TheRealMeIsHere!

describe what you mean. How far out are you?

Well, now I wish I was your neighbor, too! I love to clean, cook, coupon, etc.....LOL

I like to keep constantly moving and hate sitting still. Living alone, I run out of things to do, though, and pacing around the house gets old, lol. I would do the treadmill and bike more often, like hop on for ten minutes 2-3 more times a day, but that means ten minutes, each time, of putting on/taking off leg braces, a PIA! In warm weather (I have severe Reynaud's and can't tolerate temps below 70 or 80) I'll be able to go for walks, also.

That's what happens to me, also. If I have bread or maybe a treat at a party, I am SOOOO much more hungry and have cravings. Easier to just avoid those things, then I don't even miss them

so true MichiganChic! Working hard and not having the reward of being thin was DEFINITELY worse!! Thank you!

Thanks everyone, it's good to know I'm not the only one that has to work THIS hard at it

I also limit salt where I can by buying low-sodium foods and rarely adding salt at the table or when cooking

Does anyone else have an EXTREMELY hard time maintaining? I have been at goal for 2 1/2 years, but it requires constant vigilance! EVERY morning I do 20 minutes recumbant bike at 4 mph and 20 minutes treadmill at 303 mph/8.5% incline In the evening I do 15 minutes of each. This is SEVEN days a week!! I have disabilities, so this is the maximum I can push without hurting myself My diet needs to be extremely controlled, also. I limit fat, avoid carbs and mainly eat fat free/lean Protein and non-starchy veggies. I usually start my day with an EAS AdvanEdge while on my recumbant bike Mid morning is usually egg beaters, with veggies, and fat free cheese or laughing cow wedges, maybe some turkey bacon or sausage Lunch: salad with lean meat, non-starchy veggies and vinegar and/or light mayo or fat free dressing (I only use about 1/2 a serving) Dinner: lean meat, non-starchy veggies 2 Snacks: fat free sugar free Greek yogurt, or a handful of Quest chips (not the whole bag), or baby carrots, occasionally a rice cake etc.... My nightly indulgence is 1/3 cup unsalted peanuts measured with the shell I should be skin & bones!! Why do I need to be so HYPER vigilant to maintain? If I skip ONE workout or eat a piece of bread (which rarely want) I am a pound or two he Is there anyone else with such a low/non-metabolism?? Oh and btw, my doctor says I have a HYPER-active thyroid! WHHHHAAATTT???!!

You need to speak with someone who can help you get to the root of your eating issues. With me, I have found that avoiding ALL sugar, flour, potatoes, rice, Pasta, starchy veggies & bread and focusing on non-starchy veggies and lean/fat free Protein has eliminated cravings. Good luck, I hope you are able to get back on track. It will be tough at first, but once you get over the hump it should get easier.

My nut says that soup should be drained and eat the solids 1/2 hr apart from the liquid

I'm a little over 3 years post-op, and have the same experience. Mornings, seems like I can eat more, afternoons/evenings, less. Some days I can hardly eat anything. Certain foods make a difference. salad, fruits, veggies, yogurt, etc...I can eat more of. meats and other firmer foods, less

I had a regular TT/panni, so not sure if recovery would be different. I had expected to be completely laid up, and barely able to function. NOT the case. I was walking like Quasi-modo, and had to sleep semi-sitting, but was able to get around, care for myself, shower, climb stairs, cook, etc..... Just a bit slower and always mindful of not moving in a way that pulled on the incision. Pain was minimal. Best of luck

I was told that once a band is removed, you will be RAVENOUS! So may be VERY difficult to lose on your own. They should treat the H. Pylori, prior to surgery, as that can greatly affect healing. They treated mine, then re-tested to make sure. I LOVE my sleeve and highly recommend it. As long as you follow your doc/NUT guidelines, it is a wonderful tool. I went from 275-ish (HW), 230 (SW) to 115 and have maintained for over 2 years.

Basically all throughout the journey was a celebration. A celebration of the things I could do that I couldn't before. A celebration of co-morbidities going away, a celebration of my new found confidence and energy, a celebration of my new way of eating, a celebration that I could buy normal sized clothes, etc......

Great job! What are you doing to celebrate?

yes, your doctor and nutritionist should have this info for you. You didn't have to go to pre-op classes? Usually clear liquids, then full liquids, puree, soft then regular.

First, went on insurance site, and searched 'criteria for panniculectomy' Took that to my pain management doctor, who wrote a letter, answering to all the points. I have severe spine an other issues so he included how maintaining the weight loss and ability to exercise are affected. I wrote a letter explaining the co-morbidities that have resolved with weight loss. Emphasizing that exercise is crucial in maintaining. Due to physical limitations, my options for exercise are limited, and the excess skin impedes me further. Took that to Dr. Sacks, who took pictures and submitted her request to insurance. Then luck of the draw, it landed on the right desk, and within a week I had a letter stating I was approved for not only panni, but TT too! I did not believe what I was seeing so faxed to the doc and my sis for confirmation, lol

Depends on where in NY. Dr. Sandra Sacks at Crystal Run Healthcare, did mine at Orange Regional Medical center. Wonderful experience and great results. Had TT and panni fully covered by insurance

I am 50, and I would much rather deal with the loose skin than the fat and all the discomfort, pain and limitations that came with it. My insurance did pay for a panni and TT. Thighs, arms and boobs still saggy, but doesn't bother me much as it's fairly easy to conceal with clothing

It all depends on you. The sleeve is only a tool, how you use it determines your success. My highest weight was, at least, 275, I have maintained 115 =/- 3lbs for about 2 years

OMG, LMAO!!

took me over a year, at goal, to see myself as 'skinny' You look awesome! Congrats!

coffee can effect healing, ask your surgeon, but you may need to wait longer. If the surgeon OK's coffee, you definitely want to stay with decaf. This soon out, you need to be careful about things that contribute to dehydration.

Amazing progress!!! You are so lucky that this is an option at such a young age, before obesity has lasting negative health and psychological effects! Keep posting your continued progress, you got this!!

My NUT recommends a 4:1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates. If you need sweetness in your cottage cheese, try add cinnamon and no calorie sweetener. We should not be eating anything with added fruit and sugar, that will just hinder weight loss and may cause cravings. Dannon makes a Light & Fit Greek yogurt that is delicious, or you can take ff plain Greek yogurt and add no calorie sweetener and your choice of extract, cocoa, Crystal Light, Duncan Hines Frosting Creations (they have no sugar), etc.... Here is a recipe for cannoli cream that is AMAZING!! 1 Cup of fat free ricotta (or Sorrento Low-Fat deli style, it is very smooth & creamy) 1 TBSP fat free/sugar free instant pudding mix (vanilla, cheesecake, etc…) 1/3 Cup of Water 1/6 Cup powdered milk 1/2 to 1 tsp. extract (vanilla, rum, almond, etc…) Blend all in a blender or bullet. Nutrition for the whole thing (it is actually 3-4 meals for me) Fat-0, carbs-17.5, fiber-0, protein 25, Calories-185