Zane's Mom

I'm 20 months out and 16 pounds under goal. Here is my take on the question.
My family and friends who know I'm sleeved are vultures and take everything left on my plate the minute I start hiccuping. That's my full "tell" and it starts about 6 bites in.
For those who don't know but have known me a long time I still get the "you don't eat enough. You're getting too thin". I never thought that would be an issue.
And I eat a little of everything and push food around and ask for a to go.
I refuse to go to a buffet. I passing dessert. I'm now lactose intolerant so no more ice cream.
It's totally workable in every situation.
You'll figure it out and it's totally worth it. Oh to have skinny people problems .....

I took my athletic shoes and I'm glad I did.
I was by myself most of the time and I had to get up and walk as much as possible
Walking in socks or light house shoes was uncomfortable because I had to walk with my bulky IV stand and I would unfortunately kick it. So when I wore my sturdier shoes, my feet thanked me for it.
If your lucky enough to have someone to keep the stand out of your way, maybe it's no concern.
I needed the Chapstick and charging cable. That's it.
Good luck to all the new losers.

Congrats. Just tell your family that you had some bloodwork done and the doctor was concerned about -----.
Then tell them you have to do this regimen and then redo the tests. Tell them you want to be proactive about your health and nip everything in the bud. Let them know you met with a nutritionist and you really have to make some serious modifications to your diet.
They will commend you and when you start dropping they will have a reason as to why.
It worked for me!!!

Well. I don't mind answering that at all.
My only son was 18 when he was murdered 3 years ago. My life has been unbelievable since then. I endured two separate trials to convict the two thugs who shot him in the head thinking they were going to rob him.
I have adopted 4 kids in the past 5 years. I have been under a psychiatrists care since my son died and I take 4 medications daily just to function and keep my sanity.
I go to counseling every week and a support group for bereaved parents every month without fail.
My husband and I have 10 children total with 16, 6, 6 and 5 still at home.
I have just been steadily gaining since his death and I wanted to do something about it. My bloodwork kept getting worse and worse every 6 months.
I scheduled the lap band but as I went through the process my psychiatrist wanted me to make sure that I would be able to take my medication without fail. I had to maintain my mental stability. I also talked with my OB and my pcp, and we all agreed that sleeve would be safer to continue my meds.
When they did the EDG, I did have a large hernia and there were ulcers all over my stomach. So surgery removed many of those.
I consider it a drastic step, but it is a tool I am using to make my life better. And if I can reach my goal and be all the mom I can be for the next 13 plus years for the little ones at home, then I'm trying to do it all right.
Isn't it better that I made an informed decision with commitment and conviction to get my health and well being under control before I was what ... What weight would you like to see before surgery is justified to you?
I am still calling this my win!!!

Well. I don't mind answering that at all.
My only son was 18 when he was murdered 3 years ago. My life has been unbelievable since then. I endured two separate trials to convict the two thugs who shot him in the head thinking they were going to rob him.
I have adopted 4 kids in the past 5 years. I have been under a psychiatrists care since my son died and I take 4 medications daily just to function and keep my sanity.
I go to counseling every week and a support group for bereaved parents every month without fail.
My husband and I have 10 children total with 16, 6, 6 and 5 still at home.
I have just been steadily gaining since his death and I wanted to do something about it. My bloodwork kept getting worse and worse every 6 months.
I scheduled the lap band but as I went through the process my psychiatrist wanted me to make sure that I would be able to take my medication without fail. I had to maintain my mental stability. I also talked with my OB and my pcp, and we all agreed that sleeve would be safer to continue my meds.
When they did the EDG, I did have a large hernia and there were ulcers all over my stomach. So surgery removed many of those.
I consider it a drastic step, but it is a tool I am using to make my life better. And if I can reach my goal and be all the mom I can be for the next 13 plus years for the little ones at home, then I'm trying to do it all right.
Isn't it better that I made an informed decision with commitment and conviction to get my health and well being under control before I was what ... What weight would you like to see before surgery is justified to you?
I am still calling this my win!!!

Cal2okl
Yes. I think this post didn't address it. I was gaining and gaining and it was not going down no matter what I tried.
I just looked back at all the past events in my life and where I was at that time and I was needing to make dramatic changes and for my overall health, including my weight.
That was an old post!!!! I'm just under 18 months post op and I'm at 125 and holding. I reached my doctors goal weight at 9 months and I've been at this weight for the past 3 to 4 months.
I'm feeling better, my labs are great. I have added one medication to my daily medication for vertigo, but it's as needed. I get a little out of sorts sometimes and not sure if it's the weight loss or my mind or both.
Congrats on your post op. I hope for your journey to be smooth and successful. I found this site to be priceless.

Surgery on 6/17 and 38 pounds down.
I went to my follow up and my labs were excellent. The nurses said they have never seen Protein levels so high in a 3 month post op. The number was double most patients.
Everything was All-ok.
Just wanted to share. It makes me feel like I've given myself a new beginning and my body is thanking me!!!

Alexa
My recovery was pretty easy. I went home that next day. I was racing laps in the hospital around the floor.
My hardest was the first night home and having to get myself out of bed because I laid all the way down.
I did take the pain meds the first few days. Rather be comfortable than a martyr.
I had surgery on Tuesday and was back to work Monday. No real issues at all. I just took it easy.
My issue was that I could not even look at much less drink the Protein shakes I had lived on one week prior to surgery. I had to change to other brands and broth.
My incisions healed fine with no pain or irritation. I was walking on my treadmill 10 min then up to 30 minutes within the first week (I am so not used to working out - still ugh.)
I wasn't hungry at all those first weeks. I probably did try everything a little early but nothing extreme And nothing that hurt me. I listened to my sleeve and it talked to me.
Message me if you want we can text if you like or even Skype.
Do you have support at home? Did you tell others?

Hey everyone. Update. I'm 16 months post op and doing fantastic.
I reached goal at 9 months of 138 and I'm at 125 now and have been for A couple months. I think this is my stopping point but I guess my body will tell me.
Still not much exercise and great restriction.

I was 192 one week prior to surgery on 6/17/14. I reached goal of 138 at about 9 months.
I'm at 132 at my one year mark.
No exercise and no limitations on myself. I eat healthy and respect my body.
I'm starting some strengthening to firm up.
I doubt I'll go lower but we will see!!!
No regrets.

Hey everyone. Update. I'm 16 months post op and doing fantastic.
I reached goal at 9 months of 138 and I'm at 125 now and have been for A couple months. I think this is my stopping point but I guess my body will tell me.
Still not much exercise and great restriction.

You are just in the first of many stalls to come.
As a low BMI you will lose a lot at first and then slowly from then on out.
What I did was to record any lower weight on my fitness pal. That's it. Never an increase. If it went up oh well. Only the downs.
I know you don't want to hear that right now, but you have days, weeks and months to come of weighing in and it might just drive you crazy.
I started at 192. I reached goal at 9 months at 138 and today at 16 months I'm at 126. I'm maintaining here between 128 and 126 every morning depending on how my body is feeling.
I haven't done an exercise routine. Just what I get with my job and family. Not much. I have great restriction and I don't record my daily intake any longer.
Yes, I followed the rules 110% and worked my program to reach goal. I now know what I can and can't eat and drink without measuring every time.
Message me if you need some extra encouragement. You are not failing and your body didn't stop working!!!
Chin up. I had MANY days of what did I do, and I can't eat another, and will I ever feel normal again.

You are just in the first of many stalls to come.
As a low BMI you will lose a lot at first and then slowly from then on out.
What I did was to record any lower weight on my fitness pal. That's it. Never an increase. If it went up oh well. Only the downs.
I know you don't want to hear that right now, but you have days, weeks and months to come of weighing in and it might just drive you crazy.
I started at 192. I reached goal at 9 months at 138 and today at 16 months I'm at 126. I'm maintaining here between 128 and 126 every morning depending on how my body is feeling.
I haven't done an exercise routine. Just what I get with my job and family. Not much. I have great restriction and I don't record my daily intake any longer.
Yes, I followed the rules 110% and worked my program to reach goal. I now know what I can and can't eat and drink without measuring every time.
Message me if you need some extra encouragement. You are not failing and your body didn't stop working!!!
Chin up. I had MANY days of what did I do, and I can't eat another, and will I ever feel normal again.

Congrats. I had low BMI as well and reached goal of 138 at 9 months.
I'm at 128 at 14 months without working out.
5'5"
Pre op 192
Surgery 6/17/14

Congrats. June 17th is my 1 year surgiversary date.
I reached goal at 9 months and am at 132 and maintaining now.
Pre op diet was not hard for me because I was so ready to do this. I was 100% liquid diet from the 10th to the 16th. Surgery first thing in the morning of the 17th and home the afternoon of the 18th.
No complications. No hunger. Normal progression of stages of food and average weight loss with all the stalls as described etc.
You can do this. It's all worth it. I'm 6 pounds under goal and have great restriction and keep a very healthy diet.
Good luck to you and use this forum for support.

Congrats. June 17th is my 1 year surgiversary date.
I reached goal at 9 months and am at 132 and maintaining now.
Pre op diet was not hard for me because I was so ready to do this. I was 100% liquid diet from the 10th to the 16th. Surgery first thing in the morning of the 17th and home the afternoon of the 18th.
No complications. No hunger. Normal progression of stages of food and average weight loss with all the stalls as described etc.
You can do this. It's all worth it. I'm 6 pounds under goal and have great restriction and keep a very healthy diet.
Good luck to you and use this forum for support.

At 11 months mine is still super thin but I think the loss is now minimal.
My ponytail is ridiculous. I bought some beautiful clip in hair extensions with curl and volume and I love them. I get compliments all the time.
I've only colored my hair once since surgery. And I think I'm almost ready to try it again.
I agree with all the others .. Taking all the extras can't hurt and hopefully will help for stringer re growth.

Update for other low BMI, 4& 1/2 months out. Lost 40 pounds first 3 months. Stalled for 3 weeks and in the past few days dropped 3 pounds.
I'm at 147.4 with 10 pounds to goal. If more comes off I'm happy.
Still not working out like I should. But trying to up that. Cut out Protein bars to help with digestive discomfort a few days ago.
I love this thread please keep posting.

I know you will get soooo many answers and you will get so many days of stalls and frustrations.
Here was my take on it. I do weigh every day. If my weight drops lower than its been then I do record in my fitness pal. If not I just move on and don't sweat it. I don't bother with the fluctuation and frustration.
I'm 11 months out and hit goal at 9 and under since. scale does not move much at all. Many many stalls that began at 10 days and continued at a logical stair step pattern throughout the process.
See what works for you. I just don't record any ups because they are not permanent.

Hello fellow sleevers. I was 190 June 10 when I started my pre-op diet. Sleeved 6/17 and today I'm at 149. That's 41 pounds in 4 months. I'm thrilled with the results so far.
I have had a pretty easy time with little pain and no real complications. I just read and post to figure out how to work past some of the quirks that go along with the sleeve.
My dr said that since I'm so close to goal, 10 to 15 pounds, the weight loss will be slower from here on out.
I have stalled twice for weeks. My hair is also coming out more than before, but I've been reassured by all the members here, so I just take it in stride.
As for getting to old habits, I either pass on a "treat" or I have just a small bite.
I'm so restricted, I prefer a great meal as opposed to Snacks.
I'm always glad to know others are out there like me, and I'm happy to answer any questions about my journey.
Best to us all ...

Megs2016, I'm 11 months out and the reality is I have had many of those days throughout this recovery, discovery, and new life process.
I've had the what did I do, and I just can't stand another and is this the way it's always going to be days.
I think everyone will have to admit that we really were NOT prepared for how dramatic the change really is and its ongoing.
I remember taking that first drink of a diet coke at one month just to see and throwing up foam in the sink immediately. Omg what happened to the taste. I was "warned" and I learned on my own. And still today, I can take sips, not the same.
However to put some perspective, I have a diet journal where I started over and over again and again and how disgusted I was with myself with failing the last time and admitting the starting weight and choosing the new plan to follow. Do you remember those days? Weren't they bad? Or what about the day we failed each and every one of those diets. Failure again.
And uplifting. In all of these last 11 months of living and learning I'm under goal and loving it.
I still have a have a shake every morning and I have to plan every meal because my sleeve is very sensitive.
Good luck to you. And it will get better just roll with it!!!!

Jackie
I'm 11 months out and I had many days and weeks where I felt like you. I did well always with shakes and liquids but I had pains with foods that just left me miserable.
I had so many pity parties and thought I'd never get to a point where I would enjoy anything again. I kept reading on here how many were just progressing so well.
My tastes were so off and the pains were so real.
Now, it's past but I still am only at about 4 to 6 bites per meal. Seriously. That's it. The denser the Protein the less I can eat.
And I cook these elaborate meals for my family of 6 and by the time I serve them I don't even make a plate because I've taste tested a few bites and I'm not hungry any longer.
It will get better. Hang in there. Keep hydrated and keep the Protein and your Vitamins going. All my labs have been excellent and I reached goal at 9 months. I'm 3 pounds under now.
Good luck to you.

I agree with the other posters. If you don't keep the temping "treats" in the house then you should stay on track 95% of the time.
I am 10 months out and I still pack my purse every morning before I leave the house. I carry flavored Water everywhere all day long. I keep almonds cheese sticks Protein bars and a variety of fruit or veggie bites with me. Again I know that's not where you are yet, but it is a learned and developed discipline.
Because I do not keep the other in the house I just don't snack on them at random and or often. It is a conscious choice I make every time I shop at the grocery.
You are doing great. You have made a lifelong commitment to change yourself and there is not a customized manual made just for you. You have to write it as you go along and as you learn.
I still have emotional days. We all do. And finally I'll say each day is a new one and we can start again to reach a small personal win ...

Chapstick.
Comfortable shoes to walk the floor. I kept kicking my iv stand and was glad I brought my slip on sketchers so it didn't hurt

I agree with the other posters. If you don't keep the temping "treats" in the house then you should stay on track 95% of the time.
I am 10 months out and I still pack my purse every morning before I leave the house. I carry flavored Water everywhere all day long. I keep almonds cheese sticks Protein bars and a variety of fruit or veggie bites with me. Again I know that's not where you are yet, but it is a learned and developed discipline.
Because I do not keep the other in the house I just don't snack on them at random and or often. It is a conscious choice I make every time I shop at the grocery.
You are doing great. You have made a lifelong commitment to change yourself and there is not a customized manual made just for you. You have to write it as you go along and as you learn.
I still have emotional days. We all do. And finally I'll say each day is a new one and we can start again to reach a small personal win ...