Mike Long

On 9/24/2021 at 7:47 PM, learn2cook said:

Kudos to you! What an inspiring story.

Thank you! 👊🏼

22 minutes ago, Candace76 said:

Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. Sharing your honest experience, the challenges & the victories will be helpful or relatable to so many. I am so happy for you & hope to hear more from you as you continue this process. Lots of luck & congratulations! 👏🥳😁

Thanks! I will continue to document the journey and I agree that when you see other people’s stories of success, failures, opportunities and everything in between, it’s really inspirational. I hope I can help a little with that as well.

27 minutes ago, Elidh said:

Wow, Mike - you are an inspiration!

Thank you! 👊🏼

51 minutes ago, vikingbeast said:

That's amazing. You must feel like a new man. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

Thank you! And yes, I feel like a new man. It’s actually surreal because I just thought I’d always be like I was.

1 hour ago, laurenantics said:

How amazing your progress is! Congratulations!

My curious questions are, how long does it take you to walk the five miles? Are you doing it out in the real world or on a treadmill?

Thank you! I’m walking at a 15 min mile. So it takes me about 75 mins. I own a treadmill but I walk 99% outside. I’ve found the key is to go on different routes. I sometimes walk downtown, around our park, around my neighborhood or the high school track. I’ve found that walking does wonders for me and not just the calorie burn. I put on my music and just get mental clarity. I highly suggest it if you’re able.

4 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

You are doing awesome. Congratulations.

Thank you! 👊🏼

9 hours ago, ymn said:

This is so inspiring! I hope those last pounds leave you ASAP. I have surgery scheduled for 11/9. Reports like this make me hopeful for the future. All the best to you!

Thank you! Good luck on your surgery and journey. It won’t be easy but I believe if you stick to the plan and stay mentally strong, it’ll be more than worth it. 👊🏼

12 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Congratulations !

Thank you!

12 hours ago, Lynnlovesthebeach said:

Congratulations! With your change in attitude and commitment to a new lifestyle you should be successful for life. I think a lot of this is "soul searching." You need to figure out how you got to the WLS point...it was lots of sugar for me...and change the things that got you there! I too committed to a new active lifestyle and worked hard and have never regretted it! No donut or cake or candy is going to ever control my life again! Sugar addiction will never steal the happiness I feel today!

Yes, agreed. Soul searching is the correct way to describe it. It’s quite the journey and it’s only just began! Thank you for the positive words! 👊🏼

13 hours ago, roadman1122 said:

I hear you, I was in the military for ten years, size 33 waist after that, then I got married, had kids, and got a job traveling, everywhere you went, everyone would tell you there favorite restaurant, and of course it was a expense account, so you got what ever you wanted, my weight started going up and up, then when I hit 55 the weight jumped,

Then I quit smoking and wow it jumped again, which caused me to get lower spinal stenosis. hurts like hell to walk 80 feet, one Dr said its because of the weight,

after a failed back surgery, I had to do something again to walk, so I had the gastric sleeve.

no real weight gold, just want to be able to walk.

Yes, u figure out that you gotta get to it. Good luck! 👊🏼

Its hard to believe it’s been 6 months since I “went under the knife”. What a 6 months it has been. From nervousness to excitement, from regret to happiness. The emotions have been all over the board. It definitely hasn’t been easy and it’s really only just began.

I wanted to share a little of my journey thus far for folks that are considering the surgery, just had the surgery or anybody else that can relate or possibly get/stay motivated.

Like most, the beginning was very difficult. I did a ton of research before the surgery. I thought I was prepared. But as the old adage goes, “you don’t know until you do it”. I struggled with drinking enough water/fluids, not getting enough Protein, feelings of despair as I could only eat a tiny amount of food, total regret of having the surgery and wanting to call up Doc Brown to see if I could borrow the Delorean to go back in time. But around the 6 week mark, it seemed that everyday my attitude got a little better. I started to walk a little bit to clear my mind. I started just walking around the block. It’s about all I could do and I was a little paranoid of doing too much (silly in hindsight). I tried to really stay focused on sticking to the plan and just taking each day as it was and not look into the future. I started incorporating fish into my diet and nuts and I started walking around the block twice. I just kept telling myself that things will get easier. And before too long, they did.

Fast forward to today and I’ve lost 164 lbs. I’ve lost 33% of my highest body weight. My BMI has gone from 58.3 to 38.9. I’m now walking 5 miles at a time, about 5 days a week. I eat mostly fish, salads, veggies and nuts. I actually eat carbs and some stuff that they probably don’t want me to but it’s limited and I’m burning so many calories exercising that I can handle some extra calories and not worry about it. I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve consistently lost weight every single week except in week 3 (seems like this is the week everybody tends to stall). I’ve learned to give myself a little credit instead of giving it all to the surgery. The procedure definitely deserves most all of the credit but I wouldn’t be where I’m at now had I not stuck to the plan, pushed myself to stay mentally strong and built a routine of exercise. Giving myself that little bit of credit has helped me in so many ways.

I’m still about 80 lbs from my goal. I have a long way to go to get to that goal and of course even longer for a lifetime commitment to being healthy. I know whoever reads this has heard the line “if I can do it, anybody can”. I hate to use that but it’s so true. I used to lack motivation to get out of my Laz-E-Boy to even walk around the block. To put down the soda, stop eating a large pizza by myself, fries, Chinese food, burgers,wings, you name it. I found something inside me that clicked to get curious about the surgery. Then to actually go thru with it. Then to implement and execute the plan to improve my life. I wish I could say that I’m 110% confident that I’ll never gain weight again. That I’ll never binge eat again or go off the rails. I’m confident right now that I’m fully committed to a new lifestyle. I’m only 6 months in. I’m still not even that hungry. I can still only eat a little bit. At some point, those things will change. But I know that I never want to go back to what I was. I haven’t changed as a person in the last 6 months. But my attitude, goals and purpose has. For that I’m grateful.

I wish all who reads this much success in your journey. Know that it will be different from mine and all others that you come across. There will be many similarities but your journey is your own just as mine is for me. If I can do it, anybody can. 👊🏼✌🏼

15 hours ago, ANewJourneyAwaits said:

So, at 6 months out. I have lost 67 pounds and then 23 t before. So I am at 90lbs down. I have been avoiding here because I feel like I see so many people lose that in 3 months. I swim 4 times a week. My doctor says because I am muscular, that is why I don’t lose as quickly. I’m putting on muscle as I work out but I just don’t see the scale move. Sometimes, it just feels like I’ll never get there. I was stalled for 2.5 weeks. Now I am back down to losing but seemingly taking forever to break into the next weight bracket. Is anyone else a slow loser? I honestly hate it but don’t know how to speed it up. I get around 800 calories a day, I get my Protein, I don’t cheat, I get Water and Vitamins, and swim 4 times a week, like I said. I just don’t get why my body is so stubborn and holds on. Feeling kind of sad about it all.

I agree with others that you’ve done a great job thus far and it’s likely that you’re being to hard on yourself. There is no manual on how this should go. It sounds like you’re doing what you need to do. Your body will catch up to your mind. As your name implies, it’s a journey!

My blood work has been good all along but once I got off the Lisinopril (about 1 month post op) I have felt much better. It’s anecdotal but maybe there’s something with these types of surgeries and diuretic BP meds. Good luck!

11 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

How much is everyone eating? I find that I am able to eat more at this stage (match 9 surgery) than the 4-5 oz that the nutritionist said I should be able to. I need to make the transition to three meals a day and no Snacks since I am eating more now and I’m not sure why but mentally that’s hard. I try skipping snack time and I feel hungry. I know it’s head hunger but it feels so real. Anyone have any suggestions for this.

I wish I had suggestions but sadly I don’t. I’m 10 weeks post op and I have zero hunger and zero desire to eat. I’m eating very little. I often wonder if my surgeon removed 99% of my stomach instead of the 75-80% LOL. If I approach 2-3 oz of food at a sitting, I can feel it in my chest and stomach. So I simply stop eating. I’m not getting in the Protein that they recommend so I’m trying to work on that. Of the many things I’ve learned throughout this entire process, the one that sticks out the most is that everybody’s journey and situation is unique. My only suggestion is simply Just try your best to stick to the plan. I know you’ve heard that a million times but I think it’s the best course of action. Good luck!

15 hours ago, Sarahgirl10 said:

I have my consult on Friday, and also have done a ton of research. But I'd love inputs from others who have had it as well- what's your best advice, tips, and tricks for post op life?!

It’s going to be hard. Very hard in fact. Make sure you absolutely want to do it. You will most likely have regrets shortly after surgery. You can’t know everything beforehand. You can only prepare so much. Having said that, if you really want to make a lifestyle change and can handle the mental battle, it will absolutely be worth it. I agree with the others, your journey will be unique. I’m only 10 weeks post op and it took me until about 2 weeks ago to stop regretting it. I just focused on day to day. I’m still never hungry, I have no desire to eat, I don’t get all my Protein in each day but I’ve learned how to create a routine. As mentioned, everybody is unique. I think it’s important for people considering this to know that it’s not easy. It might be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. At least mentally. But as they say, the things most worth achieving are also the most difficult. Good luck should you choose this surgery.

1 hour ago, canadianpopcycle said:

Honestly...I don't understand why there is no standardization with this surgery. Between calorie 'limits' to Keto, some/no carbs, etc etc its really ridiculous.

Not sure if this helps you:

My surgery was March 29...so I just started my 8th week since surgery. My 'program' after surgery: 2 weeks of Full Fluids, 3rd week puree and soft foods and 4th week everything else. There are no calorie 'goals', as they want you to get as much nutrition as you can in..but they don't want you to be restricting food. My Protein goal is 80 - 107g.

During the full fluids phase I was getting about 550 calories a day. Puree I was getting about 900 calories. Regular foods until now are between 950 and 1100 ish depending what I am eating. I walk everyday (weather permitting) about 25 min. I'd like to get to the gym, but those are closed currently here.

My weigh ins are:

Surgery Day March 29: 315.6

April 5: 308.8 (-6.8)

April 12: 302.6 (-6.2)

April 19: 301.8 (-0.8)

April 26: 299.2 (-2.6)

May 3: 296.6 (-2.6)

May 10: 294.0 (-2.6)

May 17: 290.8 (-3.2)

Total since surgery: 24.8 lbs

My surgery was 3/25 and what I’ve been told & the program has been virtually identical. My dietician told me not to worry about calories and only count Protein. They don’t seem to be concerned about much else (at least at this point). Because I never had any pains or discomfort, after the 3rd week post op they graduated me to stage 5 or whatever I wanted to eat. That didn’t matter much for me because even to this day I have zero hunger, no desire to eat, nothing sounds appealing. I don’t Have any aversions (I had the sleeve) but I’m simply not hungry and have to force myself to eat. I’m barely eating and I’m not getting in the recommended daily protein amounts. I feel fine and have been able to cut out one of my blood pressure meds completely and all my labs are in really good, healthy ranges. I don’t know when my hunger will come back but I’ve lost 80+ lbs since 3/11 (2 week pre op diet) and 55+ lbs since surgery day. I started near 500 so it’s all relative. I stated walking 30 mins daily just recently and I’m probably only taking in 500-750 Calories/day. I guess I should be happy that I’m losing weight and feeling ok while having good labs. I know the hunger will come back. Good luck!

1 hour ago, njlimmer said:

10 weeks out from RNY on 3/3 and huge success to share!! Went to the endocrinologist today for the first time since surgery. A1C in October was 6.8 making me a diabetic. It's what really sparked my WLS. (6-6.4 is pre-diabetic and anything over 6.5 is diabetic) Today, I'm at 4.6!! I am officially cured of my diabetes!! WOOT!!! Also, in 2019, my cholesterol was 218 - today it's 104!!

For the scale victory, I'm down 37.8lbs from surgery and 83.8lbs from October!!

Congrats! Truly amazing stuff. The cholesterol number is stunning. And the A1C is incredible. Kudos and keep it going!

On 5/3/2021 at 11:07 AM, Soon2bFit21 said:

So just a little history: I am 42, , 5’11 and spent a good 10 years of life competing in women’s bodybuilding and also did trail running and half marathons before injuries, peri menopause, and a car accident caused me to gain a lot of weight over a few years. My surgeon is insisting that my goal weight be 150-155 lbs. I have not weighed this even when I was bodybuilding and completely shredded with a full 6 pack. He even tried to get me to switch from VSG to bypass because he felt it would help me lose more weight. I started out at 339 pre surgery and am down to 308 at 4 weeks post. There is no way that I feel I could ever weigh 150lbs as I would be skin and bones! Has anyone had a higher goal weight being taller or having more muscle mass than an average person? Did your muscle mass help or hinder your progress with weight loss? I have my long term goal weight in my head as 199lbs and I’m being told that I would still be obese at this and it isn’t a good goal for me to have.

I’m very similar to you (although a guy). I’m 43, 6’6’ and HW was 492, two weeks pre op. I was a college baseball player and athlete from young age thru mid 20’s. I Met an Italian girl with a huge family (food porn to say the least lol) got a desk job, stopped playing sports and gained about 250 lbs and the rest is history. It’s crazy to think I was in pretty decent shape at one time. I’m just over 6 weeks post op and from the 492 two weeks pre op until now, I’m down to 416. My goal weight is 250 but if I’m honest, I’ll live with being 292. That would be a 200 lb weight loss and almost 50% total. I also don’t think the scale matters in the long run. If your health stats are good and in normal ranges and you feel good about yourself then what’s 199 vs 169 or 149? I’m sure many would disagree with this but when all the dust settles, your health matters more than the number on the scale. As long as you have good, normal ranges then I don’t care I’m I’m 292 or 250. Just my opinion though. Good luck!

11 minutes ago, Marie2021 said:

I will be six weeks post op tomorrow and was down 34.8 lbs as of yesterday. I’m having a hard time finding anything appetizing to eat and I’m rarely hungry so it’s mostly yogurt these days. My liquids are going down easier lately and I’m grateful for that.

I’ll be 6 weeks post op on Thursday and I’m in the same exact boat. Minus the yogurt. I have zero hunger, get full after a few bites and nothing sounds or looks appetizing. I know this is the design but it’s demoralizing at the same time. Total and complete mental battle.

13 minutes ago, Lahela said:

I am 5 wks post op and have lost 30 lbs since surgery. Sometimes I feel like this is not enough weight loss and it is frustrating. Anyone else in the 30 lb since day of surgery?

I would look at it as a % at this point. I’m 5 weeks and a few days post op and I’m 70+ lbs but I also started at 492 (two weeks pre op). So unless you were as heavy as I was, your % might be close to the same or even better. Just food for thought.

1 hour ago, GaGirlGettingHealthy said:

Congrats on the blood pressure medicine cutting! I was able to do the same. I have found several bits of food throughout the day helps. One thing I found was the Quest Protein chips. They help with hunger and allow me to feel like I am "eating" with the chewing. I had similar with pills. I did get a pill cutter which helped with swallowing pills. Just some ideas. The weight you have loss is awesome!!!

How do the chips taste? I have a hard time thinking they’ll be appetizing not being “real” chips. I take the ProCare bariatric multi Vitamin and it can’t be cut in half.

25 minutes ago, GaGirlGettingHealthy said:

Checking in on a Friday night! How is everyone doing? I am almost 2 months since my surgery was March 1st. I am eating a little more but still very restricted as far as amount of intake at one time. I have found Quest chips crave my need to "having a crunching sound" when eating. Weight from surgery date is 34 lbs and 54 lbs all together. I have way more energy and each week seems to be better. The hardest part has been the acid reflux and constipation. TMI. If I could figure out those 2 issues, all would be really good! Would love to hear how the rest of you are doing!!

I was 5 weeks post op yesterday. Like you I’m barely eating. I have no desire to eat and when I do it’s forced. Nothing sounds good at all. I’m having difficulty swallowing all the pills required (which I never had any issues before). This is a mental battle. I haven’t had any pain or discomfort or any real physical issues other than getting a little lightheaded when getting up to fast at times. I’ve managed to cut one of my blood pressure meds in half so that’s good. I’ve lost 70 lbs in 7 weeks (5 weeks post op & 2 weeks pre op diet). While I’ve lost a good amount of weight, I hate that I have zero hunger and I can barely eat. It sucks majorly. But I’m hopeful that as time goes by that will change.

3 hours ago, Slightly Less Fatty Matty said:

Wow that’s great! Being self aware of what you’re feeling is probably the best weapon you can have in getting through any difficulties… that coupled with the guidance and support of this forum is pretty unstoppable.

Thanks! And I agree about self awareness.

15 minutes ago, ms.sss said:

I think this is something that isn't said alot on here because of the fear of making others feel bad. I mean I get how it would be defeating to read about other's non-issue recovery/experiences when one is really struggling. With that said, I theorize there are actually quite a lot of people out there who actually did experience this process as "the easy way out" and did not struggle at all.

I just basically said this in another thread: While it IS very nice/kind to keep the feelings of others in mind when posting stuff, it is also totally okay to say eff YEAH to Celebrate your own successes, whether it came easy or not. The level of difficulty one goes through to get to goal doesn't diminish nor increase the value of said goal. A goal is a goal is a goal. Yay, EVERYONE!

I couldn’t agree more. Kudos for saying it and also for your success! You’re below your goal. That’s amazing!

I’m 4 weeks post op today from the Sleeve and I’m down 62 lbs from the start of the two week pre op diet and 37 lbs from surgery day.

it’s been 100% mental for me to this point. I’ve had virtually no pain, discomfort or uncomfortableness. But it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever encountered mentally.

I’ve learned a lot already on this forum and have really enjoyed the content and the people sharing their successes, failures and everything in between.

Even though I have a very long way to go, I’m hopeful this was the right decision.