Queen of Crop

Hello there. I haven't popped into BP in years. I was sleeved in 2012 and it changed my life. I saw your post and wanted to tell you that I had a breast reduction done in 2014 and it was the best decision ever! I love my new breasts (even 12 years later). They took 90 grams out of one and 10 out of the other to get them to match! I am also your height but I did wait until I had lost all my weight to have it. It was not a difficult surgery to recover from. Good luck! Queen of Crop

I had Neve heard of this so was curious and looked it up. I would be really interested in hearing any results from others. When I looked it up it compared it to CoolSculpting and it came out with a better result. However I have to say I spent €1800 on a CoolSculpting session for my hips and it did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. NOT ONE THING. €1800 flushed down the toilet. I did have a breast reduction (one of the best decisions EVER!). And a tummy tuck which I have not been so happy with. Huge scar was left, and the recovery time was so long that I put on 5-6 lbs because I couldn't work out. Happy the skin in gone but in my case I probably could have lived with it. A personal choice for all of us. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

I had it done and it was a complete waste of €1700. I saw absolutely no difference and I am very sorry I did it. It was a simple procedure that lasted perhaps 90 minutes. It amazes me that they could charge so much without results. So I would not go that route. I had a breast reduction and lift where they removed skin and made my saggy boobs look fantastic and was the best decision ever. I also had a tummy tuck which I was not so happy with, but the loose skin is gone. In it's place is a very ugly scar and I wasn't able to exercise for almost 3 months in which I gained some weight. So, hope that information is helpful.

NONE. ZERO. NADA. NIX. Best think I have ever done!!!! And why the bypass and not the sleeve? I lost 83 lbs on the sleeve (took one year) and it's been fantastic on so many levels. In fact, I am 67 years old (10 years out) and take no medication (I was on cholesterol and blood pressure meds) and I feel great. I wrote a book called Queen of Crop about my first year (one chapter for each week). It was a grand adventure. I am now in the process of writing Queen of Crop - Ten years after. Because I have gained 15 lbs of the 83 I lost. But seriously, I felt so FREE from food and diets for so many years. It's a personal decision of course but I will tell you, for me, best decision of my life!!!!

Unbelievable answers!!! Can you believe this? I was in the hospital for 8 days in Germany in 2011! Wow. I simply cannot imagine going home after one day. I was in ICU the first night (no complications) and then was on an IV for the next week.I did have a uterus infection which kept me one more night. But I was so weak. I do have to say though that I was very well taken care of. Didn't eat anything except broth and tea while I was there (no wonder I was weak!) but still, what a different situation than now.

Hello again to all the WL Veterans....Queen of Crop here...sleeved 10 years ago this October. Lots 88 lbs and have gained back 25. I live in Amsterdam and have no WLS support here (nor did I ever have it). So after keeping my weight off for 5 of the 10 years, started gaining again due to poor choices about 5 lbs a year for the last 5 years. I used to listen to Reeger Cortell's wonderful podcast that she did for years; in fact I was a guest on her show one month. She mentioned weight loss medication; that it might be an option. But I don't know anything about it and not even sure they would offer it here. (There is very little obesity in Holland; at 155 lbs I feel like I am one of the heaviest people in Amsterdam!). Anyway, has anyone had any experience with this and was it successful. I feel like I need some help to get back to basics. Photos taken exactly one year apart after surgery.

Thank you, I did check it out and have tried IF many times. In fact, it's a bit natural for me because I don't eat after dinner 7pm and then I eat again at 11am the next day. Although I do have coffee in the morning...maybe that's derailing me?

Well what a nice surprise! Thank you so much for your nice compliments. I had fun writing the book and it was a magical year of transformation. Not only were we traveling while I was recuperating but then we ended up relocating from Hawaii to Amsterdam where we have lived the last 9 years. It's nice to know people are still reading it! And it looks like we are the same height, and you are on your way as well! Be sure to take lots of photos...it was a very fun first year. I hope you have lots of support and continue the honeymoon period forever! If I decide to write the 10 year after sequel, I will let you know. It might just help me get back on track. I still feel good but must stop the bleeding.

Thank you, I did check it out and have tried IF many times. In fact, it's a bit natural for me because I don't eat after dinner 7pm and then I eat again at 11am the next day. Although I do have coffee in the morning...maybe that's derailing me?

Hello everyone...I'm back. Most of you don't know me because I haven't been on the forum for about 5 years, but I was on it almost every day from the time I had the sleeve in October 2011 at 57 years old. First, having the surgery was a dream come true because I had been heavy all my life. I lost 88 lbs in the first year (I wrote a weekly blog which I turned into a book and interestingly, I reached my goal at EXACTLY one year). At 135 I FELT SO FREE!!!! Yes, I looked a lot better, and Yes, I was healthier and Yes, I was happier. But the freedom of it was the best part. I felt like a normal person and not the fattest person in the room (or worse, in Amsterdam where I had moved....trust me, there are no fat people here!). I felt free from food. I don't think I have to explain that hold that food has on us to most of us.... My look, my health, my happiness and the freedom lasted for 5 fantastic years. I couldn't believe I was living the most extraordinary life in my late 50's and 60's. I had a breast reduction in 2013 and it was THE BEST!!! (I have 22 year old boobs instead of sag wagons) ..love them!) Then in April 2016 I had a tummy tuck and it all started going wrong. First, I couldn't exercise for 2-3 months, after faithfully exercising for years. So a few lbs went on. Then, over the next 4 years, a few lbs went on every year. My clothes still fit but they were getting tighter. I tried to get the weight off but I didn't try hard enough and I started making bad choices again. Now I have that dreaded section in my closet called 'WHEN I LOSE 10LBS I CAN WEAR THESE AGAIN....) So, do the math....3-4 lbs a year for 5 years and here I am now 20 lbs overweight and MISERABLE. In fact, it's so interesting that I feel more uncomfortable now, heavier now, more self-conscious now, than I did at 223 lbs. So here is my advice: If you are in your first year, ENJOY that honeymoon period where your restriction is still there....learn good habits and stick with them. Stop drinking soda. Seriously. It's so bad for you. I drank it for 40 years and gave it up. I took a sip a few years ago and gagged. Why drink your calories anyway? Weigh yourself regularly. If the scale starts to go up a lb, 2 lbs, then do what you need to do to get it off before it becomes 4-5 lbs. Oh how I wish I would have done that 4 years ago. Because I was relatively early with the sleeve, and because I was in Europe and traveling for a year, I had no post surgery support; but if you have that, stick with it or come back here because it really does help. If you have major surgery that keeps you from moving, talk to your doctor about what you can do and when. I really think that was the start of my downfall. Having said that, please don't let me scare any of you that are considering this surgery....it was hands down the best decision of my life. And just so you know, I'm not happy with my weight gain but I'm not beating myself up either. Be kind to yourself. This is hard. I would really be interested in hearing advice from other veterans and particularly interested in connecting with any European veterans. Queen of Crop

Had never heard of that so thank you. Looked it up and I can tell you I am absolutely NOT a candidate for this. The fact is, I was heavy ALL MY LIFE until I had surgery. Now that I know how good it feels (really, how healthy it feels) to be a certain weight, I now recognize how my weight was such a albatross around my neck. Sometimes you don't see things clearly until you are on the outside looking in. Also, I have another issue I didn't bring up...been a problem for 2 years; in addition to the weight gain I feel like I am carrying a 5 lb fanny pack around my abdomen and that it is hanging there. Have tried everything, gone to many drs. Yesterday I went to a surgeon and they think I have a tear in my muscle from the tummy tuck. That, in addition to my weight gain has left me feeling miserable. So I will keep trying to do whatever it is I can to feel healthy and free again.

I love this idea. Am about to sign ups for a year of counseling along with medication at an Obesity Clinic here in Amsterdam. I think that is a good deal to have with yourself. Thanks for that idea.

Thanks so much the reply. I really appreciate all the information and support. If I didn't feel so horrible I could live with it. But I honestly feel worse now than I did at 223 lbs. I feel super heavy, bloated, and its messing with me emotionally in a different way than it did when I was morbidly obese. I think getting back to 135 may not be doable, but I know I would just feel better if I could lose 10 lbs. And I did the same thing as you when slightly overweight people would complain...I had zero compassion. Now I know.

Well I am probably the only one that is 10 years out! Just wanted to comment on the soda issue. I drank coca-cola and Diet Coke every day from the time I was in High school to my 50's. I then saw an experiment where they used coke to clean a car battery and that pretty much did it for me. So I quit before I had my surgery (at age 57). Like most things, the first week or so (or when I had popcorn) I missed it. But then it was out of my life forever. I moved to Europe when I was 57 (had my sleeve done here) and soda isn't a big deal here (nor is ice!). At some point I flew to the US and at the Chicago airport it was hot and they had some Diet Coke on ice so I bought one (this was 2 years post surgery). I gagged on the first sip....OMG, it was horrible; so sweet and fizzy, I hated it. So my suggestion, try something else. I drink Crystal light now; still. not great for you, but much better than soda. BTW, I lost 83 lbs and managed to keep most of it off until a few years ago. Have gained almost 20 back over the past few years, which is why I am back on here now. So, for all of you who still have restriction...enjoy it! It's really hard to lose once you start gaining again. But I refuse to go back to the BEFORE PHOTO! Queen of Crop

Ah, perhaps that's my problem. Thanks again!

Maybe I was lucky. I felt very well cared for in the hospital and was so excited about my future. Every day was a new adventure. and like THE GREATER FOOL said above....I never regretted my choice for an instant.

Oh my gosh!!!!! This is the BEST thing I ever did? My one regret: (and I have heard this SO many times...). I wish I would have done it sooner! I was 57 when I had the sleeve done 10 years ago. I lost 80 lbs and just in the last couple of years I have put 15-20 lbs back on which is why I am back here to figure out how to stop the gain. I went in with the mindset that this was a very exciting time in my life and I was finally going to get a handle on it and I did!!! I wrote a book called Queen of Crop where I kept a blog faithfully each week....I suggest you do as well because it will be a very exciting year for you. You will be in the Honeymoon phase for the first year....but listen and learn so you don't regain. Sadly, my surgery was very early on and I was traveling for a year so had very little (if any) follow up support so here I am fighting some weight gain. But oh, the freedom of feeling thin!!!! Good luck and have fun with it. My passport photos taken exactly one year apart!

I pretty much do this every day; I stop eating after dinner around 7pm and don't have anything again until morning around 7am and then it's coffee (with oatmilk). I am now trying to juice (healthy vegetable juices) 2 days a week. But I just made an appt to see someone here about some weight loss medication. Thanks for the information and support

Thank you so much for taking the time to send me this information. It's all pretty new to me. And yes, you are right 155 is not that bad (actually at the moment it's 158). But I cannot seem to stop the bleeding....it keeps going up and up and I have to get a handle on it other wise I will be on here and I will be 165 or 175. And the interesting bit is, is that I feel worse right now than I did at 200+. I think back then, it's all I knew. I had been heavy all my life. Now, I know the freedom of feeling light and healthy and free from cravings. I really want that back. I am 67 and still want to live a vibrant life. So I will look into these. The question will be whether or not I can get them here in the Netherlands. Thanks again.

Thank you Mae for the response. Wow, your story is so interesting. First, looks like we are about the same height and age and lost the same amount and have the same weight goal. I felt best at 138 and am now 158. And you just had a bypass after having the sleeve in 2015. Fascinating. It's been so long since I have been on here I didn't really know that was an option so maybe I will look into it. I keep thinking I can get this extra 20lbs off. I would like to try phentermine but I don't think I can get it here in Amsterdam and am assuming it is by prescription only? Anyway, it looks like you are back to goal, so congratulations! I felt so free at that weight and just cannot seem to get there on my own. Thank you for the response.

Well what a nice surprise! Thank you so much for your nice compliments. I had fun writing the book and it was a magical year of transformation. Not only were we traveling while I was recuperating but then we ended up relocating from Hawaii to Amsterdam where we have lived the last 9 years. It's nice to know people are still reading it! And it looks like we are the same height, and you are on your way as well! Be sure to take lots of photos...it was a very fun first year. I hope you have lots of support and continue the honeymoon period forever! If I decide to write the 10 year after sequel, I will let you know. It might just help me get back on track. I still feel good but must stop the bleeding.

Humbling to read these posts....I have not visited BP for a few years. Used to be so active on it. But like many of you, I have gained 25 lbs. I was sleeved in October 2011 and got down to 135 and felt like a million bucks. Then over the past 5 years have gained about 5 lbs a year. I don't feel like I eat that much but. I have to be honest and say I am eating the wrong things. Too many carbs and not enough protein. I wrote a book called Queen of Crop about my wonderful weight loss journey which took a year. (Lost 88 lbs). Thinking about writing a new one called Queen of Crop - Ten Years after. Those of us who were sleeved so long ago were still in the time when it wasn't as popular as it is now. I can say for me, I had Zero post surgery support. I was sleeved in Germany, spent 8 days in the hospital with great care but no very little information on what to do after. Still, in the end it was and is my responsibility to get this under control before I gain more. Thanks for listening and I'll come back here more often now. Two photos taken exactly one year apart.

Good morning Mary....congratulations on coming back to this site...I know how hard it is. I only have a few minutes right now before I scoot out the door but will write more later. I just saw your post come in and want you to know you are not alone. 20 lb gain or 90 lb gain...it doesn't feel good and we need to be here for each other. I am working on it as well...it's a struggle but not one we cannot face with courage and fight back. More later...I am going to my first appointment with a personal trainer! Excited, but dreading it as well....

I too want to thank you...have been struggling with this for almost 2 years and even though I haven't hit 20 lbs officially yet I keep getting closer all the time. I am now dealing with some major bloating in my abdomen which is not painful, but very uncomfortable. Having lots of tests done including a colonoscopy and endoscopy tomorrow. But your post is timely and a big reminder that we need to take control. The best part was when you said you feel SO much better. And of course we do! How do we forget that? My goal weight isn't that much less than yours (139) but I am only 5'3. Still it's the weight I felt so good at. Not an excuse, but I do have to say that it's so hard for me to track everything. The labels in Europe are often non-existent and when you do get a nutritional label they are all different and all based on 100 grams. But then they often don't tell you how many grams are in a package. So a bit frustrating. Luckily, I do mostly eat just fresh stuff. Stay tuned...I'll be cleaned out for sure by tomorrow morning so will be a good time to go for my reset! Thanks again for the shot in the arm.