in CA and they do have different rules about plastics here after massive weight loss it can be considered reconstructive surgery instead of plastic surgery.
I was just curious if anybody might have some insight. I am a little scared of the scaring from the thigh and arm lift. Does anybody regret it?

First I will say that I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize here, so no regrets so far! But this recovery is hell!! I had a Tummy Tuck, breast lift w/silicone implant, and mini-arm lift. Surgery went well, the dr said he removed 7 lbs of skin & fat w/ Lipo, yay! However, the first couple days I was unable to keep down any of my meds?! I'm guessing just sensitivity from the anesthesia in addition to not eating a whole lot. But now that I can keep pain meds down, things are a bit more manageable... And thank God for my wonderful husband! I need help getting in and out of bed, he had to remove my catheter, he empties my jP drain /records it, makes sure I'm taking my meds & that I'm doing the breathing exercises (with the incentive spirometer), and is taking care of our two toddler by himself! All the while he didn't even want me to have this surgery because he said I was fine the way I was (but that's a different topic, for a different day). I cherish him! Whatever you do, don't go into this alone! There is just no way you can do it alone! I will post pics once I'm healed up some, I have to keep this tight binder on for right now.

Embrace it! You worked hard for it. On the flip side, be prepared for the ones who start to talk about you because they are jealous. Don't take it personally just smile and enjoy it!

I'm at about 18 months post-op, and though I surpassed my surgeon's goal, I never got to my personal goal, and I've gained quite a few pounds from my lowest. I know I have it in me to get to goal, when I was still really keeping low carb high Protein, low calories, my body was still losing at a fairly good pace, but I've been off track on and off for most of the past nine months, so here I sit, more than 10 pounds from goal.
For me, I just had to decide whether or not I really wanted it, and then commit to it. I've found some supplements that help me over the worst of the carb and sugar cravings, and I'm nearing on 2 weeks back on track, exercising, and staying within my protein and calorie goals. Part of my motivation was a horror of how much I'd regained, and how quickly. I could see I was heading down a very dark ugly road if I didn't get myself back on track. The rest of it is just determination. I spend a few minutes every day focusing on my goal and some of the things I want to do when I get there. Nothing major, one of them is nothing more than the privilege of being able to announce GOOOOAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!! But they're important to me! I've joined a couple of challenges for motivation, and I'm tracking my food and exercise compulsively on MyFitnessPal. I'm focusing on changes I can make to what I'm eating to maximize satisfaction. I'm one of the few who dearly loves her Protein Shake (I make a killer morning protein hot cocoa!), but I'm going to try subbing it out for solid protein that will keep me full longer. Less cheese, more grilled chicken ... that kind of thing. Basically, just a lot of little steps, and short goals like staying on track for a week ... and then 10 days ... and then two weeks, so I can build a feeling of confidence and can-do-this!
The most important thing for me is, decide how badly you want it, and then decide what changes you're willing to make to get there. If you're game, come join us on this thread for a little healthy competition:
http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/28952-gonna-get-to-goal-wanna-join-me/page__st__760#entry638166
At the moment the scale is NOT rewarding my hard work and dedication, but I've got my motivation mojo back in gear, and I'm going to get there! Race 'ya!

Anyone at goal and still having body issues? I look at myself and still feel like I look horrible I have saggy skin everywhere (even discovered my butt is saggy last week... depressing) and honestly, I think I felt more sexy when I weighed over 300 lb
Also..... I am well under goal (20 pounds below) and it kinda depresses me to hear of other people being size 2.... I guess I need to just realize I will NEVER be a size 2 and a size 12 is normal and healthy FOR ME, but..... I feel like I am a failure and will never be skinny.
sigh.....

OK ... Time for honesty ... Since the birth of my son on October 11 to now, I have gained 10 pounds from my "preferred" weight. I have gone off plan, eatten Cookies, cakes and all the treats around for the holidays. In my past life, I would have blown this off as "anyone would have gained weight with the holidays". But, the new me needs to be accountable and know that only I choose what I put in my mouth and what happens to my body. I need my Sleever Friends to support me. Keep me accountable. Each Monday I am going to weigh and report my progress. I feel my best around 127 with a bounce of down to 125 to 130. So, my goal is to get back to 127 as soon as I can in a safe and responsible manner. Are you up for supporting me & giving me a kick in the pants if I fall off plan? Thanks in advance guys!

Did your doctor check you for a leak before leaving the hospital? My doctor sent me to radiology where I had to drink Fluid while the radiologist monitored the fluid. I was told everything looked perfect and I was able to watch the monitor as well. Is it possible to go through this with a radiologist and still develop a leak? Has that ever happened to anybody?

Being able to go for a run with my 14 year old son and seeing the looks of "How cool is that" from the people who drive by. The pride I hear in my boy's voices when they tell people how much weight I lost and how I am now a 'hot mama'! The appreciation in my husband eyes and the fact he can now carry me anywhere, anytime! Wearing clothes that fit, shopping the clearance rack because there are a lot of small size clothes there, being in control of my food choices, finding my voice to say no to people, having the seat at the movies swallow me whole...oh the list goes on and on! I HAVE MY LIFE BACK and I even have a life I never imagined. :wub:

Being able to go for a run with my 14 year old son and seeing the looks of "How cool is that" from the people who drive by. The pride I hear in my boy's voices when they tell people how much weight I lost and how I am now a 'hot mama'! The appreciation in my husband eyes and the fact he can now carry me anywhere, anytime! Wearing clothes that fit, shopping the clearance rack because there are a lot of small size clothes there, being in control of my food choices, finding my voice to say no to people, having the seat at the movies swallow me whole...oh the list goes on and on! I HAVE MY LIFE BACK and I even have a life I never imagined. :wub:

I was sleeved on 12/28/11 and am down 76lbs since surgery and down 107lbs from my heaviest point.
I have just returned from my check up. Hard to believe I am only 4 months away from my one year anniversary. The doc is very pleased with my progress and so am I. At my one year mark he has agreed to give me a referral to see the plastic surgeon for body contouring. I have a lot of excess skin around my butt and thighs. So I am very excited about that. He is pretty sure the insurance will cover it so double bonus. My goal is to be 140 by 12/28/13 which is my one year mark.
This journey has been so life changing. This summer I wore tank tops, summer dresses, went down a Water slide with my kids and even wore a bathing suit almost all summer! I even wore my first little black dress while in Vegas as you can see from my profile pic.
My food cravings come and go but I find myself craving "refreshing" foods like fruit or fish. Strangest thing. Some of my old habits started to creep back in but I am aware of them so I try to control myself. If I eat sweets, I get a case of dumping syndrome. I start to sweat and feel nauseous so I just stay away from those foods now. I do not drink soda or beer. On occasion I have a piece of toast. I am able to eat a bit more than before. But according to my doctor I need to make sure my portions stay small, eat a little more often if need be as long as I am eating the right foods, but small portions. Otherwise, you can run the risk of stretching your sleeve. I did not come this far to have that kind of a problem. There was a point around 5 months post op when I was dealing with heartburn but I got that under control. I am dealing with Hair loss which is very sad. So even though I am getting my Protein in I am suffering through my loss of hair. I am trying a couple of products to see if I can grow it back. I will keep you posted on that. My stomach gurgles a lot. I am so used to it now though. When I am getting full I start to burp a little. I call that my full meter I still have a tendency to be an emotional eater so I try to stay aware of that. Guess that is just life at this point!
My activity level is through the roof! I have so much energy, I sleep better, I have more patience and am a lot calmer. This procedure not only saved my life, it gave me a life. :wub:
Only a few people know that I have had the surgery and I personally like to keep it that way. I was given a tool but like any tool it will not work if I don't use it! So I don't want to hear people say I took the "easy way out". I may have to punch them. So I just don't say anything.
I love this board and have missed seeing what the December sleevers are up to.
Take care!

To Happy1957: We were sleeved on the same day! WHOOHOO!
I too was suffering from MAJOR Hair loss. I used to take Biotin as well and also tried Nioxin Shampoo. But I was still losing hair in clumps.
I recently started a regimen and the clumps have stopped coming out and it's only been a week. I started eating more Protein, closer to 100 per day. Also, I bought Keranique and Andrew Lessmans Healthy Hair Skin and Nails. This seems to be my winning combination. At the rate I was losing hair I was considering buying a wig. It was pretty frightening!
I am happy to report that this seems to be working for me. Good luck!

I was sleeved on 12/28/11 and am down 76lbs since surgery and down 107lbs from my heaviest point.
I have just returned from my check up. Hard to believe I am only 4 months away from my one year anniversary. The doc is very pleased with my progress and so am I. At my one year mark he has agreed to give me a referral to see the plastic surgeon for body contouring. I have a lot of excess skin around my butt and thighs. So I am very excited about that. He is pretty sure the insurance will cover it so double bonus. My goal is to be 140 by 12/28/13 which is my one year mark.
This journey has been so life changing. This summer I wore tank tops, summer dresses, went down a Water slide with my kids and even wore a bathing suit almost all summer! I even wore my first little black dress while in Vegas as you can see from my profile pic.
My food cravings come and go but I find myself craving "refreshing" foods like fruit or fish. Strangest thing. Some of my old habits started to creep back in but I am aware of them so I try to control myself. If I eat sweets, I get a case of dumping syndrome. I start to sweat and feel nauseous so I just stay away from those foods now. I do not drink soda or beer. On occasion I have a piece of toast. I am able to eat a bit more than before. But according to my doctor I need to make sure my portions stay small, eat a little more often if need be as long as I am eating the right foods, but small portions. Otherwise, you can run the risk of stretching your sleeve. I did not come this far to have that kind of a problem. There was a point around 5 months post op when I was dealing with heartburn but I got that under control. I am dealing with Hair loss which is very sad. So even though I am getting my Protein in I am suffering through my loss of hair. I am trying a couple of products to see if I can grow it back. I will keep you posted on that. My stomach gurgles a lot. I am so used to it now though. When I am getting full I start to burp a little. I call that my full meter I still have a tendency to be an emotional eater so I try to stay aware of that. Guess that is just life at this point!
My activity level is through the roof! I have so much energy, I sleep better, I have more patience and am a lot calmer. This procedure not only saved my life, it gave me a life. :wub:
Only a few people know that I have had the surgery and I personally like to keep it that way. I was given a tool but like any tool it will not work if I don't use it! So I don't want to hear people say I took the "easy way out". I may have to punch them. So I just don't say anything.
I love this board and have missed seeing what the December sleevers are up to.
Take care!

I feel the pain as each person shares their story. Sometimes those memories are still vivid and real. Reading these through, I see a common bond... we are not a lot alone. We are strong and overcomers.
I hope each us finds the strength to let go and heal. We are worth it.
I can't wait for surgery this fall. The journey continues.
Peace
Chad