Andrew0929

I'm 3 years out and one of my best friends has been kind of avoiding me since my weight loss. He and I used to attend baseball and football games together but always included a big meal as part of it and often a buffet. He's stopped inviting me and I suppose I'm ok with I, as the inevitable pig-out isn't fun for him with me eating like a bird. Oh well...

You've gotten some very sound advice already. I'm 3 years post-op and at goal for 2 years (down 150 pounds). Everyone is different, but I still need to log and monitor all food as well as weigh daily. When I gain or exceed daily calories, I cut back. Also, I work out 6 days/week. The work will never end, but surgery has enabled me to achieve success. Beforehand, nothing worked.

I've only told 2 close friends and my siblings. I didn't tell my elderly mother as she'd likely object and I didn't want to engage in that argument. No regrets. I wasn't interested in hearing everyone's opinion and having to justify.

Many go through a period of regretting the surgery and I was among them for about 1 month. I am 3 years out, down 150 pounds, and have maintained at goal for about 2 years. However, 5 days post-op, I had internal bleeding and almost died. My BP was down to 65/25 and an ambulance transported me to the hospital in a huge snow storm. Had a second surgery on an emergency basis. I regretted the surgery for a while and mad that I risked my life and almost died. But when the weight started falling off and all of my health issues disappeared I embraced having the surgery. Now 3 years later my life is so much better than before the surgery. I'd do the surgery again even if I knew about the second surgery being needed. Follow the process and use this tool to change your life and get healthy. Andrew

It certainly seems sufficient, along with lots of Water. However, everyone reacts differently so it's not guaranteed. But, at least you'll know that you did the most possible to prevent or minimize sagging, but you'll definitely benefit with a healthier body which is probably more important.

Weekly Routine 2 days spin class 3 days weight lifting 1 day running I'm down 150 lbs and have very little sagging skin. My Dr attributes this to lots of exercise and Water.

I went to my nut after reaching goal weight and she calculated my level of carbs for maintenance. It's different for everyone, as age, bmi, level of daily activity and other factors help identify the proper level. She identified a level for my weight loss stage as well as maintenance and it's worked well for me .

It's natural to be nervous, but you should be excited too. Your life is about to change for the better... Go for it and don't look back.

2.75 years out; 150 pounds lost Typical Day:

Congratulations!!

You were smart to divorce him. It's unlikely that he would change after the kinds of things he's done. Learn from the experience and try to move on. I agree with the others that you shouldn't rush into anything. Spend some time getting your head together and establishing your new life without him. When you're ready to start dating be very selective. There are lots of nice guys out there that will respect you and treat you well. I think you know the types of people to avoid now after going through this...

Excellent work!!

I think it's a good idea to have someone else to help out right after surgery, but just my opinion. I needed help getting in and out of bed as well as on/off sofa, which I obviously didn't do. Also, when I had my "incident" and passed out, glad I had someone else around to call 911.

Upon arriving home from the hospital post-op, I didn't seek help getting on/off sofa and recliner and ended up with internal bleeding requiring a second surgery to stop the bleeding(although it had stopped on its own by the time surgery done)

It is normal to be scared. I know I was, and primarily because I'd never had surgery or been in the hospital. I did have all of the traditional weight-related conditions, though. My surgery went well but I didn't follow instructions immediately upon coming home and ended up with internal bleeding and required a second surgery. However, 2.5 years out, 160+ pounds down and at goal since 9 months out, I would choose to do this again without hesitation. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and don't worry.

Hi - hope I crave good foods too! Question: you had internal bleeding shortly after surgery? What happened? I didn't follow my instructions after coming home. I was feeling really good and didn't seek help getting on and off sofa and recliner. Had internal bleeding and second surgery to investigate/stop bleeding. When he went back in discovered bleeding had already stopped. Not a good experience and my blood pressure was dangerously low during my ambulance trip through a blizzard . I regretted having the surgery for about 1 month afterward, but when the weight started falling off and I started to feel really energetic, my feelings changed. Now, if faced with the decision again I'd choose to have the surgery even if I knew about the bleeding and second surgery ahead of time.

Your concerns are very common and ones that many of us can relate to. I questioned my ability to achieve long-term success after being sleeved and still do on occasion. However, things change after the surgery. My cravings for junk food somehow disappeared and were replaced with cravings for healthy food. I still don't get it but love it nonetheless.

At 2.5 years post-op, I'm less focused on the surgery part but still as focused on the food choices and exercise. It is an intriguing question. A few years after the massive weight loss, when the steady flow of comments and questions has diminished, the surgery part of this process fades away. I worry about losing my edge in staying on top of following the rules as time passes. I want to remain aware of all that I've been through as a WLS patient to help keep me on track. Note to self: you will always be a WLS patient.

Many of us have gone through the same experience. I'd never had surgery before and was questioning this decision right up to the point of being wheeled into the OR. Now 2.5 years later and 160 pounds lighter I know it was the best decision I ever made. I tried every diet and even lost 100 pounds a few times, but it never lasted long. I've been at goal since 9 months out and have never been happier. Just do it and don't look back ...

I had similar symptoms when I wasn't drinking enough Water. I did pass out one time and ambulance crew confirmed that I was dehydrated. Now, I'm more diligent about drinking water even if I have to force it down

Crab without butter is very low-calorie and loaded with Protein. I use spray butter (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter) and can barely tell the difference. We bring it to restaurants all the time. Also put it on baked potato (4 Oz). We pour it in when cooking with it. Zero calories - just chemicals. This opens up many options...

I'm 2.5 years out and at goal since 9 months out (down 150). I gained about 13 pounds 2 years out and fixed it by pulling out my notes from the nut. She recommended a level of calories and carbs for maintenance and when I abide by that I stay in check. I continue to measure and log to know exactly where I stand and this has worked well for me. But, of course everyone is different .

Rise above the donuts... The temptations will never end, so your desire for healthy food must prevail. Feeling healthy and energetic is better than any temporary satisfaction from donuts.

I'm going through similar issues. I have so much energy now that I can't sit still. I'm bored sitting in front of the TV and doing other sedentary activities. I think my high-energy attitude may be too much for one family member and one friend, but I don't care.

Even 2.5 years post-op and down 150 pounds, I still have all my fat clothes in the basement. I'm hoping I never need them but am having difficulty due to the effort needed to buy nice clothes in those sizes. Still, that's no excuse and I just decided that it's time to let go.