Piplula

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

I do have some loose skin that I will will be looking into plastics for ..but overall I feel ok..but I do have some loose skin, but again I will be looking into plastics. it's just a part of the overall process. Some people don't have the loose skin, I had a lot of weight to lose so I will have loose skin regards of how much I exercise...especially in the hips, thighs, and buttock area. My arms are pretty good though..it's just still a work in progress.

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

Sounds like some people want a maintenance forum. I'm in limbo, bored by the post-op forum and not a vet.

Hi Piplula,
I'm pretty new here. I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story and your pictures. Amazing success. I can only imagine how thrilled you must be!
I can really identify with your 'before' pics. I am pre-op, so your post and your info on what you have done as far as eating and exercise are such an encouragement to me.
Again, a heart felt THANK YOU for sharing with us.
Many congratulations to you!

This is a great inspiration. I found myself being more relaxed on eating bread occasionally but I will not let this continue. I am determined. When I need to refocus I will revisit this post. Thank you. You look fabulous.

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

Thank you! It is truly life changing! And you will be there very soon as well! Good luck in your journey! It's all about self discovery...

Alright here is my secret to success! Exercise, follow the meal plan, stay away from breads and sweets as much as I can because my body loves to hold into carbs, and I treat the sleeve with the respect it deserves because it is giving me back my life. Everyone is different on how we process nutrients so here's what helps me stay fit and healthy. Your dr may have different recommendations, so find what works for you! My dr recommended 50-60grams of Protein a day. I normally stick to that. Sometimes, I will go into the 70-80 g per day range and if it is seafood, I can easily hit 100g per day. I do chose chicken and fish most days only because with pork and beef, I have a harder time getting in what I need before I feel full. Nothing is fried ..I prefer roasted, baked, broiled, or grilled meats...reason why is I slime and then promptly vomit when I eat fried meats...or it takes my hours to eat small bites here and there and to me...that's just too much work and not worth the effort. I eat fruit and veggies everyday...without fail. Now I will indulgent in an occasional piece of chocolate, cake, bread, ect. But I find when I do, I 1) don't feel as well, 2) can't eat healthier foods because all that other stuff took up my space. Honestly, eating healthier has become such a habit that I actually will crave those foods and I don't miss too many of the old foods. I still drink a Protein shake daily to help with Protein intake, but I now mainly get my protein from foods. Now realize I am a year out and Protein shakes where the way I got my protein in for a long time. I also had lactose intolerance immediately after surgery so any milk or dairy was off the radar for 6 months. I lived on Soy milk and unjury Protein powder. Eventually my tiny tummy decided to start making lactase again so now I enjoy EAS Carb Advantage shakes, milk, cheese without worry of horrible diarrhea. So for those of you wondering when the diarrhea will stop...check to make sure you aren't lactose intolerant. And now...constipation is on board...so that's a whole other discussion.
Now onto exercise. I had a trainer in the beginning and it helped, but you don't need a fancy gym to become physically active. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to do in the beginning. I walked but my favorite was yoga. I found a peace with yoga and my trainer informed me that yoga only burns 10% less than aerobics. And then proceeded to ask me do you ever see a yoga instructor that isn't fit? So, for the first 6 months...I strictly did yoga with the occasional treadmill and weight routine. Rodney Yee was my best friend and still is. Then once I got enough weight off to be able to run, I started the couch to 5 K app but due to incorrect form( thanks to a very special bud on here for correcting my form..you know who you are..many thanks to you!!) I injured my hip..so I am getting ready to start that back now that I have healed. So in the mean time, I got into Leslie Sansone's Walk Fit...love it. I exercise 5 days a week religiously...it's important for the success of your sleeve. Yes I have hanging skin...but I'd rather have sagging skin and less hair than diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. And I can always get plastic surgery.
Now onto fluids, I drink the majority of my fluids as Water. I do indulge in a glass of sweet tea here and there. I do not partake in carbonated drinks or artificial sweeteners. It's not that I have anything against these..it's just my preference. I do get some artificial sweetener in my Protein Shake ...so like I said I am not against it...it's just a personal preference. I also do not partake in alcohol. Again...I not opposed to alcohol, I just prefer not to drink it. I drank maybe 4 cocktails a year prior to surgery so for me that wasn't much of a stretch to stop. I could take it or leave it. Same thing with carbonated beverages. I grew up with tea and Water ...soda was a treat ..so that wasn't a stretch. Now I will mention one more thing before I end this...I drink from a straw. I get more fluids in. I asked my Dr and Nutritionist what the scientific basis of not using a straw was and they said there isn't any...it's just a recommendation. Ask your provider for studies showing that straws are detrimental to the sleeve...it's not there. So, if you get less air from a straw..I say use it. I gulp too much air without it. If you have anymore questions...please feel free to contact me! I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability, but remember your surgery team is your best bet! Good luck everyone! You can do it!

Alright here is my secret to success! Exercise, follow the meal plan, stay away from breads and sweets as much as I can because my body loves to hold into carbs, and I treat the sleeve with the respect it deserves because it is giving me back my life. Everyone is different on how we process nutrients so here's what helps me stay fit and healthy. Your dr may have different recommendations, so find what works for you! My dr recommended 50-60grams of Protein a day. I normally stick to that. Sometimes, I will go into the 70-80 g per day range and if it is seafood, I can easily hit 100g per day. I do chose chicken and fish most days only because with pork and beef, I have a harder time getting in what I need before I feel full. Nothing is fried ..I prefer roasted, baked, broiled, or grilled meats...reason why is I slime and then promptly vomit when I eat fried meats...or it takes my hours to eat small bites here and there and to me...that's just too much work and not worth the effort. I eat fruit and veggies everyday...without fail. Now I will indulgent in an occasional piece of chocolate, cake, bread, ect. But I find when I do, I 1) don't feel as well, 2) can't eat healthier foods because all that other stuff took up my space. Honestly, eating healthier has become such a habit that I actually will crave those foods and I don't miss too many of the old foods. I still drink a Protein shake daily to help with Protein intake, but I now mainly get my protein from foods. Now realize I am a year out and Protein shakes where the way I got my protein in for a long time. I also had lactose intolerance immediately after surgery so any milk or dairy was off the radar for 6 months. I lived on Soy milk and unjury Protein powder. Eventually my tiny tummy decided to start making lactase again so now I enjoy EAS Carb Advantage shakes, milk, cheese without worry of horrible diarrhea. So for those of you wondering when the diarrhea will stop...check to make sure you aren't lactose intolerant. And now...constipation is on board...so that's a whole other discussion.
Now onto exercise. I had a trainer in the beginning and it helped, but you don't need a fancy gym to become physically active. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to do in the beginning. I walked but my favorite was yoga. I found a peace with yoga and my trainer informed me that yoga only burns 10% less than aerobics. And then proceeded to ask me do you ever see a yoga instructor that isn't fit? So, for the first 6 months...I strictly did yoga with the occasional treadmill and weight routine. Rodney Yee was my best friend and still is. Then once I got enough weight off to be able to run, I started the couch to 5 K app but due to incorrect form( thanks to a very special bud on here for correcting my form..you know who you are..many thanks to you!!) I injured my hip..so I am getting ready to start that back now that I have healed. So in the mean time, I got into Leslie Sansone's Walk Fit...love it. I exercise 5 days a week religiously...it's important for the success of your sleeve. Yes I have hanging skin...but I'd rather have sagging skin and less hair than diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. And I can always get plastic surgery.
Now onto fluids, I drink the majority of my fluids as Water. I do indulge in a glass of sweet tea here and there. I do not partake in carbonated drinks or artificial sweeteners. It's not that I have anything against these..it's just my preference. I do get some artificial sweetener in my Protein Shake ...so like I said I am not against it...it's just a personal preference. I also do not partake in alcohol. Again...I not opposed to alcohol, I just prefer not to drink it. I drank maybe 4 cocktails a year prior to surgery so for me that wasn't much of a stretch to stop. I could take it or leave it. Same thing with carbonated beverages. I grew up with tea and Water ...soda was a treat ..so that wasn't a stretch. Now I will mention one more thing before I end this...I drink from a straw. I get more fluids in. I asked my Dr and Nutritionist what the scientific basis of not using a straw was and they said there isn't any...it's just a recommendation. Ask your provider for studies showing that straws are detrimental to the sleeve...it's not there. So, if you get less air from a straw..I say use it. I gulp too much air without it. If you have anymore questions...please feel free to contact me! I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability, but remember your surgery team is your best bet! Good luck everyone! You can do it!

You look amazing I'm praying next Dec ill be the same!!!!!! Welcome back to your life

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

So hello VST peeps! Today is the day! I can honestly say the sleeve gave me my life back. It's been a heck of a journey. I am not at my ultimate goal of 200# down, but so far I have lost 145#...so just a few more steps and I will get there. I also encourage everyone to take measurements from beginning to end because I am happy to report I have lost a total of 48.5 inches from all over my body...wild huh? I wanted to share a pictorial journey with you . So here we go!
Me 12 hours before surgery



Me 6 months post op



Me at 9 months out



And me today right before my workout




So that's my story ..it's still a work in progress but with hard work, dedication, and diligence, it's becoming, finally, a reality!

Way to go! You are truly an inspiration

Congrats... I am so happy for you!! I am 3 months out and couldn't be happier!! Good luck... it was worth it. Thanks for sharing

You look great and what a cutie your cat is!

Happy surgiversary! Thanks so much for the pucture story. It's really encouraging.

what an inspiration!! congrats