Cindy Martin

I have lost 66% of my fat over goal, which is 180. I'm pretty happy with that. I have not lost in almost 2 months, but am very encouraged I will eventually lose the rest. I do walk every day and have now added dance music to my routines.

I have lost 66% of my fat over goal, which is 180. I'm pretty happy with that. I have not lost in almost 2 months, but am very encouraged I will eventually lose the rest. I do walk every day and have now added dance music to my routines.

Hi my little buddies,
I wanted to update my progress. I am actually doing very well. I crossed my legs for the first time last night since 2004, NSV. I was so proud. Everyone has given many compliments. My kids look at me funny because I don't really look like their mom.
I've been exercising since pre-op but at the moment I'm doing Elliptical 40 minutes in the morning and walking 30 during lunch. I was walking 3-4 miles a day and had to slow down due to Achilles tendonitis. Feeling much better with that.
I'm eating 3 meals a day with 2 Snacks a day. I try to eat 200 @ meal and 100 @ snack time. I'm eating 20-30 carbs a day and average 800 calories a day.
Things I eat:
Deli turkey
string cheese
boiled eggs, love these
tuna
all meats and fish except chicken, ouch! Usually can only eat 2 oz at a time
Hummus
salad, ranch dressing
green Beans and spinach, etc.
SF popsicles and Jello w/SF whipped cream. Yum!!!
hot chocolate, SF
Just started eating 1 oz walnuts for a snack
I'm only losing about 2 lbs a week now. I can tell my body is readjusting. I have lost a bunch of inches, not sure of total. I know I've lost 10 off waist and 9 off hips. My blood sugars are still amazing and I'm so thankful. I just took my blood sugar after dinner and it was 94. Yahoooooo!
I am having one continuous problem though, I constantly have to remind myself to slow down eating. I do get full before I eat my required 3 oz of Protein but it is so hard to slow down my eating. Bad habits sometimes are hard to break. I am working on it though. Another problem is seeing myself as thinner. I don't feel as thin as I am. I now weigh 246, but some days still feel 324.
I work hard on this journey and love every minute of it. I, as I'm sure most of you, have always worked hard at slimming down but had always had a force pushing against me. I now know I have a tool that is on my side and we're working together to make my life better.
I wish you all the best of luck and would love to encourage anyone that has questions or fears about the sleeve. Please don't hesitate to message me if you need any help. I am far from knowing it all, but would like to help in any way I can.

Hi Camella,
I am six months out and have been experiencing a lot of the same things. I think we have an internal battle that fights all the change. At first it's very exciting and new, then reality sinks in. You still have problems in your life, you still have issues you have to deal with. Anxiety is still there. Family and work still pulls on you, so on and so on. I am realizing though that I am developing better skills at dealing with life. I can't say I'm perfect yet, but I am getting better. To me that's a major positive. I will keep treading forward until I get it right.
You hang in there, it will get better if you keep the faith and keep trying. Do whatever you have to in order to stay motivated.
Cindy

Take a deep breath...... Regroup..... Now tomorrow is a bran new day. When you get up take your Vitamins, start counting your Proteins. Just put all this behind you and start new. I may not know you personal, but I have faith in you bc you cowboyed up and talked about what's going on. I admire you for that.

Highest Weight: 344
First doc appt weight: 327
Surgery Weight: 317
Current Weight: 258
Total weight Loss: 86 lbs
since surgery: 59 lbs
Progress... is Progress... am I a slow looser... I dont know...I know i feel really good about where Ive come so far... I purchased a XL shirt. I used to wear a 4 or 5xl shirt. I purchased a size 40 pants... Almost ready to go to 38... I was wearing a 46. Im rocking this sleeve. It hasnt been easy.... My fat mentality is still ever so present. I cant stop looking for validation from others... and I still make myself a regular plate from time to time. The difference is, I eat slower and when i reach my full point there is a lot of food on my plate and I get rid of it and it doesnt go into my mouth... haha... This is a game of self control. I have come to that realization. Its about Choosing to be different, eat different, live different and working to win... Its about refusing to give up. My workout routine is something i would never had guessed it would be. I run the brooklyn bridge (3.2 miles) 4-5 days a week. If i cant get to the bridge i am still commited to my 3.2 miles on those 4-5 days... and then 2-3x a week i do weight training in my home along with a 40 minute kickboxing routine which was on my on demand TV station.(Free) ... The object of the game is to win. Winning is subjective. I beleive that winning in this game is to change your life poisitively. I am not just looking at the scale (though I have been a slave to the scale at some point in this journey) I see me being ddifferent, approaching things differently and moving forward over and over again over any obstacle or mental breakdown. (especially during them stalls that are fucked up-excuse my language) But overall. I can say that this was the best decision ever, not only for me but for the people who i share it with. I am pretty open about my journey and Ive had a few people already start their process because they see mine. Paying it Forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last but not least... Ive learned that when i want something that i shouldnt eat... like a burger, or a donut or something like that... HAVE IT!!!! and I can never eat all of it... and it happens rarely... But once in a while I give in.. and I dont have to beat myself up, or ever forgive myself for it.... Its OK... Its OK... For me... You have to choose for yourself, if that "give in" is OK for you every once in a while... It's all a choice...

I fellow my program almost to the T. I eat 5-6 times a day. I drink a Protein Drink first thing in the morning and another one after my work outs (if I don’t work out I don’t do another Protein drink), followed by my Vitamins. Around noon I eat a Quest bar then have 2 regular meals meat protein and some veggies for my first and second brake. Then another Quest bar later in the night around 11pm.
When I do feel like I need a little something I eat some fruit and nut trail mix or some string cheese.< /p>
I do treat myself to sugar free frozen yogurt once a week or some sugar free chocolate milk.

I'm just a few shy weeks away from 50......my weight loss has been slower than some.......BUT could I have lost 35 pounds in 11 weeks on my own? no.........I struggled losing 3 pounds in a month pre surgery......so I am a happy camper

When I eat more than about 20-25 carbs a day I crave food for hours. To be completely honest it is like a drug effect on me. I realize we have "head-hunger", I'm not disputing that. However, I know the difference. For the past month I have been experimenting trying to figure out if it's carb sensitivity or head hunger. The end results showed me when I do very low carb for 3-4 days I don't think about food all day. I can see chips, donuts, candy, and any kind of goodie and pass it up without difficulty. Now, when I start eating more carbs, like a half banana in my shake in the morning. I do fine the first hour, then start craving. I will have a whole wheat slice of bread at lunch, ok little more cravings. dinner, I will have a SF pudding, or 1/4 baked potato. OMG! out of control again. During low carb days I lose excess Water, and inches. I feel great. Higher carb days, like today, feel like crap. All I can think about is more food. I ate carbs all day and just felt out of control. This was a controlled experiment, so I could really tell the difference, even though it was amateur, it showed me how my body reacts.
Tomorrow morning is a new day, low carb lifestyle day.

I love my sleeve, (Peanut). He treats me awesome. A great helper is he. Carbs on the other hand, are my worst enemy, at least anything except green veggie carbs. I love the fact I have lost 95#s. I'm ecstatic my health has improved to the point I feel 10 years younger, and I'm not exaggerating. I started incorporating carbs back into my life about 2 months ago, as recommended by my physician. Healthy carbs of course, but still carbs. I have struggled ever since. I don't know why my body reacts to carbohydrates the way they do, but the impact is horrific. I am definitely not one of those lucky people who can eat what they want and walk away. I won't bore you with all the details of the last 2 months, but I will tell you I have had to come to grips with the fact I need to say goodbye forever, to carbs. I will continue to eat strawberries, no more than 3 at a time. All the green veggies I want, and that's it. I know this will put my weight loss back on track, just really sad it has to be this way in my life. I honestly felt once my diabetes went into remission my body would not crave them as much. WRONG!!!
I would love to hear how carbs effect others on here. Please chime in. I want to start a group called "Living without carbs, Whaahahah!" lol Think anyone would join me?

When I eat more than about 20-25 carbs a day I crave food for hours. To be completely honest it is like a drug effect on me. I realize we have "head-hunger", I'm not disputing that. However, I know the difference. For the past month I have been experimenting trying to figure out if it's carb sensitivity or head hunger. The end results showed me when I do very low carb for 3-4 days I don't think about food all day. I can see chips, donuts, candy, and any kind of goodie and pass it up without difficulty. Now, when I start eating more carbs, like a half banana in my shake in the morning. I do fine the first hour, then start craving. I will have a whole wheat slice of bread at lunch, ok little more cravings. dinner, I will have a SF pudding, or 1/4 baked potato. OMG! out of control again. During low carb days I lose excess Water, and inches. I feel great. Higher carb days, like today, feel like crap. All I can think about is more food. I ate carbs all day and just felt out of control. This was a controlled experiment, so I could really tell the difference, even though it was amateur, it showed me how my body reacts.
Tomorrow morning is a new day, low carb lifestyle day.

I need to accept the fact that I cant continue to lose weight and still eat carbs. Smh but the things I want are things I shudnt be eating anyway. chips, cake, sweets smh I need to back away from all of that competely
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using VST

Cindy, I love the frankness of your post. I think that one personality trait we all probably share is the ability to live pretty comfortably in denial of things that are right in front of our faces. We find ways to think around our food choices until we get what we want. So stating outright that carb are a goner is a big, big deal for one of us. And your declaration helps make us all stronger!

Everyone's explanation of what carbs can do is so correct. I have been dealing with the carb thing for years. Im about three weeks out. I love my sleeve. I have tried meximelt from taco bell. It was good. Went down really well. But i felt really full. It was the doughy soft tortilla. I will probably have to eat little to none carbs for the rest of my life also. My nut told me that carbs are like crack cocaine and she said it just like that. You eat them and soon as your body breaks them down into sugar. You are hungry again and craving more and more. She said this is why you want to do Protein first then your veggies carbs last. After filling up on your protein and veggies you really wont have alot of room for your carbs. Well she is correct. I really appreciate this forum because you guys keep me in check. Thanks alot

I love my sleeve, (Peanut). He treats me awesome. A great helper is he. Carbs on the other hand, are my worst enemy, at least anything except green veggie carbs. I love the fact I have lost 95#s. I'm ecstatic my health has improved to the point I feel 10 years younger, and I'm not exaggerating. I started incorporating carbs back into my life about 2 months ago, as recommended by my physician. Healthy carbs of course, but still carbs. I have struggled ever since. I don't know why my body reacts to carbohydrates the way they do, but the impact is horrific. I am definitely not one of those lucky people who can eat what they want and walk away. I won't bore you with all the details of the last 2 months, but I will tell you I have had to come to grips with the fact I need to say goodbye forever, to carbs. I will continue to eat strawberries, no more than 3 at a time. All the green veggies I want, and that's it. I know this will put my weight loss back on track, just really sad it has to be this way in my life. I honestly felt once my diabetes went into remission my body would not crave them as much. WRONG!!!
I would love to hear how carbs effect others on here. Please chime in. I want to start a group called "Living without carbs, Whaahahah!" lol Think anyone would join me?

When I eat more than about 20-25 carbs a day I crave food for hours. To be completely honest it is like a drug effect on me. I realize we have "head-hunger", I'm not disputing that. However, I know the difference. For the past month I have been experimenting trying to figure out if it's carb sensitivity or head hunger. The end results showed me when I do very low carb for 3-4 days I don't think about food all day. I can see chips, donuts, candy, and any kind of goodie and pass it up without difficulty. Now, when I start eating more carbs, like a half banana in my shake in the morning. I do fine the first hour, then start craving. I will have a whole wheat slice of bread at lunch, ok little more cravings. dinner, I will have a SF pudding, or 1/4 baked potato. OMG! out of control again. During low carb days I lose excess Water, and inches. I feel great. Higher carb days, like today, feel like crap. All I can think about is more food. I ate carbs all day and just felt out of control. This was a controlled experiment, so I could really tell the difference, even though it was amateur, it showed me how my body reacts.
Tomorrow morning is a new day, low carb lifestyle day.

I love my sleeve, (Peanut). He treats me awesome. A great helper is he. Carbs on the other hand, are my worst enemy, at least anything except green veggie carbs. I love the fact I have lost 95#s. I'm ecstatic my health has improved to the point I feel 10 years younger, and I'm not exaggerating. I started incorporating carbs back into my life about 2 months ago, as recommended by my physician. Healthy carbs of course, but still carbs. I have struggled ever since. I don't know why my body reacts to carbohydrates the way they do, but the impact is horrific. I am definitely not one of those lucky people who can eat what they want and walk away. I won't bore you with all the details of the last 2 months, but I will tell you I have had to come to grips with the fact I need to say goodbye forever, to carbs. I will continue to eat strawberries, no more than 3 at a time. All the green veggies I want, and that's it. I know this will put my weight loss back on track, just really sad it has to be this way in my life. I honestly felt once my diabetes went into remission my body would not crave them as much. WRONG!!!
I would love to hear how carbs effect others on here. Please chime in. I want to start a group called "Living without carbs, Whaahahah!" lol Think anyone would join me?

Cindy, I really don't mean to pry, but you would most definitely not be boring me with more details.

Count me in!
I have been on the no carb ride for 11 months now. Not because of the sleeve, but because I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. NO GLUTEN I mourned for about 3 months. It definitely felt like one of my best friends died. I love baked goods, Pasta, bread, you name it. I was a carb junky No more. It all makes me incredibly sick.

I love my sleeve, (Peanut). He treats me awesome. A great helper is he. Carbs on the other hand, are my worst enemy, at least anything except green veggie carbs. I love the fact I have lost 95#s. I'm ecstatic my health has improved to the point I feel 10 years younger, and I'm not exaggerating. I started incorporating carbs back into my life about 2 months ago, as recommended by my physician. Healthy carbs of course, but still carbs. I have struggled ever since. I don't know why my body reacts to carbohydrates the way they do, but the impact is horrific. I am definitely not one of those lucky people who can eat what they want and walk away. I won't bore you with all the details of the last 2 months, but I will tell you I have had to come to grips with the fact I need to say goodbye forever, to carbs. I will continue to eat strawberries, no more than 3 at a time. All the green veggies I want, and that's it. I know this will put my weight loss back on track, just really sad it has to be this way in my life. I honestly felt once my diabetes went into remission my body would not crave them as much. WRONG!!!
I would love to hear how carbs effect others on here. Please chime in. I want to start a group called "Living without carbs, Whaahahah!" lol Think anyone would join me?

I love my sleeve, (Peanut). He treats me awesome. A great helper is he. Carbs on the other hand, are my worst enemy, at least anything except green veggie carbs. I love the fact I have lost 95#s. I'm ecstatic my health has improved to the point I feel 10 years younger, and I'm not exaggerating. I started incorporating carbs back into my life about 2 months ago, as recommended by my physician. Healthy carbs of course, but still carbs. I have struggled ever since. I don't know why my body reacts to carbohydrates the way they do, but the impact is horrific. I am definitely not one of those lucky people who can eat what they want and walk away. I won't bore you with all the details of the last 2 months, but I will tell you I have had to come to grips with the fact I need to say goodbye forever, to carbs. I will continue to eat strawberries, no more than 3 at a time. All the green veggies I want, and that's it. I know this will put my weight loss back on track, just really sad it has to be this way in my life. I honestly felt once my diabetes went into remission my body would not crave them as much. WRONG!!!
I would love to hear how carbs effect others on here. Please chime in. I want to start a group called "Living without carbs, Whaahahah!" lol Think anyone would join me?

I love my sleeve, (Peanut). He treats me awesome. A great helper is he. Carbs on the other hand, are my worst enemy, at least anything except green veggie carbs. I love the fact I have lost 95#s. I'm ecstatic my health has improved to the point I feel 10 years younger, and I'm not exaggerating. I started incorporating carbs back into my life about 2 months ago, as recommended by my physician. Healthy carbs of course, but still carbs. I have struggled ever since. I don't know why my body reacts to carbohydrates the way they do, but the impact is horrific. I am definitely not one of those lucky people who can eat what they want and walk away. I won't bore you with all the details of the last 2 months, but I will tell you I have had to come to grips with the fact I need to say goodbye forever, to carbs. I will continue to eat strawberries, no more than 3 at a time. All the green veggies I want, and that's it. I know this will put my weight loss back on track, just really sad it has to be this way in my life. I honestly felt once my diabetes went into remission my body would not crave them as much. WRONG!!!
I would love to hear how carbs effect others on here. Please chime in. I want to start a group called "Living without carbs, Whaahahah!" lol Think anyone would join me?

I love my sleeve, (Peanut). He treats me awesome. A great helper is he. Carbs on the other hand, are my worst enemy, at least anything except green veggie carbs. I love the fact I have lost 95#s. I'm ecstatic my health has improved to the point I feel 10 years younger, and I'm not exaggerating. I started incorporating carbs back into my life about 2 months ago, as recommended by my physician. Healthy carbs of course, but still carbs. I have struggled ever since. I don't know why my body reacts to carbohydrates the way they do, but the impact is horrific. I am definitely not one of those lucky people who can eat what they want and walk away. I won't bore you with all the details of the last 2 months, but I will tell you I have had to come to grips with the fact I need to say goodbye forever, to carbs. I will continue to eat strawberries, no more than 3 at a time. All the green veggies I want, and that's it. I know this will put my weight loss back on track, just really sad it has to be this way in my life. I honestly felt once my diabetes went into remission my body would not crave them as much. WRONG!!!
I would love to hear how carbs effect others on here. Please chime in. I want to start a group called "Living without carbs, Whaahahah!" lol Think anyone would join me?

So eating habits are both physical and emotional. I cant advise you on the emotional issues, but I can omn the physical.
Get the junky food out of your house!
Go back to basics, eat Protein and green or other low carb veggies.
Make a list of food and buy ONLY those foods:
meat
greek yogurt
Protein drinks
salad fixins
vegetables for roasting
cheese
etc
Remove all trigger foods from sight - no pizza - that is a horrible trigger food.
What happens when u do what I suggest is yuor cravings reduce by alot.
Make a plan for success... even if you need emotional help in order to reach full success... eating the way I suggest will prevent regain of what you have lost at least.