his2my2our4

I didn't know there was a vet board...nice!! I posted this earlier on a different board and it was mentioned that I ought to throw it out here as well. Here's the original post....hope this finds you all well! :-) Hello all!! It's terribly strange for me to say that in just a few weeks I'll be celebrating my 2 year sleeve-aversery! In some ways it feels like I had my sleeve done years and years ago, and other ways it feels like just yesterday. I thought I'd pop back on because I remember reading these posts before my sleeve and wondering what I was in for. I also remember wondering why there didn't seem to be many veterans on here. If I may, let me give you a little insight on what it's like 2 years later. My highest weight was 342.2 (every oz counts right?) and now I stay between 168 and 171....if you're doing the math...171.1 is exactly half my weight. Odd isn't it? I was never one to really work out. I would walk in the neighborhood, maybe. But working out? No way. I can remember reading posts about people finding the fun in working out and I thought they must be nuts. Funny that I have now become one of those folks. I am at the Y every Mon/Wed/Fri and alternate between Zumba and a strength class. Depending on the week I'll add yoga in on Tues/ Thurs but I'm not always able to fit that in. I've competed in several 5k's and will be doing a mud run this Saturday. The most exciting thing for me is that in August I got my Zumba certification and hope to begin teaching that soon. Two years ago, had you told me that fitness would become this important to me, I would have laughed at you. As for food, I feel as though I eat fairly normal. I do stay away from breads because I don't like the way they feel in my stomach, and for me, one bite could easily lead to 7. Sugars? I do allow myself a very small dessert on Sundays only...my mom cooks a big Sunday dinner for the family and I do allow a taste. My portions are different from where they were in the first few months, but still no where near what I used to eat, or what everyone else is eating for that matter. I still measure deli meat and proteins just to make sure my portions stay in check. I can tell you that I have zero regrets, aside from the old cliché regret that I wish I had done it sooner. I'm enjoying shopping and feel pretty again...which ladies, let's be honest. Cute clothes do not come with x's or w's attached to the size. I have gone from a 26 and 28 to a 6. It's unreal! Recently I was asked by my doctor to film a web spot for him which later turned into a commercial and 3 billboards (which still blows my mind). I'm posting the link just so that, if you're interested, you can hear a little bit about my story. I'm hoping that any of you who might be on the fence, hear this or read this and trust that it's truly a life saving procedure! Little things like walking up the stairs without getting winded, fitting into a booth, tossing your meds...crossing your legs....all of this is possible! And let me also say this, I swore that even after my surgery I would stick around this board. To help and encourage others, to stay in touch...but let me tell you. I am no longer a sit in the chair and surf the web kind of girl. Our tv is rarely on. I think, the reason why you don't see many old timers on here is because they've found their energy...they're out and about. We haven't left you and we certainly haven't forgotten where we started from....but life is now night and day better. I wish all of you luck in your journey and pray that you have successes beyond your wildest dreams!! The link to my story is : http://www.srmconlin...My Journey.aspx Click on hear my story, I'm Kristin Wishing you all the best!!

Thanks you guys!

Hello all!! It's terribly strange for me to say that in just a few weeks I'll be celebrating my 2 year sleeve-aversery! In some ways it feels like I had my sleeve done years and years ago, and other ways it feels like just yesterday. I thought I'd pop back on because I remember reading these posts before my sleeve and wondering what I was in for. I also remember wondering why there didn't seem to be many veterans on here. If I may, let me give you a little insight on what it's like 2 years later. My highest weight was 342.2 (every oz counts right?) and now I stay between 168 and 171....if you're doing the math...171.1 is exactly half my weight. Odd isn't it? I was never one to really work out. I would walk in the neighborhood, maybe. But working out? No way. I can remember reading posts about people finding the fun in working out and I thought they must be nuts. Funny that I have now become one of those folks. I am at the Y every Mon/Wed/Fri and alternate between Zumba and a strength class. Depending on the week I'll add yoga in on Tues/ Thurs but I'm not always able to fit that in. I've competed in several 5k's and will be doing a mud run this Saturday. The most exciting thing for me is that in August I got my Zumba certification and hope to begin teaching that soon. Two years ago, had you told me that fitness would become this important to me, I would have laughed at you. As for food, I feel as though I eat fairly normal. I do stay away from breads because I don't like the way they feel in my stomach, and for me, one bite could easily lead to 7. Sugars? I do allow myself a very small dessert on Sundays only...my mom cooks a big Sunday dinner for the family and I do allow a taste. My portions are different from where they were in the first few months, but still no where near what I used to eat, or what everyone else is eating for that matter. I still measure deli meat and proteins just to make sure my portions stay in check. I can tell you that I have zero regrets, aside from the old cliché regret that I wish I had done it sooner. I'm enjoying shopping and feel pretty again...which ladies, let's be honest. Cute clothes do not come with x's or w's attached to the size. I have gone from a 26 and 28 to a 6. It's unreal! Recently I was asked by my doctor to film a web spot for him which later turned into a commercial and 3 billboards (which still blows my mind). I'm posting the link just so that, if you're interested, you can hear a little bit about my story. I'm hoping that any of you who might be on the fence, hear this or read this and trust that it's truly a life saving procedure! Little things like walking up the stairs without getting winded, fitting into a booth, tossing your meds...crossing your legs....all of this is possible! And let me also say this, I swore that even after my surgery I would stick around this board. To help and encourage others, to stay in touch...but let me tell you. I am no longer a sit in the chair and surf the web kind of girl. Our tv is rarely on. I think, the reason why you don't see many old timers on here is because they've found their energy...they're out and about. We haven't left you and we certainly haven't forgotten where we started from....but life is now night and day better. I wish all of you luck in your journey and pray that you have successes beyond your wildest dreams!! The link to my story is : http://www.srmconline.com/weightloss/Pages/My%20Journey.aspx Click on hear my story, I'm Kristin Wishing you all the best!!

I did struggle with acid reflux in the beginning and I was on zantac twice a day also. At about the 6month mark though, my dr started to wean me from 2 to 1 per day. Then shortly after that I stopped it all together and have had no issues. Hopefully the same will happen for you too!! We go through enough, dealing with reflux on top of it just seems cruel And as for worrying about re-gaining it...I worry about that too. But, I'm trusting in myself and my new habits and focusing on how things are now and how awful it would be to return to how I was. I also know how gross I feel if I eat something too greasy or too sweet, I'm hoping that my body will continue to give me signs when something is a no-no. Think about it though, we're eating good foods of course our body will scream at us if we deviate from that...right? lol Congrats to you guys and good luck!! ♥

All along my ultimate goal was to wear skinny jeans (and not look like a stuffed sausage) with a pair of tall boots. One could dream, right? Well, I bought the tall boots a few weeks ago thinking and hoping that soon I would find a pair of jeans that might just fit inside them. Tonight I decided to give it a go. I took a size 14 and a size 12 back (with the boots in hand). Size 14...way too big. Size 12...still too big! What in the world?! Who walked out with a size 10 pair of skinny jeans that look amazing in my tall boots?!? That would be MEEEE!!!! There is no food on this earth that tastes as good as this victory!!!

I just left a bodypump class! I zumba 2 days a week and bodypump 1 day a week and it's great! The class is tough but it's well worth it...you WILL see results! They have different amounts of weights and you choose what you're comfortable with, and you decide when you're ready to build up to more. Give it a try...I think you'll like it!!

Oh my goodness! I'm sorry she's having such a tough time but it sounds like you are a great care giver! Both of you take care of yourselves!!

Congratulations!!!! Such great news!!

This was such a toughie for me! I found that just stopping cold turkey was the way to go. I stopped having drinks near me because I would reach for them just out of habit. I never realized how much I sipped when I ate until I had to stop! I was surprised to read that you have to wait 1.5 hrs before you can drink! I have to wait 30 mins...and that sometimes feels like a long time. My goodness!!

I didn't have any troubles with going and up and down my stairs. I did take them slow...but it was fine. I also have a tall bed and that was a bit of a challenge. We actually moved the bench to my vanity over and used it to sort of "climb" up. Even that was only for the first couple of days though. Good luck to both of you!

I take 2 a day and all of my blood work has been fine :-)

Look at you!! You are AWESOME!!! I am signed up for my first 5k on 10/6 and the nerves are starting to set in! You look like you had such a good time...YAY YOU!! :-)

I ordered mine from Amazon and I want to say I paid about 10 bucks also.

I need to have this done! Today I was talking and of course using my hands to express a point and my ring went flying across the room! Love this NSV!

I love the milk chocolate ones!! I have one just about every day! :-)

Ohhhh Amber....I can so relate to this!! I am 11months out and remember feeling EXACTLY the same way! I hated that I couldn't keep up with my kids and I felt like I was always on the sidelines, when what I really wanted to do was jump in and play with them! I decided to do this for them. They deserve an active and totally present mom who will be around for years and years and years. Having said that, I was scared to death of the risks. I decided that the benefits far outweighed the risks and that if I didn't do something about my weight, I would be leaving them without their mother for sure! Your fears are totally normal and you are not alone. Trust in your doctors and in the process...and most importantly in YOU! You are worth this and your kids are worth it too! Good luck to you!!

I had my drain for 2 weeks post op and the day after it was removed I started wearing a compression cami. I have gotten to the point where I feel strange without it now and wear one every day! I think you should be just fine!

I highlighted mine a few weeks after surgery and had zero issues. Hope the same is true for you! :-)

Orville has a smart pop kettle corn that's 100 cals per (mini) bag...and it's really yummy! I smuggle my little baggie in and eat my treat just like all of the other movie-goers! :-) You've just got to find what works for you!

I'm so sorry to hear you're having such a rough time!! Praying for a speedy recovery!!

Congratulations and so glad to hear you're recovering so well!!

There's no better inspiration! What a sweet boy you have :-)

I had very minimal loss. I noticed a little when I would wash my hair, but it wasn't really noticeable to anyone else (not even my hair dresser noticed).

This is an interesting topic! I am glad that you've found what works for you and support you in every way. Me? Whoa baby...the thought of eating a little more relaxed or not tracking, scares the daylights out of me! I agree with butterthebean, that a lot of this is figuring out how you got to this point. I know for me it was the food choices and of course the large portions of those foods. I am afraid that if I allow myself those guilty little pleasures, one bite will turn into two, which will turn into 12! I'm almost a year out and have adopted new habits and new favorite foods. I look back at the old favorites the way I do some of my ex boyfriends...better to be left behind :-). I think that in this process everyone has to listen to their doctor, nutritionist and then from that adopt what works for them. Kudos for finding your groove!!