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You have done so well!! Congratulations on your amazing results!

Do you have any advice for those of us that are early in our journey? My goal is 199 but seeing your results gives me hope that I can exceed them. What do you think was the key to your success (special diet, exercise)?

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Two pieces of advice! 1-listen to your BariatricPal team. Don't second guess anything or think that something doesn't matter, no matter how trivial you think it is! 2-exercise as much as you can whenever you can. This doesn't have to be at the gym. Just keep moving and don't allow yourself to fall into the old trap of making excuses. I am constantly moving unless I'm truly sick. Find things you like. I hike, bike, walk, canoe, swim, garden, do woodworking. Just do something you enjoy and keep doing it. Oh and I guess this is more than two but hydrate hydrate hydrate! Eat nutrient dense foods and get your Protein. It doesn't have to be that hard if you do these things!

Good luck and God Bless!

1 hour ago, Walter.Sobchak said:

That's awesome.
Gives me hope.
I want to be able to shop at regular stores again.
I am tired of having to buy from big and tall stores.
They gouge you so bad, because they know you don't have another choice.

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You can do it! I was thrilled to shop at regular stores again. I saw some shirts hanging in a Jos. A Bank window at the train station the other day. They were linen in nice colors and they type of shirt I wouldn't have dared to wear before. Not to mention that they wouldn't have had them in my size. But I walked right in, tried them on and promptly bought two mediums off the rack. It was an awesome feeling!

So I don't know if you've had the surgery yet or not. If you haven't please do. If you have, listen to your medical team and jump right in to your new life!

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to give an update as I recently hit my one year mark. The results have been unbelievable, much better than expected.

HW-380

SW-361

CW-180

Wow! I never imagined I would lose 200 pounds when I was thick in the misery of weighing 380 pounds. My initial goal was 220 with a stretch goal of 190. I flew past both of those in about ten months and have now stabilized at the 180 mark for a couple of months. I can do SO many more things now that I couldn't do before, it's amazing. On a recent trip to San Fran I could charge up down the hills without stopping every 20 feet. I nearly kept up with my 18 year old son and was well ahead of the rest of the group. I can tie my shoes! And despite some knee problems I can hike, bike, walk, canoe, work around the house and many other things without getting winded or cringing in pain.

I am wearing size 36 pants, which would probably be a size 34 if I didn't have the extra skin flap. My shirts are mostly a a medium and I can buy off the rack at any store. The transformation is simply amazing but not altogether perfect. I still really need to focus on hydration, my energy sometimes abandons me and I still sometimes eat one bite too much which causes me to vomit. I can avoid most of these pitfalls by being diligent and drinking constantly, eating enough Protein and general calories throughout the day to avoid an energy crash and eating SLOWLY! I am still learning and will be for the duration of this journey. But I would never, ever consider going back and opting not to do this!

I hope you are all well!

Thanks for posting Amber. First of all congratulations on making a huge life altering decision. Chances are very very good that you will be transformed for the better for an important time in your life. I wish I had done my sleeve surgery much sooner-I'd be a different person today. People will judge you. That's life. You will be judged for many things throughout your life. Just do your best to try to handle it with a positive attitude. Other people's judgements have no bearing on who you are.

Best of luck to you, stay positive and enjoy your college years and more!

Buster, this is awesome! I will be joining...

I had my sleeve Surgery in May of 2018. At the time I weighed 352, I now weigh 181. Most of the weight came off in the first ten months. I have been steady at 180 for about a month now. I wanted to plateau here since 190 was really my goal. I do not want to go below 180, nor do I want to gain, unless it is muscle weight. I am now trying to find the sweet spot for calories so that I maintain.

Good Luck

On 2/23/2017 at 1:42 PM, defibvt said:

https://www.ufmunderwear.com/ I use these! They work great.

I just ordered some of these bad boys and am anxiously awaiting their arrival. I will review upon receipt!

Ok Guys I don't quite know how to say this so I'm just gonna come out and say it. I keep sitting on my balls! It seems that with the receded thunder thighs and reduced fat pad in the pubic area, the sack hangs much lower than it used to. Everytime I sit down i squash the nads just beneath my now bony butt! Needless to say this causes discomfort and the embarrassing need to furtively glance around while reaching in to rescue the little fellers. Anyone else have this problem and have an suggestions? Maybe some drawers that work better than others?

Update. I have been much more diligent about Protein. I am drinking two 40 gram Muscle Milks a Day in addition to whatever food I eat. Still losing! I am down to 188. Holy Freaking Mother of Mothers! I never thought I'd EVER weigh this little in my life. I think I was in my 180's last in middle school! I am feeling a bit better, knee is coming along and I have been out hiking again. I joined a health club and have begun working with weights with my son. I am SO freaking weak! My son, just turned 18, is 4 inches shorter than me, and WAY stronger. That hurts the pride a tad. But he is very cool about it and helping me out. I am going to hit it 3 days a week on weights, two days a week at Physical Therapy, and one day with a long hike. We'll see how it goes!

Update. I have been much more diligent about Protein. I am drinking two 40 gram Muscle Milks a Day in addition to whatever food I eat. Still losing! I am down to 188. Holy Freaking Mother of Mothers! I never thought I'd EVER weigh this little in my life. I think I was in my 180's last in middle school! I am feeling a bit better, knee is coming along and I have been out hiking again. I joined a health club and have begun working with weights with my son. I am SO freaking weak! My son, just turned 18, is 4 inches shorter than me, and WAY stronger. That hurts the pride a tad. But he is very cool about it and helping me out. I am going to hit it 3 days a week on weights, two days a week at Physical Therapy, and one day with a long hike. We'll see how it goes!

Thanks yea it's so hard to tell! Plus my stomach makes all these new grumbling sounds I haven't quite figured out yet

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Don't worry. That is not much food at all! The grumbling is normal and the discomfort will subside. Perfectly normal for so soon. liquids and purees go down real easy and hunger can return. Once you are on to solid food you will feel the restriction all the more.

I've thrown up a number of times. What I've learned is to eat very slowly and chew very thoroughly. I make a sensible plate that fits within the nut's guidelines and sit down with it. I first eat a tiny amount that is chewed very well. I then wait until my stomach relaxes and slowly eat the rest. This helps me get in the Protein and calories.

Congrats on the wt loss! Hope your knee gets better soon. How did u lose so much wt in 8 months? Im excited to hear.

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Hi @@PhillyAj,

I know, the numbers boggle me. I really just followed my bariatric teams advice. I met my Fluid requirements daily and strived to meet my Protein goals. I was not always successful on that, which is why I've lost too much muscle and am working to turn that around now. I only eat when hungry and I walk, a lot! At least I did before my knee surgery three weeks ago. I always tried to walk at least three miles at a stretch everyday. I also biked to and from the train station to work using Chicago's bike share program, divvy. Other than that I just always try to be active, camping, canoeing, swimming, whatever. I decided when I decided to have surgery that I was done making excuses to be lazy. I just committed to get on the move and stay on the move. This surgery has derailed me but I intend to get back going ASAP. Even while hobbled I am trying to move. I do pushups and wheel a wheelchair around the mall for fun.

Thank you @OKCpirate. And, good advice, they can test for that at my bariatric practice, so I will make a point of it at my next visit.

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Hi all!

I'm about 8 1/2 months out and down at least 180 pounds since my all time high and over 150 since surgery. Doing well for the most part. But a recent knee surgery has me sidelined. Went to Bariatric Doc today and am low on B12 and was chastised about not enough protein! So time to get on the Protein wagon big time. I restocked on essentials today and recommitting to 80 grams per day and a muscle building program. Doc says I am losing too much muscle. Anyway, here are the pics.

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Okay here is a before and "during" I hope this works! Now comes the hard work, getting into real shape and staying in shape. I've got to get some new clothes again and some muscles! 

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Thank God for BariatricPal pal and all of you fine people! I am so happy that there are folks willing to reach out a supportive hand from time to time. I am so truly grateful. @@VDB how very perceptive of you. It will take me a long time to get used to the new me! I am going to try to post a before and during pic. I can't see how to do it on my phone though!

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Hi everyone, It's been a while since I've posted, largely because I've been pretty busy enjoying my new life. But Lately I've been a bit worried that I may be on the edge of losing too much weight! I just stepped on the scale and weighed in at 198. I peaked a few years ago at 380 and my surgery weight was 351 this past May, so eight months ago. That is over 150 pounds lost in eight months!

I had been feeling pretty good with good energy. But I had some knee surgery (which I had previously written about in this forum) a couple weeks ago and am now in a pretty poor state of mind. I'm sure it is a combination of painkillers and general post-surgical lethargy and depression from sitting all day, but man do I feel weak. I feel like a bag of bones with a lot of gross saggy skin!

Should I be concerned tht I've lost too much too fast? How do I slow this down? I still can't eat anything to speak of. For example today I had a single serve container of Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries for Breakfast, a 16 oz. bowl of chicken Soup for lunch and two squares of pizza for dinner. I had a snack of three triscuits and a slice of cheese. Most days I also have a Protein Shake but am out today. I literally can't eat more than this.

Anyone else been here? Anyone have any suggestions on how to slow this train down? I can't get out to the dr. until I have this cast removed and am approved to drive, probably another three weeks or so.

Hello been a while for me on here. I am closing in on seven months and am down 150 lbs to 215. I had expected to max out at this level but haven't yet. I still can't eat much. I am 6 foot and am now hoping to get down to 190. I exercise a lot by walking and biking but now need to start in at the gym with some weight training. I'm thinking that will slow my loss for a while.

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Hey there @@PorkChopExpress! Congratulations on taking this huge step towards a happier healthier you! I started this at the exact same surgery weight as you and after five months am down 111 pounds. I too had VSG and am very pleased with everything. Stay positive. Keep moving and enjoy your new life!!

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Hi @@defibvt your advice is very appreciated. Unfortunately this is one weird injury. My new knee joint is actually fine. Its the tendon which used to connect my quadriceps to the kneecap to the lower leg that is bad. It is no longer connected to the kneecap and slips off the the outside of my knee. It is intact partially but ruptured. Picture a marionette puppet that has its knee string attached to the outside of its knee instead of on top. If you pull that string it wonks outward instead of up. When my knee is bent, as in sitting, I can't lift my lower leg to straighten it. When walking, gravity helps bring the lower leg forward to complete a step. However, in the Water it has to cut through the resistance of the Water to come forward. Same as with swimming, the motion required against resistance makes it actually much more difficult than walking.

With all that said, I do swim and use my backyard pool, you are still right because come winter an indoor pool will become my best option. And I am not going to use this damnable knee as an excuse to be lazy. So, in the pool I will go!

Thank you for your kindness!

Bill

Great results. Did you go bypass or VSG?

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@@BubbaVSG I had VSG.

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Oh yeah. And I'm down to 249. 102 pounds GONE in four months! 131 pounds gone since my high weight!. Other than my knee, I am awesome. Wish I could kneel and run but those are out. Oh well.

Hi Guys.

Update on my knee injury. So, it's pretty damn bad. I have limited use and strength of my leg because my quad tendon is partially ruptured and detached from my kneecap. This mean that the extensor mechanism is off to the side of my knee and it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to straighten my leg from a bent position. My quad is only partially in use for strength and balance. Also, the patellar button from my knee replacement has dtached and is floating around in my knee/lower thigh area.

I saw the best orthopedic in the Chicagoland area who specializes in knee reconstruction and knee replacement rebuilds. My options are few and scary. Best option is to have my knee fused. Basically cement it in a slightly bent position for the rest of my life. Other option is to have a tendon graft from a cadaver and ope it takes. The graft only has a 70 percent success rate and a ten percent infection rate. Infection would be very very bad . If I get this operation and it fails, I am looking at a fusion anyway. If it gets infected, I am looking at several more surgeries just to then have it fused.

F**K!

So, I'm going to kick the can down the road and leave it as is. I am strapping on a serious ortho brace daily and getting off my ass. No more excuses. Since surgery I've been walking, riding, hiking, canoeing, camping and generally enjoying the heck out of life.

THe knee problem sucks and I may need to have one of these surgeries down the road. Possibly sooner than later, but I am not taking the risk or fusing my knee until I am left with no other options.

All the best to all of you

Hell again everyone, time for a new update since it has been four months since my 5/9/2016 surgery.

The stats:

High weight: 380

Weight at first visit: 365

Surgery Weight: 351

Current Weight: 249

In the four short months since surgery I have lost 102 lbs. Unbelievable. I have lost 131 since my all time high. I never would have thought this possible! SImply the best decision I've ever made and I would highly recommend to anyone looking to change their life.

I feel great and exercise a ton even though a have a badly injured knee that has me pretty hobbled. But I am DONE making excuses. Injured knee or not I am going to move and keep on moving! I walk > 3 miles per day and bike approx. 5 per day. It causes me some pain but I want to get to goal and stay there. Come winter when my local forest preserves become hard to walk i am going to start and strength training and Water aerobics/swimming. I might even try cross country skiing if my knee can handle it (I am going to post an update on my knee in the guys room if anyone is interested).

It is crazy the things I can do now that I couldn't a few short months ago. I'm canoeing, camping, hiking, walking, swimming. I'm enjoying new clothes I never would have worn before. Truly a life changer!

All the best everyone - go get em!