Sleeve2B

Thanks for the website -- great recipes....

I been stalling out over the past 2 months. I have lost 4lbs, literally over Jan and Feb. So, I figure that if I am not loosing (large) amounts of weight then I must be loosing inches. I am working out regularly - ie running, weight lifting etc -- I try to keep my eating in control. I focus more on portion control and getting in ample amounts of Protein -- compared to calorie counting. But, last week (Friday) I wore jeans to work. I thought they were a little "big" on me -- so I went to Walmart (yes, I buy my jeans there because they are CHEAP, and the most COMFORTABLE pair of jeans I have found around the city. <side note> If you check the label and it says that they are made in Egypt; it's like having a 2nd layer of skin on. That's how "light" the jeans are..... Anyway, to my size -- I bought a size 10 -- didn't try them on (because I walked in there after my morning workout)-- took them home and tried them on -- AND THEY FIT!!! Talk about a great NSV while moving into the summer. Hopefully by end of summer I will be a 4-6!!! Yeahhh me. Also, I am now down to 178lbs. I can't tell you -- when I have EVER weight 178 in my life. I am loving my sleeve....thank you Lord Jesus for making all of this possible for me!

Hello VST family, I was in the gym yesterday preparing for my workout on the floor and a girlfriend of mines who sees me regularly said this to me: "Girlllll you are getting so fine, I am going to get you a BODYGUARD"....lol I replied -- Let me know when he is hear, so that he can do my 3hr worksouts for me...hehehehe (She replied, no silly -- to keep all of these men off of you!) At that moment, I was hit with a double whammy of a compliment. She has seen me every step of the way, and is very fit at 50 years old, weight 128 and mantaining. I appreciated her more at that moment, then thoroughout our entire friendship! Sooooo, my question is as follows: What is the best compliment have you've gotten thus far throughout your weightloss that is sticking in your mind? Please chime in...(Much love and success!)

Hi Felicity, My starting weight\size is as follows: WT 227; Size 16. Not 5.5 month later and I can fit into a size 10\ WT 178lbs

Thanks Sleeve4Me, I am shooting for that "low" single digit size...hehee

Foxbins, doesn't that just shock you? In your mind, you were probably thinking "I never considered me as a small anything"...hehehe Nice to hear someone else does; even when it takes time for "our" minds to catch up. I never phathomed that I would be a size "M" top. Could grab something off th shelf, never try it on -- and it fits when I get it home.. and I like it!!! heheheh me a "M"? Who would've thought...lol

I too am a pretty priviate person. I have told most (people I work with and at my gym), that I lost my weight with my doctors help! I gave blood; and had a diet designed specifically for me. (we is true....) There are people who are closer too me, that I have divulged all information. I say, it's a matter of choice whether you TELL or NOT TELL.

I love the stories, keep them coming. Just because we are parents and\or older, doesn't mean that we don't care how we look too...hehheheh We are making progress people!

Thank all of you for your kind words. I do appreciate the support! Single digit sizes here I come..hehehhehe

Thank you D1NOnly..... I appreciate the support. Sometimes, it's hard to get it from those around you.

OilSooner, I started eating lettuce at 2 months. I was "craving" salads. Actually, I am still having trouble with vegetables, but salads are the 1 thing I can eat! What I did was chop my lettuce in a shedder very fine like cole slaw. And, then added my ingredients on a plate. It went down EXCELLENT at 2 months. No pain what so ever! Vegetables -- I am still coming for you..hehhehehe

Calitrells, I did not have any revisions, but I do have the VSG. I got mines on 9/21/11. I have lost almost 45lbs thus far. I do have stretch marks, after having a child, but -- it really depends on the body and how you treat it. I say that because I have been exercising for over 25 years. I have been a runner for the last 17 years; and I have taken on wieght lifting (more so than normal) in the last 2 years. But since my surgery -- I was a baby walking. I literally had to start all over again and get my energy back up along with my stamina. I do a lot of arm\leg workouts to not have sagging skin (summer's coming...lol). My underarms -- at this time -- you can tell that I have lost weight, but not guess surgery. It is sagging approximately 1/2" to 1" away from my body when I lift my arms. My legs\thighs -- I have no sagging skin. I do over head arm lifts with a 20lb bar bell. This has helped alot!!! I also lift 60lb bar bells performing dead weight moves; I use the Smith Machine for squats and lunges. After my 5mile runs, I get on the thigh machines to tighten my thighs (no sagging thus far - thank God!). I had a C-Section when having my son, so I do have a kangroo pouch -- but even that has lifted and is now going away. My tummy do not sag. Actually I have a 4pack! Running helps alot! I also make sure that I am doing 3 different exercise when working on any stationary machine! It provides muscle confusion. What do I mean by that? If am work on my back -- I take 2 barbells and work them, in the mist of my rest from the stationary machine. Sooo, I either have a jump rope -- or 2 dumb bells (working arms); or bar bells doing squats, etc.... All of this also helps stop sagging skin. And, the body doesn't get long amounts of rest in between which means you are providing a constant burn. Hope all of this can be some help to you. Soooonnn....I will take pictures and post them..heheheh

Hello VST, When I first thought about having my surgery, it was about "health". First, in my mind I had to convince myself that I could do this. You know, change the diet -- stick to the plan..etc. I have gone down from 227lbs to 185 thus far. My goal...135-145lbs. When I began this journey, and read all the stories about "Who did you tell..." I knew, that I would not tell many people. I'm a private person. But, I did tell 1 of my sisters. Her comment, "Well, I know a few people who did that and though they lost weight -- they didn't loose that much." How much are you thinking about loosing? My response, it's not about the numbers, it's about my health! I had high blood pressure -- bordering on kidney failure, etc. I knew though I was althetic and have been for 20+ years, I still had to make a change. My diet was not right for the years that I was approaching. (Of course not! I was working out and still a size 16. No matter what I did -- the weight would not drop.) Sooo, bringing us to the future -- I had my surger back in Sept '11. It is now 4 months later and I am down 40+lbs and several more to go. I have went down to a size 12 in bottom and M's in tops. I recently spoke to my sister (who has lost weight the regular way and struggling to hold onto her 12's); she asked me what size was I trying to be? I told her I will maintain between 4-8. Maybe a 6 would be good to me. We'll see since I've never been a size 6 before. Her response -- you can't get that small! It's not in your family genes. I told her -- this surgery will allow me to do things I have never done before. It's not really about the clothes size, it's about the weight loss! I am RUNNING AWAY from my high blood pressure and issues with a fast vengence! Soooo whatever size I end up -- I will be. I have all the confidence in the world that it will happen-- so I know that I will get\be smaller. I mean really - Its' only been 4 months for me. I go home in April of this year, and can't wait for her to see my changes! Yesterday, when I walked in my gym I had someone tell me "Don't lose too much weight -- you are starting to get skinny"...lol Talk about great feeling! (Excuse the long letter..lol), but I must ask -- What has someone said\or did to you, where you've had to prove them wrong?

Wow! Julie, that is amazing. I too had someone ask me if I were sick; is everything OK...lol. all because of my weight loss. Not congrats, or Noyce look good, etc. Amazing what jealousy can do to a person. Now I am sure many are waiting for us to gain it back...lolol NEVER!

Ladies please keep the stories coming. They are all very helpful, and keeps me focused and on track.

Cheri, Thank you so much for your input. It is encouraging indeed.

Hello VST, When I first thought about having my surgery, it was about "health". First, in my mind I had to convince myself that I could do this. You know, change the diet -- stick to the plan..etc. I have gone down from 227lbs to 185 thus far. My goal...135-145lbs. When I began this journey, and read all the stories about "Who did you tell..." I knew, that I would not tell many people. I'm a private person. But, I did tell 1 of my sisters. Her comment, "Well, I know a few people who did that and though they lost weight -- they didn't loose that much." How much are you thinking about loosing? My response, it's not about the numbers, it's about my health! I had high blood pressure -- bordering on kidney failure, etc. I knew though I was althetic and have been for 20+ years, I still had to make a change. My diet was not right for the years that I was approaching. (Of course not! I was working out and still a size 16. No matter what I did -- the weight would not drop.) Sooo, bringing us to the future -- I had my surger back in Sept '11. It is now 4 months later and I am down 40+lbs and several more to go. I have went down to a size 12 in bottom and M's in tops. I recently spoke to my sister (who has lost weight the regular way and struggling to hold onto her 12's); she asked me what size was I trying to be? I told her I will maintain between 4-8. Maybe a 6 would be good to me. We'll see since I've never been a size 6 before. Her response -- you can't get that small! It's not in your family genes. I told her -- this surgery will allow me to do things I have never done before. It's not really about the clothes size, it's about the weight loss! I am RUNNING AWAY from my high blood pressure and issues with a fast vengence! Soooo whatever size I end up -- I will be. I have all the confidence in the world that it will happen-- so I know that I will get\be smaller. I mean really - Its' only been 4 months for me. I go home in April of this year, and can't wait for her to see my changes! Yesterday, when I walked in my gym I had someone tell me "Don't lose too much weight -- you are starting to get skinny"...lol Talk about great feeling! (Excuse the long letter..lol), but I must ask -- What has someone said\or did to you, where you've had to prove them wrong?

MeginNola, That is fantastic! I know what it's like to see 100 ANYTHING having being fat for so very long. Girl, did you do your victory dance? It is a victory just to know that you are now officially on your way "down" to where you want to be! I stay, step out of the shade...into the sun...and do your dance! You've earned it.

My sleeve loves loves loves tuna in water\with salad. That is my #1 meal. It's liking caramel popcorn. It hates - candy\dense sweets\yogurt\anything that will settle into my stomach before passing through. 2nd Love - Exercise and me

Hello Cooper3600, I am sure many people will chime in on this once they are back from their vacations...lol (Holidays - Y'know) For me, I went to Mexicali, MX by myself. I saw Dr. Rodriguez. He and his staff are fantastic at their job. I too was slightly worried only because when you speak to local people around you -- you find that you get all negative input about Mexico. But, honestly I think those are people who have never been. Like any city there is good\bad! I stepped out on faith. I told myself how much I "needed" this surgery. No matter what diet I tried, I only lost inches or a couple of lbs here\there. Or, the weight just wouldn't come off. I wanted a better life, and better health! This surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made for my life! I was extremely surprised at how "nice" there people were in that portion of Mexico. And how accommidating there were to my needs. Heck, to be honest I was tired of seeing the staff..lol There was someone in my room every 30mins to the hour for 3 days! My ride\stay was literally 10mins from the airport. All I can tell you is pray on the situation. Once it is over, you will probably tell yourself that you were extra excited for no reason -- but thankful that the surgery\travel is over. Good Luck to you! Sleeve2B

Congrats! On your new shopping experience. I myself have become a "Shop-A-Holic". I keep trying to clothes to see if I am getting smaller, and smaller and smaller. It truly can put a :biggrin5: on your face and boost your self esteem!

Hello VST Fam.... I am now leading into my 9th week (yeahhhhh...I'm getting there). Anyway, like everyone else was stating on here, I reached the dreaded 3 weeks stall. My stall lasted for 5 weeks...yikes! But it's true. I tried everything to break my stall, ie. working out more, getting in more Water, getting in more portein, etc. Then, one morning after my workout I stopped in a Krogers. I was craving.....FOR CARBS! So, I bought some Kroger brand French Toast. It has like 16grams of Protein. Only like...230 calories for 2 slices. Still being knew, I didn't know if my tummy could handle bread, but I was willing to try. Sooo, I went home and fixed me 1 slice of toast and 2 slices of turkey bacon. I had plenty of water after I had finished. Showered, got dressed and went on about my day -- monitoring the affects of the bread on my tummy. No side affects, great! Sooo, the next day I did the same thing. By day 3 -- I had dropped 5lbs after a 5 week stall!!! 7lbs in that today week. I had finally broke my stall, and lead myself into ONDERLAND!!! If you are further out (beyond 1month), and you have reached a stall --reintroducing a carb might be the trick. I have literally put carbs back into my diet. I have been exercising like crazy, and wanted to see some results. My body was going into starvation mode! I was loosing inches (and I have created a topic on this.. ), but not loosing lbs.. I personally, needed the lbs. *Note: Someone said to me, lbs are not that important! I informed her, when you are like myself and have high blood pressure, or other ailgments that you might be dealing with -- and you go to your PCP, your doctor doesn't say "Come over here and let me measure you. No! They say, please step on the scale". Soooo, in this case -- lbs are VERY IMPORTANT! Especially, if I ever plan to get off my medicine, permanently. -------------------- Ok enough said! Please, feel free to share your "Stall Breakers". Please tell how long you have stalled and what worked for you to get the scale moving again!!! (Congrats to all of you on all your accomplishments with VSG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Hello Shellnsons, Yes! I dropped pants size. I am now 1 size smaller and leading into an even smaller size. Trust me, when I say I've been doing more than my fair share of shopping...hehehhe FYI - I started at 227 and am now 195lbs. I have now officially hit "Onderland"

Hello VST Family, For me, I have gotten lucky! I am now 8 weeks out, and my scale is moving again. (yeahh as of this mornning I am 200.0 flat!) Kool, huh? Anyway, I don't want to sabotage my scale numbers and I have gotten lucky. My family is sick and tired of the traditional "holiday foods". My son came to me and asked me NOT to cook the traditional turkey\ham and fixings. Instead, he wants .........LASAGNA. (Yeahhhh me! Easy food. :smile1: Sooooo, I will be making a Lasagna for him and meatloaf and veggies for me! I will also be cooking a Peach Cobbler for him. Also.....I have to work that day, which means there is no room for me to put on the lbs. Soooo, I was thinking - "How are you going to keep the lbs off over Thanksgiving?" P.S. No licking the deserts if you are fresh out of the gate; it will only make you sick....hehhhe

Yeahhhhh the lbs are dropping, but so is your clothes size. Care to share how you are dealing with this? I find myself stopping in Goodwill, online discounts, and unexpensive clothing stores on a regular basis. I must admit, that I am only 7 weeks out, and 1 size smaller -- but I'm loving my new size. CLOTHES, CLOTHES AND MORE CLOTHES!!! I need them, because nothing is fitting. Though I am cautious to not buy too many outfits, because my goal size is a 6-8, and right now I am in a 14 -- but I am still loving the size. How are you holding on to the new you??? Shopping are we?????