Teachamy

I seen my pcp last week an the 19 th will be 5 months my diabetes is in normal range 5.5 they said I was cured. My blood pressure is normal
all blood work is normal. I'm 7 lb from goal. Down 80 lb from this time last year. I went from size 44 pants to 32 pants. i'm in large shirts. I never though I would be in the hundreds again. when I started I could not do 1 push up now I do at least 20 to 40 every day and 40 to 80 sit up. Im 55 years young. THIS IS AS CLOSE TO A MIRACLE AS I HAVE HAVE SEEN. Thank you Dr Dennis Dr Sharm an all the people in the Spectrum Health of Michigan.Life is good an good luck to all.Thanks Doug from Michigan

YOU Are AWESOME!!! I have Type I diabetes, so no cure for me, but I have seen my blood glucose levels improve 100%! I have cut my insulin levels drastically. I know these new wonderful blood sugars will bring down my cholesterol levels too. Thank God for the sleeve! And thanks for sharing your inspirational story!

YOU Are AWESOME!!! I have Type I diabetes, so no cure for me, but I have seen my blood glucose levels improve 100%! I have cut my insulin levels drastically. I know these new wonderful blood sugars will bring down my cholesterol levels too. Thank God for the sleeve! And thanks for sharing your inspirational story!

Yep. Too much of a good thing is my problem too. And I hate that it varies. One day I can eat a whole scrambled egg, the next day the last few bites come right back out again! My baby sleeve is very cantankerous!

Happy for you! My first experience was Friday. Isn't it great to feel under control? I feel so powerful!

I think the sugars/carbs are a bit high. During my weight loss phase I kept it under 20 usually. My plan was very low carb though. Might want to try it. Good luck!

Thanks Amy. That is what is so frustrating! I really feel my food is on track. I don't normally eat crackers, it's a once in awhile treat. The only thing I can see is to cut the sugars? I am over on my sugars, but most of it comes from the 1% milk I mix in with my Protein powder. I could do better about drinking more Water. I am usually on track, but could use more. And I know I need to increase my exercise. I have a 3xweek aerobics class that starts Monday, so I've slacked the last month on exercise, knowing that class is coming up. It was just so easy the first 6 months, and now its so much more work. And nothing I do seems to make a difference.

TJL, Jenny12 & TeachAmy- Thank you so much for your replies. I feel very welcome here. It's wonderful to know I am not alone!
BamaBoo64- Thank you. I so agree! I would never have the surgery unless I was 110% sure this is the way I want to live the rest of my life! That is why I doing all this questioning and soul searching.

I personally feel that if you're not 100% committed, then you should wait simply because this is a LIFETIME LIFESTYLE change (LLC) and it's not easy but definitely doable. If you're ever 100%, then you're 100% committed to the LLC! No one can predict what life AFTER surgery will be like.....loose skin, complications, hair loss, killer cravings for a Five-Guys Burger....so you have to be willing to deal with those things IF you decide to have the surgery and they arise. That's why I say being 100% committed is VERY important before the surgery!

I have been on WW many times over the years. A good friend of mine is even a WW leader! When I was in my 20's, I lost 25lbs' on WW, and thought I could do it again. But as the years went on, my eating became more compulsive, I became obese (although only a 35 BMI, it was bad enough.) Many co-morbidities reared their ugly heads. I watched friends eat and exercise worse than me and lose, while I stayed the same weight. I spent many weigh in's near tears. I had this surgery to get healthy. Now my blood sugar is under control, and soon I expect to see my sleep apnea and high cholesterol disappear.
You may have thinning hair for a bit, your stretched-out skin may sag, but you will be PROTECTING your health. If your BMI says you are clinically obese, you need to consider seriously what staying obese means to your health. Try to think beyond appearances only. Only you can decide if this option is right for you. Personally, I would NEVER go back!

Hi Cheryl! You're in great company here, welcome aboard. I was also a lightweight. I'm 5'2" and my starting weight was 206 lbs. I'm now one year out at 116 lbs and maintaining easily here. Congratulations on losing 15 lbs with WW, that's excellent. Only you will know if this is the right decision for you. I don't want to push you in either direction, because it's really such a personal journey. You should try to be really honest with yourself and whether or not this WW lifestyle is something you can keep up on your own without a weight loss surgery tool. Personally, the answer was no for me. I needed extra help, and the sleeve has been an enormous help to me. But it's a lifestyle change. You have to change your relationship with food for this to work. Many people in my life simply thought I wasn't fat enough for surgery, but I definitely felt fat enough even though I was always the smallest person in the pre-op classes. If you're overweight and uncomfortable and unhealthy, I personally think you're fat enough. no, I'm not calling you fat, I'm just a supporter of people who aren't MAJORLY overweight (but on the way there) of getting the surgery. It's been a great thing for me. As far as losing hair and sagging skin not being worth it, I disagree. I lost hair starting at about month 3 and it went to about month 5. I'm not bald. I guarantee no one but me knew I was losing a lot of hair in the shower. it wasn't noticeable enough for anyone else to realize it. And hair grows back!! Saggy skin is an individual thing. Personally, I don't really have any. I can't give you a reason why, that's just how the cards were dealt to me. I would bet you would feel better with saggy skinny versus being overweight though. there is always the option for a little nip and tuck, if you want it and do have saggy skin. I don't look like I have had weight loss surgery, at least that's what I'm told every single time I tell someone, and I also think it's true. I look like a naturally petite person, not like I was ever overweight. Good luck with your decision, and feel free to ask any questions if I can be of some help.

So I was cooking Breakfast this morning for me and my boys and I wanted a taste of pancakes but didn't want to overindulge. My man loves to eat so I made us his and hers pancakes.

When I was on my 2 week Protein regimen before surgery I went into the 99 restaurant with my hubby (my favorite!).
I just got done with my preop and realized it was noon time and thought oh crap I need my 1 cup veggies or lettuce. So He needed to eat and I needed my few bites so away we went. I ordered basically a bowl of lettuce took a few bites and that was that. But MAN the popcorn smelled Glorious! LOL Way to go with self control I say! Keep up the good work!!

You go girl! way to be in control

Congratulations on one milestone year! You look great and I am glad you made the decision to post your journey for those of us a few weeks out!

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

Well, a coffee shop really. One of those shi-shi poo-poo places where people sip from gigantic bowls of frothy goodness and munch on pastries, muffins, and biscotti. Was really my cup of tea. Literally. I am on the no-coffee plan for 2 more months, so there I sat with my pitiful little pot of herbal tea.
Despite my insane jealousy of people drinking the coffee I so desperately wanted, I felt oddly empowered. I watched my co-workers complain about their weight on one hand while shoving in a chocolate croissant with the other. For lunch, they both had huge plates of pizza with thick crusts. I snuck in a couple of string cheese sticks, one for Breakfast, one for snack. For lunch I ordered a cup of vegan chili. I felt satisfied, strong, and had enough chili left to bring home for dinner. They felt sluggish and bloated, and ate far more calories for Breakfast and lunch than I will eat in 2 days.
So yes, even while eating out, the plan works. i feel less scared about being able to make it in the real world. And I must admit, I am really looking forward to being jacked up on caffeine again. (A skim latte, of course!) I am a sleever hear me ROAR!
Best,
Amy

I boiled the hell outta some broccoli, and thought that would do the trick. Sadly, it came back to haunt me, and I spent much of the next day in the bathroom. Otherwise, I have learned that stuffing in that extra bite or 2, despite what your sleeve is telling you means immediate regurgitation for me.
On a less gross note, most foods sit just fine with me.

I have missed Laura-Ven's no nonsense responses. I missed the "offending" post, I guess! Boo!