Just checking in. How is everyone doing at or near the one year mark from surgery?

Overall, I feel great.

I've lost 115 lbs and still have 35 to go.

Dropped from a size 28 to a size 12-14

I've had MANY plateaus and stalls with some passing feelings of failure/frustration because I'm not at goal today -- the one year mark.

I, however, feel GREAT and am so grateful I did the surgery and attitude adjustment.

Summary:

Sticking to the low carb/high Protein way of eating; typically eat 1000-1100 calories a day; 90 grams of protein; less than 40 grams of carbs; drink my required 70+ oz of liquids (tea and coffee primarily) and take my daily Vitamins.

BM's (my most difficult challenge) have finally normalized in the last 3 months so this makes me happy.

I've continued to log my food daily on my phone/pc app

I've continued to keep my walking up, however the weather has kept me from doing my 5 miles during the winter months -- I am back to my routine now that the So Cal weather is nice again.

I am trying new recipes -- at least two new ones a week which has been tasty and fun.

This hasn't been what I would call difficult, but I have to do a lot of self-talk to keep on track.

I jump on this site to remind myself what is so the 'support' is valuable.

I go on Pinterest and pin a number of healthy recipes and fitness images which is surprisingly helpful.

Anyone who thinks this is easy or a simple way is fooling themselves -- I have had less struggles and health issues than many and my motivation is high, but I certainly think about eating my comfort foods (mac & cheese, french fries,etc.) I haven't, however, had a single day when I have blown it.

What have you found to stay on track?

What are your coping mechanisms?

What isn't working?

How do you break plateaus?

Thanks for being there!

Deann

You've done marvelously well! Congratulations!! You'll be there soon!!

My most effective tool is just being mindful. When I want something to eat, I stop to determine where is that "want" coming from? Where is that physical sensation of "hunger" located? My tummy? Good, I'll eat!! My mouth? Nope, not yet.

My tip is don't buy into the "one year " window of opportunity idea. I knew I wasn't going to lose all 150# in 12 months so I asked my NUT how to do this; she told me to just keep rocking that sleeve and she was right! I hit goal in 14 months.

Small portions to maintain the feeling of restriction and avoiding grazing are both key.

You have done great!

I sure hope that in a years time I reach my goal.. im down 68lbs in 3 mons and I know im gonna slow down some that eating is almost at a norm now.. even tho im not good at eating yet.. when Im home I do well.. but when im working so much.. I forget to eat and there is no time.. I do get my drinks in most of the time.. so far the doc thinks im great.. went to a support group meeting and there were lots there with the sleeve and the band and the bypass.. and by far ive lost the most in the least amt of time.. which blew me away cuz I thought wow... they had surgery way before me and Ive lost a lot more than all of them... made me feel great that im doing the right thing and working out when I can 3 days a week doing cardo per my trainer.. I have the most fantastic support group in both my jobs and my hubby who also had the surgery a week after I did.. Ive had a huge down fall and was afraid I would not stick to the program and turn back to old ways.. but I didnt... I lost my son. before I would of turned to food.. I was so depressed.. thank goodness for my hubby... he has been my rock thru this all... and he has done so well.. he looks like omg fab.. I may have to start beating women off with a stick LOL. but just you wait.. cuz here I come... feeling good about myself and im in charge of my life now.. not the food.. my life is no longer about food.. taking a cruise in May to congratulate ourselves on how well we have done..and the best part about that.. is not having to ask for an extra seatbelt so I can buckle in.. cant wait.. think I will just cry.. others will not understand.. but I know everyone here will for sure... cant wait for my year anniversary and see where im at there.. I will be in onederland for sure.. and hello new clothes.. my hubby says I can get new clothes for the cruise.. so im so excited about that... of course he gets new ones too.. but I love reading about all the people who are further out than I am.. then I get to know what is in store for me.. no stalls yet or plateaus.... or hair loss for that matter.. but its still early in the game.. so all you year people keep posting so I can see what is coming in the next few months of my journey.. who knows.. maybe I might need a bathing suit.. lol... thanks for all the input.. love it..

My tip is don't buy into the "one year " window of opportunity idea. I knew I wasn't going to lose all 150# in 12 months so I asked my NUT how to do this; she told me to just keep rocking that sleeve and she was right! I hit goal in 14 months.

Small portions to maintain the feeling of restriction and avoiding grazing are both key.

You have done great!

First of all congratulations on your success! You should be so proud! When before would you have lost 115 lbs in 1 year! Second, I totally agree with CowgirlJane. It took me 18 months to reach my goal and studies are showing that sleeve patients can continue to lose for the first 2 years and even beyond!

Congrats on hitting the one year mark. -115 is awesome, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!