Jeffrey Stern
-
Content Count
31 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Status Replies posted by Jeffrey Stern
-
Hello all...
On May 1st. 2018 it will be one year since my Roux-en-Y...gastric bypass..surgery. I had met my goal weight by the end of 2017...I have been able to maintain it since. It was the best thing I have done in my life. I had an easy recovery...(that's me..not everyone does). I did have some issues with "dumping" on occasion, that was the worst of it... ( but not many times)..but have done away with that issue..learning how to eat again..helps the situation.
I started my surgery with a 50 inch waist..and am now at a 34-36 inches (depending on the pants)..LOL. I started my surgery wearing a 4XL shirt and now wearing.. L-XL (depending on the shirt). It is so nice to walk into any men's fashion/clothing store and be able to pick something off the rack and buy it. NO MORE !!!!! big and fat stores for me !!!!!! LOL People don't recognize me and tell me how great I look. WOW !!!...great for my ego !!!...LOL LOL LOL. I do have some flabby skin issues..and hope by weight lifting or have some surgery to deal with that..but my doctor says I should wait at least another year..in case I lose more weight.
I feel fantastic !!! I am turning 58 yrs old on July 26 th and feel and act 25 yrs.... well maybe 35 yrs. lol lol lol. I wanted to see my 60th B-Day. I have lot's of energy..and have a whole new life. I started my surgery with type 2 diabetes... that was out of control and living on Insulin...I had high Cholesterol and high Blood Pressure..both for which I took medication to control. I no longer take Insulin nor medication for High Blood/Cholesterol. Medication free...yippy !!!! I suffered from Arthritis in my knees and ankles and was popping Type 3 Tylenol like it was candy. It did nothing. No more of that **** !!! LOL. My Doctor is doing cartwheels he's so happy for me !
I am eating healthier than I have in my whole life...I personally have made some serious food eating decisions. I "DON'T" eat white bread, pasta, rice. I eat alternatives. I eat "Gluten free" foods...mostly, well I try !!! lol lol lol . I don't eat enough to worry about calorie counting..I eat by portions...so that's not an issue. I eat a variety of legumes (beans). I eat lot's and lot's and lot's of fruits and vegetables. I am trying to..slowly (yeah not easy) to become a vegetarian. There is so much healthy, good and nutritious food to eat. Without feeling you are depriving yourself. I read labels and mostly buy low fat and fat free items. BUT YOU MUST WATCH FOR SUGAR AND SODIUM CONTENT OR IT'S FUTILE...I have even splurged and had some small nibbles of "junk food" ..chocolate, ice cream, cake, on a special occasion..but look you only live once and once it's out of your system, you get back on track. I stay away from..and never will go back to fast food or anything battered and deep fried !!!!!!! No burgers, fries, pizza !!! there are alternatives for that. I do admit; I miss "Fish and Chips"..wwwaaaa!!!!!. Look there are websites and blogs out there to guide and help you with all kinds of recipes.
The only thing I can say is this (I'm not preaching) ...everyone is different. What's good for me may not be good for someone else. You must really want ..want ...want.. to be a better you !!!! It's will power.!!!
I am happier than I have been in a very long time...I was an emotional eater ..like many of you. Like they say food can't give you happiness...only you have the power to be happy and healthy.
I hope this maybe inspiring for someone...I can only "wish you the best" on your adventure and eat healthy and be strong the outcome is near and it will reward you in so many ways.
ALL THE BEST !!!!
-
Hi Jules
I joined this forum a few weeks after my surgery last year. I had a very bad experience with some folks on the site telling me because I was a so called newbie at this Bariatric program. I knew nothing of what I spoke. I would be tempted again, by all the bad foods and that I would fall of the so called "wagon". I would start to regain my weight after a year. Well if that didn't give me more incentive to prove them wrong ..nothing would. I didn't have this invasive surgery for anyone but myself. I really needed to take control of my life again. The health issues I was having were more con than pro. I can only speak for myself, and I'm not preaching. However the best decision I ever made in my life...and I've made some pretty dumb stupid decisions in the past. wwwaaaa!!! LOL
I have become a new person and feel terrific. I wanted to see my 60th B-Day and the way my health was going..that wasn't going to happen especially with the type 2 diabetes
. I was afraid of losing a limb due to it. Living on a daily bases with the pain agony was getting unbearable.
I guess what I'm trying to say..is that you must take control, mind over matter and will power is all important. I eat better than ever. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I have treats once in a while..I have learnt all kinds of tricks and food hacks to take care of those little cravings from time to time...don't need to feel discouraged ever.
I love going for walks and am very envious that you live in such a climate like Australia...try the cold and snow and ice of the frozen north in Canada...lol. It means a lot of snowbound days during the winter months and feeling like yeah a nice bag of potato chips and some sweet dessert would be great right now just to get through this horrid weather. LOL LOL LOL
I know you will do great. As well you have little ones who need a mommy to run and play with for a very long time. Like I mentioned there are so many alternatives nowadays to healthy eating... not just eating carrot sticks and celery...like a rabbit...lol
good luck and good health..
Jeffrey
-
-
I weighed 179 this morning which is now under my goal of 180. I really am going to have to figure out how to get this weight loss to stop. I'm going to hire a trainer after this next round of work travel, so that will probably help, but there is no way I can eat more right now. (Who ever thought this would be an issue?!?)
-
hey buddy remember me...?
glad you're doing well and looking good from your profile photo..I kinda have the same issue...I'm down to 205 lbs. since May 1st (325) I really can't seem to eat anything...My appetite is non existent..the Doc was a little concerned so they did a Gastroscopy and found a small ulcer and gave me some meds. But I feel great . I don't deal with this site anymore..I think you know why. I just thought I'd check for curiosity sake and saw your post.
well good for buddy and good luck
-
-
Orlando was fun this past weekend, and I am on my way home from this work trip to California. I'll be home for about 2 weeks this time, so that gives me my first opportunity to get back out there in Huntsville since my ex and I broke up almost 3 weeks ago. Living in a new city with no friends is a little daunting, but I'm ready to take this new body (and re-invigorated spirit) out for a spin!
-
Hey
I'm very sorry to hear about your break up...sounds like your doing a lot of travelling. I guess it's the beginning of a new you and I wish you all the luck. Myself I'm down 90 lbs since May ( I can't believe it) I also can't keep up with the wardrobe...I lose so much nothing fits me from one week to the next. I've not been messaging on Bariatric Pal since the last time we spoke. Don't care for the people and the attitudes.
Keep in touch
-
-
HI everyone
there has been some talk about "falling of the wagon" I get that... we are all human. Having said that...I don't know all the different programs all of you went through for pre and post surgeries but mine was a year long and then some with a psychologist and nutritionists and doctors/surgeons and the same post... a five year program.
One thing all of them mentioned is that "this is not magic surgery" you are not going to be able to eat everything and anything you want post surgery. This must be understood!!!!
There will be some foods you ate before you will never eat again. You must understand this !!!!! This is not "get out of jail" for free card.!!!! You will and always have to watch what you eat. Therefore you and only you are responsible for the results of your surgery.
This message was pressed into our heads again and again.
-
I know it is very difficult for some people and easy to fall of the wagon. I've said it before... food is like an addiction. Some people turn to drugs, alcohol and some to food. I myself was one. This seems to be an on going theme with some people. However like drugs and alcohol they say you must admit to yourself you have a problem and hit bottom before you can get help. My bottom was being 325 lbs and gaining with health issues (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, back pain) find clothes to wear.
My surgery was covered by the government ( you had to have three medical issues to qualify for the surgery.. high blood pressure, high cholesterol and of course the queen of all ...type 2 diabetes... so yes I'm lucky in that ...I could never be able to afford the surgery on my own ). Now my blood pressure is better and my cholesterol is better and of course my diabetes is better I was taking upwards of 60 units of insulin a day ( my sugar levels were in the high teens and low twenties now they are in the single digits between 5.7 and 7 ) plus metformin. Now I have no longer to take insulin.
I'm not saying it's easy.. however I made a conscious decision and speaking with my doctor to have the surgery after a significant weight gain ( turning to food for depression).
I did say one thing before the surgery... I'm not going to fail this... I've hit my rock bottom. (like so many other things in my life) I'm not going to go through all this and not succeed. I needed a good kick in the butt.
I guess what I'm saying after all this, It is a life altering change and being mentally prepared is just as important as the surgery.
Good health and prosper
-
-
Okay I need some tough love...I have lost a considerable amount of weight in 2 and a half months. I need to start firming up. I walk a lot however I really need motivation for excercising. I have a Pilates ball and skipping rope and even a rubber tension rope (you know for muscle and pec building) but can't get myself going. I HATE TO EXCERCISE !!!
HELP !!!!!!
-
So a while back I was asking about eating nuts for snack and got a good response . Then I came upon an article (now anything I read on line I take with a grain of salt) that does say eating certain nuts is good for the waist line. eg. Almonds,cashews and walnuts. This article also lists other foods that will help in that field such as tomatoes,oatmeal,meat/fish,eggs,olive oil,broccoli,avocado,berries,hot peppers, spinach and lastly green tea. I can honestly say I eat all these items and are mainly my daily diet...but the hot peppers. I would direct you to the site but can't find it. sorry
any feed back ??
-
Well it's about bloody time. I'm down a couple of pounds...257 lbs from 260 lbs after almost a month.
By the way does anyone snack on nuts like almonds or peanuts or cashews or sunflower seeds...I know there fattening but aren't they healthy fat ?
-
Well it's about bloody time. I'm down a couple of pounds...257 lbs from 260 lbs after almost a month.
By the way does anyone snack on nuts like almonds or peanuts or cashews or sunflower seeds...I know there fattening but aren't they healthy fat ?
-
Thanks for the help...I'm on a sunflower seed kick right now..shelling them while I eat makes me eat less (I think). Also eating Chia seeds on salads and in smoothies. Isn't Chia seeds the same seeds they use on those Chia pet toys...LOL ? I also found some "dill" flavoured (Canadian spelling) peanuts. Yummy!!
-
-
I want to scream...I am stuck at 260 lbs now for over a week almost two. I'd pull my hair out if I had any...LOL
-
Okay I've been a bad bad boy....was in Niagara Falls today very hot and everyone was eating ice cream. I had a small...small DQ vanilla cone (didn't eat the cone) today.It was sooo good and no dumping
okay shoot me I feel ssoooo guilty. However I've been such a good boy and worked so hard. I also went to the outlet mall and bought myself a new denim jacket from Old Navy because I can find one in my size again.. hallelujah !!!
-
Does anyone eat popcorn...any good or bad experiences ?
-
Hey all you Bariatric Beauties out there...just a little "food fact" for you. I have found (someone else may have done so before me) a product of "flaked light tuna" different brands Clover Leaf for one, in little 85 g cans pop lid, and only 90 cals (if you're counting) in assorted flavours (Canadian spelling ) eg. lemon pepper, lemon dill, spicy thai, teriyaki. I take them with me on walks and as well a sm container of sugar free apple sauce and I'm good to go. Hope this isn't old news...I'm a newbie
-
Thanks for the feedback
No it's not a money issue it's a temptation issue. All the other stuff and of course the dessert part with all the cakes and puddings and what not screaming "eat me" and as well sitting at the table watching all the others stuffing their faces with all that food. Why bother !
Funny enough I really haven't had any sweet cravings since the surgery...very interesting? I have suger free choc. pudding sitting in my fridge for weeks now and I don't crave.
-
-
Hey all you Bariatric Beauties out there...just a little "food fact" for you. I have found (someone else may have done so before me) a product of "flaked light tuna" different brands Clover Leaf for one, in little 85 g cans pop lid, and only 90 cals (if you're counting) in assorted flavours (Canadian spelling ) eg. lemon pepper, lemon dill, spicy thai, teriyaki. I take them with me on walks and as well a sm container of sugar free apple sauce and I'm good to go. Hope this isn't old news...I'm a newbie
-
Thanks Sherrie for the support and info I'll try that... going to the casino on Sunday and while all the rest (it's a bus trip) go for the buffet... I'll take my sad little can of tuna and sit on the bench all by myself and chew my food slowly and feel satisfied. LOL !!! just joking it's not that bad...really I think...no really?
-
-
Okay I did something I'm not sure is right...I started my soft food portion (5-9 weeks) of my food transition. I had three brown rice california rolls today for lunch 'cause that's all I can eat. I just needed to eat something other than pureed this or pureed that. any comments.
-
Hey browngirl 89
Berry78 says it has an allure for people just after liquids for weeks... although you're a bit farther along than me 1mnth) But I say life is short and we (bariatric people) are brave and courageous people so we deserve a little reward for our struggles. SO EAT SUSHI !! (occasional splurge)
-
-
Okay I did something I'm not sure is right...I started my soft food portion (5-9 weeks) of my food transition. I had three brown rice california rolls today for lunch 'cause that's all I can eat. I just needed to eat something other than pureed this or pureed that. any comments.
-
Okay I did something I'm not sure is right...I started my soft food portion (5-9 weeks) of my food transition. I had three brown rice california rolls today for lunch 'cause that's all I can eat. I just needed to eat something other than pureed this or pureed that. any comments.
-
Oh I'm pretty sure it's not on the menu (Sushi)... but I just had to and that's all I ate. I am 4 wks My surgery was May 1 2017. On the next phase of my meal plan I am allowed rice as well as pasta (well chewed). But I want to make a conscious decision to stay away from carbs altogether.
Bad bad carbs. LOL
thanks Apple1
-
-
This is all new to me and still learning as I go along. I have been very successful with my surgery and post surgery. Had no complications and eating while sticking to the "diet" has been challenging. I'm on my last few days of the pureed or "baby food" as I like to call it. As for exercise I walk for now and plan to ride my bike and do some workouts with an exercise ball I've had sitting in a box in my closet for 15 yrs. LOL. One thing is that I haven't had any carbs or sugar for over two months my body has gone through a detox if you will. I feel this has given me a lot more energy and plan to stay away from carbs and sugar once I start to eat solid foods. Even though I love chocolate.
