Queen of Crop

Hoo boy, CLK does this hit home to me! I DO weigh every day and I am also a very very slow loser. My eating habits are not perfect by any means; I choose the wrong things sometimes, but my portions and meals are really good. Still, I have gained 6 lbs. Today, for the first time in 6 months, I got out there and ran (my version of running) for 5 kilometers. It felt GREAT!!! So I think if I can keep the exercise going, I can lose it. But it is very helpful to be reminded that this is an effort again....just not an insurmountable one!!!

This is a good thread to keep going....I am 2.5 years out and reality is just hitting me now. Losing the weight and getting to goal was easy compared to now. I have gained 6 lbs and cannot seem to get it off. I seemed to think I was invincible because I ate small portions....well, I guess they aren't small enough! Need to get back to the gym and make better decsions. But my one piece of advice....I got me a FitBit and I love it! Any FitBit users out there? I would like to Friend you on my FitBit site....I find it very inspirational to see how I am doing compared to others. Right now I only have two people and they are kicking my butt! (Granted they are young kids....). So if you have a Fitbit, let me know! Thanks for starting this!

I can't eat rice either.....2+ years out, at goal and it's the only thing I cannot eat. And I used to eat it a lot.....I lived in Hawaii and rice was a daily thing;plus sushi...I'm really surprised that I don't miss it; even when we go out and it comes to the table; knowing it will make me sick I guess is motivating not to miss it! But even if I did, the trade off is so wonderful. Interesting though how some people can eat it no problem.

When I was in my 30's I was going through a divorce and met a friend who was there for me every single step and minute of the day; he was a gay guy and he changed my world. I could not have asked for more love, support, guidance, friendship. We became very very close and in fact I lived with him for a while. I was closer to him than anyone I had ever known, including my best friends and my (ex) husband. He even introduced to me what would turn out to be my current husband.....but then things changed; he became very jealous of my new relationship.....and our friendship suffered. I had to make the decision to not have him in my life because he was so out of control, but it was one of the hardest things I had ever done because he had given me so so much. I had to come to the realization that people come in (and out) of our lives all the time. The idea of one true love forever, or one best friend forever is very romantic, but not realistic. I still care about this man but I cannot have him in my life. Sometimes you have to realize that they were there for a reason, and that reason no longer exists.

Wow. My response is going to be in two parts....first to answer the question....I think we are the same people, just a healthier, happier, better looking, more confident version of our old selves. I will never forget walking into the hospital the morning of the surgery and seeing about 20 obese people in the waiting room; all with heads hung low, folded into themselves, zero conversation or eye contact. These were people feeling scared, ashamed, uncomfortable. Fast forward a few months and when I went back for my check up, there was a group of post surgery people there talking, laughing, sharing success stories, dressed nicely, taking photos with the staff....yet, these were the SAME people that were there before. So we do change; we improve! But, on to the second part....in response to RJ: thank you for being so honest and I am so sorry you had such a terrible experience in the hospital. Everyone's journey is different, but yours sounds horrific. You have every right to be angry at your so-called friends and I hope you can work through that. I did just want to say though, that there are some people who simply do not know what to do, what to say in complicated situations. It isn't that they don't care. I am a very caring friend, and compassionate person. But I cannot visit someone in the hospital; I will pass out or throw up; who knows why? I did fine on my own surgery but the thought of going into a hospital for a visit messes with my brain. But I do call or send cards. You didn't ask for any advice, but one thought is that you might just tell those you are angry with how hurt you were and see where the conversation goes? Sometimes friendships end, but sometimes fighting for them is worth the battle. Good luck to you.

Welcome back and you sound like one strong lady....I have a feeling some of us may be turning to you some day....for me, keeping a journal of tough times helped me cope.... But I do know this forum is awesome and if you are looking for encouragement, inspiration and support, this is the right place. My husband's cousin (a gynecologist in Chicago) also found out she had the gene and was one of the first women to get the mastectomy/breast enhancement at the same time. The NYT did a front page article on her about 6 or 7 years ago. Her boyfriend broke up with her because he couldn't deal with it, but she met another great guy, they married, and she just had her second child. She goes in for a hysterectomy in a few months as she just turned 40. Another amazing woman, like you.

I took a break from this forum for almost a year....thought I had it all figured out....got to my goal weight in a year, stayed there for a year, then I was away from home, my normal schedule, my scale and WHAM!!! 6 lbs....I NEED to be here as a reminder that I cannot just eat what I want and not exercise or it will find me again! Now I am on the 5:2 (second week) and have only lost 1/2 lb....feels sort of like old times again.....can I do it? Will I fail? But I have to say it feels good to be paying attention again. I get WAY too many emails (like everyone) and don't really want to add to my life in that way, but I need all of you veterans even though I am one myself. Thanks to everyone for the support! Maybe I should do my weekly blog again....that did keep me focused....

I'm retired so I actually go to the movies on my FAST Days.....the afternoons are the hardest for me food wise and if I am at the movies I get involved in the movie....plust I walk or bike to and from the theaters so I get a little exercise.

HI Magtart! Thank you for reading my blog and the compliments.....your first few months will be weird for sure, but seeing the weight come off is so exciting.....you are in for such a fun year. Our starting weight wasn't all the different so I suspect you will be just fine! Welcome aboard!

I feel exactly like Feedyoureye! I too still need the support (actually Year 2 was so easy for me....kept at goal weight, really ate what I wanted, thought I was out of the woods....but now here I am starting Year 3, 10 lbs heavier than I want to be and facing the reality of the old demons. So being back here is keeping me honest. And I too, feel like I want to be an encouragement to others; especially those in their 50's and 60's who think they may be too old....you are not! So many stories....I never thought I would be one of the pioneers in this surgery but looking back, it really was pretty new a few years ago. So glad I took the leap of faith!

You can still go out to dinner with your husband! We go out all the time, plus we have many dinner parties here! I eat what everyone else does, have a little wine, a little desert. At this point, 2 years out, no one even notices that my portions are smaller...they just think of me as a small person who eats less than everyone else. I socialize a lot more because I'm not so focused on what I'm eating. Eating in fact is much more pleasurable and when i see the large portions (especially when I go back to the US) I have to say it bothers me. You need to do what's right for you, but if going out to dinner and eating alot of food is more important than your health and self confidence and just over all feeling good about yourself, then you really need to explore that. It's normal to be scared...but just look at all the success stories on here. I think there are very very few people who have regrets. Your life is not over, it's just beginning!

So excited! Because of the support of this forum and the new friends I have made....(swizzly you have been so supportive-thanks a million!) I just finished my 2nd day of the 5:2 diet this week and I feel so much better. After the holidays I felt like an excited puppy out of control; and now I feel so much more calm and focused. I did Thursdday and then on Monday I started only to find out that we had an unexpected guest from out of town, so in the middle of the afternoon I stopped and fixed a nice dinner. So did my second day on Tuesday. Today I am down almost a kilo. But the best part is just after those 2.5 days I feel my restriction is back and my brain is more mindful. It wasn't hard at all. In fact for me, my lunch and dinner are the same as non fast days. The difference? I realized between my coffee milk, my cookie in the afternoon, snacking on nuts and a glass of wine at night, I drink or snack over 500 calories a day. That on top of 3 300 calorie meals is too much for me. Especially now that I am not exercising much. So thanks everyone.....love this forum. It's a great support for me. I gained 4 kilos since last October and now need to lose it to get back to where I feel most comfortable. (about 132 lbs).

I was 58 when I had my surgery done 2 years ago. The best thing I ever did! It's not too late! I kept a weekly blog of my first year if you would like to see it to give you an idea of what your life might look like. (Link below) I think you will find the majority of people here would say their only regret is that they did not do this sooner!! Good luck to you and keep us posted!

Thanks for a lovely, well-thought out, grateful and articulate post. Although I am not a real old-timer, I owe a lot to this forum and to many of the people you mentioned. I joined in September of 2011 and because of the success stories and inspiration as well as information, I paid the money and less than a month later I had the surgery! I have had no problems and am now over 2 years out. I kept a weekly blog for the first year of my sleeve and I had quite a following so I think I may have helped some of the new ones coming in. I just got back on the boards about a month ago because after being at goal weight for over a year, I stopped paying attention and have gained 6 lbs. I just started the 5:2 this week; something I wouldn't have even known about had it not been for the people on this board who give so much of themselves to help others.....it's nice to know there are always people here who care....feels like a safety net. l Happy new year to all the veterans and to those who are just beginning this fascinating life-changing journey!

Perfect timing! I did fine today....and thanks so much for the response. I hit pretty close to 500 calories, and I'm so happy to know that I can do a light lunch, a small snack, then a light dinner. (The afternoon is the hardest for me). It wasn't hard at all! So happy for your support!

Thanks! Today is my first day....all was just fine but at 5pm I got hungry and had a 1/2 an apple. I won't have dinner until 7. Is that OK or am I supposed to no eat at all between my two meals. I had lunch at 12:30 (after not having eaten for 18 hours). Also, can I drink plain tea during the day? Thanks for all your encouragement.

Tomorrow is my first 5:2 day, a little nervous but happy to start getting back on track.....(I am typing this as I am drinking a glass of wine....hmmmmmmm!)

I haven't weighed myself yet but we go back to Amsterdam today from Switzerland and there I will face the scale and see what happened. I am two years out and I can feel my body has gained weight....probably 5 or 6 lbs; I need to take 10 off to get back at goal. I am going to start the 5:2 this coming week. Looking forward to it actually. Happy to buddy up with someone (Pagie?) so we can check in at the end of each day. I have had such a sweet tooth this past week....and zero exercise of course. Not to mention the wine, etc. But I do know one thing that works for me, I just look at my two photos (the one under my signature of my passport) and I say NO NO NO!!!! I will NOT go back there. In fact, one strategy that does work for me is to say NO! when I reach for something I shouldn't. Another one of my bad habits that is coming back is nibbling while I am cooking....I just have to almost physically slap my hand and say no like I am talking to a child. But I know WE can do this......what we are facing now is not overwhelming or daunting like it was when we started....and the support of this forum is so helpful. Onto a healthier 2014!

My NSV: Two years out and I feel like a normal thin person. I don't obsess obout food, shopping for clothes, reading labels, counting calories, feeling guilty if I eat a cookie, feeling uncomfortable in conversations about weight, stairs don't scare me. I don't think about these things anymore...... I FEEL FREE!!!!! MERRY MERRY EVERYONE!!!!!

OK! I'll pretend I'm still in my 50's.....at least with my sleeve, I feel like I'm there! So much support and kindness here. It's lovely.

Wow, dank je wel Mitz!!! If you make it back to Amsterdam, please be sure to stay in touch with me. It is a GREAT place to live!!! And 1978 was a long time ago....you are over due for another visit!

Love all the Before and After photos....I have been at goal now for a year (sleeved 2 years) and I also moved to Europe last year so none of our new friends new the old fat me. I haven't told them and I don't have any old photos up, but at some point someone will see something....I just don't feel like that person anymore!!!! I think my two passport photos below says it all!!!!

Great thread....I am going to try it also, love the fact that you get some restriction back. Nice! Will report in with my progress after Christmas. Thanks Georgia for leading me to this.

Hi there.....2 years out, was at goal (135#) for the last 2 years up until last month when I went back to the US for a holiday....bigger portions, on vacation, I gained about 6 lbs! I have lost a couple but really want to get back to 135# My own fault, I am starting to snack again, particularly when I am fixing dinner, but at meals, I never overeat. I know I can handle a few lbs as long as I don't let it get out of control. It's the holidays so it's a bit harder right now, but being thin has been such a life changer for me that I can't imagine I would let myself gain much more. The sleeve is a great tool, (not just a tool, but a constant positive reminder). Georgia, would love to know where to find more info on the 5:2 Good luck Covatila84......you are in for a very exciting ride!!!

I just turned 60 so I guess I'm not really allowed in here? Just wanted to say I had JUST turned 58 when I was sleeved (a couple of days before). Now I am two years out, was at goal until last month and now I need to lose 3 or 4 lbs.....doesn't sound hard but here it is the holidays and I'm having a hard time. I also got back from a trip, and herniated a disc so I have a lot of sciatica pain. I am unable to exercise much. Have heard about the 5:2 plan....someone pointed me somewhere (was you it Di?) but am trying to find it again to get more detailed info....anyone here that can help? BTW, I have LOVED my sleeve...changed my life like so many others. For the most part, I just feel like a normal thin person. I live in Amsterdam so I naturally walk or bike everywhere, and the portions are small, so that helps a lot. Anyway, I guess I need to move on to the 60's but if someone can point me to more info on the 5:2, I would be grateful. I haven't been on the forum regularly for a while. But I am back now! Everyone is so encouraging!