Queen of Crop

Good morning Dyezee..... So happy to hear you are feeling a little better.....as you're finding out, every day, you will learn a little more about how this new lifestyle works.....and at least for me (and I think many others out there) the rewards FAR outweigh the inconveniences and the first few months of getting your 'sea legs' when you find out what works and what doesn't. At 5 months I feel completely normal, but still learning every day. The sipping will last for another month or so and then one day, you'll just drink normally again..... Please keep us updated and be sure to check back here for any questions.....this forum is a wealth of information and everyone is here to help! I'll be updating my blog a little later today too..... Appreciate you writing back......was happy to hear from you.

HUGE CONGRATS!!!! I SO get this.......for everyone out there.....be wise when buying clothes; you don't realize how fast you change sizes......I have bought some things that I have only worn once and then *poof!* too big! And it's so nice to know you won't be gaining it back so no reason to keep them "just in case." Well done Lissa!

At 5 months post - op it's clear to me that I simply cannot get all the Protein in that I need. I've seen some protein tablets advertised but I haven't heard any one talk about them here. Has anyone had their NUT recommend them, or taken them, or is there some reason we shouldn't? Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi again....I realized I never answered your question about my travels.....no, my job doesn't provide for that; I am lucky that my husband and I retired last year so we took a year off to travel and figure out where we wanted to live.....that choice is Amsterdam! So we are now back in Hawaii packing up for the big move! My story is on my ABOUT page on my blog if you're interested. Sorry I didn't see your PS until just now.

Running a mile is HUGE!!! I'm trying to work up to 5 minutes on the treadmill and can't quite seem to get there yet.....I can only imagine the huge smile on your face when you hit that.....reminds me that we are all so much more eager to be healthy once we have lost some weight; unlike before when (at least for me) I felt it was hopeless when I starved myself, tried to exercise and lost a quarter of pound a week! Keep up the good work!

Just joined this group......actually I was sleeved Oct 25, 2011 but I didn't see an Oct group....so here I am! I was sleeved in Frankfurt Germany and am 58 years old. I have written a blog every Sunday to outline my journey (sort of a travel / weight loss blog!). Since we were all sleeved about the same time, I would love to see if your experience has been similar to mine. If you have a chance, take a look. Hope you are all doing as well as I am! Down 66 lbs and less than 20 lbs to goal! Love my sleeve!

Do the math; your body cannot hold on to the weight for long.....you are taking in far less calories than you were pre-surgery, but your body has gone through a lot and there is retention, swelling, and your insides are screaming....WTH????? But it WILL come off and STAY off. Be patient, and in the meantime, 6 lbs in 12 days is fantastic. I'll bet your next post will be an exciting one.....and BTW, at 5 months post op I am 20 lbs from goal and losing 1 lb a week and am THRILLED with that rate of loss. It could be 1/2 a lb a week at this point and I would be happy.....it took me 57 years to get to the point where I was 223 lbs, and now I can live a normal, wonderful, healthy life without feeling deprived, but yet the weight comes off. By the time I reach goal, at this rate, it will have been a year since I was sleeved; and wow, what a GREAT year!!!! Stay positive and you'll continue on a fabulous new adventure......just think, if you hadn't had surgery you might have GAINED another 6 lbs!!!

An amazing feeling, isn't it???? And there is more to come!!!! Everyday, life is just full of new surprises around every corner......congratulations and welcome to the Onderland Party!!!!

Hi Dyezee......so sorry you're having a rough start out of the gate. This part is no fun for anyone and when I look back on my first 4-8 weeks it seems like a weird blur of a time. I felt weak and old and frail and fragile and all I wanted to do was sleep. But it is true, that for the most part, each day gets better and easier.... As for the weight; it's a simple math problem with a simple solution. The weight will start to come off and like nothing you have ever experienced. You are body is going through a post op trauma but it will correct itself and if you follow the instructions of your doctor; you will start to see results and you will be posting good progress just like the rest of us! Just hang in there and keep us up to date on how you're doing. Good for you for going through this! We're proud of you and here to support you. Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

Good morning! Thanks for the responses....regarding the hair regrowth: I think it's different for everyone. They say between 4-6 months is when you will start seeing the hair loss and sure enough, right at 4 months 2 weeks is when it started happening for me. Luckily so far it's just thinning; no clumps or bald spots (but stay tuned). Keep watching my blog (or register for automatic updates if you haven't already) and I'll keep you updated on if I am at the bottom now and seeing new growth or if I continue to lose. According to what I have read; you will lose for a couple of months then around month 7 it will start to come back. Biotin is one of the supplements recommended (and it's a teeny pill so very easy to take after surgery; in fact mine is one you put under your tongue so it dissolves). But you should start taking that soon. Good luck to both of you and thanks for reading my blog! Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EACH SUNDAY

I am 5 months out (exactly today!) and am happier, healthier, look better, and off all medications. But I am losing my hair (and you most likely will too so you need to know this). I have posted this and other info on my weekly update, take a look if you want to know what to expect (or at least I have updated my journey....everyone is different....my is a kind of travel/weight loss blog! Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

Good morning! Regarding the Biotin: maybe it has helped keep my hair from falling out more; it's hard to say. I didn't have a problem with my hair until the last couple of weeks so maybe it kept it from starting earlier. I'm hoping it won't get worse now that I'm off the Ursodial (which said one of the side effects is hair loss). I'm still taking it and will continue for a long time, along with the Luminous that my ND is getting for me. Regarding the Glucosimine: I just started taking it this past month. You're right, the pills are huge and I could never have gotten them down the first 2-3 months. I think you will have to crush them or cut them (which never seemed to work for me). I do really feel it has helped my joints. Thank you both for the nice compliments and for reading my weekly blog! Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EACH SUNDAY

66 lbs lighter, no more prescription medications, healthier, happier, clothes fit! But I am dealing with hair loss...... Have posted these things and more on my Sunday update. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!' Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

but exactly 5 months ago today I left 85% of my stomach in Frankfurt, Germany. Now here I am in Hilo, Hawaii, half way around the world and I don't want it back!!! For the most part, at 5 months post-op, I feel great! Just posted my Sunday update to give you an idea of what things look like (for me anyway) at 5 months post op. A few 'hair challenges; but other than that, all is good. Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

I am 5 months post op and my hair has been OK up until the last week or so; and now it's so thin I am really scared to comb or wash it. I know there must be lots of people out there who have been through this and have advice....please let me know! I have been taking Biotin every day for 4 months, but is there anything, something, that I can do to stop this before it gets worse? Also, I am 58 so I'm nervous about whether it will grow back. Love the forum; it's been a life saver for me. Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

@ Kwikwits.....great upbeat post!!!! Loved reading it. We are similar....I am 58, down 65 lbs from since Oct 25. I am so grateful every day for this chance at a normal life with food at almost 60. Like you, I know it has added not just years to my life, but quality years.....am about to move to Amstserdam; city of bikes and stairs....so good thing I'm in shape now for that! But I will be in Hawaii until late summer, and happy to be wearing sleeveless tops and shorts again! I know your post is an inspiration to many.... Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

I'm really selective who I tell about this surgery, but I told one more friend....not sure how I feel about it. I posted some of my thoughts on my Sunday blog. Part of me wants to tell the world, but then part of me thinks I took the easy way out....especially when I know how hard it is to lose the traditional way.....and I think some people think this is cheating...???? Anyway, I'm happy to keep it to myself with only a few people knowing... Either way, it's nice to be back in Hilo, Hawaii again.....tried on some clothes I hadn't seen in a year; and have posted a photo like you see on TV on my site...I had fun 'shopping! QUEEN OF CROP A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER, UPDATED EACH SUNDAY http://www.queenofcrop.com/

Welcome!!!!! I am almost 5 months post-op and the time has just flown by.....so much fun to get up each morning now.....it's a wonderful adventure and every day I am thankful I bought this ticket to a new life! Hope the VS is what they suggest for you; I'm convinced it's the best tool out there. You may want to follow my blog to see what to expect. Good luck and keep us posted! Queen of Crop www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER, UPDATED EACH SUNDAY

I suppose it depends on your age, but I am 58; and my boobs were a 40 D and now they are a 36C. They look great in a bra and I love wearing beautiful sexy bras now; and I can show a little cleavage and wear cute dresses (I even wore a strapless dress (which you can see on my about me page on my blog link below). But the honest truth is, without a bra they're pointing south! Still, clothes fit SO much better and I am so happy to not have huge fleshy boobs any more. I'm not sure they'll ever be firm but I'm doing my strength training exercises every day in hopes that will help. Queen of Crop http://www.queenofcrop.com/about/ A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

Wow! Congratulations!!!! Size 4; isn't that incredible???? Who would have thought? Not sure where you started but I am now in a size 12 and feel positively svelte after being in a size 20! Anyway big woohoos to you!!!!! The sleeve may be a tool but we all know we also need to work at this to get there.....well done!!! www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER-UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

Does anyone know how we can pass on our bigger clothes to others who are going through the transition and don't want to buy those sizes? Problem is, I live in Hawaii.....so to ship them to someone would be expensive. But I just went through a ton of stuff to day and there's some nice stuff in there..... Thoughts? www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

I know how you feel! But we both have to realize this does not make sense.....it's time to move on and I hope someone else will enjoy them......but I am hanging on to more than I should..... www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

All great ideas!!!! Simple stuff....I should have just figured it out.....weird, it's hard to part with some of my things.....even though they're huge; I loved them.....just part of the process I guess. The odd part is that after 60 lbs many of my tops fit great now (?) but my bottoms just fall off.....makes me wonder how tight the tops must have been before...... www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY

Whoa....this does not sound normal for a 4 week post op patient....most people can barely get 500 calories in that stage and there is usually no hunger at all. However it sounds like you are doing the right things, except for drinking with your meals. Teeny sips are OK, but you really should not do that as it moves things through your stomach too quickly. The best advice I can give you is to try not to drink with meals, and as for the weight, it will come off at some point; your body is going through a lot right now. You should be due for your post op check up so be sure to tell your doctor what's going on. Good luck and keep us posted. www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER; UPDATED EACH SUNDAY

I have news for you; it happens post menopausal as well, AND bladder infections! You really should see your doctor to be sure you don't need antibiotics. I had a miserable bladder infection for 2 months after surgery; I was traveling and had to hit clinics in Amsterdam, Prague, and florence, Italy! No fun...... www.queenofcrop.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SLEEVER UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY