pnw218

Congrats Pnw218, You are doing wonderful and inspiring us all. Have a great time on your cruise, wish I could stowaway.lol Keep rocking that sleeve sister!!

There's always room for one more! : )

And thank you! It is so exciting to finally be successful :thumbup: I am sure you are feeling the same! You don't have much further to go either!

Thank Fab!

And I am excited to get away! We hadn't been in the Caribbean for a long time, until last January, and then the weather was just so-so. This time should be nicer. And we are going to 3 ports that the rest of family hasn't been to before - so that is always nice.

I am a little concerned about the food thing, mainly dinner : ( I figure I will have an appetizer and main dish - and then chocolate melting cake with a side of vanilla ice cream! Maybe one of the girls will share with me. LOL

I love to cruise. This will be my 20th. Kind of a milestone.

We will be going to the beach, ziplining, cave tubing and hiking so I should get a decent amount of exercise : )

I was changing pant sizes every 3-4 weeks. Was really amazing! Shirts were a little slower - however now I don't want to wear tops that are loose at all! Wanna show off the waist! : )

Good Luck! You will love it!

Have fun on the cruise Janet. Are you leaving your husband behind, since he went through rehab? I was just thinking that cruising was a problem for you two in the past....... with his drinking. You deserve to have a good time without him. Good luck. Les

Do you ever make positive comments?? If not, please don't respond to me. I ignored you the last time you were rude - was kinda hoping you would just go away.

If this was your best effort at nice and not intentionally sarcastic ... he is actually doing very well and I am sure this trip will go just fine.

Have you tried adjusting your meds to improve your disposition? Sheesh.

My husband has not had VSG; was able to lose weight on his own. (brat!) However, he has lost over 40 pounds and his diabetes is now very under control. He has never taken insulin, just metformin. His numbers are so good that he may be able to reduce his meds as well.

He is also swimming about a mile three times a week - and he will turn 59 in August.

We have talked to several people with diabetes and weight loss in general seems to help alot.

Good luck to your friend!

Seriously, if you can't make it through the food stages, I worry about whether you will be able to use this tool correctly.

Seriously?? That truly comes off as quite rude.

And are you going to look at my rate of loss and tell me that I am failing to use the tool properly?? I have lost as much in five months as others lose in one month. However, percentage wise, I am right there with them. AND - I am happy and not stressed.

Read my story. And then try to answer more supportively next time.

As lisalu and others wrote, there is more than one way to get from A to B.

It takes alot of nerve to post about one's failings here for all of the world to see, whether it is pre-op or post-op.

I started eating food before I was supposed to, did anyone else?

I didn't have trouble except for a little acid reflux.

I didn't cheat, just followed a different guideline than others. And I felt better faster than many people and was able to return to a normal life sooner.

Was also told by a nurse, also a sleeve patient, who consulted with her co-workers & doctors who said anything mushed up that was tolerated was fine.

Stay away from the obvious crunchy, seeds, etc. Things that might actually get stuck in and damage your stitch line. Common sense and moderation. When you want to try something new, try a small bite, wait a few minutes and then try again.

Personally, I think over eating anything would be as likely to cause a leak - and that possibility goes down tremendously day by day.

Read this guideline for a different view if you haven't already. Others around here will post it and then tell you not to follow it. Go figure : )

http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

I would have gone crazy at home for 4-5 weeks : )

I do have a desk job tho, not physical and went back part time on day 4, working 4-6 hours per day. By the end of the week, I was back to full time.

Guess it would depend on what your physical activity level was tho before surgery also. If your job is walking, don't see why you couldn't return to that in one or two weeks. Lifting and using the stomach muscles would need more time off or at least light duty.

Personally, I wouldn't want to use time off for this situation - would rather save it for a vacation : ) If you have insurance that is paying, that is a different story. I am also self employed so if I am not there, it doesn't get done. More incentive : )

congrats on your date!

it will come quickly and then you will be on your way!

good luck with your current recovery!

5 month update!

The scale has moved slowly however the clothes continue to get looser!

I did adjust my numbers to reflect the entire wieght loss from my high around January 1st.

Current Stats:

- current weight 147.0

- have lost a total of 52 pounds, 73% of my goal of 71 pounds

- now wearing a loose size 6 levi's, size small to medium shirts

Went to a Water park after volleyball camp last week - and wore a two piece swimsuit! It felt wonderful! Even the 120lb+/- teen vb players didn't bother me! LOL

We are mostly packed to leave for a Caribbean cruise later this week. I will be taking a 2 piece tankini and a 2 piece bikini. And NO 1 piece suits!!

It was such fun trying on dresses to wear this time - everything fits so much better, including those I bought ages ago 'knowing" that I would lose weight, and never did. Until now! There are a few things that are actually too big - so will be passing those on.

Physically and mentally I am doing so well. I am sleeping better, being more productive during the day, haven't had any major back issues.

Went to a 50th bday party for a friend last night and wasn't the least bit embarrassed to be there with former high school classmates. We are planning another get together in late August and I am excited to see everyone.

My current goals:

- would like to lose 10-20 more pounds; however just firming up the hips, butt and thighs would be fine also.

- would like to phase out the cpap machine and the stress/depression meds eventually, if possible

It is such fun to be able to hang out and keep up with the kids again. We have a great itinerary planned during vacation; the girls and I plan to use the gym on the ship .... and since we are booked in spa suites, it is right outside our door! There shouldn't be any excuses!! LOL

Hoping not to gain any weight on this cruise and maybe even lose a couple; however, I do have rule that dessert is required with every meal ! We will definitely be taking the stairs more than the elevator!

My youngest daughter commented the other day about my weight loss. Said she was looking back at photos from Cmas and now really notices the weight I have lost. It is sweet how those closest to us don't always see us as overweight or as heavy as we see ourselves.

Congrats to you!

I was out of town last week at a volleyball camp with our varsity team. The scale did not move at all. Must have been that lovely college food. lol Was hard to find any real Protein - and it was scary to eat the mystery meat!

We leave for a cruise and will spend a few days in Orlando next week. I am thinking I will get pretty frustrated at dinner ... have put everyone on notice tho that they have to order what I want to eat so I can have bites of their meals! : )

Hoping I will not gain after being out of town for 2 more weeks!

silly girl! you are at 100% of your original goal - I am at 65%! ; P

I ran a quarter mile today without stopping! and even had a kick at the end! LOL The pylometrics and abs almost killed me - sitting with two ice packs now! It is a good feeling tho - I am keeping up with the teens pretty well.

It is amazing how quickly it is coming back - after being out of shape for so very long.

Did ya'll thank a soldier yesterday?? Thanks WO1 White!

I have been watching the tickers of the people who got sleeved on or around the same time I did. One thing I noticed is that even though we all ave different amounts to loose our tickers move at almost exactly the same rate. that is.... at 2 months we were a little over a quarter of the way... at one month just under. I think somewhere between month 3 and 4 we will all be half way. They are loosing much more weight but we all seem to be loosing the same percentage of our body weight.

Its frustrating though.... especially when I see people posting that it may get even slower than this. YIKES....

Yep! I agree. The percentage lost is a good way to look at it. I am currently at about 2/3 (65%) and most websites say to expect to lose 60-80% of excess weight in a year. I figure that makes me good!

I may not be losing much lately but I did run a quarter mile this morning without stopping and finished strong with a little kick! And made it thru 90% of the plyometrics and ab routines, so I must be getting stronger : )

My thought was - you are eating less so it takes more days to fill up the "tank" and then empty : )

I was a once a day, every morning bm'r (LOL) before surgery. Post-op, initially I was going once every 4 or 5 days, sometimes more than once on that special day. Now, I don't keep track but can usually tell when I am getting due to go. I haven't had to take any stool softeners - only once I think right after surgery. I bought benefiber and hated it. I haven't done anything special and all systems are working well : )

If you are still taking pain meds, those will tighten things up and make it harder to go.

awesome job!!

and I totally agree - I have not been stressing about what I eat and just recently started to exercise. My loss has also been slow but steady and I am happy!

Congrats! You did great!

naw, do the sleeve! : )

you will still be able to eat most everything that you enjoy - just in much smaller quantities.

I totally understand about life circling around food. It does get frustrating at times - not gonna fib about that! It does get easier and the amount I can eat has become a big joke with family and close friends. My youngest daughter said today that she likes it cause when I say I only want a bite or a sip ... I really mean it! : )

You do sound like a work out machine! You will be in amazing shape after surgery and reaching your goal!

Congrats!

Congrats on your success! It is great to hear from someone who is 2 years out!

Thanks for popping back in with your update!

We are allowed to have some fruit; I think cantelope is one of the lowest in calories and carbs. Personally, I think moderation is the key. Have a few pieces as a snack or at the end of a meal. Keep track of your calories, etc - and see how you do.

This guideline allows for fruit:

http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

good luck!

Hi, I keep reading on the regular posts that when you have less than 100 lbs to lose it comes off slower. I was sleeved on May 17 and things have really slowed down for me. Don't know why, seems like I am not eating much. I have tried to eat more Fiber now that I am cleared for regular foods and it hasn't seemed to help much.

It does get frustrating at times. I guess we just have to be thankful that we did have less to lose - even tho we will reach goal at about the same time! : )

Except for the first week, I have overall averaged about 2 lbs per week, however the last month or two has been very slow - probably half that.

On the bright side, I am wearing smaller clothes even tho the scale is moving slowly. I do feel better, have much less back pain and am sleeping better. I started with the cpap machine soon after surgery - and hope to give it up after six months or so when my weight has stabilized.

When the scale gets stuck, I will switch to Protein shakes instead of meals. Or I will go the other way and add a few hundred more calories for a few days. Usually shakes up the body a little and the scale moves. I like the Premier chocolate Protein Shakes from costco. 11 oz, 160 calories, 30 Protein.

I would like to lose my last 20 pounds by August 18th - the 6 month point, however I am happy with my progress. I was able to resume physical activity a month or so ago and for the past couple of weeks, have been doing weights and conditioning with the high school volleyball team. I was so sore! So many muscles were in shock! LOL I feel better and that keeps me motivated. (I was on restrictions due to 4 bulging disks in my back, not surgery)

I used to run a quarter mile in 60.3 seconds. Took me over 2.5 minutes the other day! UGH! ok, I am 30 years older but really, 2.5 minutes??? I even ran 3/4 of it! ok, barely jogged but I was moving. haha!

Stalls happen, our bodies are adjusting, we just have to be patient. I thought I would start losing more when I got back to exercising but that hasn't happened. I don't feel like I am eating any different - but after 4 days of intensive workouts, I may have to up calories or something cause I have been exhausted : )

Picking a "real" goal weight can be a crap shoot. I would love to lose at least 10-15 more, getting down into the 120's would be a bonus. Buying a size 6 pair of Levis yesterday, when I started out wearing a size 16? I am pretty darn happy now!

Keep at it. If you are consuming 550-750 calories or even a bit more than that, the weight will come off. Most of us used to eat more than that every single meal! Below is the link to the guidelines I used - for the most part.

http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

I didn't have any noticeable swelling and by the time I got home (day 3 post op), I was already in a smaller size of jeans! I didn't feel like I had lost any weight, but when I weighed on the morning of day 4, I was down over 10 pounds.

When I had a Tummy Tuck tho in 2007, the swelling from that lasted for weeks. For me, that was a much more difficult surgery with a cut from hip to hip. The sleeve was a lap surgery and very few discomforts at all.

If you have a pair of sweats, yoga pants or something similar, you should be fine. I like the danskin pants from Walmart. Inexpensive and comfy in the waistband.

good luck! I hope your surgery and recovery goes smoothly! it is an amazing surgery!

I ditto what Kathy said ... to both posters.

Just because they had alot of education, doesn't make them nice people. Unfortunately, sometimes they put themselves on a pedastal and sometimes we put them on pedastals.

Do you have any other options? I get that sometimes tough love must be used, but I'm not sure it was necessary in your case. Especially when you say you are 237 and 5'5"??? Good grief. According to my insurance, with a BMI under 40, you don't even qualify for surgery unless you have other health problems!!

The sleep study is a good thing. I never even realized I could have sleep apnea. I have never had an issue with surgeries and was overweight for several of the nine, altho it can happen.

I have been using a cpap machine for over 3 months and I am feeling better. Less tired during the day and better in the mornings. If you qualify to get one, try to have your dr prescribe one that is auto adjusting for pressure. If not, you will need to have yours adjusted as you lose weight. In another 10 or 20 pounds, I will have my pressure needs recalculated and then they might put me on a set pressure instead of the auto.

Most of us have an issue with food or we wouldn't be where we are. If I could have better controlled my eating, I obviously wouldn't have needed surgery! It is amazing how insensitive people are - especially those who are trained to help us be healthier.

good luck to you! if you have to deal with this guy to get the surgery, do it. You will succeed - it seems almost impossible not to : )

You will be fine : )

In the beginning, it took me an hour to get 2 ounces down! Then you factor in the down drink too soon before or after, and I could never get the fluids in. It was a mad circle.

You will get better every day and it will get easier. Promise!

I found Premier chocolate Protein shakes at costco. They were about $22 for 18?? Each one is 11 oz, 160 calories and 30 protein! Those made a huge difference for me! I have one almost every morning and sometimes again later in the day. Tonite - I had a late snack so haven't had dinner. I might have one now before bed.

Also - I just had complete lab work done a couple of weeks ago. Everything was just fine except for Vitamin D, which was a little low. Keep in mind that the sun doesn't shine here in the PNW very often : ) I am on an RX for Vit D for 12 weeks, by then, the sun should be out for our two weeks of summer. LOL

Do what you can now - don't stress out and get a little exercise. It will all come together : )

I am sorry to hear about the delay. That must be very frustrating!

Stay proactive. You are your own best advocate.

Vitamin D was the only item low on my recent lab work. I am also taking that mega dose for 12 weeks. At least it is only once a week and the pill is a pretty blue. LOL

I have seen others post about having a large liver and it does seem to correct itself quickly.

good luck and hang in there! I don't have any patience so can appreciate how frustrating this is to you!

well, they all have to start somewhere! I don't know if a video and watching someone else is good or not, don't know if they start out practicing on donated bodies or real live ones : )

I am sure since he is newer, you would be watched carefully. To me, it seems that he might even be more cautious than a dr who has done hundreds of surgeries - the latter might be the ones who get a little lax and make a mistake here or there.

The 300 rny's impresses me. If that was less than 10, I might be concerned.

Good luck with your decision!

Addicted here! : )

I weigh every morning but not again the rest of the day. Seems most people go up alittle as the day goes on. Some days it is down a little in the morning, then it might pop back up for a day or two, then down again. So long as it stays 2 steps forward and 1 step back, I am fine with it.

Weighing once a week or even longer might be better, but I would be pretty bummed if the one day I weighed was one of those up days instead of a down day! LOL

My scale has hardly moved recently but I bought a smaller size of jeans today. If you haven't taken your measurements, I would suggest doing that. I was shocked to find out that I had lost 40 inches the last time I checked!

Keep a list of NSV (non scale victories). Those will keep up your spirits when the scale disappoints!

Good luck!