LilMissDiva Irene

I have heard other theories like this. Some do say that during weight loss, our bodies will crest on long stalls where our bodies normally felt comfortable on the way up. Like to say I started at 330 Lbs. On the way down I stalled good in the 280's. I think because on my way up my body crested there for awhile too. I think it's a good point... not proven in any way of course - but at least it's a thought! I have noticed going up and down by a lot of lbs many times, I do notice a crest at the same certain amount of weights. So... who knows?

Great news!!! Hang in there! Just get prepared and with doing so the time will really fly by - you'll be so busy.

Hello KP!! Welcome to VST - and especially welcome to the rest of your life! You have made a very wise decision. We all come from many different backgrounds, and our reasons to for coming up to the same conclusion are just as many. Whatever your reasons and motivators are, just never forget them! You will need them along the way, because majority will ask themselves "why did I do this"? It's good to try to have reminders here and there. My moment didn't last too long, and now I'm so far past it I don't even remember how it felt to ask myself that question. I'm all about the sleeve and the wonderful life and power and freedom from over eating it has given me!!! Hang out here, read up and ask many many questions. I'm glad to have you!

Muscle cramps are a huge indicator of low electrolytes (Calcium/Potassium/Magnesium/Sodium). Drink more Gatorade, preferrably the regular, not G2. It should help. If all else fails, contact your doctor!

Yeah Julia!!!!! You're so inspiring!!!! You're really doing such an amazing job, I'm soooo happy for you!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :woot: :woot: :woot:

I've only ever known them to sell online at unjury.com ...

I do not believe in "too fast"... In my world there is no such thing. BIG CONGRATS TO YOU!!! Keep up the good work, and take your weight loss and be very proud.

I think the consensus here is that losing weight makes you look younger. I haven't really seen any photos that makes anyone look older, it's always *years* younger. I think having wrinkles is a natural part of life though too. I have to say that like Tiff I'm very vain, and if I think I need some work done in any way you better believe I'm getting it done. It's true too, I sure like myself a lot better thinner than bigger!! I'll never go back!!

I've had several surgeries and it was only on my very first one did I wake up with the tube still in my throat. I wasn't even warned about it. I didn't freak out either, I figured it were normal since I'd never had any other surgeries at that time. I was too drugged up to really care anyway. Don't worry, its really not as scary as it sounds.

Ohhh *whew*... I was already planning my face lift along with all my other lifts! And yes, if you're young I really say you don't have anything to worry about. :-)

I workout minimum 5 days per week. Sometimes I'll sneak in a little extra for 6 days of workouts. Never 7 though, I have to let my body rest or I'll gain weight. Yes, its true! I gain weight if I workout too much. So, then sometimes I need to take 2 days off in a row, then I notice my eating habits start getting bad. It's crazy - but either way I get back on track quickly.

Oh wow... I hope those aren't my pictures you're looking at!!!!

Actually for me it's the exact opposite. When I'm keeping up with my schedule, I actually want to eat less. I can be a perfect little angel as far as eating when I'm doing really good with my exercise. I'm satisfied with super health nut food and Protein drinks. Now, it's when I skip a workout day (non scheduled) that I notice my eating habits take a backward dive. I know... weird... I never claimed to be normal though!!!!

Though I do not obsessively count calories, unless I'm stalled for more than 3 weeks or more I can guage how many calories I'm consuming per day. On days that I workout, I do add for sure one and sometimes 2 extra Protein shakes to bump up my protein and calories. Other than that, my typical eating day is Breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack. The end. Thank goodness I have only encountered one lenghty stall post op and I did have to seriously go over my eating routine for a few weeks and I got things back in order. I have not needed to do this again since. There is a big learning curve with this here sleeve and I needed to learn a few things. I usually end up getting anywhere from 800 calories on non-workout days and up to even 1400 calories on days that I do... depending on what I do. I do not feel any type of guilt over this what so ever. I'm losing quite well and I'm very happy with my progress. That said, my workouts - now that's another story all together! I can be very obsessive about those!! Can't stop, won't stop!!!

Please let us know how it turns out, when you're up to it Hugs to you!!!

I could NOT agree one single bit more!!!!!

Hey S, the answer is YES!!! This does happen to me sometimes. I do suspect it is Water retention because it is always around TOM that this happens. I'm sure it's not the same for everyone, but is something I have noticed for myself. Flush it out! I bet you see a drop tomorrow morning. Ohhh and don't compare yourself to your Hubby. Men are a different breed and they can lose weight super easy. My hubby decided not to eat any junk food for a whole week and lost 5 Lbs. Didn't do anything else different, no workout, nothing. 5 Lbs just for that???? You have got to be freakin kidding me. I have to do that and WAYYYY more... it kinda is really unfair!!! Of course he decides to do this when I'm breathing down his neck scale wise!!! Haaa!!!

Wishing you well on your surgery in a few days, and kudos for losing some weight pre - op!!! You're going to rock your sleeve for sure!!!

Hello Miss Nina!! Welcome to the rest of your life! Wow, you know I wish your Nut wouldn't have said it quite the way she did. We all already feel like failures enough without feeling worse at every turn. I personally think *any* loss in your first week is good. Some folks actually gain some weight, because of the surgery, healing and IV fluids... so that is just incredible she felt the need to tell you that. That makes me a bit upset actually. The speed you should be looking for is any kind of loss. Everyone is different as far as rates of loss. Some are all over the map like me. I'll go a few weeks with little to nothing, then bam I'll lose 5-6 Lbs a week for a few more weeks. I really don't stress on it too much. The only way I'll open my eyes to what's going on is if I go more than 3 weeks with no loss... then I'm on it. Otherwise I continue on with my plan and keep rolling along. I cherish every pound I lose, because I know those are Lbs gone FOREVER!!! I'll never weigh what I weigh right now again. I just would not find it possible, because I've changed too much from where I started and I know better in a lot of ways. So far from what I've seen is absolutely yes, the sleeve *always* works. I'm not the fastes loser here by any stretch, but there are some who lose slower than me too. But, ya know what...??? They *are* losing, and they also admit they wouldn't be able to do it without the sleeve too. So, yes the sleeve is that one little miracle you were looking for. I know it's too late to go back now, your stomach is gone - but I wouldn't even dream of having any regrets simply because of what you Nut told you. Hang in there, give it some time and believe in yourself and in the program. My advice would be if she continues to be mentally debilitating to your progress you would be better off finding another. I would have to just sit her down and start with "we need to talk...". There's no way I'll let anyone dictate to me how I'm doing with my journey *but ME*!!! Anyone else can go kick rocks, for real! As for me and my sleeve, we are doing fine. Now for your last question, on what to expect. Just expect to continue to lose at your own pace, as long as you follow the regimen. What I do is make sure I get all my protein in which is usually 2-3 oz of lean meat, and a little bit of veggies and maybe a bite or 2 of good carbs. That's a typical meal for me, and one I'm very comfortable with. I'm losing with it, along with my workout routine and my positive outlook... nothings gonna stop me ever again from being the best I can be. Wishing you the best, and as always, if you need anything let me know or simply start a new thread. There's always tons of experienced folks here who go out of their way to spend a little time to help the newly sleeved out. I love this place!!!

PS: I moved this thread to the General area so more people will be able to find it. I also pinned it, I think we needed something like this here. Also, I wouldn't say the Gallery "sux" but it could be better. I know it's supposed to be being worked on so hopefully in the near future it will be more user friendly. Until then, we'll have this. Cheers everyone!

Here's my currents: And my Befores: Highes Ever / Around 300 Lbs / and just Pre Sleeve

Hey Mini that is a great NSV!! I hadn't even considered one like that - that's pretty cool! Have fun in Nashville... take some piccies!!

That is true, it *does* help a great deal. It just so happens that portion control has a greater impact in our lives than anything else... but it really does help. Luna, congrats girlie you are nearly there and *much* to be proud of!!!

Very true! I think the best gift we can give ourselves is TRUE freedom from food. That being if I decided I wanted a Taco Bell Taco for dinner, by golly I'll have one and move on. One taco does fill me up and I have to take off any excess tortilla. I usually get the chicken and they put a good amount of meat in it. It holds me all night long too. To me, that makes me *happy* not *guilty*!!! Besides, I don't even think I've had Taco bell in a very long time. Maybe even only once post op. My only suggestion would be if you can feel satisfied on one taco, then let that be it. No reason to eat more if you don't really need it. Try not to push the limits if it's possible. Also, Stacy - you are at a very good weight for yourself. You have done very well, and if it takes you awhile to hit your desired weight then it does. You *are* a success story here, but you have to believe that in yourself for it to be so!!! Just my opinion of course, and you know what they say about opinions!!!...

Many fantastic answers already! I really don't have much to add at all - only that, you *are* human. You *will* have days where nothing ever seems like it's enough. I have days like this as well. Are you near TOM? This could be a big reason for it. Take it in stride, know it's a part of life and remember these feelings won't last forever. It's true the more carbs you eat, the more you will crave them. Especially the type of carbs you are eating. I have to kind of stay away from processed Peanut Butter, so I learned not too long ago. I'll take the advice from a response and find some without all the added sugar. The best thing for you to do now is... Relax, Cut the Sugar, Protein First, Veggies second and a few bites left for *good* carbs. In a few days of this you will curb the hunger and be back on track. I also want to add that working out is for me been a saving grace. It really pumps me up and my confidence skyrockets. Weight loss is 80% mental - and anything that helps keep me on track I'll take it. I urge anyone to start with some kind of routine. Make it a part of your life, like an eating routine. No need to go to the ends of Earth with it, but start somewhere. You will get to know when your body can handle more, then push it. I think you would do extremely well with it, and I hope that you will take it on. All the best to you... looking back I'd say you have done pretty darned amazing - don't let this past few days make you cancel all of that out. Every day is brand new day to do the right thing!