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Everything posted by Andrew0929
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Trying to decide...
Andrew0929 replied to CortneyReed18's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had difficulty deciding whether or not to be sleeved. I'd never had surgery but had all of the typical health problems. One of my many doctors encouraged me to do this, as he mentioned that he couldn't keep increasing meds forever . I was VERY reluctant to do this but moved forward anyway. Now, 2.5 years later, down 150+ pounds, and all health problems gone, I realize that this saved my life and was the best decision I've ever made. Go for it!! -
I'm 2.5 years out and have been at or near goal since 9 months out. Overall, everything has been great! However, I've noticed that 2 people (1 relative and 1 friend) have become very distant and stand-offish along the way. In both cases I can't recall any incident that could have caused this, which is why I'm confused. They are both over weight, although not excessively. Only one of the two knows about my WLS. I'm tempted to confront them, but for now have just ignored it. Any theories or recommendations?
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Treated Differently After Weight Loss
Andrew0929 replied to Andrew0929's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
I have experienced the same. When mixing with the public or at social gatherings with people I've never met, I've noticed more immediate acceptance. Beforehand, I had to work it more by people getting to know me. It's only 2 specific people that have been squirrelly. While I continue to be confused as to what their problems are, I'm at the point where I really don't give a damn. -
Calling All Year 3+ Veterans -- What Happens Next?
Andrew0929 replied to VSGAnn2014's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
This is an issue that haunts me. I'm 2.5 years out, reached goal 9 months out, gained 13 pounds 2 years out, and now 2 pounds above goal. I worry daily that the sleeve or my attitude will change and I'll go back to my old ways. It's possible that my obsession with this will keep me measuring, logging and exercising. -
Feeling weak and dizzy
Andrew0929 replied to darachel's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I agree with the theory that this is due to dehydration. Before the surgery I didn't pay attention to my Water intake and it was never a problem. However, post-op I try to keep track of my water intake yet I've been dehydrated twice and had similar symptoms to yours. I passed out one of those times. Now I make sure I get a minimum of 48 Oz and try for 64. -
Question for veterans - hardest part for you?
Andrew0929 replied to WitchySar's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
For me, the hardest part was the pre-op diet. My 2.5 years post-op have been easy, somehow. The sleeve is the tool I've always needed and it's continued to work. I'm now focused on healthy eating and exercise. -
Will I ever enjoy food I like again
Andrew0929 replied to hazelzay's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
3 years ago I had the same concerns. But after surgery and lots of weight loss, reduced appetite, increased energy and many other changes, your focus will change. I didn't expect it or anticipate my changes but it happened and I love it. I'm more focused on fitting in my next long bike ride or run, than the next BBQ. -
Getting back out there ......
Andrew0929 replied to Blueyes1976's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
The gas will diminish over time (at least it did for me). For now, just excuse yourself to let one rip. Get out and socialize. Meet people through common interest groups, like biking, hiking, tennis, etc... Regarding the excess skin, just keep the lights out or low. No time better than the present to get out there meeting people. -
Regret before surgery
Andrew0929 replied to VSGMEPLZ26's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Just do it. I was more afraid than anyone, partly because I'd never had surgery before. Unfortunately, I had some complications (bleeding) and required a second surgery to fix. But, I'm down 160 pounds, 2.5 years out, and have been at goal for 1.5 years. All health problems gone and my doctor says I have the body of an athlete now. I'd do this again even if I knew about the second surgery ahead of time. -
My surgeon didn't restrict coffee. I started drinking again at 30 days out and it's never been a problem. I drink 6 shots of espresso in my commuter mug in the morning and have a black eye (2 shots in a large dark roast) after lunch.
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You're right about using different muscles Jenn1. I do 2 spin classes/week and run 1 day/week and after mountain biking a different set of muscles is sore. But I welcome it...
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I'm 2.5 years out and have been mountain biking for about 2 years now. While I'm still somewhat of a novice, I ride with an experienced (and younger) group, so I've had no choice but to learn quickly. Just picked up a full-suspension Cannondale Bad Habit bike and love it. Doing mostly single-track runs and some pretty technical stuff. I wipe out a lot but learning every time I go. My fitness tracker has indicated that I burn an average of 1300 calories each time out and the scale reflects that the morning after. Anyone else hitting the trails?
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Is your surgery a secret?
Andrew0929 replied to Tara1992's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I chose to only reveal to siblings and very close family members. I told everyone else I was having hernia surgery. No regrets... -
Weight gain at 3 Years Post Op - WHAT TO DO?
Andrew0929 replied to stefaniwg's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
I'm 2.5 years out and have followed your exact pattern. At goal in 9 months and up 10 pounds after about 26 months. I consulted with my surgeons staff and they said it very common to bounce off your low at 2 years out. I was actually up 13 pounds from my lowest weight but have reduced calories and carbs as well as increasing exercise and am now about 5 pounds above lowest weight . I continue to measure and log all food and exercise. -
I'm 2.5 years out and still cold all the time. However, before losing 150 pounds I was hot all the time. I'm ok with cold. I just wear sweaters all year.
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Update: 9 months post op
Andrew0929 replied to Jasmine Smith's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
You look great! Keep up the good work. -
After the honeymoon period, could you live without sleeve
Andrew0929 replied to originalrocklobster's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm 2.5 years out, down about 150 pounds, and still have significant restriction. I've been at goals since 9 months out and definitely could not have maintained without the restriction. I'm thankful for it every day and am convinced that if the restriction prevails, I will continue to be successful. -
I say let her and her addicted son go, if she feels that strongly about disliking the new you. I suppose counseling could help get to the root issues, but have a good lawyer ready. I've been down this road, including a nasty custody battle (which I won), and don't wish it on anyone. Good luck...
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How long did you lose weight for?
Andrew0929 replied to mariahthompson0913's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
While in the losing phase, my nut increased daily calories from 1000 to 1200 and it did kick start my rate of weight loss. Obviously, each of us is different so follow the advice of your medical team. Another way I broke out of plateaus was to mix up my workout routine. Our bodies get used to regular routines and need a surprise periodically. -
You're not alone in your struggle as many of us experience similar scenarios. I'm down about 150 and have been at or near goal for about 1.5 years. While in general things are controlled (still weighing and logging), I still catch myself embracing old habits. I've learned, the hard way, that I need to simply avoid certain trigger foods and when I do, things are pretty easy. It's an ongoing learning process and hopefully you figure out what works best for you...
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How long did you lose weight for?
Andrew0929 replied to mariahthompson0913's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
I'm 2.5 years out and still at my goal weight which is 150 pounds from my highest weight. Yes, it gets harder after the first year but I find the restriction to be a huge tool ongoing. I continue to measure and log and it's easier than I expected... -
Three Weight Loss Surgery Maintenance Models - Abstinence, No Dieting, or Mindful Moderation
Andrew0929 replied to VSGAnn2014's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
I follow #1 with a little wiggle room here and there. Still weighing and logging, which makes me accountable. While this isn't for everyone, it's worked well for me. At the moment I'm within 1 pound of my lowest weight. -
I have a Microsoft Band 2 and love it. It's a great combination of fitness features and a few smart watch features. I first bought an Apple Watch, but it didn't suit my needs, as it had many smart watch features but too few fitness features.
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My NUT provided recommended daily calories and carbs for me for maintenance, based on calculations that include average exercise levels among many other factors. These levels have worked very well for me.
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My NUT provided recommended daily calories and carbs for me for maintenance, based on calculations that include average exercise levels among many other factors. These levels have worked very well for me.