ashsleeved21

This is so true! Before VSG I would always have the mindset of "starting tomorrow". If I messed up, I would say "Okay I'll try again next week". Consistency isn't about being perfect, it's about being able to stick with something long-term. I, like everyone, have my days. Sometimes I just gotta have a Snickers bar after an exhausting long day. But I sure as hell don't eat one every day after that for a week! The quicker you can learn to pick up where you left off without starting over, the easier lifestyle changes become. Wishing you the best on your journey. Don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.

5.5 Years Out Hi all - I used to be very active on these forums, but as I continue on my journey I have found myself relying less and less on this platform. I do like to check in occasionally to provide insight, encouragement, perspective, and more to those who are about to begin their journey or in the first few chapters. A little about me- I had VSG surgery in May of 2018. My highest weight was about 260 and I was put out on my body and my weight affected all aspects of my life. I lost a total of 140 pounds and have maintained (most) of that weight loss. I am up about 10 pounds in the last year or so, but mostly muscle as I have begun weightlifting so I am not too concerned. I had two plastic surgeries after my VSG to help with loose skin and such. My favorite non-scale victories over the past few years: Being able to walk into any store and find something that works for me Having my boyfriend be able to pick me up as if I weigh nothing Being able to cross my legs when I sit! Feeling cute in my clothes My quality of life is exponentially better My most unexpected experiences: I am ALWAYS cold I quickly pass out if I stand for too long I struggle with iron intake Vitamins can make me feel super sick! I get an upset stomach very easily I suffer from acid reflux (something I never experienced before) My unsolicited advice: Listen to your doctors Get active Drink your water! Eat your protein Having one bad or off day is not an excuse to have a bad week You can still enjoy things in moderation

Hi Friends! I rarely ever get on this anymore, but I know how pivotal these forums were to me at the beginning of my journey to have people alongside me going through similar experiences! I did this around this time last year and figured another post wouldn't hurt anyone. So, the facts! I'm currently 3.5 years out from VSG, down 140 pounds and kept off, and still living my best life! I have had two plastic surgeries, completed two degrees, and have never been happier in my life. For those just beginning, please do not get discouraged. I remember so vividly the nights I would cry with regret that I had made such a mistake, that my life was ruined, that I was upset I couldn't just do it the "normal" way. These are such valid feelings, but with time they fade. I still have my moments, even this far out, where I have thoughts of "I wonder.." but they are quickly shut down when I think of the quality of life I have provided for myself by going on this journey and seeing photos of myself from 4-5 years ago. So stay strong, stay dedicated, count those grams of protein and ounces of water!! You have silent supporters in your corner! Always happy to answer questions or provide words of encouragement! Sending best wishes and hugs to all those who need it!

Hi! Yes sorry! I don't get on here often. My pre-op goal weight wise was 125, which I exceeded. I, however, under the recommendation of my surgeon tried to focus more on "non-scale victories", so I wanted to be a size 4 in jeans (I am a 00 or 0, so again, exceed my goal). I also wanted to be able to do certain things. For example, I wanted to run a mile in under 8 minutes, be able to cross my legs while sitting, These were really the goals that kept me motivated. The reality of post-op for me was really difficult, as I chose to keep my surgery a secret (still is) from everyone except my parents. I found that it was much more challenging than I expected. I found I followed most of the thing I had set out to (food logging, journaling, exercise goals, etc) which was really nice. I still try to mentally track my protein and calories but I don't track it in an app or anything. Things I did not expect: I don't have an affinity for food. I know that sounds really odd, but even 2.5 years out, nothing ever "sounds good" to me, I don't get cravings etc. I could go a day and a half without eating and not realize it. I literally have 4 alarms set to remind me to have snacks and drink water. Also the weirdest thing for me was not recognizing myself in photos. I spent so much time being over weight that sometimes I'll see a candid photo of myself and think "wow shes pretty" and then realize after the fact that its actually me. I know that sounds a bit narcissistic, but even now this far out I have trouble recognizing myself. Lastly, I'm literally cold all the time. I guess I got so used to being "insulated" that now if the weather drops below 65 ish (thank goodness for living in texas) I will need a jacket or sweater. Hope this helps and I'm happy to answer anything else!

Hey! Haven't been on here in QUITE some time, but figured the most impactful posts I saw as a newbie were the people who were 2-5 years in, checking back and encouraging new people. To give some detail, I'm 2.5 years in, over 140 pounds down (and kept off) 260 lbs start, currently 115, have had 2 plastic surgeries, and my life has literally never been better. If you're new and things are rough, it's okay! This journey has been long, rough, exhausted but SO worth it. Best decision I ever made, it gave me my life back. I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone has any or just wants encouraging words

Hi! A little late here but Dr. Gus Lyons at USMD Arlington hospital. Genuinely one of the most caring, kind, and respectful doctors I have ever met. I cannot picture going through this journey with any other doctor. We have laughed, celebrated, and cried together in his office. Would recommend him 1000x over. His nurses are the sweetest ladies too! The front desk staff can be a bit rough around the edges by Dr. Lyons makes it sooo worth it.

Hi! I'm really glad I found this thread. Reading some of what you have to say makes me feel so much better in that I am not alone in what I am feeling. At my highest (probably around 250, although my official start weight was 238), I never felt "big". However, now I feel huge. I currently weight about 127, and although I wear a size 0/2, I still feel like I have another 20/30 lbs to lose, although that is certainly not the case. I'm about 5'3 for reference. I've talked with my surgeon about my case and he referred me to a specialist that I will be meeting with (hopefully) soon. It's a very weird emotion to describe because although I know in my head that I am no longer fat, something in my heart says that I will always be fat. I've tried explaining this emotion to my best friend but it seems as though people outside the bariatric world do not understand.

Hi! I started at about 240, and when I got to about 200/190 is when people started making comments (all good things). I'm 130 now (I'll be a year post VSG in 2 weeks) and most people I haven't seen in the last year or so don't recognize me. I still have 10 pounds to go but feeling and looking better than I ever have!

Dr. Gus Lyons at Arlington USMD hospital. I could not recommend him more. He has gone above and beyond as a mentor and a guide for me during my journey and I would recommend him 10000 times over. One of the best doctor's i've had!

Hey! I'm almost a year out and I've lost about 110 pounds! Some of the biggest things I can tell you are the following: 1. As someone mentioned above, try not to compare yourself to others. Your body is different than everyone else's (height, weight, metabolism, etc) so focus on yourself! One of the best tools I got was a smart scale (I believe I got mine from Amazon for like 35 bucks?). It connects to an app on my iPhone and tracks weight trends, body fat, muscle mass, etc... I know that a lot of these body composition measurements are not super accurate, but having a general idea of the trend is reassuring. I would also recommend doing body measurements (I do mine every 3 months). Whenever I feel like I'm really stalling, I look back at my app and look at the little graph from the last 11 months and think "Wow, ok I did that." and it makes things a little bit easier. 2. Don't buy a ton of clothes right away... you're going to lose a lot of weight and your body is going to change. Look at thrift and resale stores for a few items every now and then to get a few things but if there's anything you really want (for me, it was a pair of really nice jeans) wait until you're almost to your goal or you hit a huge milestone and treat yourself! 3. Keep a list of personal NSV (non-scale victories)... I do this on the notes app on my phone. Whenever I am feeling down about myself or having a stall in my weight loss! In my opinion, the NSV's are more important than the numbers on the scale because I made this change for a better quality of life, not to see a certain number on the scale. Some of my favorite NSV on my journey thus far was buying size 2 jeans, having to get a new drivers license because people didn't believe it was me, and my personal favorite, being able to cross my legs while sitting. Wishing you the best journey!

Hi friends! From the start, my surgeon informed me that "the last 30(ish)" pounds are the hardest to lose. I was wondering if anyone has also experienced this and if so, how you overcame this. I've been stuck around the same weight for about 3 weeks now, the longest stall on my journey so far. I am currently 5 months out and feeling great, but just trying to break this stall. I had the sleeve

Hi! I'm a bit late to this forum, but I want to tell you that it DOES get better, I promise. I was miserable for the first 10 weeks or so. I know, kinda a long time. I was crying constantly, regretting everything and not seeing enough change on the scale to justify what I had done to myself. I was getting sick 4-5 times a day, couldn't eat more than a spoonful of anything without having to vomit and having to run to the bathroom every 30 minutes. But, I'm 5 months out and things are incredible. It takes time because your body is adjusting and if you just stick to your meal plan, keep your head up and have a positive attitude then it will all work out!

Hi all! I really enjoyed reading everyone's successes! I was sleeved May 22nd, at a starting weight of 238. Today, I'm 170 (total loss of 68 pounds). My ideal/goal weight is about 120/125ish as I am 5'4, so I am a little over halfway to my goal! I workout 4-5 times a week for about an hour to an hour and a half of cardio and on the days I am feeling really strong maybe even an extra 30 minutes of weight lifting. I'm wearing both medium shirts and shorts and looking better than I ever have. I still get a bit frustrated when something doesn't taste as good as it once did but my new and improved lifestyle is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Can't wait to hear more about y'alls journeys!

I've thought I was the lucky one who wasn't going to have any hair loss... I was so naive. These past few weeks have been absolute hell for me. My hair has been my save and grace while I struggled with my weight. I have extremely long, thick beautiful hair that I get so many compliments on. However, as I watch it fall out in clumps in the shower it takes so much willpower to not cry as I loose the one thing about myself that I was so proud of. I've never had short hair in my entire life, but at this point, I am seriously considering cutting it to around my shoulders. It's currently right above my butt. I'm really torn because my hair has been something about myself that I really loved, but also I am transforming my life and feel as though if there is a time for a new look, now is the time to do it. I've lost 65 pounds in a little under 4 months (starting weight was 238 and current weight is 173)... Any thoughts? Thanks.

Hi Everyone, I am a little over 3 months out! I'm doing really great, and have lost about 60 pounds (starting weight was 238 and currently at 175). Right now, I just need a bit of help/advice. I am a college student who commutes twice a week for classes, but my classes start at 8 AM and end at 7:30 PM. This leaves me having to pack snacks and lunches as I do not have time during the day to leave campus for food. I am wondering what people are taking for snacks and lunches to work/school that is both easy to take on the go and bariatric friendly. My main problem is that I don't have access to a fridge or microwave (so whatever I'm bringing has to stay in an insulated lunch box for the majority of the day). I am getting really tired of string cheese and grapes! Any and all help would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!