May Sleever Roll Call

[IcanMakeit 1,319]

Wow Icanmakeit! That is awesome! I think I may need to start journaling my food. Any special tips to share?

That's my tip: journaling your food intake. It has been key for me. It has educated me about what I've been eating and also influenced my food choices. (I don't want everyone to know how foolish I can be, so I am more likely to pass on treats or extra Snacks.) And of course, part of journaling is weighing/measuring food so that your food journal is accurate.

Now that I weigh less than I ever have as an adult, my appetite has increased quite a bit. I think my body wants to go back to its former 244 pounds! So when I feel munch-y, I have been finding things to distract myself, or I'll allow myself Snacks that don't have too much impact on my daily totals. This will be my battle ground for a while, I think.

[IcanMakeit 1,319]

It's coming up on one year since my VSG. I have lost a total of 132 lbs (including pre-op loss) and am at the lowest weight I have been in my adult life. My diabetes is totally in remission and my high blood pressure is under better control, though not gone. But the real pleasure of this weight loss is that I can now get up after being seated for a while, and just walk without feeling horrible pains in my hips and back. I realized the other day when I popped up out of my chair at work and ran up the stairs, that this surgery has really changed my life for the better.

Not only is my health much better, I'm also having so much fun shopping in regular stores and wearing fashionable clothes and shoes.

So I'm calling on all May 2014 sleevers who are still around. How are you all doing one year out?

[Annie68 27]

I was sleeved 5/6/14. 5'4"- Pre-op weight #221; current weight #127. No more BP meds!!

I take Centrum Vitamin for women twice per day, Oscal w/Vitamin D twice per day, Biotin in the AM.

For food- I focus on Protein, then veggies, then fruit if room. I eat very minimal carbs. I love the Think Thin Protein Bars, and Quest bars. Haven't had Protein shakes in awhile- my nut wants most Protein (65/day) to come from "real food." I drink 16 oz of Water at least 4x a day. I walk the dogs 3-4 miles 3x per week. My summer goal is to start going back for weight lifting and swimming at the gym at least 2x per week. I work 8a-4:30p M-F, so I think I'll start going on my way home from work?

I'm starting to hear the "you look amazing, but getting too skinny" comments. My nut says I'm right where I should be. If I drop below #125, then we will add more calories.

All in all, I think this surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself ????. No more size 16- I'm buying 2-4 now! I'm considering an arm (loose skin) and thigh lift (wrinkled inner thighs & no tush), but haven't decided yet. Has anyone else decided on plastics?

It's so nice to be able to hear from others who had surgery the same month!

[hrhlaurie 185]

As of today, May 4, I'm down 90 pounds from 270 to 180. I'm 5'9" and tend to weigh more than I look so the numbers don't bother me even though I haven't hit my goal weight of 160, which was an arbitrary number. I wear size 10 now and look good even though a size 8 was my original goal. My diet is great, fairly low-carb, no breads or Pasta, rice, Bagels, cereals, chips or crackers, etc. Not as hard to do as I thought it would be. I was exercising regularly but then tore the labrum muscle in my right shoulder so had to temporarily stop yoga and weight training for several weeks while it heals. I need to run more, especially since I'm signed up for a 5k at Disneyland in Sept. but I'm not as motivated as I should be. This summer I'll be swimming more, snorkeling, go back to yoga and weight training and starting tennis again.

Overall, I'm doing great and my sleeve is the best thing I did for myself. I look better, move easier, feel great and I can continue to build on my success by exercising more and toning up some of these flabby bits. Didn't expect the arms to flap so I may some day sign up for arm surgery. I can handle the rest.

It's great to stay in touch and I wish you all much success and delicious Protein shakes!

[butterfyeffect 257]

I will be one year out as of May 6th!! What a crazy year it's been! I am down from 231 to 147 (need to change my ticker). This is the first time I have been below 150 since I was 14 years old. I currently wear anywhere from a size 6-10. I still somehow believe that I look the same, and am surprised when people tell me I look like a different person. Sometimes I put on clothes that used to be tight on me, as though to prove to myself that I am actually that much smaller... Crazy how the mind tricks you!

Edited May 5, 2015 by butterfyeffect

[AR40 88]

I'll be a year out tomorrow! Still stalled at 152, but I have a lot of energy and trying to do the 5/2 diet to get to goal! 30 lbs to go and it's seems impossible... Wish me luck! Congrats to everyone who has reached goal wait, I'm so jealous

[ad1203 85]

These stories make me smile. I was sleeved 5/6/14. Starting weight was 240. I just hit my 100 lb mark today! I can't believe I am saying I weigh 140 lbs. This has been so amazing. Aside from looking like a different person, I feel wonderful. I can do so many things that I would never do before. I have become more energetic and active. I don't hide in the house anymore or decline invitations. I have become more social. My sleep apnea is gone. My cholesterol is finally at a normal level. I don't wake up in the morning with aches and pains and dread the day. This surgery was the best thing I have done for myself. My family loves the new me also (or I should say, the me that was hidden inside). I am looking forward to enjoying the summer and doing things with my husband and kids. I have definitely changed my eating habits for the better. I eat Protein, Protein, protein first, then veggies, then carbs (which there usually isn't any room for). I check labels in the grocery store and watch the sugar intake. I love walking and playing with the dog (and so does he). I also became an independent sales rep for Avon, and I am loving it! My whole world is different for the better and my sleeve surgery was the catalyst for it all. I love hearing other people's success stories, so keep them coming!

[Suzzann 25]

My anniversary is next Tuesday. It is hard to believe a year has gone buy! I am down 70 pounds and might like to drop another 5 but I am really satisfied where I am. I am off the BP meds and I just feel terrific. I have been taking yoga classes twice a week and dog walks most days. Now that spring is here, I seem to be mowing too.

It has been amazing how much more energy I have and how much better I feel. I got a great report from my doctor and am cut loose till next year.

I have not considered plastic surgery although, I have bought a couple of fancy bras to keep the girls where they need to be. There is so many more options for clothing now too. Before, it didn’t take that long to look at all the offerings in my size. Now, I can spend several hours in one store! I am still cold all the time and my co-worker told me I had to throw that before sweater away. It is still in good shape but is clearly too big and my arms are not 3 inches shorter as that sweater would lead you to believe. LOL

It is great to read how everyone is doing!