StephS3

SStaats3

LadiWobs, I also had surgery with Blue Point and Dr. Nain. I am sorry you are struggling. I am now 18 months out and I consider the sleeve the best thing I could have done for myself. It was not always easy, I too ate some of the wrong things and gained back some weight at the beginning. It is a learning process that you must open your mind to. I know it's hard! Please do not give up. Go to the meetings that the doctor offers and you will see results. The sleeve is your tool, you have to learn to use it!! Please PM me if I can help in anyway. Hugs!

Thanks for the offer! I actually completed the tri in 1:31:55 which I thought was pretty respectable for my first one. I am looking at doing more next season, as there aren't many left this year due to running out of summer. I really have found that I enjoy doing the training and the actual race. I am going to contine to run and bike over the winter. Congratulations on going for an Ironman!!! That seems like such a long distance to me right now. You have my utmost respect. Good luck! If you have any training tips leading into summer, I would welcome them.

So in a moment of craziness several months ago, I signed up for a Sprint Triathlon. Since I began my sleeve journey I have done several 5k's but nothing quite like this. Needless to say, I am freaking out. The triathlon is on Sunday and I am feeling very nervous. Any advice???

Thanks, likasulema!! I appreciate your advice. I have come a long way

Sleeved July 7, 2011 - Lost 130 Lbs so far. 20 lbs to goal!!

I had a DVT years ago when I broke my foot. So when I went for my consult for the sleeve, they recommended that they put in an IVC filter to make sure that no clots broke through to my heart or lungs. It was relatively simple, some surgeons go in through your leg and place the filter, mine goes in through the side of the neck. They removed the filter 3 months later, after a sonogram making sure there were no clots. The scaring is minimal, I am one year out now, and you can't even see the scar unless I point it out. Not sure what they do in Mexico, but I know in the US they have procedures set up for this. I would go to a consult with a local doctor and then compare what they will do vs. the Mexican doctor and make sure you are comfortable. Feel free to PM me if you would like additional info. Good Luck.

Lissa, I also had a history of clots before surgery. So for the sleeve they put in a IVC filter in my jugular (sp?) vein to make sure if I got another clot, it would hopefully filter it out before it got to my heart or lungs. Then several months after surgery, they removed the filter. Did you have one of those as well? When I was dealing with the clots several years ago, again prior to surgery, I was on Lovinox and then Coumadin for several months. And when the clots didn't disapate, I opted out of the medication as well. The doctor's couldn't tell me if the clots would ever go away, even if I stayed on the thinners for life. I felt good about the decision and since my sleeve I have been retested and am officially clot free!! I wish you luck in your journey, it really sounds like you are doing well!!!

So I am signed up to do my first 5k race this weekend. To be clear, I am not at the point where I can run the full 5k yet. I have done the C25k program but only have gotten to week 4 and am pretty much stuck there for now. I am looking for advice on how to handle the week to be in the best shape I can for the race on Saturday. My plan is: Monday - 5k walk/run (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) + weights Tuesday - 5k walk/run (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) Wednesday - 9-10 mile bike ride (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) + weights Thursday - 5k walk/run (either on treadmill or outside, dependant on weather) Friday - Rest Saturday - Race I also plan on not restricting my carbs at all this week, even though I can't eat much of them anyways. Easily I can complete a 5k in 45 minutes doing the walk/run pace that I typically keep. I am hoping to finish the 5k this weekend in 40-41 minutes. But really just doing it is an accomplishment. Let me know if this looks good or where I should make changes. I would really like to enjoy myself this weekend if possible Thanks in advance for the help.

I ran my FIRST 5k this weekend too!!! Finished with a time of 41.19, which I know by no means is fast, but it is a huge accomplishment for me. Congrats on shaving time off!!! I wish I had done one before to compare. Keep up the great work

You can walk the whole thing if you want to, but I am going to try and run about 1/2 of it. You're right, just finishing is a huge goal of mine and I am sure I will feel great afterwards. Getting kind of nervous though...

I think I will just whine about myself today. Yesterday, I did the dumbest thing. I went to the doctor and before I went I had weighed myself at home. When I got there, instead of taking me to the scale, she simply asked me, "Do you know how much you weigh?". And I looked her straight in the face and said yes, "215 lbs". Now here is the dumb part! I really don't weigh 215 lbs. Exactly 1 hour before when I weighed myself I was 208 lbs. Why in the world would I round UP!!! What in the world would make me do that! All of my life, whenever asked to give my weight, I have ALWAYS rounded down, sometimes by 20 or 30 lbs and now I round up???? So dumb. Immediately, I wanted to say, no just kidding, I actually weigh 208, but that would be just petty. So I sat there kicking myself over something so silly. I don't know if in my head I was thinking that she wouldn't believe 208, or if in my head I was trying to build some cushion in case she did end up putting me on the scale. I really don't know, but I walked away feeling kind of let down. Next time, I will just say, I don't know.

How funny you posted this topic, I actually took my first yoga class on Tuesday. I actually really enjoyed it and am planning on making it a regular part of my workout routine. The thing that struck me the most while I was doing the yoga poses is how there is no way in **** I would have been able to do 1/4 of them before my surgery. It is amazing how our bodies transform while losing the weight. For me, it is about balance, I am feeling more and more clumsey in my new body and it is my understanding that yoga can help with that.

Hi Janerose, I too have had to hit some fast food places since my sleeve in July 2010. I find that Taco Bell - Fresco chicken Soft Taco works pretty well, granted I can't finish the whole thing, and I am almost 7 months out. I also get the Wendy's chili in a pinch. But like everyone else, I just try to order something that will not upset my stomach and something that will warm up well the next day or two... Hope that helps! Stephanie

LOL I have just been telling people that I am trying a new lip gloss. They normally get the hit. But the pipe idea is worth a try. I am using this for sure!!!!

Our company runs an annual food drive for the local shelter at Thanksgiving each year. We take a company picture after all the food is collected. Yesterday the photo was taken and after only 4 months post-surgery, I see such a difference in myself. I know that I still have a way to go, but I couldn't believe the difference when I compared last years photo to this years. Absolutely amazing results in such a short time. Goodbye 75 lbs forever! I can not wait until next years photo!!!

Tried to attached the comparison and it didn't work, let me try again.

07/07/11 and currently down 75 lbs!!! Couldn't be happier.

This post had me thinking....I haven't worn my wedding ring in years, it just no longer fit, so I figured I would wait until I "lost weight" and then wear it again. My husband mentioned it from time to time, but he understood, resizing it would have been an admission that I was just so overweight. Yesterday, after reading this post, I went into my jewelry box to try it on, and low and behold, it is TOO BIG!!! So I still can't wear it. I was standing there in my bathroom, laughing. Even after losing 70 lbs in the last 4 months, it never even occured to me to try it on... Oh well, maybe my 100 lb prize will be a new ring that matches the new me

I was sleeved on 7/7/11 so I am right behind you. I am averaging the same number of calories that you are, around 800, and my NUT and Dr. say that it is perfect. Quantitywise they want me stay at about 1/2 cup of food until at least Christmas. I have seen slow but good results. Hope that helps. Stephanie

Background...I was sleeved on 7/7/11. My highest weight was 321 lbs, but I am guessing it was a tad higher than that before I started the 2 week liquid diet. Presurgery I was 306 lbs. Currently 264 lbs. So I have lost at least 57 lbs in about 2 1/2 months. I know I am probably on the slower end of losing weight, but I have been thrilled with the results. I am exersizing alot, I am eating well, I am fitting into clothes I haven't fit in years. It would be safe to say I am thrilled about my weight loss so far. Yesterday...I was in the car with my mom. She asked how much weight I had lost and I told her over 50 lbs. So she went on a 10 minute talk on how people on the Biggest Loser could lose 50 lbs in a few weeks and how she and my dad had been talking about why I hadn't lost more weight given the small amount I have been eating. And I'm sitting there thinking, WOW, seriously is this helpful at all. Can't you just say good job, keep up the good work. Why would you tell me that, behind my back, you and dad are basically talking about how I am failing on this journey. So I basically just said that everyone's body is different and that the Biggest Loser isn't an accurate picture of how normal people attempt to lose weight. If I had all day everyday to work out and a nutitionist and personal trainer basically living with me, and consulting with me daily then maybe it would be different, but that I have done what I can for me and I can't compare myself to others. Honestly, I have been thinking about the talk all night and since I know going back to her and ranting won't do any good, I figured I would post on this board and rant to you all... Has anyone else had an experience like this?