BrownDoesAll

Awesome!! you should be so very proud.. a new life for you

My advice.. don't relax too long. Now is the time to lose the most weight you can. Remind yourself..you don't want to get comfy where you are and look back in a few months a few years and wish you had kept the fire going. Just know this is the time to keep going. Start to think of it as a way of life.. think of what your doing as the normal. or close to the normal. Eventually when you reach goal and are in maintenance you may not have to track every thing you eat and can indulge every so often. Look forward to that.. but for now.. stay focused.. that's my two cents.. I didn't and I regret it.. Two years out and still trying to get to goal..

Amazing!! long journey but well worth it. I'm jealous , I started at 330 haven't made it in two years.. Pat your self on the back!!

My suggestion.. don't wait for them to call you. My experience, the surgeon's office is very busy and the more you take the time to follow up with them the better you'll be. I always started by saying " I hate to be a pain but... "

I am a slow loser. takes me weeks to lose a few pounds and if I'm not careful I'll gain it all right back. Question. in the past what has worked for you? I know when I increase the amount of veggies and salad my desire to snack goes down and I lose. Also.. in the past I lost lots of weight on Atkins ( gained it back ) .. so now that I've been sleeved, I eat Protein first, and very little carbs. I don't eliminate carbs, that's just too hard. But I do watch the carbs carefully. Another suggestion that has worked for others ( not me for some reason ) is to increase the amount of water. Are you getting in the recommended amount of water?

Yep, I'm sure you've had a lot to go through to get to this point a few more days will not matter. Your headed for a life long journey no need to rush. Now you have the best. Good Luck

Protein first, then Small quantities of whole grain, whole wheat pasta is not bad. If you deny something you really want, your gonna eventually feel deprived and may head down a "dark path"

Great Job! Don't relax keep focused and keep going..

Didn't have my surgery in NY but I am born and raised in Queens NY. I'm a two year vet. My word of advicd be serious, be focused and allow yourself to lose as much weight as you an in the very beginning. At some point the weight loss will slow down. In my case I missed my window and didn't lose all the weight I could in the beginning and now two years later, I'm still trying to reach my goal. Lets stay in touch, its still the best thing I've done for myself

Thanks Laura, didn't think anyone noticed I was around. ( BOO HOO) Really pissed took me 5 weeks to lose 3 pound and gained them back in a weekend. Gonna try fasting Monday ( done ) , Wednesday ( in the middle of ) and Friday to see if I can get going again. This has been my saga. Lose a few gain them back.. never going over my 255.. but never really going down.. URGH!!.. Reading the posts of all the success and close to goal gives me encouragement to keep going. I might have to start with the dreaded Exercise !!

CWJ.. I don't know much about cosmetic surgery, but I do know about surgery and I'm glad your getting good care. I'm sure you'll look even more amazing. I'm curious about the bat wing removal. If I'm not too forward, hope to see some pics when your all healed.

Chimera.. Happy Birthday!! and enjoy your trip . Having just come back from a long weekend away with the family I can testify 5:2 was not in the plan. I ate like I was on vacation ( not a good idea ). It took me 5 weeks to lose 3 pounds and I gained it all back in a weekend. I did however enjoy my trip!!.. So be careful or get ready to get right back on the horse.

Hi Ladies. I'm back from weekend in New York. Didn't fast those days in fact, right in line with everyone.. carbs, fries, NY pizza (ohh.. if you like Pizza, then NY pizza in my humble opinion is the best), cheesecake deserts. Anyway.. I'm back and found of course I gained a pound.. so fasting today. Harder then usual because I'm not at work today. but so far..mid day doing good. Start the day with protein hot chocolate, green tea later, then salad. saving for diner and evening snack. I bought Artic Zero bars.. never had them before. I'll keep my expectations low and hope they hit the spot for an evening chocolate snack. I also purchased, Dry Roasted Edammame.. Have never had those before, but I"ve read they are a good protein snack. So I'll give them a try. your also all doing so well in the 100's ( that's oneder-land right? ) I feel kinda out there with over 50 pounds to lose before I'm under 200 pounds. But I'm forging ahead. Helps to keep in touch.

I'm sure we've talked about this before, please help refresh my memory. Will water retention settle in your knees and cause knee pain? I've increased the amount of water lately and this is the first time in a very long time I"ve experienced really bad knee pain. I always walk with a good pair of shoes, they have good arch support. I wear a pedometer and my Saturday life style has me at 9000 steps easy. I've not had knee pain since my surgery in 2011.. Yesterday I was in lots of pain!!.. I think its related to water retention. Do you agree and if so what a good way to combat water retention?

Hi everyone!.. Glad to hear the blahs are going away. Coops such talent thanks for sharing. Cathy I am an IT Manager in a manufacturing company so I feel your pain. Manufacturing shutting down all over. Keep the faith. On another note, has anyone experienced nausea when waking up? I'm not sure this has anything to do with 5:2, but sort of.. Since on 5:2 my sleeve restriction is very evident. I feel fuller much faster and it is really obvious if I eat beyond full. That's a good thing, the tool is still doing its job, helps keep my portions smaller. I don't remember the morning nausea in my early sleeve days. Any thoughts? BTW since I've started I've lost about 3 pounds.. From 255 now 252 glad for that but it's taken me 5 weeks to get there. Will check in later have a great day.

I go to the movies for the popcorn.. Small popcorn that I eat in the middle of the move. When I am trying to be really good. I take two 100 calorie packs of popcorn ( 200 calories that I control). But when I'm in a gonna do it anyway mood.. small butter popcorn and add some rasinetts to the bag. Ohh.. that's the way to see a movie

YEP.. that's how I do it.. add a bit of butter.. the lemon juice, olive oil, butter and spices make a great sauce. Switch out tilapia for Salmon and do the same thing. Easy, fast and taste great.

FYE.. Your right, I try not to deprive myself, I save the final calories for a snack. Jello SF chocolate mousse one of my favorite snacks. Goal is to stop at one. I'm heading out on a quick trip to NY this weekend. My oldest son is receiving his Black Belt in Korean Martial Art Hwa Rang Do, my hubby teaches. Family trip.. driving 10 hours , then shopping ( besides eating one of my favorite things to do ). I'm not the kayaking, hiking type, but I hope you have a great time, stay safe. Ladies.. tomorrow is a new day.. hope it starts looking up for everyone.

HI.. I don't know the technical reason, and actually there is one. but if you gulp your fluid it will hurt going down, in many cases may also cause nausea. It all has something to do with the valves that open and close when you drink. This probably hasn't helped much.. except to say.. To this day if I gulp my water it is very uncomfortable

The other rule is no drinking with meals. There are lots of post on that topic. Drinking at least 10 minutes before meals and you'll feel full faster. If you eat with your meal., you will wash your food out of your stomach and experience hunger shortly thereafter.. then you'll eat more, there by adding calories and eventually stop your weight loss and even go to weight gain. Many surgeons and NUTS give varying advice bot most are consistent with following a high protein and low carb way of eating for life. Low sugar often relates to low junk food, sweets, desserts which of course will add to weight gain. Protein helps weight loss ( I forget why but I'm pretty sure it helps ). There are usually reasons for the guidelines. ONce you reach your goal weight you eating lifestyle will be what works for you. Be sure its still a healthy way of eating or you will gain weight and that is not a sleeve myth.. that is a sleeve fact. Good Luck with your journey.

Agreed call your doc. During the first 6 weeks you should be limiting to liquids and mushy. I remember getting the slimes if I ate something that was to hard for my sleeve or if I ate or drank too much at one time. Take small sips. It could however be something else. so please do call your doctor. I know you've heard this already.. but it gets better. Stay strong!! This too shall pass

Looking great!!

Jane I will keep you in my prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery

I've never heard about coconut oil. Has it been on Dr OZ? We all know he's the authority on weight loss ( LOL ). Fasted today. Since I was busy at work.. it was easy to do. I drink green tea through the day and keep working. Came home cooked chicken parm for the family. Once I started eating my plate I was full after a few bits. Its 7:30pm EST I have a whole night ahead of me, trying not to eat.. If I can hang in there.. then I've done a great fast day. Wonder if its okay to eat less than 500 calories.

Coops we all have days like that.. hope tomorrow is better for you.