Miz Z1

I've never been happier or healthier. Recently, I wrote down the changes I made and was surprised at how many there were. Before I made my list, I would have said I hadn't made many. My guiding food principle is that I have a limited amount of space so whatever I put in that space has to count nutritionally. So here's my list: 1. I can eat anything, except bubbles, of course. No fear. 2. If I want a cookie, I can have a cookie but no boxes or bags. I have to go buy a good one, just one. 3. As a rule, I stay away from all types of Pasta, even the "good" kind. I can have it, I just prefer not to. 4. I avoid bread unless it's fabulous or unavoidable. I have a sandwich with the equivalent of one piece of bread about once every three weeks. 5. Never say yes to a bread basket. Why fill up on nutritionally empty food and have no room for the meal? 6. I exercise. Quite a novelty for me compared to my past life. I now go to the gym 4 days a week and don't feel right if I skip. 7. I can have crunchy Cheetos if they come from a vending machine, usually when I get my car serviced. 8. Ice cream is ok, it's just not allowed in the house. 9. I don't count calories or journal my food. I feel oppressed by both. 10. Be grateful every day for the miracle that's been given to me. Hope these help you

September 28. How about an update from folks? I am still thankful every day!

I told people who knew me that I was having surgery. People at work were going to figure out something was up when I was out for so long. Rather they knew the truth than make something up like a dread disease. I got nothing but support from family and friends and work associates. I think it would be a shame to cut yourself off from all the potential support. It anyone thought I took the easy way out, they didn't say so. If they had, I'd know they didn't deserve to be my friend. It's been more than 3 years since the surgery and I still let people know if appropriate. Still not one negative reaction.

My recovery was so uneventful that at my first post op appointment, I "accused" my surgeon of not operating at all and just marking my belly with a Sharpie and putting little bandaids on and calling it quits. Three years out and I have a hard time finding the little scars from my sleeve.

When I went in for my post sleeve surgery followup appointment, I felt so good I jokingly suggested that my surgeon just marked my belly with a sharpie and didn't operate at all. Didn't even need any pain pills.

I had no idea what options were available or if I qualified or if my insurance would cover any surgery. I have a friend who had bypass surgery and between talking to her and research on my own, I knew surgery was my solution. I had even resolved to self pay if it came to that. Fortunately my insurance agreed to pay for the sleeve surgery even though their site said they would not. I'm a very lucky person. It's been 3 years and I still think it was a Miracle and appreciate it every day.

What a miracle, still! I'm still surprised when I see myself in the mirror. I dropped from pushing into a size 24 to a 12 or 14. After decades of dieting and yoyoing, it's just wonderful to be the same weight and size month after month. I eat just about anything I want without fear. There are some things I've chosen not to eat, bread and Pasta, unless they're fabulous, famous, or unavoidable. But because they're not forbidden, I don't feel deprived. I do eat chips and Cookies but only buy really good individual cookies or individual sized chip bags. There's no way I'm going to have a supply of either in my house. I'm good but not superwoman! Exercise has become a necessity for me, which is strange because it was never appealing to me before. Last year I decided that if I was truly going to succeed at keeping my wonderful new body, I had to do something more than just walking. I also, at the age of 65, wanted to be sure that my balance and core strength was enough to better take care of my husband who has MS. I signed up for a personal trainer to get me started. I do weights, floor exercises and Water aerobics. I tried yoga, but too much downward facing dog. Being retired helps me commit to the exercise because I have no excuses for not working out.

My weight loss center says that you shouldn't take calcium and iron together. They recommend that you take them an hour apart.

I had my surgery at Mass General in Boston. They gave us a recommended list of vitamins. I take two Flintstones Complete chewables (gummies are no good) , 500mg of B12 tha melts under the tongue, 2000mg of Vitamin D, and calcium citrate (make sure it's citrate not magnesium). I've never felt better in my life.

My BMI was 35 but I also had sleep apnea and was borderline diabetic. I was fortunate that my insurance covered the sleeve;however, I wanted the sleeve so badly I'd decided that I would self pay if I had to. Look for a hospital situation where there is a lot of support. My hospital had nutritionists, shrinks, and surgeons as part of the weight loss center. There were many pre surgical meetings so we knew what to expect and how to manage ourselves leading up to, through, and post surgery. They even have a monthly support group for all of their post surgery patients once they've passed the 6 month mark. Everything helps. Good luck to you

You're exactly right. It's not easy but it's not the hopeless struggle it was before surgery when I'd diet and diet knowing the regain was almost inevitable as my body fought my efforts. Thanks

You look adorable. Congratulations!

This is a miracle! I've never felt better in my life. Even when I lost 110 (and gained it back) I don't remember feeling this good. No more metabolic syndrome, no more apnea, no pains in my feet or ankles, my knees are fine. Feeling deprived was my big thing in the past, cheated often, could hardly wait to eat again. Not this time. No beers or sodas -- I miss the occaisional beer, but not that much. I rarely eat bread unless it's fabulous, famous, or absolutely unavoidable. No pasta, not even the good-for-you kind. I love both bread and pasta, but I don't feel deprived. I think the reason is because it's my choice, not a program requirement. I'm the one who's in charge. Here I am now, down 5 sizes and below what I thought was my goal and still drifting downward. Un believeable.

I had my sleeve done here in Boston. had no pain pill since the day after my surgery, and, touch wood, have had a very very smooth almost a year. The hospital where I had it done has an excellent medical staff, psych, nutrtion staff and continuing free support for all post op patients. I think sucess depends on the team that supports you.

I've been post op for almost a year. Sub-lingual B-12500 mg. is part of my daily vitamin regimin along w/ 2 Flintstone Completes, and 2 Calcium Citrates with Vitamin D. Your Doctor knows best. I love my sleeve. Good luck.

I was off about a month on short term disabiity. I have to admit I've felt fabulous right from the start and am feeling very, very lucky about that. I felt I could have gone back sooner. You have to do what's right for you.