StephS3

SStaats3

LadiWobs, I also had surgery with Blue Point and Dr. Nain. I am sorry you are struggling. I am now 18 months out and I consider the sleeve the best thing I could have done for myself. It was not always easy, I too ate some of the wrong things and gained back some weight at the beginning. It is a learning process that you must open your mind to. I know it's hard! Please do not give up. Go to the meetings that the doctor offers and you will see results. The sleeve is your tool, you have to learn to use it!! Please PM me if I can help in anyway. Hugs!

Thanks for the offer! I actually completed the tri in 1:31:55 which I thought was pretty respectable for my first one. I am looking at doing more next season, as there aren't many left this year due to running out of summer. I really have found that I enjoy doing the training and the actual race. I am going to contine to run and bike over the winter. Congratulations on going for an Ironman!!! That seems like such a long distance to me right now. You have my utmost respect. Good luck! If you have any training tips leading into summer, I would welcome them.

Thanks, likasulema!! I appreciate your advice. I have come a long way

So in a moment of craziness several months ago, I signed up for a Sprint Triathlon. Since I began my sleeve journey I have done several 5k's but nothing quite like this. Needless to say, I am freaking out. The triathlon is on Sunday and I am feeling very nervous. Any advice???

Sleeved July 7, 2011 - Lost 130 Lbs so far. 20 lbs to goal!!

I had a DVT years ago when I broke my foot. So when I went for my consult for the sleeve, they recommended that they put in an IVC filter to make sure that no clots broke through to my heart or lungs. It was relatively simple, some surgeons go in through your leg and place the filter, mine goes in through the side of the neck. They removed the filter 3 months later, after a sonogram making sure there were no clots. The scaring is minimal, I am one year out now, and you can't even see the scar unless I point it out. Not sure what they do in Mexico, but I know in the US they have procedures set up for this. I would go to a consult with a local doctor and then compare what they will do vs. the Mexican doctor and make sure you are comfortable. Feel free to PM me if you would like additional info. Good Luck.

Lissa, I also had a history of clots before surgery. So for the sleeve they put in a IVC filter in my jugular (sp?) vein to make sure if I got another clot, it would hopefully filter it out before it got to my heart or lungs. Then several months after surgery, they removed the filter. Did you have one of those as well? When I was dealing with the clots several years ago, again prior to surgery, I was on Lovinox and then Coumadin for several months. And when the clots didn't disapate, I opted out of the medication as well. The doctor's couldn't tell me if the clots would ever go away, even if I stayed on the thinners for life. I felt good about the decision and since my sleeve I have been retested and am officially clot free!! I wish you luck in your journey, it really sounds like you are doing well!!!

I ran my FIRST 5k this weekend too!!! Finished with a time of 41.19, which I know by no means is fast, but it is a huge accomplishment for me. Congrats on shaving time off!!! I wish I had done one before to compare. Keep up the great work

You can walk the whole thing if you want to, but I am going to try and run about 1/2 of it. You're right, just finishing is a huge goal of mine and I am sure I will feel great afterwards. Getting kind of nervous though...

So I am signed up to do my first 5k race this weekend. To be clear, I am not at the point where I can run the full 5k yet. I have done the C25k program but only have gotten to week 4 and am pretty much stuck there for now. I am looking for advice on how to handle the week to be in the best shape I can for the race on Saturday. My plan is: Monday - 5k walk/run (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) + weights Tuesday - 5k walk/run (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) Wednesday - 9-10 mile bike ride (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) + weights Thursday - 5k walk/run (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) Friday - Rest Saturday - Race I also plan on not restricting my carbs at all this week, even though I can't eat much of them anyways. Easily I can complete a 5k in 45 minutes doing the walk/run pace that I typically keep. I am hoping to finish the 5k this weekend in 40-41 minutes. But really just doing it is an accomplishment. Let me know if this looks good or where I should make changes. I would really like to enjoy myself this weekend if possible Thanks in advance for the help.

I think I will just whine about myself today. Yesterday, I did the dumbest thing. I went to the doctor and before I went I had weighed myself at home. When I got there, instead of taking me to the scale, she simply asked me, "Do you know how much you weigh?". And I looked her straight in the face and said yes, "215 lbs". Now here is the dumb part! I really don't weigh 215 lbs. Exactly 1 hour before when I weighed myself I was 208 lbs. Why in the world would I round UP!!! What in the world would make me do that! All of my life, whenever asked to give my weight, I have ALWAYS rounded down, sometimes by 20 or 30 lbs and now I round up???? So dumb. Immediately, I wanted to say, no just kidding, I actually weigh 208, but that would be just petty. So I sat there kicking myself over something so silly. I don't know if in my head I was thinking that she wouldn't believe 208, or if in my head I was trying to build some cushion in case she did end up putting me on the scale. I really don't know, but I walked away feeling kind of let down. Next time, I will just say, I don't know.

How funny you posted this topic, I actually took my first yoga class on Tuesday. I actually really enjoyed it and am planning on making it a regular part of my workout routine. The thing that struck me the most while I was doing the yoga poses is how there is no way in **** I would have been able to do 1/4 of them before my surgery. It is amazing how our bodies transform while losing the weight. For me, it is about balance, I am feeling more and more clumsey in my new body and it is my understanding that yoga can help with that.

Hi Janerose, I too have had to hit some fast food places since my sleeve in July 2010. I find that Taco Bell - Fresco chicken Soft Taco works pretty well, granted I can't finish the whole thing, and I am almost 7 months out. I also get the Wendy's chili in a pinch. But like everyone else, I just try to order something that will not upset my stomach and something that will warm up well the next day or two... Hope that helps! Stephanie