Amanda131

Hi all- I saw a personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness for a free session that I earned for my one year anniversary with the club. These guys are pretty well-informed (they only hire Bachelor's and higher degrees). Anyway, she took my bodyfat measurement using 7 sites for analysis. According to the trainer, I currently have approximately 40% body fat. In order to be at what she considered a healthy body fat, she wanted me to get down to 20% which would put me at about 190 lbs. This really surprised me. I know measuring body fat with calipers isn't an exact science but she really seemed to know what she is doing. I am now really interested in the Bod Pod Diva wrote about in another post. It was surreal for a toned, buff trainer to tell me that she would aim for a body weight on me of 180-190 and no less. Oh yeah, she really dug the sleeve eating, Vitamin supplement and excercise plan. I never thought I'd see a trainer and have them tell me I was on the right path. Very cool. Anyway, any thoughts on the 180-190 weight goal? I'd just assumed that I should shoot for a healthy BMI so this is really throwing me for a loop. For information purposes, I am 5'9", currently 233, in a size 16 and a well proportioned hour glass figure. All thoughts appreciated! Amanda

I've been MIA buried in work and mostly ghosting this site but I wanted to share that today is seven months since I've been sleeved. Three days ago I officially hit 100 lbs. lost since I started this journey (I lost 12 lbs. pre-op). It still seems surreal to me that I have lost 100 lbs. Some days I can see it and others I still see remnants of the "fat girl". The one thing that is consistent though is that I feel amazing. I am never out of breath, I have boundless energy and simply enjoy life in a way that I never did before. I started running in July and training for a 1/2 marathon. I ran 6 miles with my running group this morning and led the pack. The old me couldn't have even fathomed this. Such a high! Time for full disclosure: Since getting a promotion to crazy hours and high stress in July, I haven't ate nearly as well I would like to. I've let soda and carbs creep back into my diet way more than is acceptable. Even worse, I've had times when under stress that I was convinced that "X" food would make it all better and I caved. (This worries me the most and I am working hard to deal with it.) That being said, I generally maintain 1200-1500 calories and have lost on average 8-10 lbs. a month even while putting on a lot of muscle. I am working to re-vamp my diet though because I want to fuel my body in a better manner. As for exercise, I generally run four times a week. I plan to add a bit of weight training in the near future. My hair finally stopped falling out a few weeks ago which is a really good thing- I was starting to get a little nervous. The loose skin is a little bothersome but I don't look terrible and I am seeing some evidence of tightening. That is one perk to the slower weightloss- it seems to give the skin more time to adjust. I've shared before that my realization that weightloss surgery was necessary came when I tried to train to walk a 1/2 marathon and couldn't even do that. I've added a picture of me in the race last year that convinced me it was time to do something. I've also uploaded a pic from a run with my husband on September 11th. I've lost ten more pounds since then but it's the most recent I've got. All in all, I am a happy girl and thrilled with my decision to take control of my life via VSG. Amanda

Thanks, Ladies! @Swizzly- I don't consider myself a "slow" loser overall, I was really referencing the last few months where I've only lost 8-10 lbs a month versus the months I was losing 20+. I feel VERY fortunate in how quickly I've dropped the weight.

V.V.- I love the tone of your message! It is so positve and really shows how at peace you are one year after surgery. Really, what more can we ask for than that? Oh yeah, to look smokin' hot which you do! Way to go! Amanda

I have been eating cereal since about three months out. I needed the fiber. I ONLY eat Kellogg's Special K high Protein cereal. It has 10 grams of protein (before milk) and 5 grams of fiber and 14 grams carbs at only 100 calories per 3/4 cup. I add a 1/4 cup HEB Dark Chocolate Granola for taste. I think I end up at about 230 calories when I add the granola and milk. Best breakfast ever (for me)!

That is just awesome! Way to go.

Flygirl- This one is going to be a breeze! I had by gallbladder removed a few years before VSG and I remember it as the only surgery in my life where I woke up from it feeling better than when they put me under. The constant pain caused by the almost non-functioning gallbladder almost drove me batty. I awoke pain-free and it almost felt like a miracle. I was slow moving for a few days but otherwise recovered very quickly- much easier than VSG in my opinion (and I didn't consider VSG a difficult recovery). Other than soreness from the actual surgery, I had no more pain after the surgery and I had very little, if any, problems with eating fatty foods after surgery (I hear this is a crap shoot in that some do and some don't- much like dumping with VSG). Best of luck to you! I believe you are going to be a much happier camper. Amanda

Way to go IndyMom! I am actually in the midst of training for a 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles). I will run 6 miles for the first time tomorrow. Last week I ran 5 miles and LOVED every second of it. I swear I am not making that up. I NEVER thought I would ever love running. Here's the best part. The first time I ran anywhere post WLS was June 18th when I ran for about a 1/2 mile and was almost dead. Now, less that three months later I am covering 5 miles without a problem. I feel wonderful! I share all of this as motivation and to let you know that you can get a lot better really fast. As for the jiggle issue, I wear capri style legging that hold everything in place. Reebok makes a great pair for about $35 that I bought at their outlet store but I also found these on the online store here: http://www.reebok.com/US/product?modelId=QE312&articleId=W05833 I swear by these. Although I am thin enough to run in shorts now, I prefer these because the jiggle factor with the loose skin just gets annoying. And, I don't feel fat in them. Best of luck to you! Amanda

Day 5 was my freak out day where I became convinced that I hadn't done enough research and one day they'd discover this irreversible surgery was actually harmful. I stepped away from the ledge when I realized that stomach cancer survivors live for YEARS without stomachs. I hadn't altered the gastric path otherwise, so everything really would be okay. So, to answer your question, yes I was there too. Deep breaths- this is a scary time emotionally. Everything will be okay. Amanda

How funny, Lynda- I was waiting to see what others posted,too! I kind of have a standing reward in a mani/pedi every two weeks. I didn't use to splurge of this- mainly because I splurged on appetizers, Desserts, etc. I've also rewarded myself with a massage(1st month's loss), and a gorgeous Coach bag(50 lbs). When I hit my lowest weight since college (over 11 years ago), I gave myself permission to book a cruise with my BFF. It's a four day trip that was offered super cheap (less that $300), but I've found that it's a reward and a motivator. We cruise December 1st and I am hellbent on being under 200 lbs. when I board that ship! Krista- if your friends think you are wasting money then I'm afraid of what they'd think of me! I didn't spend money on myself for years because I didn't think I deserved it and it wasn't really fun to treat Debbie Downer. In my mind, I am just making up for a little lost time. Amanda

Day 5 I woke up with serious buyer's remorse. I was certain I had screwed up royally and that there was no going back on this deal. Fortunately, that feeling passed relatively quickly in the weeks to come. This surgery and the letting go of the eating is an EXTREMELY emotional process. You just kind of have to accept it for what it is and ride it out. It really does get better; I promise. I remember the start of week 3 as seeming significantly better emotionally and the beginning of week 5 was way better physically (as the exhaustion starts to go away). It sounds like you are dealing with some swelling that is making it difficult to drink. This early, your main focus should be hydration. Protein is important but if you are struggling to get down liquids then focus on water, G2, broth, etc. for the these first few days. Also, play with the tempatures. Some people do really well with warm liquids others with really icy. Most importantly, realize that what you are feeling and experiencing is completely normal. We've all been there. Hugs! Amanda

I searched my insurance company's database of therapists "in network" (Aetna). In the database it listed each therapist's areas of expertise. The therapist I chose had "eating disorders" listed as an area of expertise. I had actually started seeing her well before I decided to have surgery in order to heal some childhood scars (which incidently were tied to my emotional overeating), but I knew when I chose her that my head issues with eating were something that needed addressing. Fortunately, she had treated bariatric patients before so she was able to really help me through the process. We did a lot of work prior to surgery to get me ready for my new life. It was very eye-opening for me. She helped me connect a lot of eating issues to personal experiences and learn how to adopt new behaviors when emotions take over. And, an area where I didn't expect to need help but she was really instrumental was in learning to accept attention again as I lost the weight. It was very difficult for me at first when men began to actively check me out/hit on me. I felt very "exposed" for lack of a better word. I quit my weekly visits two months ago and I am still going strong on my own. If you still have questions, feel free to ask. I'm happy to answer!

deekaspor- I had the same fears and work with a therapist really helped me overcome those fears and make peace with some of my emotional eating demons. That therapist really helped a lot those first few months post-op when the emotional eating I had depended on my entire life was no longer physically possible. I would recommend working with a therapist to anyone with simialr issues. Best of Luck! Amanda

Ah, thanks and anytime!

Oh yeah. I had it for about the first three months post-op. It was a little embarassing when I was sitting in meetings and my stomach was the loudest participant.

For me, doubt meant don't twice. Eight years after my first attempt and the third time overall, I told myself I was doing this no matter how nervous or scared I became. I cried a lot the weeks before surgery. I was so scared in the pre-op area that I actually prayed and begged God to give me a sign as to whether I should stay or get the heck out of there. At that moment, I felt a profound sense of calm envelop me. I never looked back after that. Like you, my surgeon did not require a pre-op diet and I had the same fears ( btw he said the liver was "beautiful"). You're right in that your life will change dramatically. Mine sure has. And, even though all the changes are extremely positive it can be overwhelming at times. As for pushing through, write yourself a letter explaining what your life is like due to excess weight, why you are doing this and what you hope to accomplish. That will focus you and be an great thing to look back on. Best of luck! Amanda

DITTO! Glad to realize I wasn't alone in this. In my tracking journal I list: waist, hips, pouch. As in kangaroo pouch since I got the damn thing carrying my little princess and never lost it after the c-section.

(EDITTED TO ADD: I meant this as a reply to 2sweetnsugarland) I cannot imagine how awesome it must be to have one another during the highs and lows of this journey. That is AWESOME. I have a cousin that lives more than an hour away who had VSG 10 weeks after me and being able to support each other via Facebook has been tremendous support for me. But, having my sister do it with me and be close enough to workout together? That would be incredible. Instead, my sis is four hours away and weighs 145 pounds... if I didn't love her so much, I'd hate her for that weight alone. Did I mention she's 5'11? I got robbed in that part of the gene pool. I think you two are fabulous for leaving the competition out of this journey and focusing on support. Rock on! Amanda P.S. Are you guys in Sugarland, TX? If so, I am right up the Grand Parkway in Katy. That would make us sleeve neighbors.

Your old boss walks right past you not realizing who you are. Happened to me last week.

Love your post! I agree that we need to keep the positive aspects of our journey highlighted and sometimes that scale just needs to stay in the corner. I think your dinner with your thin pal is the greatest of all. When deciding to have this surgery I didn't realize how much I craved that feeling of "normal" when out with others and food was involved. I am still in awe sometimes that food doesn't rule my world any longer. Congratulations on meeting your goals! Amanda

Looou- I noticed in an earlier post that you mentioned your are in the midst of daily fasting for Ramadan. I am no expert but I think it's entirely possible that getting all 800-900 calories during a short span of time every evening is very likely affecting your weightloss and encouraging your stall. Obviously, the fast is a necessity of your religious life and I wouldn't suggest you change anything, but I think you may see the scale moving a bit more once Ramadan ends and you are able to eat every few hours again. Best of luck! Amanda

Heather! You look amazing and have come SO far in such a short time. I am a week behind you surgery wise and I feel much the same. We've talked before about both of us training for a half and I often wonder how you're doing. So glad to hear that the answer is AWESOME. Amanda

Yup. The first time it happened I panicked thinking I had somehow gotten preggers with no symptoms.

I have started training for a half-marathon and am doing so with a running group. I actually wanted to do this last year and joined the group only to realize I was too fat to run. I worked out with the walking group for a while before I realized I was too heavy to even do that. Fast forward 12 months and I am now there again almost 80 pounds lighter and running 5 miles. Big victory, right? Today, I saw some of the women I used to walk with. Of course they asked how much weight I had lost and then the inevitable, "How'd you do it?" I hmmed and hawed for a moment before just saying I had wls. I have a huge issue with needing to be honest so I rarely conceal surgery when others ask. (I'm not saying concealing is wrong, it just doesn't work for me.) Anyway, once I said wls I saw the curl of one of the women's lip... you know the one. The one that says, "Oh, you cheated." And, it's fine that she feels that way. What wasn't okay was that I felt that she was kind of right. In that moment, I felt like I kind of cheated, too. And, that just pisses me off. I know how badly I needed this and how hard I've worked for my success. I can't believe my head/heart would betray me like that. I don't know if I am making any sense, but it was really disheartening to have my own head de-valuing all of the hard work I have done. Moral of the story: Stay tuned into yourself and don't let yourself provide any of the negative talk. There are plenty of others willing to do that for us. Thanks for listening/reading. Amanda

If you're just starting then I would definitely postpone a semester. This surgery is exhausting in the beginning. It is also very mentally taxing as you come to terms with food demons and adjust to a new lifestyle. Your life changes drastically and it's possible your dreams and goals may shift as well. I was in a certification program to become a high school principal when I was sleeved. It was online and I fell far behind due to the exhaustion that comes with VSG. Fast forward a few months and the awesome confidence that comes with getting control of your weight convinced me to apply for a way high up curriculum job. It wasn't a path I'd ever thought I would go pre-surgery. Lo and behold, I got the job. Moral of the story: If you aren't invested in the program yet, hold off. It's impossible to say how you will handle surgery or what you will want out of life come January. Best of luck! Amanda