AliveAgain

Ha! He took about three "glances" at me and my picture ID before questioning if I was a relative using the wrong ID. Nope, just 140 pounds less of me...

Ha! He took about three "glances" at me and my picture ID before questioning if I was a relative using the wrong ID. Nope, just 140 pounds less of me...

Syntrax Nectar have been my favorite since day one, and I still use them today. Though it's by choice, not by doctor's orders. I just like them, usually in the morning before work because I always had difficulty making time for Breakfast in my rush to get to work. I have an hour commute, so having the shake in the car is great. My favorite flavors are Lemon Tea, Roadside Lemonade, Orange Naturals, and Vanilla Bean. I'm not a fan of chocolate shakes, was good to find a line of different flavors. Healthwise makes good powders for Tomato, beef, chicken broths for the first month after surgery.

Hi everyone! Trying not to post too many times, but wanting to let you all know I still have a lot of clothing for sale. I've successfully sold to a few VST users, and would love to help out more of you on your weight loss journey. I will be taking these items to various yard sales this month, hoping to offload a lot of it. So grab it while you can!
tupperware containers in a closed guest closet away from the pets.


Here are a few more items I have for sale but have not yet taken pictures/posted. Sorry, with my crazy work and travel schedule, I just do not have time to do this right now. If you let me know items you're interested in, I can try to snap photos with my phone on the fly!
Sports Bra, Moving Comfort, White, 38DD, 3-hool closure in back, underwire - $3
Sports Bra, Champion, White, XL, cotton, race-back - $2
Capris, Lee Brand, khaki color, size 12M - $3
Capris, Croft & Barrow, black, size 12 - $3
Capris, Croft & Barrow, khaki, size 14 - $4 (barely worn)
Casual Pants, Dockers, Dark Green, size 10M - $3
Casual Pants, Mossimo "Stretch", black, looks like jeans - $2
Jeans, Nautica Brand, dark blue, size 8 - $3
Jeans, Carolina Blues brand, farmer's pockets, size 8 - $3
Jeans, Lee's Classic Fit brand, size 8S - $4 (barely worn)
Jeans, Levi's 525 Straight Leg, size 10S - $4 (barely worn)
Jeans, Lee's Comfort Waistband, size 10M - $4
Jeans, Venezia (Lane Bryant), size 14 - $5 (barely worn)
Business Slacks, The Limited, 12R "Stretch" line, Black - $3
Business Slacks, The Limited, 12R "Stretch" line, Dark Grey - $3
Business Slacks, The Limited, 14R "Stretch" line, Dark Grey - $3
Business Slacks, The Limited, 14R "Stretch" line, Dark Brown - $3
Business Slacks, Lane Bryant, 16A, black - $4
Shorts, Columbia Brand, outdoor/hiking w/pockets, tan color, size XL (10-14), elastic waistband - $3
Shorts, Lane Bryant, khaki color, casual style, size 14 - $4 (barely worn)

When you say "I really am able to eat anything" what does that mean? Are you measuring and tracking your food, Protein, carbs, liquids? Seems like you're making great progress at 36 pounds lost, not sure the reason for worry. It will be good for you to have exercise as a normal part of your routine. It's good for weight loss, to a point, but should be used more for health, endurance, toning your muscle and balance. You don't have to go to the gym, even just walking 30-60 minutes 3-4 days a week will help you. It's what I did most for the first 2-3 months, then I got with a trainer to be sure I didn't hurt myself.
The sleeve is a tool, it's not going to keep you from eating junk. Your food choices and amounts are still up to you. It keeps us from sitting down and eating a large popcorn and large soda at the movies, sure. The volume is contained to a certain point, but the rest is on us to make smart choices. Best of luck!

When you say "I really am able to eat anything" what does that mean? Are you measuring and tracking your food, Protein, carbs, liquids? Seems like you're making great progress at 36 pounds lost, not sure the reason for worry. It will be good for you to have exercise as a normal part of your routine. It's good for weight loss, to a point, but should be used more for health, endurance, toning your muscle and balance. You don't have to go to the gym, even just walking 30-60 minutes 3-4 days a week will help you. It's what I did most for the first 2-3 months, then I got with a trainer to be sure I didn't hurt myself.
The sleeve is a tool, it's not going to keep you from eating junk. Your food choices and amounts are still up to you. It keeps us from sitting down and eating a large popcorn and large soda at the movies, sure. The volume is contained to a certain point, but the rest is on us to make smart choices. Best of luck!

When you say "I really am able to eat anything" what does that mean? Are you measuring and tracking your food, Protein, carbs, liquids? Seems like you're making great progress at 36 pounds lost, not sure the reason for worry. It will be good for you to have exercise as a normal part of your routine. It's good for weight loss, to a point, but should be used more for health, endurance, toning your muscle and balance. You don't have to go to the gym, even just walking 30-60 minutes 3-4 days a week will help you. It's what I did most for the first 2-3 months, then I got with a trainer to be sure I didn't hurt myself.
The sleeve is a tool, it's not going to keep you from eating junk. Your food choices and amounts are still up to you. It keeps us from sitting down and eating a large popcorn and large soda at the movies, sure. The volume is contained to a certain point, but the rest is on us to make smart choices. Best of luck!

You need the calories from food to continue to lose weight and be able to function long-term. You're starting now to fuel your body rather than just eat to eat. You need to provide your body with good fuel so that it will run efficiently without breaking down internally. You need the Protein and calories to protect your important muscles while your body lets go of the fat. Don't worry about gaining weight. That's almost impossible with the amount of food you'll be able to consume. Concentrate on being healthy and developing healthy habits and you're going to do fine!

The sleeve is only a tool, which is why it is ideal to measure your intake with a scale, measuring cups, etc. for the first 3-4 months. Did your doctor or nutritionist give you a guide of how to measure and how much you should take it? Many of us use myfitnesspal app to track calories (you must measure to get accurate counts) and how many grams of Protein, carbs, sugars, Fiber, etc. broken down. There is much information on this site about the ideal breakdown in the different phases after surgery.
The lightheaded and weakness may be dehydration and possible low electrolytes. Quite common in the first month. Make sure you aim for 64-80oz of fluids (protein drinks/shakes, milks, broths, etc. all count).
As for the volume you're eating, I always measured so I didn't try those amounts to see "if I could do it." Try not to push your sleeve past any point of comfort. As soon as you feel full - stop eating for at least 10-15 min and only eat/drink what your diet allows. Eating too fast will often cause slimes (throwing up, mostly saliva). But if anything goes down easily it's the yogurts, puddings, soft foods. You may find when you progress to approved solids, you won't be able to eat as much.

It's been a while since I've posted a new topic. Life got busy when I started a new job about three months ago. Just here to motivate others just starting on their journey, either pre-op or just home from the hospital. I finally reached my goal weight last week, just 13 months after surgery. I met my doctor's goal weight (135) just before my surgiversary Jan 30. Technically, a stomach flu helped me get there faster than I would have liked
The best news (as if goal weight wasn't enough) were the numbers on my labs. I was well within all the acceptable ranges and my cholesterol alone is better than it's ever been, even from when I was a teenager! My HDL was gone up, my LDL has gone down and I dropped nearly 2.0 points in my ratio. I am over the moon!!
I feel great, I eat just about anything I want, and I live a very normal, productive life. Now, when I say "anything" I want to clarify that I still make very healthy choices 85% of the time, but I don't even have to think of small portions now. What I want is all I need, I get perfectly full and I'm good. I haven't counted a calorie in months, just keeping common sense of Protein first, etc. I eat more Desserts than I care to admit to, Peanut Butter anything is my weakness. Soda is still out of my diet completely, but I enjoy Water, tea, coffee and occasional juice. Tonight I had my first glass of wine, first time having alcohol in over 14-months, and it was great. It did not treat me any differently than before surgery and I kept it to the single glass.
I should post pictures soon, my profile pic is now very old and about 40+ pounds ago. I'm loving life, running, playing, sleeping like a champ - so happy I made this wonderful choice for my life!
Good luck to everyone!

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing..... Your post is uplifting and encouraging!!!

Congratulations!

Thanks for the uplift!

AliveAgain love your story, and especially the above words
sums up your life in a nutshell
how great is that!!!!!
always great to see/hear success stories
newbies thrive on them (vets too!!)
sad that we are seeing "less and less" of you

hope you come around the neighborhood more often!!!!!
take care
hard work does pay off!!!!!!
kudos

Awesome job! Congratulations on meeting your goal!

It's been a while since I've posted a new topic. Life got busy when I started a new job about three months ago. Just here to motivate others just starting on their journey, either pre-op or just home from the hospital. I finally reached my goal weight last week, just 13 months after surgery. I met my doctor's goal weight (135) just before my surgiversary Jan 30. Technically, a stomach flu helped me get there faster than I would have liked
The best news (as if goal weight wasn't enough) were the numbers on my labs. I was well within all the acceptable ranges and my cholesterol alone is better than it's ever been, even from when I was a teenager! My HDL was gone up, my LDL has gone down and I dropped nearly 2.0 points in my ratio. I am over the moon!!
I feel great, I eat just about anything I want, and I live a very normal, productive life. Now, when I say "anything" I want to clarify that I still make very healthy choices 85% of the time, but I don't even have to think of small portions now. What I want is all I need, I get perfectly full and I'm good. I haven't counted a calorie in months, just keeping common sense of Protein first, etc. I eat more Desserts than I care to admit to, Peanut Butter anything is my weakness. Soda is still out of my diet completely, but I enjoy Water, tea, coffee and occasional juice. Tonight I had my first glass of wine, first time having alcohol in over 14-months, and it was great. It did not treat me any differently than before surgery and I kept it to the single glass.
I should post pictures soon, my profile pic is now very old and about 40+ pounds ago. I'm loving life, running, playing, sleeping like a champ - so happy I made this wonderful choice for my life!
Good luck to everyone!

It's been a while since I've posted a new topic. Life got busy when I started a new job about three months ago. Just here to motivate others just starting on their journey, either pre-op or just home from the hospital. I finally reached my goal weight last week, just 13 months after surgery. I met my doctor's goal weight (135) just before my surgiversary Jan 30. Technically, a stomach flu helped me get there faster than I would have liked
The best news (as if goal weight wasn't enough) were the numbers on my labs. I was well within all the acceptable ranges and my cholesterol alone is better than it's ever been, even from when I was a teenager! My HDL was gone up, my LDL has gone down and I dropped nearly 2.0 points in my ratio. I am over the moon!!
I feel great, I eat just about anything I want, and I live a very normal, productive life. Now, when I say "anything" I want to clarify that I still make very healthy choices 85% of the time, but I don't even have to think of small portions now. What I want is all I need, I get perfectly full and I'm good. I haven't counted a calorie in months, just keeping common sense of Protein first, etc. I eat more Desserts than I care to admit to, Peanut Butter anything is my weakness. Soda is still out of my diet completely, but I enjoy Water, tea, coffee and occasional juice. Tonight I had my first glass of wine, first time having alcohol in over 14-months, and it was great. It did not treat me any differently than before surgery and I kept it to the single glass.
I should post pictures soon, my profile pic is now very old and about 40+ pounds ago. I'm loving life, running, playing, sleeping like a champ - so happy I made this wonderful choice for my life!
Good luck to everyone!

I would highly recommend "NO" and try to use this time when you're changing your eating habits to alter your drinking habits as well. This is the best time to kick soda habits - regular or diet. For me, soda has absolutely NO NUTRIATIVE VALUE AT ALL and is a waste of my body's energy and resources to try to digest. Many researchers and doctors believe, from recent studies, that artificial sweeteners are in general highly addictive, especially for people attached to their diet sodas. In some cases, the brain is just as "lit up" as someone addicted to heroin or cocaine!
View this two part Dr. Oz episode to learn more.
However, I believe all this in observant moderation are "OK" and that we shouldn't deny ourselves of OCCASIONAL treats once you're further out. For now, the carbonation is definitely not good for the healing stomach and if it's not on your doctor or dietician's plan -- don't do it.
Best in health!

I got the Eatsmart Precision scale because I needed something that would weigh up to 400 lbs. I also like that over 1,000 reviews have been posted about it. I don't like to buy anything that doesn't have at least 50 reviews.
You can check it out on Amazon. It's less than $60
http://goo.gl/AIh2M

I have some items for sale (the link is in my signature) - I may not have posted the size 14s yet, will look into my stash and let you know. I know I have work slacks in that size!

I wouldn't worry about your abs this early out after surgery, you have plenty of time to tackle them. I really didn't start working my abs until 6-8 weeks out to be safe.
For now, while you're walking you can just focus on tightening your abs and butt for 15-20 seconds at a time, release, and repeat. It goes further than you realize! I learned this from a personal trainer. If you've ever seen one of those jump rope, stretchy bands with the handles at the end - get one and use it around a strong pole or something like it (stair railing?) and do some simple push/pull exercises (Google for visual references) with some ab twisting motion like band trunk rotation and side bends - but go EASY, it does more than you realize and too much will leave you sore. Swimming is a great core workout as well!!

I wouldn't worry about your abs this early out after surgery, you have plenty of time to tackle them. I really didn't start working my abs until 6-8 weeks out to be safe.
For now, while you're walking you can just focus on tightening your abs and butt for 15-20 seconds at a time, release, and repeat. It goes further than you realize! I learned this from a personal trainer. If you've ever seen one of those jump rope, stretchy bands with the handles at the end - get one and use it around a strong pole or something like it (stair railing?) and do some simple push/pull exercises (Google for visual references) with some ab twisting motion like band trunk rotation and side bends - but go EASY, it does more than you realize and too much will leave you sore. Swimming is a great core workout as well!!

Are you taking a gallstone prevention medication like Ursodiol? Sounds like the stomach adjusting after initial swelling begins to go down, it's relearning digestion. I'd check with your doctor just to be safe.

I tried and could not use calcium citrate either due to horrible Constipation and headaches. My doctor was not sure why it would cause the headache, but it was too coincidental that I'd get a raging headache within an hour of taking the citrate EVERY time. I switched to New Chapter brand limestone based Calcium and have been happy ever since and my levels are just fine. It's very important to calcium absorption to take with Vitamin D, plus some other critical Vitamins and minerals. If you incorporate milk (diary, almond, rice, etc) and green leafy veggies into your diet, you'll be sure to get enough.

Mine also tells me how proud he is of what I've taken on, the challenges I made it through at my heaviest to taking control of it. He gets it, he's watched me struggle through hormonal changes that expanded my body rapidly. He watched me diet and not lose more than 15 pounds.
He tells me how sad it made him to see how people treated me when I was at my heaviest, and how people treat me even now 60lbs lighter. Some who barely acknowleged me before and so nice to me now, but I'm still obese (by the chart) and get rude treatment. And he's been reading articles about how much discrimination against the obese and overweight is on the rise. Most of it stems from how news media covers stories about how the costs it has on healthcare. Much like most people didn't care about smokers until we realized what a drain it was on our healthcare system. We didn't care about big cars and trucks in the 70s until the environment and gas prices made us pay attention to better options. Now, the obese are targeted much the same way -- and it makes employers, service representatives, total strangers treat us differently.