feedyoureye

@startingoveryeyagain, just wanted to check in with you. I am at 4 1/2 years out. It took me 3 years to get to a modest goal (170-173 range) I had regained 20 pounds before I got back on track and lost to goal at year 3. The most I ever lost is still less than you have already lost so far at 1 1/2 years. Congratulations! I know its not what you had hoped for, but it is still AWESOME! My Doc actually asked me before surgery if I would be happy losing 50 pounds... that was his expectation for me, ... I wanted to lose over 80. In the last year I have gained 15 pounds above my goal... and am trying to get it back off. I attribute emotional eating to the gain. I still think I am successful, but have not given up trying to get back to the earlier goal. I believe I will have to keep trying until I die. Maintenance is not automatic. Am I disappointed? Sometimes when I am doing all the right things (at least I think I am!) and the scales go up or stay the same. I think you need to get back on the wagon, and give it some more time. Mix it up if you have too, Use your head instead of your heart to solve this problem... or perhaps better to say ....to address this problem.... its never solved as far as I can see. I have to say that for me the sleeve has worked as a great tool.... when I use it along with a lot of other tools, almost all of the time. Best of luck to you, you are not alone.

You have tried everything else... why not! fat=calories.... no getting around that. here is the link to the ketogenic diet calculator.... http://www.flexibleketogenic.com/

I would trust sleeve2me with all my crazy personal sh*t. I don't even know if she comes here still or not... when did she make the request?

Wendy, from your date, it looks like your not even at a year yet....

yes to sleeve4me and no to lipstick

That's awesome cowgirl!

Just keep up what your doing. Eat plenty of fresh veggies. Stalls are normal. It took me 3 year to get to goal... now THATS slow!... and its still a process at 4 1/2 years. Use your myfitnesspal to keep track of your micros... I know I can lose track if I don't.

Such a big congrats to you Coops! You are such a trooper, so inspirational girl. You guys look great! Love your gray hair and cut... very cute! I have been growing out my gray, and using a blue tint at this point. Little old lady with a blue rinse! Thats me!

fingers crossed!

Thanks for the input. It is a struggle being a vegetarian and losing, but I see that you've done it. I do eat dairy and eggs which help. I may just need more access to better recipes. Sometimes things get lost in typing translation. It's not that I turn my nose up at tofu and fake meat. Tofu has been my go to protein. It's like people who eat chicken every day. You just get tired of tofu, tofu, tofu. Again, maybe I just need a better recipe arsenal. I do eat fake meat too. I'm just concerned with the amount of sodium that comes with the territory of prepackaged food. My body definitely retains Water the more that I eat. So, more research it is. One of my hobbies is making fake meat...take a look at Brianna Grogan... some great high protein recipes: http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/p/recipe-links.html http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/2006/07/buddhas-roast-duck-with-yuba.html http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=853797 (I mix this in a bread machine, then transfer to a crock pot to finish over night) These are good, you need an oven... http://www.theppk.com/2012/01/vegan_sausage/ This product is pretty good, http://www2.netrition.com/explore_asian_mung_bean_fettuchini.html they also make a black bean variety.... 25 gms protein! When i cook, it always makes things work better protein wise, but of course its more work!

So true! LOL!

Here is one very popular post that was started by sleve4me.... perhaps you will remember her from this: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/194493-weight-gained-since-having-gastric-sleeve-surgery/ This little group really helps me to just be honest... touch base, feel safe and not alone in this thing. I love you guys and really wish the best for you all. It helps me whether I'm gaining, losing or staying the same....

Sleeve4me is awesome! So positive. I say yes to her for sure. http://www.bariatricpal.com/user/115741-sleeve-4-me/

Cool! Beautiful!

Hi Deedee, you have done great!! I hear you want to lose more, but congrats on not gaining. I am a veggie too. I think it is important for you to get in your Protein. That may be the primary reason you have gone into maintenance. The old story, protein first is great advice. It is not always easy for vegetarians to get in enough protein without getting in carbs too. I have a list of go -tos and sometimes they are my medicine, to keep on track. Do your research, explore recipes, there are protein full pastas, do you eat dairy? I have problems getting in enough protein too, and carbs are my bad friend. Its a struggle, but we can do better. Stop turning up your nose at fake meat and tofu.... find a way to enjoy.

the pouch test i not a permanent weight loss solution, but does help you feel your restriction, and if you are not good about getting in your protein, it helps get you back on track.

So sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing.

I'm going to the mountains (high desert) this weekend. Going kayaking and bird watching with friends. So fun. I really need to get away. Its been so hot here, supposed to be 108 today.... Craig is riding his motorcycle up to Montana this week, so he will be gone. Nice to get out with the girls. Weight sitting around 189... I hear you Florinda, the 5 pound tango. So much harder to get off this weight window.... Lipstick Lady, I don't know her personally, but like to see her input around here. Like her style. OK with me.

So you are at about 8 months? It sounds like you have really had it tough the last few months. If you were taking antibiotics and/or other meds, that can throw your body off. How much Protein are you eating? I would keep that up... over 70gms, all the exercise will eat up your muscles without a good supply of protein. Do drink your Water... I have problems with that too.. but can only say that when I drink more, I lose better. We can have stalls too... its pretty normal for many, I had at least 4... 2+week stalls. Some for over a month. Sometimes when you switch things up... eat more one day, less the next, you can shake things loose. Loss does normally slow down around 8 months. If you are doing everything right with no results for weeks, I would try the 5:2. Normally I wouldn't recommend it to someone under a year out... good to give the Drs instructions the first try. I find eating raw for a couple of days will help with water weight.... best of luck!

Yes, do google, you can find the 5:2 links pinned at the top of the Vets forum. Recommended for Vets only....

Sounds wonderful, I am thinking of getting another.... need to think on it a little more... perhaps a bird.

NIce to hear from you dear, you will have to send a pic of your new tattoo once you are recovered....

How fun! You guys look great! Wish I was there too.

I have avoided mood meds in the past, reading the side effects is a turn off for sure... baby dose... but I really don't want to make it a long term thing or go to seriously higher dose... Some love it, if thats not me I have permission to go off without staging it... we will see!