MarciaN

167.8

Everyone's experiences are different. Any WLS is not a magic fix. We all need to eat healthy and exercise--just for our health. I never got the "gift" of not feeling hungry like some had. The gift I did get was actually knowing when I am full---not sure I ever really knew this before. That being said- I could pack in a lot of calories if I am not following my protein first then veggies...

I joined Weight Watchers about 5 weeks ago- I was so used to the accountability with going for my supervised NUT visits and the first few months after surgery that I started to just "stay the same weight" once my program told me I did not have to come back for 6 months! I feel fantastic and probably could happily live at my current weight---but--- it is not the weight my doctor wanted me to get to and I realized that I need to have someone to whom I am accountable. We need to use every tool in our arsenal to lose and keep the weight off. This can be something different for each person.

BrandNew- Welcome back! WE are all in this together. Surgery is not an end-all in itself. But having everyone here to cheer each other on and to encourage each other to be what we were meant to be is what will get us there! Be proud that you are back.

That is wonderful! A whole new chapter in your life is opening up!

I actually joined Weight Watchers so I could have someone weigh me in every week! I seemed to do just fine when I was going in regularly to see my NUT but once they switched me to only going in every 6 months I started to struggle. When I finally do get to my goal weight I will be able to still go to Weight Watchers every week for weigh in and not have to pay anymore. Even if I did have to pay each week I think it would be worth it for me just to keep my weight in check.

168.7

171.7

I think I may be the minority here--- but this is my story. I tried EVERYTHING for years with no success. Finally when I thought I was actually going to die, I decided to get surgery. I truly thought this was my last hope. The moment I went into the orientation I decided to start eating like I had already had the surgery. Rather than the 6 months that my insurance required, I actually ended up going almost 9 months before being sleeved. By that time I had lost 68 pounds on my own. After being sleeved 10 months ago I have lost an additional 50 pounds with about 33 left to go. I was 58 years old at surgery. It went extremely well and I recovered quickly. I never had the side effect of not being hungry. I did realize that a lot of my "hunger" was head-hunger-- just me thinking I needed to have something in my mouth when I really didn't need it. I almost immediately could eat lots of food. I didn't just have the ability to eat a tablespoon or so... I learned that I needed to not drink too close to meals and really savor my food. I was actually losing more before the surgery. That being said. I am SO happy I did this. I don't think I ever would have gotten on the "straight and narrow" if I did not have to have the supervised NUT visits every month- and also the requirement that I needed not to have a gain during this time. This gave me 9 months of getting good habits. I realized that nothing is a quick (or permanent) fix. I had to change. After reading about other folks who lot weight and then put some/all of it back on- I realize that I must always be diligent and take nothing for granted. I have been on this journey for 18 months and am down 118 pounds! I am thrilled. I feel wonderful (in fact yesterday I walked 15,000 steps---before I could not even walk around the block without being in intense pain.) I never had the "honeymoon" period that folks talk about-- but I have developed new habit. I also don't take anything for granted. Is it hard-- Sometime it really is! But I think the "hard" days come less frequently with each passing day. Being able to "participate in the world" is so much better than that piece of cake. I still love food but don't revolve my entire life around it. Good luck with you journey. We are all rooting for you.

Went on a two week Alaskan vacation-- Gained! 173.2 Back home and back to being good

HW 286. March 1, 2015 SW. 218. Nov 23, 2015 CW. 168. Aug 18, 2016 Goal. 135 In losing mode. 10 pounds sound like a perfect goal Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am in. Going on vacation starting on Thursday so will need to post my weight tomorrow. My first day back will be on the 29th so this will spur me on to stay vigilant while on vacation! Thanks

Yes. I have Highmark. After completing their 6 required nutrition visits, Psych eval, completing my center's requirement and losing weight while doing it, I was approved. It took about 3 weeks to learn the results after my doctor submitted everything. Good Luck!

I did not use one. I was 58 when I had the procedure and seemed to heal very fast. Of course, everyone needs to do what is best for them. What did your doctor suggest?

Hopefully most doctor's offices have extensive plans to get you prepared. I know that I had to have nutritional counseling for a minimum of 6 months along with classes on exercise etc. That being said, I read lots of books, watched youtube videos and started exercising before surgery so I would be the healthiest I could be going in. Best advise I to listen to your healthcare team and actually DO what they tell you to do. Is it easy-- sometimes....and sometimes not! Set yourself up for success. For each person that is different-- I needed to make sure that I only have healthy choices of food in my house (that way if I do go "off the deep end" I have to literally go out to get something. Support is probably the most important thing you can get. Being on sites like this one where everyone truly understands what you are going through are invaluable. The other important thing is to forgive- You might need to forgive a parent...or a spouse...for past hurts. But the most important person to forgive is yourself. None of us are perfect--not previously...and we won't be in the future. If you make a mistake (and you will) just shake it off, learn from it and get right back to working the plan. We are not in a race here--we are on a journey. You can go it! And rely on everyone here to help.