BigDog Bryan

I was told that the surgery alone would get me to about 75%-80% of my goal. The remainder would require an exercise plan and a fair amount of sweat, in addition to the new eating habits to cross the finish line. Be prepared to do the work and you will receive your reward!!

You are in Stage 1, and your new stomach hasn't figured things out yet. I was told that it would take 1 hour to digest 4 ounces of liquid. I can promise you that it DOES get better. Go slowly and be patient with yourself and your progress.

I'm in the process of buying a bike, and things have REALLY changed in the last few years. I went to my local bike shop, and they had me sit on a cushion that measured my sit bone spacing. The racing seats come in widths to match your bones, not your butt - a HUGE step forward from the last time I was riding. If you want a road bike, look for what they now call Adventure of Gravel bikes. They look like road race bikes, but they will take a much wider tire and tend to have a better ride. These bikes will hold a rider up to 350-365 pounds. A touring bike may even go to 400, so you do have choices. If you are looking for a mountain bike, try the new fat tire (4" wide) bikes. they are insanely comfortable and a lot of fun to ride. Your local shop can be a huge help, unless they are a bunch of skinny-mini snobs. If that's the case, find another shop with a staff of helpful humans - no sticks tolerated. I am getting a gravel bike and spending too much, but since I used to ride quite a bit, I fully expect to be hooked on it once again. Whatever you do, just enjoy your journey and your time in the outdoors this spring and summer. Enjoy

Take a hard look at your Protein intake as well as your carbs. Try going back to shakes to get at least 60 grams a day. It helps me to stave off cravings and hunger better than anything else Iv'e tried so far. Also take a look at your salt intake (a HUGE trigger for me) and try foods that worked for you in the past.

Thanks Everyone - There is an Update Went to the store on Monday, and dared to pick up a size 42 pair of jeans and a 2XL shirt. Came home and dared to try them on - THE PANTS FIT!!!!! The shirt was still a little snug (it has horizontal stripes - NOT a good idea yet) so it will wait a few weeks. The pants are a revelation and it is a HUGE step for me. I don't know about my current weight, but I am energized and ecstatic about grabbing a pair of jeans from the Men's Department - WHOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Your Goal Weight should reflect what is a healthy weight for you and your body type, not just a number based on your height and sex. There are so many other factors to consider. I was once within striking distance of my BMI weight (I was at 160 after a program diet - it was 3 decades ago), and I felt like a good gust of wind would carry me off to Neverland. My goal weight is now to get to the 180-195 range, which I refer to as my "fighting weight" which is the last time I truly felt comfortable with weight and body image. Your goal should be a comfort level for you, and if that happens to coincide with the BMI chart, so be it.

All, I seem to have left the "honeymoon phase" of my weight loss journey after 4+ months. I had grown used to getting 2 new pair of jeans every 4-5 weeks as I shrank from a 50 to a 44 waist. My shirts have gone from a 5X to a 3X. I am VERY Happy with the progress, but also a bit dismayed that the wall (only 7 pounds in the last month) hit me now ("Regular" clothes generally stop at a 42 waist and a 2X shirt...I am so close I can Taste It) and I could use some advice from the Forum. Help me into the other side of the clothing stores, PLEASE

Great News!!!!! Breaking through at the 3rd digit is ALWAYS a cause for MAJOR Congratulations!!!! Keep it going!!

...when you need to buy new underwear because you Boxer Briefs have become loose Boxers

I'm only 5 weeks in - so it's Turkey and String Beans here. Staying aware of not drinking while eating will be the biggest challenge this year, I think (except for the Mac-&-Cheese - a favorite since childhood). Stay alert and try to create new habits!

You might try to move your surgery date UP, since there is usually a delay before your new coverage starts. Also remember that your current insurer has already been there for all of the preliminary work you've done. Postponement could become more questions, paperwork and deductible changes - NOT FUN. Talk to your surgeon to see if they can move your date up so that there will not be a huge lead time for the new job. Good Luck & God Bless

Hi All, Went to the Dr. for my 1 month follow-up. I got on the scale and I was at 349 - at 40 LB loss. As impressive (or not) a feat as that may be, the REAL news is that my first milestone was reached - I can get on a traditional scale and get a reading!!! The next big deal is, of course, to break into the 2's. I am quietly Stoked to be here so fast! The decision to get the Sleeve was the best thing I've done since getting married,

It's GREAT to hear the positive!! While I had an easy surgery as well, my only "early" claim was getting rid of the IV after 1 night, I really didn't want foods for about 8-9 days. On Soft foods now - Love Garlic Hummus and pureed Fruit, moving to add Tunafish and Salmon soon. The cycling sounds AWESOME! - I hope to start this month. Keep It Going!!!

I had my surgery on the 20th, but I wont get on a scale until my Follow-up on Friday. I know from looking at a LOT of forum participants that the first 7-10 days average 11%-15% of pre-Operation weight. It is not a number of pounds that is telling, but the percentage lost that will be far more relevant. That said, I can already wear clothes that were way too tight on the 19th. I see this as a great start, but I do miss chewing and I am looking forward to finding out if I like Hummus.

My actual surgery took a little over 1 hour. The Doctor said he was pleased and all went according to plan. The recovery room was an additional couple of hours, I think (I had NO concept of time until I was transferred to my room AND slept for a while).

I am just into my 3rd day, and I have been VERY blessed to avoid the nausea that seems to accompany the first days following surgery. The biggest difference so far is that water has me feeling full. I have not yet figured out how to take my vitamins and meds without overdoing the water intake (I feel stuffed right now from the antacid, vitamins, and statin pill swallowing with water). I think that the protein shake will be dinner, not lunch. I feels better each morning.

My surgery is coming VERY soon (Oct. 20), so browsing the board has been a great way to get ready. Congrats on your first steps - I envy you right now!!!