FishingNurse

Can you tell us more about how your leak complications are effecting you? Also with your low blood sugars, can you not go long periods without eat before getting too low??

so I have read! you are my inspiration!

Hello!!! I am getting back on track too. I am 2 1/2 years out. I am about 5lbs from my low weight (today) and 20lbs from my NEW goal. I was originally satisfied with just a BMI of 29.9 or less. Now I am shooting for 150's or a size 8, whichever comes first :-) (size 12 now) I was eating junk and not working out for the past year, I am lucky I only regained 7-8lbs! I am down 3.5 lbs since the first of the year.... I have been:
1.) following a modified intermittent fasting eating schedule, kind of like the 5:2 diet many vets are following...
2.) eating 80 grams of Protein per day
3.) drinking lots of Water
4.) weight lifting to increase lean muscle and rev my slightly slowed metabolism
We can do this!!!! I know we can. Summer is coming, and it is so nice to feel great about ourselves, that’s my motivation.

All such great support. Self correction is part of making changes permanent. Whenever you self correct, that's the right time. Coming here is a step in making that u-turn.
If I think I'm not living for wellness, I go back to basics: community support, eating plan, and move my body in ways that make me happy and challenge me and tracking.
Clear the stinkin thinkin of shoulding on yourself. Heehee. Instead of thinking about what you should do, think about what you'd like to do/ want to do. Very powerful shift.
Also, getting some medical support might help. Go see your primary doc for a physical and some labs.
You get to decide where to put the effort!

Nice to see you sleeve! I was off track, and got back on... also the 5:2... Im at goal, and eventually will probably do what you have, and lower my goal another 8-10. Maintaining right now is good though.

The intermittent fasting seems to be the ticket for vets in a rut like myself. I gained 7-8 pounds back from my all time low over the last year. (I am 2.5 years out)
Unfortunately I am not able to only consume 500 calories or less per day. I wish I had the will power to do it!!!!
BUT I started a similar idea at the first of the year and I am down 3.5lbs!!!
It’s called the 8 hour diet. It’s simple. You eat 8 hours of the day only, the other 16 you fast. (you drink Water or other beverages with no calories.) Basically you can eat whatever in the 8 hours with in moderation, but no need to restrict calories significantly.
So far so good!!! It is surprisingly easy for me to follow. I have also been shooting for high Protein, lowerish carb, (but I am reasonable, I have still been getting my white chocolate iced espresso daily from Caribou coffee!!) and I have been at the gym which also helps.
I haven’t seen the scale move DOWN in more than a year I’d say!
I work 2nd shift as a nurse, so I have slightly different hours to eat then some of you might… but this is what I do:
I eat Breakfast at about 11:30am, and then I can eat a snack around 2 or 3 and have dinner at 7-7:30 then I don’t eat again until 11:30am the next day. I thought it would be hard but it’s not! Also the book I read regarding the plan does say even if you follow this 4-5 days a week you will still see results. (google 8 hour diet for more info)
This plan seems to give your body a chance to use stored fat for energy. I feel great! Also the plan recommends a brief 8 min “workout” just before you break the fast in the morning. (I will lift my 5 pound dumb bells and push-ups and go up and down the stairs a few times.
I am very optimistic, I know I have only been following the plan for 10 days but I am excited to be on the loser’s bench again. I will keep everyone posted, I can’t wait to weigh myself tomorrow!!

Hello!!! I am getting back on track too. I am 2 1/2 years out. I am about 5lbs from my low weight (today) and 20lbs from my NEW goal. I was originally satisfied with just a BMI of 29.9 or less. Now I am shooting for 150's or a size 8, whichever comes first :-) (size 12 now) I was eating junk and not working out for the past year, I am lucky I only regained 7-8lbs! I am down 3.5 lbs since the first of the year.... I have been:
1.) following a modified intermittent fasting eating schedule, kind of like the 5:2 diet many vets are following...
2.) eating 80 grams of Protein per day
3.) drinking lots of Water
4.) weight lifting to increase lean muscle and rev my slightly slowed metabolism
We can do this!!!! I know we can. Summer is coming, and it is so nice to feel great about ourselves, that’s my motivation.

The intermittent fasting seems to be the ticket for vets in a rut like myself. I gained 7-8 pounds back from my all time low over the last year. (I am 2.5 years out)
Unfortunately I am not able to only consume 500 calories or less per day. I wish I had the will power to do it!!!!
BUT I started a similar idea at the first of the year and I am down 3.5lbs!!!
It’s called the 8 hour diet. It’s simple. You eat 8 hours of the day only, the other 16 you fast. (you drink Water or other beverages with no calories.) Basically you can eat whatever in the 8 hours with in moderation, but no need to restrict calories significantly.
So far so good!!! It is surprisingly easy for me to follow. I have also been shooting for high Protein, lowerish carb, (but I am reasonable, I have still been getting my white chocolate iced espresso daily from Caribou coffee!!) and I have been at the gym which also helps.
I haven’t seen the scale move DOWN in more than a year I’d say!
I work 2nd shift as a nurse, so I have slightly different hours to eat then some of you might… but this is what I do:
I eat Breakfast at about 11:30am, and then I can eat a snack around 2 or 3 and have dinner at 7-7:30 then I don’t eat again until 11:30am the next day. I thought it would be hard but it’s not! Also the book I read regarding the plan does say even if you follow this 4-5 days a week you will still see results. (google 8 hour diet for more info)
This plan seems to give your body a chance to use stored fat for energy. I feel great! Also the plan recommends a brief 8 min “workout” just before you break the fast in the morning. (I will lift my 5 pound dumb bells and push-ups and go up and down the stairs a few times.
I am very optimistic, I know I have only been following the plan for 10 days but I am excited to be on the loser’s bench again. I will keep everyone posted, I can’t wait to weigh myself tomorrow!!

The intermittent fasting seems to be the ticket for vets in a rut like myself. I gained 7-8 pounds back from my all time low over the last year. (I am 2.5 years out)
Unfortunately I am not able to only consume 500 calories or less per day. I wish I had the will power to do it!!!!
BUT I started a similar idea at the first of the year and I am down 3.5lbs!!!
It’s called the 8 hour diet. It’s simple. You eat 8 hours of the day only, the other 16 you fast. (you drink Water or other beverages with no calories.) Basically you can eat whatever in the 8 hours with in moderation, but no need to restrict calories significantly.
So far so good!!! It is surprisingly easy for me to follow. I have also been shooting for high Protein, lowerish carb, (but I am reasonable, I have still been getting my white chocolate iced espresso daily from Caribou coffee!!) and I have been at the gym which also helps.
I haven’t seen the scale move DOWN in more than a year I’d say!
I work 2nd shift as a nurse, so I have slightly different hours to eat then some of you might… but this is what I do:
I eat Breakfast at about 11:30am, and then I can eat a snack around 2 or 3 and have dinner at 7-7:30 then I don’t eat again until 11:30am the next day. I thought it would be hard but it’s not! Also the book I read regarding the plan does say even if you follow this 4-5 days a week you will still see results. (google 8 hour diet for more info)
This plan seems to give your body a chance to use stored fat for energy. I feel great! Also the plan recommends a brief 8 min “workout” just before you break the fast in the morning. (I will lift my 5 pound dumb bells and push-ups and go up and down the stairs a few times.
I am very optimistic, I know I have only been following the plan for 10 days but I am excited to be on the loser’s bench again. I will keep everyone posted, I can’t wait to weigh myself tomorrow!!

The intermittent fasting seems to be the ticket for vets in a rut like myself. I gained 7-8 pounds back from my all time low over the last year. (I am 2.5 years out)
Unfortunately I am not able to only consume 500 calories or less per day. I wish I had the will power to do it!!!!
BUT I started a similar idea at the first of the year and I am down 3.5lbs!!!
It’s called the 8 hour diet. It’s simple. You eat 8 hours of the day only, the other 16 you fast. (you drink Water or other beverages with no calories.) Basically you can eat whatever in the 8 hours with in moderation, but no need to restrict calories significantly.
So far so good!!! It is surprisingly easy for me to follow. I have also been shooting for high Protein, lowerish carb, (but I am reasonable, I have still been getting my white chocolate iced espresso daily from Caribou coffee!!) and I have been at the gym which also helps.
I haven’t seen the scale move DOWN in more than a year I’d say!
I work 2nd shift as a nurse, so I have slightly different hours to eat then some of you might… but this is what I do:
I eat Breakfast at about 11:30am, and then I can eat a snack around 2 or 3 and have dinner at 7-7:30 then I don’t eat again until 11:30am the next day. I thought it would be hard but it’s not! Also the book I read regarding the plan does say even if you follow this 4-5 days a week you will still see results. (google 8 hour diet for more info)
This plan seems to give your body a chance to use stored fat for energy. I feel great! Also the plan recommends a brief 8 min “workout” just before you break the fast in the morning. (I will lift my 5 pound dumb bells and push-ups and go up and down the stairs a few times.
I am very optimistic, I know I have only been following the plan for 10 days but I am excited to be on the loser’s bench again. I will keep everyone posted, I can’t wait to weigh myself tomorrow!!

The intermittent fasting seems to be the ticket for vets in a rut like myself. I gained 7-8 pounds back from my all time low over the last year. (I am 2.5 years out)
Unfortunately I am not able to only consume 500 calories or less per day. I wish I had the will power to do it!!!!
BUT I started a similar idea at the first of the year and I am down 3.5lbs!!!
It’s called the 8 hour diet. It’s simple. You eat 8 hours of the day only, the other 16 you fast. (you drink Water or other beverages with no calories.) Basically you can eat whatever in the 8 hours with in moderation, but no need to restrict calories significantly.
So far so good!!! It is surprisingly easy for me to follow. I have also been shooting for high Protein, lowerish carb, (but I am reasonable, I have still been getting my white chocolate iced espresso daily from Caribou coffee!!) and I have been at the gym which also helps.
I haven’t seen the scale move DOWN in more than a year I’d say!
I work 2nd shift as a nurse, so I have slightly different hours to eat then some of you might… but this is what I do:
I eat Breakfast at about 11:30am, and then I can eat a snack around 2 or 3 and have dinner at 7-7:30 then I don’t eat again until 11:30am the next day. I thought it would be hard but it’s not! Also the book I read regarding the plan does say even if you follow this 4-5 days a week you will still see results. (google 8 hour diet for more info)
This plan seems to give your body a chance to use stored fat for energy. I feel great! Also the plan recommends a brief 8 min “workout” just before you break the fast in the morning. (I will lift my 5 pound dumb bells and push-ups and go up and down the stairs a few times.
I am very optimistic, I know I have only been following the plan for 10 days but I am excited to be on the loser’s bench again. I will keep everyone posted, I can’t wait to weigh myself tomorrow!!

This was my 3rd sleeved Christmas .... I gained 6 pounds. Boo!!! Starting back at the gym and doing a D.tox through lifetime fitness. Yay we can do this!!

This was my 3rd sleeved Christmas .... I gained 6 pounds. Boo!!! Starting back at the gym and doing a D.tox through lifetime fitness. Yay we can do this!!

This was my 3rd sleeved Christmas .... I gained 6 pounds. Boo!!! Starting back at the gym and doing a D.tox through lifetime fitness. Yay we can do this!!

This was my 3rd sleeved Christmas .... I gained 6 pounds. Boo!!! Starting back at the gym and doing a D.tox through lifetime fitness. Yay we can do this!!

Thank you for posting!! I think I have been inspired to give this a try!! I have weighed 169-171 for 18 months now. (170 was my goal...) Haven't been trying to lose. Maintaining with ease! But, I have been thinking about shooting for a new goal weight of 155 ! I'm starting tomorrow with my first fasting day! Very excited.

Thank you for posting!! I think I have been inspired to give this a try!! I have weighed 169-171 for 18 months now. (170 was my goal...) Haven't been trying to lose. Maintaining with ease! But, I have been thinking about shooting for a new goal weight of 155 ! I'm starting tomorrow with my first fasting day! Very excited.

So I am 15 months post-op.....
Just thought I would share my experiences and what life is like for me as a sleever in maintenance. I made my weight loss goal ( a very modest goal in fact...) at about 8 months out. So I have maintained my weight loss with ease for the last 7 months. I chose a higher goal than many sleevers for several reasons....
1.) easier to maintain
2.) no lose skin. That's right people, I have no lose skin, my butt is still round and the girls are still perky!
3.) I am normal, curvy healthy and average. That's all I ever wanted!
4.) I wear normal sizes. I am in a 12 and as a nurse I wear medium scrub tops and large bottoms. I LOVE BEING NORMAL. (preop I was in 2x and 24s)
I don't really care that my BMI is not "normal" it never will be, I am happy and healthy. My surgeon and primary agree I am in a great spot.
So what do I eat? a typical day is about 2000 calories. I was eating 1400 a day for weight loss.... I got up to 1000 cals as soon as I could post op so I wouldn't tank my metabolism. I don't eat low fat anything, I don't drink diet anything, no sugar free toxic crap. I eat small and healthy amounts everything. I have a vanilla latte everyday.I eat cheese at least twice a day. I eat lots of fruit and veggies and of course Protein. I go out to eat, have dessert a few times per week. I eat like a healthy, normal person.
I still have started a real workout routine at the gym... I have a fairly physical job as a nurse and I take the dog for walks all the time, I plan to workout at the gym this winter for health purposes.
All in all my point is.... I am so happy I was sleeved!!
below is a before and after.....:-)

I met the love of my life post sleeve (2-3 months post-op, 50 pounds down) Definately made a big difference in my confidence. I could be myself. I think you will find dating is much easier post sleeve-- confidence makes a big difference!

Just wanting to say a quick thank you to my fellow VETS here in the Vet's Forum for encouraging me, lifting me up, and being there for the long haul! I know several of you who went before me OD, Coops, GT, etc. and a few of you who were really close to my date as well and a lot of you were who were after me.
But staying HERE at VST and being encouraging to me is awesome and I just wanted to say thanks.
(If you want to see my before/afters I posted here)
http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/97887-3-years-ago-today-i-had-the-vsg/
I celebrated by purchasing some new spin shoes and doing a double workout (weight lifting for a hour and spin for an hour!)

I have wanted some of these for so long and a 3 year 'anniversary' seemed like a good time to treat myself!

They weren't cheap but totally worth the investment and way better than cake (well, ok, *almost* better than cake...)

Anyway, 3 years is a long time to be on a message board but I wouldn't be here without some of my fellow vets and for that I'm so grateful. THANK YOU!

My mom had stomach cancer 23 years ago. 3/4 of her stomach was surgically removed. She went from 195lbs to 115 pounds. And she has been cancer free and healthy ever since! So technically he had a similar procedure, and is soning just fine!

oh yeah, for most things. Its a new normal I suppose. I just don't get "discomfort" I am 26 months post op. My restriction does fluctuate. Examples of normal sized meals: 3-4 oz of steak and a few veggies 4-5 oz chicken breast and a few veggies, 1 small hotdog with small bun. 1 large slice of pizza. (or 2 small- like thin crust) or even 4 jumbo shrimp and I am stuffed. I can eat a 6inch sub, without the top of the bread. BUT I can eat an entire box of cheezits in a few hours. and trust me, I have. So I avoid sliders as much as possible, but not all the time. I have found a happy medium. I am very happy!

oh yeah, for most things. Its a new normal I suppose. I just don't get "discomfort" I am 26 months post op. My restriction does fluctuate. Examples of normal sized meals: 3-4 oz of steak and a few veggies 4-5 oz chicken breast and a few veggies, 1 small hotdog with small bun. 1 large slice of pizza. (or 2 small- like thin crust) or even 4 jumbo shrimp and I am stuffed. I can eat a 6inch sub, without the top of the bread. BUT I can eat an entire box of cheezits in a few hours. and trust me, I have. So I avoid sliders as much as possible, but not all the time. I have found a happy medium. I am very happy!

oh yeah, for most things. Its a new normal I suppose. I just don't get "discomfort" I am 26 months post op. My restriction does fluctuate. Examples of normal sized meals: 3-4 oz of steak and a few veggies 4-5 oz chicken breast and a few veggies, 1 small hotdog with small bun. 1 large slice of pizza. (or 2 small- like thin crust) or even 4 jumbo shrimp and I am stuffed. I can eat a 6inch sub, without the top of the bread. BUT I can eat an entire box of cheezits in a few hours. and trust me, I have. So I avoid sliders as much as possible, but not all the time. I have found a happy medium. I am very happy!

oh yeah, for most things. Its a new normal I suppose. I just don't get "discomfort" I am 26 months post op. My restriction does fluctuate. Examples of normal sized meals: 3-4 oz of steak and a few veggies 4-5 oz chicken breast and a few veggies, 1 small hotdog with small bun. 1 large slice of pizza. (or 2 small- like thin crust) or even 4 jumbo shrimp and I am stuffed. I can eat a 6inch sub, without the top of the bread. BUT I can eat an entire box of cheezits in a few hours. and trust me, I have. So I avoid sliders as much as possible, but not all the time. I have found a happy medium. I am very happy!