SmilingEyes

it is nearly two years for me... and i am really off track. i swore that i would never be this person that would do the surgery and then go back to how i use to eat.. guess i am not who i thought i was. i am that person. i am so made at myself. i need to bet back on track.. is it too late for me? did i stretch my stomach so bad that i don't have the benefit of my sleeve anymore?
i need serious help.

Thanks for your post .. if i did the math correct i have lost 83%

I'm three months post-op today and am feeling good. Especially after some scale and non-scale victories. Wanted to share!
I'm down 65lbs total. Yes!
I'm more active than I think I've ever been (even practicing for roller derby) Yes!
Just went shopping for clothes and went from a men's XXL shirt to a men's XL and from a 46" waist to a 40"! I was able to buy multiple pairs of pants in a regular (not big and tall) store.
It feels surreal to finally have some notable progress. I also feel like I'll wake up tomorrow , try to pull up my new pants, and find that they won't go past my knees!
Sent from my iPhone using VST

congratulations!!! Keep up the good work.!

Who is the "they" that told you that you had a hernia? Did they say it could prevent the surgey, or impact it? Either way don't worry too much. Just find a doctor that will repair the hernia and do the surgery at the same time.

In your reply you said something important - IT'S A JOURNEY. But so is life. The question is, are you going to be a driver or a passenger? You said you live an active life - well, that may be true to some extent. But that is only active as you know it - active in the eyes and mind of a large person. If you choose to move forward - and I will have more to say on that in a minute - you will find that what you used to think was an active life was a fraction of what lies ahead. The sleeping is better, life is better, you feel good about yourself (maybe for the first time in years) and yes, the sex is better -WAY BETTER and way more frequent. Becuase you want it more, because it feels better and becuase no matter how much you are loved, looking better makes a difference. It just does. I know that because now I am officially a Hottie again. LOLx10. I still enjoy a few beers now and then - I did not for quite a while, but now I do and it is working fine for me. BUT,here is my sage advice. Make sure that you really want to do this. If you are on the fence and not comitted to that journey - with all its ups and downs and rocky roads - you are far far less likely to feel good about your decision, you may even regret it, and may unintentionally (?) undermine your success. What concerns me the most is that on day one of the liquid diet you are having second thoughts. That is really troubling. It gets way worse before it gets better. Heck, on day one I was thinking that it was not so bad. Day 10 -- I was a bit gritchy, but not day 1. After surgery, I had problems eating certain foods and had problems keeping food down for a while, but now a year out all is settled and my body and I are friends again and food is not an issue. I think you need to really decide what you want. I say that becuase it isn't an easy path and there is no turning back. It is a life changing decision and a lifestyle changing decision. So think it through. Now as for me, I can only say this - I look frickin' great, I am not self conscious anymore, I have all new clothes - good stuff baby - Versace, Halston coture, you know why?, because I look good, I deserve it, I have earned it and because I am never going to be fat again. And guess what else, I am chasing my wife around the house like a bad looney tunes cartoon. We have gone from one time per two to three weeks to 3 times a week and some times twice on Saturday - just because I can. And now that I am 100 pounds lighter I can catch her every time. She used run between the sofa and the arm chair and I had to go all the way around and she would get away... not any more. Although I am pretty sure she lets me catch her - because she wants to be caught by her svelte husband. Way more fun than her old fat one. And almost 1.5 inches more of a husband and less of a belly (TMI?). I think that is why she slows down on the corners. So a little humor, a little sage advice, and all the best wishes. Read as much as you can on this site. There is every experience, every perspective, and people that are so willing to help and be there for you as much as possible. THHHH That's all Folks......

My VSG experience at one year post op:
I was sleeved on August 21, 2012 in Lancaster, PA by Joseph R McPhee IV, MD. My highest weight was 249 lbs, and I am 5’5”. At the time of my surgery I was 48 yrs old.
The full liquid pre surgery diet that my surgeon requires for 1 week helped to prepare me for my post op 2 week full liquid diet. After that, then I had a 2 week puree/soft food diet. At 4 weeks post op I was allowed regular foods as tolerated. Each surgeon is different, so follow their designated plan for you.
YES, you will most likely be sore after surgery, it’s normal, it was major surgery after all. Yes, you will most likely have reflux and pain in your shoulder from gas. Yes, the first 4 weeks after surgery basically sucks. BUT, it’s ONLY a very small portion of time in our very long lives, look at it that way. Before you know it, you’ll be recovered, barring any major complications. Follow all instructions from your surgeon, to prevent leaks and any major issues that might arise if you choose to do what you want to do.
Remember, you did NOT gain all this weight in a year, and most likely will NOT have it all off in a year unless you have less than 100 lbs to lose. So many people that I see here get so discouraged and say “I ONLY lost 10 lbs this month, is this normal?” Or, “I am in a stall, now what?” Our bodies need to recover and need to catch up and when else have you lost 10 lbs in a month, and not gained it right back? Calm down, quit whining and just keep doing what is right and it will all be ok. MOST of us have gone thru MORE than ONE stall and they last weeks upon weeks, so again, stop whining.
When I see posts that say “50 lbs GONE FOREVER” and the like, it makes me cringe!! This surgery is NOT a be all/end all to our weight issues. It’s a forever change in attitude and diet and exercise. It’s for life. If you think once you lose any weight you are NEVER gonna gain it back, you better get more help because IF you do gain it back, then what? As my surgeon says “one in five of his patients gains weight back”. Make sure you aren’t that ONE patient.
Many do not work out/exercise at all. I find that for me, although trust me the gym is NOT one of my favorite places to be, it helps me mentally to wrap my head around the whole ‘change’ in lifestyle. The gym or exercising helps with energy and helps with burning calories and helps with strengthening and helps with toning as you lose the weight. I’m not saying it will get rid of all loose skin but it definitely helps with overall health and muscle mass. I am at the gym 5 days a week with 50 min of cardio/the arc trainer and 3 days a week I add in 15-20 min of strength training. I burn like 600-630 calories doing the cardio, each time, which is awesome.
I found that after the 6 month mark, maybe because I didn’t have hundreds of pounds to lose, that the weight loss slowed down A LOT even with being at the gym 5 days a week. It did not discourage me though from continuing on with the gym and how I was eating. One month I lost 1 pound and a few months 3 and 4 pounds, and at month 10-11 I lost ZERO pounds. There is no rhyme or reason to it and I still kept losing inches. My suggestion is to do what I do and that is this……track with myfitnesspal or a similar app, everything that goes into my mouth I track. And, I take my measurements every 2 weeks faithfully. I also weigh myself daily ONLY ONCE though. Do what works for you, once a day, once a week, once a month. I don’t think it’s good to do it though more than once a day. Even with losing slower after the 6 month post op mark, I also know that I did not gain, so there’s the positive.
I would suggest if your surgeon has a support group to attend them. My surgeons’ practice has a support group every month and I go faithfully. It’s a wealth of knowledge and there are so many who can share with you what they have learned and you can also pay it forward to those who are starting their journey.
The sleeve WILL prevent you from putting too much into it at any given time, you will pay that price, although I never threw up, I knew when to stop. If you push beyond that point, get some help from your surgeon or nutritionist or psychologist since you obviously are over eating even with this. The sleeve WILL NOT prevent you from putting whatever you want into it. Sure, you can eat ice cream all day long and other NOT good slider foods. So, if you want to trick it and do that, then why bother having major surgery. Again, get help with your relationship with food first. You can and will gain weight again IF you do not realize that this is NOT a miracle cure for your eating issues.
At the beginning of my journey, I bought what I thought was a ‘goal outfit’, and it was a size 8 skinny jean and a small dressier blouse/shirt. Not realizing that sizing over the years has gotten bigger. Back in 2005 when I weighed 142 lbs I was a size 8 jeans. I fit into my ‘goal’ jeans at 165 lbs so, yes sizes are bigger these days, not sure why?? I am currently at 160 lbs at ONE year out, having started at 249 lbs. I thought at a year out I’d be at 149 lbs with a bit more to lose, BUT I am happy to have lost almost 90 lbs since starting this journey. Like I said before, we did not gain it in a year, so please have realistic expectations, and do not compare yourself to someone else who is your height and starting weight. For me, I know that I am hypothyroid and it makes it harder for me to lose weight even if it’s being regulated by medication. I think a goal outfit helped me to visualize where I wanted to be and kept me continuing at the gym and eating properly. It might help you as well!
I just had my 1 yr follow up appt today (8-21-13) with my surgeon. He said to follow the rules of 80 grams Protein and 90 grams of carbs per day, and 1500 calories per day as well. I’m not even at those calories per day now. I get between 800-1200 calories per day total due to burning 600 calories 5 days per week. I know I want to lose another 15-25 lbs although he thinks I’ll be good with 5-10 lbs more. As I said above, I weigh 160 lbs now and want to weigh between 135-145 lbs. He also said that throughout maintenance to expect to fluctuate 10 lbs, but to watch if it goes above that 10 lbs. He said to revisit what I’m eating and see what the reason is that it goes above that. He also said that the expectation with the sleeve is that we lose 70 percent of our excess weight, I have reached 76 percent, so I’ve gone beyond the expectation. I hope I continue on to have it go to 100 percent of the excess weight!!
I hope this post helps some of you with your journey, and I pray that each of you is successful in your journey to get to where you want to be so that you can enjoy all the things that you want to do.
Karen
This pic was taken before surgery 249 lbs
This pic was taken today 8-21-13 160 lbs (almost 90 lbs lighter)

Last January i went on a cruise... i wasn't sleeved yet... i really enjoyed the cruise but felt somewhat conscious about my weight. i wasn't able to do as the others did on the cruise because of the weight. one thing they did was rockwall climbing. i have never done that but i had to decline doing it cause i just could never have held my weight. even dancing was a struggle and i do love to dance. This december i am going on another cruise and so looking forward to it... i have a good portion of weight off now and i am excited to see if i notice a difference. if i feel up to it, this time i will try and climb that wall as far as the food goes.. i think you can meet your goal.. the dinners are so delish and they don't come in EXTRA large portions so if you pick something and stick with that i am sure you can do as you are planning.. good luck and enjoy your trip! you are doing great .. keep up the good work!

I'm here check In at 5:00am surgery at 7:00am my nerves done took over .but I'm ready and God has.my back So good luck to all the sleeve brother and Sister

Last January i went on a cruise... i wasn't sleeved yet... i really enjoyed the cruise but felt somewhat conscious about my weight. i wasn't able to do as the others did on the cruise because of the weight. one thing they did was rockwall climbing. i have never done that but i had to decline doing it cause i just could never have held my weight. even dancing was a struggle and i do love to dance. This december i am going on another cruise and so looking forward to it... i have a good portion of weight off now and i am excited to see if i notice a difference. if i feel up to it, this time i will try and climb that wall as far as the food goes.. i think you can meet your goal.. the dinners are so delish and they don't come in EXTRA large portions so if you pick something and stick with that i am sure you can do as you are planning.. good luck and enjoy your trip! you are doing great .. keep up the good work!

I can't believe I'm really posting this picture. It's been a long 8 months and I'm a slow loser, but with the help of my fabulous sleeve and the insanity workout program, I am down 97 pounds!! I've never felt so good, I feel ALIVE. I feel like I can be me and act and dress how I want and not worry about being judged because I am the fat girl. The sleeve was the best decision I have ever made for myself, I know I couldn't have done it without it. If your on the fence, please - do it for yourself!! I'm so glad I did.
DOS 1/6/13
Starting weight 262 lbs
Current weight 165 lbs
Goal weight 150 lbs

You know if you cheat, you are just cheating yourself, right? If you are not going to listen to your surgeon's advice, don't whine when your weight loss slows or stalls. Or when the food comes back up.
I am always thirsty when I eat, especially when I finish. But when I was cheating with a few sips during meals, I found that I could eat more and was hungry quicker. Now I set my phone alarm for 30 min after eating and do something else. I find that the thirst passes, and by the time the alarm goes off I often forget to get something to drink.
As long as you get your liquids at other times, you really can forgo the drinking 30 min before and after meals. Try it and see if you don't eat less and remain satisfied longer.

Have you considered counseling? A good counselor can really help with your anxiety and help you get to the bottom of whys...
I have a counselor that I work with still....

This is a chart I post now and then when people ask about goal weight. It takes age into consideration, it may help you. Sorry guys I have not found a male equivalent .

I am 6 days post-op and feeling pretty good. But the more I read the more it amazes me how badly people want to get back to old habits. The questions of 'when can I eat this again', and 'when can I have that' seem to be posted by the hundreds. I have to say I am in NO hurry to eat again. I don't want to visit 'Starbucks' or my local 'bar' as that is partially what put me in this position. Please don't take this the wrong way, I know some of you are just trying to get a feel for what is to come and when you can start doing some things. I just want to reiterate that this surgery is a tool and changes are desperately needed to be successful! Now is the perfect time to make those changes. Bring on the broth!

Just yesterday a lady at my work is so jealous of my weight loss that she started telling people that Ive been taking HCG and limiting my calories to 500 a day. She doesnt know about the surgery and frankly its none of her business because she is a huge gossip but my point is that jealous people can be so mean and hurtful.
How about being happy for someone improving their health and being happy with themselves. What a concept. Hold you head high my dear and screw the haters!

I bet green is a terrible color on her. shake it off, what a turd! Maybe you can pass your old jeans on to her??

with friends like that......................

Sounds like a jealous close friend!

Earlier today my husband ran into a good friend of mine. Not BFF, but a close friend. This is how the conversation went:
Her: So how's she feeling?
Him: oh she's doing real good. She lost a few lbs, been exercising, and no complications- real good.
Her: SO DOES SHE REGRET THIS YET?
Ummm..... WTH!?!
But on a happy note-- I retired my first pair of jeans today.

What a great doctor and a great attitude on your part! According to your ticker, you've lost 13 lbs since surgery, right? Actually, I think that's great, and it's probably about average from what I've seen here. One thing I love about my surgeon is that he has never compared my weight loss to anyone else's or anyone's average. He just says great job. In fact, he hasn't even talked to me about what my goal weight should be. I'm thinking he will do that when I get closer. I cringe when people report a really good weight loss and mention they are discouraged bc their surgeon told them at a checkup that they should have lost 9 more pounds by now. UGH. Everyone's metabolism and body and rate of loss is different even with all else being equal (food/calories, Protein, Water, supplements, exercise). Keep up the great work! Your losses will come. It is amazing how they add up even if you don't lose as fast as some others right out of the gate.

There is no way that immediately post sleeve you are gaining due to your intake.
Sorry, but even if you're scarfing bowls of ice cream (and you're clearly not!) you're not scarfing enough to pack on six pounds. And I promise you, you do not need to eat sugar free and fat free everything or else you won't lose - in fact, I'd strongly argue that eating REAL food will not only be more beneficial to your body, it's going to give you an edge in the mental game by staving off cravings later. Right now when you're hardly able to eat is a great time to learn moderation and how to eat those "normal" foods without losing your cool and eating too much.
If you're female, TOM or hormonal changes can pack on pounds. I gained every single month around my cycle. It fell off quickly.
Here's the deal: it's hard to remember but you can't compare how you lose to everyone else. Know what? The other folks that are in a pattern like you might not be posting. It's the folks that are dropping a ton of weight that come here to cheer about it and how happy they are. That doesn't mean that everyone but you is losing.
I didn't lose anything my first month until about twenty days in. No joke. In fact, I think I gained eleven pounds in the hospital and from my flights.
So, breathe. Relax. Focus on getting your fluids in. Try to work on upping your Protein intake because Protein, protein, protein is going to help you out.
And put that scale away if it makes you mad or depressed. In loss, weighing every few days or once a week is better, in my experience. It's in maintenance that you want/need that daily accountability. That expectation to see a drop every single time is going to get you down, because unfortunately, that's not how the process usually works.
Best of luck and congrats on that new sleeve!
~Cheri

just keep trying to gt the fluids in.... in time as your stomach heals you will be able to get more in.. don't worry. just keep sipping.. as long as you don't dehydrate you will be fine. my doc told me i had enough fat for me to survive for a very long time so just keep drinking. Good Luck and you got this!

just keep trying to gt the fluids in.... in time as your stomach heals you will be able to get more in.. don't worry. just keep sipping.. as long as you don't dehydrate you will be fine. my doc told me i had enough fat for me to survive for a very long time so just keep drinking. Good Luck and you got this!

just keep trying to gt the fluids in.... in time as your stomach heals you will be able to get more in.. don't worry. just keep sipping.. as long as you don't dehydrate you will be fine. my doc told me i had enough fat for me to survive for a very long time so just keep drinking. Good Luck and you got this!