FishingNurse

I really hate being really full. So I rarely do get overfull. I think picking foods that are not sliders makes a big difference. I could eat a half a box of cheezits and not feel full, but could eat 3oz of steak and feel like I ate a thanksgiving meal! So choosing the right foods is huge.

My restriction is still good after 20 months. I can eat a lot more than I could in the first 6 months, but I still feel like my sleeve is a great tool. Typical meal size: 2 eggs. 1 medium/ large slice of pizza. 3/4 of a 6 inch sub. 1 slice of toast with peanut butter and half a banana sliced on it. Preop I I could eat a footlong sub and chips and a cookie! Or 6 slices of pizza. I'm super happy with my sleeve 20 months out!

Wahoo!! That's awesome you look great

I'll send a message to you just hit reply! :-)

Lol you guys crack me up!

Hi I'm here !

the vsg is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself. I have maintained a 90 pound loss for more than a year now. I am 20 months out. I think you will be so happy. Most of us sleeved folk are! Ditch that band and join our club. :-)

I had it before and it only got worse after. :-( but that's my only complaint. I have to take Prilosec 20mg twice daily. It's worth it, I'm very happy 20 months post op.

the water will help a lot with the constipation!

I am a firm believer (along with my surgeon) that carbonated beverages do not stretch sleeves. They have not stretched mine. I I am almost 20 months post-op and I drink 2-3 sparkling waters everyday. I don't drink it with food, just between meals. I still have great restriction and have maintained my goal weight with in 5 pounds. Most carbonated beverages (soda and diet soda) however are not "healthy" that's why I think many surgeons tell patients to not drink them. Its the sugar and the fake sugar that is bad- not the carbonation. If I drank 3 sodas a day I would obviously not be able to maintain a 90 pound weight loss for over a year now. If someone chooses to avoid carbonated beverages that is their choice. Personally I can't say I will NEVER drink this or eat that... It's just not my style especially when I have no reason not to!

I agree 100% carbonation has NOT stretched my sleeve and I am 20 months post-op. I drink 2-3 20oz sparkling waters like La Croix everyday.. I have good restriction and have maintained my weight with in 5 pounds. I think whatever works for you is good. Give the concoction a try! :-)

stalls are normal! 22 pounds in 5 weeks is fantastic. Make sure you get your 65 grams of protein and enough water... that's it! The weight will come off. Please NO DIET PILLS!!!!!

Take charge! I too after 15 months had gained 7 pounds back. Its so easy to do. But now I took charge and cut my cals by a few hundred per day and started working out and am back down to where I was.... I am even trying to lose an additional 10 pounds. YOU CAN DO THIS! 1.) focus on Water between meals. get 64 or more ounces for sure 2.) when you wanna snack go for veggies and low fat dip, or high Protein low cal foods like tuna and cottage cheese. 3.) burn extra calories every day working out, walking more, taking the stairs, just move more! you can take charge... don't give up, and on the bright side its only 6 pounds.... set your goal to lose 1 pound per week. :-) I am with ya!

I think the leak risk is reduced if you follow your post op guidelines, although sometimes it just happens. My surgeon says less than a half a percent (0.5%) of his patients end up with a leak. And stomach stretching.... In my opinion if you also follow the guidelines and don't consistently over eat your restriction should stay good. I am 20 months out and still have good restriction!

You are amazing!!

I definately recommend the sleeve! I'm a RN too, and have seen patients not lose weight with the band. I'd say 1/4 of the people on this forum already had the band and it failed or slipped and switched to the sleeve. It was the best thing I have ever done! I'm 20 months post op and so happy! Btw welcome to the forum!

I snack on it all the time. I just eat it cold right from the package! I prefer the pieces that are shaped like legs. Yum!

oh my! Just found out I am pregnant. My finance and I are excited just shocked. This was definitely a surprise! I have no doubts that I am far enough out and can nourish a baby with out any problems! Any tips suggestions, encouragement would be nice! This is my first pregnancy ever, I am 29 and am due October 14 2013! :wub:

Hey, what ever helps you stay on track! I'm 20 months post op and have been thinking about it, I'd like to lose 7-10 more pounds and need the structure. They do encourage healthy, wholesome food!

Welcome! Thanks for sharing your story. Good luck on yor journey. It is the best decision I have ever made!!

I agree. Listen to your body. I see no harm in walking on a treadmill! Good for you- so motivated! :-)

Love this!!! It was a good feeling when I could ditch that over priced place forever!

Awesome job. You were beautful before but you look happy and beautful now!

Omg yum! I'm totally going to make those. Thanks!