CowgirlJane

I am struggling too, but I have to say "no way" on the statement that it is just like presleeve. I am fighting with the 160s when I would rather be 150 (or a dream in the 140s) ... presleeve this fight would be happening in the 275-300 range and regains would be huge, not 10 or 15. I have to assume it is similar for all of us. I remain grateful for my sleeve! In my case, I am having too much fun and not focusing enough on clean eating and working out and tolerating some hunger... sigh

I get your point, I really do, but I don't take it all quite as negatively. People who ask about me genuinely care and are concerned.

It's true..I went away for a spa weekend with a girlfriend starting today and he said "what am I going to do without you for 3 days?" I am really happy

I don't know why, but over the last month or so, it seems like the duplicate posts have just exploded. sometimes when i log in, and the banner on the right of "recent posts" has half a dozen or more of the same post over and over. Sometimes they are exactly the same and sometimes they are not but I suspect most are due to technical hiccups... perhaps people posting from their phones? Anyway, that is my rant.

I have seen a couple of people write that their surgeons prescribed appetite suppressants down the road. I am 4.5 years out and my appetite is out of control at the moment. In the past I have always been able to rein it in by eating low carb, but I can't seem to do that and I don't know why. I am still hanging out at goal, but I am eating so much it is starting to worry me. I am curious to hear from any of you who have used appetite control drugs post op and if they help you get back on track.

The best metabolism boost for me is to just keep moving. Go to the gym but ALSO walk, run, play, ride...it is so hard when you have a desk job! Also, certain types of working out are much better metabolism boosters. High intensity/shorter duration seems to help me. My biggest problem is my appetite is way up. I am trying the ppi (finally!) and recognize that part of this is that I spend so much time with Michael that my normal eating routine is disrupted!

My PCP won't prescribe anything because I am not overweight. He advised I go back on wellbutrin, but my hunger 're-emerged while on it. Sent from my KFJWI using the BariatricPal App

I used to eat this pretty regularly during my losing phase - chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or with sliced tomatoes. I had a great healthy recipe but can't find it. I have made it from memory - not likely remembering it all! - chicken (cans from costco surprisingly good) - Greek yogurt, plain - diced apple - curry powder which gives it a slight yellowish look but adds to flavor Do you have a good and healthy version you like? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using BariatricPal

You took a great first step which is recognizing that it needs to STOP and reaching out for some support. I am several years post op and maintaining in the ballpark of my goal weight. One of the mantras i use is "don't let 8# turn into 80 or 180 pounds!" (or fill in your own numbers - ha!) In the past i had all or nothing thinking. Like a tiny regain would be an excuse to say "I always fail, why bother" and i would stop weighing and stop taking care of myself and pretty soon i would gain back everything with a few more pounds thrown in for fun. Now, I see this in a much more healthy way - NORMAL people gain a few pounds and they say to themselves "I better tighten up a little and work these few off" In maintenance we need to learn to think/behave in a more ratonal way like that. 8# isn't the end of success, it is just something that needs to be addressed before it turns into more.

You have a great attitude. Looks like you have lost 120#; on a 5' tall woman - well you are probably about half your former size! I am taller, so my 150# loss is about half MY former size and so we both "get" how incredible that is. I did the soul searching and asked myself if I was willing to risk reflux, a lifetime of PPI meds. I didn't like that possibility, but I recognized that saving my LIFE was worth the risk. So far I have won the GERD lottery and dont have a problem. I am 4.5 years post op, but I know that GERD can show up anytime. I did have a "bigger" sleeve than many because at the time my surgeon thought that reduced the risk of out of control reflux but I don't know if that is still a valid theory. Anyway, I believe you will be successful over the long haul because your mindset about this; in spite of the very nasty reflux is so positive!

This is hilarous - thanks for the link! Todd talks.... "coffee cures cancer!" You know iI have been waiting for this great news! "Todd talks.. because science doesn't need to be an exact science"

I followed the food plan diligently but I am at goal and nearly 5 years post sleeve so I eat pretty much anything but in controlled portions and frequency. I eat bbq, sushi etc Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

@@Kimmey16 I am so sorry... this must be very stressful. Try to not let it derail you and know you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby after your weight is healthy. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

@@OKCPirate I am sorry you have the blues and I think wellbutrin is a terrific med once you get past the start up. I started wellbutrin last summer; my anxiety was up and all these health issues were unpleasant. ..things just stacked up. I never got past the 150mg dose (typical is 300-450 per day) due to the side effects but it still helped. Sunny days, horse back riding and a fun boyfriend and a bunch of new friends (his circle ) have all left me feeling great so I am weaning myself off the wellbutrin new. If I notice not feeling good, I'll go back on... I hope this helps people as much as it did me! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

Dont be discouraged. i spent a LIFETIME of being obese or overweight and for the first time ever I CAN maintain. It isnt easy, yes your hunger returns but it went from impossible to living the dream!

I am only an expert on my own experience - but I never foamed and I am nearly 5 years post op. i vomited a handful of times post sleeve - all for the same reason - wolfing down food! Follow your plan, eat small quantities of healthy food, eat consciously and chew well, take your PPI as long as needed and hopefully you will have the same experience that most of us do. I am only an expert on my own experience - but I never foamed and I am nearly 5 years post op. i vomited a handful of times post sleeve - all for the same reason - wolfing down food! Follow your plan, eat small quantities of healthy food, eat consciously and chew well, take your PPI as long as needed and hopefully you will have the same experience that most of us do.

I am skeptical of psychological evaluation because of my own experience. Some mention how bad NUTS are and I am biased toward how bad most psychologists are. I was seeing this lady who was an expert in eating disorders and weight iasues. I pour out my life story , every painful detail of my childhood and she came to the conclusion that I was withholding because I was too " at peace " with these things to weigh 300#. She had no concept of the obesity disease process. I was 300# because I had been overweight for many decades and at some point. .being fat is the reason you remain fat. That was the most useless counselor I ever encountered. She did write my evaluation even though she was rabidly anti WLS. She was asked to address a few simple questions - was I capable of understanding and following instructions and did I have realistic expectations. She could not deny that I met those criteria. In my view, I was a miserable hot mess; but I had determination on my side. My basic thought about the article is people need to take some personal responsibility. Blaming a life saving surgery for your poor mental health is ridiculous. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

I am doing great now thank you. I talked to M last night and he gave good advice..niece not so important and is the real issue my son not being comfortable with me having someone truly becoming part of my life? He was very supportive and apologetic if he said anything but he really was on good behavior (no politics ) so I really don't know what was so offensive. My son and I cleared the air; no problem. I still haven't called my niece. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

I hosted a fun bbq on Saturday. I invited friends, my boyfriend invited friends, my grown sons invited friends and I invited a niece and her husband that live nearby. What is the significance of this? I have been single several years and have never included a man I am dating in a big social event like this much less open my home and my "people" to his social circle. I am (overly) self protective of my little world and I am consciously trying to be more open. So people hit it off - 2 of my pals became like instant buddies with 2 of his pals. There was alot of joking and playing games and bantering about.. People stayed late and I got several calls about what a fun and lively group it was - I had a blast. Ok, so yesterday one of my sons asks me if I talked to my niece, which I had not. He told me they left all pissed off, but I didn't notice as it was a big group and I was hostessing. I also had a few glasses of wine so I was a little bit buzzed, the music was very loud sort of thing. Well apparently my boyfriend really pissed them off. My son repeated some of the offensive dialog...and it wasn't offensive. It was a head scratcher,but it was very clear my son was also mad #1 at me for being buzzed and #2 at my boyfriend for his remarks and perhaps he just doesn't like him. You should note that I was in bed by 11, but the youngsters stayed up all night partying so putting this in context - I was not the party animal here. I have a small farm so my boys' friends either camp on the living room floor or in my yard if they drink. I am generous with them and always cook breakfast the next day etc., those young people are familiar with my home and its never been an issue. My son did tell me he had a very good time overall though, but my niece and her husband did not/left angry. I thanked him for telling me because open communication is important. I really listened because sometimes people can't directly tell you things ...but I still could not understand why they are so offended. Like nothing my son repeated back to me was rude or insulting. (A story was told that mentioned people in Virginia telling my boyfriend he was crazy to move back to the wild west with redneck horseback riders. My friends and I are horseback riders and we weren't offended, it was a light hearted story, so I can't imagine why my niece would be upset by this) I will call my niece when I am feeling less defensive. My theory is the real issue is differing political views, but I didn't hear anyone going to that subject. My boyfriend is a political right winger and as a lawyer very good at making his case. I don't share his views and most of his friends don't either - but just because doesn't share your politics, is that offensive? Or maybe the real issue is that the role I have always played in my family is overacheiever, smart but not particularly joyous, works all the time, mom-type person...and seeing me cutting loose with friends was the real underlying issue? I don't know. Anyway, I feel sort of...deflated. after taking this chance and bringing together different pieces of my world, thinking it went great only to find someone felt so upset. I am a"fixer" by nature and it's awful to think that nice people are upset...when it was supposed to be fun and light hearted event. I know it shouldn't bother me so much but it has. My initial internal reaction is to think "well last time I try THAT", but until this came up I was looking forward to hosting many more. This post isn't really about the other people it is about my own emotional state. I hate it that I can be on cloud 9 and then something like this comes to my attention and I don't feel good. I take it too hard. Back when I was obese I think I used food and obesity to mask and even out these emotions. I have come a long way, but still learning how to be more tolerant of "feeling bad" and experiencing these ups and downs without it making me think differently. Last night I really wanted to talk about this all but glad I didn't because even the next day I feel that self defensive, negative emotional state and I might say something hurtful...which going back to the beginning....is the last thing I want. Sent from my KFJWI using the BariatricPal App

I do not intend to sound snarky...my comments are genuine. Your surgery was less than a year ago. 3-4 years from now you will very likely be able to imagine regain. The first say 6-18 months truly are the honeymoon period. I would say it was about 3 years post op when I realized that I could eat more, I was hungry more and frankly..just wanted to eat more! It seems crazy when you are in your first few years post op, but I am quite confident I could find those lost 150# without too much difficulty, unfortunately. I had a friend say something like"since you have maintained so long, you won't regain" -that is dangerous thinking for me. I dont fret but I am diligent, like that diabetic that has the disease in remission...I know obesity can"strike" me again.

@@Georgia you and I are in the same boat - I am floating between 160-163 and I would really rather be in the 140s but will take 155!!! Michael told me he gained like 3 pounds since we met... and it must be my fault. ha. I think we have the contented thing going on... They thing about the anemia and RNY - sometimes sleevers report weird stuff too. I don't really get it, why some people develop these imbalances. The evidence does seem to be there that the risk increases when you are many years out - so everyone here should keep getting annual bloodwork! Denise, feeling any better?

I hit goal in Feb 2013 after losing 150# (surgery was Dec 2011) I was morbidly obese or overweight most of my life. This morning I am 4# over goal...I have to work at this pretty constantly. I am very active and avoid fast food and crappy food generally but I do indulge too. So, here is the scoop. The surgery is still there as a tool even years later BUT it's probably 80-90percent on YOU at that point. Given the decades of obesity, it's no wonder my body is always"wanting" to regain. I am ever diligent that my 4# over doesn't turn into 40 or 140....right? I stay ON IT. I view obesity as a disease that I have in remission but will never be cured of. I have a level of determination that is sharee by quite a few die hards on these forums and frankly that FOCUS is one of the reasons I am still here on BP. I can't ever forget that I am not just a normal trim woman. I am someone who can easily regain. It is also one of the reasons I got skin removal...it is like tossing those 3X sweatpants cuz I ain't EVER going there again.

Well, last night I didn't overeat which was awesome. My day is off to a good start. I don't know what the heck is wrong with me - but I am on a carb craving cycle right now!

DS is well known for causing strong smelling BMs and requiring alot of Vitamins. If this is the right surgery for you, I think you should talk to others who have had it about it. There is a very active DS forum on obesity help. There is a product called poo pouri that is supposed to work miracles at reducing the smell. don't be scared of vitamins, that becomes routine over time. It's normal to be absolutely terrified of bariatric surgery and I think it is probably ok - it means you are taking this seriously!

@@MinaDina I am a very social person and like to be surrounded by friends and energy.... and yet sleeve post op in 2011, I pretty much wanted to be alone. In January of this year I had to do a plastic surgery related "revision" and went alone. I sometimes got bored, but was surprised that I didn't really get lonely. I had a couple of emergency room trips this year (don't ask!) and also found that I really didn't want my grown kids around me - I was in a lot of pain and feeling like I needed to mask it for other people was stressful. So, there are some benefits of doing this solo! You might find that you do okay... and it seems to me you have pretty much ruled out the obvious suggestions (support group, or meeting people via Facebook or meetups etc).