Finding MeMe

Hi there, welcome to the forum. I made the decision after I gained almost 75lbs after I retired, As I turn 40 this wt started creeping up slowly and I just could't get it off no matter how many step aerobics and spin classes I took. I also ate small amounts but I could never get full and would end up consuming too many calories. I have been con constant diets my entire adult life froom 17 years old to 43 years old. I would say at least two crash diets per year because I was in the military and I had to starve myself twice per year to make weight. Upon retirement and my 45h birthday I was at 250lbs my highest wt ever, I took a look at a photo from my gym and I said it's time to do something drastic so I started researshing the gastric bypass. I ran into someone who was researching the sleeve and I did also, I liked what I read about the sleeve and got the surgery in Jan 2012. I am now down to 182lbs in 6 months and I could NEVER HAD DONE IT WITHOUT THE SLEEVE. I could not do this alone not even with all my military discipline, courage, blah, blah, blah. My best advice is to read and gather as much info as you can and prepare yourself mentally. It is an emotional experience, I have lost friends because of this surgery, they think I am better than they are after I lost the wt. My lifestyle is changed now and I can't be around all the food any more, they can't understand that. Thank God my husband supports me and he is the only friend I need. So get strength and knowledge because you will need it, Good luck to you and I wish you success and happiness. I know I found it with the sleeve and only wish I had the operation done earlier

Yes it a great way to add protien.

Congrats and happy losing can't wait to read your posts...

Thanks ladies, I feel so happy these days. The best thing was, I didn't gain any weight in Vegas and I was naughty with the eating and drinkin, but I did workout. Now back to my weight loss.

Hi friends, I just had to post some vegas vacation photos. I haven't taken photos that I was happy about in years so here I go. What a difference from my "fat days"

Good luck, you'll be surprised how fast you will fit into those size 16's. I went from size 20/22 to size 8 in six months.

Congrats you are an inspiraton for sharing your success. Skinny mini does feel better than fat...

Good news more converts to liiving healthy with the sleeve.

I don't count carbs, calories, fats or sugars. I just exercise at least 5 days per week for at least 60 minutes. I also lift wts three days per week. I find that if I don't workout consistantly I won't lose wt and If I want to gain I just lighten up on working out and stop eating when full. I know that I should know my optimum levels for wt. loss but just adjusting my exercise level and time works for me..

Go Go Go and have fun. Nothing wrong with showing off the new you.

No, my surgeon gave me the choice for surgery and it was my decision which one to have. I did my research between the bypass, rny and sleeve. After reading about the absorbtion issues, vit dificiencies, night blindness, etc with the bypass. I choose the sleeve, I can eat what I want only in small amounts.

You'll get used to the small amounts after you find yourself throwing too much away and your tummy stops you. It is amazing how little food the body needs to survive and all the food I used to eat in the past just shocks me.

Be careful, you don't want to gain too much. Use this time to practice eating slowly and enjoying your food (called mindful eating). Some surgeons want to see you lose wt to show that you are ready for the change. Good luck to you.

My robe that tie in the front, flip flops to walk around the hallway and leav the hosp in because I didn't want to bend down to tie my shoes, toothbrush/paste, cellphone and charger and big baggy clothes that I wore to and from the hospital. Oh and I forgot tic tacs to keep my breath fresh and moist.

ok, I just added you as a friend and sent you a message. Click on envelope tab and you will read my message.

chips and watermelon

Hello Tabby, there are lots of mentors here willing to answer questions and share our knowledge. Feel free to friend me and just ask a question we are all happy to answer.

Good for you, it is important to change our exercise routine.

Ohhh my internet friend, I send my sympathy and you made me want to cry with you for having a poopy day. Hang in there and focus on the positive. Right now you are feeling like this but soon you will be feeling like this .

Yes I feel the same even when working out everyday and hanging in with the class of skinny girls I thought I was good and in shape, just a little fluffy. Well my picture that someone from the gym took of me finally made me face the truth. I was fat not simply fluffy so I got my sleeve and there is no turning back. I am not nothing short of fabulous now.

For me it's exercise. The more I exercise the faster I lose so I try to work out at least 5 days per week for an hour.

I am right here feeling the same way. Currently as I type this, I am eating my breakfast of two eggs and cheese to get my nutrients in. I don't feel like eating but know I have to or I will lose my last 20 lbs too fast. I now eat to live not live to eat which is a good thing.

Issues such as full feeling in the chest and throat until the food goes down and if I get really greedy and eat too much at once it will come back up. I now have to eat very slowly which is hard to get used to especially when eating out with friends and such. I don't regret it but it takes some getting used to.

Good for you to seek an alternitive, I tell you this is a life long battle. I got the sleeve which was the only option for me. I thought about the bypass but didn't want the absorbtion issues. I can eat all foods only in small amounts. If I get greedy and eat too much or too fast then I will have issues. Good luck to you.

You guys are all too skinny now. I can't believe that my friends are calling me too skinny and small. Me skinny, I laugh and say whatever.