Nate

I'm a big'un at 6'5. My Doc has me on a 1200 calories a day diet.

Very little. I'm close to the same amount of time post surgery as you. I still limit my carbs to as little as possible. Usually 2 pieces of wheat toast with Peanut Butter in the morning for Breakfast, and a scoop or so of potatoes or rice with dinner and that's it. I try to avoid Pasta unless it's of the wheat variety, and then just a small amount.

It's normal to be afraid of failing. And it is possible to fail. Don't let that discourage you, but use it as a remainder of what could happen, and a driving force to do the things you should.I had my surgery back in June of 2012. I'm down to 330lbs from 505 the morning of surgery. Early on it was fairly easy to lose the weight. Eventually though I've found that I have to do the things my Doc told me to do to continue losing. I have to eat right. And as much as I hate it, I still have to get out each and every day and walk at least 30 minutes, more depending on how motivated I feel. It's very easy to fall back into the bad habits you had when before being sleeved. If you aren't careful you'll end up eating nothing but junk, just not as much at one time. Do I still eat stuff that isn't good for me? YES. But I've found it best to allow myself the bad stuff at least once in a while as a reward for all the hard work I do staying the course and doing everything I should. So one day a week, usually a Saturday or Sunday I'll allow myself to have some pizza, or cake, or pie, or whatever I may be craving at the time. I believe that one little act of indulgence keeps me from feeling like I'm constantly deprived and eventually hitting a wall and falling off the wagon and hitting the junk food and other bad stuff hard.

With a fork! Well if it's Chunky Soup that is lol. Interesting thing my Doc told me about Soups when I was newly past surgery... DONT get in a habit of eatting them alot. You may think they're a good idea early on because they go down easy and don't put too much stress on your stomach. But they're also usually full of salt, and it's easy to eat far too much soup than it is to eat solid food, and you may be hampering your weight loss. So I may have soup every now and again, but not often, or that much.

Lay off the junk foods and the like. That's probably a big contributior. Make sure you're getting lots of protein and water. I take Cymbalta for pain and do just fine. Don't know about the Thyroid meds... when in doubt ask your Doctor.

Awesome job! You're looking outstanding! A real hottie!

I think they don't want us using straws in the early stages of being sleeved due to the excess amount of air that can get inside your newly butchered and healing stomach. If you get enough air in your new stomach its going to be uncomfortable, maybe down right painful. And you tend to drink alot using a straw if you realize it or not, and that can be a danger filling up your healing stomach too fast. Having said that I started using straws again about month 6 post op and have been ever since. I'm now a year and almost two months post surgery and have no issues drinking with them.

always have been and probably always will be a 15 wide unfortunately

Been a while since I've posted here. Figured i would check in and FINALLY post pics of my progress. I'm 40 years old, and 6'5. Was Sleeved last year on June 5th. It's been an amazing year since surgery. I've gotten a life back that I never thought I would live again and can actually do things I wasn't physically able to do. Being Sleeved was the best thing I've ever done for myself! I still have a way to hit goal. My Doc said a goal of 250-275 would be realistic and ideal for my height. Maybe by this time next year I'll be there. The Before shot is me the day before surgery. The "during" shot is me yesterday at 335lbs..... 170lbs gone!

My go to concoction is the Body Fortress brand Chocolate Peanut Butter flavored protein mix in decaf coffee. There was a banana flavored one from GNC that I liked but it was rather expensive. I forget the exact brand of it though.

Staple Gun! Seriously though just exercise. I've been told doing sit ups and crunches works for helping tighten the stomach area. Legs.. walking, cycling, etc. Arms seem to be an issue with most people including myself. I try to do light weight training almost every day when it comes to my arms but they are still kinda floppy and loose. I'm going to have to really kick it into gear and muscle up to tighten them up I guess.

If I was to post a rant, it would be about people ranting about others who are probably scared and confused and reaching out wishing and hoping that what is happening to them is normal and that they're not the only one experiencing thier issues asking questions and seeking reassurance on a forum meant for informing them and answering thier questions. if I was to post a rant that is.. :ph34r:

Congrats!