I've said before that I'm not great with numbers so if I'm a bit off from previous posts, please forgive me.

I'm not trying to revise history, just not that observant on numbers.

But I'm just now starting my 2nd year in this life and thought I'd share the markers.

In mid-October 2010 I started my pre-op diet. I think was was right about 326. Strict program requires loss prior to surgery.

In mid-April I started my pre-diet liquid fast. I was at 309. I was 100% faithful and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. 10 day fast and I ever skipped two packets. I think my mind was on the future by that time but I was also going a bit numb. I knew I had to do it so I sort of went into denial which worked for me. I was actually sleeved the last week of April 2011.

As of today, I am at 235. That's a loss of 92 pounds. It's not tearing up the track. I've seen others who have lost tons more but that's the main reason for this post and something I want people to understand.

You body, if you stay within reason and safety in eating, will lose. It just might pace itself differently than others so try not to judge yourself by others. I lost horribly when I was in the 400 calorie a day range. When I moved to the 800 calories, it wasn't much better. But now, in these past several months, with being able to take 1200 calories a day and having the energy and strenth to pick up more exercise (and with almost 100 pounds less stress on my knees) my weight loss has become steady and consistant. As I've added more calories, and 1200 is very reasonable to live with, I am not stopping weight loss. My surgeon preached that if you didn't lose in the first year in his program you were not going to lose with the sleeve. He was 100% wrong with me. This is now my new normal and the key to that is that I no longer fight it because I've accepted it as my normal. It's no longer something that was forced on me to save my health but something I'm thrilled to have done to have saved my life. It feels like I was born this way.

I stopped counting every bit of food about 3 weeks ago. I just got sick of it. I concentrate on Protein and take a good multi every day as well as my Calcium. In that 3 weeks I have become far less obcessed with food. I think of it so much less, eat only when I am really hungry (and I do still experience hunger). But now I'm just a human being who has a small stomach.

Most days I love it. It's a relief. I had had a bout of depression but I'm also going through menopause, lost 2 brothers (both under 60) and my Mom is now terminal and these things are the tip of the ice berg.. I have never turned to food in stress. My stomach actually gets tight and hard to eat so I don't think the sleeve contributed any to the depression. But I'm not being a hero and getting the depression treated so I'm thinking I'll be better by year end. And at least 10 pounds lighter.

Oh, and one more thing. One year ago rolling my trash can to the end of the drive was a challenge. The last several days I've walked a 1/2 mile trail behind my house. And I have very bad knees. So plan for the best. It's right around the corner for you.

What a wonderful post

That's great! I decided a couple of months ago to quit worrying so much about calories. I just make sure to get in 60 grams of protein each day. You are doing amazing! I am so happy for you. I wish you the best with all that is going on. This really is such a great post!

Thank you for sharing your journey. You've done a fabulous job and your story is really encouraging.

DoOver,

what a brilliant success you are!

Sorry to hear about your family worries... it must be an awful time for you and it is a good thing that food is no longer your crutch. I am also glad that you are being proactive with your depression and seeking help. I am sure that will be of much benefit to you at this time.

Regarding the weight loss and how each and every body is different... I think you have hit the nail on the head and your words are those of wisdom, knowledge and experience. Thank you for posting your experience.. it reflects mine in many ways.

A 10lb loss by Christmas or the new Year, will certainly, be the best present.

Good luck with your cont'd success

Thanks for your kind words.

This holiday season is going to be miserable. My brothers were both divorced and their adult children are all moved away. I'm not married and never had kids, so I'm really on my own this year. And sleeved so no all you can eat buffets to ease the lonliness. I'm just trying to accept that this year will be bad. I'm dipping my toe into the idea of internet dating (if that's legal at my age....lol ) and just banking that next season this time will be better. Just the fact that I can care for my home and myself so much easier now is enough. I have been on a decluttering bent like you wouldn't believe. I am seeing a therapist for the depression and he said that's the best thing I've told him because, whether I knew it or not, I am cleansing myself of my old world and getting ready for the new one. After he said that, I realized he was right. If I get the chance to meet someone to share my life with, really be a part of my world, then I want my home to be as ready as I am.

And the great thing is that this time, as I undergrow my clothes, they are off to Goodwill. I'm the happiest all month the day I hit the Goodwill donation door. It's so freeing to know I will never be a size 28 again!!!

Oh, and anyone got any nice, single brothers in their 50's, IM me. I have a 200 mile radius limit. : )