Holly5.3

This is by far one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life! It's not a "quick-fix" like some people may think, although the weight loss is "quick", the pre and post surgery diets alone no doubt scare away the weakest of the frey looking into having WLS! Even now at 3 months post-op, I'm looking forward to the holiday season ending because it is hard, constantly making the right decision on what to eat and how much, when in the past over-indulging in food and drink was "tradition". (I've only had one pity-party, recently and I posted about it "Cranky Mom- Help!" LOL) but those who know and love me, also know my history with food and would rather see me alive and healthy than slowly dying! (I've reversed Type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea is cured and I no longer have back spasms daily!) It's only those who feel insecure about themselves who actually feel jealous when they see others doing what they themselves should do. All we can do for them is to pray that they one day make those hard decisions like we did, to better our bodies - and our lives and to be a positive energy! Happy New Year's everyone! Just think of next year when it'll be a year post-op...I'll be really celebrating then (and watch out haters, I'll be looking hot, too -- for an "old lady!")

Thanks everyone who posted! I survived my self-induced exile! My husbands aunt felt bad, she didn't realize my diet was so restricted. I could have had just toppings or asked them to make me something but at the time my head hunger and the aroma of the Restaraunt was too much for me. We are visiting my husbands grandma (her 95th birthday celebration tonight) in Georgia, we live on Long Island, NY. I cried. I talked with my husband and he spoke to my girls about being more empathetic. They both apologized. No, I don't expect my family to suffer because of my decision (I cooked and baked up a storm this Holiday season!) but I still have struggles and good and bad days. This morning I put on my big girl panties, had some Cereal for the first time, and am focusing on relaxing and resting to build up strength to make it through tonight's party.

My stomach growls and belches letting me know when it's empty-it kind of feels like hunger pains but a little different. Make sure you get Protein in all day. As soon as my protein wears off I feel it. For me, 10 grams of protein gets me through one hour. My Premier shake has 30 grams and takes me from 6-9am every day. Greek yogurt gets me through to lunch. I hate the rumbling my tummy makes but I'm trying to use it as another tool for my success-it's my nutrient gage now. As far as craving sweets, I don't-I'm craving veggies which my tummy will not accept! Never, ever thought I'ld say that!

Everyone's journeys different. Our Pre-surgery lives and relationships with food vary so it goes without saying that our post-sleeve lives will also vary. I've cheated -thank God no complications other than temporarily feeling like I wanted to puke my guts up and/or pass out! Every single day is a struggle with food-my head (and nut, dr. Etc.) say ok to eat chicken and eggs, etc. etc. Well, I can't. Two or three tiny bites and done! Veggies are not going down at all. Water must have addiditves. Am I tempted to eat other things? Sure. But I don't. Not when my own body is telling me "nah, can't digest that, sweetheart!" Whaaaaaaa! I'm surviving on Greek yogurt, cheese, daily shake and Protein Bar. I ate a few homemade Christmas Cookies, they went down just fine (figures!) but couldn't eat my Cornish game hen, green Beans, etc. This journey is not for the weak-choices and decisions need to be made with every bite of food or sip of beverage each and every day. I know that by next Oct. I'll be in much better shape, consumption wise, and without getting depressed, I've decided that this is my year to sacrifice my addiction for food for a healthier body. I've had my pizza. I've had my fried, greasy foods (you don't get to almost 300 pounds by eating salads!). I will have my salads and chickens-eventually! For now, I'm shrinking away and eating a lot of dairy -Mooooooo!

Weigh-in 12/26/12-212.5 - missed goal by 5.5 lbs. - that's ok, a 15 lb. Loss from Thanksgiving to Christmas is truly a "Christmas Miracle" for me! Happy New Year!

Wow-Ocober sleevers are doing fabulous! From close to 100 lbs. lost- we all are doing great and on our way to onederlnad in 2013-congratulations to those of you who broke past 200, or 300! I'm looking forward to getting below 200 soon! Yaaa! Best Christmas ever!!! Stats:
8/12 - 278
10/11/12 (DOS) - 255.5
12/26/12 - 212.5
-43 lbs since sleeved! Good luck everyone for continued success in the New Year!

My parents were concerned at first and Niw -60 pounds later -they are my biggest fans!

Happy Birthday! I just want to say that I had a tiny sip of a fall punch about 4 weeks post-op-well, about 20 minutes later I was sick as a dog! It wasn't worth it at all! Meanwhile, I asked my doctor last week at my 2 month post op visit about alcohol and she said they recommend waiting 3 months and then to avoid beer and wine. She said have Crystal Lite with a dash of vodka would be ok. Also, she warned that sleevers are cheap dates-be careful, the buzz sneaks up on you! Good luck!

Congratulations! You look awesome! Thanks for the inspiration-I love before/after (or during!) photos! Good luck getting to goal-how thrilling!

That's fantastic! It sounds like you!re on your way to onederland for the New Year! I too hope to get there soon-19 pounds to go! Keep it up girl, you're doing great!

Nope! On my way to my 2 month post-op visit with my surgeon-I've lost over 50 lbs since 1st visit with him in August! Sooo happy! Is it easy? No-I have a lot of food issues to work through. I eat too fast and am learning not to and try really hard not to eat that one bite too many that i'm accustomedto doing, as well. One meal at a time is my motto! Feel 10 years younger - 50's are the new 30's after being sleeved!

Oct. Sleevers are doing fantastic!!! We had Halloween and Thanksgiving to make it through and we still did great! I'm most happy to report my BMI went from 44 to 38 since Aug. (start 278- 219 today! -59 pounds!) Can't eat everything and am taking it very slow. I'm just starting exercising today - cleared yesterday since I also had hernia repaired. Need to tighten and tone fo' sure! good luck making it through cookie and cocktail season!

Nope! On my way to my 2 month post-op visit with my surgeon-I've lost over 50 lbs since 1st visit with him in August! Sooo happy! Is it easy? No-I have a lot of food issues to work through. I eat too fast and am learning not to and try really hard not to eat that one bite too many that i'm accustomedto doing, as well. One meal at a time is my motto! Feel 10 years younger - 50's are the new 30's after being sleeved!

Nope! On my way to my 2 month post-op visit with my surgeon-I've lost over 50 lbs since 1st visit with him in August! Sooo happy! Is it easy? No-I have a lot of food issues to work through. I eat too fast and am learning not to and try really hard not to eat that one bite too many that i'm accustomedto doing, as well. One meal at a time is my motto! Feel 10 years younger - 50's are the new 30's after being sleeved!

Nope! On my way to my 2 month post-op visit with my surgeon-I've lost over 50 lbs since 1st visit with him in August! Sooo happy! Is it easy? No-I have a lot of food issues to work through. I eat too fast and am learning not to and try really hard not to eat that one bite too many that i'm accustomedto doing, as well. One meal at a time is my motto! Feel 10 years younger - 50's are the new 30's after being sleeved!

How are all our Octo and November sleevers doing today? I hope everyone is healing nicely. You are all in my prayers for speedy recovery!

Nope! On my way to my 2 month post-op visit with my surgeon-I've lost over 50 lbs since 1st visit with him in August! Sooo happy! Is it easy? No-I have a lot of food issues to work through. I eat too fast and am learning not to and try really hard not to eat that one bite too many that i'm accustomedto doing, as well. One meal at a time is my motto! Feel 10 years younger - 50's are the new 30's after being sleeved!

I am 6 weeks post op and I have a Protein Shake every morning to give me 30 grams of Protein. Mid-morning, a Greek yogurt with fruit (Chobani). Ill drink a 32 oz water bottle with Crystal lite and 10 grams if unflavored Protein Powder between meals. lunch is about 2 tbls. mashed potato w/shredded turkey or chicken, soft cooked veggie-total about 1/4 cup food. I can eat one large egg with laughing cow lite cheese added-without the soft cheese, I can only eat 3/4 of the egg. Although I no longer have restrictions (except to avoid bread!), I am taking it slow trying foods out slowly and staying with soft textures. For dinner tonight my family had pizza and my husband brought me back meatballs. I ate about 1/2 of one- I used to eat a slice or two of pizza plus 1/2 a meatball hero. What a difference a sleeve makes!

Thanks, girls! I feel great! Aside from being verrry tired at night-I would forget I had WLS! Oh, the burping reminds me too! Lol-when I'm hungry, or full...my new tummy speaks to me! Working in an Elem. School office is exhausting -let alone 2 teenage daughters (17&18), I'm doing terrific! I feel younger than my age (53!!), which is a complete 180 degree turn from a year ago! I'm so happy my sleeve saved my life and is giving me me "mo-Jo" back! Tee-hee!

I would say that to "shrink" the stomach (if in fact it did stretch, or is even capable of stretching!) go back to a Pre-op diet: 2 Protein Shakes a day and one lean and green meal. No fats. No carbs. No sugar. I am 7 weeks post-op and am cleared for everything except bread. I had some crackers with my tuna for the first time (I've had no bread, crackers, Pasta, rice since August) and I can honestly say those stinking 12 Special K crackers were delish but they stirred up my carb cravings big time! No more fir me if I want to keep losing like I have. Moral to this story...listen to your body!! We've put it so much-we need to be better listeners to learn how to keep on track and stay healthy...no vomiting, no over-eating. It's soooo hard, I know! But we can do this the right way-doing no more harm! Peace!

I am 6 weeks post op and I have a Protein Shake every morning to give me 30 grams of Protein. Mid-morning, a Greek yogurt with fruit (Chobani). Ill drink a 32 oz water bottle with Crystal lite and 10 grams if unflavored Protein Powder between meals. lunch is about 2 tbls. mashed potato w/shredded turkey or chicken, soft cooked veggie-total about 1/4 cup food. I can eat one large egg with laughing cow lite cheese added-without the soft cheese, I can only eat 3/4 of the egg. Although I no longer have restrictions (except to avoid bread!), I am taking it slow trying foods out slowly and staying with soft textures. For dinner tonight my family had pizza and my husband brought me back meatballs. I ate about 1/2 of one- I used to eat a slice or two of pizza plus 1/2 a meatball hero. What a difference a sleeve makes!