Texasmeg

Sleeved 12/31/21013, I've lost 78 lbs (232 to 154 lbs). I'm very happy with the results. I'm finding myself more hungry some days and having cravings. I'm working out a lot, though, and generally eating healthier. I don't want any gains!

We got t-shirts to wear for a special work event. My coworker saw me in the ladies room trying to decide whether to tuck it in or not. She said "with your flat stomach, you should tuck it in." Nobody has ever said my stomach was flat!

My body seems to be leveling off with 4 lbs left to my final goal. HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 154 TPL: 78 TPG: 70 TP Final G: 82 I'm very happy with the results - but will push towards the final goal.

Yes, particularly early on, but even now after 9 mos.

I also color and highlight my hair. I had very little hair loss and am at 9 mos. out now.

I always go for olives when I want something salty.

Only one IV (and my ferratin was as low as it gets - 7, I believe. No constipation (I think that is only when you take it orally).

Very interesting - thanks.

My doctor doesn't check until 1 year (because the body has so much storage, I believe). Several years ago, for other reasons since resolved, I had very low ferratin. They tried supplements, but my body didn't absorb it. Eventually, they gave me an IV of Iron and it worked great! The only problem was, my B-12 dropped like a rock and I needed supplements. The two are closely linked, but I don't know if this relates to your high B-12 / low ferratin issue. My suggestion is not to worry until you speak to your doctor (easier said than done!).

Were you happy with that program? I have a friend in Nebraska that is thinking about using it.

No change again this week for me.

I'm from Muskogee and still have family in Eastern OK, but am living in Dallas (where I had the surgery). Where is your doctor located?

No change this week, but I'm off to Japan for a week and expect to report a loss next week!

I hope everything went well for you! Food was always a central part of my life, but has become much less important. The first couple of months were rough, but after that it's been great!

I am 5'7" and started at 232 lbs. I lost 9 lbs. pre-surgery to 223 lbs. My surgeon said my weight should be 130 lbs., but to expect to expect to lose 60 - 70% of my extra wt (or 60 - 70 lbs). His goal for me was 170 lbs., which I met at 6 mos. my original goal was 160 lbs. and, when I went past that, I set it at 150 lbs. I am within 6 lbs. of that now. Everyone is different. I think the best goal is to follow the program.

Why aren't you interested in VSG or gastric bypass? There are many people that moved from band to sleeve or bypass here. I started with a sleeve, but can tell you I am very happy with it.

That's great! Doesn't it feel terrific?

I'm also a Texan, but was sleeved 12/31. I've lost 76% of my excess weight so far. Hang in there everyone - life is great after the first few weeks!

HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 156 TPL: 76 TPG: 70 TP final G: 82 Lost 1 lb. This week

Love that analogy CowgirlJane!

This thread breaks my heart!

Welcome to the sleeved life - hope everything goes well for you!

I read your post and it made me so sad. Know that you have a support group here that is behind you. My ionly suggestion is to do the work you can and don't stress so much if you can't get it all done. You can only do what you can do while caring for your health. I remember 30 years ago when my daughter was in day care. The sitter called me with one more in a series of ear infections and I had to leave work yet again. I was stressed out about my job as I drove, gripping the steering wheel tightly. Then I thought, what are my choices? Really, I had none. With no choices, why should I be stressed? I relaxed and continued to do the best I could for my daughter and for my job. It worked out in the end. Take care.

He started out with "pre-squats". For example (this is hard to describe), squat to row. You stand at a machine with your arms in a Y and hands on handles with weights. You squat (as far as you can with good form) and the weights kind of help. As you stand up, you pull your elbows back in a "row" bringing your shoulder blades together. He had me doing rear lunges (as far as I could go - didn't need to go all the way). He also had doing exercises to strengthen my inner thighs on the machines (hamstring machine). Later, he had me doing side steps with a rubber resistance band and squatting as I stretched the band (it is easier to squat with your legs apart). Hope this helps!

According to the State Dept. website, Japan requires you to have an original prescription signed by a doctor and a letter stating the purpose of the meds. Even then, they may not let some through (and the State Dept. said it isn't clear which ones - they don't have a copy of the list).