Sleevers more than 1 year out-- how is it going?

[FishingNurse 1,211]

Just want to check in with Sleevers that are more than a year out. How is it going? have you gained weight back? How is your restriction? How is your skin?

I am feeling like all the Sleevers that were active on this site have disappeared .. and I am hoping just because there is a lot of repeat info for the newbies... which is totally fine!

Personally I am 19 months out, and within 6-7 pounds of my lowest weight.... gained the 6-7 back from Halloween until new years. I am taking care of those pounds now.

I can still feel restriction, some days more than others but I definitely can eat a lot more than a year ago!

I admit I have not been working out and I am finally back at the gym starting today. Really excited to lose the 6 pounds and 4 more if I am lucky! I love this site it keeps me accountable.

How is everyone else?

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

I'm 15 months post op and I can certainly eat a lot more than before. I am going to start exercising today also. Going to the park in a while. I know that I have slipped away from the site more often now. I know that I can graze a lot and I can really eat those darn fudge that's loaded with sugar.

I know this is a life long change for me so I've been investing some time with NUT and Dietician's and attending a class on diabetes. I do feel like the odd man out at these classes. Everyone in there are struggling with their weight and blood sugar taking lots of medications to treat their diabetes. Introduced myself and the RN leading the class made a big deal of my progress and stuff and not one of the 20 people asked any questions. I have 3 more of those classes, next week it's the dietician. I love all the info I get. Hopefully this will help me get control of my head hunger. LOL

You have done very well. I've always followed your post.... So keep it up, you motivate me.....

[Puja 148]

Sleeve of Steel! It's exciting to see a post from you! Your posts were a big boost to my willpower and confidence when I first had the surgery. I was always on the forum when I started out, and have only recently come back to see what is new. I'm currently 16 months out.

I was given a healthy weight range from 115-125 (for my height), and have managed to stay within that so far. Just like you, I have some days where I can eat loads, and other days where I really feel the restriction. I still weigh my foods, and limit meals to 4 or 5 ounces, depending on the food. I don't count calories as much, but I make sure to get in a minimum of 60 Proteins, and aim for 1000-1500 calories a day. I stopped tracking on fatsecret, and mostly track everything in my head. It's like second-nature now.

I've recently started introducing more healthy fats and carbs into my diet, and have found a new love for non-processed, natural foods. I feel much more normal with the surgery than I did without, interestingly enough.

Ms. Skinniness, I've found myself grazing and taking in more sugar, as well!! I have to catch myself every so often, and remind myself to keep busy if I'm bored, or eat a proper meal if my body is telling me it's hungry.

I eat every 2.5 to 3 hours, to keep from grazing. This sleeve has not only helped me stay healthy, but also everyone around me! They try to follow my habits, and ask me for nutrition ideas. It's so surreal. I feel blessed!

I was asked to write a patient testimonial for my doctor's website, which was super exciting!

http://www.oliakcenter.com/sleeve-gastrectomy/testimonials/

(I'm at the very bottom)

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Puja, you have done a magnificent job! Keep it up. Thank you for your feedback. Your pics on your testimonial i so beautiful. Wowzah!

[Puja 148]

Thank you, Ms Skinniness! It's sucky to hear that no one in the class asked you for advice... I suppose I might have been in their position once upon a time. It's hard to take that next step towards health, unless you're 100% ready. Until then, it's sort of intimidating to see others who have taken the leap towards a new lifestyle.

Is your Diabetes under control, or at least manageable, after having surgery?