4ALongerLife

I am currently "addicted" to Wyler's SF Cherry Limeade add ins (the little sleeves like crystal light) for Water. I buy them at Family Dollar. That flavor and the Wyler's SF strawberry Lemondae are awesome! My prevous fav was SF Cherry Pomegrante by Crystal Light. I've not done the cucumbers and stuff in water yet. I know years ago at weight watchers, a leader suggested freezing fruit in ice cube trays and add a few to your water each day. It's another refreshing treat. And anything to help me get in my water (I just hate it plain in honesty!). Best of luck!

I'm a big proponent of exercising, always was. I have been working out (on a consistent basis) for the past 10 or 12 years. Yes, even at my biggest. Go figure. I remember whenever I started the elliptical, I could not do 3 minutes without being winded. I thought I would never get through it. Now fast forward to today, I do 60 mins on the ellpitical 3 days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) and then I do the stair master the other days (Tues, Thurs, Sat) with Sundays off. The point is... DO work your way up. Any one CAN do this. And please, do NOT be "scared" of the gym. Yeah it can be a bunch of meat heads, or there are some rather nice people there, depends on your decided perception. But I can tell you, for the most part, no one pays any attention to what I'm doing, what I look like or anything like that. And the point is, I don't care who does (not anymore). As Nike's slogan says, JUST DO IT! I went back to exercising as soon as possible after surgery (but mind you, at 254 in feb I was doing 4-5 miles a day on the elliptical or the treadmill). I believe that everyone should do SOMETHING every day. If you eat, you should exercise, even if only 10 minutes at a time - try doing it 3 times a day for 10 minutes. I started a support group that meets weekly and the psychiatrist/health behaviorist that leads the group told us that to lose weight, you have to do 60 to 90 minutes of cardio and if you wish to maintain, it's 30 to 45 minutes of cardio, I believe. So I've slacked on weights due to this and am focusing on that 60 to 90 as I'm working on cardio endurance now. Even with all of my years working out, this task was daunting, I totally admit it. But slowly, increasing my workouts by 7 minutes for a week, 10 minutes the next, 15 the next... I'm finally at 60 minutes. Mind you, I totally admit that my brain is SCREAMING at me on the stair monster days (happens about 20 or so minutes into a 45+ mintue routine on the thing)..... but... I AM doing it.... I just tell myself "do 2 more minutes" then I get there and say "ok 30 seconds more" and I make it a mind game or a challenge to myself. KNOW this - if I can do it, YOU can too. It's just a decision to make, it's believing in yourself, making small goals & being consistent. Oh and have a trusty mp3. Music is my motivator as well! Best luck to everyone! And thanks for your posts. I always learn something here. xx

Hey Dee and all! I am not 85 or so lbs. down. I am currently on a 5 lb slide up and down depending on time of the day that I weigh. Trying to figure out how to continue my weight loss. Sometimes, I get discouraged in that ppl that have lost as much weight are smaller sizes than me (same height, but grr they are smaller) but instead I try to focus on my progress and not theirs. I weigh approximately 170 (167 on a good time of the day, 171 at the end of the day sometimes) and hope to get to at least 150. I'm a size 12 now, the smallest I've ever been, but some 10s are fitting. I hope to get to an 8, but that just feels "crazy." I have cleaned out my closets (15.5 hefty bags of clothes) and have been scared to 'chunk' them over to goodwill, but hubby did it last night. I am working out an hour at a time, trying to increase my cardio to even more to get further burn and increase my weight loss. I am 5 months out (hoping to beat the last 20 lbs off before the 6 month mark as I have heard that's a stall time). And yes, I DO love my sleeve. Through all of the complications experienced, I have never been this small and it blows my mind. THIS time (I pray) IS different. Scared I will fall into old habits at times, but hopeful that I am making better habits now that will overcome them. Hope you guys are doing wonderfully!

Yes ma'am, actually I have been going for a while, but thank you for telling me! IDK if I can make the support group tomorrow night for all but I'll be there this thursday (I usually have my hair in a french braid and no makeup - I was sitting by the door this past thursday, white shirt/green shorts... I think you had a black top on, right?). Hope to see you! Thanks again for the info... and love the thread. I hadn't thought about RNYs vs VSGs and regain.

I love Dr. Ashmore! And I love the way you've decided to look at it. 80% ARE successful. Is that the decision you make every single day? I too worry about maintenance, but I'm working on how to address my triggers and how to solidify successful behaviors. I WANT to be that 80% so I am going to be, dang it! (Praying as well, you know, just in case he he... hey it can't hurt!)

I've never used frozen cauliflower. I would guess it'd work too (would it be "mushier" or more "wet" tho, IDK).

Ok guys, I miss pizza. So I've been trying different things to have a good one. This one, we made yesterday, and it was PRETTY DURN good. So thought I'd share. cheese (or try another kind!) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic (or fresh garlic) 1/2 teaspoon onion salt TOPPINGS: 1/2 cup tomato-basil marinara sauce (or pizza sauce) 1/2 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese 3 slices Canadian bacon, cut into strips 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits Directions: 1. Shred the cauliflower into small crumbles. You can use the food processor if you'd like, but you just want crumbles, not puree. You'll need a total of about 2 cups or so of cauliflower crumbles (which is about half a large head of cauliflower. Place the cauliflower crumbles in a large bowl and microwave them (dry) for 8 minutes (see Tips below if you do not have a microwave). Give the cauliflower a chance to cool. 2. Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet or pizza pan with nonstick spray (or use a nonstick surface). In a medium bowl, mix the cauliflower crumbles (about 1 1/2 cups since they shrink after cooking) with the remaining crust ingredients. Pat the "crust" into a 9 to 12-inch round on the prepared pan. Spray the crust lightly with nonstick spray and bake for 15 minutes (or until golden). Remove the crust from the oven and turn the heat up to broil. 3. Prepare the pizza: Spread the sauce on top of the baked crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese on top. Add the bacon and pineapple, spreading it out around the pizza. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Broil the pizza 3 to 4 minutes, or until the toppings are hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into 6 slices and serve immediately. chicken, green onions and smoked gouda *This pizza is best served on a plate with a fork.

I'm so sorry to read this. I am glad to know it's not a leak, but hope that your physician can prescribe something that will work to provide relief if the OTC's don't do it for you.

oh it's baked ricotta.... here's the recipe: Shelly's Baked Ricotta 8 oz of Ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1 large Egg, beaten 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning salt & pepper to taste 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly. I usually made it first in the oven and heated the leftovers in the microwave

I had a leak. I don't know that you have one or not, but I agree ENTIRELY with GO TO THE E.R. Better to take care than not to. GO GO GO ok?

I still incorporate SOME veggies and even fruit into my diet. Heck you gotta "keep things moving" you know what I mean! OH and Joy - I also did miso Soup (I love it from a certain restaurant) ... it was supposed to be high in Protein. I'd have to look it up to know for sure, but if you get bored, that's another one to try. Also go to the world according to eggface and look in her recipes. She has one for ... oh what is it.... no bake lasagna or something. It's tomato sauce and ricotta I believe. I know those soft phases and such can be boring, but it won't last that long. I swear!

Hey Lacie, Your post resonated with me. I currently am at 169.5 (woo hoo), the smallest EVER. But girl, shoot I wish I was a size 8. You rock! My highest was 254 lbs, I was sleeved 5 months ago on 8/5. I went to see a psychiatrist recently as he has a bariatric support group. He asked me this question "if I had a magic wand and could wave it over you... what would it do?" Like what's your heart's wish or wishes? Mine had nothing more to do with weight. The heart's desire can't be met from weight or losing it, it doesn't entirely equate happiness. The point? Yeah I want to get to 150 but if I live where I'm at, honestly? I'm ok with it. I am a size 12 now and that's the smallest I've ever been (ok personal goal still would be to get to my "dream" size of an 8, but do I think I'll live there? no... but.... IDK). The point of my rambling post is this - are you happy? If so, then revel in it and enjoy it. If you want to lose 10 more lbs., do so. But don't hang onto the scale like before. Yes, be mindful, keep good habits (i.e. Water, Protein, logging your food, weighing once a week, exercising, finding new recipes, challenging yourself physically, etc) but just enjoy LIVING life. You look fabulous! Best to you! ps and btw, I've lost 85 lbs. and am "only" at a size 12. To some, I'm sure that's "still" too big, but whatever. It's not about them.

YESSSS! Thank you - that's it... TVP! Grr I bought some after surgery and tried it once. I figure it's going to be getting cooler soon, I'll be busting it out again to try (although I still say get your Protein sources from real protein: fish, chicken, shrimp, etc). TY GLSUN! Pardon my alzheimers....

Sweetie, all of the sudden, you ARE going to have huge dramatic weight losses. Don't rush it. Learn in the meantime so that the drama of such a loss remains to stay with you forever. Or at least that's my take on this journey. Good luck!

I am almost 5 months out (I was sleeved 3/5/12) and I'm trying to keep my caloric intake between 700-900, although I am not strict. Some days I do 500 (rare but it does happen), most days it's 700-800. I work out 6 days a week, usually burning 350 calories minimally but more like 600-700. You are welcome to friend me on myfitnesspal and see what I do, I do publish my journals (although I use the disclaimer now to say I am not perfect. I do sneak in my chocolate or whatnots here and there... hey I'm sleeved, not dead ok?). I do still have a drink once in a blue moon and cheesecake or whatever, but yes, following a low carb/high protein/low fat diet with exercise into my usual routine seems to be working for me, as well as logging what I eat in myfitnesspal (I do that EVERY day). Best of luck to you all! always...

Here's something I've found on my WL journey..... in the "bigger" sizes, there is more of a pounds spread (you can gain a bunch or lose a bunch and the size doesn't change as quickly); however, in the "smaller" sizes (below 14), the pounds spread is much smaller. I've heard that 5 lbs. is the difference between a size 6 and an 8. IDK because I'm not there YET, but I can tell you that I stayed in my 18's for a long time before I moved down to a 16. I lost track in all honesty, but hope that this reply might help encourage you some. Keep doing what you know you are supposed to and it'll happen. I just got into size 12's (a first EVER in my life, I know how sad right... ) as well as an 8/10 in some too tight yoga pants. They'll fit me w/in the next 10 lbs or so of my weight loss I bet though. So focus on what's right and I know it will happen! Best of luck!

How far out are you? I remember your beautiful picture whenever I first started coming here, or not long after, so I believe you are in "full" mode (regular foods). If so, then I suggest......... Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, laughing cow blue cheese wedges (or other varieties), greek yogurt, beef Jerky, pork rinds, shrimp, canadian bacon, eggs, fish, any meat (but watch your fat - that's why I can't eat too much avocado, fat makes me sick.. God didn't hear me correctly obviously because I had wished for it to have been sweets, sigh), ohhh and there is something you can add to Soups to make it higher in Protein. Grr it's on the tip of my tongue.... I am thinking TMP or TPV or something. Grr. I'll have to find it. I generally eat shrimp as a snack or canadian bacon or even turkey bacon here and there. Sometimes for lunch, sometimes for a snack. Greek yogurt - I buy plain then I get sugar free torani syrup and make my own mixture. Saves 50-90 calories extra that's in the good mixed up stuff (i.e. Dannon greek black cherry yogurt for example). You can always add Protein Powder into some of the things you are making as well. So if you are craving something sweet, perhaps make some sugar free Jello with unjury powder mixed in it. I say some though as it depends on the temperature of what you are cooking too. But if you focus on real meat as an intake, you will get your protein level up. A good "rule" that I live by is to "protein load" in the morning so that I'm less hungry throughout the day. Of course, for me lately that's been 2-3 slices of turkey bacon (we use the butterball kind and it's super thin) but it's enough to make me full until 10 or 11, at which time usually eat an egg and either a small piece of fish or a few shrimp with just a bit of veggies for my meal. If not in "full" mode yet, many of the items I suggested work for soft foods. Clears, I did the ready to drink Cytosport whey isolate drinks and I adored them. Now I just eat "real" protein sources like some of what I've suggested above. I am also a recipe hound, always looking for something different to try so that I don't get too bored with what I'm currently eating. Idk if any of that helps, but I surely hope so! I'm also on myfitnesspal and my journals are public if you want to add me, please do. Best of luck to you always.

Recipegirl.com has the cauliflower crust recipe I think (search for this specifically: "Cauliflower Crust Hawaiian Pizza"). I've tried it and it was good. Also from "yourlighterside.com" there is an "Easy Crispy pizza Crust" made out of minced chicken breast and cheese. I have yet to try this one as we've been using the cauliflower crust recipe. (But on this site I also found a "grilled steakhouse pizza" recipe and it was GOOD). Tacos, I've seen the cheese theory as well. But that's it so far. emilybites.com has the wonton wrappers and has a taco cupcake recipe that would probably hit your craving mark for mexican. I haven't tried the taco cupcakes yet, but the cheeseburger ones and the lasagna ones are to die for. YUM. Best to you!

Wow what a great thread! Thanks to all new and experienced sleevers who provided some input. First and foremost, I'm shocked at reading your story Sherri. Girl, you have been through so much. Kudos to you to remain positive. Thank you as well for sharing your long term view at the sleeve, as well as many of you. I had sleeve surgery in March and have lost 80 lbs now (August 5th, it'll be 5 months) I JUST got into a women's medium and a size 12. I've never ever been smaller than a 14, so to me, this is a celebratory experience. And I know... I'm still not done. I just hope to remain to keep it off for life. Most days I do love my sleeve, but the journey hasn't been bump free. I appreciate reading your inputs and thank you so much for that and the time spent in giving your perspectives. Best to all of you, always.

It IS like breaking up with a boyfriend. It is normal what you are feeling. You are going to have many "ups" and "downs" during your journey... after you have surgery, you will have a time of a surge of emotions.....but I know one thing from my journey... it IS totally worth it. So yes, enjoy the breakup while you can, but one day, you won't really miss it. Yes I am finally at that point. food schmoood. lol If you ever need anything, pls feel free to reach out. I am in the Dallas area as well. Best of luck to you!

You can get most of the Torani SF ones at World Market.

I had a leak... one of my staples was rejected by my body. It was severe pain in my lower left flank (lower back) as my body took the leaking items and put it into my diaphragm and the pain ended up radiating into my shoulder. It's called an abscess then as it's your body's way of protecting itself (putting all of the leaked items into one area). I was a few weeks out from surgery and... I would do gastric sleeve again. I chose this surgery over lap band and bypass. I would still do it again.