leebick

I'm 10 years post-op (well, I will be in September). I successfully kept the weight off after my sleeve surgery for about 7-ish years, but slowly, slowly it started to creep back. It didn't seem to matter what I did, it was coming back. I know what it was- I got lazy, I'd eat just one more bite, have one more drink, etc. It was to the point where I wasn't really feeling the restriction of my sleeve and although I wasn't eating anywhere near as much as when I started all this, I was eating more and slowly, slowly putting on some pounds. I was trying to "not" but it didn't matter. Last summer I realized two things: The food chatter was back, and I didn't let them cut out my stomach to gain the weight back! I talked with folks and went to a local wellness group and started on tirzepatide. I'm down 35 pounds since August, the food chatter is gone, and I can feel the restriction of my sleeve once again. I don't want to stay on the glp-1 forever, but it has been an amazingly helpful tool in getting me back on track!
Also... I don't know how to edit my profile but my current weight is 179 pounds.

I'm 10 years post-op (well, I will be in September). I successfully kept the weight off after my sleeve surgery for about 7-ish years, but slowly, slowly it started to creep back. It didn't seem to matter what I did, it was coming back. I know what it was- I got lazy, I'd eat just one more bite, have one more drink, etc. It was to the point where I wasn't really feeling the restriction of my sleeve and although I wasn't eating anywhere near as much as when I started all this, I was eating more and slowly, slowly putting on some pounds. I was trying to "not" but it didn't matter. Last summer I realized two things: The food chatter was back, and I didn't let them cut out my stomach to gain the weight back! I talked with folks and went to a local wellness group and started on tirzepatide. I'm down 35 pounds since August, the food chatter is gone, and I can feel the restriction of my sleeve once again. I don't want to stay on the glp-1 forever, but it has been an amazingly helpful tool in getting me back on track!
Also... I don't know how to edit my profile but my current weight is 179 pounds.

I'm 10 years post-op (well, I will be in September). I successfully kept the weight off after my sleeve surgery for about 7-ish years, but slowly, slowly it started to creep back. It didn't seem to matter what I did, it was coming back. I know what it was- I got lazy, I'd eat just one more bite, have one more drink, etc. It was to the point where I wasn't really feeling the restriction of my sleeve and although I wasn't eating anywhere near as much as when I started all this, I was eating more and slowly, slowly putting on some pounds. I was trying to "not" but it didn't matter. Last summer I realized two things: The food chatter was back, and I didn't let them cut out my stomach to gain the weight back! I talked with folks and went to a local wellness group and started on tirzepatide. I'm down 35 pounds since August, the food chatter is gone, and I can feel the restriction of my sleeve once again. I don't want to stay on the glp-1 forever, but it has been an amazingly helpful tool in getting me back on track!
Also... I don't know how to edit my profile but my current weight is 179 pounds.

Food noise at night was a killer for me. I know a lot of people are against glp1 but the difference is amazing. I can go to a birthday party and say no to the cake.. and I'm ok with it. Food noise silenced. I stock my offices snacks.. that used to kill me because I would buy all the things I love and then torture myself. I can walk past them with no issue now. I used to be a "bored" eater too. That's a huge thing that I've been able to stop.

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Still doing OK, in fact, better than OK. No more vomiting, and as long as I follow mindful eating, no more pain. Having the HH repair, instead of revision, has been amazing! I lost the 7 pounds I gained (and a few more) due to covid and am right back where I was, weight-wise, following my original surgery (FIVE years ago). I cannot imagine having had revision surgery, with the loss of the pyloric valve and risk of dumping. I am good.

I had my surgery almost 5 years ago. The "before" picture was taken about 6 weeks before surgery.

The "after" was taken about 5 days ago.

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

I finally accepted that the "mindful eating" I'd practiced before and immediately after surgery wasn't just to be practiced then, but a whole new lifestyle. I guess I thought that the endless chewing, the limits on drinking around meal times, the "eat the protein first" were just caveats to help you get through the shock of surgery. However it's really how I eat all the time. I have learned to pay attention when I am eating- no TV, no computer, no reading- so that I pay attention to what I am eating and how much of it. I have a 20 minute eating window; when it's been 20 mins, the plate goes back to the kitchen. If not, I'll pick at supper over the next hour or two and eat the plateful, when in reality I was already full and didn't need to graze for the evening. I don't eat much carb- rice is hell for me, it swells inside and that's painful. Same with pizza crust, and most breads, so I just avoid them. I still do a protein shake for breakfast (Syntrax nectars with either water or unsweetened almond milk). Lunch is harder- sometimes cheese and crackers, sometimes soup. I'm not usually hungry during the day, but I will sag and drag after 3pm if I haven't had something to eat. Supper is usually some form of protein and maybe some veg. I also have dessert a couple of times a week, usually about a 1/4c of ice cream. I'll also have the occasional adult beverage, but I can't hold a lot of volume, so it's not too often and not too much- but a girl's gotta live! I think mostly what has worked best for me is mindful eating, small portions, choosing what to eat instead of just eating some of everything at a meal. Tonight we are having pizza and salad for supper (daughter got married on Saturday and we have quite a few leftover pizzas). I had the cheese and toppings from two pieces and ate them carefully. Can't do salad- it fills me up quickly and makes me feel gaggy, so although I love it I limit it to about 2 bites- just enough to satisfy the urge. Who knew I'd ever say the words "I miss salad?" but I DO!

I finally accepted that the "mindful eating" I'd practiced before and immediately after surgery wasn't just to be practiced then, but a whole new lifestyle. I guess I thought that the endless chewing, the limits on drinking around meal times, the "eat the protein first" were just caveats to help you get through the shock of surgery. However it's really how I eat all the time. I have learned to pay attention when I am eating- no TV, no computer, no reading- so that I pay attention to what I am eating and how much of it. I have a 20 minute eating window; when it's been 20 mins, the plate goes back to the kitchen. If not, I'll pick at supper over the next hour or two and eat the plateful, when in reality I was already full and didn't need to graze for the evening. I don't eat much carb- rice is hell for me, it swells inside and that's painful. Same with pizza crust, and most breads, so I just avoid them. I still do a protein shake for breakfast (Syntrax nectars with either water or unsweetened almond milk). Lunch is harder- sometimes cheese and crackers, sometimes soup. I'm not usually hungry during the day, but I will sag and drag after 3pm if I haven't had something to eat. Supper is usually some form of protein and maybe some veg. I also have dessert a couple of times a week, usually about a 1/4c of ice cream. I'll also have the occasional adult beverage, but I can't hold a lot of volume, so it's not too often and not too much- but a girl's gotta live! I think mostly what has worked best for me is mindful eating, small portions, choosing what to eat instead of just eating some of everything at a meal. Tonight we are having pizza and salad for supper (daughter got married on Saturday and we have quite a few leftover pizzas). I had the cheese and toppings from two pieces and ate them carefully. Can't do salad- it fills me up quickly and makes me feel gaggy, so although I love it I limit it to about 2 bites- just enough to satisfy the urge. Who knew I'd ever say the words "I miss salad?" but I DO!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

I am 62 and today is the second anniversary of my surgery. Yes, I was 60 when I had the surgery two years ago. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and wish I'd done it 10 years sooner. I am SO MUCH HEALTHIER! No, I wasn't pre-diabetic, no autoimmune issues, etc., just getting heavier and heavier every year, and watching my blood pressure become worrisome. We've all been there, tried every diet known to mankind (some several times), goaded ourselves into exercise programs, gyms, fitness routines, etc., only to continue to gain about 6-10 pounds a year. Six pounds? Not bad... until after 10 years it's 60 pounds, after 20 years it's 120 pounds. SIXTY IS NOT TOO OLD FOR THIS SURGERY!! I was anxious, I was nervous, but I kept reminding myself: Eyes on the prize!
I will tell you... no more back pain, my knees are much better, my BMI is down, my blood pressure is normal. I look in the mirror and actually smile at what I see there. How long has it been since THAT's happened? I go clothes shopping and don't hate every second, and this summer I went to the swimming pool with my daughter- in a bathing suit, in public! I feel like I am living like a "normal" person again... not someone who is always pulling and tugging on her clothes, wearing things that don't fit well, don't look good, don't make me feel good, worrying about "will I fit" in the theater seat, on the airplane, in the amusement park ride seat. I am pretty sure, even if it doesn't "cure" your arthritis issues (I know, not the correct term but you know what I mean), you will feel so much better about yourself, it'll be worth it!
I won't lie... there are things I miss, things I can't now do, but I am talking about the things that got me into the weight loss mess in the first place. I won't ever again sit down and eat unlimited amounts of food: Not gonna eat a whole pizza, not gonna load my plate with seconds at Thanksgiving (and then have multiple desserts), not gonna do a whole lot of things that I used to love. But you know what? IT'S OK. I'm still learning to live with my new anatomy, my new physiology, but I'm working with it. Here's a story, a story makes me feel happy. My daughter and I are big fans of going to Disney World, and our vacations have morphed as she's grown (she'll be 25 next week). As adults, one of our favorite pastimes on vacation (not just at Disney) is enjoying good food and drink. My daughter and I went to Disney this summer, for the first time since my surgery. I was pretty concerned, especially as one of my favorite restaurants anywhere is at Disney. It's called Boma, and it's a buffet of African-inspired dishes (along with more "americanized" options). I LOVE THEIR FOOD. Authentic African dishes, multiple hand-carved roasts, 5 soup options, 10 salad options, and a dessert buffet that extends to the moon! Ahh... Boma... never gonna be the same again, and I knew that going in. But guess what? I had a WONDERFUL time! I was just careful. I tried 3 of the soups (about 2T of each, enough to taste and enjoy) and had small slices of each of the meats. I had little tastes of each of my daughter's desserts, and yes, I HAD A GLASS OF WINE. Was I well within my eating regimen? No way... I know I ate more than normal, but I wasn't stuffed, wasn't sick, and most of all, I was satisfied. It reinforced that with thinking and planning, I can STILL enjoy the aspects of a good meal, just in moderation. I was MORE than satisfied, I was EXCITED that this new "stomach" of mine isn't going to limit my enjoyment- but now I am going to limit my consumption. I felt like it was such a positive, successful evening, and I left Boma floating on air!
HAVE THE SURGERY. Do it for more than just the autoimmune benefits. Do it for the excitement of feeling good about yourself for the rest of your days! Stick to the plan, follow the rules, don't play loose and fast at the beginning. It's normal to be anxious, to worry about "what if" but here's a little secret: You already know what's going to happen IF you don't have the surgery... because it's how we all lived, all these years. Another diet, another exercise program... what's gonna happen with that. HAVE THE SURGERY. Don't look back, eyes on the prize!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!