CathyA

Congrats! How excited you must be! Have to say I am envious... I remember seeing your posts right after surgery and around the holidays. They kept me going. I was 310 lbs on November 4th and last Saturday I weighed in at 230, so 80 lbs lost in just under 6 months. Without the sleeve I never would have been able to accomplish this. I just need to stay on track and try to be positive. You and all the others that are reaching your goals are what we that haven't strive to be... please keep posting and sharing!!

Hey everyone! I began this thread about 7 months ago, I can NOT believe how time has flew! I remember being so scared and worried questioning what I was about to do to myself. I can still say i am very happy that I got sleeved. I am down to 163 at this moment and my original goal weight was 160. Day of surgery i was 221. I feel great, i am still not doing my best with Protein and i have slipped from time to time with my eating habits. But I always try and remember this is for life! And I do not want to be where I was a year ago 2 years ago at my highest at 286 pounds. I am losing hair and have been for a couple months now, but i already knew it was something to be expected so I just try and get through it. I hope all November Sleevers are doing well, lets not forget about each other!!!

I am very happy with my weight loss, I was sleeved on 11/19/14 and have lost 80 lbs. I have gone from a 5X to an XL/18-20. However, I have set myself into a little bit of a tailspin; my husband asked me the other day how much more weight I wanted to lose and I realized I am still 100 lbs away from my goal. It seems so far away. On top of that my weight loss has slowed down. I can eat more than before, mind you it is still not a lot, it's what they said I should be able to eat. 3-4 oz of Protein and about 1/4 cup of vegetables. I have been exercising, I walk about 5-7 miles a week and do 50 sit ups and crunches 3-5 days a week. I try to make good decisions more often than not and always make sure I have 80-90 grams of Protein a day. I have tried to talk myself back to a positive place but that number of 100 to go when I see so many of you reaching your goal is really causing me a problem. Any one else happy with what they've lost be still intimidated by how far they still have?

I was sleeved on 11/19. I am down 55 lbs since surgery & 78 from my heaviest. I am so happy w my decision. I slip now an then but my thought is that will happen now and then. As long as I make good decisions 90-95% of the time I will be good. I do have a lot of excess skin and still have 100lbs to my goal. Anyone found anything that works? I see these wraps advertised but not sure if you have to keep using them. My hair is falling out but I increased my Protein to 90+ a day, it seems to have helped.

I have finally reached my 75 lbs lost Mark... I feel great. I still have a way to go to reach my goal but hitting 4 months w this weight loss gives me hope I have never had. My diet continues to be high in Protein, 80-90 grams a day, and low to no carb & sugar.

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[ATTACH]41950[/ATTACH]

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[ATTACH]41951[/ATTACH]

Went from 330lbs to 265 lbs.... surgery was 11/19/13 loving it

You look great! I was sleeved the same day! Keep up the great work!

. I first went to a seminar in April of 2013 for the lap band. The Practice that hosted the seminar took all of our information and researched my insurance coverage. The called me back in a week or so later and said my insurance would cover it, minus my deductible and 20%. However they had a $1,000 admin fee that had to be paid up front and insurance didn't cover it. As I was saving to pay this my gall bladder quit working and I had to have emergency surgery to have it removed. That is where I met my surgeon. He mentioned after the surgery that he also did bariatric procedures and he only charged $500 for the admin fee. When I went in for my follow up post gall bladder removal, I made an appointment to come back for my 1st presurgical visit. My insurance company required a medical history showing 5 years of obesity, attendance at a presurgical seminar, a 6 month physician monitored diet, a history of all past attempts to lose weight, a psychiatric evaluation, meeting with the nutritionist, full bloodwork up, EKG, EGD, Chest Xray, and speaking to their bariatric nurse. I was pushing to get this all done during 2013 as I had met my out of pocket for the calendar year! I was sleeved on November 19, 2013. My approval came through on Nov. 4th, the Surgeon's office called and said start your liquid diet tomorrow (2 wk pre op liquid/semi-liquid diet is mandatory to assist with shrinking your liver reducing surgical complications). I also have severe sleep apnea, or rather did have, so I also had to be cleared from a pulmonary perspective

I just went to my 3 mo post op apt on Wednesday, I have lost 62 lbs since 11/4, I have gone from a 5X to a 20-22. The day of surgery I was in a lot of pain but you start drinking that day, I was up and walking around that night. I was never nauseated, never threw up, I have tolerated everything. I won't lie, I followed what the Dr. told me to eat, when he told me to eat it. I count how much Protein intake I have. I tracked my calories for a while but they were consistently 500-800 so I stopped, now I do it once in a while. I drink Water or crystal light however I can tolerate alcohol although if I drink to much I will have an upset stomach the next day. If I want something I have it but in moderation. I have also learned to like reduced fat and sugar free choices.

This is so life changing, it is one of the best decisions I have made in my life!!!! I have never had a single regret!

Would love to know typical daily meals and Snacks everyone is eating

I eat a lot of fish, salmon, tilapia, mackerel... I love it! I also like lean cuts of red meat. Ground lean turkey is also really good. I also buy the Atkins frozen dinners although I can not eat a whole one, I eat all of the meat first and what I can get in of the veggies I try. But for work this is something quick and easy to grab. Low sodium all natural lunch meats and reduced fat cheese. I am not a big Breakfast person so I usually just have a shake in the am. Snacks are atkins Protein Bars, cottage cheese (I flavor it with seasoning salt, or olives/pickles/chili powder, or just cut up some tomatoes and mix them in. sugar free popsicles are also big with me.

Hope this helps! Keep up the great job!

Well I finally did it... I am under 250!! I have a whole new wardrobe. I had bins of clothes in various sizes so don't have to buy anything until I am in single digits! I can actually wrap a towel around myself when I get out of the shower and it covers me!! It is all so exciting! I finally had my ankle surgery on 2/3, I am still in fracture boot for another couple weeks and up to 12 weeks of therapy but I am ready to work out.

Had my 3 month follow up and he said I am doing great and is very happy with not only my progress but also I can tolerate just about anything and my energy level is through the roof!

Loving it!

Congrats to everyone!! Keep up the great job!!

My progress:

WLS 11/14/13

SW 266

CW 233

GW 165

I'm averaging 2 lbs per week, no exercise due to knee injury/pain. Doctor is happy with my progress.

Issues I've been experiencing feeling tired, fatigue and exhausted. I eat all my water/ meals/proteins/vitamins and average 600 to 900 calories daily, try to eat more to get energy levels up, helps some days.

I'm 3 months as of Friday 2/14/14 and I've stated losing globs of hair especially after I Shampoo. So I'm washing every other day. I was expecting this may happen, but so emotionally distressing and nerve wrecking to see it come out so much so quickly. I'm totally freaked out. Praying it slows down soon.

Anyone else feeling exhausted and losing your hair??

My nutritionist said this is typical if you are not getting enough Protein, she warned me prior to surgery. My doctor advised me to get a minimum of 70 grams, I try to get atleast 80. They said Hair loss is common with sudden weight loss but I would definitely ask my doctor/nutritionist if I were you. I still only get the same calories intake as you but It's mostly protein. It would also cause the exhaustion. Are you taking all your Vitamins? I know they have been a saving grace for me!

Well I had my ankle surgery on Monday, 2/3, and good news it was a lot of damaged tissue causing my problems not damaged ligaments. The surgeon was able to remove the tissue and he said my recovery should go quickly from here. Physical Therapy starts on Monday and I will only be out of work for two weeks, total. Since they had told me to expect a month of no weight bearing, aka no walking, this was all a great relief. I am hoping to be able to begin working out in the next few weeks even if that is being able to start on a treadmill!

My weight loss has continued and I have been very conscientious about what I am eating, I am down to 252, although iv fluids from surgery I went back to 254, but I think that will be off by this weekend. The pain has actually had me so nauseated that I have only been able to eat about half of what we normally can so as you can imagine this has been very little! (1/4 of package of oatmeal, 2 1/2 meatballs... these are meals!) Thank goodness I still have Protein Shakes to fall back on as I am back to two of these a day to keep up my intake. Last night I did manage to eat 2 1/2 oz of ground sirloin with 1/2 oz of low fat cheddar but could barely move after!

Please be careful when comparing yourself to others, we are each different and as long as you are steady in your weight loss and following our new way of life, you are on the right road! I have started packing up clothes that I can no longer wear because they literally fall off. I stood up the other day and my pants almost fell completely off, it was awesome. Some of my shirts I can't wear because they fall off my shoulders or expose my bra! I am lucky that in storage I have bins of clothes in sizes down to 16-18 so I went and picked out a whole new wardrobe. The hospital I had my surgery also has a clothing exchange for their bariatric patients so I am bring them everything I can't wear so others can use it on their exciting adventure. It is so awesome to put some of these clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years back on, thank goodness trends come full circle!!!

Pretty excited weighed last night and was down to 257, that puts me at 53 lbs lost since the beginning of this journey 34 since surgery on 11/19. I am down three sizes. I feel great too. I work on the 3rd floor and I make a point to take the stairs everyday instead of the elevator. If I am carrying too much stuff I will take the elevator, put my stuff down, and then go up and down the stairs. During my afternoon break instead of having a snack or sitting in the breakroom I go down the stairs and take a 10-15 minute walk and then back up the stairs.

Eating is different, I still can only get in about 700-800 calories but I do get 70-80 grams of Protein. Also manage to get in about 40-50 oz of lquid but can't get 64oz in. I eat eggs, oatmeal, chicken, lean ground turkey, lean red meat, and a lot of salmon. I try not to eat any bread or Pasta. If I want something sweet I have sugar free hard candy and usually that will satisfy my craving.

I am so happy with my decision and where my life is going!

ok, here is to everyone who is putting that they are a slow loser... no we are not. There may be some that are losing faster but we have all tried to lose weight on our own and not very often were we able to say we lost 30 lbs in 4, 5, 6, 7 weeks! If it were reversed and we were putting on the same weight in the same amount of time we would be freaking out cuz the weight was piling on. Don't discourage yourself. We have made a major physical alteration to our body and 2, 3, 4 months is not a lot of time to allow our body's to adapt. As long as you continue to lose in the long run that is the goal. Like many have said we didn't get this way overnight so cut yourself some slack. Stay positive!

I have this post printed out to myself... trust me there are days I need to listen to my own words!!

Keep up the good work everyone!

^{Not to jinx it but I think I broke out of my stall. I weighed on Sunday and I was finally down under 270!! I have been flexing between 272 and 275 for 2 1/2 weeks and almost screamed when I saw the scale! I hope this is not short lived and that it keeps moving. I am really sticking to good choices even with all of the parties and food. If I have to try something a have a single very small bite and then move on. Focusing on getting my Protein in and trying to up my calorie intake to 700-800. I still only get about 550-575 in a day. Loving this though, feeling the difference and seeing it dramatically in my clothes.}

^{I think this time of year is hard too because of the alcohol. I have been trying to limit this but do enjoy a couple of vodka mixed drinks on occasion. Usually mixed with diet v8 or diet ruby red grapefruit also flavored water is good and no calories!}

HW 315

SW 291

CW 271

GW 135

Sleeved 11/19

I am still in my stall, two weeks and two days now and I am retaining fluids badly, my ankle has swelled up pretty big because I am making myself drink the 64 oz of Fluid and walking on it constantly. I just hope I am out of this stall soon, it is so disheartening. I am getting so bummed. I know this is not an overnight process but it really is mentally challenging to be eating so little and fluxing up and down 2-3 lbs. Please share your stall stories - how long did they last??

HW 286 1/6/2012

SW 221 11/4/13

CW 195

GW 160

You are so close to your goal weight, I am jealous! Can't wait until I am only 35 lbs away! Great job!

As far as the itching goes it happens because you are healing. I had my surgery on 11-18-13 and I've noticed over the last 10 days or so that I am itching near all my incision areas. It's happened with every surgery I've had.

Down 38 lbs and that includes the 15 lb pre op diet. I have learned the scale is my enemy that I want to keep closer Can't stand it but I'm happy when my number continues to go down. But it's time to put away except on Mondays. Average daily intake is 500-550 calories. Been getting at least 60 Protein with help of 2 shakes a day. Water about 40 oz but that doesn't include Protein drink. 2 oz per meal. Starting to feel like I can eat a little more because I don't feel as full with 2 oz as I did a few weeks ago but I don't want to go beyond that right now. Hanging on my doctors orders. Been getting in the treadmill every other day over last few weeks. Taking my multi Vitamins a few times a day. calcium chews also. Plus a good probiotic. Still dealing with the big question. Am I ever going to poo again? I don't even feel like I have to. Is that normal? :/ Anyway, I wish everyone luck. We didn't get heavy in one day so be patient. Chins up

You sound exactly like me. I don't even have a scale I just use the one at Publix so that I do not have to be obsessive about weighing myself. I try to check once a week but no more than 1 time every 5 days. I have moved to one shake a day for 30 grams of protein and then try to do ground lean turkey breast, turkey, chicken, tuna, cottage cheese but I can only do about 2 oz sometimes 3 oz. taking all my Vitamins, no problems with my bowels however I have seen quite a few people having issues with that. Thanks for the encouraging words!

I am still in my stall and it is frustrating but I am seeing loss in inches. I am wearing clothes and jewelry that I have not fit into in years. I really wanted to be under 250 for the new year but it does not look like that is going to happen. I really wish I could work out! Stupid ankle! I have been walking and taking the stairs at work. Hoping the stall will end soon it's been two weeks now.

I have hit my first stall... agghh I am so disappointed. I was at 35 lbs lost and now I am at a standstill! I do have a major factor working against me and that is that I still have my air cast on my ankle. I fell in June and fractured it in two places, however the fractures healed in 6 weeks, the sprained/torn/ripped ligaments are my issue. After 12 weeks of physical therapy they stopped and said we need to do surgery. Well nothing was going to get in the way of my sleeve operation so I have been putting it off. But it prevents me from working out the way I would like to. I try to walk as much as possible but after 1/2 mile or so it burns so bad I need to rest. I think I am going to join the Y and start working on their bikes, maybe that won't hurt as badly. I am still on pureed/some soft food. Worried when they do the surgery too because I have to be on non weight bearing status for a week up to a month (they don't know until they do the surgery), worried I will put weight back on...

Oh well I am still very happy with my decision. Like others have said this is not a sprint but a marathon. I too have to remember that!

Gelica, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! i have struggled so much myself. I was sleeved on nov 19 and while i was doing fabulously, i hit a wall last week. I regressed from puree to clear liquids. It was awful. I was so dehydrated. I am still struggling to get my strength back. I have total. buyers remorse right now. I want to chug diet coke and eat a bag of chips yet i cant even chew food and swallow it right now, im back to pureed. I cant work, i am in a mental fog. I know how u are feeling. I also got esophageal thrush and that was MISERABLE. U will get better everyday. Take it slow and remember u are not alone. I want to hug u!! Xoxo.

Pre surgical diet nov 11 weight 329

Surgery nov 18 weight 321

Current weight 299.6

I am actually back in the hospital, I blacked out in the shower. So I called the dr he had me come to the er and get admitted. I can't keep anything down once I sit up.

OMG that is awful! Just listen to your Dr and do what he tells you, you will make it through. My prayers are with you!

UPDATE: I'm excited to say I'm now under 200 pounds. 199.8 to be exact!!! When I first started this journey In Jan of this year I weighed 251. I would of never thought I would be under 200 again, and I know I wouldn't have been if it wasn't for the sleeve. I am very happy and doing well. Almost 5 weeks post op. 21 pounds lost since surgery!

Glad your stall is over and congrats on being under 200! I can't wait to hit that benchmark! I am trying to be under 250 for the new year, I have 22 lbs to go so may have to step it up but think I can make it! I too am so happy with this decision, it was right for me and I think will help me live a lot longer! Again so happy for you and you should be proud of yourself!

Sleeved the 19th

I went for two week apt last Wednesday and was down 35 lbs from start pre op diet, 20 since surgery. I am still on pureed diet for another week and a half. I am amazed at how much some of you can eat. I am still on mostly Protein shakes with s/f Jello, popsicles, yogurt, and pudding. Cream Soups are good too but only get about 3 to 4 oz down. I do use the laughing cow cheese in the cream Soups which is good. I did make some turkey Soup from Tday bones and that has been really good pureed too. I have tried eggs with the laughing cow cheese but I only get about 1/4 of an egg in. I am very happy with all of this though. I'm not hungry so I make a 8 oz. shake in the am, this takes me until around 11 am to drink, then I have 3 oz of Jello or yogurt, 2-3 hours later I have some pudding or cottage cheese, then maybe a popsicle. About that time I head home (5pm) make another 4 oz Protein Shake and have something for dinner, pureed or cream Soup, usually a couple more popsicles or some jello and that's it. I drink all day but still not sure I hit 60 oz of Fluid. This plus my Vitamins is all I can do.

I have no problems with nausea, Constipation or vomiting. I do miss regular food but my energy is so high! Especially because I started Vitamins on Thursday. I wake up at 5 am and am up until 11 or 12 at night. I clean constantly and walk and walk. I used to drag myself out of bed at 6 am go to work and fall asleep all day at my desk, come home and sit on the couch until I went to bed at 8 or 9 (or fell asleep on the couch).

Cross my fingers no stall yet but that may come when my diet changes to soft diet as my calorie intake will increase but really I'm ok with eating what I am because the scale keeps moving! I track every single thing I put in my mouth and am actually becoming obsessed with losing!

Sleeved 11-18 and started on mushies today ye ha!! I did discover that my tastes are changing,like clam chowder is yucky and I am crazy for Beans.. chocolate is not so lovely any longer- oh well. i will morn it a little and get over it. My real issue is that I am very frustrated with my loved ones who mean well. They are constantly telling me to rest or that I am "over doing it". GRRRR I was told if it hurts don't do it. So I don't, but I am starved for exercise. How am I gonna lose weight and avoid depression if I can't get my endorphin fix? I am going to the mailbox and back and short shopping excursions as well as a little cooking and housework.( I am thrilled to be able to pick stuff off of the floor again. :-) I am doing laps in the house and up and down the stairs cause everyone is afraid that if I fall I could 'BLEED OUT BEFORE ANYONE FOUND ME". My mom and son and friends want to kill me with kindness when what I really want is to take a 1/2 to 1 mile walk. I was up to 2-3 mile walks before surgery and some time on the elliptical. My dog misses our walks too. i MAY JUST SNEAK IN A LONGER WALK NEXT TIME I SAY I AM GOING FOR THE MAIL . Anyone else feel like the activity police are breathing down your neck?

Yes I'm in the same boat.... I was sleeved on 11/20 and it's been great..... But my family acts like I'm dying at times....... Their more scared that I will hurt myself then I am.... The other thing the worry about is my eating..... They ask are u eating enough? Are u feeling ok after eating that? How is the gas? I wish sometimes they would shut up..... But I do love them and I know they care

You both are VERY lucky... my family is not very supportive. I have been up since the day I got home from the hospital cleaning, cooking, and barely sleeping (my sleep patterns have changed drastically since surgery). They don't seem to get it. I know they love me but they are used to me doing most everything! I would love some of that overbearing smothering love. But since I am two weeks post surgery and going back to work tomorrow, don't think I'm gonna get it!

I also developed a severe sinus infection and I am miserable!

Thanks, I just keep telling myself that it's just temporary. My surgeon seems to have a different diet plan than some others I have seen, he wants 10 days of Clear Liquids, 10 days of full liquids then 10 days of soft food so according to his plan I can't eat anything for 20 days!!! That seems like such a long time!!! The kicker is even though I was sleeved on the 25th he doesn't count that as day 1, he counted day 1 as the day I was released from the hospital ( 11/ 28 ) soooooo according to this plan I'm only on day 4!!!!!! I'm going to go crazy first!

Yeah my Dr. does three days of clear liquid, two weeks of full liquid, two weeks of puree, two weeks of soft foods, and then modified full diet with recommendations of items not to try for atleast a year! Tomorrow is my first day of puree and I can't wait!

Wow that's long time on pain meds i got off them before leaving Hospital sleeved 19th too on my way to work tonight energy abound. but guess we are all different. i can't stand the dreams and always needing to sleep. My 5 herina Operations before were much more painful. I used tylenol at home.

Everyone is different. Although I took the meds for a while I did not take them consistently I took them when I felt I needed them, as is the reason they are prescribed! I do not have an addictive personality and have had multiple C-sections so I am well versed in pain from surgery and how my body reacts. I also found those were much more painful than this procedure however I also did not experience heart and lung complications in any of those surgeries causing me to spend two days in complete blurriness unaware of what I was receiving. Glad to hear that you are doing so well and more power to you but you may want to word things different, many people who use the pain meds need them and not because they are addicted or will be. It is simply a tool, if you need them then use them if you don't, then don't but no one should feel less because they chose that option.

Ok so I have a update! I was on a stall for 3 weeks. Today im 4 weeks post op and down another 5 pounds. So a total of 18 down since surgery and 27 pounds since 2 week pre op! Im excited, that Im out of the stall for now!

Glad to hear it!! Keep going!