Healthy_life

#14 My biggest NSV so far. Last Saturday, I discovered I can pass the Army PT running requirement.

A group of military recruits were being timed on the same track I was running on. It was an adrenaline rush to see if I could keep up with them. (The average age 17 to 31) I kept up with the person in the lead. I was still on the track running after all the recruits completed two miles.

Not bad for an old woman who used to be morbidly obese.

2 hours ago, myriam569 said:

My date is in Feb. How fast can you see result

Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.

We understand your excitement but, will it matter when you start seeing results? Enjoy knowing you will lose weight and get your health back.

Its work. Nothing happens overnight. ....Surgery is not the easy way out.

1 hour ago, J Johnston said:

I started at 227 lbs, because I was overweight, I had several health issues that were my real motivation for the surgery. I don't regret it for a second. Everything is getting better. I had surgery Nov. 19th and have lost 37 lbs. Most of my issues have already resolved or are resolving. I am apparently losing a bit over a half a pound a day. How long will this continue if I stay faithful to the program?

Try not to worry about the rate or amount each month. Just keep working your plan. We all lose at different rates. Your best weight loss is in the first few months. it's your best stomach restriction. As you progress out it will get slower.

5 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

The saying is Summer Bodies are made in the winter...

Let's start a thread for everything needed to transform including workouts routines, DVDs, class, equipment, supplements, timing, sleep patterns, etc. to prep for summer (or the summer of our lives)

❤ VETS PLEASE PARTICIPATE, WE VALUE YOUR KNOWLEDGE ❤

Hopefully this can help people accelerate results and avoid wasting time in confusion.

Also alternatives for individuals with mobility issues would be greatly appreciated if anyone has the knowledge (chair exercises, etc.) Let's try to make this as inclusive and sustainable as possible.

All you need is consistency to get the results you want. Be consistent with your food plan (Look at food as fuel) Be consistent with the workout plan of your choice.

Google fitness/exercise ideas. the choices are endless. walking, zumba, Water aerobics, HITT, powerlifting, bodybuilding, cycling, running, yoga, playing sports, hiking. Try them out to see what keeps you moving.

Getting started:

https://www.verywellfit.com/best-workouts-if-youre-overweight-3495993

Paula Bee Fit - youtube workout series - She is my fave!

https://www.youtube.com/user/PahlaB1

Weight lifting

https://www.bodybuilding.com/workout-plans/

https://www.bodybuilding.com/category/women

https://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/

running

https://www.runnersworld.com/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.active.aps.c25k&hl=en_US

Yoga for beginners

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yoga+for+beginners

Zumba:

Beginner Zumba

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=beginner+zumba+routiens

Advanced zumba

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=advanced+zumba+routiens

I love zumba because I feel like a kid. I have no rhythm..But I can dream.

2 hours ago, BajanSleeve said:

Sometimes I think the biggest problem and hinderance is just me because discipline does not depend on emotions - discipline is 'just do it' no matter if you 'feel' it or not...………..I NEED this, I need to get this translated from my head knowledge into practical living...….I'm rambling now

You nailed it. It's not as simple as "Just do it "no matter if you feel like it or not. It may mean digging deep and finding what got you to your height weight and confronting behaviors that are holding you back. May be time to find a counselor/therapist to get you over this hurdle. Get help even if it's hard..Even if you don't feel like it. Overcoming the mental battles can be the best gift out of this surgery.

Keep us updated. This is not the end of your story. It's the beginning.

SIDE NOTE:

Your post is very important for people making the choice to have sleeve surgery. Many of your points are not stressed enough by surgeons. Yes, you will still have an appetite and will be able to consume more food month's/years out.

1 hour ago, jasmineinmymind said:

I'm kinda freaking out because they told me I would be sharing a room in the hospital. I am deathly afraid of vomit, like it's my BIGGEST phobia!! I'm scared I'll get put in a room with another bariatric patient who may be puking in the bed next to me. If you had to share a room how was it? Was your room mate also in for gastric surgery?

Ask if it's possible to have a single room. If they say no, I see three choices

(1) Find a different hospital/surgeon that can give you a single room.

(2) Share a room and not let a fear/phobia get in the way of your surgery.

(3) cancel your surgery

3 hours ago, lorraine#11 said:

I just read where some people cheated really bad before and after...I am struggling so bad..I count every calorie i put in my mouth, i have followed exactly the instructions i was told and here i read people doing bad stuff and apparently they are ok...i just cant handle reading things like that...i. am sorry but i cant...it makes me feel bad... sorry not sorry!! Why go through this surgery?

Sent from my SM-G892A using BariatricPal mobile app

If it makes you feel bad, avoid post like that. food choices are yours alone.

3 hours ago, HMA said:

I’m planning to have either the band or the sleeve and would love to hear back from people who had either of these and your thoughts? Did you have success? Did you have complications? How much weight loss and how long?

Ask your bariatric program is they offers an information seminar. They will talk about all the different types of surgeries and discuss success rates, expected weight loss, complications, pros/cons and take peoples questions. Your Surgeon will have your medical history at your pre op appointment. He/she will suggest a surgery that may work best for you. Many surgeons don't do the band anymore. Check your office.

Four years out from surgery. I had great results with the sleeve. It was less invasive for me. ( my intestines are not altered) My height weight 254. I weighed 234 the day of surgery 2014. Hit my goal of 140 in six months. I now maintain in the 130's. Even if the weight loss was slower I would have been happy. We all lose at different rates.

Things to know about the sleeve:

After my sixth month, I can tolerate any food with no dumping syndrome. It's important to eat healthy and stay within my calories and macros. Going back to old behaviors I would gain weight back.

You have your best surgery restriction in the first few months. Months to a year out you will notice you can consume more food. The restriction is less (your stomach has not grown back to full size)It will be important for behavior change and not going over you calories and macros for weight loss and maintaining.

Most sleevers can tolerate sugar. Less change of dumping syndrome. If sugar is an issue, other types of surgery may be worth looking into.

I wish you the best,

Jenn

2 hours ago, Nayro827 said:

I am really at a loss- I feel like I don't know where to start. And for someone who has been overweight most of their life, this is really getting me down.

Start today! Procrastination, giving up and excuses will not burn calories or help you lose weight. Give yourself some tough. Love you don't want a small gain to turn into a large gain.

Join a weight loss challenge to keep you on track. Some on this site or google them.

If your not logging your food. Get back in the habit again.

2 hours ago, Nayro827 said:

I've thought about starting Keto, which is similar to what I was doing post op anyway, but Im not even sure Id be able to eat all that food in one sitting.

You have lost the weight before you can do it again. Years out, we can get a bit complacent or slip back into old behaviors. I'm four years out I've also had to lose a regain. It's work. It's the same work we put in our first year. It may mean overcoming some mental battles to get back into your weight loss mojo.

pouch reset or real food?

Some people can go back to liquids and progress in food stages. shakes never make me feel satisfied. If liquids are too restrictive for you, Choose a whole/real food diet that you can be consistent with. If you can't consume your weight loss calorie/macro goals, spread them out to five to six small meals. Log your food.

2 hours ago, Nayro827 said:

How do I kick the carb/sugar cravings? Is there a replacement that would fulfill the craving without the fat etc?

Accept the you will feel crappy for a bit as you detox. Get temptations out of your house. Keep health sweet and salty options on hand. (IDK much about keto. I'm sure others can give you better options) Examples that I use Sweet: fruit, can dip it in Sugar Free Chocolate or caramel Syrup. Salty: I make chicken fajitas without a tortilla or eat Jerky.

2 hours ago, Nayro827 said:

After my surgery I was very committed to working out 4-5 times a week

2 hours ago, Nayro827 said:

Do I invest in a personal trainer so I can commit to this and get my ass in gear?

The best workout is the one you will be consistent with. A trainer or on your own with a gym membership. Whatever works for you.

1 hour ago, GreenTealael said:

It's really going to be an individual genetic lifestyle based thing. Some hit the lottery and have zero excess no matter what, while some work hard and still need plastics

Tip: If you can

save for plastics and if you don't need it you'll have money to invest in a cool start up, well Water projects in a developing country, new business, house/condo, micro loan charities or world trip...

Safe Journey 🎈

This

9 hours ago, sideeye said:

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/01/weight-loss-essay-tomlinson/579832/

Interesting but also a little curious - I think he nails the sensation of being fat in our society, and he knows the science that frustrates weight loss... but two-thirds through the article he discounts WLS. I’m sure there are plenty of personal reasons to do so, but I’ve never seen someone lay out the case for WLS so clearly and then choose the diet-and-exercise path regardless.

I wish him luck, obviously, but would have liked to hear a lot more about why he decided against surgery when he’s got all the success data in front of him.

Great article.

I respect his decision not to have surgery. It's not for everyone.

He said "to me surgery feels like giving up" "12 step program is admitting your powerless over your addiction. I don't feel powerless yet" He has not found a point he feels powerless over obesity after fighting it from childhood into his 50's. Everything he said describes powerless to me.

3 minutes ago, cyberdiva said:

I do my best to weigh on the same day. The first year I wore the same outfit until the weather changed, then I wore the same outfit during the spring/summer. I am two years out now and I still weight once a week now, but I will calculate for my shoes and clothes. I hope this helps.

I should never post when I have had no sleep...No comment for now.

1 hour ago, MassMom said:

I am so thankful for the continued weight loss after my bypass. I measure in 10 pound increments. Out of the 190’s and into the 180’s!

Fantastic work and fabulous toe nail polish.

45 minutes ago, Faith2002 said:

For me it’s everyday. Did the same before surgery. I need the accountability. Almost a year out.

Almost your one year anniversary. Celebrate big!

3 hours ago, Sarah_Marsy said:

Hey everyone.

I'm about a month pre-op. I'm very excited and nervous for my journey ahead.

The only real reservation I have with this whole journey is the possibility of excess skin.

Obviously it is very much the lesser of two evils. My thought process towards it is if I do everything within my power to minimize it then that's all I can do.

I've been researching. collagen rich foods, heaps of Water and muscle building excersise all that I can manage.

Do you guys have any tips on minimizing excess skin?

Thanks for your help.

S

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.

Like you said "It is the lesser of the two evils." The fear can be vainity or health related. Weight lifting can help minimize. I don't have much faith in creams, pills and supplements.

I have had no sleep and it's now 5:24a. I'm envisioning a bariatric excess skin commercial. Someone rubbing skin reduction cream on their right arm and not the left. Then showing the bat wing comparison after weight loss.💪 Ughhh it's been a long night.

How much loose skin you will have is an unknown outcome of surgery. Age and how long you have been overweight will be factors in excess skin. Some insurance companies will help cover plastic if you have documented rashes or the skin causes mobility issues. You can also research self pay methods.

Can I have a moment of silence for my bathroom scale.

Yesterday, my husband dropped my digital bathroom scale. The glass top shattered. I've had this scale since 2015. It's been by my side throughout the ups and downs of surgery. I have been in the habit of getting on the scale every day. I've tried to weigh myself every two weeks and found that weight gain sneaks up on me.

Now that my scale is gone I'm torn. Is weighing every day healthy or unhealthy at this point? I'm putting it to the test and weighing myself less. I'm trying to trust myself.

How often do you step on the scale months out vs years out?

1 hour ago, Naughty Glitter Goddess said:

food prep is the #1 thing keeping me on track. If I literally do nothing else, this one thing keeps my eating on track. Whole family gets in the game. Kids food prep their after school Snacks because they want to be up in my business when my husband and I are cooking and rocking out to music on sundays. ❤️ Also, then I don't have to dig my hand into their boxes of crackers and be tempted.

Get yourself a good home team and you'll be set!

(Also, I'm 9 lbs away from losing my first 100lbs!!! Might hit it this month *squeal*)

Love the family food prep Sunday. Your food looks fantastic.

#9 How I'm Keeping on plan:

Some fear of weight gain keeps me on plan. I gain quickly and it's slow to come off. I log, exercise, keep motivational things on my fridge, set goals, and this challenge is helping. Thanks @GreenTealael

Don't judge. Three months until Vegas. I'm going to see my sister in law on this vacation. At the beginning of my weight loss, she said to me " you know your just going to gain your weight back." 🙄 Anger is a great motivator to stay on plan. I hope to be in the low 130's for Mt Charleston.

20 minutes ago, Laura7 said:

So, I wrote down my food Wednesday-Friday in preparation for the nutritionist. I decided today that my failure to write the other days just shows how much I need to get in check. So, I cancelled the nutritionist because they are going to say the same things they always do. BUT I have four weeks and four days until my next appointment with my surgeon. According to a chart I’ve been following I should lose up to 30 more pounds by that point. Obviously I’m not going to lose 30 pounds but I am at the minimum end of expected weight loss in a six month period for my starting weight. So, only time will tell friends. I have about four weeks and I need to get my act together! Wish me luck!

Congrats on all your weight loss!

You are doing fantastic. Concentrate on all you have accomplished. Ignore the charts that say you should weigh X amount by this date. Its the fact you are losing weight not the speed.

8 hours ago, Myhorseisfattoo said:

So I'm 4 weeks out and am cleared for soft things, meant included. So, I thought rotisserie chicken thigh meat was pretty soft. Have tried 3 times now to eat 2 or 3 ounces of it and I have gotten SICK every time. No barfing, but miserable fullness, nausea and pain that lasts for hours! Feels like it isn't digesting at all.

Is that a thing? Is it hard for the tiny pouches to grind up meats?

I have stopped even trying that at this point. I can do ground chicken or sausage-like consistencies, but I don;t even want to LOOK at my fave rotiss. chicken now!

Hang in there first few months is the learning curve of what your stomach can tolerate. It gets better.

1 hour ago, sandygs said:

Sleevers I feel ashamed of myself. I am 4 months out and I can eat a whole grilled cheese! I mentioned to the nutritionist that I had ate a grilled cheese, she was like, "You can't eat the whole thing can you?" Oh Yes I can, does this mean I have stretched my pouch? I'm so scared now.

No need to beat yourself up over a set back. Get back on the horse. The sum of small things repeated day in and day out will get you to your goals.

Your surgery restriction will become less as you progress out from surgery. The majority of sleevers can consume more food months/years out. Don't waste your first year. It's your best weight loss.

You can join us on the January weight loss challenge to stay motivated and get back on track

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/421742-❤-january-2019-challenge-❤/

Things that sleevers should know and prepare for:

Stretching the sleeve - It's rare. If you are concerned have your surgeon diagnose it and look into a revision.

Many people confuse the normal increased pouch space with stretching. (your stomach has not grown back to full size)

Many also confuse grazing with stomach stretching. Grazing is eating small meals (combinations of healthy/unhealthy food) throughout the day that total over your calorie and macro goals. It is as if you never had surgery. You will gain weight.

Just because we can consume more calories with the extra space does not mean we have to fill that space. You can eat healthy foods, be satiated, and stay within your calorie goals.

Off my soap box. 🙂

IV drip yes. Drainage tube(s) not everyone.

Know that your surgeons team is going to take good care of you. The pain will be managed with fantastic medication by IV. You will care less about anything medical hanging off you. Blood pressure cuffs, heart monitors , IV bag etc.

I had a drain for two days. Annoying and grose, Sure. But, there are worse things in life.

The pain is temporary. Your results will be amazing.

Running belts are great. Spandex type fabric you can hide them under your shirt.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D622T16

https://www.amazon.com/FlipBelt-Level-Terrain-Waist-Medium/dp/B00JF9EMMO/ref=sr_1_4_acs_ac_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1546997909&sr=1-4-acs&keywords=running+belt

If you don't like the feeling of a belt around your waist, try the roosport magnetic pouch. The magnets are surprisingly strong. You can clip it on anytype of waistband. You can put the pocket that holds your phone outside or inside your pants/shorts/jeans. They are great when you travel to keep passports, keys, cell phone and cards.

http://theroosport.com/

6 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

So your thighs are smaller relative to your hiney. Correct?

Sadly no. Hubby calls them....Muscle chicken legs.

52 minutes ago, sillykitty said:

Is that you on the right @Healthy_life?

I'm pretty close to the photo on the right. Closer to the photo below.