hi,

I read these posts alot and im deciding if the sleeve it right for me still. I see alot of people on here who are super strict with their eating plan and of course they are losing great amounts of weight, but what about those people who arent "perfect"? do they still lose a considerable amount of weight as well? Id love to hear from people who arent hard core strict with their foods and exercise and hear how they have done so far. I know a few people who had the sleeve and they tell me they eat the same as they used to just very small portions. Can that even be true? im sure they arent referring to cakes and chip and tuff, more so that they eat normal type meals, maybe chick cutlets, ect.

Thanks for sharing your stories!!

I am not perfect. I did do exactly what the dr said before surgery and for 5 weeks after surgery. Now I would say I am 80-90% perfect. I get my Protein, take my Vitamins, Prilosec, and something to prevent gall stones and usually all my Water. When having a meal I eat my protein first then have some fruit or veg. Where I am not perfect is that I am 10 weeks post op and should still avoid carbs and sugar. I have a few chocolate chips now and then, and less than a serving of potato chips for a snack now and then. I also have been slacking on exercise. I am more active than I was and exercise a couple of times a week, but have not been diligent at the gym.

My weight loss has been satisfactory for me. Since 12-9-13 I am down 72#. This is 6# a week on average, but in the last month it has been 4-5# a week. I started out at 365#, 5'10", 45 yrs old. I know from reading the posts that I could eat more sooner than most people. I never got full after 2 or 3 bites of anything, rather I can eat 1/2 to 3/4 cup of yogurt or cottage cheese or 3 maybe 4 oz of meat.

I am eating more normal but am not at the 6 month or year post surgery mark. I actually love the fact that I fill up quickly but not too quick. I have not had a bad reaction to sugar but eat it in small doses and sparingly. I am working on moderation as my long term key to success because when I lost before I was either dialed in and doing well or off the rails eating like crazy.

I know I won't be "Perfect" and I'm sure I'll have my little cheats here and there, but I do believe this will work. You can only eat so much, so unless you plan to graze all day long (you will gain doing this) on really bad food, it will work. Exercising only speeds results and gets you closer to your "personal" goal. So let's say you have 100 lbs. to lose and the doctor says 60 is the perfect amount, but you want to get to fighting weight, exercise will get you there. As you lose the weight your body is not carrying around all that extra weight that helped it lose so fast in the beginning. Carrying around 100 pounds is exercise, believe it or not. The closer you get to goal the more you need exercise to compensate for the lost weight your body no longer struggles with. It's all up to you. I really don't think anyone has gone 100% and not had a treat now and then. After all of this work we deserve it! Just don't go hog wild!

Having a few chocolate chips, or a bite of something does not mean u are not doing the program. My nut wants me to treat myself every once in a while. Cause it is that perfection mentally that made me gain my weight back pre op. I enjoy my foods ..most of the time I don't feel like eating chips or sweets. But when I do..I taste it , then move on. I will have more success in maintaining my weight by not having the "all or none attitude" towArds certain food. Of course, some people feel different about 100% perfect. They have their own journey.

I'm not perfect by any means. I try to do right but I have only gotten in 60 grams of protein ( my doc's recommended amount) ONE day since surgery on 12-16-13. I do eat protein at every meal and try to eat it first. I have never gotten in 64 ounces of water--never! And, I can't stand the protein shakes. But, I have been exercising more since I had surgery. I've lost about 45 pounds since surgery. That's an average of 2-4 pounds a week. I also lost 40 pounds pre-op. I'm satisfied with my results. Down from 322 to 233.8!!

I would just remind you, that while your stomach is tiny, it is easier to learn new ways to prepare your food and make healthier choices. Your stomach will be much bigger a year or two after surgery and weight CAN be regained if you are eating the way you did pre-sleeve. Slider foods and trigger foods should be avoided. You will crave them less, the more you stay away from them. There are many sites that can show you recipes for your favorite foods that will satisfy the taste you desire, while still sticking with the plan.

For example: I enjoy fried 'rice' made with cauliflower, Protein pancakes, muffins and Cookies made with Protein powder, pizza crust made out of cauliflower, cheesy 'tater' tots made out of cauliflower, salad that has all the flavor of an Italian sub, eggplant, zucchini, or spaghetti squash for Pasta, cannoli cream made with FF ricotta, etc.........

I’m not perfect by any means I don’t do much excise I don’t drink even 1 glass of Water a week let alone a day.
I am not hardcore on eating I will eat junk food Snacks like chocolate chips Cookies etc if I want just a little bit though.
I do eat healthy I don’t eat rice Pasta potatoes very little bread I don’t eat take away at all and rarely eat out but that’s due to me being a tightwad and not wanting to pay x amount for the little I eat lol
I drink Protein shakes and I take my Vitamins that’s about it.
So yeah not perfect by any means its not all organic no cheating what so ever gym 6 times a week water water water at all for me.
I’ve lost over 200lbs what I do works for me I don’t go over the top with my bad habits and I don’t go over the top being perfect either I just live the way feels good and works for me.

I'm not perfect by any means. I try to do right but I have only gotten in 60 grams of Protein ( my doc's recommended amount) ONE day since surgery on 12-16-13. I do eat protein at every meal and try to eat it first. I have never gotten in 64 ounces of water--never! And, I can't stand the protein shakes. But, I have been exercising more since I had surgery. I've lost about 45 pounds since surgery. That's an average of 2-4 pounds a week. I also lost 40 pounds pre-op. I'm satisfied with my results. Down from 322 to 233.8!!

Sound like you are doing great!! i hope i can do that too! why do they want you to have so much protein? is it to burn fat? or keep you fuller?

I’m not perfect by any means I don’t do much excise I don’t drink even 1 glass of Water a week let alone a day.

I am not hardcore on eating I will eat junk food Snacks like chocolate chips Cookies etc if I want just a little bit though.

I do eat healthy I don’t eat rice Pasta potatoes very little bread I don’t eat take away at all and rarely eat out but that’s due to me being a tightwad and not wanting to pay x amount for the little I eat lol

I drink Protein shakes and I take my Vitamins that’s about it.

So yeah not perfect by any means its not all organic no cheating what so ever gym 6 times a week water water water at all for me.

I’ve lost over 200lbs what I do works for me I don’t go over the top with my bad habits and I don’t go over the top being perfect either I just live the way feels good and works for me.

Sounds like you have found a nice balance!

Sound like you are doing great!! i hope i can do that too! why do they want you to have so much Protein? is it to burn fat? or keep you fuller?

Protein prevents your body from going into starvation mode and slowing your metabolism, it does help you feel full longer, lessens hair loss, promotes lean muscle so that you burn more calories, etc.....

As far as i'm concerned, not being "perfect" is why I have been so successful. I had my surgery Oct 8, 2013 and i am down 100 lbs (in about 5.5 months including pre-surgery diet).. I was extremely strict with pre-surgery restrictions and followed my post surgery instructions for a couple of months until my sleeve filly healed.

Now, i follow my guidelines during the week very strictly and on the weekends I allow myself a couple of cheat meals (but i still weigh my portions). Being able to have the foods I love on weekends is what makes the week bearable. Regardless I always get my 45 grams of Protein, 64 oz of Water and all Vitamin supplements in daily. I exercise 5-7 days a week (walking 30-60 minutes a day, nothing crazy). I have also started preparing my favorite meals in a more healthy manner.

As far as eating whatever you want but in smaller portions, as long as you get in all required nutrients and you aren't eating small meals all day long (ultimately consuming the same amount of food as before because you're always eating), you should be okay for that in maintenance. It's a different story when you're in the losing phase. This is just my opinion and not what a doctor would advise. I've made a real effort to make a lifestyle change and making the healthy choice 85-90% of the time and that is something i can stick to for the rest of my life.

Also, don't beat yourself up if you lose your shit and go crazy for a day or two. Just hop back on the plan the next day.

As far as i'm concerned, not being "perfect" is why I have been so successful. I had my surgery Oct 8, 2013 and i am down 100 lbs (in about 5.5 months including pre-surgery diet).. I was extremely strict with pre-surgery restrictions and followed my post surgery instructions for a couple of months until my sleeve filly healed. <br><br> Now, i follow my guidelines during the week very strictly and on the weekends I allow myself a couple of cheat meals (but i still weigh my portions). Being able to have the foods I love on weekends is what makes the week bearable. Regardless I always get my 45 grams of protein, 64 oz of water and all vitamin supplements in daily. I exercise 5-7 days a week (walking 30-60 minutes a day, nothing crazy). I have also started preparing my favorite meals in a more healthy manner. <br><br> As far as eating whatever you want but in smaller portions, as long as you get in all required nutrients and you aren't eating small meals all day long (ultimately consuming the same amount of food as before because you're always eating), you should be okay for that in maintenance. It's a different story when you're in the losing phase. This is just my opinion and not what a doctor would advise. I've made a real effort to make a lifestyle change and making the healthy choice 85-90% of the time and that is something i can stick to for the rest of my life. <br><br> Also, don't beat yourself up if you lose your shit and go crazy for a day or two. Just hop back on the plan the next day.

I forgot to add that i RELIGIOUSLY track everything that goes in my mouth. The good the bad and especially the ugly. It keeps me on track and keeps me aware of what i'm eating. It's handsdown the most important part of making this a lifetime commitment.

As far as i'm concerned, not being "perfect" is why I have been so successful. I had my surgery Oct 8, 2013 and i am down 100 lbs (in about 5.5 months including pre-surgery diet).. I was extremely strict with pre-surgery restrictions and followed my post surgery instructions for a couple of months until my sleeve filly healed. <br><br> Now, i follow my guidelines during the week very strictly and on the weekends I allow myself a couple of cheat meals (but i still weigh my portions). Being able to have the foods I love on weekends is what makes the week bearable. Regardless I always get my 45 grams of Protein, 64 oz of Water and all Vitamin supplements in daily. I exercise 5-7 days a week (walking 30-60 minutes a day, nothing crazy). I have also started preparing my favorite meals in a more healthy manner. <br><br> As far as eating whatever you want but in smaller portions, as long as you get in all required nutrients and you aren't eating small meals all day long (ultimately consuming the same amount of food as before because you're always eating), you should be okay for that in maintenance. It's a different story when you're in the losing phase. This is just my opinion and not what a doctor would advise. I've made a real effort to make a lifestyle change and making the healthy choice 85-90% of the time and that is something i can stick to for the rest of my life. <br><br> Also, don't beat yourself up if you lose your **** and go crazy for a day or two. Just hop back on the plan the next day.

I forgot to add that i RELIGIOUSLY track everything that goes in my mouth. The good the bad and especially the ugly. It keeps me on track and keeps me aware of what i'm eating. It's handsdown the most important part of making this a lifetime commitment.

Im glad to know that this can be done without being "perfect". I mean, if i could be "perfect" then I wouldnt need surgery right? id be able to do it on my own and I find it so hard at times.

I also track all my food on MyFitnessPal. It keeps me honest and it's a constant reminder to not over-eat!