loridee11

I do a lot of casserole type things. For example, this week I did "Eggroll in a bowl" - it's ground meat (I used turkey), cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a little rice wine vinegar. I added a little cooked rice as well.
Another favorite is a veggie au gratin: cauliflower, broccoli and leek with greek yogurt, dijon, thyme and cheese. I add in sliced dinner sausage to give it more Protein.
One more: An easier version of stuffed peppers. Ground chicken, quinoa, onions, tomatos and spices in a cooked bell pepper (or just dice the bell peppers in) and add a little pepper jack cheese.

My surgeon never really gave me a goal, only spoke in terms of average weight loss rate for the surgery I had, I didn't really have a goal, I just wanted to healthy and that is achievable (for me) at a weight that is higher than 25 bmi.
Years ago when I did WW, I came to the conclusion I didn't want to be fighting with my body everyday to achieve some magical number that was probably unachievable, that I would prefer to reach a goal that was more reasonable to manage without struggling and worrying everyday about every single calorie. I am happily in maintenance right now and managing really well, sure I could still lose more weight but at what cost?
Do what works for you and is best for you physically and mentally, that may be at the lower end of the healthy weight range, it may be the higher range, it may be over the higher range, as long as it isn't a constant struggle to maintain all is good and you've found your sweet spot!

I've been all over the place. I started at 150 because for some reason I've had 150 stuck in my head for ever. Even in high school when dieting that was my goal. So that was my goal when I first started (it is pretty much mid-range of healthy BMI for my height). Then at my 6 month my Dr said she'd want me at around 185 (still overweight) so I changed it to 172 (top of healthy BMI). Then I moved it to 167 (exactly half my pre-surgery weight) since that was so close to 172. Now that I'm there, I've gone back to 150.... We'll see if I can get there and if I'm happy. That may be a little on the low end for my body type and height....

I've been all over the place. I started at 150 because for some reason I've had 150 stuck in my head for ever. Even in high school when dieting that was my goal. So that was my goal when I first started (it is pretty much mid-range of healthy BMI for my height). Then at my 6 month my Dr said she'd want me at around 185 (still overweight) so I changed it to 172 (top of healthy BMI). Then I moved it to 167 (exactly half my pre-surgery weight) since that was so close to 172. Now that I'm there, I've gone back to 150.... We'll see if I can get there and if I'm happy. That may be a little on the low end for my body type and height....

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

The first little while after surgery your body is simply recovering from trauma. My weight was up for the first week or so and then I started to lose. I wouldn't worry - just stick to your plan and eventually you'll start to lose!

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

So, I was getting my hair cut today and was talking to the women cutting my hair (not someone I've seen before). We started talking about how there isn't much to do right now because we are still pretty limited. I mentioned I was out hiking yesterday since being outside is one of the things we can do. She said that must be why I'm so skinny I've NEVER, not once before been called skinny...

Slightly old picture, and still WIP, but this is about 160 lbs down...

Slightly old picture, and still WIP, but this is about 160 lbs down...

Slightly old picture, and still WIP, but this is about 160 lbs down...

Today is my 1 year surgeversary and despite everything going on in the world, its been a pretty good year. Since 12/31/2019 I am:
- Down 120 lbs from surgery (161.5 total)
- in the "normal" BMI range, for the first time in my adult life
- almost half of my weight (and will be when I reach goal)
My favorite NSVs
- My knees, what finally got me to have the surgery, feel SO much better
- I'm walking most days, anywhere from 1.5-2 miles and it feels so good both physically and mentally
- I want to be out and experiencing life again, v. being so tired at the end of the day and just wanting to sit on the couch
- I eat completely differently from before, and I have so much more energy
- Clothes fit so much better! From 2x-3x to a Medium in tops.
- Standard bath towels fit

Today is my 1 year surgeversary and despite everything going on in the world, its been a pretty good year. Since 12/31/2019 I am:
- Down 120 lbs from surgery (161.5 total)
- in the "normal" BMI range, for the first time in my adult life
- almost half of my weight (and will be when I reach goal)
My favorite NSVs
- My knees, what finally got me to have the surgery, feel SO much better
- I'm walking most days, anywhere from 1.5-2 miles and it feels so good both physically and mentally
- I want to be out and experiencing life again, v. being so tired at the end of the day and just wanting to sit on the couch
- I eat completely differently from before, and I have so much more energy
- Clothes fit so much better! From 2x-3x to a Medium in tops.
- Standard bath towels fit

Slightly old picture, and still WIP, but this is about 160 lbs down...

Friends,
I had my surgery back in Nov of 2013. It was a huge decision for me at the time and I anguished over it. All the information on this website was super helpful, both before and after the surgery. One thing weighed heavily on me was the long term effects of the surgery, so I committed to giving annual updates on my experience back to this forum. This is my seven year update. Posted below is my last update, with the previous nested within.
I weigh about 205 right now and my weight continues to fluctuate within about 10 pounds. I would really like to weigh 190, so like most normal people I'm working on losing a few pounds. With that said, back in 2013 I weighted 275 and was headed for 300+ quickly. I have zero doubt that without having the surgery, I would be in very, very bad shape today and have no regrets about the decision.
Positives:
I've been able to enjoy a "normal" weight life style for the last seven straight years. I'm off all meds. I fit comfortably in coach seats on the airplane. I shop for clothes in regular stores and it's easy to find a size that fits. I'm between a L and XL for shirts and have a 36 waist. My bones and joints don't ache. I can exercise, play golf, ski, etc. comfortably and enjoyably. I happily and naturally eat "normal" size portions and have no "trouble" foods. My meal (whatever it is) basically fills on a salad plate. Two eggs and a piece of toast is a full Breakfast. lunch could be a regular sandwich with nothing else or a half sandwich and a small side. dinner could be a tiny 5 oz steak and a small portion of potatoes and veg. Importantly, these are all full portions for me and totally satisfying. I love food and definitely look forward to eating (head hunger) but I rarely experience physical (stomach growling) hunger. I used to take omeprazole daily for heartburn, but it's unnecessary now. Occasionally, I'll take a Tums but only a few times a month. Since 7 years have gone by, none of my real old friends even remember me as a big person or ask about my weight. Anyone that I've met since wouldn't even know to ask -- they just view me as a normal weight person. When I tell them I used to weigh 275 the reaction is always "no way!" Occasionally, the old pictures come out and everyone gets a chuckle. I don't see myself as a fat person. Negatives:
I'd still like to loose 15 pounds. Even with the gift of not being able to eat much, my ideal weight of 190 requires more work. Reducing snacking, sweets and more exercise is what's required and WLS does nothing to help on those fronts. I'd say WLS solves 80% of the challenge but the last 20% goes back to the basics we've heard all of our lives. If I overeat or eat way too fast, I will need to throw it up. This happens about once a month. It typically occurs when I eat something that's really good and I gobble it down too quickly. About 2 minutes later, I will feel pretty uncomfortable. I can wait it out and eventually it will go away. But more often than not, I just head to the bathroom and get it out. It's kind of gross to be honest. I have always liked to drink alcohol -- beer, wine, whiskey, mixed drinks and so on. IMO, drinking doesn't have any increased impact as a result of WLS -- I'm not more of a "light weight" than I used to be. But, as a practical matter, I do believe that it's easier to over drink following WLS. If I'm out to dinner with friends, they have starter courses, main courses, desert and so on. It's pretty easy for me to pour another glass of wine or order another scotch, while they eat through the evening. I would caution folks that like to drink to pay extra attention to this tendency following WLS. (BTW, I'm doing "dry January" right now:) That's about it. In sum, the sleeve was the best decision of my life. I hope this helps folks that are wondering about how things play out way down the line. If you have questions, you can DM me and I'd be happy to share thoughts. Good luck and look for another report from me next year.

Slightly old picture, and still WIP, but this is about 160 lbs down...

Slightly old picture, and still WIP, but this is about 160 lbs down...