Strangefruit

You guys are so helpful...thank you... My doc has the bedside manner of Dr. Gregory House... I dont like him at all, but he is the guy my insurance covers... I weigh every Monday and saw a loss today and feel better... This is HARD... Anyone who thinks this is an easy solution has no idea of how hard the behavior modification is... I throw up if I eat one bite too much...and right now, dont always recognize the full cue.

You guys are so helpful...thank you... My doc has the bedside manner of Dr. Gregory House... I dont like him at all, but he is the guy my insurance covers... I weigh every Monday and saw a loss today and feel better... This is HARD... Anyone who thinks this is an easy solution has no idea of how hard the behavior modification is... I throw up if I eat one bite too much...and right now, dont always recognize the full cue.

So I had my procedure one month ago today and I'm down 30 lbs. It has been a heck of a ride And every day gets easier and every day I feel closer to being the man I want to be. "Hope"is back in my vocabulary and for the first time in many years I'm not afraid of dying fat and alone at an early age, clothes are fitting better sleep is better and one of my diabetes meds have been DC'd so all in all not a bad month at all---keep the faith Robb.

Deep breaths. I had surgery the week before Thanksgiving. I was thinking WHY the Hell did I do this?? about a million times on Thanksgiving. I was lucky enough to avoid the holiday and lock myself at home away from everyone...and food, but it was very rough. Especially when my best friend texted me to complain about how she over ate and was stuffed. Its really rough for a food addict to NOT be able to eat when all everyone is doing is stuffing their face. I described it to my mom like this...for a food addict to NOT be able to eat on Thanksgiving (or Christmas, or any of these holidays...) is like a crack head being told they can't do crack on national crack day, while everyone else around them, even people who normally do dont crack are going crazy smoking the stuff, the the TV, media and every other source is all 'Hey everyone it's crack day! Don't forget to do your crack!' ...okay a bit extreme but how I felt. We are food addicts, it's extremly tough to not be able to eat this time of year but see it EVERYWHERE. At work, the grocery store, TV...and heck even if you don't see it- you smell it! It drove me INSANE all day smelling my next door neighbor cooking on Thanksgiving!!
Just sending you some big hugs, I think we who suffered through the holidays deserve some extra bragging rights when all is said and done And remember there will ALWAYS be more holidays in our futures! And now thanks to surgery hopefully a few extra ones!

Hi all!
Just wanted to share with ya'll an update on me. I'm currently 10 months out and my only regret is not having done this years ago!! I feel so great about my progress and am just about 35 lbs from my goal. I have pretty much stuck to the program, I am not as good about taking Vitamins as I should be, but I know it. However, labs at 9 months were great! So I guess I can't be too hard on myself. I'll go ahead and post before and afters so you can see where I came from and where I am now. Please don't hesitate to ask questions, this site was so helpful to me at the beginning...
HW: 368 lbs 2/20/12
CW: 215 lbs 12/18/12
Goal: 180 lbs

I had surgery on Sept. 19th. I shared with three friends only. (Two of them are married to each other and the husband had gastric bypass himself three years ago).
I did not tell my family, children, friends or coworkers. I told my employer that I had thyroid surgery to explain my 2.5 weeks medical leave. My family lives out of state so we don't get together much due to distance and expense. The last time we all were together was in July and I was 239 at that point. My friends and I live over two hours apart which sadly we don't get together as often as we wish, so our get togethers are rare. Life is so busy.
All this has made the transition very smooth keeping the surgery private. People at work are noticing my over 50 lb weight loss and asking if I am losing weight and are complimenting. I have posted recent pictures on Facebook which I avoided always before and have received compliments. Because I don't see my family and friends very often, its easy to explain the weight loss by eating much smaller portions and watching what I eat. No-one is aware of how rapid its been other than the co-workers I work daily with.
My kids have noticed but think I am on a diet of sorts. It motivated my 21 year old daughter to lose a bit of weight and my 14 year old twins haven't paid too much attention.
Bottom line, keeping my explanations brief and people thinking its gradual weight loss has emotionally made this journey so much easier for me. I get frustrated over the stalls like everyone else because I lose inches slowly so my pants size hasn't dropped as fast as I would like which would make a bigger impact visually but I'll get there.

Umm, sure it is. We have already proven to ourselves (and everybody else) that we dont have what it takes to stick to the diet & exercise thing on our own. Many of us have tried every other gimmick under the sun to lose weight, and failed. We are food addicts (most of us anyhow). If there were a surgery that could cure alcohol, drug, gambling, or porn addictions would there be any objections to using those surgeries? I think not. We have a weakness when it comes to food. Therefore we NEED help. We need this to be as "easy" as it can be. And let me tell you, after over 6 months with my sleeve, when your stomachs capacity is 6-8oz total, it's pretty damn easy to not eat a 16oz steak, or a whole pizza, or 4 slices of cheesecake.
When someone makes the remark "that's the easy way" I have to agree. Last I checked we are always searching out easier ways of doing almost everything.
Cars are so much easier than bicycles
The Internet is easier than encyclopedias
Tractors are easier than a horse & plow
Debit cards are easier than writing checks or carrying cash
Pre prepared foods are easier than scratch cooking
Since when is making something easier a bad thing?

Today is 100 days since surgery. I started before preop at 305 and I'm now at 240.6. I lost 23 on Preop (a full month of preop!) I've lost 41.4 in the past 100 days and I couldn't be happier! I am a Band to sleeve revision and have been unable to work out. I have yet to (knock on wood) stall it's slowed down the past two weeks but still moving!! I should be able to start the gym soon too!!. I'm only 2.2 from my New Years goal. I am so thankful for my sleeve. I wish I had gotten this 3 years ago instead of the crapband!! can not wait to see what the next 100 days brings (lol takes away really)
The next 3 weeks are going to be challenging with family vising and holiday goodies but I'm in such a better place than I ever have been that I know that It won't break me!
I'll try and post some pictures later on

I am three months out down over 45 lbs, but I am having a hard time with so many temptations around this time of year. I don't think I mentally prepared for it. I have thrown up a glazed donut, and pushed to eat more than I knew I could on more than one occasion because it is Christmas! Not good. Need more tools to help deal with a sleeve at this time of year!

Hi Stacy,
I am just over half way there and I use my before and after pics to keep me motivated, especially when I am in a stall ... I am real slow loser but I am losing...
Here goes, hopes this helps...
[
this was the day I went in to hospital 2nd July 2010

this was the end of June 10

last week

side view!!

this is this week at 32 weeks post op, my most recent pic
Like I said, I still have a fair bit to go, but when I look back and am pleased with the progress so far... I look forward to sharing goal pics!!

I was sleeved the same day and have the same experiences. For me a few rounds of awful slimming and feeling like im going to hurl help you keep in check. Measuring food helps, but I try to work the eyeball system as well then measure to see how close I am. Its a bit unrealistic to rely on measuring everything in the real world. Unless you carry around one of those little drug dealer scales from the TV shows!

I was sleeved on 10/22... I still don't have a good understanding of FULL...but know exactly the feeling of OVER full... With me, it's a feeling as though something is stuck in my chest, not my throat... and the difference between full and this horrible feeling can be as little as one more bite.
My NUT jokingly says, "Eat until you are full, but stop two bites before..." That is exactly what I have to do... I am getting better at eyeballing the amount I should eat... and I stop before I feel "full" because I don't exactly have this feeling. But I know if I eat ONE BITE past this ... non feeling, then I was have the uncomfortable pain feeling in the chest that is only alleviated by throwing up. I also get this feeling if I eat too fast or don't chew well enough. Such is the life of a sleever.

I was sleeved on 10/22... I still don't have a good understanding of FULL...but know exactly the feeling of OVER full... With me, it's a feeling as though something is stuck in my chest, not my throat... and the difference between full and this horrible feeling can be as little as one more bite.
My NUT jokingly says, "Eat until you are full, but stop two bites before..." That is exactly what I have to do... I am getting better at eyeballing the amount I should eat... and I stop before I feel "full" because I don't exactly have this feeling. But I know if I eat ONE BITE past this ... non feeling, then I was have the uncomfortable pain feeling in the chest that is only alleviated by throwing up. I also get this feeling if I eat too fast or don't chew well enough. Such is the life of a sleever.

So... I was sleeved on 10/22... and sometimes feel discouraged because I am "only" down 36.5lbs... BUT. Today? I went into a back closet at home and am wearing an outfit that I have not worn in ... oh, heck, I have no idea - a LONG time. And? When I saw my primary care physician two weeks ago, my blood pressure was low enough that she took me off of my blood pressure meds... and told me to check in in two weeks to see how I was doing. I stopped in the office today and my BP was 120/79. NO MORE HBP!
So, although the weight is not "dropping" off as fast as I had imagined, I am off of two medications, wearing smaller clothes, and have been working out DAILY on the treadmill. Life is good.

So... I was sleeved on 10/22... and sometimes feel discouraged because I am "only" down 36.5lbs... BUT. Today? I went into a back closet at home and am wearing an outfit that I have not worn in ... oh, heck, I have no idea - a LONG time. And? When I saw my primary care physician two weeks ago, my blood pressure was low enough that she took me off of my blood pressure meds... and told me to check in in two weeks to see how I was doing. I stopped in the office today and my BP was 120/79. NO MORE HBP!
So, although the weight is not "dropping" off as fast as I had imagined, I am off of two medications, wearing smaller clothes, and have been working out DAILY on the treadmill. Life is good.

So... I was sleeved on 10/22... and sometimes feel discouraged because I am "only" down 36.5lbs... BUT. Today? I went into a back closet at home and am wearing an outfit that I have not worn in ... oh, heck, I have no idea - a LONG time. And? When I saw my primary care physician two weeks ago, my blood pressure was low enough that she took me off of my blood pressure meds... and told me to check in in two weeks to see how I was doing. I stopped in the office today and my BP was 120/79. NO MORE HBP!
So, although the weight is not "dropping" off as fast as I had imagined, I am off of two medications, wearing smaller clothes, and have been working out DAILY on the treadmill. Life is good.

So... I was sleeved on 10/22... and sometimes feel discouraged because I am "only" down 36.5lbs... BUT. Today? I went into a back closet at home and am wearing an outfit that I have not worn in ... oh, heck, I have no idea - a LONG time. And? When I saw my primary care physician two weeks ago, my blood pressure was low enough that she took me off of my blood pressure meds... and told me to check in in two weeks to see how I was doing. I stopped in the office today and my BP was 120/79. NO MORE HBP!
So, although the weight is not "dropping" off as fast as I had imagined, I am off of two medications, wearing smaller clothes, and have been working out DAILY on the treadmill. Life is good.

Well said. And I am agnostic. But I can still send good wishes, positive vibes and all my hopes out to each of you. Granted, you will not consider me as powerful as your God, but surely you will take all the positive energy you can get! I will!

Hello everyone!

P.S- I am not writing this topic to be mean or anything, am just trying to make a picture clear since the error i see here does hurt sometimes.


This topic does not have anything about weight loss but It is about an issue that i have seen in many posts.

As you should all know by now, that people from different parts of earth have joined this forum, people of different colors and different religions... WE ARE NOT ALL CHRISTIANS.

I am not christian but i follow a religion that has a god that i pray to. I respect all religions and as to christians i have tons of christian friends actually my bestie is a christian, my cousin married a christian.

But see...Sometimes i feel that on this forum only christians are to pray and to give support.

I will give some examples to specific sentences in posts that made me think like this. I wont give direct quotes so that i dont call anyone out.
I am having the surgery on (bla,bla day) and i wanted to ask all the fellow christian sleevers to pray for a speedy recovery. (well why wont you just ask all the sleevers to pray for you, do i have to be a christian to pray?)

If you are a christian, you know what to do. Just pray and everything will be better. (Well am not a christian and i also know that praying is the key)

i wish all the christians a happy thanksgiving (we also Celebrate it!!!)

etc...etc

Too many examples very short time... I am not being mean and i know that this error is not intended... I just want everyone to please review what you type before publishing just so you are not leaving anyone out of the equation. Learn to love all religions because not everyone is a christian, and i would love to pray for you for a great recovery and thank you happy thanksgiving to you too.

We are all here to support each other no matter what color/religion we are... its about the support!!

In 7 days I'll be 3 months out from surgery...58 pounds down & loving it...I work in advertising & we get lots of gifts this time of year from clients. The reason I'm posting is pre-surgery I was an avid chocoholic! Right next to me on my desk is a gigantic "dark chocolate pizza" that I would've demolished. It's doing NOTHING for me now. YAY.....love this feeling.....

I am six weeks post op... I have tried:
Bariatric Advantage
Premier Protein
GNC powder and ready to drink
Unjury
Oh Yeah
Chike
Syntrax
Muscle Milk
Max Protein
Rockin' Refuel
BSN Syntha
Syntrax Matrix
Protizyme
Nashua Nutrition
Click
BSN Lean
... and probably a few I cannot remember. And? I hate them ALL.
They are all too sweet!
I am almost LIKING Isopure zero carb alpine punch... It kind of tastes like (to me) cranberry juice mixed with a dry white wine... Served ice cold, it had a gag-free refreshing tartness.
If you are also having a hard time stomaching uber sweet shakes, you might like this. BTW, it's kinda pricey in my opinion...

I am six weeks post op... I have tried:
Bariatric Advantage
Premier Protein
GNC powder and ready to drink
Unjury
Oh Yeah
Chike
Syntrax
Muscle Milk
Max Protein
Rockin' Refuel
BSN Syntha
Syntrax Matrix
Protizyme
Nashua Nutrition
Click
BSN Lean
... and probably a few I cannot remember. And? I hate them ALL.
They are all too sweet!
I am almost LIKING Isopure zero carb alpine punch... It kind of tastes like (to me) cranberry juice mixed with a dry white wine... Served ice cold, it had a gag-free refreshing tartness.
If you are also having a hard time stomaching uber sweet shakes, you might like this. BTW, it's kinda pricey in my opinion...

Santa, Baby, I've really been an awfully good girl, Santa, Baby. How bout a VSG under the tree, for me. My surgery date is the day after Christmas!! Happy holidays to all!!

I am now 5 months and 2 weeks post surgery. I've lost 61 pounds. I'm pretty happy with this.. but I've been struggling mentally lately. I hit a stall, and broke it... but, during my stall some of my old me habits started creeping in. I've been fighting them... I know I'm strong enough too. So, my first question is this. How did you all stay motivated? Did you fall off the "wagon" at any point or did you breeze through with super focus? I have 45 more pounds to go to hit my goal. I want to hit that goal more than anything! I've let stress sabotage me a little lately.
Second question is... did any of you ever have that moment of seeing yourself one day post surgery, and go, "Whoa, is that me?!" I did this morning. I was walking into work, and caught a glimpse of myself in the windows of my building as I was walking in. I did a double take, like I was seeing myself for the first time. I look so different! I'm smaller... and I'm wearing clothes that hug me, and I don't look bad! My face is thin... my legs are strong.... whoa. I've changed. When was your "whoa" moment?

I went to Chipotle and got a naked burrito bowl - chicken, cheese and mild salsa... I got 4 meals out of it.
I am looking forward to being able to add onions, peppers and other stuff, but for now its a very satisfying change from fish. I am trying to go high Protein and low carbs, so no Beans... Anyway, it was delicious!