MINI-Me

When searching for weight regain on the internet, several articles reference Grodstein, et al 1996 - Ninety-five percent of all dieters will regain their lost weight in 1-5 years (Grodstein, et al., 1996) http://www.nawls.com/public/102.cfm?sd=2. However, I could not find the actual study on-line without having to pay a fee. I know this stat is thrown around a lot. I believe it, because I've lived it. But, I have no scientific proof. Good luck ... hopefully you can find a study to reference based on that. Let us know if you do!

I think it really boils down to one day at a time. This is a journey, not a race or a pre-prescribed route. We have dietary guidelines given to us by surgeons and/or nutritionist. But, they are just that guidelines. Focus on where you are now & what you need to do to lose. Maintenance is another issue. What works for me right now, may not work for me in a year or two. What works for me today, may or may not work for you when you are at maintenance. The beauty (and frustration) of the human body is that we are all unique. And, I like being special.

I was self-pay since my insurance excludes any WLS. But, based onyour need for motrin and anemia, I would have your doctor write up a case for the sleeve. You will probably be denied on the first pass, but ask for an appeal. If the appeal board turns you down, many people have had luck with an outside review (which you are entitled to). Hopefully they can pitch in and provide you some advice on how they won their appeals. Don't give up! Fight for what you want and need. I will say ... Please, please, please, don't "settle" for a band. I've never had one, but have heard horror stories on here as well as friends who have never met goal and have had scarring/swelling/food issues. While it is technically "reversible" it can leave scars and damage. I'm sure many others on here can jump in with their own personal issues with the band. Welcome to the board.

Absolutely fabulous!!!!

Because of this thread, I tried them Instead Disposables during my last period. It does take some getting used to as far as positioning and removing. But, once I got used to it, I really liked it. HOWEVER, on heavy days, I cannot go 12 hours. I had an "overflow" so that was a little messy. Lesson learned for next month. Tip - I purchased 14 at Walgreens for $8.99. Drugstore.com had 24 for $8.99. And, since I had other items I needed, I was able to put in an order for $50 & got free shipping!

Thank you for sharing your story. I too feel like this surgery has saved my life. Glad to know that others are successful and maintaining 2.5 years out. I have this deep fear that I'm going to wake up one morning and be fat again. (<-- weird, I know!) Congratulations!

I am 5'6" and normally bounce between 125 - 128 in maintenance. I'm wearing a misses size 4 and x-small to small tops. At the end of my losing stage, I was eating between 1200 - 1500 calories. In maintenance, I'm somewhere between 1500 - 2000 depending on the day and my activity level. During the week, I'm closer to 1500 calories, but since I eat out more on the weekends, I'm closer to 2000 on the weekends. Hope that helps.

Congratulations. See you on the thin side!

I know exactly what you mean. When I was big, it seemed like all the clothes were smalls. Now that I wear 4's and X-Small/Small - all the clothes seem big. I have a theory that they see me coming and go switch up all the clothes just to frustrate me. LOL But, it's a good "problem" to have.

I am sooooo proud of you. You go girl. I love my 4's!!!!!

That really is a great NSV!!! Congratulations!

I use www.myfitnesspal.com to do recipe nutritional calculations. It saves your recipe & then you can pull it up anytime.

Congratulations! It's normal to be nervous, but sounds like you have it under control. Keep us posted on your progress...

Dr Umbach was my surgeon. I had a great experience with him. Look back at some of my first posts to get more detailed information about my experience.

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2037749_2219823,00.html

There is a small x in the upper right corner of the pop-up.

Congratulations! I know it's a lot to do, but at least you are busy & don't have much time to worry. Keep us updated on your progress. You go girl!

Yep! Shrinking our stomach did nothing to those hormones! This early out, I say you are ok with 1/2 a SF pudding with the cravings. When you get to more solid foods, try to keep Protein Snacks around - beef jerkey, cheese, deviled egg, etc. Those seem to help. This far out, I sometimes "allow" myself some chocolate. Yesterday, I had some chocolate in the trail mix - YUMMY! Just what my tummy and hormones needed. And, it seemed to give me a little bounce to my step (it may have been all in my head, but it helped!)

Lisa - does your husband show signs of dehydration? These symptoms sound pretty typical of a few days out, but he HAS to get in liquids. Protein is great, but I was told that liquids were my main priority the first week especially. If he is dehydrated, get him to an ER or Outpatient Clinic ASAP. They can deliver fluids via IV which should help perk him up immediately. (Or call one of your docs where you work & see if they can administer.) If he is dehydrated, he'll only want to lie around & not try. You'll need to be the pushy wife and force him to take care of himself. If you don't think he is dehydrated yet, call his surgeon and discuss your concerns. I'm sure they will have some advice for you. Good luck and keep us updated.

My BMI was 32.8 and I am now hovering around 20.6. Only you can decide what is too drastic or what is right for you. For me, I knew diets failed me. I had plenty of will power and drive, but I was HUNGRY all the time. I love the power over hunger and saiety that I have with my sleeve. For me, the sleeve was definitely the way to go! Good luck on your research and your decision.

I think he was trying to scare you a bit and make sure you don't do damage. Just because your stomach can hold more, doesn't mean you to have eat to capacity. There are some days that I want more. Some days I do eat more ... But, I'm really trying to be "in tune". Have I had enough to be satisfied? Do I really want that extra bite or two that will take me from satisfied to "just ate Thanksgiving meal" stuffed feeling? Make sense?

The suspense is killing us ... argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mine is gone too! In fact - it feels weird to actually feel by bones there.

As Tiff says, by law they are required to give them to you if you request them ... BUT, they are also allowed to charge an "administrative" fee for the paperwork, manpower, and supplies. So, be prepared to pay. Around here, it is about $15 per page.

I definitely agree with Tiff. Why does he think bypass is right for you? Is it because he isn't comfortable with performing the sleeve? If so - find another surgeon! If it is a medical reason, be sure to listen. I would not want the bypass, but I would definitely listen to an experienced surgeon's opinion.