Spirit Fire

Checking in with those sleeved in March/April 2012. I have had a relatively smooth trip down this path, but am faced with a 2 month stall. Not stressed about it, as I can feel my body redistributing itself, but I would love to see the scale move a few ounces at least. Start Weight: 298 Surgery Weight: 248 Current Weight: 188 Goal Weight: 148

Just checking in. How is everyone doing at or near the one year mark from surgery? Overall, I feel great. I've lost 115 lbs and still have 35 to go. Dropped from a size 28 to a size 12-14 I've had MANY plateaus and stalls with some passing feelings of failure/frustration because I'm not at goal today -- the one year mark. I, however, feel GREAT and am so grateful I did the surgery and attitude adjustment. Summary: Sticking to the low carb/high Protein way of eating; typically eat 1000-1100 calories a day; 90 grams of protein; less than 40 grams of carbs; drink my required 70+ oz of liquids (tea and coffee primarily) and take my daily Vitamins. BM's (my most difficult challenge) have finally normalized in the last 3 months so this makes me happy. I've continued to log my food daily on my phone/pc app I've continued to keep my walking up, however the weather has kept me from doing my 5 miles during the winter months -- I am back to my routine now that the So Cal weather is nice again. I am trying new recipes -- at least two new ones a week which has been tasty and fun. This hasn't been what I would call difficult, but I have to do a lot of self-talk to keep on track. I jump on this site to remind myself what is so the 'support' is valuable. I go on Pinterest and pin a number of healthy recipes and fitness images which is surprisingly helpful. Anyone who thinks this is easy or a simple way is fooling themselves -- I have had less struggles and health issues than many and my motivation is high, but I certainly think about eating my comfort foods (mac & cheese, french fries,etc.) I haven't, however, had a single day when I have blown it. What have you found to stay on track? What are your coping mechanisms? What isn't working? How do you break plateaus? Thanks for being there! Deann

I just tell them I'm at a plateau and will start losing again when the plateau breaks. I know some successful people who stalled for 2-3 weeks while other successful people had 9-month plateaus. It is different for everyone. For me, from the very beginning, I've been up-front and honest with myself and others. I've been on a very slow crawl ever since September, but seem to have NSVs often so my body is changing and the way people see me is changing even when the scale doesn't reflect these changes.

Just checking in. How is everyone doing at or near the one year mark from surgery? I've lost 115 lbs and still have 35 to go. Dropped from a size 28 to a size 12-14 I've had MANY plateaus and stalls with some passing feelings of failure/frustration because I won't be at goal by the one year mark. Sticking to the low carb/high Protein way of eating; typically eat 1000-1100 calories a day; 90 grams of protein; less than 40 grams of carbs; drink my required 70+ oz of liquids (tea and coffee primarily) and take my Vitamins. BM's (my most difficult challenge) have finally normalized in the last 3 months so this makes me happy. I've continued to log my food daily on my phone/pc app I've continued to keep my walking up, however the weather has kept me from doing my 5 miles a day recently-- I need to get back in the routine now that the weather is changing. I am trying new recipes -- at least two new ones a week which has been tasty and fun. Overall, I feel great. This hasn't been what I would call difficult, but I have to do a lot of self-talk to keep on track. I jump on this site to remind myself what is so the 'support' is valuable. I go on Pinterest and pin a number of healthy recipes and fitness images which is surprisingly helpful. Anyone who thinks this is easy or a simple way is fooling themselves -- I have had less struggles and health issues than many and my motivation is high, but I certainly think about eating my comfort foods (mac & cheese, french fries,etc.) I haven't, however, had a single day when I have blown it. What have you found to stay on track? What are your coping mechanisms? What isn't working? Thanks for being there! Deann

I assumed I would have mine at St. Joseph's since my primary care doctor is in Anaheim and I live in Fullerton, but my insurance (Blue Shield of CA) referred me to Dr. Takahashi in Torrance. She was wonderful, and the hospital is a Center of Excellence, but I have always been a fan of St. Jo's.

[quote name=Lisa ' timestamp='1356287407' post='605103] Unfortunately, psoriasis is a life long condition (I hate to call it a disease). I can actually tolerate it on my arms and legs....it's my scalp that just drives me nuts!!! When it's not under control I feel like I'm snowing all over....and I live in Southern CA!!!! I've finally found a combo that works well!!!....clobetasol/zinc spray (it's a compound) and Tarsum shampoo. I only use the spray a couple of times a week to keep myself clear and the Tarsum is a full strength coal tar shampoo that you apply about an hour before showering. It can be purchased for about $25 on Amazon. I only use it every other time I wash my hair. Thank you for the suggestions of clobetasol/zinc spray and Tarsum shampoo. I just ordered them and look forward to some relief. Thank you!

Sorry, but my psoriasis (scalp, back, legs) has not really gotten any better.

I enjoy finding more Pinterest buddies who have insights on the "sleeve".

1. Corn dogs 2. French fries 3. Cheetos 4. Nachos 5. Triple dipper from Chili's with Southwestern Eggrolls, Artichoke Dip and Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers 6. Mac and Cheese 7. Fettucini Alfredo 8. Tacos with fried tortillas 9. Bread, bread, bread 10. Scones

I pinned a few of your pins . . . Thanks! http://pinterest.com/spiritfiregirl/yummies-low-carb-low-fat-low-cal-and-skinny/ http://pinterest.com/spiritfiregirl/wls/

I had surgery on 3/21/2012 and, as of today, I am down 110 lbs. However, I haven't really lost any weight in the last 7 weeks. I have about 40 more to lose and am trying to keep myself from being frustrated. I still log all my food each and every day on FatSecret.com and keep to a 900-1000 calories a day with 80+ grams of protein and no more than 40 carbs. I drink my water and walk about 3 miles a day. Any suggestions or confirmation that this is normal? Thanks! Deann

I had surgery on 3/21/2012 and, as of today, I am down 110 lbs. However, I haven't really lost any weight in the last 7 weeks. I have about 40 more to lose and am trying to keep myself from being frustrated. I still log all my food each and every day on FatSecret.com and keep to a 900-1000 calories a day with 80+ grams of Protein and no more than 40 carbs. I drink my Water and walk about 3 miles a day. Any suggestions or confirmation that this is normal? Thanks! Deann

I hadn't planned on wearing "real" pants for another month or so, but today in Southern California is rainy with lightening and a bit chilly. Wearing my "summer" capri pull-on pants just didn't fit the bill nor do they pair well with my boots. So, I took a deep breath and walked to the section of the closet reserved for when I reach my 120 lb mark (I'm at about 105 lb loss right now). I put on the size 14 pants with a zipper and side pockets . . . AND THEY FIT! Yep, my name is Deann and I wear a size 14 pant! Down from a size 28! Just needed to share with people who "get it"! Thank you for being my support team!

I was sleeved on March 21, 2012. I lost 50 lbs pre-op and have lost 56 post-op. I lost about 8-10 lbs a month pre Onederland and am losing about 4-5 lbs a month post-Onderland. I also have about 40 lbs to go. Does it seem slow -- yes. Does it feel amazing to see 197 lbs for the last time, and then 195 lbs for the last time, and on and on and on . .. YES! Did it amaze me this morning when I put on a size 14 pants instead of the size 28's that I wore last year . . . YESSSSS! It takes self-talk through this whole process and I remind myself daily that it is coming off slow, but it is coming off. I never consider myself being bad or feeling guilty if i eat something that isn't protein or nutrient rich, I just enjoy it and get right back on track, again with tremendous internal conversations. I am so grateful for this tool, and it is not happening exactly as I had imagined, but WOOT WOOT 2012 has been so much better and healthier than 2011.

Congratulations!!!! Enjoy!!!

I did my first 5K on Saturday! It was a 5K Beer Fest in Anaheim, CA. I finished my 5K walk in 45 minutes, but could have been faster if I hadn't stopped to smile at and thank everyone that was cheering us on and clapping for us along the route. What a great feeling! Six months ago this was not in my realm of possibility, but I did it. I most enjoyed doing it with friends from work who have supported me and encouraged me throughout this journey. Since I don't enjoy beer, I left soon after the event, but the rest of my team stayed and had a great time tasting all the beers.

Fullerton, CA