surgery June 2010

starting weight 298, current weight 150

Have been up to 165 but had surgery 6 weeks ago and back to 150

Diagnosed with breast cancer april 2011, early stage so great outlook, think the weight loss surgery saved me. I don't think I would have felt the lump had I still been overweight.

double masectomy June 2011

diagnosed Mutated BCR1 gene (greater chance of cancer) because of this decided to have hysterectomy and ovaries removed 6 weeks ago.

due to surgery forced into instant menopause (yikes!)

What I can and can't eat

I am not one of the lucky ones who can eat anything but in small portions, a lot of food makes me sick and causes me to vomit

foods I can't eat

most bread

rice

Pasta (except mac and cheese for some reason)

noodles

hotdogs

hamburgers

sandwiches

anything acidic

tomato sauce

pizza (sometimes can eat thin crust with white sauce)

red meat

Mushrooms (used to love them now they make me throw up)

I am sure there are more but this is what I can think of at the moment

foods I can eat a lot of but should not

Cookies

candy bars

cheetos

potato chips

cake

popcorn

ice cream

diet soda (does not stretch the stomach at least not mine)

french fries

chocolate

mashed potatoes

I throw up at least 2-3 times a week, sometimes I throw up all day long

some is my fault because I eat too much, but mostly is because I get nauseous and can't keep something down

My stomach might be ok with a food one day and not ok the next

would I have the surgery again... yes.. but I do wish I could have done it on my own I do miss being able to eat like normal

this post is not meant to discurage... just wanted to share my experience and help others to make a well thought out decision.

best of luck to everyone.. and if anyone has a personal question please feel free to contact me..

Sherri

Hi - don't worry about how you're doing' date=' tomorrow will be my 2nd anniversary. I've lost a total of 81 lbs, 20 prior to surgery. I reached goal in just under 5 months. I've never felt better in my life. I wear a size 4 jeans! I am 52, I've NEVER worn this size. I totally skipped it when I was a teenager! Seriously! I have never thrown up, although there have been a couple of times I've thought I would, pretty eary out and after eating out. I still weigh and/or measure most of my food most of the time and I keep an on line food log so I can keep track of the calories and my Protein. I weigh twice a day, it's like a game with me. At night I guess what I'll weigh in the morning. I go up and down, some times 3.5 lbs in a week. I eat anything I want, but since I am not really hungry any more, it's easy to make wiser choices and not over do. A piece of cake or a cookie rather than 4 Cookies or two large pieces of cake. I am never hungry like I use to be, for the first year I basically had NO HUNGER. I ate because I knew I needed to, it tasted good and it is what we do socially. I think now I eat like a naturally thin person. I still have good restriction, I needed this, it's forced portion control. I love it and would do it again in a heartbeat! There are things I don't eat, or certainly not often. If there are french fries, I may eat four or five. Not an order and I do NOT mind throwing food away. If it's something I can eat the next day, I'll bring it home, but if not.....I make sure to eat the protein first, the rest, not a big deal. We share a lot when we go out to eat, which costs less and is healthier for my husband as well. I've been maintaining for about eighteen months, to stay between 143 and 147, I need to eat about 1200 calories a day. When I was in the losing stage, early on especially, I was only eating 500 - 650 calories per day. I was healthy and felt good. I was eating 60 - 80 gr of protein a day. Cottage cheese, eggs, tuna, chicken, fish, beef....all high in protein. Fish went down the easiest as far as meat, it still does. I keep a frozen bag of shrimp in the freezer and will steam a few oz for lunch some times. Back then I started and ended every day with a cup of skim milk, protein right there!!! Good luck.....you are on track, every lb you lose is forever! I averaged 10 lbs a month after surgery. I'd go up and down, week to week, but it was steady. Shopping is fun. Life is good!!!

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Hey lady I want to grow up and be like YOU!!! I reached my goal in seven months. Lost 65 lbs. since December 13, 2011. I'm 55. I hope to experience what you're experiencing today! Btw, shopping is GREAT! You've made my day thank you for sharing.

Wow what a great thread! Thanks to all new and experienced sleevers who provided some input.

First and foremost, I'm shocked at reading your story Sherri. Girl, you have been through so much. Kudos to you to remain positive. Thank you as well for sharing your long term view at the sleeve, as well as many of you.

I had sleeve surgery in March and have lost 80 lbs now (August 5th, it'll be 5 months) I JUST got into a women's medium and a size 12. I've never ever been smaller than a 14, so to me, this is a celebratory experience. And I know... I'm still not done. I just hope to remain to keep it off for life.

Most days I do love my sleeve, but the journey hasn't been bump free. I appreciate reading your inputs and thank you so much for that and the time spent in giving your perspectives.

Best to all of you, always.