Oak Park Lorena

Hmm, well, I'm not sure why you assume that someone who drinks is an alcoholic. I'm fairly certain and confident that I am not, so AA would not really be much help. As for therapy, sure, I've been in therapy my entire adult life. I'm a big fan of therapy, but again, as I said in my OP, I know what I should do, but doing it is tough, I'm looking for others in the same boat, not for people who want to pathologize what is simply the human experience!

Hmm, well, I'm not sure why you assume that someone who drinks is an alcoholic. I'm fairly certain and confident that I am not, so AA would not really be much help. As for therapy, sure, I've been in therapy my entire adult life. I'm a big fan of therapy, but again, as I said in my OP, I know what I should do, but doing it is tough, I'm looking for others in the same boat, not for people who want to pathologize what is simply the human experience!

Had my sleeve done in August 2013.
I reached my goal weight and stayed there thanks to regular daily exercise including running 25 miles a week, yoga and pilates. Last summer, I started having serious foot pain. By October 2015, doing any kind of exercise became almost impossible because of an entrapped nerve in my foot. I finally had surgery to release the nerve in April. I was unable to walk for almost a month and then had limited mobility until June.
I am a homebrewer and a big craft beer fan. I was able to incorporate moderate beer consumption into my diet when I was very active. When I became very inactive all of a sudden, I didn't cut out the beer, in fact, the depression that accompanied the inability to be mobile actually made me drink more. So, while my food consumption has stayed pretty much the same as the first two years post-op, the beer has increased. Many of the beers I have are 800 calories in a single bottle. I am certain that my beer calories on a daily basis are more than the food I eat.
As a result, I've gained back 40 pounds. Yes, 40 pounds. You have no idea how awful it is to write that down.
I'm now trying to work my way back. I've started working out again, but it's tough given more than 6 months of inactivity. I am trying VERY hard not be depressed and discouraged by the backsliding, but it's very difficult when I cannot fit into most of my clothing any more. After a year at my goal weight, I gave away nearly all my "fat" clothes. I have a few things I can still squeeze into, but they are not flattering given the extra pounds.
Please DON'T bother sending me messages reiterating what I already know. I know how to eat, I know that I have to cut out the beer. Knowing it and doing it are two different things! I'm here for support and commiseration, not for finger wagging. I know I 'm not the only person in this boat. Would love to connect with some people on the same road I am and supporting one another. This is incredibly difficult for me, but I am ready to put in the effort to get back to my hard-earned previous size. Anyone with me?

I had two different types of extensions, keratin bond extensions and what are called tape-in extensions. The keratin bond extensions are where they take a small bundle of hairs and attach it using a bond made of keratin to one strand of your hair right at the scalp. It takes a couple of hours to get them installed. I have long hair so I opted for longer extensions. It was about $1200 to have them put in and they lasted 5-6 months with no need to visit the stylist until the next set. Generally, you cannot re-use the keratin extensions, so you have to have a new set put in. I also tried the tape-in extensions. They are 1/2 wide bits of hair that they attach to your hair with special tape. It takes only about 20 minutes to get them installed. Those can stay in about 6-8 weeks and then they have to be removed and replaced. You can remove and replace the same set of extensions three times. The cost to put them in was $600 with going in at 6 week intervals and paying about $100 for her to remove them and put them back in. The cost of the two types of extensions are really the same because you'll need a full new set of tape-ins probably 3 times a year plus the upkeep.
I never considered a weave. That is where they create a braid and then sew in extensions to the braid. I just don't have the right hair for it and I already had enough of my own hair that it wasn't necessary. I've also heard and read that the scalp under the braid can get very itchy! I also did not like the idea of the micro beads because you can feel them against your scalp and you cannot get your hair colored when you have them in (you can color your hair with the keratin and tape ins).
Both types of extensions looked completely natural on me and no one ever knew I had them. Even hairdressers were surprised to see that wasn't all me! The tape ins I would say are a bit easier to wear and you can't feel them when you touch your hair (or someone else does!), the bonds, however, you can feel as little bumps if you touched that area. With any kind of extension, you cannot run your fingers through your hair from scalp to end. The tape in extensions are definitely "lighter" feeling than the keratin bonds and generally speaking, they probably do the least amount of damage to your natural hair.
As far as taking care of them, you have to be gentle with brushing and have to avoid putting any conditioners or oils or slippery things on the bonds or tape that might loosen them. You have to be very careful when you're drying your hair or styling not to heat the bonds or tug too hard. You also have to keep out tangles and sleep in a braid or pony tail to avoid tangles.
Finding a good stylist to put them in and to cut your hair so they blend in is key. Improperly placed extensions can pull on your hair and potentially cause Hair loss. Also, it's not just knowing how to put them in, but take them out--whatever kind of extension is used, they must be gently removed so as to avoid pulling out or damaging your natural hair. I found my person on Yelp and she's terrific. I live in the Chicago area so there were many choices, I'm not sure about where you live, but extensions are become more and more popular, so more people are doing it. There are also many, many different companies making extensions and you'll want to make sure that you pick someone who uses a good product. You can also google the makers of the extensions and then see if they have a way to locate a stylist who uses their products near you. I used Great Lengths.
Beware though, extensions look so great, it can be hard to give them up!

I had two different types of extensions, keratin bond extensions and what are called tape-in extensions. The keratin bond extensions are where they take a small bundle of hairs and attach it using a bond made of keratin to one strand of your hair right at the scalp. It takes a couple of hours to get them installed. I have long hair so I opted for longer extensions. It was about $1200 to have them put in and they lasted 5-6 months with no need to visit the stylist until the next set. Generally, you cannot re-use the keratin extensions, so you have to have a new set put in. I also tried the tape-in extensions. They are 1/2 wide bits of hair that they attach to your hair with special tape. It takes only about 20 minutes to get them installed. Those can stay in about 6-8 weeks and then they have to be removed and replaced. You can remove and replace the same set of extensions three times. The cost to put them in was $600 with going in at 6 week intervals and paying about $100 for her to remove them and put them back in. The cost of the two types of extensions are really the same because you'll need a full new set of tape-ins probably 3 times a year plus the upkeep.
I never considered a weave. That is where they create a braid and then sew in extensions to the braid. I just don't have the right hair for it and I already had enough of my own hair that it wasn't necessary. I've also heard and read that the scalp under the braid can get very itchy! I also did not like the idea of the micro beads because you can feel them against your scalp and you cannot get your hair colored when you have them in (you can color your hair with the keratin and tape ins).
Both types of extensions looked completely natural on me and no one ever knew I had them. Even hairdressers were surprised to see that wasn't all me! The tape ins I would say are a bit easier to wear and you can't feel them when you touch your hair (or someone else does!), the bonds, however, you can feel as little bumps if you touched that area. With any kind of extension, you cannot run your fingers through your hair from scalp to end. The tape in extensions are definitely "lighter" feeling than the keratin bonds and generally speaking, they probably do the least amount of damage to your natural hair.
As far as taking care of them, you have to be gentle with brushing and have to avoid putting any conditioners or oils or slippery things on the bonds or tape that might loosen them. You have to be very careful when you're drying your hair or styling not to heat the bonds or tug too hard. You also have to keep out tangles and sleep in a braid or pony tail to avoid tangles.
Finding a good stylist to put them in and to cut your hair so they blend in is key. Improperly placed extensions can pull on your hair and potentially cause Hair loss. Also, it's not just knowing how to put them in, but take them out--whatever kind of extension is used, they must be gently removed so as to avoid pulling out or damaging your natural hair. I found my person on Yelp and she's terrific. I live in the Chicago area so there were many choices, I'm not sure about where you live, but extensions are become more and more popular, so more people are doing it. There are also many, many different companies making extensions and you'll want to make sure that you pick someone who uses a good product. You can also google the makers of the extensions and then see if they have a way to locate a stylist who uses their products near you. I used Great Lengths.
Beware though, extensions look so great, it can be hard to give them up!

Hello! First of all, there is nothing "vain" in being distressed when you start losing hair at such a fast rate, so give yourself a break there!
I was sleeved in August 2013. I have very long, very thick hair and my surgeon warned me that it was going to thin and fall out, and sure enough, it did. I thought I was prepared for it, but when it happens, is upsetting and even though you're thrilled to see your constantly shrinking self in the mirror, that thin hair is tough to deal with.
I have posted this before, but I will again here: I chose to get hair extensions. They are not inexpensive by any means, but it was an expense that I felt was worth it for me. After two years of a very healthy diet and treating my hair carefully (extensions can be damaging if you aren't very careful), I am happy to say that my hair has made an incredible comeback. It is thick, and shiny and healthy again and I no longer feel I need to augment it with extensions. While hair extensions are very expensive and not something everyone is willing to endure, there are a number of rather inexpensive and very attractive options out there like clip-in extensions and what are called halos. These are things you can easily put in yourself and just wear when you go out and they just give you a bit more hair. You can buy them online or at any beauty store like Ulta or Sephora.
One of the things to which I attribute to my hair's comeback is definitely the addition and regular use of additional Vitamins. Everyone seems to know about Biotin, but Vitamin C , which is an essential building block for the production of collagen, is the unsung hero of Hair growth. I take a C supplement above what is in a Multi-Vitamin. I also take pretty large doses of Vitamin E. I take 15,000 mg of C and 1200 IU of a natural form of E everyday over three doses. These are large amounts, I don't necessarily recommend that for someone else without consulting your doctor.
Good luck with everything! I'm sure you will find a way that works for you to make peace with your temporary "bad hair day"!

Hello! First of all, there is nothing "vain" in being distressed when you start losing hair at such a fast rate, so give yourself a break there!
I was sleeved in August 2013. I have very long, very thick hair and my surgeon warned me that it was going to thin and fall out, and sure enough, it did. I thought I was prepared for it, but when it happens, is upsetting and even though you're thrilled to see your constantly shrinking self in the mirror, that thin hair is tough to deal with.
I have posted this before, but I will again here: I chose to get hair extensions. They are not inexpensive by any means, but it was an expense that I felt was worth it for me. After two years of a very healthy diet and treating my hair carefully (extensions can be damaging if you aren't very careful), I am happy to say that my hair has made an incredible comeback. It is thick, and shiny and healthy again and I no longer feel I need to augment it with extensions. While hair extensions are very expensive and not something everyone is willing to endure, there are a number of rather inexpensive and very attractive options out there like clip-in extensions and what are called halos. These are things you can easily put in yourself and just wear when you go out and they just give you a bit more hair. You can buy them online or at any beauty store like Ulta or Sephora.
One of the things to which I attribute to my hair's comeback is definitely the addition and regular use of additional Vitamins. Everyone seems to know about Biotin, but Vitamin C , which is an essential building block for the production of collagen, is the unsung hero of Hair growth. I take a C supplement above what is in a Multi-Vitamin. I also take pretty large doses of Vitamin E. I take 15,000 mg of C and 1200 IU of a natural form of E everyday over three doses. These are large amounts, I don't necessarily recommend that for someone else without consulting your doctor.
Good luck with everything! I'm sure you will find a way that works for you to make peace with your temporary "bad hair day"!

I know everyone says to take Vitamin B (biotin) for hair and nails, but Vitamins C and E have actually been more effective, at least in my case. I started taking fairly large doses (I am not recommending this for everyone, talk to your doctor!) of both C and E and I have seen profound changes in my skin and my hair. My hair is thicker, stronger and definitely shinier than a year ago. I take a full-spectrum gamma E, 1,200 mg a day in 3 doses and 4,000 mg of Vitamin C in 4 doses.

I do thank you for the response and sorry if my post seemed a bit snappish. I am just dealing with the frustration that accompanies realizing that I created a new food crutch for myself, albeit a liquid one. I love my craft beer an often joke that I wish I could subtract the alchol from it! It is hard to give it up becaue it is the only tasty treat I really have in my diet. After surgery, things that I used to love and overeat like ice cream or big plates of Pasta with rich sauces are just not an option, my much smaller tummy just does not like them. The beer being liquid is easier to accomodate. I know that the calories make it something that should be a once in a while treat, it's just hard to give up having a treat at all! That is I think the hardest reality of life post surgery--you cannot look to food OR drink for comfort or reward, it's just not an option as a former/current overweight person. I do appreciate your message.

It's funny, I still cannot really eat much salad, the bulk still does not work with my stomach. I do eat veggies, regularly, mostly cooked broccoli, asparagus and cauliflower, but rarely a salad. My recent discovery in terms of something bulky/low cal and satisfying is watermelon. Despite the sugar, it is considered a low-glycemic food because of the high Fiber content. It's 50 calories a cup, has loads of anti-oxidants, is very filling and is yummy!

Had my sleeve done in August 2013.
I reached my goal weight and stayed there thanks to regular daily exercise including running 25 miles a week, yoga and pilates. Last summer, I started having serious foot pain. By October 2015, doing any kind of exercise became almost impossible because of an entrapped nerve in my foot. I finally had surgery to release the nerve in April. I was unable to walk for almost a month and then had limited mobility until June.
I am a homebrewer and a big craft beer fan. I was able to incorporate moderate beer consumption into my diet when I was very active. When I became very inactive all of a sudden, I didn't cut out the beer, in fact, the depression that accompanied the inability to be mobile actually made me drink more. So, while my food consumption has stayed pretty much the same as the first two years post-op, the beer has increased. Many of the beers I have are 800 calories in a single bottle. I am certain that my beer calories on a daily basis are more than the food I eat.
As a result, I've gained back 40 pounds. Yes, 40 pounds. You have no idea how awful it is to write that down.
I'm now trying to work my way back. I've started working out again, but it's tough given more than 6 months of inactivity. I am trying VERY hard not be depressed and discouraged by the backsliding, but it's very difficult when I cannot fit into most of my clothing any more. After a year at my goal weight, I gave away nearly all my "fat" clothes. I have a few things I can still squeeze into, but they are not flattering given the extra pounds.
Please DON'T bother sending me messages reiterating what I already know. I know how to eat, I know that I have to cut out the beer. Knowing it and doing it are two different things! I'm here for support and commiseration, not for finger wagging. I know I 'm not the only person in this boat. Would love to connect with some people on the same road I am and supporting one another. This is incredibly difficult for me, but I am ready to put in the effort to get back to my hard-earned previous size. Anyone with me?

Thank you for this post. I am nearly 3 years post-op and have experienced weight gain (just posted myself about it!) and didn't really consider the menopause aspect. Funny enough, it turned out one of my last regular periods was the day of my sleeve surgery. I was told to expect irregular periods post-op, so I didn't really think much of it until I was over two years out and had only had a handful of periods. I haven't had the blood tests to confirm it, but I'm guessing that I am well into it at this point. I have noticed that the weight gain has not been in the areas that have histocially been my problem areas--thighs and butt. I have always been an hourglass, but the new weight seems to be all in the belly and love handles, never something I had before. Thank you nature!

Thank you, Kate! I know exactly what you mean about the depravation making you want something more. I'm boxing up some of the big calorie beers I have and storing them in my friend's basement! Craft beer is a hobby for me, I go to beer releases, attend beer events, and I homebrew. It's not about the alcohol, in fact I often wish the alchol could be removed, it's about the taste. For people who know nothing about craft beer, this is perhaps a revelation. Over the years, I've amassed a very large collection of stouts. It's very tempting to pop one open and enjoy it in the evening, so I've decided that for the time being, it's safer to have them far enough away from me that's it's not an option! So, I've got some nice, lower calorie IPAs and sours in the fridge. I'm allowed to have one after I run. Seems like a reasonable compromise to me! When I've gotten the weight under control, I think it will be safe to enjoy a higher calorie beer trreat once in a while, just not every day. Thanks for the nice message and the support! It's good to hear that someone else has wrangled their treat demon!

Hmm, well, I'm not sure why you assume that someone who drinks is an alcoholic. I'm fairly certain and confident that I am not, so AA would not really be much help. As for therapy, sure, I've been in therapy my entire adult life. I'm a big fan of therapy, but again, as I said in my OP, I know what I should do, but doing it is tough, I'm looking for others in the same boat, not for people who want to pathologize what is simply the human experience!

I wasn't aware that there was some specific prohibition or restriction on carbs for people who have had a gastric sleeve. Could you please provide some basis for this assertion that people who have been sleeved cannot eat carbs or have to severely restrict their carb intake?
My understanding is that there is a slow introduction of solid foods following the surgery in order to allow your stomach to recover. After that point, what you eat and don't eat is really up to you. Some people might choose a carb restricted diet because that is easier for them to lose weight or keep it off.
The challenge of life post-sleeve is to find a healthier way of eating, never eating carbs again or replacing real food with frankenfood that has fewer calories is not necessarily a long-term or sustainable solution. I think that eating pancakes topped with some butter and real maple Syrup would be a perfectly acceptable once in a while meal for anyone sleeved or otherwise.

I wasn't aware that there was some specific prohibition or restriction on carbs for people who have had a gastric sleeve. Could you please provide some basis for this assertion that people who have been sleeved cannot eat carbs or have to severely restrict their carb intake?
My understanding is that there is a slow introduction of solid foods following the surgery in order to allow your stomach to recover. After that point, what you eat and don't eat is really up to you. Some people might choose a carb restricted diet because that is easier for them to lose weight or keep it off.
The challenge of life post-sleeve is to find a healthier way of eating, never eating carbs again or replacing real food with frankenfood that has fewer calories is not necessarily a long-term or sustainable solution. I think that eating pancakes topped with some butter and real maple Syrup would be a perfectly acceptable once in a while meal for anyone sleeved or otherwise.

I wasn't aware that there was some specific prohibition or restriction on carbs for people who have had a gastric sleeve. Could you please provide some basis for this assertion that people who have been sleeved cannot eat carbs or have to severely restrict their carb intake?
My understanding is that there is a slow introduction of solid foods following the surgery in order to allow your stomach to recover. After that point, what you eat and don't eat is really up to you. Some people might choose a carb restricted diet because that is easier for them to lose weight or keep it off.
The challenge of life post-sleeve is to find a healthier way of eating, never eating carbs again or replacing real food with frankenfood that has fewer calories is not necessarily a long-term or sustainable solution. I think that eating pancakes topped with some butter and real maple Syrup would be a perfectly acceptable once in a while meal for anyone sleeved or otherwise.

I wasn't aware that there was some specific prohibition or restriction on carbs for people who have had a gastric sleeve. Could you please provide some basis for this assertion that people who have been sleeved cannot eat carbs or have to severely restrict their carb intake?
My understanding is that there is a slow introduction of solid foods following the surgery in order to allow your stomach to recover. After that point, what you eat and don't eat is really up to you. Some people might choose a carb restricted diet because that is easier for them to lose weight or keep it off.
The challenge of life post-sleeve is to find a healthier way of eating, never eating carbs again or replacing real food with frankenfood that has fewer calories is not necessarily a long-term or sustainable solution. I think that eating pancakes topped with some butter and real maple Syrup would be a perfectly acceptable once in a while meal for anyone sleeved or otherwise.

I wasn't aware that there was some specific prohibition or restriction on carbs for people who have had a gastric sleeve. Could you please provide some basis for this assertion that people who have been sleeved cannot eat carbs or have to severely restrict their carb intake?
My understanding is that there is a slow introduction of solid foods following the surgery in order to allow your stomach to recover. After that point, what you eat and don't eat is really up to you. Some people might choose a carb restricted diet because that is easier for them to lose weight or keep it off.
The challenge of life post-sleeve is to find a healthier way of eating, never eating carbs again or replacing real food with frankenfood that has fewer calories is not necessarily a long-term or sustainable solution. I think that eating pancakes topped with some butter and real maple Syrup would be a perfectly acceptable once in a while meal for anyone sleeved or otherwise.

42 wings? impressive. I am continually amazed when I compare what I used to eat compared to what I can eat now.
How long did you feel ill after this wee episode?
I get plain unbreaded cheese curds, and love them - but I can no longer handle anything that has been fried, even if the breading is removed. which, all in all, is a good trade off for being healthier.

I'm three years out, maintaining with a bounce for two years and still learning. I know what I CAN experiment with successfully (CHEESE!, differently prepped fish, tofu, fancy meats), and what I can't (Pasta, rice, potato, cream based anything).
I've learned to stop eating when I'm full and to serve myself teeny portions. I'm still learning not to buy everything that looks good in one shopping trip.
The process never ends. Be mindful.

So as a wing lover myself, I'm learning to clarify if they are breaded or not. Breaded? They are coming back up. Not breaded? I can eat 4 or 5. I also learned to eat the (giggle) two boners because the meat is thinner, they take longer to eat and I get less gristle. Hooters naked wings are a favorite!
I've never had a cheese curd. I assume that's something fried if it's at BW3?
And absolutely no fries. Two fries = one wing. Not worth the space.

Over time, as we gain weight, we adapt without even realizing and we're not even aware until we don't fit somewhere or it becomes hard to maneuver, or clothes are too small..or we see a picture of ourselves and it becomes clear how large we have become.
So it doesn't surprise me that the opposite can occur both as we lose weight, or even when we have been at goal for a time. I am maintaining for about two years now. I know that's a short time in some ways, but at least I've been this size for a couple of years now and I thought I was pretty much used to being considerably smaller. Yet only yesterday as I was waiting for the light to change so I could continue walking to the train station, I was suddenly aware that I was standing still and not trying to 'fix' my top. What I mean is that for so many years, I was always trying to smooth down my clothing as it would bunch and twist as I'd walk or because my pocketbook was in the way...or whatever. I just know that I was so large that anything that made me look 'sloppy' was something I wanted to avoid.
These days, my tops are not long as I don't feel the need to cover the belly. The clothes are not loose on me as I'm not trying to hide my size anymore. It just popped into my head at that moment standing patiently at the curb, that I'm not fussing like I used to. If the shirt is riding up a bit, so what?
Anyway...like the title says, this was just a random observation I had. Most of the time I've gotten used to the new size I am but even now, once in a while, I'm reminded how much lighter I am, and I feel. I can't even imagine these days how hard it is and used to be to carry around an extra 140 lbs. on my body.

A 5 foot 7 woman at 135 pounds has a BMI of 21.1, that's well within the range of "normal" weight. I don't think it is necessary to categorize a normal weight as "extreme" or potentially pathological and "unhealthy" because it is not our preference.

Doing some digging on Google Scholar, came across this recent analysis of 9 different intermittent fasting studies. Conclusion is that intermittent fasting may not be better than continuous calorie restriction, but it appears to be at least as good and possibly easier to do long term that restricting your calories 24/7.
http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/6/354/htm
Interestingly, another study also finds that intermittent fasting is as good as continuous dieting, but it also found that people who had two liquid meals per day + a dinner of 400-600 calorie dinner for 6 days a week and fasted one day lost more weight than people who had three meals a day with the same number of calories for 6 days and fasted one day a week. I guess we may never escape those protien drinks after all!
https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-11-98
I have not yet come across any study that establishes which type of intermittent fasting works best--they are all over the map from the 16/8 that @@Wolfgirl78 follows, to the 5:2 method to even fasting every other day. They all seem to work.