DIAMOND45

Congrats on your 2 mini jogs! And you re right, you have to start somewhere and after a while you will have 4, then 6 mini jogs and you will notice that as you progress, there will be less of you to jiggle, LOL! Keep pushing on girl!

I agree with Traceyc, I had surgery on 3/15/2012 and I was dropping lbs. good and then at 6 weeks out I stalled. I was excercising really good, getting my fluids in and I was eating right. When I went for my checkup my doctor advised me that I might not be eating enough calories and that my body may be in starvation mode, so I kicked up my calories about 200 more a day to go with the excercise I am doing and for my metabolism's sake and OMG! I started losing real good again and today, I am down 36 lbs. and 3 dress sizes. So please feed your Metabolism, it's hungry!!

I've been sleeved for almost 2 months and I love it. My sleeve has helped me finally be and feel in control of my weight and health. Since I had this procedure done, I am more motivated to get up and exercise at least 4 to 5 times a week, I started with walking right after surgery and everyday up til my 6 weeks out and now I swim, I do strength training, zoomba and I still walk alot. It does take making some serious adjustments, as far as changing eating and drinking habits, but it is well worth this for me. My sleeve, has become my 3rd best friend, ( God 1st, & hubby 2nd). No regrets at all!!! I was a snug size 16 on March 1 and now I'm in a comfortable 12, thanks to my self and my sleeve partnership!

I love this topic! I have been sleeved since 3/15/2012 and I think I'm a slow loser too! Including pre-op, I've lost 34.5 lbs so far and I am now 7 weeks out. I'm so ok with being a slow loser, because it is allowing my body to catch up with the decision that my mind made. Also, as I am losing, I'm noticing that my skin elasticity is really good because as I'm shrinking, my skin is snapping back very well and my curves and waist are getting smaller, but they are sticking around giving me and sexy, as my husband calls it, "brickhouse" shape( from the song). Plus, my hormones have never gone crazy, no ups and downs. My doctor tells me I'm doing great, and that he expects me to lose about 2 lbs or so a week. He also said told me not to constantly weigh myself because even when it does not look like I'm losing lbs., I am losing inches and that I need to remember, "a pound is a pound" only muscle is leaner, but denser. So as I work out my body is replacing a lb. of muscle for a pound of fat and the scale my say I've lost nothing or even gained a pound or two, but I'm getting smaller still. I just buy something I want to wear, and I try it on once a week, and as it fits better each week, I know I'm still losing. I am very happy with my progress and my decision!

By the way, here's some encouragement, when I started my pre-op liquids I wore a snug size 16, now I am wearing a very comfortable size 12 and I'm only 7 weeks post-op. This is what you have to look forward to if you go ahead with your surgery. Yayyy!!!

Hey Vicki, Don't be discouraged, all will be well for you after surgery. I lost 15 lbs the first 10 days pre-op, but by the time I had my surgery, I had gained 3 of it back and I was true to my liquids, I did not cheat at all. Since my surgery though I (March 15, 2012) I'm getting close to 35 lbs lost total. Every ones body loses at a diferent rate, and dependinng on metabolism and how much weight one has to lose. Trust me, if you have this surgery, and follow all the doctors instructions during your recovery and stay true to each post-surgery food phase along with proper excercise for what ever stage you're in, then you will lose the weight. Also, I've noticed that even when I had my first weightloss stall at 6 weeks out, I still was losing inches, because I was able to fit comfortably in clothes that were too tight just 2 weeks before. My doctor said that my body was adjusting itself to the weight I had already lost and that muscle was replacing itself in places where fat used to be. So even though the scale had not moved, I was still getting smaller. Remember, a pound is a pound, but muscle is leaner, so the couple of pounds you've seen return may be gained muscle or it could simply be water weight gain, you know, that happens to us girls all the time. Good luck on your surgery, and looking forward to hearing about your progress along this journey. Keep Smiling!!

Hello my sleeve family, It's feels good to be back blogging after finally becoming officially sleeved in March. It has been a (sometimes surprising) journey for me, but My God held my hand and sometimes carried me along the way. I feel so very blessed for this wonderful gift that has already changed my life and given me such a positive outlook for a much healthier future. Thank You Lord!! Now, let's have some Spiritual Vitamins! P for Perserverance Perserverance means: A steady persistance in adhering to a course of action, a belief, a pupose, steadfastness. Scripture: 1 Corintians 9:24 says, Do you know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way that "you" get the prize. A "persevering spirit" is so very important when making the life changing decision to have weightloss surgery. You have to totally commit yourself to changing your mind's old way of thinking about food and excercise, learning from the relationship you've had with or without them for a very long time. You need to "get on your mark, get set, and go!!!" Each of us are running a race to be much healthier, and for some of us, the race is to save our lives. Many of us will get in our own way, tripping over our feet during this race. Some of us will just sit down because we are tired, and don't feel like we can win, because we have so far to run. But this is where each of our "personal perserverance" has to kick in. We can't quit, we can't give up, we can't get tired, because we are worth so much more than what we are right now. I say to any one who will read this, do not doubt yourself for this decision, you made the right choice, and you will be a winner in the race that is set before you, if you hang on, stay positive and focused, pushing on through perserverance and allowing God, our Father, to lead you every step of the way! Decide this day, to "Be The Winner!"

I'm for weeks out and my stomach still growls at me everyday! I guess that's its way of letting me know to send down some food since I don't have the "Hunger Hormone" in there anymore. Rught after I eat something, it stops for about 3 hours, then it starts up again and I also have a slight hiccup as well, but I can live with all of this because I'm feeling and looking better every day!

I mixed the green Isopure with some black cherry Propel fitness water and Omg it was delicious! Reminded me of Jolly Ranchers green apple candy. I drink a botle of it every day, and 1 bottle has 40 grams of pure protein.

Hi Jared, I'm almost a month out and I feel great!! I was a little concerned about being able to eat if they took out part of my stomach, but then I started thinking about how much we as a society overeat any way and how much I've probably stretched my stomach out of its natural size to hold all the extra food that I've been indulgimg on forever, I decided I would be fine and that it was about time I that I started eating to live and stop living to eat. I don't feel any different, I just get full faster, I do look different (Yay!) because so far I've lost almost 30 lbs and I no longer have high blood pressure. The only difference I see in my life since I decided to have the surgery is that I can't eat as much as I use to, I have no desire to eat crappy, unhealthy food, I really look forward to excercising, and for once in my life I'm learning how to eat right, lose weight and keep it off. So I am officially PUSHING over the fence into the operating room. GET IT DONE!!! LOL

Hi Jen, Just wanted to give you some words of encouragement. You are not making a bad decision. The wrong decision would be not to do what is best for your health. I believe that God wants hisw children to be complete in all aspects of our live, spiritually, mentally and physically. People who are either satified with being over- weight or who have never had to struggle with their weight don't understand how hard it is to successfully lose weight and keep it off. They are probably looking at you and saying that you are not big enough to need this surgery, but let me tell you, if you are 60-70 lbs or more overweight, this surgery can really help you get on the path to a much healthier, happier quality of life. I decided to have this surgery because I was diagnosed with hypertention in December 2011, I had to start taking a low dose pill and my doctor said it was weight related, that was all i needed and I started researching docs and everything about this surgery that I could. I finally picked a doctor, had my consult on Feb. 2 and my surgery on March 15th. I've lost almost 30 lbs since my surgery (including pre-op liquids) and guess what, I no longer have hypertention and my arthritis in my knee doesn't bother me as much anymore. I give God al the honor, praise, and glory for leading me down this path. So don't be afraid, pray and trust in the Lord, He will be with you and I will be praying for you and your family. If you like, check out my blog, I post some spiritual Vitamins that have helped me as well as others with our struggles. You will be fine and I will ask God to watch over you, your surgeon, and everyone who will be involved with your surgery. You will have NO COMPLICATIONS, GOD IS REAL!!!!!!

Keep on expressing yourself and losing those pounds. Some of the reasons you listed were my thoughts as well for why I had the surgery. You're on your way to a new happier you, so enjoy every step of the journey and have some fun along the way!

OMG! GIRL, I am 4 days post op, but I love shrimp and pasta, so I will definitely be putting this recipe in my book. Thanks for the idea and keep em' coming Lol!

Very well put! You have the right idea about stepping outside of yourself and putting focus on what you can do or how you can contribute to someone else's life in a positive way. This is certainly the way I live my life on a daily basis and God is constantly rewarding and taking care of all my needs( and some of my wants).

A JOYFUL SALUTATIONS TO MY SLEEVE FAMILY, Psalms 95:6 "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." "Let Us Pray" Father, as I come humbly bowed, before your throne of grace and mercy, I would first, like to repent of all the sins that I have committed against you, up to this very moment, whether they were in my word, thought, or actions. I ask, that you Father, will find delight in me, forgiving and cleansing me of all my unrighteousness. Lord, I thank you for waking me this morning, allowing me to see another of your glorious days. Father, I ask, that as I journey throughout this day, that I encounter nothing on , my path, that together with you, I can not handle. I pray my Lord, that I show to all, in the way I conduct myself, that I belong to you, so they may see my good works and want to glorify you also. I give thanks to you Father God, for all the many blessings that you have given me and the ones I am yet to receive. I thank you Father, for every time you discipline me today when I stray from your word, because you love me. Please Lord, search my sinful heart and take out anything that will hinder my service to you. I have put into your arms, care of all my love ones, that you will watch over and protect them from all hurt, harm, and danger. I love you, I thank you, and I praise your Holiness. All this I ask, if it be Thine will, in your son's name Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Good Morning and Blessed Day Family, Our Spiritual Vitamin for today is: P for PRAYING Mark 11:24 says, Whatsoever "things" you desire, when you pray, if you believe that you receive them, you shall have them. This procedure is a "thing", a wonderful, life saving "thing" that God our Father, has provided through giving the knowledge and technology to man to perform on those who are in the need of some serious help. We must know that His word will not go out full and come back to us empty if we trust and believe. He wants to give His children "good things" that will help our need for an abundance of quality life in the "here and now!" God knows we need good health, even if we are mostly the reason why our health isn't where it should be. He will bless us with good health, so that we can continue to shine for Him in a glorious way in all that we do! The scripture above says we must go to Him in prayer for our need on all "things" and believe that if it is His will, we will receive what we ask. So no matter what "thing" we need, whether it be big or small, please don't hesitate to go to a quiet place, and with a repentive heart, ask your Father and believe without doubt, you will have it blessed upon you. To those of us who are spiritual and striving daily to be more Christlike, pray continually for one another that we may all be successful on our individual journeys. Godspeed to my sleeve family :wub:

That's Fantastic!

I agree wholeheartedly with Dooter!!! I have struggled my entire life with weight. I have been married to the most wonderful man for ten tears. when we got married, I was a nice size 10, but do to health issues, knee surgery, and poor eating habits, I packed on alot of weight and went to size 16/18 and my husband has never missed a beat in loving me more everyday. He has always made me feel that I was the sexiest women in the room, even when I told him I wanted to have this surgery, he said, "If this is going to help you feel better and healthier for you, then I'm in this all the way." But he also wanted me to know that if I never lost a pound, I would always be his sexy wife. This is the kind of love and support you should be looking for in a potential husband, the kind that loves you "in the now' and will continue to love you no matter what. But first, my dear, you have got to love yourself. I wish you all God's best on your journey! :D

That is such a beautiful attitude to have going into such a lifestyle change. I feel the same way! I am being sleeved on this Thursday and I'm excited to get to the point where my knees don't hurt and I don't get short of breath going up the stairs. I look at this as a wonderful blessing for me, because I have lost weight really well before (90 lbs) only to slowly gain over half of it back. I, like you, don't care how long it takes me, because now we have a fantastic tool to help us finally get there and stay healthy.

God bless you, and keep you! Everything will be fine and your surgery will sail through with out any complications. I will be keeping you in prayer and I'm also set for surgery this Thursday, so we can't be worrying because, "God has got this!"

Good Morning To All, Our Spiritual Vitamin today is A for: ANXIETY 1 Peter 5:7 says that we are to, "Cast all our anxiety on God because He cares for us." Aniexty: A state of being uneasy, apprehensive, or worried about what may or may not happen. Wow! If you are guilty of this at some time on a daily basis, then raise your "virtual hand!" Anxiety, at its highest point, is like putting your "worry" on steroids! This is not good for your heart, mind, or your spirit. As children of God we need to recognize that worrying is a sin against our heavenly Father because He loves us and only wants the best for His children. Psalms 56:3 says, "when we are afraid, we will put or trust in the Lord." I know often it is easier said than done, but it can be done. We need to humble and quiet down our spirits, and then through our love and respect to God, go to Him in prayer and tell Him about the things that are our concerns, and when we finish, thank Him for listening, leave those "issues" at His feet for good, and push on forward. Those of us who are still waiting to be approved, or are on our pre-op liquids getting ready for our surgery, are finding it hard not to worry. We are anxious if we will even be approved, how the surgery will go, and if there will be any complications. Well, I would like to give this scripture to you all, as well as myself: Romans 8:28 says, "All things work out to the good for those who love God, and are callled according to His purpose!" So let us stop concentrating on "what could happen," and start meditating on "what Gods is making happen!" Say this to yourself everyday, that " I am persuaded as your child Lord, because of your merciful love for me, that you are able and willing to take care of all my concerns, and I tie them up together, giving them to you Lord, and I will not be anxious on those anymore because I know that the one who holds all power, has them in His hands." You will be amazed at how calm you will begin to feel everyday. It really works for me!! I'm being sleeved on March 15, and I'm going with God! FOOD FOR THOUGHT: " LAUGHING TIL' IT HURTS, IS A PAIN WORTH HAVING!" Diamond45

I'm so glad you decide to share your story. I wish you much success on your journey and anytime you need to vent or just need some encouragement, we are here. Welcome to the family!

Praise God for the victory! I'm so happy you trusted Him to watch over you. "Happy Losing!"

Godspeed, my future sleeve sister! It's your time to shine! I'm a true believer that God carries us to victory when we humble ourselves in His presence. I to, have given charge, of every step that this journey will take me on. You will be cradled in His arms, while His angels, caress your face for comfort. Amen

Salutations, My Sleeve Family, Let's kick our day off with a Spiritual Vitamin. Today it's R: REJOICE Phillipians 4:4 says for us to, " Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice! " YAYYY!!! We are doing "It!" Winning the battle against our weight issues. So we should be rejoicing today in what we have accomplished so far, and wait in anticipation to see what surprises, tomorrow may have in store for us! Keep a journal of all our "NSV" triumps, so we can have them to reflect back on, when the day doesn't seem to be our friend, and then "rejoice again", praising God for His unwavering Love and support. We've spent enough time being down, sad, and feeling sorry for ourselves. No More! Stay on course, keep moving, remembering that "time waits for no one," so make it count everyday. Rejoice, your heart will thank you later! Praying For My Family Always, Diamond45 :D