lsereno

Each doctor's plan is different, but your Dr. does seem aggressive about the amount of calories to consume. I don't know the answer to the starvation mode question, but I didn't hit a starvation mode thing. I've lost weight steadily until the last month. I'm already at a lower BMI than many people at goal, but I prefer I thinner look and I'm small boned. I moved steadily up the calorie range, but am just now regularly hitting 1200 calories a day at 10 months out. I went from 400 calories to 600, then 800 and 900 to now, when I average between 900 and 1000 most days. On days I go over 1000, I generally have had Snacks or drink ( I was cleared for 1-2 drinks a couple of times per week at 6 months). Lynda

Greek Yogurt can be too thick, but I've got a tip for making it creamier: Just add a little Water and stir. I use the Fage 0, which has 23 grams of Protein and 130 calories per cup, and stir in a little water and some splenda. I like to top it with some berries sweetened with splenda. Lynda

Not sure what you're doing, but here is what worked for me: Exercise at least 5 days a week, average about 45 minutes. 50/50 mix of strength training and walking. Measure my food: I use a scale instead of eyeballing or stuffing food in a measuring cup. It's more accurate for me. Track my food and water. Protein first, at least 60 grams per day. 64 oz. of fluid per day. Fruit with breakfast, veggies with lunch and dinner. Whole grain for most starches. Limit fatty foods and snacking if weight is not coming off or weight goes up.

Thank you for sharing luck. I'm a May girl too: May 2011. I'm just going into maintenance now and I'm so relieved to hear you are doing so well. Long-term maintenance is a concern for me. Lynda

Suzanne, Thanks for sharing. You inspire me! At just .1 lb to goal, maintenance and avoiding weight regain is on my mind. I have been snacking some, but slowly still losing, so I hope to be able continue with about the same amount/types of foods in maintenance. I do exercise 5-6 days per week, get in my Protein and fluids and include healthy dairy, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains in my diet. And I follow the Vitamin regimen recommended by Kaiser Fremont. I hope I am as successful as you in maintenance! Lynda

Congrats and Happy Sleeviversary!

Hi all, OMG - I am .1 lb away from GOAL. The day I am at 150, I am declaring GOAL if it is a Friday or not!! I've been pretty good this week. A little snacking, but I brought it way back under control and I've been walking a couple extra days. I did miss one workout on Monday. Lynda SW-139.3.....CW-135.1.....GW-135!!! Feb. 10: 139.3 Feb. 17: 138.3 Feb. 24: 137.6 March 2: 136.4 March 9: 137.4 March 16: 135.1 March 23: March 30: April 6: Easter:

Congrats and welcome to Onderland! That's some rockin weight loss - you have really been working that sleeve! Lynda

Haha Queen of Crop, I know what you mean about hanging on. I just let go of my pink Nasa sweatshirt, my beautiful black leather jacket, and my pink UFO museum raincoat. I loved them so much, but looked like Edith Ann wearing her mother's clothes so they had to go. I offer my too big clothes at my support group and then take what whats left to the Salvation Army. Lynda

DaintyChai: Welcome new May Sleever! I was a May 2011 sleever and I am so excited to see people on the journey with the same sleeve month as me. You are going to do great! And I see you already have a Cabo trip planned at your six month surgiversary. Sounds fun! Lynda

Hey you May 2012 Sleevers! I was a May 2011 Sleever and will be celebrating my first sleeviversary on May 17. I feel a special kinship for each of you! The days leading up to surgery can be so hectic and kinda scary. But look at my stats - so worth it! I hope you don't mind me popping in on your thread to wish you luck and share my story. Love and best wishes to each of you! And especially any sleever sisters or brothers who will share my date: May 17! Lynda

I liked Anderson Split Pea. It has 9 grams of Protein per cup. I could eat about 1/2 cup max early on. Can you have greek yogurt? I like Fage 0 Plain with some Splenda. Lynda

Mine started coming out at 4 months too. I think there is regrowth now at almost 10 moths. I have little short hairs that stick up and it is thick at the roots again. Lynda

I'm almost 10 months out. I new my life would be better, but I did not truly understand how hard it was on my body to carry around more than 100 extra pounds till they were gone. I literally had to learn to walk again because I no longer need to carry that extra weight so my step is lighter, my posture straighter, and my legs are not spraddled because of the size of my thighs. I can eat anything I want - spicy, sweet, rich. Except dairy. I'm one of the few who develop lactose-intolerance and it has not disappeared yet. I do eat greek yogurt and firm cheeses. But not ice cream, milk, soft cheeses, or whipped cream. I love good food and I honestly enjoy it more now that a small portion satisfies me. You will find real stories of people who have had complications on this forum, but that actually helped allay some of my fears because they all seem to have recuperated. Even the worst cases with leaks. Best wishes on your journey, where ever it takes you. Lynda

Little Miss Diva, Maybe the only one surprised on this forum is you!! You are an inspiration to all of us, along with coach, cheer leader, and counselor! Glad you are getting the recognition you deserve for a job well-done. Lynda

Clothing size and body shape have a lot to do with it. I have pants that all fit about the same and they are size 10, 6, and 9. I have one pair that is too big and they are an 8. Sheesh! I have wide hip bones, so I have to be careful when buying pants. I do drop sizes faster now that I'm thinner. i'm just a couple of pounds from goal so I'm not expecting my clothing size to change much now. I have read that weight continues to redistribute for a few months and extra skin is reabsorbed to some degree during the first year after getting to goal, so maybe a little change in size is still coming. Lynda

Sorry about the clotting issue. One good thing about Water weight- it rolls off fast when it lets go! I gained like 17 lbs. when I had surgery because they really pushed the IV fluids. I puffed up so much my skin itched. Lotion really helped. I will be thinking of you! Lynda

No they haven't been healthy. Sometimes I start out healthy, but this late night snacking has been a problem for me ever since I first started gaining weight way back when. For me, I have to cut it out. I plan to eat a little more earlier in the day. If I can get it under control, I think a late night protein snack is a good idea for me. Just not a lot of pretzels with Peanut Butter, popcorn, chex mix, candy and whatever else I can find in the cupboards. I can't get totally rid of snack food because dear hubby eats it. But I can resist it and I will! Gonna....get....to...goal! And I have to get snacking under control or it won't be maintenance, it will be a slow crawl upwards in weight. I don't want that for myself. Lynda

Right after surgery I developed lactose intolerance and I had a hard time with all Protein powder the first few days except for unjury chicken flavor. I had to order it because it is not available in stores and I wish I would have got some before surgery. I recommend getting a few packets or a container pre-op. Once my tummy settled down a bit, I also like Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard in French Vanilla Creme, mixed with Soy Milk or sometimes with Starbucks Via Italian Roast Decaf. I buy it at GNC. Lynda

I take a stool softener when I need it without a problem. I have had hemorrhoids since having my son 38 years ago. I find if I keep things moving they don't flare up. I'm a very regular person when things are moving well, so if I miss one day, I take the stool softener the next morning and keep taking one twice a day till things get back to normal. In the early days, I also took benefiber but I am not now because I can eat a little more and I do get fiber from whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. Drinking enough Water is important too. Lynda

Hi all, Well this week I am back up 1 lb. I know how it got there too. After dinner snacking. Once I let that cat out of the bag, it just doesn't want to get stuffed back in. My goal for this week is to not snack right before falling asleep or when watching TV. My plan for making that happen is that I am going to find something else to do with my hands while watching TV and to floss right before I hop in bed. To keep my hands busy while watching TV I am going to apply a hand when I want a snack, apply lip balm when I want a snack, apply a foot lotion when I want a snack, buy some embroidery thread and other needed supplies TODAY and work on mending my grandma's quilt. Lynda SW-139.3.....CW-136.4.....GW-135!!! Feb. 10: 139.3 Feb. 17: 138.3 Feb. 24: 137.6 March 2: 136.4 March 9: 137.4 March 16: March 23: March 30: April 6: Easter:

I sounded like a Mac truck was rolling through my insides. And about day three or four, I had what I thought was a small fart, but turned out it was much more. Burst into tears, scaring poor hubby and mom who had been hovering nearby and had to take a shower, wash my nightie, and change the sheets. It does get better fast. I can't believe it's almost 10 months for me. I feel so good now and you will too soon! Lynda

Kaiser Fremont didn't make us take the calcium the first two weeks post-op. After that, I was able to swallow the regular calcium citrate from costco. If you use the Petites, you need to take more of them. I think you take 8 petites a day or 6 regulars. Lynda

Coops, Sorry I didn't see this for a few days. I find being outdoors helps me the most when I am down, even if the weather is bad. I also like organizing a drawer or shelf, but I'm a little compulsive that way. I hope you are feeling better soon. Sending loving thoughts your way, Lynda

You should report the trainer to the gym owner and look for a new trainer if you want to use a trainer or need help learning to use the gym equipment. What a doofus this guy is! I use a trainer because I wasn't in good enough shape to attend group exercise classes and I won't work out on my own. I'm down to one session per week with the trainer and two group exercise classes now and I'm probably going to give up the trainer and go to three group exercise classes to save money. I also walk 2-3 days per week. My trainer has been nothing but supportive through the whole process. She knew how hard I tried to lose weight and how important it was to me to get to a healthy weight. Lynda