GiGi3

I have made it six months. So far, minimal hair loss. All reports I read say Hair growth should regenerate after six months. So I am hoping I am past the "you are going to lose some hair phase". I have been religious taking all my Vitamins and minerals EVERY day.
I am down 60 pounds. It feels amazing being able to purchase pants in regular stores. It feels great being able to put my pants in the dryer without the fear of them not fitting when they come out. No more "hanging" my pants to dry. I am pleased when I see myself in photographs, I no longer cringe.
Very, very few people know that I had gastric sleeve surgery. Just feel like it is my own private journey. I find it interesting that many friends are "concerned" how much more weight I am going to lose. "You look perfect now". Funny how they never asked me in the past: "How much more weight do you planning on gaining?".
I focus on not sabotaging my weight. It is easy to have that glass of wine, or that handful or two of chips now. I remind myself I have been given an extreme weight loss tool with this surgery. It gets tiring refusing to let other people sabotage my weight, "Oh come on, you can have one cookie". I work on staying focused. I like how I feel now, I like how I can cross my legs now, I like that I don't have anxiety walking into a room.
My co-workers and such who do not know, constantly ask me how did you do it? I tell them I don't have the answers. I have done many things. Mainly, eating very little. It does amaze me now how much others eat. As had I, people have lost the concept of what a portion is.

I have made it six months. So far, minimal hair loss. All reports I read say Hair growth should regenerate after six months. So I am hoping I am past the "you are going to lose some hair phase". I have been religious taking all my Vitamins and minerals EVERY day.
I am down 60 pounds. It feels amazing being able to purchase pants in regular stores. It feels great being able to put my pants in the dryer without the fear of them not fitting when they come out. No more "hanging" my pants to dry. I am pleased when I see myself in photographs, I no longer cringe.
Very, very few people know that I had gastric sleeve surgery. Just feel like it is my own private journey. I find it interesting that many friends are "concerned" how much more weight I am going to lose. "You look perfect now". Funny how they never asked me in the past: "How much more weight do you planning on gaining?".
I focus on not sabotaging my weight. It is easy to have that glass of wine, or that handful or two of chips now. I remind myself I have been given an extreme weight loss tool with this surgery. It gets tiring refusing to let other people sabotage my weight, "Oh come on, you can have one cookie". I work on staying focused. I like how I feel now, I like how I can cross my legs now, I like that I don't have anxiety walking into a room.
My co-workers and such who do not know, constantly ask me how did you do it? I tell them I don't have the answers. I have done many things. Mainly, eating very little. It does amaze me now how much others eat. As had I, people have lost the concept of what a portion is.

I have made it six months. So far, minimal hair loss. All reports I read say Hair growth should regenerate after six months. So I am hoping I am past the "you are going to lose some hair phase". I have been religious taking all my Vitamins and minerals EVERY day.
I am down 60 pounds. It feels amazing being able to purchase pants in regular stores. It feels great being able to put my pants in the dryer without the fear of them not fitting when they come out. No more "hanging" my pants to dry. I am pleased when I see myself in photographs, I no longer cringe.
Very, very few people know that I had gastric sleeve surgery. Just feel like it is my own private journey. I find it interesting that many friends are "concerned" how much more weight I am going to lose. "You look perfect now". Funny how they never asked me in the past: "How much more weight do you planning on gaining?".
I focus on not sabotaging my weight. It is easy to have that glass of wine, or that handful or two of chips now. I remind myself I have been given an extreme weight loss tool with this surgery. It gets tiring refusing to let other people sabotage my weight, "Oh come on, you can have one cookie". I work on staying focused. I like how I feel now, I like how I can cross my legs now, I like that I don't have anxiety walking into a room.
My co-workers and such who do not know, constantly ask me how did you do it? I tell them I don't have the answers. I have done many things. Mainly, eating very little. It does amaze me now how much others eat. As had I, people have lost the concept of what a portion is.

I have made it six months. So far, minimal hair loss. All reports I read say Hair growth should regenerate after six months. So I am hoping I am past the "you are going to lose some hair phase". I have been religious taking all my Vitamins and minerals EVERY day.
I am down 60 pounds. It feels amazing being able to purchase pants in regular stores. It feels great being able to put my pants in the dryer without the fear of them not fitting when they come out. No more "hanging" my pants to dry. I am pleased when I see myself in photographs, I no longer cringe.
Very, very few people know that I had gastric sleeve surgery. Just feel like it is my own private journey. I find it interesting that many friends are "concerned" how much more weight I am going to lose. "You look perfect now". Funny how they never asked me in the past: "How much more weight do you planning on gaining?".
I focus on not sabotaging my weight. It is easy to have that glass of wine, or that handful or two of chips now. I remind myself I have been given an extreme weight loss tool with this surgery. It gets tiring refusing to let other people sabotage my weight, "Oh come on, you can have one cookie". I work on staying focused. I like how I feel now, I like how I can cross my legs now, I like that I don't have anxiety walking into a room.
My co-workers and such who do not know, constantly ask me how did you do it? I tell them I don't have the answers. I have done many things. Mainly, eating very little. It does amaze me now how much others eat. As had I, people have lost the concept of what a portion is.

I have made it six months. So far, minimal hair loss. All reports I read say Hair growth should regenerate after six months. So I am hoping I am past the "you are going to lose some hair phase". I have been religious taking all my Vitamins and minerals EVERY day.
I am down 60 pounds. It feels amazing being able to purchase pants in regular stores. It feels great being able to put my pants in the dryer without the fear of them not fitting when they come out. No more "hanging" my pants to dry. I am pleased when I see myself in photographs, I no longer cringe.
Very, very few people know that I had gastric sleeve surgery. Just feel like it is my own private journey. I find it interesting that many friends are "concerned" how much more weight I am going to lose. "You look perfect now". Funny how they never asked me in the past: "How much more weight do you planning on gaining?".
I focus on not sabotaging my weight. It is easy to have that glass of wine, or that handful or two of chips now. I remind myself I have been given an extreme weight loss tool with this surgery. It gets tiring refusing to let other people sabotage my weight, "Oh come on, you can have one cookie". I work on staying focused. I like how I feel now, I like how I can cross my legs now, I like that I don't have anxiety walking into a room.
My co-workers and such who do not know, constantly ask me how did you do it? I tell them I don't have the answers. I have done many things. Mainly, eating very little. It does amaze me now how much others eat. As had I, people have lost the concept of what a portion is.

If I have calculated correctly I am in my 11th week post op. Gosh, it feels a lot longer than 11 weeks.
I feel great! I don't miss my old life of over-eating. I do love that I eat regular food now. Nice to fit in the healthy foods rather than all that Protein drink, yogurt, mashing everything up and such. My body feels so much better and is operating as it should (no need to go into detail with that---plumbing is finally working well with no help).
I am down 43 pounds, that was last week. My hair is still healthy. Taking all my Vitamins everyday religiously.
People are now noticing. I really don't like the attention. There are three people at work that know what I did. Everyone that asks, "what are you doing?" I tell them the truth, "eating healthy, Portion Control, no alcohol, no chocolate and getting my walks in". I don't feel the need to spill my story. It is my own personal journey.
I still continue to eat my tiny portion way too fast. I am pretty much done in a few minutes. Seriously, how in the world does one make a few tablespoons last 30 minutes??! After I finish I have gotten into the habit of setting my timer for 30 minutes, when I can drink. It is all working for me. I am determined.
Yes, I get to that crummy part of the scale when it decides not to move for a week or so. I have learned not to let it bother me. I understand what is going on, so I just don't worry about it.
Saw my doctor a few weeks ago. I am scheduled to see him again in four months. Since he is far away he was willing to Skype my visit, but I didn't want to. I want to see him, I want to stay on the band wagon. I feel if I keep visits every four months or so for awhile I will stay on course. I am sure most of us have that fear of regaining. I don't want to ever go there.
I have no regrets. I love the journey I am on.

Thanks Curvy!
Annie, oh I don't think it is shallow about the hair issue. It worries me, I just keep eating healthy and down those Vitamins every day.

Oh, I found it! I'm not going to do that specifically but I gained a lot of insight from it. I am going to stick to my tight feeling Proteins from now on and lay off the carbs. I guess in my mind I thought I was one of the lucky ones who could eat more. I'm realizing that just because I can, doesn't mean I should. I feel reassured, in kind of a sick way, that my pouch is working. I was a good girl at dinner and ate broiled tilapia. But, I ate it at the rate I was eating my wheat thins. Well, guess what! Sorry to give TMI, but I barfed in a ton of napkins. So, my pouch is still good. Just need to let it do its job without cheating around sliders.

That's great! I'm in my 7th week out and trying to do all the same things. I know it sounds shallow, but I'm so glad to hear your hair is still healthy. Some have started to lose hair at 6 weeks... makes me nervous - I just don't have enough hair to start with!
People are beginning to notice with me as well and I don't like the attention either because I'm thinking it will be followed with "how are you doing it?" Your answer is truthful and appropriate. I'm not sure how I'll answer it - so far no one has asked, and only my boss knows that I had this surgery.
Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on being a great role model!

Go girl!! Sounds like your rocking your new lifestyle! Can't wait to feel the same.

If I have calculated correctly I am in my 11th week post op. Gosh, it feels a lot longer than 11 weeks.
I feel great! I don't miss my old life of over-eating. I do love that I eat regular food now. Nice to fit in the healthy foods rather than all that Protein drink, yogurt, mashing everything up and such. My body feels so much better and is operating as it should (no need to go into detail with that---plumbing is finally working well with no help).
I am down 43 pounds, that was last week. My hair is still healthy. Taking all my Vitamins everyday religiously.
People are now noticing. I really don't like the attention. There are three people at work that know what I did. Everyone that asks, "what are you doing?" I tell them the truth, "eating healthy, Portion Control, no alcohol, no chocolate and getting my walks in". I don't feel the need to spill my story. It is my own personal journey.
I still continue to eat my tiny portion way too fast. I am pretty much done in a few minutes. Seriously, how in the world does one make a few tablespoons last 30 minutes??! After I finish I have gotten into the habit of setting my timer for 30 minutes, when I can drink. It is all working for me. I am determined.
Yes, I get to that crummy part of the scale when it decides not to move for a week or so. I have learned not to let it bother me. I understand what is going on, so I just don't worry about it.
Saw my doctor a few weeks ago. I am scheduled to see him again in four months. Since he is far away he was willing to Skype my visit, but I didn't want to. I want to see him, I want to stay on the band wagon. I feel if I keep visits every four months or so for awhile I will stay on course. I am sure most of us have that fear of regaining. I don't want to ever go there.
I have no regrets. I love the journey I am on.

If I have calculated correctly I am in my 11th week post op. Gosh, it feels a lot longer than 11 weeks.
I feel great! I don't miss my old life of over-eating. I do love that I eat regular food now. Nice to fit in the healthy foods rather than all that Protein drink, yogurt, mashing everything up and such. My body feels so much better and is operating as it should (no need to go into detail with that---plumbing is finally working well with no help).
I am down 43 pounds, that was last week. My hair is still healthy. Taking all my Vitamins everyday religiously.
People are now noticing. I really don't like the attention. There are three people at work that know what I did. Everyone that asks, "what are you doing?" I tell them the truth, "eating healthy, Portion Control, no alcohol, no chocolate and getting my walks in". I don't feel the need to spill my story. It is my own personal journey.
I still continue to eat my tiny portion way too fast. I am pretty much done in a few minutes. Seriously, how in the world does one make a few tablespoons last 30 minutes??! After I finish I have gotten into the habit of setting my timer for 30 minutes, when I can drink. It is all working for me. I am determined.
Yes, I get to that crummy part of the scale when it decides not to move for a week or so. I have learned not to let it bother me. I understand what is going on, so I just don't worry about it.
Saw my doctor a few weeks ago. I am scheduled to see him again in four months. Since he is far away he was willing to Skype my visit, but I didn't want to. I want to see him, I want to stay on the band wagon. I feel if I keep visits every four months or so for awhile I will stay on course. I am sure most of us have that fear of regaining. I don't want to ever go there.
I have no regrets. I love the journey I am on.

it is alot of work but most important it takes will power and lots of it, you dont wanna end up like you were before, so dont endulge in old habits.. work hard at it, stay focused. nobody can do it for us we need to do it for ourselves.. good luck

If I have calculated correctly I am in my 11th week post op. Gosh, it feels a lot longer than 11 weeks.
I feel great! I don't miss my old life of over-eating. I do love that I eat regular food now. Nice to fit in the healthy foods rather than all that Protein drink, yogurt, mashing everything up and such. My body feels so much better and is operating as it should (no need to go into detail with that---plumbing is finally working well with no help).
I am down 43 pounds, that was last week. My hair is still healthy. Taking all my Vitamins everyday religiously.
People are now noticing. I really don't like the attention. There are three people at work that know what I did. Everyone that asks, "what are you doing?" I tell them the truth, "eating healthy, Portion Control, no alcohol, no chocolate and getting my walks in". I don't feel the need to spill my story. It is my own personal journey.
I still continue to eat my tiny portion way too fast. I am pretty much done in a few minutes. Seriously, how in the world does one make a few tablespoons last 30 minutes??! After I finish I have gotten into the habit of setting my timer for 30 minutes, when I can drink. It is all working for me. I am determined.
Yes, I get to that crummy part of the scale when it decides not to move for a week or so. I have learned not to let it bother me. I understand what is going on, so I just don't worry about it.
Saw my doctor a few weeks ago. I am scheduled to see him again in four months. Since he is far away he was willing to Skype my visit, but I didn't want to. I want to see him, I want to stay on the band wagon. I feel if I keep visits every four months or so for awhile I will stay on course. I am sure most of us have that fear of regaining. I don't want to ever go there.
I have no regrets. I love the journey I am on.

The amount of energy I have.

As the other poster said, "Enjoy the Journey". Why put so much worry on something that may not happen? I am big on following everything thing your surgeon has outlined. Do not veer off.
Some of your hurts you have cured,
And the sharpest you still have survived,
But what torments of grief you endured
From evil that never arrived! ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
I am Day Four post op and I am overly excited about my new journey!!

You look great! Bravo to you!

It really sounds as if you are having trouble making the lifestyle changes that have to be made for the surgery to work. We all know how hard it is so don't fear our judgment! Just work on your head. Then work some more.
Sugar has always and will always be my demon. I didn't eat fast food, chips, dips, alcohol and so many other fattening things. Just sugar.
And here it is in my first post-op holiday season, and candy and Cookies and such are lying around everywhere at work. My eyes are drawn to it every time I pass. My arm actually moves to reach toward it. I will NOT let that damn sugar undo me! I will allow myself ONE piece of candy per day from now through Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day I will drink nog with my man. Then NO MORE.
I have been successful, in my eyes, because I do not deny myself everything, but I absolutely CONTROL the exceptions to my normal dietary plan.

I second guessed myself all the way through rolling myself into the operating room. I don't think I've met anyone who hasn't had some sort of second thoughts about it.

It doesn't surprise me. A lot of people are rushing to get their medical stuff done before the end of the year and so they don't have to pay their deductibles again. So this tends to be the busy season for insurance companies. It doesn't get any easier after the new year it is also busy at that time. These request do take time. Just keep calling, try every other day. Be nice and just explain as nicely about how anxious you are and sometimes you may get a rep on the phone who will try to push thing through a little bit faster.

GIGi3 I was cracking up on your we fatties line....I too miss my glass of wine every now and then. I am only 2 weeks out, my surgeon allows 1 glass every so often. I would advise you double check with your surgeon. I wouldn't abuse the every so often, don't forget the stomach lining is not as thick as before. Also if your still taking the antacids be careful!!

Why would you want to? Why begin the sabotage?
Before my surgery I was a two glass of wine every night person. Do I want to sabotage, or do I want to be of normal weight?
I will go without the wine.
Getting to a normal size really is pretty simple. Portion Control, exercise, and eat healthy. We fatties are the ones that make it complicated.

Interesting that the original question was simply was it normal to be able to take slightly larger sips at a week out. That's it. Nothing about nutrition or a bad sleeve or what will happen 3-6-9 moths from now. Nothing about measuring or this being a tool or anything like that.
Just is it normal?
I got my answer.
Thanks to those with great advice and experience.
Lets drop this thread now please.

ouch butterthebean. A little harsh, eh?
I am 17 days out. Today I was drinking Water so much better. I feel good about that. I was nervous that last week that I was going to get dehydrated. I am finding the first couple of weeks many changes are going on.

you look fabulous! Very handsome My new "life" starts Monday at 7:30am - hope it goes as well for me as it has for you. Good Luck