TES

Drug trials are underway currently to determine whether Qsymia carries cardiovascular risk (they are being conducted at Cleveland Clinic). I would want to wait to see the results of that study before considering it.

Went to a family reunion today to Celebrate my godmother's 90th birthday. 75 people feasting on Italian and Portuguese delicasies.
I was sleeved on 7/18/2013 so still on liquids. The food looked and smelled wonderful. I enjoyed it very much.
Stuck with my lemon Water and had fortified myself with 30 grams of Protein. I have been 100% transparent about the surgery.
It was so much fun and I got such loving support from my extended family. Wonderful.
I will confess that when the homemade Italian Cookies came out, I asked my cousin for a zip lock bag. I can't enjoy them now .....but in a few weeks, those few cookies will be waiting for me in my freezer. I love my family.

Congrats on your new life. It is not always easy, but it is worth it.

I told my Mom that I'm going to do this. She's supportive. Yea! She thinks it is a good investment in my health and future (though she didn't offer and financial help ) I was afraid she'd think I was copping out and taking the easy route.

That's a great idea, Lipstick Lady. And look at you closing in on a big milestone....

This forum is not private because it contains valuable information for newbies. It's not a forum to vent about newbies, but a forum for vets to find support and information. It also gives newbies a window into what life will be like further down the post-op road.
Lynda

Thanks for all the honest responses. I enjoyed the perspective provided. I can see how all the things that are frustrating would be just that! This is why I asked because while I haven't been here long I observe patterns (I am an auditor so that might explain it).
Just a thought but can you create a private vet forum or some other area that is private so you can vent in a productive manner? I certainly didn't post over here to kick the sand in the sandbox but the question I had was geared toward the small group who have hung around here after a year plus so I thought it was the right place to post logistically speaking.
Thanks again everyone for weighing in.

I always love your opinion!! And the people that don't are the people that just don't want to hear the answers!
And OP, don't worry about the post, I think it is a very valid question, in both ways that it was answered!

You don't have to apologize for posting. It's was a honest question.....not a big deal. Good luck to you and hang in there, you're just getting started. It's fun, really!

ABSOLUTELY, brilliant post!!! I'm three years and 1 month out. I've been maintaining for 2.5 years. I'm still bright eyed and bushy tailed....every day IS STILL a new day for me. I've never lost weight, kept it off, been thin, some times the smallest girl in the room. It's all new and I'm still excited as all get out!!! I have boughts of paranoia, where I'm scared I'll wake up 25 lbs heavier with that ravenous hunger we all experienced when we had a full, fledged tummy.....but a doctor recently told me "A little paranoia is good". I'm running with that, I'm not crazy after all!!! Like you said, I still weigh and / or measure my food. I weigh myself every morning, I log it all on my fitness pal. This is my new life, as natural to me as breathing.
I know me. There is no doubt in my mind, that I could still gain fifteen pounds in a month if I don't stay on top of things, I also know losing fifteen pounds is NOT as easy as gaining it. This was not a quick fix, but it beats the hell out of popping pills or counting points with WW's - only to gain it all back as soon as I go back to 'real life'. As of right now, today, I am successful. Tomorrow is a new day. Time will tell but I do know, this is a life long commitment, not a magic bullet. The doctor did his job, the rest is up to me. Attitude, you bet, a good attitude, "my glass is half full" is necessary!!

That is great reply M2G!
I have to say at no point have I ever regretted getting this surgery done. Like M2G said, I would have never been able to maintain this weight loss if it wasn't for the sleeve. And I would have never gotten to the weight I got to either. I have never been this weight in my adult life, and honestly I may have been 12 or 13 when I weighed this amount, if I am lucky!
Yes, I have to be diligent and yes I have to watch what I eat. But in reality, there are very few people on this planet that can truly eat whatever they want and not gain weight. Of course it is not without struggles, and I think everyone needs to go into this surgery with their eyes wide open.
I love The World According to Eggface, and her quote that is my favorite is "WLS is not a do-over (repeat the same mistake, get the same outcome). WLS is a do-better (make lasting changes that you can live with for a lifetime)
I happily wear my rose colored glasses still because without them and my sleeve, I could not have accomplished anything!

Way to go! Both a scale victory and a non-scale victory all in one!

Awesome! Congrats!!!!

So today is my 2 month check-in and I weigh under 230 lbs for the first time since somewhere back in the 80's!!!!
I have lost 37 and 1/10th lb which brings me to 229.4
Actually once I hit 232 I was lower than I had been since the 80's but getting under the 230 mark seems like a bigger deal.
This past month was the hardest part but things are starting to go more smoothly now.
Thanks for listening.

1.5 hours to 3 hours with recovery. Congrats on your date.

I getting sleeve on the 8/20!!!!

Anyone else experiencing this? I'll lose 10 pounds, stall for 2 weeks. Lose 10 more and stall for 2 weeks. I have noticed though that my bust waist and hips measurements going down and clothes fitting much looser. My dad even calls me "Slim" now...but still far from it. Just curious if this is normal or if anyone else is doing this?
Cindy

oops 43 pounds to go for goal weight of 150.. Then again I can use a little buffer

I just wanted to share to encourage others that with time we will all get to our destination. This is a journey and we are each having a different experience, keep your chin up and keep battling. My highest weight was 270 , my weight in pic had to be 252 and my current weight is 193. I have 50 more pound to go to be at goal weight. I had surgery on March 1st so it has been almost 5months and 59 pounds.

I am down 60 pounds today. I also had to buy a new belt, I can not wrap it around my waist anymore.

I add 1/3 cup of dried powdered milk to mine, add crushed ice and blend. It's creamier, smooth and far less sweet, plus it adds Protein.< /p>

I average 10lbs a month. Totally healthy loss and grateful that it's 10 lbs down and not up each month.

5:2 is working great for me so far! I am 2 lbs down so far and holding, and today is my 2nd fast day. My week will end on Monday. I lost 15 lbs during the past 3 months, an average of 1.25 lbs per week, so I'm already ahead of the game. I'm eating normally on the non-fast days--always under 1,000 calories. I don't feel deprived on the fast days and I actually seem to be able to get in some extra veggies and getting in lots of Water is easier than normal.

Today was a fast day and my goal was 500 calories, 60 g of Protein and 30 or fewer carbs. I ended up at 501 calories, 58 g of Protein and 34 carbs. Pretty good. I feel really great. I am just finishing my snack (Protein shake with leftover coffee and Torani syrup) so no more food until at least 7 tomorrow morning (12-hour fast). Stay tuned, and feel free to share what you are doing here! Curious to know what protein range others are at on fast days. I find that it's easier to get plenty of Water in on a fast day.