ATeam

I was really hoping people here would be more understanding on this issue. Bulimia is something that has affected me on and off for the majority of my life, swinging between weights and sizes. Bulimia for me, has always been about feeling out of control, and I believe this surgery will quell that feeling. And how can you say I'm not big enough with a BMI of 30? How obese is obese enough? How is the way that I think about food any different than a person who has a BMI of 40? I am being honest about my struggles, and if this worls for me, I want to be able to talk about it to other people who live with this.
I have tried all sorts of therapy/counselling, and unfortunately, if you have an eating disorder and aren't 90 lbs or hooked up to a feeding tube, not much car. Believe me, I've been there. I would appreciate positive comments, instead of facing the negativity. There are many people on here who struggle from major pre or post-op depression, and we support them. This is another form of mental health issue that shouldn't be judged on this board. We all have our food issues to deal with. Is this one more severe? Maybe, but I would place it on the same level as binge eating, which I'd say the majority of people here probably suffered with.

I was really hoping people here would be more understanding on this issue. Bulimia is something that has affected me on and off for the majority of my life, swinging between weights and sizes. Bulimia for me, has always been about feeling out of control, and I believe this surgery will quell that feeling. And how can you say I'm not big enough with a BMI of 30? How obese is obese enough? How is the way that I think about food any different than a person who has a BMI of 40? I am being honest about my struggles, and if this worls for me, I want to be able to talk about it to other people who live with this.
I have tried all sorts of therapy/counselling, and unfortunately, if you have an eating disorder and aren't 90 lbs or hooked up to a feeding tube, not much car. Believe me, I've been there. I would appreciate positive comments, instead of facing the negativity. There are many people on here who struggle from major pre or post-op depression, and we support them. This is another form of mental health issue that shouldn't be judged on this board. We all have our food issues to deal with. Is this one more severe? Maybe, but I would place it on the same level as binge eating, which I'd say the majority of people here probably suffered with.

I am struggling with this right now as well, and I believe my dad who is also a VSG'er is too. I can easily do a bottle of wine by myself and want to- often. Don't know how to stop it.

Good luck! You'll do great.

I love mixing a warmed up Premier Protein shake with my coffee in the morning as my breakfast! It tastes like a mocha- but low fat, low carb and full of protein!

Just kept following the doctor's plan. Used Myfitnesspal.com to log although I am not a everyday logger. Try to always follow the do not drink before/after and eat Protein,veggie,fruit,carb in that order.

Congrats, you look amazing! We were in similar boats weight wise I would love to hear your tips on taking it off!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

ATeam,
Your timing of this post is just perfect for me...
I am just over two years post op... not at goal, and I have been in a stall since Oct last year... 9 mths!! Believe you me, I have tried everything and anything to break this stall, but my body just seems to be very happy here, even though my mind is NOT!
So, to read your post has sort of put this into perspective for me... I seem to be focusing on the last 14-20lbs instead of looking at the 74lbs that have gone forever... there is no way will I ever see the numbers 238 staring up at me, so I have to be happy at seeing 164... right!?!
Now, this doesn't mean that I will stop trying to get rid of the last bit of weight... there is no expiry on the sleeve, but I also have to realise that me and my sleeve have done a good job, not only to lose but to maintain this weight and size for the last 9mths!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

Wow!! Thanks for sharing this!! I really needed to read this... I've been on the road for 3 weeks... Working out very little and struggling with eating..(some days I hardly eat, others I'm ravenous!!)... I was sitting here riding w/my brother ( from Va Beach to DC) and just really kicking myself... But, now... I am making a plan to get back into the gym when I land in Chicago tomorrow and heading to Trader Joe's to stock my fridge... Thanks again for sharing!!

Hey guys,
Its been awhile since I've posted until today, but I wanted to share something with the group that has really helped me.
I have been feeling very discouraged with my surgery progress so far. I started at about 192 lbs, and am currently sitting at about 155 (give or take up and down a few lbs). Its REALLY hard for me to get down below this weight (this was my old skinny weight), as I now have to start trying extra hard, and pushing myself to exercise more. I also love my wine. Anyway, I have really been getting down on myself, and today I decided to listen to a support podcast that the company I had VSG through gives to their clients. The entire topic was about how we have all come SO far, but yet we all seem to focus on the negative and how much farther we still have to go. She spoke of patients who had lost 120 lbs, but could only still focus on the extra weight that still had to come off. She then asked us all to think about how we would have felt about ourselves and our current weight situation post VSG when we were pre-op. Could that person who lost 120 lbs have even fathomed that before? Probably not. We, along with our tool have made this our reality, and let's savour it! Even if we do give in once in awhile and have those chips, or the scale doesn't move for a week or so, remember : WE ARE IN THE 1% of people who can actually lose it!
I know if you would ahve told pre-VSG me that I would lose nearly 40 lbs, and maintain a steady size 6 I would have jumped for joy. Old me could have got there, but would have promptly balooned up and put the weight back on. I could never have imagined getting to this steady size, even if I still feel like I have another 15 lbs to lose.
I went on Facebook today and looked at pics of all my progress: Wow, have I gotten thinner month by month! I tried on clothes that used to be my "skinny clothes". They all fit or were baggy! AMAZING, but yet, I still focus on the negative. I will change this, I will curb it.
I urge you all to look back at your incredible progress and revel in our victories- we've come a long way baby!

I was a huge beer drinker prior to surgery. I even had a few up until midnight the night before surgery - Hey, it is a clear liquid and I had a 2 pm surgery time the next day. I know that I was drinking too much. I would have 2-3 tall beers (4-6 12 ounce beers) almost every night - and sometimes more on weekends. That is 40-50 beers a week. It played a huge role in my making the decision to sleeve.
Since surgery I have done great. I have sipped one beer, and it did not do all that much for me. I am 5 weeks out and have not had a beer. I still hang out at a sports bar 2-3 nights a week and on the weekends. I just have tea. Not quite the same, but I have been able to not drink and still maintain my sports bar lifestyle. No flack from anyone, but I am a regular. It's funny but a regular in a bar can get drunk and obnoxious and no one says anything. Well, guess what if you are a regular, you can drink tea and no one says anything either.
Good luck to all that are having trouble. i was worried that I would not be able to do it - but I have. I hope any one struggling can find the strength to get through it. I am so happy to be losing weight that I am using it as a motivation not to drink. In fact my bartender yesterday made me stand up, so she could get a look at how much weight I have lost. Felt great! And ordered another tea.

I used the beautiful Dr. Maria Pompa Gonzalez at the LIMPA surgical centre in Tijuana. It is a bariatric centre of excellence. Truly an amazing medical experience. Beautiful facility, compassionate staff who spoke fluent English, and 11/10 care. I was very impressed!

Hey everyone! This is my first post in the forum! Where to start? I am 26 years old, with a BMI around 29 or 30. To look at me you wouldn't think I am obese or anything, just overweight. I grew up as an obese child and have since lost 50 lbs, but keep on putting back the same 10, 20, 30 lbs back on my body. ITs so frustrating. To lose I feel that I basically need to starve myself and I gain back so quickly. Even though I'm only 26, I bet I have gained and lost 250 lbs over the course of my life! I have been dieting since I was 9, and thoughts of my weight, food, and how my clothes will fit consume my thoughts everyday. I feel as if I am insane sometimes. I can literaly gain and lose 20 lbs in a month. I can't imagine what I'm doing to my body, and I just can't diet anymore.
I am consdering getting the VS survery. My dad had it as a severely obese man and is doing amazingly, but I am afraid to talk to my parents about it. I know they think I am not overweight enough. Has anyone else been in this situation? I know I'm ready, and I want to better myself and my life. I know this will just be a vicious cycle that will continue for the rest of my life. I need some guidance and thoughts.
Thanks so much, and I look forward to getting to know some of you!

I know. I did share this with one woman at work who was telling me her knees hurt. I said something innocuous I guess -- and she said, no; I know it's because I'm overweight. And this woman really is --- I'm thinking she's 350 or more. Nicest person. So I told her the whole story of my journey -- I had probably gotten down to 220 or so by then, and she said, " Well, I'd never do anything that drastic."
Which I guess I understand. The thing is....you know....drastic? You're dying. You can't *walk*. Come on....

People should post about horrible experiences and deaths... That's how we avoid more of them happening...

People who know nothing about Paleo seem to jump right to "It's unhealthy, you only eat raw meat." I've been eating Paleo for the last month (Sleeved in July 2011) and I have not eaten raw meat once... ick!
The Paleo lifestyle in a nutshell is meat, veggies, fruit and nuts (portions in that order). No refined sugars, no grains, no legumes and nothing processed. Hardcore Paleo people say no dairy as well. *Note there is no mention about raw meat and nothing unhealthy about it. It's essentially how sleevers should be eating.
I feel *fabulous*. I have so much more energy. In fact, I think anyone who has the sleeve or is considering getting the sleeve should eat completely Paleo for at least 30 days so they can see how great they feel. I did 30 days by the book and now I plan on adding back in some dairy. My husband and I eat mostly meat and veggies with some fruit and nuts added in. I love that it's not just some crash diet, it's a lifestyle. It is extremely healthy and I would highly encourage everyone to do some research, look up some recipes and try it for at least 30 days. It goes right along with the guidelines for the sleeve and how we SHOULD be eating post-op. (After recovery of course).
If anyone has any questions or wants some great Paleo recipes, let me know.

Paleo is not a raw meat diet. I have done this diet many times in the past with great results, but the permanent lifestyle change is hard to maintain. You need to be VERY hardcore! It is a diet consisting of: all meats (keep away as much as you can from deep fried), veggies, berries, seedsand nuts. Fruits are allowed in moderation. Dairy is outlawed as are all grains and legumes. It is basically eating the way our ancestors would have before processed foods were introduced. Heres a great outline: http://www.squidoo.com/naturalhumandiet

Not encouraging just sharing my expirence about drinking half a beer in 2 hours