AmyInOrlando

I've been below goal for the last 5 weeks. I still document every lick. bite and taste on my fitness pal, and exercise at least 5 X's a week. I don't limit my carbs, but I focus on protein and produce, and aim for 70 grams of protein every day. I weigh myself every morning to keep me focused on my goal. So far it's been pretty easy. I do find old behaviors sneaking in every now and then, but I get a grip quickly and get right back on track.

I'm addicted to Zumba and I'm planning on having a Tummy Tuck, face and neck lift, Breast Augmentation, butt and thigh lift and a brachioplasty. I'm not sure how many procedures they'll do at the same time, but how long after surgery can you resume activity such as Zumba

What a great post !!! I could identify with almost every one of those "statements". I especiallyliked the one about not being the biggest one in the room (especially in Zumba). Last week I glanced at my reflection in a store window and didn't recognize myself. I'm 13 pounds from goal, and the last to go are definitely the hardest.

I'm in Orlando.... I had my surgery in Piedras Negras, MX with Dr. Alvarez

Today's my 6 month Surgiversary, I'm down 65 pounds and 15 from goal. Thank you Dr. Alvarez, my sleeve Sisters Linda and Nancy, and all my family and friends that have supported me throughout this journey.

I'm less then 20 pounds from goal. To kick things up a notch I decided to stick to protein and produce. I'm doing the Atkins Phase I "diet", and limiting my net carbs to 20. This is Day 3. I had been eating too many carbs, and too many calories. It was slowing my progress. My surgery was on August 1st 2013, and I was hoping to be at goal at 6 months out. Looks like that's not going to happen, but I need to spark that fire again. Hopefully this will give me the boost I need.

I've had a few episodes of this if I've eaten too much or too fast. It starts with nausea.... you feel like you're going to throw up, but no food comes up, just copious amounts of thick, clear slime. It's very weird.

I was sleeved on August 1st. It was the best decision I've ever made. I'm 25 pounds from goal. I need to tighten the reigns a bit. I've had some slips and slides (old habits die hard). I've learned I still can't manage my trigger foods. I've been bingeing on nuts. They go down too easily, and the calories add up quickly. My biggest challenge during the Christmas season is going to be cookies. I keep telling myself I can "indulge" on Christmas Day, but it's just one day. It doesn't last from Thanksgiving Day till New Year's Day.

It's the best decision I've ever made. The hardest thing is not being able to drink when you eat, but would it have been a deal breaker.... Hell No !!! I love my sleeve !!!

Those of us that have been morbidly obese and have lost a great deal of weight have a distorted body image. What we see in the mirror is inaccurate. I think we get a better idea of what we really look like when we see ourselves in pictures. Years ago when I had lost 150 pounds (different journey) I remember walking down the street and seeing my reflection in a store window. I didn't even recognize myself. Also once in a dressing room I held up a pair of jeans and thought, "these will never go over my hips". Not only did they fit.... they were too big. It's interesting getting to know ourselves again. And no.... you're not crazy.

I love my FitBit. I got it in September for my Birthday. In October, they came out with a Pink band. If I'd known, I would have told my Boyfriend to wait a few weeks before ordering it. I really want a pink band. I think it was only available in October.

Cheap date ?? A stroll through Costco.... LOL

Oct. 31 162.2 Nov. 7 157 Nov. 14 157 Nov. 21 153.2

I'm almost 4 months out and have been struggling with old behaviors creeping in. Mostly late night eating and snacking. I know there are bumps in the road on this journey, but I'm doing my best to take detours. With the Holidays approaching, it's extremely difficult. Parties, Pot Lucks at work, cookies and sweets everywhere.... Here are the steps I'm taking to stay focused. I purchased the book Small Bites, daily inspirations for weight loss surgery patients. I read it everyday. I'm reading Eat It Up, The complete mind-body-spirit guide to a full life after weight loss surgery, I'm journaling my feelings as well as my food and exercise on Myfitnesspal. It's important that I use all my tools. I'm setting what I believe are achievable goals. I hit the 50 pound weight loss mark this week. I'm hoping to be 150 on Thanksgiving Day, 135 on New Years Day, and my ultimate goal of 125 on Valentine's Day. I've learned to avoid my trigger foods.. peanuts, crackers and popcorn. I've found I get no restriction when I eat those things. I've gone back to Protein First !! Protein and Produce are my best friends. It's just not good enough for me to maintain my weight through the Holidays... I want to continue losing and reach my goals.

You're gonna do fine.... Dr. Alvarez is the BEST !!!!

I lost 9.8 lbs. on my 2 week liquid diet.

Orlando here..... Downtown, Lake Eola area

I went to Mexico, and my Surgeon, Dr. Alvarez sent me home with his book and the stage by stage diet progression information, post op meds, a gym bag and a pillow to brace my tummy on the trip home. Most Docs have their own pre and post op instructions. You can learn a lot by watching Dr. Alvarez's videos on YouTube, and he'll respond to emails and answer any questions you might have. He also has a radio show on Monday nights where he answers questions sent in via Facebook. You don't have to be his Patient... he's attentive to anyone wanting to learn about the gastric sleeve journey.

Spandex is my best friend. 7 years ago I lost 150 pounds with just diet and exercise. Dressed, I looked great in a petite size 4. Naked, I looked like a Sharpei puppy (much cuter visual then a 90 year old woman). Since this isn't my first rodeo, I imagine things will be the same (or worse) when I reach my goal of 125 this time. I'll trade the skin for the weight anytime. I don't wear shorts or anything sleeveless now (and I live in FL, which sucks), but that's the price I have to pay for years of abusing my body. I hope to have skin removal surgery this time, so I'll be trading the skin for scars, but again... I can't turn the clock back...

I turned 61 today... I had surgery on 8/1/13. I've lost 34.2 pounds. I'll update my stats on my "official" weigh day which is Thursday.

I had that feeling for the first 6 weeks. I was told it was because of the Hiatal Hernia repair I had during my VSG. Now it's gone.... but it does occur periodically if I've eaten too quickly or don't chew thoroughly. The only thing that helps is walking.

I've never had nausea, but I had a lot of chest pain that radiated to my shoulders. It was scary because those are cardiac symptoms. I had a hiatal hernia repair at the same time as my VSG, and the Hernia was in my thorax. My Doc kept reassuring me it was the hernia repair that was responsible. I was also extremely short of breath with minimal exertion. My friends were sure I was having a heart attack. After 6 weeks, all those symptoms just disappeared. I started exercising and my strength and endurance improved. When in doubt, contact your Surgeon. You mentioned lying on your stomach 30 minutes after eating. I would suggest no lying down for at least 1-2 hours after eating, that could trigger gastric reflux which is very uncomfortable.

Go to Endobariatrics.com and order Dr. Alvarez's book. "Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve". It's an easy read, I keep it on my kitchen counter as a resource

If they're willing to approve the band and not the sleeve, then obviously they've got the Mental Health issues..... That's INSANE. Just my Professional opinion... I've been a Psych Nurse for 38 years. Amy Brock, R.N., B.C.

Your risk of dying is higher driving to hospital then having the surgery. Make sure you've got your seatbelt on.... watch your speed... and tell the pre-op Nurse, "Bring on the Versed" Before you know it, you'll be in recovery saying "really? it's over?"