BryBro63

Hmmm...I've often thought of the idea of ordering from the kids menu, but never knew such a card existed. Maybe my surgeon's office would know something about this? Interesting...

If you're this active and you're only taking in 1500-1700 per pay, then you either are not taking in enough calories and your body is trying to hold onto the weight you have, or you're gaining muscle...definitely sounds like one of these 2 scenarios. You should talk with your nutritionist about this. Are you doing any weight lifting with your routine? Gaining additional muscle helps your body burn more fat more efficiently while you're doing the cardio.

Wishing you the very best...see you on the Loser's side!!

I had thought about doing the surgery for quite some time, since my weight seemed to just increase more and more, even though I was doing the diet thing, the gym thing, the OTC diet pill thing, and more. As all this was going on, each time I went to see my PCP, she seemed to discover something new...high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, and more...I think the final straw for me was when I heard the word DIABETES...I saw how that had affected my family, and how I think it contributed to me losing my mother. I didn't want to abandon my family and have them deal with any suffering, so I think that was my defining moment. Now I'm happy to say that I am no longer pre-diabetic, nor do I have any issues with cholesterol or blood pressure...this was truly life-saving for me! As far as peer pressure or dealing with the 'macho thing', I see more of the guys asking me much more about it simply because they would like to personally know someone who has done it before they would consider it...and any guys who initially thought of me as 'cheating'...I usually let them know that the only thing I'm cheating is I'm cheating DEATH!! When it's looked at from that perspective, it seems to be much more accepted.

I had this when I first had my surgery...it's pretty normal, and it can come from you drinking a little too fast...it only lasts a few days, and as you get used to the new sleeve and as the sleeve heals, it gets much better. Just be sure not to advance yourself any faster than your doctor suggests...you don't want to put too much stress on your sleeve too soon. Wishing you the very best success!!

Most definitely interested!! The one question I have is even after the drain, does something happen to the loose skin? I want to talk to my surgeon about this, since I have a follow-up appointment with him next week. Thanks for the info!!

I think the history of pre-diabetes may be a good co-morbidity for them to get you approved. I think you may also need a history of being overweight...your primary doc should be able to help with that.

How's your blood pressure? Hypertension is a big one as well!

Hey Bobbyswife, I see your date is coming up soon...it will be here before you know it!! You ready??

My understanding also was that pills and capsules will not be fully absorbed as the chewable Calcium citrate would. The benefits of the calcium citrate outweighs the amount of carbs taken in...unless of course you eat an entire bag or container of the calcium in one sitting, which you obviously would not do. Not trying to argue the point, but just saying that in the larger scope of things, the benefit would outweigh the risk.

I hate the MOOBS!!!! Mine went from full moobs to flabby moobs!!! I hate them!!!! Will bench pressing really help? I'm now in maintenance mode, since I hit my goal. I'm hitting the gym and trying to build back lost muscle, instead of just doing cardio. Currently concentrating on abs, biceps, and triceps, so I guess I should incorporate pectorals in as well?

Okay...I'm not into the 'measuring' thing, but I definitely notice a difference since losing the weight!!! My wife certainly has made quite a few positive comments, desire is much stronger, and the sessions certainly last longer!!! So far, everything is on the positive!!!

Typically...and this is only suggestion, as per my primary doc and my surgeon...anything that needs to be taken 4 times a day and needs to be spaced for maximum absorption should just be taken at meals and at bedtime. It's not only the best for spacing, but easiest to remember. Just do one at each meal, and one right before bedtime. Hope this helps...wish you the best!

Prayers out to you...you'll do great!!!

As far as having meals out, I'm pretty much used to it by now...I eat sensibly, and now when ordering Entrees, I automatically know I'm bringing at least half of it home...I separate what I know I'll eat, and save the rest to be bagged up. At first it was strange since the old me would finish and look for seconds and dessert, but now it's not a big deal at all. Going out for meals has become more of a social event than an eating event! I think the only thing that's still a little bit tougher for me is not being able to eat and drink at the same time...even after eight months, it still is kinda weird, but I do it! Anything else you guys are still trying to get used to???

I used to live in Philly also...now in Jersey. Where are you now, Diva2Be?

I think my true test will be when I get my bloodwork back next week, to see if my b 12 levels are better...I think if that works out, I'll stick with it. My insurance still covers it for now, so I think I may be good as far as paying. If things change, then I may go back to the pills... $300 is way too much to pay for the convenience!!

I would go ahead and start...you certainly wouldn't be doing yourself any harm, it would be good practice, and it would be one less thing to start up with post-surgery...wishing you the best with everything!

You'll do great!!! Follow in your wife's footsteps, stay organized, and follow advice...your surgery date will be here before you know it...in everything you're doing, the date will sneak up on you!!! Wishing you great success!!!

Official results: Starting weight - 316 Surgery weight - 269 Goal weight - 180 Current weight - 178 "Cushion Weight Range" - 180 to 185 (as suggested by my nutritionist) I think I may have finally found that sweet spot as far as maintenance...exercising about 5 days a week, burning usually between 550 and 650 calories a day, and taking in between 1500 and 1600 calories a day. I do a little grazing, but very little...I'm sure not to keep anything but healthy stuff around, so when I do snack, it's healthy snacks!! So far so good, but my only issue now is trying to regain muscle lost during weight loss. Had some conversations with my nutritionist and my surgeon as well as did some research, and the best plan of attack is gradual weight training every other day, so I've started this as well...just wanted to share, and I'd love to answer any questions if I can!! Wish me luck!!! BTW, January 2014 Sleevers...updates?? Keep in touch, Folks!!!

It seems January 27th was a very popular day!!! So glad to see all doing so great!!! Is anyone out there who made goal weight having a hard time adjusting? I am!! Trying not to lose anymore and trying not to gain anymore seems kind of tricky!!!

My surgery was January 27th. My starting weight was 316, surgery weight was 269, and last week I just surpassed my goal by 1, pound and hit 179!! Now the hard part...keeping it off!!! A bit scary, but up for the challenge!!!

That was my exact same path, and I changed my mind and got the sleeve for the exact same reason!! I just hit my goal weight this week, and I have absolutely no regrets!!! I wish you the best, and hoping for great success!!!

Congrats!!! Which procedure are you having, and what persuaded you to go that route?

Believe it or not, the time does go by quickly... Before you know if, you'll be frustrated about what you can and can not eat!! And by the time you reach this stage it will be a GOOD thing!!! Just keep walking every chance you get!! You'll feel so much better, and the pounds will go very quickly!!