Louisiana Girl

MizNola - I had the sleeve done two years ago. I love my sleeve!! I had 70 lbs. to lose, and the sleeve was the perfect tool for me to do it. I have kept it off for two years. Yes, it's permanent.. Yes, you can gain your weight back with either procedure. I followed Dr. Lavin's orders to a "T". It was the best thing I ever did for myself..!! The sleeve is a wonderful tool to help you lose weight. I realized that I didn't need to eat as much food as I was eating prior to the surgery. Also, I wasn't hungry. With either procedure you still have to watch what you eat. Some foods go down easily, and so you can eat more. You still have to use will power and good choices to maintain your weight. I can eat whatever I want but less of it. Just follow the doctor's orders and you will be successful. Good luck!

LizTex - I'm surprised your pcp would be against the weight loss surgery. I would think that he would support you in your desire to be healthier. Not everyone can do it on their own -- no will power, other issues. Whatever the case, I could never do this on my own. I could not be happier and healthier since my sleeve surgery! Good luck! You will be glad you did this!

sheppy33 - Good luck with your surgery! It's a big decision, and a scary one, but so well worth it. I never thought I could be this weight again. slojo - Congrats on your progress! Sometimes it slows down a little, but just don't stop what you're doing, and before you know it, you will be at goal! I went to a wedding two weeks ago. I hadn't seen the groom's mother in over a year. We were talking small talk, and when my husband came up, she started laughing and said, "I'm talking to you and had no idea who you were". Now, we've known each other for at least five years and have seen each other from time to time. I, and my husband, have had so many comments on what a different person I seem like now. I'm not a different person, but am now able to be the person on the outside that I have always been on the inside, but never let it come out because I was so self-conscious. I guess because even though I loved the person I was, I didn't like my body, and it showed.

Mermaid Girl - I put about 2 oz water and about 1/2 cup ice. Then I add 2 scoops powder, 1/2 banana, and about 4 frozen strawberries, then blend.

ahh2bm3 - Good luck with your surgery!! My advice would be to follow your doctor's plan, get in your protein, and take your vitamins. Also, don't be in a rush to eat foods that are not on your plan until your sleeve is ready for them. You will eventually be able to eat the foods you love IN MODERATION! We have been given a blessing. The sleeve is a tool, not the answer. So, listen to your sleeve and enjoy your new life--because this surgery is life changing. Keep us updated.

I have also posted on Start Some More Conversation! I got confused. At this point, 8 months out, I have lost 70 lbs. I am at goal, actually below goal. I love my sleeve and the extreme decision I made to do it! I didn't weigh myself except at the doctor's office in the beginning. I think our bodies go through stages of halts and loses. I followed the doctor's plan for the first 4 months. Good luck to all who have made this decision to be healthy!!!

Kitt - You will eventually be able to start eating a little more quantity of food than immediately post surgery. The weight loss will slow down and eventually you can maintain the weight you want to be. At 8 months out, I can eat whatever foods I want. Even the ones that got me in this mess. However, the quantities are much, much smaller. I have actually learned what the word moderation means. I was worried right after surgery that I would never be able to eat the foods that I love, again. Well, you will. But during this adventure, I have learned that some of the foods I thought I had to have in the past, I don't need them, or even for that matter, love them. Such as fried foods, thick gravies, cakes, etc. Once you have gone through the first few months post surgery, and see that we really can survive on a small amount of food and that you actually like not feeling full all of the time, you develop a new way of eating. However, it is very important that you get in your Protein and Vitamins daily (I drink a smoothie every morning of Smoothie King strawberry flavored Gladiator powder (2 scoops=45 gr protein) with strawberries and 1/2 banana, and in the evening I drink GNC Isopure Alpine Punch powder (1 scoop= 25 gr protein) mixed with Diet V8 Splash berry Blend. I literally followed my doctors instructions to a tee for the first 4 months. I never had a problem with vomiting. The only thing that made me nauseous was ready-made Protein Drinks, even mixed with skim milk, specifically Myoplex Light and Muscle Milk Light. Only tried them twice. Good luck ya'll!!! It is worth it!! We are worth it!!

I know this is a big decision for those of us who started under 200, but it was the best decision for me. We are in the middle---we're not terribly overweight, but we're not our normal weight either. But what really hit home for me was when I read that I am obese. OBESE! I guess I didn't think I was as overweight as I was. But it started at 20 lbs, then 30 - 40 - 50, then 60!! Wow, I was obese! It's a big decision, and an extreme one, but well worth it!

@Mermaid Girl - I live in Bedico, between Madisonville and Ponchatoula. Dr. Thomas Lavin did my surgery. I tried a number of means to get in my protein. There are products from my Bariatric clinic called MyWeight products, and in the beginning of my post surgery when I couldn't have bananas and strawberries, I used them. A bit pricey, but it was worth it for me. I loved the Wild Berry Fruit Drink (15 gr protein. There are other flavors too, but I liked the Wild Berry the best. I also drank their Vanilla Capuccino (15 gr protein). I also drank Smoothie King Strawberry Gladiator powder and GNC Isopure Alpine Punch powder mixed with water. Initially, I only used one scoop of the Gladiator powder. Then, when I could have strawberries and bananas (day 15 post surgery), I started adding those to my smoothie and loved it. Seven months out and I still have the Gladiator smoothie (2 scoops = 45 gr protein) with 1/2 banana and about 4 frozen strawberries every morning and drink the Isopure Alpine Punch (1 scoop = 25 gr protein) mixed with Diet V8 Splash Berry Blend every evening. Combined, that's 70 gr protein total by supplements. I could never eat enough to get that much protein in.

If you are at the point that you can have protein smoothies, I've tried so many different kinds. In the morning I make a smoothie with Smoothie King Strawberry flavored Gladiator powder (2 scoops), a couple of strawberries and 1/2 banana, along with just a little water and some ice. Then in the evening, I put about 4 oz. of water in a cup and mix in a scoop of Isopure Alpine Punch. Then I add a little bit of Diet V8 Splash Berry Blend. Makes it so much easier to drink.

Hi all, Sorry I have abandoned this site. Just an update on my personal progress. I am at goal, well..below goal. I could never have gotten to this point if not for my sleeve. This was such a blessing! My cholesterol and blood pressure are all normal. I honestly have not been truly hungry since my surgery. I love not being able to stuff myself...feel almost normal now. But I still have times when I want to eat just to eat, even though I can't eat a whole lot at a time. So, this is where my willpower has to kick in and I have to use the tools I've learned my whole life, and especially during the last eight months. I take my vitamins every day, take some protein supplement every day, at meals - eat protein first, take small bites, chew all food slowly, desserts in moderation.....everything in moderation!! I think I can do this!

Thinner Peace - I felt that as long as I could lose 10 lbs a month, I am good. I have accomplished that, and am thrilled with my results. And, it helps to not be hungry! There will be a day when all of a sudden everyone notices you have lost weight...and it will be soon!