Louisiana Girl

Hey Guys, wanted to chime in, too... I was sleeved down in Mexico in June - 4 months out yesterday! I'm about 10-15 lbs away from goal (I say that because I'm at 140 right now and looking lean and mean so my original goal of 125 may be too much). I am finally at the point where I love my sleeve! It was a journey, for sure... and still is! Like Louisianagirl said, you will learn a whole new set of rules for staying healthy along the way!
Good luck to everyone!

woot woot to you Louisiana girl. I think I could get into trouble if I was 125 lbs (hahaha)... so awesome!!!!

I know this is a big decision for those of us who started under 200, but it was the best decision for me. We are in the middle---we're not terribly overweight, but we're not our normal weight either. But what really hit home for me was when I read that I am obese. OBESE! I guess I didn't think I was as overweight as I was. But it started at 20 lbs, then 30 - 40 - 50, then 60!! Wow, I was obese! It's a big decision, and an extreme one, but well worth it!

Hi all,
Sorry I have abandoned this site. Just an update on my personal progress. I am at goal, well..below goal. I could never have gotten to this point if not for my sleeve. This was such a blessing! My cholesterol and blood pressure are all normal. I honestly have not been truly hungry since my surgery. I love not being able to stuff myself...feel almost normal now. But I still have times when I want to eat just to eat, even though I can't eat a whole lot at a time. So, this is where my willpower has to kick in and I have to use the tools I've learned my whole life, and especially during the last eight months. I take my Vitamins every day, take some Protein supplement every day, at meals - eat protein first, take small bites, chew all food slowly, Desserts in moderation.....everything in moderation!! I think I can do this!

ahh2bm3 - Good luck with your surgery!! My advice would be to follow your doctor's plan, get in your Protein, and take your Vitamins. Also, don't be in a rush to eat foods that are not on your plan until your sleeve is ready for them. You will eventually be able to eat the foods you love IN MODERATION! We have been given a blessing. The sleeve is a tool, not the answer. So, listen to your sleeve and enjoy your new life--because this surgery is life changing. Keep us updated.

I have also posted on Start Some More Conversation! I got confused. At this point, 8 months out, I have lost 70 lbs. I am at goal, actually below goal. I love my sleeve and the extreme decision I made to do it! I didn't weigh myself except at the doctor's office in the beginning. I think our bodies go through stages of halts and loses. I followed the doctor's plan for the first 4 months.
Good luck to all who have made this decision to be healthy!!!

Thinner Peace - I felt that as long as I could lose 10 lbs a month, I am good. I have accomplished that, and am thrilled with my results. And, it helps to not be hungry! There will be a day when all of a sudden everyone notices you have lost weight...and it will be soon!

Well, it's been about four months since my surgery. I have lost about 45 lbs and have had to go out and buy new clothes. What a glorious day it was, trying on my old clothes, and throwing them in the "get rid of" pile. I still have about 20 lbs to lose, so I only bought a couple of pieces as I need them. Those are even getting loose on me. But I'm smiling! I'm even starting to like the way I look. Granted, I have a little loose skin. But I'd rather loose skin than the fat. That had to be one of the best presents I gave to myself! Loving my sleeve!

@Mermaid Girl - I live in Bedico, between Madisonville and Ponchatoula. Dr. Thomas Lavin did my surgery. I tried a number of means to get in my Protein. There are products from my Bariatric clinic called MyWeight products, and in the beginning of my post surgery when I couldn't have bananas and strawberries, I used them. A bit pricey, but it was worth it for me. I loved the Wild Berry fruit Drink (15 gr protein. There are other flavors too, but I liked the Wild Berry the best. I also drank their Vanilla Capuccino (15 gr protein). I also drank Smoothie King strawberry Gladiator powder and GNC Isopure Alpine Punch powder mixed with Water. Initially, I only used one scoop of the Gladiator powder. Then, when I could have strawberries and bananas (day 15 post surgery), I started adding those to my smoothie and loved it. Seven months out and I still have the Gladiator smoothie (2 scoops = 45 gr protein) with 1/2 banana and about 4 frozen strawberries every morning and drink the Isopure Alpine Punch (1 scoop = 25 gr protein) mixed with Diet V8 Splash Berry Blend every evening. Combined, that's 70 gr protein total by supplements. I could never eat enough to get that much protein in.

I'm not sure if this is where I start the posts. This is my first time starting a group.
My BMI was 34 when I had my surgery. How did I get to this point? I never had to worry about my weight when I was younger. And I'm talking 15 years ago. At 44 yrs old. Then, I started paying less attention to what I was putting in my mouth, and not exercising. I knew that I was putting on weight, but never really saw myself as big as I was. Clothes got tighter, but I kept saying "I'll start my diet Monday". Then Monday came, and I felt deprived if I couldn't eat the foods I wanted. My comforting friend. I couldn't lose that friend. I could lose 20 lbs, but only to put them back on. My motivation faded whenever there was an opportunity to go out and eat and drink with friends. We are social people. So here I am now -----needing to lose 60 lbs. But I decided to do something for myself, for me! I know this is drastic, but necessary.

I am 6 months out. I made sure I followed doctor's orders regarding food progression, Vitamins, Protein, liquids. A little tough at first, but keep your eye on the prize! After 4 months, I could eat what I wanted in much, much smaller quantities. I didn't vomit once. Got uncomfortable with some foods, so I waited to try again. Everyone is different. I had 60 lbs to lose and am now at goal. I love buying all new clothes. I smile when I look at myself in a mirror. I love my sleeve. Well worth what I had to give up-- Stuffing myself because I had no self control. Good luck with your surgery!

I am 6 months out. I made sure I followed doctor's orders regarding food progression, Vitamins, Protein, liquids. A little tough at first, but keep your eye on the prize! After 4 months, I could eat what I wanted in much, much smaller quantities. I didn't vomit once. Got uncomfortable with some foods, so I waited to try again. Everyone is different. I had 60 lbs to lose and am now at goal. I love buying all new clothes. I smile when I look at myself in a mirror. I love my sleeve. Well worth what I had to give up-- Stuffing myself because I had no self control. Good luck with your surgery!

I'm not sure if this is where I start the posts. This is my first time starting a group.
My BMI was 34 when I had my surgery. How did I get to this point? I never had to worry about my weight when I was younger. And I'm talking 15 years ago. At 44 yrs old. Then, I started paying less attention to what I was putting in my mouth, and not exercising. I knew that I was putting on weight, but never really saw myself as big as I was. Clothes got tighter, but I kept saying "I'll start my diet Monday". Then Monday came, and I felt deprived if I couldn't eat the foods I wanted. My comforting friend. I couldn't lose that friend. I could lose 20 lbs, but only to put them back on. My motivation faded whenever there was an opportunity to go out and eat and drink with friends. We are social people. So here I am now -----needing to lose 60 lbs. But I decided to do something for myself, for me! I know this is drastic, but necessary.

I'm not sure if this is where I start the posts. This is my first time starting a group.
My BMI was 34 when I had my surgery. How did I get to this point? I never had to worry about my weight when I was younger. And I'm talking 15 years ago. At 44 yrs old. Then, I started paying less attention to what I was putting in my mouth, and not exercising. I knew that I was putting on weight, but never really saw myself as big as I was. Clothes got tighter, but I kept saying "I'll start my diet Monday". Then Monday came, and I felt deprived if I couldn't eat the foods I wanted. My comforting friend. I couldn't lose that friend. I could lose 20 lbs, but only to put them back on. My motivation faded whenever there was an opportunity to go out and eat and drink with friends. We are social people. So here I am now -----needing to lose 60 lbs. But I decided to do something for myself, for me! I know this is drastic, but necessary.

Wow! That's great! Love our sleeve! See you Thursday!

First time I am coming to this thread that you created KB. I live in Covington at the moment. Will be closing next Thursday on a new house in Bedico (Villages at Bocage, which is close to Highway 1085) on Highway 22. Bedico is between Ponchatoula and Madisonville.
I posted a reply on Louisiana Sleevers. We should really try and get together before F4M has surgery. How did the office visit go?