keglenne

Not that I was skeptical, but to a degree in your mind you think nothing works for YOU. I kept reading success stories but felt I would be different. February 11th will be my 3 year surgiversary, and for about a year and a half I've just been maintaining my weight. But I knew I wasn't done, that I had about 50lbs more to lose... so I started watching what I ate more, didn't eat after 7pm, exercised more, drank more Water (64oz or more), all that but my weight wouldn't move or kept creeping up. So I read and read and read and finally decided to do the test, although I don't have a pouch but a sleeve.
This wasn't just to start losing again but it reset my mind back to the basics. I'm on day three now, soft Protein and for the first time in two years eating 1 1/2 scrambled eggs filled me up. Weighed myself before I ate and lost 6lbs. Motivating me to finish off the last couple of days and focus on my intake more once it's over. I pray my weight keeps going down because this mornings number (244)... [started at 322, surgery weight 308... maintaining between 245 and 250...] is the lowest I've ever seen. If I hit 239, imma buy everyone a car !!! Jk jk but y'all see what I mean. My point is if you've hit a stall or have maintained for too long and wanna keep going.. get your mind right and this will help you refocus. ????
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ETA - I apologize, I am a year slow apparently...I meant to be checking out the September 2012 board...however, my post below could still be helpful!
I had lost over 80 pounds and have gained back almost 40 of that. I weighed this morning and weighed 260.6. OMG. Over 260. For some reason it didn't bother me as much when I was back into the 250s...
I am in the process of reading a book called Crave - about binge eating. So far, it is really good and has some really good insight if you struggle with it like I do. The part I am on right now talks about journaling what you eat, why you feel you eat it (are you truly hungry, or bored, or avoiding something - I eat to avoid work and emotions). I use myfitnesspal and have been using the "today's food notes" on it to write down everything I am thinking about food - and the time.
I am also going back to the gym at lunch (today was day 1)...it stinks...I am waiting for the magic day that it no longer feels like a chore...I am so not there yet. LOL. Guess it will take more than one day and more than sporadic attendance.
And I also came back to this site...for more support. I have my support group tonight IRL but use all the support I have available to me.
I have a tendency to look at my weight loss journey as an all or nothing thing - that I should go from where I am right now, to perfect overnight...I have to remind myself it doesn't work that way. I am going to try to pick ONE thing to work on each week. This week - more Water...
Hope something out of my brain dump helps...and I hope it made sense LOL
Kelly

Hi all,
It feels like forever since I had my sleeve surgery in Tijuana! It's actually three years ago on July 2. And now I'm really struggling.
My starting weight was 237 pounds and my ultimate goal was 125--except I wasn't ultimately successful. My lowest weight was 162 pounds about a year ago, and since then I have started gaining again. Today I am 184.
So, after making and breaking many, many secret promises to myself, I have come here for accountability and support. I am pledging to go right back to the beginning: I'm going to do the same pre-surgery diet that I was doing three years ago today. That means a Protein shake for Breakfast, another for lunch, and lean Protein, salad and 2 T of Salad Dressing in the evening. If I am unbearably hungry after dinner, I can have a third Protein Shake.
I would like to follow this plan all the way to goal...Do you think it can be done? Right now, it feels impossible. But if I could just stick to the plan for one day, I think I would really be on my way!
Anyone else struggling to make it to goal, willing to go back to the beginning with me? I would be so glad for you comments and support! And I would love to cheer you on, too.
I am ready to roll for tomorrow morning. Pantry is stocked with shakes; lean beef patties and salad greens in the fridge. I honestly can't remember if I was allowed to have coffee on my pre-op diet, but I will look into it tonight and go from there. I think green tea would be a good sub either way.
So here I go...please wish me luck! Or even better, come with me!
SaveSave

Hey Seela congrats i went in to see the doctor today and guess what 196.4. Im in onederland. 68 LBS gone in three months. My doctor said its people like us that makes this program great. So congrats to you and everyone and lets keep it going. Happy New Years

I started my journey one year ago with my pre surgery insurance meetings with my NUT. Had surgery June 4th, hit 100 pounds yesterday. The first picture is from a year ago and the other is this morning. Started at 285, this morning I'm at 184. Just can't believe that's me.

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They are prepping me now! The new me is coming your way!!

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Well, after 3 years on my own following the break up of a 30 year relationship, at the weekend I finally got naked with someone I have lusted after for years....
He didn't run away screaming at my wrinkly, saggy bits. I took my clothes off - ALL OF THEM!!!! And the world didn't end, he didn't laugh and I didn't die of embarrassment.
Something for me to add to my list when people ask how my sleeve has changed my life - I can do naked :-)))))))
Sorry if is is tmi, but I actually never thought at 52 that I could throw my clothes off with such abandon and without stressing -oh how I love my sleeve!

I'm 2 months out and Im finding problems in my marriage not because my husband is unsupportive but because he has 0 desire to be healthier. He is about 50lbs over weight and won't leave the beer, junk or the sofa. Now I'm not saying my lifestyle change should be his but it would be nice to have someone to be fit with. We aren't in a divorce zone but its something to be mindful of. I need to remind myself constantly that my change is not his.

Hey Seela congrats i went in to see the doctor today and guess what 196.4. Im in onederland. 68 LBS gone in three months. My doctor said its people like us that makes this program great. So congrats to you and everyone and lets keep it going. Happy New Years

Im 3 months out HW 264 CW 196.4. What has helped me is my Water intake. Dont worry about how fast you will loose the weight thats not important. Loosing the weight is of great significance. Just know that the weight is gonna come off and that you made the right decision to a healthier you. Long as you are making some type of progress give youself a pat on the back. Keep striving to get to goal weight and you will get there. Now lets rock this sleeve!

Carbs are one of my pet peeves. Not all carbs are created equal and removing complex carbs from the diet can set a person up for potential problems, including ketosis, memory loss, and issues with muscles and nerves. So many people just say "carbs" and lump them all together.
As a general rule (I used to teach nutrition for preschoolers and low income parents) we tell people to avoid "white" food...white bread, white Pasta, refined sugar, potatoes and so forth. Substitute whole grains for processed white flour, brown rice for white, sweet potatoes for russets...etc. Also, you'll find you won't have the stomach for breads and processed foods anymore.
You might want to have your doctor and dietician clarifiy their definition of "carb." I've seen some even tell patients not to eat fruits and vegetables, which are our major sources of Vitamins you just can't equate by using a Vitamin. Also, it seems that most bariatric patients end up constipated. The fibers in whole grains and produce prevent this; they're also a major deterrent to colorectal cancers and heart disease. I hate to see people lose a lot of weight while compromising their health and nutrition. Aren't we doing this to be healther? LOL! My current favorite meal is cheese, turkey or chicken, apple and whole grain crackers.
But I agree, you are in the early stages and should stick with your program.

This is the first year that I can absolutely ignore all those commercials toting the weight loss miracle!! So I bid a fond a due to Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Nutra System, etc etc!!! I feel such a relief that I have turned my life around and have learned to get control of my eating habits that contributed to such an unhealthy me. I am not kidding myself I have a lifetime of keeping myself under control but for the first time in my life it's looking pretty good! I get such a feeling of sadness for those struggling with being overweight and truly wish that this surgery was available to all who wish to turn their lives around. I want to thank all of you on this forum for helping me to reach an 81 pound loss and for the future help to reach my goal. I have my life back and it feels great!!!

It's been a while since I posted anything so I thought I would send a quick update. Surgery was 12/13/12 and as of this morning I'm at 119 lbs. (I'm 4 '11 & 1/2 start weight was 246) I can't believe how fast this year has gone by and how much my life has changed. I am truly a participant in life and no longer a spectator. I am proud of how I look, I am confident and healthy. I jump on trampolines with my kids, dance like nobody is watching and run to the car when it's rainy. All things I would have never done a year ago. I've learned so much about who I am and, yes, I'm sorry to say I've learned a lot about who other people are too. In a lot of ways it makes me sad to come to the realization that how you look has such a big impact on how people treat you and even how you treat yourself but I'M HAPPY. Not that "overcompensating funny fat girl happy" but TRULY happy.
Today is my 39th Birthday and I remember last year thinking it would be my last fat birthday and I'm happy it was. I am forever grateful for this past year, my incredible surgeon and team at Northwest Weightloss and the support of all of you. As I've heard thousands of times my only regret is I didn't do this sooner. As a wife and Mommy of 5 with a career I never took time to take care of me. THIS I DID FOR ME and I am so glad I did.

I had my surgery just over 10 months ago and today I hit my goal weight of 125! I chose that weight with my doctor because it's half my starting weight of 250 and a perfectly normal BMI at 5'0.
My life has been saved and drastically changed FOREVER. I'm now the athlete I've always wanted to be, I can wear cute clothes and knee boots, my energy level is off the charts, I can cross my legs, I could go on and on.
This was by no means easy. I had to completely change my lifestyle - I eat roughly 800-1000 calories a day getting in a minimum of 80 grams of Protein. I work out 6 days a week and on wednesdays I work out twice. I run 25-30 miles a week, do hot yoga and work with a personal trainer. There are times when I struggle with head hunger, especially working at home, but because I have nothing unhealthy in the house I can't get into much trouble snacking so I find ways to distract myself and I get over it.
What I want people to know that you can do this and still live a normal life. I eat 2 pieces of dark chocolate a day, I eat out and I drink a couple glasses of wine or some tequila once a week. I've eaten slice of pizza twice in the last 2 months but because pizza is my nemesis, I waited until I was almost at goal to dare try it again. The key is continuing to monitor your portions, tracking calories and protein and balancing it with exercise which is what I'll continue to do as I venture in to maintenance.
I've never not been on a diet. I have no idea what this is going to be like. My doctor says not to be surprised if I get lower than 125 if I continue to run half marathons (never stopping already registered for my next one!) so we'll see what the next phase brings. I update my blog regularly if you want to follow along - tomorrow's post will be all about this monumental day http://www.fatgirldivesin.blogspot.com
    

When I first considered wls, I didnt want bypass because of the rerouting of the intestines and because it leaves the entire stomach in you - called a blind stomach. I did not want the band because I didn't want something foreign inside of me...and still the entire stomach is there. I lived another 5 years obese and then I heard about the sleeve. The more I researched it, the more I knew it was the answer for me. When I learned about grehlin, the hunger hormone that is produced in the lining of the fundus ( the stretchy part of the stomach ), I realized that I probably over produce it. I am not an emotional eater - I just honestly was hungr ALL THE TIME. So when I learned the sleeve addresses this by removing the majority of the fundus, thereby reducing grehlin, well that sealed the deal for me. Now, 7 months post op and 92 lbs down, I feel like I have a normal appetite that is easily satiated. I am mindful of eating nutritiously and I feel healthy. I coild eat whatever I want to now, but just because I can doesnt mean I should, as they say
It may sound funny, but of all the wls options, I feel like the sleeve is the most natural. Everythign still functions the same way in the digestive system, there is nothing foreign inside me, I have the same parts Ive always had, just my stomach is smaller, less stretchy, and produces less grehlin.
Love it!

Hi everbody I just want to say simply Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year. Thank you everybody so far for all your feedback on my posts it has been very beneficial for me to say the least. Be safe for the holidays. Take care.

Man so happy heres my numbers I was sleeved june 17th 2013
Hw 294
Preop 277
Sw 265
Cw 198.2
Gw 175-180
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy meeeeeee!!!!!!

One of my fave parts of my sleeve....no more tears in the dressing room! I can see something in the window such as this hot lil number and buy it right off the rack! So pumped I found the purrrrfect dress for NYE!

DaVinci (like Torani) makes a sugar free eggnog syrup! You can add it to vanilla Protein Shake and sprinkle a little nutmeg on top. I've been doing that & it's keeping me from missing my Starbucks eggnog latte!

I finally feel like I can do a before and "after"!! I am 9 months post op and love my sleeve!! I finally love my life! No more staying in for me! No more putting off laundry because it's "all the way downstairs". I'm living life, smiling all the time, enjoying the heck out of it all!!! Side by side- the best I could do for now. ****** try to avoid my horrible "bra is 4 sizes too big" deal I have going on. It's gonna be remedied soon. Hehe When I was a newbie (feels like yesterday) I adored before and afters. I want I be an inspiration. If anyone has questions don't hesitate to ask bid love to help! 240/127 size 22/6 Before= miserable Before face And here's me in the bathroom at Walmart. The reason for this pic is that I used to cringe and damn-near cry when I see the mirrors at Walmart. Every time. I HATED mirrors. Now!? I get giddy to walk by one and look at and pinch myself!! I'm 126.8 today. My ultimate goal is to get to 116-120.

Now I am feeling better about my situation I wanted to tell my story in the hope that it will help other people. Like most others I have a long history of struggling with my weight and when I found out about the sleeve I thought I had found the solution.
I went through a company called Weight Loss Forever in Canada and had my sleeve in Tijuana with Dr Pompa. I was impressed with the doctors and the facility and was well taken care of. I had hardly any pain and was able to drink without many of the problems I read about on this forum.
When I got home I followed the plan strictly and was losing weight. However I was so hungry all the time and I didn't feel I had any restriction at all. It got worse after a few weeks of recovery. When I questioned this with the support from Weight Loss Forever I was told I had to learn to work my sleeve. I didn't know what I was doing wrong. I did lose weight by eating the 800 calories I was told to eat by support. But it was so hard, I felt I was starving and still no restriction with any kind of food. This went on for months and I felt such a failure and that it was all my fault. I just couldn't relate to anything I read on line. I remember being asked what my favourite foods were by somebody at WLF. I mentioned pizza and was told that that was the great thing about the sleeve - no foods are off limit and I would be satisfied and unable to eat more than the toppings off one slice. Five months out I could eat several slices! No restriction at all, I could eat the same as my friends if I let myself.
Then a friend was sleeved by a different surgeon. I couldn't believe the difference. As she recovered we continued to compare and she lost weight easily, due to the food restriction she had from her sleeve. We started off at a similar weight but she passed me, continued to lose weight and is now 70lbs lighter than me and close to her goal weight. I have been able to lose some weight in the past but could not keep it off and that's what I was doing. I asked advice at Weight Loss Forever several times and was brushed off and ignored.
Then my friend persuaded me I should do something about this. I contacted another group in Canada, (Thanks Adele!) and they asked me to have an Upper GI series of XRays, which I did. The doctor said everything looked healthy. The images and report were sent to Dr Aceves in Mexicali and a day later I was told I had a huge stomach. I asked if I had stretched my stomach because I knew I had been overeating. I was told no, it was a surgical failure. The doctor had only removed a small part of my stomach and simply left too much. I asked a couple of times if it was my fault and was told absolutely not. I cried. I knew I had done what was asked of me initially but for somebody at last not to blame me was awesome.
I was told that I could be sleeved, no problem, because there was so much stomach left, it would be like an operation on somebody that hadn't had surgery. My friend wanted me to show the results to Weight Loss Forever and Dr Pompa but I wouldn't want to be operated there again, so I paid again.
I was sleeved by Dr Aceves on 19th March, just 8 days ago. It was a good experience, very little pain and I was lucky enough not to be nauseous either. I have photos of my actual surgery and Dr Aceves actually took photos to show me how much he removed.
I was lucky enough to meet some very cool people in the hospital, including AmandaRaeLeo. I am home and there is a huge difference in how I feel. I am able to get in the liquids required, but I really do need to sip, sip, sip. A sip to many and I feel like I have a brick in my chest! I am not hungry, not finding liquids difficult to stick with (apart from finding Protein I like) and 11 lbs downs already! My friend keeps saying I told you so!
There is always going to be a negative comment or two about a surgeon and I am not writing to push my surgeon. There are lots of good ones out there. I just wish I had googled a bit more, not only before my surgery, but when I was made to feel such a failure. I am finding that the hardest to forgive. When somebody told me to google Dr Pompa too large sleeve, there were lots of hits for people with similar problems. Then I started to think and realised that of the few people I met through Weight Loss Forever, I knew two that had been back - one was at the hospital when I was sleeved the first time and the second is actually a WLF member of staff.
I admit to being quite bitter, I think anybody would in my situation, but I tell my story to encourage people to do lots of reasearch before choosing a surgeon. But also if you go through a company as many Canadians do, to make sure that you have one that will go to bat for you if you have a problem, rather than blaming the patient. It's easy to appear to be supportive when everything is going well, but a sign of a good company that takes your side when there are problems.
Sorry for the long post, but it's been a long road! I feel better for writing it and hope it helps a few others.

I drink the Premier Protein shakes too and warm it up. I also take off the first layer once heated up. Its the best tasting cocoa drink ever. I'm addicted.:-)

I started my journey at 284 and on Monday I stepped on the scale as I do everyday, but that day was a milestone, that day was the day I weighed less than 200 pounds. Best choice ever. I love my life, my sleeve and I feel great.

I just wrote this in another thread but it seems to fit here too
About your diet. I don't think you need to get extreme and do only liquids or a pouch test...
The fact of the matter you still have the sleeved stomach and you can put it to work again by eating right. This is the hardest part I know, because when I fall off the wagon it's so hard to get back on. But you need to detox from the carbs and just go back the basics dense Protein and veggies
Eat till you are satisfied and keep the carbs at bay. It will be tough for a few days to a week but with determination you can do it!

Wisdom... Hmmmm... Just do it! No that's not right.. Let's see wisdom.... Today is my year anniversary of the sleeve. I am happy healthy and have hope for a future. I was close to death last year I felt it every time I climbed the stairs at my home. I called my pcp made an appointment and told her I need real help. She referred me to a great surgeon. From there I looked at all the surgeries and learned the sleeve was the right choice for me. And I haven't looked back.
Its work, trust me you don't just sit back and let the weight drop off but it's a real solution to morbid obesity