Bobby46

HI Bobby....you've lost 64 lbs and you wonder if it's worth it? Don't get me wrong, I know our brains work against us sometimes, but wow, 64 lbs in 5 months. That's fabulous! Look at all the strain you have taken off your back and knees and feet...you must be walking better, breathing better. Reaching goal is nice and good and all that, but you are getting your health back! That cannot ever be understated. And yes, maintenance is a bit of a challenge, but a lot easier than if we had lost (as if we could!) the weight in a traditional way. This forum keeps us all honest, so keep coming back and you will be inspired. And love yourself for how far you have come.

I have been wondering about how I will handle the maintenance part of all of this. Thank you for a real glimpse of what its like. There aren't enough threads that point out the mental fight. It helps to see others are fighting this and winning. Its reality.
I am only 5 mths out now and am about 1/2 way to where I want to be. I have days that are super easy for me and I'm on track with everything and life is so good! "This is the best thing I have ever done for myself!".....Then I have days and sometimes weeks where I fight the fight and the scale doesn't move....that's when I start wondering about how this is all going to pan out for me.
I never expected the weight to just fall off quickly and I would be model perfect, yay me! I never for a minute had any delusions of being thin and being able to eat the way I used to. But....my little brain keeps messing with me. The whole "is this worth it" question nags at me on occasion because this is more a mental challenge than a physical one. But, its okay. I am not alone. Thank God for therapists!
I know I will reach my goal. I know I will fight until I get there. I pray that I will fight just as hard to stay there! I know my biggest battle will be the maintenance.

I have been wondering about how I will handle the maintenance part of all of this. Thank you for a real glimpse of what its like. There aren't enough threads that point out the mental fight. It helps to see others are fighting this and winning. Its reality.
I am only 5 mths out now and am about 1/2 way to where I want to be. I have days that are super easy for me and I'm on track with everything and life is so good! "This is the best thing I have ever done for myself!".....Then I have days and sometimes weeks where I fight the fight and the scale doesn't move....that's when I start wondering about how this is all going to pan out for me.
I never expected the weight to just fall off quickly and I would be model perfect, yay me! I never for a minute had any delusions of being thin and being able to eat the way I used to. But....my little brain keeps messing with me. The whole "is this worth it" question nags at me on occasion because this is more a mental challenge than a physical one. But, its okay. I am not alone. Thank God for therapists!
I know I will reach my goal. I know I will fight until I get there. I pray that I will fight just as hard to stay there! I know my biggest battle will be the maintenance.

So, I am hanging out right at my goal weight, which is higher than my lowest weight. I knew this was very likely to happen and so on the one hand, i am okay with it, but on the other hand, I feel fatigued by it. I know that I need to stabilize/re-lose a few pounds to keep that "cushion" between me and the 200s or 300s.... but I grow tired of it sometimes
In the past, that seemed very do-able. Buckle down, go back to basics, do Protein first, do 5:2, change up exercise. For whatever reason, right now, while it seems possible I had one of those pity parties where I asked myself what is fair about me eating a pittance of food, spinning on my bike and yet still struggling to keep a normal weight. I watch others eat a whole lot more than me and I sometimes want to eat with abandon too. The thought crossed my mind... is this REALLY worth it?!??!???
Then, I thought about the people I was comparing my eating to. Example - I went into the office yesterday and did a day long workshop so got to see people eat lunches - large portions and of course Cookies for snack later. The two ladies i sat next to are considerably younger than me - one is obese and the other is morbidly obese by my judgement. I had to remind myself that they are still healthy, but they are heading down my former path and I cannot let myself go back or else i go back to feeling ill, feeling like i was becoming disabled, feeling hopeless.
Anyway, it is worth it, but this is the first time I have ever really questioned it. I think I understand a bit more why people regain years out from surgery. We all know that you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle etc but I am telling you - my experience is that "lifestyle changes" UNDERSTATES the level of effort required. I don't even really eat junk food, but I still need to really watch what I eat - this is beyond "healthy choices" this is eating very small, eating the right things very consistently or else I will regain. This whole thing about an average healthy woman needing 1800-2000 calories a day to maintain is bogus. i don't eat anywhere near that and I know many of my fellow vets that are maintaining don't either.
So, as I used to say, but haven't in awhile...."carry on... what choice do we really have?"

I am over 5 mths out and I drink 2 cups in the mornings......takes me about 3hrs because I work from home and I nurse it...heat it up a few times. I also drink a cup in the evenings if I'm in the mood. My doc said that as long as it doesn't upset my stomach its fine.

16lbs in a month is fantastic. Relax. Its going to come off. Its going to stall, its going to fall off like crazy, then it will level off and just when you think youre going to move right along its going to stall again. Welcome aboard the rollercoaster!

OK, here's one I haven't seen addressed: what's with all this low fat, diety food? ?? I thought maybe it would make more sense after my surgery, but it still doesn't. I'm 4 weeks post op and can only eat about a quarter cup at a time. My nut says 3-4 quarter cup meals a day. How can you possibly gain weight on 1 CUP of food a day, even if you are eating full fat meals???? Better yet, how can you NOT lose weight on one cup of food a day?
Before I started this process, I was actually eating pretty healthy. Healthy fats (avocado, coconut, EVO, even some clarified butter). I avoided simple sugars, grains and dairy; ate mostly meats, eggs, lots of vegies (with fats thank you) and some fruit. Some juicing too, mostly veggies with about 10% fruit to make them palatable. I was still overweight (portions and hormones?), but low bp and cholesterol. Healthy. Since starting this program and especially post surgery, I'm told to eat a TON of dairy (which I don't tolerate well), and lots of chemical laden sugar free fake foods like the Protein Shakes and jellos and puddings and Protein Bars, etc. And told to do low or no fat. Sites like the Bariatric Pal are constantly advocating diet food and low cal recipes.
So I just don't get it. I'm not talking about eating high fat, high calorie food all day long, but I don't see why eating healthy food with moderate fat should be a problem. So you don't lose quite as fast. Wouldn't that be healthier and maybe less issues with sagging skin? I just don't get it.
Input from veterans please...what am I missing?

Its a lovely ole stall. I am 5 mths out and I've had 3 stalls. 1 lasted a week. 1 lasted 3 weeks and this one has been a month long. When I come off a stall I drop 4 or 5 pounds in a few days then it levels out to 2lbs a week.
Usually if I up my calories a bit it will break the stall. The 3 week stall was awful....I did everything I can think of and I stayed stuck. This stall I'm on now I think is the result of hormones on top of a regular stall. And I started the stall after a week of having Christmas Cookies (just 1 or 2) everyday for about 5 days. This stall is killing me! But, I know it will eventually start coming off again in due time. I know I'm doing everything right so theres no reason for it other than my body adjusting to everything again.
Part of the process is what I'm told

Its a lovely ole stall. I am 5 mths out and I've had 3 stalls. 1 lasted a week. 1 lasted 3 weeks and this one has been a month long. When I come off a stall I drop 4 or 5 pounds in a few days then it levels out to 2lbs a week.
Usually if I up my calories a bit it will break the stall. The 3 week stall was awful....I did everything I can think of and I stayed stuck. This stall I'm on now I think is the result of hormones on top of a regular stall. And I started the stall after a week of having Christmas Cookies (just 1 or 2) everyday for about 5 days. This stall is killing me! But, I know it will eventually start coming off again in due time. I know I'm doing everything right so theres no reason for it other than my body adjusting to everything again.
Part of the process is what I'm told

Its a lovely ole stall. I am 5 mths out and I've had 3 stalls. 1 lasted a week. 1 lasted 3 weeks and this one has been a month long. When I come off a stall I drop 4 or 5 pounds in a few days then it levels out to 2lbs a week.
Usually if I up my calories a bit it will break the stall. The 3 week stall was awful....I did everything I can think of and I stayed stuck. This stall I'm on now I think is the result of hormones on top of a regular stall. And I started the stall after a week of having Christmas Cookies (just 1 or 2) everyday for about 5 days. This stall is killing me! But, I know it will eventually start coming off again in due time. I know I'm doing everything right so theres no reason for it other than my body adjusting to everything again.
Part of the process is what I'm told

Its a lovely ole stall. I am 5 mths out and I've had 3 stalls. 1 lasted a week. 1 lasted 3 weeks and this one has been a month long. When I come off a stall I drop 4 or 5 pounds in a few days then it levels out to 2lbs a week.
Usually if I up my calories a bit it will break the stall. The 3 week stall was awful....I did everything I can think of and I stayed stuck. This stall I'm on now I think is the result of hormones on top of a regular stall. And I started the stall after a week of having Christmas Cookies (just 1 or 2) everyday for about 5 days. This stall is killing me! But, I know it will eventually start coming off again in due time. I know I'm doing everything right so theres no reason for it other than my body adjusting to everything again.
Part of the process is what I'm told

Take this time to choose high nutrition. You have to eat so eat the things that are the best choice for your body. I kind of thought it was a chore as well in the beginning. I started eating very healthy at that time. Now 5 mths out I WANT the healthy choices. I crave spinach and roasted veggies, baked chicken and salmon, laughing cow cheese and roasted chickpeas! I watch my son eat a cheeseburger and all I see is fat and grease lol ....I tend to lecture him even though he is a perfect weight and very active. I still crave sweets though....but I found simply fruit spread, s/f Jello and popcicles and fudgecicles and special K or nature valley Protein bars and they all take the edge off. I experiment with spices and things now too. You will develop a new normal over the next couple of months.

I feel younger! I'm 46 and I don't believe I look older, most people guess my age around 38!
Since surgery my skin is more clear....no more breakouts....I think its because I cut out sugar! I use moisturizer on my face and neck 2 or 3 times a day and drink a lot of Water. I have noticed my neck is a little saggy....and it scares me a little. But, my doctor advised that it takes about a year for the your skin to adjust and I should notice a big difference then. He advised to stay hydrated..even if I have to force the water...and to lather on the moisturizer.
A little sagging on the neck is a good trade for my double chin and chunky cheeks!

Take this time to choose high nutrition. You have to eat so eat the things that are the best choice for your body. I kind of thought it was a chore as well in the beginning. I started eating very healthy at that time. Now 5 mths out I WANT the healthy choices. I crave spinach and roasted veggies, baked chicken and salmon, laughing cow cheese and roasted chickpeas! I watch my son eat a cheeseburger and all I see is fat and grease lol ....I tend to lecture him even though he is a perfect weight and very active. I still crave sweets though....but I found simply fruit spread, s/f Jello and popcicles and fudgecicles and special K or nature valley Protein bars and they all take the edge off. I experiment with spices and things now too. You will develop a new normal over the next couple of months.

This was my fear: I am only at the start of my journey, got sleeved on 12-23. I have lost 22 pounds since 12-10, and look very saggy to me in the mirror. So anyway I took my 22 year old kid to whole foods and we were looking at sushi: I was going to buy her some for dinner. I said wistfully "I wish I could have sushi". (I am in the puree phase.) :/ This guy standing next to us looked at me and said, "But you can't , since you are pregnant and it is bad for the baby, right?" I burst out laughing hysterically and said "Bless you for thinking that is possible!" (I am 62. MY 33 year old daughter is pregnant with my first grandchild! ) So the God of my understanding has a wonderful sense of humor....I took this to mean that I should not worry about looking like the crypkeeper when I get to my goal weight. LOL.

I feel younger! I'm 46 and I don't believe I look older, most people guess my age around 38!
Since surgery my skin is more clear....no more breakouts....I think its because I cut out sugar! I use moisturizer on my face and neck 2 or 3 times a day and drink a lot of Water. I have noticed my neck is a little saggy....and it scares me a little. But, my doctor advised that it takes about a year for the your skin to adjust and I should notice a big difference then. He advised to stay hydrated..even if I have to force the water...and to lather on the moisturizer.
A little sagging on the neck is a good trade for my double chin and chunky cheeks!

So jealous! Still working my way towards that goal! My short legs need more time.

Yep, sure could have lost the weight without surgery. Did it, actually. I lost over 70lbs 3 times in my life. Diet pills, Weight Watchers, and Medifast. I have been "dieting" for about 35yrs. I have done just about every diet and exercise plan out there! I have lost some every single time I tried. And I always gained it back plus more every single time.
But...I learned a lot over the years. I learned a lot about food choices, body image, mindless eating, emotional eating, exercise. I could write a freaking book! There is so much info roaming through my brain I could be a nutritionist, a psychologist, an aerobics instructor and the next biggest diet book author out there! If I wasn't on a diet I was researching one! I thought about dieting every day of my life!
I know what to do to get the weight off (see the above) but I have never ever figured out how to maintain that weight loss long term! I NEED this surgery to give me a shot at keeping it off!
Now that the surgery has been done I am so flipping relieved! I don't obsess over food. I plan it, eat it and get on with my day. The size of my stomach limits the amount I can eat so I make better choices so that I feel good and my body functions well. This has been the best thing I have ever done for myself!! THE BEST!! It will take me a year or more to get where I want to be weight wise. I am counting on the sleeve to help me stop the weight from coming back. If I stay vigilant and focused I will succeed ....NO DOUBT!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show! HOWEVER, I hated Penny's episode and as I sat there watching it, I LOATHED her by the end of it. She did not try one bit and the fact that she had the audacity to look at Dr. Now in his face and say "look, you can see my collarbone", after regaining some of the measly 35 pounds she lost??? So full of shit.
I can't wait for the new season to start!!

Yes! I have lost weight without WLS. HUNDREDS OF TIMES! But did I keep it off? Of course not! I had this surgery not to lose weight, because I can lose weight like gangbusters, but to receive the amazing tool to help me learn to eat in moderation and make what I'm putting in my mouth count to be healthy. Although the weight loss is obviously icing on the cake (mmmmm cake), the ultimate goal is a complete lifestyle change I intend to maintain even after I hit my goal weight. And I know now with this tool, if I work it correctly, I can continue to maintain a healthy weight. I'm in it for the long haul!

Here is a question that I got from a friend.....
Did you know that if you have WLS you will die 7 to 10 yrs sooner? Why would you take the easy way out and die years earlier than you're suppose to? Why don't you just do it the hard way like the rest of us?
First I laughed....
7 to 10 yrs.....really? Did you talk to professionals...doctors...nutritionists....surgeons? Or did you just make that number up yourself?
The easy way....really? Surgery is never easy...its a huge decision that I researched for well over a year before even mentioning it to my doctor. This is the most difficult thing I have ever done and I will live with it for the rest of my life....a life that will be LONGER because I am taking the weight off of my body in a healthy way.
Do it the hard way like the rest of you?.....like when you only eat 1 meal a day and drink 6 cans of diet coke a day to keep your calories down? Or when you exercise excessively to "sweat off" that one meal you ate that day? Or like when you make yourself vomit when you binge eat because you have been starving yourself everyday for weeks and you feel guilty for eating. That "hard way"?
Then I got mad because she is a friend and she said it so rudely and mean.....and then I got rude and mean back.
So I apologized and asked her not to talk with me about it if it makes her uncomfortable because the surgery was my decision ....a decision just for me.....me and me only. I need support and acceptance not negativity.
She didn't apologize but she has never brought it up to me again.

At 6 weeks I was on a regular diet and have no food issues so I eat a lot of seafood like crab and shrimp, lean steaks, grilled chicken strips, turkey sausage, any Protein really. Don't be afraid to try stuff just eat slow and if you start to not feel so go stop. As far as vegetables I can eat anything I just fill up on protein so I don't get much vegetables.

I learned something over the holidays. My body still loves sweets! Ugh!!! I was told that I have about a 50/50 shot at still being able to tolerate sweets without issue. I am one of the lucky/unlucky ones.
Before surgery I was hoping that I would still be able to enjoy them on occasion. Now that its nearly 5 mths out I thought I would try them as a Christmas treat and see what happens. I was so excited that I could tolerate them when I had that iced sugar cookie. I thought that it is going to be so awesome to enjoy cake at birthday party and a little pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and, of course, that iced cookie at Christmas.
Then....a week after Christmas I realized that I liked that iced cookie every single night. Licked my fingers and enjoyed the mess out that iced cookie for 5 straight days!! So I pitched them...I pitched them all, and the chocolate covered cherries, buckeyes, brownies, and applesauce cake that my family so kindly sent home with me for me and my son. Its all gone.
I gained 1lb ...not sure if its Water or that sugar. I don't care, really. That 1lb scared the huey out of me because I was to the point in my little brain that I could have a sweet treat every single day instead of those special occasions. I heard of people gaining and I thought I would never do it. Scary.
My birthday is in January. My family usually does cake and coffee for me. This year I am going to ask them to meet me out for dinner. I can eat out and still maintain control....and I can skip dessert.
Lesson learned. But...who knows. Maybe a year from now I will have more control over that. For now I cant trust myself. Sweets will not enter this house for a long long time! Better safe than sorry.

I learned something over the holidays. My body still loves sweets! Ugh!!! I was told that I have about a 50/50 shot at still being able to tolerate sweets without issue. I am one of the lucky/unlucky ones.
Before surgery I was hoping that I would still be able to enjoy them on occasion. Now that its nearly 5 mths out I thought I would try them as a Christmas treat and see what happens. I was so excited that I could tolerate them when I had that iced sugar cookie. I thought that it is going to be so awesome to enjoy cake at birthday party and a little pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and, of course, that iced cookie at Christmas.
Then....a week after Christmas I realized that I liked that iced cookie every single night. Licked my fingers and enjoyed the mess out that iced cookie for 5 straight days!! So I pitched them...I pitched them all, and the chocolate covered cherries, buckeyes, brownies, and applesauce cake that my family so kindly sent home with me for me and my son. Its all gone.
I gained 1lb ...not sure if its Water or that sugar. I don't care, really. That 1lb scared the huey out of me because I was to the point in my little brain that I could have a sweet treat every single day instead of those special occasions. I heard of people gaining and I thought I would never do it. Scary.
My birthday is in January. My family usually does cake and coffee for me. This year I am going to ask them to meet me out for dinner. I can eat out and still maintain control....and I can skip dessert.
Lesson learned. But...who knows. Maybe a year from now I will have more control over that. For now I cant trust myself. Sweets will not enter this house for a long long time! Better safe than sorry.

Who in the world could eat 300 to 400 calories every single day for a year? That is just crazy! That is 1 1/2, maybe 2, Protein shakes a day if you add nothing but 1% milk to them. There is no way I could do that for even 1 day let alone 1 year! After a year of that I would imagine a long hospital stay would be in your future!
I was told the average calorie intake after surgery for the first few weeks was 500 to 700....and that is eating the minimum requirements of the basic after surgery diet. I am suppose to be up to 1200 calories a day by the 6 mth point.