Vixynne

Hi, Jade---I'm just over the 1 year mark from being sleeved. All my stats are below in my signature, but I have lost over 90% of my excess body weight in a year. I think, like almost EVERYTHING to do with this surgery, from what our surgeons have us do with preop diets, NSAID advice, post op food schedules, etc., etc., etc, your mileage may vary. We're all different. If you really work hard at following your doctor's guidelines, eat accordingly, become more active, can you still only lose 40% of your excess weight? Probably. But are your numbers most likely going to end up being a lot higher than that if you DO follow the guidelines and move more? Yes. My doctor said (those must be the three most often used words in the forums, don't you think?) that there's no reason weight loss HAS to stop at a year out, or at 18 months out. If I'm willing to really push myself, I could lose as much as I want to lose. Easier said than done, yes. But doable! Other factors can affect it--like thyroid issues, just for one example. If you give this everything you've got and reach out to your medical team if you aren't progressing like you want to, then there's going to be NO stopping you until that goal is under your (much smaller) belt.

I went out with my Texan last night--and here's a little NSV. Sometimes it's these little things that add up to feeling like it's all been SO worth it. A year ago, there's no way I would have been willingly photographed. Also, a year ago, he couldn't have done this without grunting, straining, getting red in the face and out of breath. Kind of fun to be lifted up like you're dainty. I haven't felt dainty in years.

I am 100% satisfied with my results--well worth every moment of struggle. You are going to be amazed at the changes in your body, your health and your life, I feel like it's a true rebirth and a second chance. I can't wait to see your 1-year post, you're going to do GREAT.

Prayers and good thoughts will be pouring your daughter's way, and yours. You may not see it, but you are a wonderful ambassador to all family and friends of WLS folks. Your example could really teach a powerful lesson to those who are less than supportive of weight loss surgery patients' choices. Thanks for being that light in the darkness for your daughter--it will spread out like ripples in a pond, of that I am sure! Can't wait to see your babygirl on the Losers' Bench with so many of us!

I didn't have any pre-op liquid diet for Dr. Kruger. The only dietary restrictions they put on me pre-op was the day before surgery: nothing but liquids after noontime, and absolutely nothing after midnight. On my own, I did give up coffee and tried to eat healthier between April (my first consultation) and my surgery date (which ended up being in July of last year). I lost 18 pounds pre-op that way.

Oh, I agree, I definitely have no complaints about Dr. K or Southcoast Bariatric--great program and great doctors. Keep us posted on your progress, you Domestic Goddess!

I found this article REALLY helpful in understanding what obstacles can get in our way on a low carb eating program--do any of them apply to you? http://authoritynutrition.com/15-reasons-not-losing-weight-on-a-low-carb-diet/

One year updates, anyone? Come check in and tell us how you're doing! PM me if you're interested in joining a July '13 only online support group, too--if you haven't already!

Hiya, Twinmommies! I hope you get your approval quickly, waiting is the hardest part. Have you met with Dr. Kruger yet? He's a great surgeon--but he's not exactly "warm and fuzzy" in his personality, LOL. As one of my friends who's also a Dr. K patient says, his hands are what matters, not his personality. He's all business--and he definitely knows his stuff. I have been seeing his nurse practitioners for follow up appointments, and they're awesome!

Just one more quick question, sorry, LOL--can you clarify what "eat clean" means in the context of the 5:2 plan? Should I take it to mean that you eat real foods as opposed to things that are processed? Would that eliminate things like Protein shakes and Protein Bars? Thanks for your help!

I've taught at the same middle school for 13 years--my co-workers know the fat me much better than the thin me! The school nurse has been a big cheerleader for me this year, up until the final week of school, LOL. She approached me, with her "serious medical issue" expression on, and whispered, "I need to tell you, I'm starting to get worried about your weight loss. You might want to start thinking about slowing down before you become dangerously underweight." Seriously? I'm just BARELY over the "normal BMI" line, nowhere NEAR underweight. I think it made her feel important to have this come-to-Jesus talk with me, since most days, she is stuck dealing with nauseous pre-teens or sprained ankles from Phys. Ed. classes. It made me laugh, but I still thanked her for her concern. Some folks just NEED to involve themselves in your personal lives!

I'm a new veteran (one year out as of July 1st, 2014), and the idea of a 5:2 eating plan to help me push to my stretch goal and avoid regaining is really interesting to me. The "food rest" time on fast days confuses me a little--does it mean that you eat a low calorie meal, then wait at least 12 hours to eat the next meal, with a total of 550 calories for both meals? Thanks for clarifying for me!

Hi, Jen! My dad's family is all from Dudley--my sister just moved from Dudley to Texas last week, and she's a Jen too.

I'm from Oxford, MA but living in New Bedford for over 25 years. Sleeved 7/1/13 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. My surgeon was Dr. Kruger. One year out, and only 1 lb from my goal weight. Very happy with my sleeve!