Weight:

Jan 2009: 430 pounds

Surgery Date - July 29, 2009: 387 pounds

November 10, 2010: 235 pounds.

Since surgery I have lost 152 pounds.

Things have been going really well for me since my surgery. I went from a size 56 waist to a size 36 / 38. My sleep apnea is now gone and I am a much more active (not always) and happier person. I am 6-2 and I want to lost another 25 pounds still but I have been stuck between 233 and 239 for months. I have finally started going back to the gym within the last few weeks to gain some muscle and tighten up my skin. Thankfully I do not have much of a skin issue except for my legs but all in all not too shabby.

Oh, I am 34 years old too and from Michigan.

Good things that have happened:

• Lost a ton of weight
  
• Feel happier
  
• No more sleep apnea
  
• Started dating and opening myself up more
  
• Stay away from fast food
  

Bad things that are happening:

• Started drinking diet mountain dew again
  
• Hardly drink any Water
  
• Need to drink more Protein
  
• Eating healthier but I need to do a better job
  
• Drink too much coffee
  
• Eat too many sugar Cookies from the store
  
• Need to do better with my fresher vegetables and fruits
  
• I need to get more protein in and less carbs
  

So needless to say my honeymoon period is over or at least close to being over. I still do not have hunger but at times I do find my mind telling me I am hungry. I can eat bigger portions now but I don't know how big is too big. I guess I need to contact my surgeon and Nutritionist to find out. I am very happy with my success but I do not want to become someone who is going to gain his weight back.

I am very happy with my sleeve but now comes the time I need to maintain my sleeve and there are time I feel like I am going to fail.

For those of you out of surgery as far as I am I would love to hear how you are doing.

Thanks,

Steve

You have come a long way. I'm impressed. And Bravo for coming back here and making yourself accountable. That has to be the toughest first step when you know there are things that need to be changed. Best of luck to you. You can do this and you've proved it by making this post.

Wow Steve that is great. I'm 6'1'', 41 years old, and 393 lbs. and I'm having the surgery next month and I would love to lose 160 lbs. Thanks for the motivation.

Steve, congratulations! It's good to come on the board and get motivated to get yourself on the right track -- I think with a re-focus on your diet and adding in some exercise, you'll get to your weight -- it might take a while, but I think you definitely will get there.

What's most remarkable is how much you've lost -- so congratulations -- get in there and don't lose the fight before it's over!!

Steve,

Thanks for writing.

Here's what you said & some comments

Good things that have happened:

•Lost a ton of weight - FABULOUS!

•Feel happier - YEAH

•No more sleep apnea - And I assume that means no more machine - Are you doing the happy dance?

•Started dating and opening myself up more - Again, happy dance?

•Stay away from fast food - YEAH

Bad things that are happening:

•Started drinking diet mountain dew again - Why is this so bad? Does it cause you to crave carbs? If so, I would agree that it is bad for you.

•Hardly drink any Water - Best advice? Go out and get a water bottle TODAY. Keep it full and with you at all times.

•Need to drink more Protein - I don't necessarily agree with this one. I was told that it is better to get your protein from food. It's keeps that full sensation longer & in my opinion, "natural" is always the best route.

•Eating healthier but I need to do a better job - I would put this in the "Good Things That Are Happening" category. We can all do better, but Celebrate your good choices.

•Drink too much coffee - Again, why is this bad?

•Eat too many sugar Cookies from the store - Agreed, this is a bad one. Stop buying them. Make 1 or 2 an occaisional treat that you have planned for, not a typical part of your eating.

•Need to do better with my fresher vegetables and fruits - This is something we should all strive for. Being less than a year out, it's hard to fit them in, but I know my body needs them.

•I need to get more protein in and less carb - Yep! That is the key to success.

So, based on the above, I'd say you were doing exceptionally well. Even with the carbs and such, you haven't gained, but maintained a SIGNIFICANT weight loss. How long is "I have been stuck between 233 and 239 for months"? Is this just a long stall or do you think it's your eating patterns that have changed too much? I agree that journeling your food is a great first step - it may just help point out where you've been eating more than you think you have. Also, keep up the exercise - that is good for your weight loss as well as toning and general health.

Keep coming out here & letting us know how you are doing. We all love success stories!!!!

Hello Stimpy, welcome back!

You are a success story, believe that! Trust me we all fall for the sugar demon from time to time. What sets us apart from others though is that we have a tiny tummy that will help keep us from over eating and gaining significant weight back. It makes it a lot easier to get back to being right and not stressing over 10 lbs weight gains, etc.

Let the Cookies go for now. The Holidays are approaching and you don't want to be caught up in a downward spiral with all the sugary treats staring you in the face. You are strong and I KNOW you can do it. You have already lost so much, and you are sooo close to the finish line. Let this time be for getting there instead of the latter. NOW GO GET EM!

Congratulations! What a phenomenal amount of weight to lose in such a short time!

Hey!

Congratulations... you have lost another person!!!!

Don't let the cookies help you find him...lol =]