Schmincke

Osteoarthritis is a result of long term wear and tear. In our heavy days we put more stress on our joints. It would be probably worse and sooner if you hadn't had the surgery.

18 months postop and down 90 pounds. So happy with my decision- at goal for 6 months and losing a pound every month or two now. Still tracking every bite and expect to continue to all my life. Keeping it under or about 1000 calories a day to maintain which is less than I expected but this tool makes it tolerable. BEST DECISION EVER!!

BTW I was size 20/22 and now size 6. Older (over 50). Took me 14 months to hit goal.

My BMI was 36. Now it is 22.8. Best decision I've ever made. Life is completely different for me, all for the better. I walk 10k steps a day and track every bite in my mouth, even now, because this decision was due to a lifelong addiction to food that will never be over. I now have that extra tool that has made all the difference. It is not a magic wand. It is not a chicken's way out. I diet to this day. It was the extra piece of the puzzle that made success possible for me.

My nutritionist told me the same as Sara's told her: first protein, then vegs, then complex carbo if any room left.

When your bony bum feels every bit of wood on an unpadded chair!

5'4" Started 222 lb size 20 Surgery 206 lb size 18 - january 2014 Now 140 lb size 6

Much less 'activity' than previously - maybe because much less food to digest. But I struggled until my NUT and PA put me on Miralax. I buy the generic form now at Costco. It really made a difference and I feel much less bloated. Importantly, they said I will not develop dependence on it.

I buy the green giant steamers and keep a variety in the freezer.

11 months out I range 800-1000 calories and aim for 85 grams of protein. Breakfast: double espresso with a 12-oz vanilla Premier Protein. Morning snack: often a Light & Fit Greek yogurt. Lunch: Quest bar and piece of fruit; or hummus and veggies and fruit. Afternoon snack: herbal tea, fruit or Atkins snack. Supper: lean protein and a vegetable. Evening snack sometimes: fruit or Greek yogurt. Occasional treat such as glass of wine or tiny dessert. Down 82 pounds from highest, down to size 6 from size 20. Still working on the last few pounds.

Premier protein shakes are ready made. I am almost 11 months out and I still have one almost every day. Usually I have a Quest bar too - loaded with protein and fiber. White chocolate raspberry - yum. Low fat cheese sticks. Sugar and fat free Greek yogurt. All very pleasant and easy. I am down to size 6 from size 20.

Make sure you have soft comfy clothes, your protein shakes ready for when they are permitted, and I liked having a spill proof coffee cup to keep my broth warm. Hot water bottle too, and reading supply. Good luck. I am so very grateful I was able to do this for myself.

I am nearly 6 months out. Drinking has never been a problem because water just flows through the sleeve. Solid food sits there much longer. You are just where you should be.

My surgeon also did not give me a goal weight. I set my goal weight of 135 pounds at 5'4" based on a BMI in mid-healthy range, and also my most comfortable weight when I was in my early 20's. I am currently at 160, 5 months post-op, and still losing.

I am nearly 6 months out and for me, it is normal to feel a bit nauseous if I eat certain foods. It is much better than it was a month post-op, but me new stomach has a new normal. Greasy food or sweet food or too much food - nausea. I was much more prone to nausea at first; my morning protein shake would make me very queasy and it still does sometimes but I have learned to deal with it. I really love how this surgery has worked out for me and I wish you great success'