NtvTxn

Hey there! I am 3.5 years out and believe it or not, I do not find it challenging, at least not yet. I still try and under eat my sleeve, meaning, I know how much it can hold and I TRY and eat a little less. If I ever feel full, it's too late, I'm miserable. I have not gained any weight back, my doctor's goal was 150, I wanted to be at 145 so I could have that 5 lb "pad". I feel good and find it easy to bounce DAILY between 142 and 145.5.
I am still doing what I started doing in the beginning....I weigh every morning, it's a control issue, I'm sure. I am finally in control, food is not. I weigh and/or measure my food when I'm at home. I log it all on my fitness pal and last but not least, I attend support group meetings. All of this is my new life, as natural to me as breathing. I know there is no end date, this is forever and I had to incorporate things into my life that I could/would do forever.
As far as eating smaller portions, I cannot eat more than a cup of food at one sitting, actually, I cannot eat a full cup, probably 2/3 - 3/4 cup, depending on what I'm eating. At 3.5 years out, I can eat a LOT more than I could in the beginning, so making choices and keeping track of my calories is imperative, I cannot become complacent.
Good luck to you, you won't believe what your life is like on your one year anniversary!!!

I've never heard this, I was told by my doctor that he doesn't want his patients to EVER eat more than a cup of food at one sitting. At 3.5 years, I still cannot eat a cup of food at one sitting!!! I track everything, every day. I also weigh daily and weigh and/or measure my food when I'm at home. Our stomach relaxes and I think mine was at full capacity and hasn't changed since about one year out. I hope it never does. I was at a support group meeting last night and this PhD doctor that speaks to us monthly said that we CAN stretch our sleeve but it isn't easy to do. I've never heard a 'limit' as far as how big it can stretch to. I have met people at meetings that have gained a large portion of their weight back, but they had started or rather stopped doing things we need to continue for ever. Be careful over the holidays, enjoy, but track your calories. A year ago I gained about 6 pounds over a 2 month period, I was still within two pounds of my doctor's goal, but six pounds over MY goal. I knew I was up, I was still doing everything I should as far as tracking my food and all that, but my calories went up eating slider foods.....easy on, not as easy coming off. About double the time getting rid of it. NOT FUN, but possible. I am not doing a repeat this year!!!

I've never heard this, I was told by my doctor that he doesn't want his patients to EVER eat more than a cup of food at one sitting. At 3.5 years, I still cannot eat a cup of food at one sitting!!! I track everything, every day. I also weigh daily and weigh and/or measure my food when I'm at home. Our stomach relaxes and I think mine was at full capacity and hasn't changed since about one year out. I hope it never does. I was at a support group meeting last night and this PhD doctor that speaks to us monthly said that we CAN stretch our sleeve but it isn't easy to do. I've never heard a 'limit' as far as how big it can stretch to. I have met people at meetings that have gained a large portion of their weight back, but they had started or rather stopped doing things we need to continue for ever. Be careful over the holidays, enjoy, but track your calories. A year ago I gained about 6 pounds over a 2 month period, I was still within two pounds of my doctor's goal, but six pounds over MY goal. I knew I was up, I was still doing everything I should as far as tracking my food and all that, but my calories went up eating slider foods.....easy on, not as easy coming off. About double the time getting rid of it. NOT FUN, but possible. I am not doing a repeat this year!!!

I was curious about the possiblilty of stretching my sleeve too. I did some Googling and ran across a medical site that said IF you worked hard enough at overeating you could stretch your sleeve, but occasionally overeating would not permanently stretch it. But I'm not going to push my luck. :-)
I've paid too much cash and gone through too much pain to waste this life changing opportunity.
I did freak out a little when I realized I could eat more than 1/2 cup per meal. At about 6 months, I started being able to eat around 1 full cup - depending on the density of the food. I could eat more of vegetables and fruits (stuff that can be mashed down) than dense Protein like chicken, steak and pork, chicken being the most filling.
Now at 12 months, I can eat 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food per meal, but I can still maintain my weight or loose more depending on how much I let myself eat and exercise.
If it helps, I have found that drinking warm fluids, like coffee and chicken broth keep my head hunger at bay pretty well.
As well, I try to get plenty of rest. I've noticed that I stay hungry all the time when I'm sleep deprived. I guess my body knows it will get a little boost of energy if I eat something and it's trying to get out of the slump.

Bonnie, I'm a grazer too and unfortunately the sleeve doesn't really help with that. Dense Protein DOES stay in there for a good long time, but it's something I have to be constantly aware of or I could easily fit more unnecessary food/calories in my day!

I'd love to hear some updates of how people who were 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. years out on their surgery. How are you doing and how has it been in the maintenance phase? Do u find it challenging at all? Have you gained any weight back? Do you find it harder to eat small portions still? I'm a pre-op and would love some feedback!

What a birthday gift to give to yourself and your family!! Enjoy, it is a wild ride and oh so fun! Hang on!!!

I was 50 when I had surgery three years ago (tomorrow). I've lost 85 pounds, 23 prior to surgery. I reached my goal in six months. I've been maintaining for 2.5 years with no problems. Life is so much different now. Just wait. Go buy a disposable camera and have someone take a picture of you the day before surgery, then take one on your surgery date every month. After your one year anniversary, take the camera to be developed. Lay those pictures side by side. It is shocking to see the transformation there laying in front of you. It was one of the most "fun" things I did!!! Good luck, you are in for the wildest ride you've ever been on, enjoy every single minute!!!

I was 50 when I had surgery three years ago (tomorrow). I've lost 85 pounds, 23 prior to surgery. I reached my goal in six months. I've been maintaining for 2.5 years with no problems. Life is so much different now. Just wait. Go buy a disposable camera and have someone take a picture of you the day before surgery, then take one on your surgery date every month. After your one year anniversary, take the camera to be developed. Lay those pictures side by side. It is shocking to see the transformation there laying in front of you. It was one of the most "fun" things I did!!! Good luck, you are in for the wildest ride you've ever been on, enjoy every single minute!!!

While I do not intent to contradict specific medical advise, I think it is reasonable, given the variance of recommendations to ask the surgeon for the level of evidence which these recommendations are being based on. In most cases, we try to use evidence in health care, but as an earlier poster commented, it is unlikely straw use will get research funding, so there is not likely much to go on. My hunch is this is based on anecdotal evidence ( the experience and or belief of the surgeon), and would be considered by them, to be prudent since it does not cause harm to recommend NO use of straws and serves to prevent gas, pain etc.. I would be interested if this was not the case.
I would suggest asking yourself:
1. What do I know about the real risk?
2. Is there a benefit which out-ways the risk?
3. Can I test this is a small or less risky way?
4. Am I prepared for the consequences..my surgeon's concern/anger, gas, pain, etc...
At the end of the day we are responsible for our choices, and health care professions (I am a nurse) are neither omnipotent or infallible. Good luck with you choice, I applaud your thoughtful consideration of the issue.

Have been using a straw since 4 weeks out. Perfectly ok with my surgeon and NUT. I get way more fluids and less gas and burping with than without.
For sure follow your Dr.'s orders but you could ask him or her about it.

I'm having a difficult time getting in all my fluids. I used to drink fluids all day long but through a straw. I hate drinking without it. I'm 6 weeks out and just can't get used to it. I feel like (as long as I don't hurt my sleeve) I could get in a lot more Water if I went back to using a straw. Thoughts??

I'm scared to death of being the person with complications. I hope that doesn't happen to me but I'm going in prepared!

not a vet but MFP lies like a dog. I'd be wasting away to nothing if it was correct!
I do know that there's a lot of research to suggest that those of us who have dieted and lost weight have a slower metabolism than those who have never had to lose weight, sometimes up to 40% lower.
Me, I'd raise 100 calories a week and see where you start to gain weight, and work out your maintenance level that way, by looking at net calories.

Hi Vets! Having a little difficult time in maintaining. What a problem to have, right? Ha. Anyway, I am very curious if My Fitness Pal is correct in calculating how many calories you need to maintain. It allows you to add the type of work you do as well as your activity level. Instead of making my own numbers today for nutrition, I let it decide for me and it says a little over 1500 calories to maintain. I'm not eating this much ever. Maybe 1100-1200. I am 5'2" and 118 lbs. I was ok to maintain at 120 but have dipped down to 118. Nothing to be too concerned about, just trying to balance this out. So please let me know if MFP is correct with its numbers for you? And if not, what is the difference? Thank you!!!

Unfortunately our surgeons operate on our tummy and don't finish up with our head. I have been at goal for 3 years, maintaining for 2.5 years and STILL do NOT see myself like others do. I've been in size 4's and 6's for a few years now and I still will hold a pair of jeans up, fresh out of the dryer and think "NO DAMN WAY can I get my fat @$$ in these" and then I do.....I never have to lay down on the bed to button and zip them. I'm called skinny, tiny, thin and still, the fat girl inside giggles and wants to ask, "Are you talking to ME??" I don't know if it will ever change and I don't know if the fear of waking up 25 lbs heavier will ever go away. A doctor told me though "A little paranoia is good"
It's nice being normal sized, even if we don't feel like it, we can look around and in our head, we know we aren't the biggest girl in the room. You are not alone, I think the head games are something we all struggle with. We are women, we critique ourselves and focus on the thing (s) that bother us. Others don't even notice and that's all we see. Take heart, you are more than likely the ONLY one seeing what you do!!!
Good luck and happy Thanksgiving!

Surgery was June 11, 2010. I've been maintaining since January 2011. It's easier than I'd ever dreamed it would be.

Good morning VSgirl - I don't know what the average loss is per week, but my average caloric daily intake was 675 when I reached goal right about 5 months out. I exercised very little. ( I know ME; I knew that if I became an exercise nut for a few months....I'd get bored/burned out quickly and stop....then what happens?? Would I re-gain? I know I've heard about RNY patients that do just that and then they start putting the lbs back on. I know their surgery is totally different, and I think OUR surgery is superior, just my humble opinion, but just in case!)

Anyway, I am most concerned about my arms, so I attended an exercise class 1x per week for four weeks. It was offered by a physical therapist that works for local bariatric surgeon. I wanted to get some ideas, to see if there was something I could do at home. I discovered I like the weighted ball and the band, both are good for my arms and the weighted ball is actually a pretty good over all workout. I got both for the house. I do one or both about four times a week. Both are fast and fun, I can do 'on the go'.

I'm 8 lbs below goal and nobody can say I got there because I'm an exercise guru!! I made some life style changes.....mostly the way I 'snack' - cutting chips, most bread, cold Cereal.....just eliminated a few things OUT of my diet...I did this MONTHS before surgery. I did things I KNEW could be forever changes. I hope this helps and isn't toooo wordy!

Unfortunately our surgeons operate on our tummy and don't finish up with our head. I have been at goal for 3 years, maintaining for 2.5 years and STILL do NOT see myself like others do. I've been in size 4's and 6's for a few years now and I still will hold a pair of jeans up, fresh out of the dryer and think "NO DAMN WAY can I get my fat @$$ in these" and then I do.....I never have to lay down on the bed to button and zip them. I'm called skinny, tiny, thin and still, the fat girl inside giggles and wants to ask, "Are you talking to ME??" I don't know if it will ever change and I don't know if the fear of waking up 25 lbs heavier will ever go away. A doctor told me though "A little paranoia is good"
It's nice being normal sized, even if we don't feel like it, we can look around and in our head, we know we aren't the biggest girl in the room. You are not alone, I think the head games are something we all struggle with. We are women, we critique ourselves and focus on the thing (s) that bother us. Others don't even notice and that's all we see. Take heart, you are more than likely the ONLY one seeing what you do!!!
Good luck and happy Thanksgiving!

Unfortunately our surgeons operate on our tummy and don't finish up with our head. I have been at goal for 3 years, maintaining for 2.5 years and STILL do NOT see myself like others do. I've been in size 4's and 6's for a few years now and I still will hold a pair of jeans up, fresh out of the dryer and think "NO DAMN WAY can I get my fat @$$ in these" and then I do.....I never have to lay down on the bed to button and zip them. I'm called skinny, tiny, thin and still, the fat girl inside giggles and wants to ask, "Are you talking to ME??" I don't know if it will ever change and I don't know if the fear of waking up 25 lbs heavier will ever go away. A doctor told me though "A little paranoia is good"
It's nice being normal sized, even if we don't feel like it, we can look around and in our head, we know we aren't the biggest girl in the room. You are not alone, I think the head games are something we all struggle with. We are women, we critique ourselves and focus on the thing (s) that bother us. Others don't even notice and that's all we see. Take heart, you are more than likely the ONLY one seeing what you do!!!
Good luck and happy Thanksgiving!

Skinny - the string bean we all know or have known in the past, but I guess everyone's definition is different. There is always somebody skinnier and always someone richer, right???!!!!!
If you figure out how to "feel" normal sized, share that with the rest of us.

I am almost at 'normal', or at least the version of 'normal' I have been striving towards. I consider that to be a balanced and varied diet where the energy I consume is equal to the energy I exert in the business of living 'normally'.
I know I am one of the lucky ones. I have limited hunger, sometimes I forget to eat if I am busy (this is not a good thing) and I reach satiation really quickly. My weight loss, while almost at 100% of my excess weight! has not been dramatic. It has taken 19 months since surgery and I do work out and count my intake religiously. I will need to continue to do this but this is what I now consider the new 'normal'.
Last night I was at a work event and there was a buffet. Ugh. I hate buffet these days, all that food just looks disgusting to me and I can have quite a strong reaction to seeing people load up their plates like they won't eat again for a week. To me, that isn't 'normal'. Yet it used to be and I know that for most people they don't even realise they are doing it. I had a small plate, a bit of ham, a bit of salmon and some new season asparagus with a side salad. A woman next to me who does not know me or the journey I have been on asked me if I was being 'good'. So I guess to her, what I now see as 'normal' is what others see as 'good'.
So perhaps this 'normal' really is down to individual perspective?
I haven't had a french fry in 20 months. Nor do I want one. Actually, I have had one and I threw it up. My sleeve doesn't tolerate deep fried food. As I said, I think I am one of the lucky ones! I never drank soda so I feel no loss now. To me, it isn't normal to guzzle so much sugar and chemicals. I drink alcohol in moderation and I enjoy sweets on occasion. I eat good carbs.
Life is good and feels pretty damn close to my version of 'normal'.

okay that man has a tapeworm. Seriously, a whole can of peanuts? he has a tapeworm!

I feel the need to stir up the hornet's nest today, been too quiet. I have noticed lately a lot of people (typically newer folks, but some further down the road, too) saying they just want to "be normal." Then they go on to say they want to eat whatever they want, often modifying it with "small amounts," "in moderation," or other caveats. Also, it seems that "whatever they want" always seems to include junk foods, cake, chips, or soda or other high calorie/low nutrition items. You rarely see a post about someone wanting to eat "normally" so they can feast on asparagus and Brussel sprouts.
Here is my question to everyone:
Discounting teenage boys, do you really know anyone naturally thin that eats that type of food whenever they want?
Now, I don't claim to know everything, but personally I don't know any thin people (who have always been at a normal weight) that eat crap on a regular basis, in moderation or not. The thin people I know think about what they eat. They have Lean Cuisines for lunch or a salad, if they have dessert (rarely) they share it, they never eat in secret or binge or hide food, and they usually have some form of regular exercise, even if it's just walking the dog. They have smaller portions, and yes, they will enjoy big meals at family occasions and holidays, but those are events that occur only a few times a year.
I know we'll have some folks answer back that their whoever eats whatever they want and is thin, but really, what do they eat? Do they eat bags of chips, several sodas every day, fried food, piles of mashed potatoes or french fries? Do they go through a bag of Cookies in a sitting?
So, food for thought - what exactly is normal eating and are our expectations appropriate?

Ever since Ive been sleeved which is just shy of a year now Ive had issues with being constipated. Ive pretty much had to take a stool softener every day for the past year just to get stuff moving along. But I FINALLY found something that works for me and works darn good I might add.
I bought a dehydrator! chips, sweet potato chips and kale chips. Im telling what, the apple chips are so friggin delicious (I spray the lightly with coconut oil that I got at Whole Foods and then toss them every so lightly in a cinnamon/sugar mix, mostly cinnamon and super light on the sugar). We love them so much that we have to keep a stash on hand at all times because my hubby is a sugar addict and I crave crunchy things. Its so easy to get 1 or 2 apples in me a day and by the next day Im walking on sunshine cause bathroom time is productive, successful and downright action packed lol.
So ever since Ive been dehydrating fruits and kale chips, no more stool softeners. Ive not been this regular since before surgery. I feel like a friggin genius for finally figuring this out lol. It even works better then my nutriblasts in the morning.