Hi Everyone!

First some background- I started my journey with my first pre-op appt in sept 2014. I was 221lbs and 5'2". Had to do 6 months with nutrition for my insurance company. I lost 20 lbs in those 6 months and insurance approved my surgery. I was sleeved on 3/16/15 and surgery day weight was 201. On my 3 month surgiversary I weighed in at 156 lbs. I never took my measurements but wish I had. I went from wearing size 18/20 pants to wearing a size 10. Shirts were size 2X now down to a large shirt is wearable and a medium is better but slightly snug. I don't go crazy with exercise. I figured it wasn't sustainable for me. I try to at least workout 3x/week either I walk 2 miles at a quick pace or I do 30-45 min at the gym alternating cardio and strength training.

I knew I could keep up a plan of doing that everyday. I'm happy if I get it in 2X/week and if I do 3 that's a plus! It was definitely hard at the beginning no being on liquids and the puréed foods. I started a journal at the beginning and it helped when I was feeling low to go back and read how far I had come. It does get better. Being on unrestrictive food is wonderful. Don't get me wrong there are sometimes especially during dinner I wish I could eat more. Especially if it's a really yummy meal. I pushed my sleeve to the limit twice and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I felt horrible. Felt like I was going to throw up, got feeling I wanted to Pass out and got hot and sweaty. It lasted for about 30 min and rest of night just felt horrible. I ignored my sleeve when it told me enough food. I start to hiccup when my sleeve says no more food and I normally stop when I start hiccuping. But I have to say those 2 times were enough. I stop when my sleeve says stop. I have been eating out at restaurants again but make good choices and always have them bring me a small plate and I put what I can eat on the small plate and have them bring me a box to put my leftovers in so they aren't tempting to me. Then I have them the next day and sometimes the day after that.

I still have a protein drink and 1/2 of a protein bar a day to help get in my protein. I have learned that I can have a few carbs and not feel guilty. I have a biscuit sometimes it a whole one sometimes it's a half. But I don't eat all 6 like I used to. I can eat 1/2 of a cupcake if I'm at a birthday celebration and that's enough. I don't need to eat 4 or 5 of them that half is just enough to make me feel normal. I guess what I learned with carbs is don't beat yourself up. Someone told me it's a tool to help you be the best you can be. I am actually loving being able to go out to social situations and to participate in choosing food that makes me feel good. Not food that after I eat I feel guilty like I did before surgery. I don't do it all the time or everyday like I used to but it's great to know I can occasionally if I choose to. I will be fine, my sleeve is fine. I feel better than I ever have. I had been over 200lbs for about 20+ years. I know it's tough at the beginning but it will get better. Keep on focusing on goals that are for your best interest and health. You have to be able to sustain these for the rest of your healthy active lifestyle.

I have some more weight to loose as I'm only 3 months out. They tell me 111lbs is my ideal weight. I personally think that's way to low for me. I think 120-125 will be best for me. I know that everyone is different and I'm just saying what I have experienced and what is working for me. Your experience maybe different. No 2 people are the same. Here's wishing you and me a successful

And healthy journey!!

This was really great to hear. I hope to have this success too! Great work!

Congratulations on your success and thanks for sharing your lessons learned!

Congrats! Thanks for sharing--we're the same height and of a similar start weight. It's nice to hear from people further out for inspiration!

I agree with you that 111 seems too low--I wasn't even 111 when I was a ballet dancer in my teens! I'm setting my goal weight at about 145. If I'm able to get down to 130 or so, I'll be thrilled, but 145 would be fine by me.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your journey. It's always so encouraging to read others experiences especially over the first few months

Kate