Queen of Crop

My breast reduction and lift was the best thing (after the sleeve!) that I ever did! Been 4 years now and I fee SO much better. You will too!!! Good luck!

OK, So this is too funny not to share. I went to the theater and saw an old client that I hadn't seen in a couple of years. This was the exchange:
ME: Hi Cosette. it's Zoe.
COSETTE: (Blank Stare back at me)
ME: Zoe, Zoe Walsh....
COSETTE: (Blank Stare back at me)
ME: (very slowly) Zoe Walsh from the vacation rental company...
COSETTE: (Continuing to Stare back at me while cocking her head to the side)
ME: (wondering if she's OK) you remember, we worked with your two beautiful properties....
COSETTE: (looking at me suspiciously) You're not Zoe....I know Zoe, you don't look anything like her.
ME: (laughing) Well, I have lost a little weight.....then I managed to convince her it really was me!
That was a first, actually I'm not sure it was a compliment (when things like that happen it's a reminder of how bad off I was before!) but it was pretty funny when it happened, she really didn't recognize me at all!

Congrats Musharooni....love those things....I just got back from my daily workout (have been consistent for 2 full months....first time in MY LIFE!!!). I ran/fast walked 3 miles in 41M 30s which makes a 13.7 minute mile! AND I ran for 1.25 miles straight! I thought I felt a little critter crawling down my back....turns out it was sweat! A new sensation for me for sure......

HUGE CONGRATS!!!! I SO get this.......for everyone out there.....be wise when buying clothes; you don't realize how fast you change sizes......I have bought some things that I have only worn once and then *poof!* too big! And it's so nice to know you won't be gaining it back so no reason to keep them "just in case."
Well done Lissa!

Running a mile is HUGE!!! I'm trying to work up to 5 minutes on the treadmill and can't quite seem to get there yet.....I can only imagine the huge smile on your face when you hit that.....reminds me that we are all so much more eager to be healthy once we have lost some weight; unlike before when (at least for me) I felt it was hopeless when I starved myself, tried to exercise and lost a quarter of pound a week! Keep up the good work!

My breast reduction and lift was the best thing (after the sleeve!) that I ever did! Been 4 years now and I fee SO much better. You will too!!! Good luck!

At smom13 I am 4 years post op, have been at my goal weight since one year after my surgery, didn't have it done until I was 58 and my only regret was not doing it sooner! As I think most people will say here. I can tell you that time really and truly does fly and soon you will be a veteran, at goal weight, happy, healthy and cheering someone else on. I kept a blog every Sunday of my first year (and turned it into a book) and when I look back on that time now it seems a bit surreal because now I have been living the life of a normal weight person and this is who I truly always was....sadly I was just trapped inside a fat body most of my life. I suspect you, like most of us will feel so much happier and more free from the life you have now. Rock on and get it done!!!

I have been on this forum for over 3 years (I had my surgery in Oct 2011) and have been at goal weight and maintained it for 2 years. But in all the thousands of posts I have read, I rarely see a post where the people who have been sleeved have not been happy with the results. There are some that don't quite reach goal, but they still have lost 70% of their excess weight. Some start to gain back after a period of a few years but usually get it under control because their quality of life is so much higher as a thin person.
I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but I would ask yourself the question. What is your alternative? I suspect you are considering this because all of the traditional methods have failed. I think you will find in your research, that this surgery has been a life saver and life changing event for the majority of people who have had it. Talk to your surgeon on the best option for you, but from what I have learned, I would not recommend the lap band. Hope that helps. And if you want some inspiration, read my blog and see how this surgery has changed my life; or just look at the photos! Trust me, I am grateful every single day I had this done. I am 61 and living a dream life.

Hi Bethel....at the risk of sounding like I doing a self promotion, please consider reading my book. I was 58 when I had it done and it changed my life. I am now 61 and happier than I have ever been in my life ever. I am also 5'3". You can do this. And in my humble opinion, you should!

Hi ladies!!! What you are going through is perfectly normal....I was sleeved exactly a year ago and the first 4-5 months the weight came off at a steady rate...I was INVINCIBLE!!! Then just when I thought I had a good system down of eating more or less the right things (I've never been really good at getting my Protein or Water in and I have a cookie every day, cream in my coffee and a glass of wine a few times a week), but I was consistently exercising and then it all stopped. I think I lost 2-4 lbs in 2 months....but I was so happy to have lost 50+ lbs I was in a good space, didn't indulge any more than the stuff above, kept exercising and enjoying it more, and then I started losing again. I reached my goal weight a couple of weeks ago and am now 139 lbs, 2 lbs below goal weight. So don't freak out, enjoy the ride and remember how far you have come. If you start to gain a lb or 2, you need to really think about how to counter act that one; do the usual things, up the Protein, cut the carbs and exercise more...time goes by so fast and if you just hang in there, before you know it you will be the weight you were meant to be!
BTW, just in THIS THREAD ALONE, between the 6 of us WE HAVE LOST OVER 400 LBS!!!!!!!!

I too had a breast lift and reduction, no implants and I couldn't be happier!!! As my surgeon said...."we have enough material to work with!" They are fabulous and very natural looking and I highly recommend you consider that instead of implants.

Good morning from Amsterdam....I'm an American but I was a relatively early sleever; was sleeved in 2011 in Germany; so I am going on 5 years out. I am 63 so I was 58 when I was sleeved. I lost 87 lbs in the first year (and kept a blog every Sunday and turned it into a book called Queen of Crop). I reached my goal weight and kept it off until just about 6 months ago. About year 2 I found I could eat anything and everything but I still watched what I ate and I was on a regular exercise program. My life changed dramatically and I loved the feeling of being a normal sized person. Last year, some of my old habits started coming back; snacking, eating sweets and drinking a glass or two of wine most nights. A few lbs kept creeping in and now I am 10 lbs over goal. All of this is because I have gotten to relaxed with my eating; my exercise is still good. So I just this weekend bought the book, The 5 Day Pouch Test and will start it in the next few days once I get prepared. So for me, being one of the veterans of this surgery, it was THE best thing I ever did, and still is. But like all normal weight people, you have to be smart about what you put in your mouth. And I simply got too lazy. So long term: it has been fabulous and I will get this weight off; should never have let it get to 10 lbs. My own doing....looking forward to feeling that honeymoon restriction again. Like everyone says, IT'S A TOOL...BUT A POWERFUL ONE. I probably should write a Queen of Crop 2....what a life I have had in the last 5 years!!!! WOW

Good morning from Amsterdam....I'm an American but I was a relatively early sleever; was sleeved in 2011 in Germany; so I am going on 5 years out. I am 63 so I was 58 when I was sleeved. I lost 87 lbs in the first year (and kept a blog every Sunday and turned it into a book called Queen of Crop). I reached my goal weight and kept it off until just about 6 months ago. About year 2 I found I could eat anything and everything but I still watched what I ate and I was on a regular exercise program. My life changed dramatically and I loved the feeling of being a normal sized person. Last year, some of my old habits started coming back; snacking, eating sweets and drinking a glass or two of wine most nights. A few lbs kept creeping in and now I am 10 lbs over goal. All of this is because I have gotten to relaxed with my eating; my exercise is still good. So I just this weekend bought the book, The 5 Day Pouch Test and will start it in the next few days once I get prepared. So for me, being one of the veterans of this surgery, it was THE best thing I ever did, and still is. But like all normal weight people, you have to be smart about what you put in your mouth. And I simply got too lazy. So long term: it has been fabulous and I will get this weight off; should never have let it get to 10 lbs. My own doing....looking forward to feeling that honeymoon restriction again. Like everyone says, IT'S A TOOL...BUT A POWERFUL ONE. I probably should write a Queen of Crop 2....what a life I have had in the last 5 years!!!! WOW

At smom13 I am 4 years post op, have been at my goal weight since one year after my surgery, didn't have it done until I was 58 and my only regret was not doing it sooner! As I think most people will say here. I can tell you that time really and truly does fly and soon you will be a veteran, at goal weight, happy, healthy and cheering someone else on. I kept a blog every Sunday of my first year (and turned it into a book) and when I look back on that time now it seems a bit surreal because now I have been living the life of a normal weight person and this is who I truly always was....sadly I was just trapped inside a fat body most of my life. I suspect you, like most of us will feel so much happier and more free from the life you have now. Rock on and get it done!!!

Good morning from Amsterdam....I'm an American but I was a relatively early sleever; was sleeved in 2011 in Germany; so I am going on 5 years out. I am 63 so I was 58 when I was sleeved. I lost 87 lbs in the first year (and kept a blog every Sunday and turned it into a book called Queen of Crop). I reached my goal weight and kept it off until just about 6 months ago. About year 2 I found I could eat anything and everything but I still watched what I ate and I was on a regular exercise program. My life changed dramatically and I loved the feeling of being a normal sized person. Last year, some of my old habits started coming back; snacking, eating sweets and drinking a glass or two of wine most nights. A few lbs kept creeping in and now I am 10 lbs over goal. All of this is because I have gotten to relaxed with my eating; my exercise is still good. So I just this weekend bought the book, The 5 Day Pouch Test and will start it in the next few days once I get prepared. So for me, being one of the veterans of this surgery, it was THE best thing I ever did, and still is. But like all normal weight people, you have to be smart about what you put in your mouth. And I simply got too lazy. So long term: it has been fabulous and I will get this weight off; should never have let it get to 10 lbs. My own doing....looking forward to feeling that honeymoon restriction again. Like everyone says, IT'S A TOOL...BUT A POWERFUL ONE. I probably should write a Queen of Crop 2....what a life I have had in the last 5 years!!!! WOW

OK ladies...so the FIRST step is what you are doing RIGHT here! You are not in denial any more (and let's face it, we were all there pre-surgery). You are owning up to the fact that you are not perfect...none of us are! But you are also facing the hard fact that you are going down a rabbit hole and came here to find some inspiration.
I am 3 years + post op and I have gained back as much as 7 lbs (am now back at goal) but like you, FREAKED out! When I was 223 lbs, the thought of weighing 160 something was thrilling....now, if I get in the 140's I feel completely out of control. SO, this is a good thing for us!
If you have recognized that you are self-medicating with food, then of course you need to address all those issues, comfort, boredom, depression. Everyone is different so you need to find the right answer for you: support groups, therapy, reading books or blogs from others, forcing yourself to meet other people socially (meetup.com is my all time favorite....this is where you FIND YOUR PEOPLE!!!). Once you start living a more full life you will be more motivated to get and keep the weight off.
And I will say the 5 Day Pouch Test does help you get back on track. Hey, try it for 2 or 3 days if you don't think you can do 5. Or do the 5:2. I have said it before, I will say it again. Even normal weight people (and we are one of them now) gain weight and pull it together before it's too late.....YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! It's summer....get out and move!

OK ladies...so the FIRST step is what you are doing RIGHT here! You are not in denial any more (and let's face it, we were all there pre-surgery). You are owning up to the fact that you are not perfect...none of us are! But you are also facing the hard fact that you are going down a rabbit hole and came here to find some inspiration.
I am 3 years + post op and I have gained back as much as 7 lbs (am now back at goal) but like you, FREAKED out! When I was 223 lbs, the thought of weighing 160 something was thrilling....now, if I get in the 140's I feel completely out of control. SO, this is a good thing for us!
If you have recognized that you are self-medicating with food, then of course you need to address all those issues, comfort, boredom, depression. Everyone is different so you need to find the right answer for you: support groups, therapy, reading books or blogs from others, forcing yourself to meet other people socially (meetup.com is my all time favorite....this is where you FIND YOUR PEOPLE!!!). Once you start living a more full life you will be more motivated to get and keep the weight off.
And I will say the 5 Day Pouch Test does help you get back on track. Hey, try it for 2 or 3 days if you don't think you can do 5. Or do the 5:2. I have said it before, I will say it again. Even normal weight people (and we are one of them now) gain weight and pull it together before it's too late.....YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! It's summer....get out and move!

OK ladies...so the FIRST step is what you are doing RIGHT here! You are not in denial any more (and let's face it, we were all there pre-surgery). You are owning up to the fact that you are not perfect...none of us are! But you are also facing the hard fact that you are going down a rabbit hole and came here to find some inspiration.
I am 3 years + post op and I have gained back as much as 7 lbs (am now back at goal) but like you, FREAKED out! When I was 223 lbs, the thought of weighing 160 something was thrilling....now, if I get in the 140's I feel completely out of control. SO, this is a good thing for us!
If you have recognized that you are self-medicating with food, then of course you need to address all those issues, comfort, boredom, depression. Everyone is different so you need to find the right answer for you: support groups, therapy, reading books or blogs from others, forcing yourself to meet other people socially (meetup.com is my all time favorite....this is where you FIND YOUR PEOPLE!!!). Once you start living a more full life you will be more motivated to get and keep the weight off.
And I will say the 5 Day Pouch Test does help you get back on track. Hey, try it for 2 or 3 days if you don't think you can do 5. Or do the 5:2. I have said it before, I will say it again. Even normal weight people (and we are one of them now) gain weight and pull it together before it's too late.....YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! It's summer....get out and move!

Hi everyone....please please don't compare yourselves to others....we are all different. But just read this forum and you will see:
HOW MUCH WEIGHT YOU LOSE WITH THIS SURGERY COMPARED TO ALL THE DIETS WE HAVE BEEN ON!!!!
HOW HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER WE ALL ARE!!!
HOW THIS HAS CHANGED OUR LIVES, OUR ATTITUDES, OUR SPIRITS, OUR FAMILIES, IN ADDITION TO HOW WE LOOK!
I have seen posts where people have complained that they only lost 5 or 6 lbs in one month...and are only 'down' 40 lbs in 6 months....are you kidding me???? When was the LAST time you lost that much with a diet!!!
I am 4 plus years out and still at goal weight. I rarely lost weight with a diet and certainly never kept off the little I lost.
You may bounce up and down a bit, you hit a stall if you are still in the losing phase, but YOU ARE LOSING AND SOON YOU WILL BE A NORMAL WEIGHT PERSON.
I AM GRATEFUL EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THIS SURGERY. AND THIS FORUM AND ALL THE POSITIVE VIBES FROM ALL OF YOU. LET'S NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN!!!

Hi Bethel....at the risk of sounding like I doing a self promotion, please consider reading my book. I was 58 when I had it done and it changed my life. I am now 61 and happier than I have ever been in my life ever. I am also 5'3". You can do this. And in my humble opinion, you should!

Good morning from Amsterdam....I'm an American but I was a relatively early sleever; was sleeved in 2011 in Germany; so I am going on 5 years out. I am 63 so I was 58 when I was sleeved. I lost 87 lbs in the first year (and kept a blog every Sunday and turned it into a book called Queen of Crop). I reached my goal weight and kept it off until just about 6 months ago. About year 2 I found I could eat anything and everything but I still watched what I ate and I was on a regular exercise program. My life changed dramatically and I loved the feeling of being a normal sized person. Last year, some of my old habits started coming back; snacking, eating sweets and drinking a glass or two of wine most nights. A few lbs kept creeping in and now I am 10 lbs over goal. All of this is because I have gotten to relaxed with my eating; my exercise is still good. So I just this weekend bought the book, The 5 Day Pouch Test and will start it in the next few days once I get prepared. So for me, being one of the veterans of this surgery, it was THE best thing I ever did, and still is. But like all normal weight people, you have to be smart about what you put in your mouth. And I simply got too lazy. So long term: it has been fabulous and I will get this weight off; should never have let it get to 10 lbs. My own doing....looking forward to feeling that honeymoon restriction again. Like everyone says, IT'S A TOOL...BUT A POWERFUL ONE. I probably should write a Queen of Crop 2....what a life I have had in the last 5 years!!!! WOW

Good morning from Amsterdam....I'm an American but I was a relatively early sleever; was sleeved in 2011 in Germany; so I am going on 5 years out. I am 63 so I was 58 when I was sleeved. I lost 87 lbs in the first year (and kept a blog every Sunday and turned it into a book called Queen of Crop). I reached my goal weight and kept it off until just about 6 months ago. About year 2 I found I could eat anything and everything but I still watched what I ate and I was on a regular exercise program. My life changed dramatically and I loved the feeling of being a normal sized person. Last year, some of my old habits started coming back; snacking, eating sweets and drinking a glass or two of wine most nights. A few lbs kept creeping in and now I am 10 lbs over goal. All of this is because I have gotten to relaxed with my eating; my exercise is still good. So I just this weekend bought the book, The 5 Day Pouch Test and will start it in the next few days once I get prepared. So for me, being one of the veterans of this surgery, it was THE best thing I ever did, and still is. But like all normal weight people, you have to be smart about what you put in your mouth. And I simply got too lazy. So long term: it has been fabulous and I will get this weight off; should never have let it get to 10 lbs. My own doing....looking forward to feeling that honeymoon restriction again. Like everyone says, IT'S A TOOL...BUT A POWERFUL ONE. I probably should write a Queen of Crop 2....what a life I have had in the last 5 years!!!! WOW

Such a bundle of good information!! I'm happy to hear that you are well even after 5 years. Love it!!! And writing a book and all...Fabulous! Thanks for telling us to stay on the program and keep the goal!!! Good advice!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good morning from Amsterdam....I'm an American but I was a relatively early sleever; was sleeved in 2011 in Germany; so I am going on 5 years out. I am 63 so I was 58 when I was sleeved. I lost 87 lbs in the first year (and kept a blog every Sunday and turned it into a book called Queen of Crop). I reached my goal weight and kept it off until just about 6 months ago. About year 2 I found I could eat anything and everything but I still watched what I ate and I was on a regular exercise program. My life changed dramatically and I loved the feeling of being a normal sized person. Last year, some of my old habits started coming back; snacking, eating sweets and drinking a glass or two of wine most nights. A few lbs kept creeping in and now I am 10 lbs over goal. All of this is because I have gotten to relaxed with my eating; my exercise is still good. So I just this weekend bought the book, The 5 Day Pouch Test and will start it in the next few days once I get prepared. So for me, being one of the veterans of this surgery, it was THE best thing I ever did, and still is. But like all normal weight people, you have to be smart about what you put in your mouth. And I simply got too lazy. So long term: it has been fabulous and I will get this weight off; should never have let it get to 10 lbs. My own doing....looking forward to feeling that honeymoon restriction again. Like everyone says, IT'S A TOOL...BUT A POWERFUL ONE. I probably should write a Queen of Crop 2....what a life I have had in the last 5 years!!!! WOW

Good morning from Amsterdam....I'm an American but I was a relatively early sleever; was sleeved in 2011 in Germany; so I am going on 5 years out. I am 63 so I was 58 when I was sleeved. I lost 87 lbs in the first year (and kept a blog every Sunday and turned it into a book called Queen of Crop). I reached my goal weight and kept it off until just about 6 months ago. About year 2 I found I could eat anything and everything but I still watched what I ate and I was on a regular exercise program. My life changed dramatically and I loved the feeling of being a normal sized person. Last year, some of my old habits started coming back; snacking, eating sweets and drinking a glass or two of wine most nights. A few lbs kept creeping in and now I am 10 lbs over goal. All of this is because I have gotten to relaxed with my eating; my exercise is still good. So I just this weekend bought the book, The 5 Day Pouch Test and will start it in the next few days once I get prepared. So for me, being one of the veterans of this surgery, it was THE best thing I ever did, and still is. But like all normal weight people, you have to be smart about what you put in your mouth. And I simply got too lazy. So long term: it has been fabulous and I will get this weight off; should never have let it get to 10 lbs. My own doing....looking forward to feeling that honeymoon restriction again. Like everyone says, IT'S A TOOL...BUT A POWERFUL ONE. I probably should write a Queen of Crop 2....what a life I have had in the last 5 years!!!! WOW