Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

2014 - Where have all the "ole-timers" gone?



Recommended Posts

Awe Thanks, Legal!

Maybe you'll come around more and post in the vets forum. Unfortunately, I did get tired of all the newbie questions and knew that there were plenty of other people to answer them now. Now I mostly post in the vets forum and powder room.

When I first came here, we all came from lap band talk. Very few people had even heard of the sleeve. I am so thankful Alex saw the future and created sleeve talk.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been here since 2010, sleeved in May 2011. Little miss diva and tiffykins were the board leaders. I couldn't wait to get sleeved and they seemed so experienced and knowledgeable. Now, I am much further out from surgery than they were at that time and I've been at goal almost two years. I really appreciate having fellow veterans who are still here posting. I have to work to maintain my weight and this forum is a big help to me.

Lynda

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So excited! Because of the support of this forum and the new friends I have made....(swizzly you have been so supportive-thanks a million!) I just finished my 2nd day of the 5:2 diet this week and I feel so much better. After the holidays I felt like an excited puppy out of control; and now I feel so much more calm and focused. I did Thursdday and then on Monday I started only to find out that we had an unexpected guest from out of town, so in the middle of the afternoon I stopped and fixed a nice dinner. So did my second day on Tuesday. Today I am down almost a kilo. But the best part is just after those 2.5 days I feel my restriction is back and my brain is more mindful. It wasn't hard at all. In fact for me, my lunch and dinner are the same as non fast days. The difference? I realized between my coffee milk, my cookie in the afternoon, snacking on nuts and a glass of wine at night, I drink or snack over 500 calories a day. That on top of 3 300 calorie meals is too much for me. Especially now that I am not exercising much. So thanks everyone.....love this forum. It's a great support for me. I gained 4 kilos since last October and now need to lose it to get back to where I feel most comfortable. (about 132 lbs).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Happy!

Oh yeah, I still darken the doors here. Everyone you mentioned has been integral to my success, too. As you may remember, I am also an active member of AA and I try to use their tenants here, too. Step 12 summarized as trying to carry my message to others. That is why I try to stay around. As in that program, when I share my experience, strength and hope, I am constantly reminded of where I came from and where I can so easily go back if I do not follow the suggested guidelines. Also, when I listen the struggles of those early in the program, whether it is AA or VSG, I am reminded of my own struggles. I do believe you only get what you give.

The last I remember of Blackberry, she had dumped her fiance and was on a mission to be getting some. As was pointed out, Diva went to FB after a stint on MFP. I miss Lissa, too. She and I connected as her surgery date was right around mine. I do not know where she is now, but HERE is one of her last posts.

Good to see you around and look forward to hear how you have been doing.

It is so funny, finally today I uploaded in my profile pictures (I use iPad and had a hard time) and when I finally found the old information, I saw my "friends", and of course you were there :). I did really well when I stayed active on this board, there came a point when just like others have said it was the same thing over and over but, I get it new folks come on they desperately are looking for success (first I hope) and failures so they know what to expect. I know I did and many of you, had the patience with me. I did not remember your AA, but appreciate your knowledge and steps. I remember your overall strength in your responses. Also another very articulate and thoughtful person is Cheri. She really sticks out in my mind, along with Swizzly (sorry I knew I would forget some, and had hoped you all would jump in and share) :). Granny has come such a long way and ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS is positive! OD, I felt a kinship with because in the beginning I was looking at having surgery in Oregon. Lynda, yep you too have been there, and what a success story. I hope someday to meet my goal, what about TN...um, from Tennessee? Also there was a lady, who was tall, like me 5'11 and very active. I also know when Alex changed the site, I had a hard time remembering all my log in, wonder if that sways folks too? Anyway, I feel better, more accountable maybe on the board. When I had the surgery hubs, got me the iPad so I could keep it close while recovering and I was reading about 10 hours a day on here, just trying to keep faith I would heal, get ideas and learn.

Please know if I have forgotten some names, post so we can reconnect. It is great to hear from you all!!!

Edited by Happy Camper

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How sweet this is! I know when I came onto VST, I was so happy to find it. Tiffikins and Diva were the real drivers with so many other great contributors in the mix... so generous and knowledgeable, and cheerleaders for us all... tiffi had a list as long as your arm of great medical research papers talking about every aspect of the sleeve, and lots of experience with the band. Diva was a great cheerleader, positive and helpful... I see her posts on MFP. I do miss them, but seriously, they did more than enough for a lifetime here. Grateful. I have stayed around because :

1. I still need the support myself! There is no end to this journey...Talking with you helps me see my own story.

2. I want to give back where I can, Others have done the same for me, and others will do it after me....

3. I have friends here now, and it means more to me than just a weight loss website.

I feel like the vets are a little goupe (getting to be a bigger group) of researchers, mapping out and reporting back on the road to success....Recording the times we get lost as well as the times we find our way.... not a fairy story, but a real story with all the thrills of a roller coaster at times... ups and downs (honestly, it could be a book...). But no option of getting off the ride if you want to stay slim and healthy! The statistics say the average EWL from the sleeve is 57%. But who here signed on for 57%? I know I want 100%, and so do you. So how do we do that? That is the goal. And it can be so hard at times...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I feel exactly like Feedyoureye! I too still need the support (actually Year 2 was so easy for me....kept at goal weight, really ate what I wanted, thought I was out of the woods....but now here I am starting Year 3, 10 lbs heavier than I want to be and facing the reality of the old demons. So being back here is keeping me honest.

And I too, feel like I want to be an encouragement to others; especially those in their 50's and 60's who think they may be too old....you are not!

So many stories....I never thought I would be one of the pioneers in this surgery but looking back, it really was pretty new a few years ago. So glad I took the leap of faith!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the real advantage of having longer term vets hang around is that stats show that the weight regain happens over time. If we can support each other to keep that "in check" I think it is of great help. I think being able to read about it is also great help to newbies.

I am entering my 3rd year and am very "attentive" that this is a high risk time for regain and honestly if it werent for others sharing this, I would not have really understood that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, Actually, we are part of statistics. They don't have a lot of information on people who have been sleeved very long. I can't believe in April I will be sleeved

5 years. I am still learning how to not get too full cause everything is good .Being too full is very uncomfortable. I have been doing way better and this a.m. I was 2 lbs under goal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, Actually, we are part of statistics. They don't have a lot of information on people who have been sleeved very long. I can't believe in April I will be sleeved

5 years. I am still learning how to not get too full cause everything is good .Being too full is very uncomfortable. I have been doing way better and this a.m. I was 2 lbs under goal.

OD, you might just be our most "experienced" vet. I have to say, my regain has impacted me in many ways. Mentally, I started down a dark road of "oh well", the clothes difference is what REALLY got me. I went from size 10 to 14, felt like overnight. But...I am back. I must be accountable, and just because I take new medicine for my new condition (seizures) I will fight it. I WILL hit goal.

It is so wonderful to hear from you all, each of you adds so much and you are appreciated. It may be a bit here or there, maybe a life situation that we all have in common, or simply a moment in time. Oregon Daisy, you have shown that even with a gain, you can lose, reach goal and maintain. How freakin awesome is that! You are here now to inspire those "vets" "ole-timers", or however we are referenced, who had a gain, and want to get back and lose.

Thank you all again for reaching out and sharing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

And LilMissDiva is always active on myfitnesspal; daily

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Does anyone know tiffykins Facebook name? I am 16 weeks pregnant and struggling. I would love to get some advice from her or Cherie or anyone else who has had a successful pregnancy and postpartum experience.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't think Cheri has given up her membership here. why don't you send her a pm?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, Actually, we are part of statistics. They don't have a lot of information on people who have been sleeved very long. I can't believe in April I will be sleeved

5 years. I am still learning how to not get too full cause everything is good .Being too full is very uncomfortable. I have been doing way better and this a.m. I was 2 lbs under goal.

OD, you might just be our most "experienced" vet. I have to say, my regain has impacted me in many ways. Mentally, I started down a dark road of "oh well", the clothes difference is what REALLY got me. I went from size 10 to 14, felt like overnight. But...I am back. I must be accountable, and just because I take new medicine for my new condition (seizures) I will fight it. I WILL hit goal.

It is so wonderful to hear from you all, each of you adds so much and you are appreciated. It may be a bit here or there, maybe a life situation that we all have in common, or simply a moment in time. Oregon Daisy, you have shown that even with a gain, you can lose, reach goal and maintain. How freakin awesome is that! You are here now to inspire those "vets" "ole-timers", or however we are referenced, who had a gain, and want to get back and lose.

Thank you all again for reaching out and sharing.

Thank you so much! I have to come here every day and be accountable. I'm still here, I just don't post nearly as much in other areas. When sleeve talk first started, there were so many newbies. Now, there are a lot of people around to answer questions.

I love sleevetalk. I would never leave. I am sleeved for life. I need my sleeved friends.!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow - what a great post - thank you Happy Camper! And thanks for the shout out.

Great to see so many names, that were inspirational for me too; Tiffykins was a shining light! Lets not forget M2G - she held me up many times along with many others; you know who you are! And Globe Trotter; great to have people who are on the same page.

I am 3 1/2 yrs out now and STILL not at my surgeon's goal! But soooo close! I know - will it ever happen? Erm, yes because I've decided not to give up! This sleeve is for LIFE (not just for Christmas...lol).

I keep coming here because I have made some really good friends; friends who understand where I am; who believe in me and we offer each other support through this mad journey. They pick me up when I am down, make me laugh and sometimes make me cry! We don't just talk about food, ya know?

This place really has been a fantastic resource to me and many, many others. Glad I found you all ...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm really glad there's always a dedicated group of vets to post and that there are newer people that are very active and picking up when we're ready to move on. Fiddle, FeedYourEye, Laura-ven, Butterthebean - that's a really great group of very active posters and I'm sure that after a few more years roll around those will the the old, old timers.

Those were very kind words and I miss some of those names, too. I was never active in the forums they're a part of so it's extra nice to see some of them pop in once in a while. I saw Diva posting in a few places today, which was nice.

Tiffikins was a huge part in my choosing the sleeve over the band. I was sure I wanted a band until I saw her posts (and Oregondaisy's and Diva's) about revision.

It's so nice that you thought to post this. I miss some of the really great posters that don't come around anymore, but I do understand that life happens.

For me, I just can't find many discussions I feel I can add to at this point. There's no question that can't be answered by someone else and there aren't questions going unanswered. I think vets are useful and important and I think that this particular group of vets that posts regularly are realistic and open about the challenges of life post op. I've just found that making time to sort of mentor or assist other people is more challenging with a baby and my ongoing health issues than I had expected. If I have an hour of down time I spend it working out (still hate exercise, though) or cleaning my house!

But I do miss seeing all of those and these faces around. It's like a reunion party in here.

~Cheri

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×