Lisa_vsg

Almost to goal. May 2013 I started pre-op, surgery was Aug 2013.

Still not at goal. 4 years out. Was 278 I'm 196 now. My lowest was 189.

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I only kept it a secret until I found out I was for sure getting it done.
It doesn't matter to me who knows because people can't keep secrets and people always end up finding out.
There is a lady in my town who lied to me about having it, I asked her how she lost it so fast she said low carb and exercise. I knew better because the normal average person does not lose that much weight as fast as she did. I found out she had the sleeve but didn't want anybody to know but people talk behind each others back all the time.
So when she ask me how I lost weight- my answer will be "same way you did" LOL

I would like to add you as well. My email is lmabry512@gmil.com I would like the motivation and encouragent from others as well.

I have been on this site for awhile and have been in maintenance awhile... and lost about 160# so have some observations to offer.
what you hear about honeymoon period (ie easier to lose in the beginning) is true. Also, people who start with more weight to lose will lose faster in terms of raw pounds. If you have 10 pounds to lose, it would stand to reason you are not going to lose 30# in the first month, right? If you had 160 to lose like I did, that might be possible (I did in fact lose about 30 in the first month). Men typically lose faster than women, younger people often lose faster than older etc - some of those things are really outside of your control.
what can you control? Taking advantage of your weight loss tool - the sleeve - and really maximize losses during the honeymoon phase AND probably more importantly be willing to make changes and shake things up once you are - 6-12 months out and the losses (or even maintenance) aren't quite so easy.
What works? In my experience, low to moderate carb is key. Staying active and be willing to change up your workout routine. If for example you go for daily walks... as time goes on you will get better results if you start increasing the intensity (add hills or go faster) or change to something else like cycling. Your body gets very efficient at doing whatever it is used to doing.
I think the other key is learning to STOP eating before you are full. Get in the habit of eating until no longer hungry... your goal is not feel full. Eating this way day in and day out helps alot with longer term feeling restriction/feeling like your sleeve has a smaller capacity.
also, follow the basic rules of Protein and veggies first... drinking separate from food etc.
It isn't always easy... my sleeve was December 11, 2011 - I drank a Protein Drink while everyone else had Christmas feast. You know what, it is so worth it though! These days food just isn't as important to me... but that didn't happen overnight...

Uhc community plan told me you need to get a referral from your primary doctor first which I'm doing tomorrow then go from there

I have MD medicaid and I did 6 months nut visits, 1 psych eval, 1 cardio test, medical clearance and an online thing. I had my surgery 2/5/14 at WHC in DC and I am 41 lbs down..