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Holy sleevies, I love some of the responses in this thread. They speak to me a great deal, and I feel so vindicated!

I love my sleeve, and I could talk about it all day long. I love that I have a new life because of it, and that it has taught me so much about making my health a priority. Yes, I worked my butt off to educate myself. Yes, I revamped my whole outlook on food and nutrition. Yes, I had to become super honest with myself about my bad habits, and change them.

But, this was all a learning experience. Not everyone realizes the work it takes from the start, and unfortunately some never realize it.To those people I want to give them a good smack and tell them to take a hard look at themselves. Why would you cut out half your stomach if you weren't ready to adapt to that change? Why would you undergo this procedure without knowing what you were in for? Why would you complain about something without taking the steps to fix it?

There are so many amazing vets here that have not reached their "goal" (I say that with quotes because honestly how you feel and live is much more important than the number), and are still going strong. They keep tracking their foods and continue to face their inner demons on a daily basis. We all do. I will forever be a bariatric patient, there is no denying it. And, honestly, I'm the happier for it. I LIKE this lifestyle. I'm not on a diet, I'm eating as I should have been eating my whole life. I walk the perimeter of the grocery store because I'm aware of the dangers that lurk in the middle. I acknowledge my faults and weaknesses.

Like so many in this thread, I did all my research before the surgery, so I knew what I should expect. I knew that this was not a quick fix and that this surgery was FOR MY HEALTH. Who cares if I lose slowly or quickly, or if I can't stuff my face full of junk anymore?

I will take the slow sips of Water, the weird gurgles, the loose skin, the thin hair, the wonky poops, and the strict regimens any day over a life of complications due to obesity.

This doesn't answer the OP's question at all, but I felt inspired to express myself! Like Butterthebean (who always has great advice), I appreciate the people who are optimistic and excited... I appreciate those that look for answers. I don't pay much attention to the complainers or whiners that don't seem to have their priorities straight.

So well put!

Oh I'm such a piggy! What's a puffed wheat cake? It sounds healthy

Healthy, sure! One can wish though! It is puffed wheat, corn Syrup, cocoa, brown sugar and butter, that's it, melted and mixed together then pressed into a pan. They left it here, so of course I just ate another piece today. Ugh I have not self control. Sure it is my normal day, but I really didn't need it! I think I will try to convince my hubby to throw the rest of it out!

And Cheri, I noticed your username too, very funny!!

PS, How do you change it?? I can't seem to figure it out for the life of me!

aw gutted official weigh day and I didn't see the magical 160! Never mind, fingers crossed for next week! Been to Curves again this morning - no problem doing it on an empty stomach still - starting to enjoy it a lot more now and I'm seeing the benefits! Feel 'tighter' if that makes sense.

Bought some tops for holiday - had to get a size small cos the medium was hanging off me!! YEY! I know they are a 'baggy' style - bat winged - but still, a small is a small right! x

Hooray, that is terrific!!

Thanks!

Unfortunately I figured out this wouldn't work today. I have leftovers from lunch yesterday with my girlfriend, and even though it's 2pm, I just heated them up and ate them. So now I'm at 622 cals at 2:25pm. And I suppose my family will expect me to feed them dinner...gah!! We don't always eat meals as a fam, but usually for dinner we try to.

Does anyone else try to hide their "dieting" habits from young to pre-teen to teen girls living in their house? I have two girls (ages 11 and 12.5) and I do not tell them "oh gee, today I'm eating 500 cals and I'm fasting" I worry about what that does to them and their own eating habits and behaviors. My 12 yo is already over 5'4" and probably 125-130lbs (I don't see her weight except at the dr. visits each year) so there is NO WAY IN HE)) that I need her thinking she should fast.

I talked to hubby about it (he is sleeved also) so it's not like it a big ole secret (he is supportive but not partaking...yet), but I do find that most people's reaction to eating 500 cals a day is not very "understanding" shall we say?

So the short vers. of the story is I will probably need to eat dinner with my family tonight, otherwise I could call it a day and not eat again until tomorrow. Pfffttt!

I am lucky, my children were very young when I had my sleeve (15 months and 3), so really, the way Mommy eats is just the way Mommy eats. I also do something similar to Laura. At supper, everyone is eating what I am eating, except I make the rest of the family a side like potatoes or rice. But everyone is eating chicken and I take lots of veggies, so my plate looks pretty full. But like I said, my kids are still young (4 and 6) and really don't pay much attention!

I made it through my fast day yesterday at just over 600 calories. I was doing really well, but we ended up having company for supper and they brought puffed wheat cake for dessert. I don't love puffed wheat, but I did not want to be rude either, so I had a small piece. But it still was a success overall! I was down this morning back to the lowest I have been since starting 5:2. And even though I am expecting a bounce, I am excited that my holidays didn't mess me up!

Well, I made it back from my vacation. I ate a ridiculous amount of food well away but also did a lot of walking and hiking (and carrying tired kids!). I really expected a gain on the scale, but weighed this morning and was a 1 lb lighter than when I left! Still not at the lowest I got to during all of this, but down from what I was.

So I started on June 19th, and M2G, I still am bouncing around on the scale. I am down overall, but still bouncing. As of this morning, I am down a total of 3.8lbs and weighed in at 143. So I have about 5 more pounds to go to get to where I was, but I wouldn't mind getting a few pounds lighter, maybe around 135lbs (PS, I am only 5'2.5", do that puts in barely within a normal BMI). So I have concluded that I am pretty much the slowest loser here! But, admittedly, I am not trying super hard on my non-fast days. Maybe if I did, I would be down a little more, but my mind is just not in the right mode. I am OK "dieting" on my fast days, but I do not want to be "dieting" every single day. I will see.....

Today I am fasting because I was away. I normally fast Monday and Thursday, but didn't either of those days, so I am going to today. So far, it is almost noon and I haven't eaten yet and haven't felt super hungry, so that is OK. I have to get groceries as I don't have all my fasting go to's in the house since we were away.

I tried to read through all the posts on here, and everyone is doing so amazing!! Have a great day everyone!

I had to look back when I started, and it was June 19th

Starting weight 146.8lbs

Current Weight 144.0 lbs

Lost 2.8lbs

I had dropped down to 140.6 lbs and stayed there for a few days, but whenever I am mid-cycle, I start to bounce around A LOT!! Was down at 142.8 yesterday, up to 144 this morning. So that is where I am right now! Hopefully it will keep going down.

Everyone is doing so amazing, congratulations!

Laura, I just mixed it in with my yogurt this morning. It makes the yogurt pretty thick, but the texture was not too bad and the taste was fine...if you have ever had ground flax seed, that is all it tastes like, pretty mild, slightly nutty.

They also have recipes, you can make it in a smoothie or into a pancake. I might try that as well, but I haven't bought a bag for myself yet. And it is really filling! I was so full after eating it, I didn't eat again all morning. The only thing is you have to make sure you drink a lot of Water all day when you are taking it or it can have to opposite effect.

Another thread would be a good idea, although I am not doing that great, but hey, what can I do!

Normal day for me - scale bounced back to where it had been, which is a huge relief. I'm at 141 again hoping to stay there tomorrow, too, so I can record it for the week. If that sticks, I'm down 2.4 this week. That brings my grand total so far to four weeks and just over 8 pounds down. That's amazing results for me, even if I sometimes feel like I'm plodding along.

Hope everyone is doing well. I feel like I spend all my time cooking. Last night was gyros, fresh pitas, tzatziki (of course!), chickpea salad and Greek salad. This morning I made crepes with several different fillings and turkey sausage/bacon for everyone. I have ten in the house right now, plus the baby. Yikes! In a few hours I'll get started on tonight's dinner. Thank goodness for dishwashers.

~Cheri

You are doing awesome! I did not realize that you had lost that much already!

I had a pretty big eating day yesterday! It felt like I was eating all day.. So I'm going to rein it in at least today because I feel very bloated.

It doesn't help that I have about one bowel movement a week! I know tmi but its a fact of my life theses days! 0_o

My Mom was having major issues and started using a product called Nutracleanse. Don't let the name scare you, you it is just:

Nutracleanse is made from these Natural Organic Ingredients :

• Flax Seed
  
• Psyllium Husk
  
• Dandelion Root Powder
  
• Burdock Root Powder
  
• Fenugreek Seed Powder
  

My mom swears by it and I have actually started trying, but only used it this morning, so I cannot comment much. It is a Canadian product, but I found it on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/NutraCleanse-2-2Lb-Nutra-Cleanse-NutriCleanse/dp/B009DR9PES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374341297&sr=8-1&keywords=nutracleanse

And here is their website for more information:

http://nutracleanse.biz/nutracleanse-product/

Just my opinion. I've got lots of those and I'm not so great at keeping them to myself.

~Cheri

I always love your opinion!! And the people that don't are the people that just don't want to hear the answers!

And OP, don't worry about the post, I think it is a very valid question, in both ways that it was answered!

I am just bouncing around right now, so a little frustrating. Fast, lose, normal day, back up. Don't get me wrong, still happy to be down a little bit, but thoroughly annoyed with the bounce! And we leave tomorrow on holidays and I know I won't be fasting any days while we are gone, so we will see how that goes!!

Coops, that is AWESOME!! I can't express how frickin' happy I am for you!!!!!!

Great responses and perspective.

My topic actually was more about feeling jaded as a "vet" and listening (reading) all the honeymoon posts and realizing that it's not all roses and sunshine but listening to others who can't believe how the weight is just melting off them. And not really about how you feel about your sleeve journey. More just wondering if the inundation of newbie posts get old.

I'll be honest, most of the time I don't even read them anymore. It is very repetitive and lots of the same stuff over and over again. And most of the time, the ones I do read, I am always concerned because so many people are looking for a magic answer, and the sleeve is not that.

I am really going to look into that. I need a way to tackle this in my brain and not just my stomach.

It really can be difficult. I am like Laura, I have a lot of issues around food and will eat until sick, even now, after going through surgery. I have had to set up my environment for success. I cannot keep any trigger foods in the house or I will eat them. I have been for counseling as well, and it does really help. I am lucky, I live in Canada where I can access services that are covered under health care. I am glad that you have insurance now that you have the options to really take care of yourself! Good for you for taking the opportunities to do what you can for yourself!

My newest pic from today @ 147 pounds ...I am thinking 22 lbs more to go but I would still be happy with 12 more lbs

You look fabulous!!

Swizzly, you are beautiful and your body is amazing!! I love seeing pictures, it makes me feel so much more connected!

I haven't tried this yet, but plan on it! It says it makes 3 servings, but I am not sure how big a serving would be. I have tried cauliflower bread sticks, and they are a decent substitute.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 
  1/2 head of raw cauliflower, grated (about 3.5, loosley packed)
  3 green onions, chopped
  4 cloves garlic, minced
  2-3 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
  1/2 - 1 tsp. garlic salt
  3 eggs beaten
  oil
  Pork, chicken or shrimp, cooked (optional)
  

Directions

In a wok or large skillet, heat eough oil to cover bottome of pan. Fry minced garlic and white part of onions for approximately 1 minute. Add cauliflower and fry for approximately 5 minutes stirring constantly. Add soy sauce, garlic salt, green onion tops amd meat (optional) and stir until mixed. Push mixture to side of pan. Add more oil if necessary, and scramble eggs in empty side of pan until done but still moist. Stirr eggs into "rice" and remove from heat. Serves 3 as a side dish.

Number of Servings: 3, each serving is

Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 3

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 155.4

Total Fat: 9.8 g

Cholesterol: 212.5 mg

Sodium: 869.6 mg

Total Carbs: 8.7 g

Dietary Fiber: 3.0 g

Protein: 9.5 g

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=586165

iPhone app

I am actually part of the group, but I cannot get access with my Samsung Tablet, it says I do not have permission. I have to do everything from my desktop.

That is great reply M2G!

I have to say at no point have I ever regretted getting this surgery done. Like M2G said, I would have never been able to maintain this weight loss if it wasn't for the sleeve. And I would have never gotten to the weight I got to either. I have never been this weight in my adult life, and honestly I may have been 12 or 13 when I weighed this amount, if I am lucky!

Yes, I have to be diligent and yes I have to watch what I eat. But in reality, there are very few people on this planet that can truly eat whatever they want and not gain weight. Of course it is not without struggles, and I think everyone needs to go into this surgery with their eyes wide open.

I love The World According to Eggface, and her quote that is my favorite is "WLS is not a do-over (repeat the same mistake, get the same outcome). WLS is a do-better (make lasting changes that you can live with for a lifetime)

I happily wear my rose colored glasses still because without them and my sleeve, I could not have accomplished anything!

Okay, FASTING DAY ONE is done!!!

Whew! What a day too! My older daughter (12) ran around buying supplies to make stilts for my younger daughter's birthday (she turns 11 on Sat.) and she wanted stilts. The ones she wanted were like $70 plus shipping (they were aluminum) but someone suggested I just buy the wood and make them myself.

Well, 4 hours in a hot garage with my daughter helping me...OMG, I did get a Headache and figured it was fasting related, but could have been the heat also. I drank tons of Water today. Probably 100oz just to keep myself hydrated in the heat. We finished them but still need to paint them tomorrow (in the heat again!)

But I logged everything including the two tiny hot tamale candies that I ate, lol. Total for the day was 506 cals.

So glad I can eat tomorrow, but do have to say that I like not having to constantly worry about food, etc. Reminds me of being a newbie sleever when food didn't consume my every thought. I can see why some of you say you actually look forward to a fasting day.

That is terrific!! Plus you probably sweated those 500 calories away!!

I notice the restriction more on the fast days. I feel starving and feel like I could eat a ton, but then I can't. I can still eat a small chicken breast and some veggies no problem though. And only came in at 384 calories yesterday. Usually I have a snack if I am that low, but I didn't feel like it yesterday.

And I am still a bit of a fast eater, but usually know when to stop. Fast days are a little hard because I am actually hungry when I eat, so then I tend to eat a lot faster than I normally would.

smashed my fast day yesterday... really proud of myself... and plenty of water... oh and the scale read 163 this morning! yes, you read that right,,, 163!

I know it will bounce around for a few days but I've broken the 164 that I have been seeing for ages... yey!

If I could, I would give you a giant hug and jump around with you because I am sure that is what you were doing when you saw that number on the scale!!!

You of course have to do what you feel is right for you. From my understanding, a bypass is a little harder to live with than the sleeve because of the absorption problems. And there are so many things that play into weight, it is not just about willpower, so don't beat yourself up about that. But, like Laura said, you can sabotage the bypass as well. Best of luck in your decision and I pray that everything works out for you.

It took me 18 months to reach my goal weight, and I know others as well that are still losing, even 3 years post op (one I met through the same place I had my surgery and she has lost 266lbs and is 3 years out and still slowly losing little by little).

So don't get discouraged! There is no expiry date on the sleeve and it will still work with you if you let it even 3+ years out. Ask any of us vets and you will see that the restriction is still there!