sleevie.wonder

Hi all, I had my sleeve surgery March 5th 2014 with zero complications and lost 130 lbs my first year. I got pregnant 1.5 years out and gained 20 lbs during the pregnancy, and that weight came off very quickly after delivery. But unfortunately during the pregnancy my hunger came back full force, and I stretched my sleeve no doubt. My baby is 13 months old now and I feel like even though I still can't eat as much as I was once able, I am able to eat more than I am supposed to, also I am slipping calorie-wise. I was doing so well the first couple years, I had fought the head hunger to where it wasn't a problem, and now it is back. Making unhealthy eating choices, etc. I have not gained back much, 10 lbs or less, but it is noticeable (clothes are snug and overall feeling sluggish and terrible.) Those who are years out, how do you keep focused? This is a lifetime commitment and I should NOT be struggling at only 3 years out!! I feel like I need to start from square one, with Protein shakes and all that. Please any advice is much appreciated.

Absolutely!! I'll PM you.

I had the sleeve done, but have found myself in the same boat. The good thing is that you have reached out for help, and you should be very proud. That's hard in itself! I think one of the biggest things is accountability. You were able to admit that you are struggling, and that you want help. The biggest thing is remembering how you felt when you were at your heaviest, and where you were at when you decided to have the surgery. The last thing you want is to end up back in that boat, because then what is there left to do? Just stay strong, this are the things I am telling myself at least.

First off I apologize for taking so long to get back to you! Pregnancy was a breeze. My bariatrician put in my record as high-risk, but my OB considered me the opposite. He said I was considered low-risk since I no longer was obese (and this is coming from a high-risk dr!) My blood pressure stayed low the entire time. I very much enjoyed "looking" pregnant and having such a cute baby belly! With my first I was large so I never looked pregnant. I took a regular prenatal with Iron and my levels were fine throughout. I've been breastfeeding for three months now so things have been fine with that as well.

Today marks two years since my gastric sleeve surgery. It seems like only yesterday I was posting about my one year surgiversary! I started this journey at 320 lbs. At one year out I was down 135 lbs, weighing 185. Three months later I found out I was pregnant! Long story short, my new baby daughter is 2.5 weeks old and she is just lovely! I gained 20 lbs during my pregnancy, and at 2.5 weeks after having her I'm already back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. Guess it was all baby and Water weight! So at 2 years out I am still down 135 lbs weighing 185. My goal this year is to lose the last 15 or so lbs. It would be amazing to get a tummy tuck at some point. Especially after having a baby, I've got a bit of loose skin. It's amazing what this surgery has done for my life. I make healthier eating choices as second nature now. I have not had soda in two years (and don't miss it!) I'd say my tummy can fit around a cup or so of food before I start getting full. Sometimes I can fit more, sometimes not. It depends on how long it's been since I've eaten. Thanks for reading. I still love my sleeve after two years and have zero regrets. Let me know if any questions!

My Bariatrician was very adamant about getting on birth control before/after surgery as I guess the weight loss makes us more fertile! I recommend an IUD-- out if sight out of mind

I know that each restaurant has the right to refuse a kids meal to an adult, I get it. But this owner was outright rude and wouldn't even glance at my little medical card that I have to show waiters to prove that I've had gastric surgery. Like, is it really worth the extra couple dollars that you'll get from me to just toss the rest down your garbage disposal? I did not want to take home leftovers at this particular night (I've got enough at home!) It's been bothering me ever sense. Oh well, move on I guess. Definitely won't be going back. Either way, I am not going to leave a nice review on their Yelp. Maybe if he had been a little more compassionate. But this guy treated me like I was trying to rob the damn place. UGH. [/vent] Anyone else have this happen to them?

Thanks so much everyone! Unfortunately it was the owner who took our order and was the rude one. Kinda makes me feel like there wasn't much I could do in that situation :/. Yelp it is!

Thanks everyone! I got my card from my dr, it just basically looks like a business card and says my name and requests that I be able to order a kids/senior portion, and has the dr's signature at the bottom. But I had to ask for it! I recommend having it just in case. This was at a local Mexican food restaurant. Just wanted one enchilada at my bday dinner. Was cheaper to order a kids version vs the a la carte (bigger portion I guess), which ended up being what I ordered anyway *shrugs*.

(sorry about the atrocious typo in the title >.<. "SURGIVERSARY"!) I'm sitting her reminiscing about my surgery day. I remember so clearly the emotions that I was feeling. I was not scared in the least. I was so READY. I did have a bit of anxiety, as anyone who is about to go under the knife would have, but was never scared. Waking up from the surgery was one of the biggest sighs of relief that I have ever taken. It's over with! I'm alive! Yeah I feel like crap, but I "feel" AMAZING! I only had to stay one night in the hospital. Recovery after surgery was typical. I took 3 weeks off of work which I felt every day was needed. Pain was manageable and I didn't take any pain meds at home. I also never threw up, and still have not thrown up once since surgery. I followed all of the stages to a 'T'. It took six months to lose 100 lbs. I've had the best, most ideal experience with the sleeve and I am so thankful for that. As of today, one year out, I am down 135 lbs. I am smaller then I was in high school by about 40-50 lbs. I think I was this weight in elementary school, no joke. I have been at this weight since November, though. I've been maintaining around 3 months, which is fine. I do want to mention that I lost a lot of hair. At least half of what I had is gone. Seems like more but probably not. So now I have very thin, fine hair. I'm ok with it though, as it is already growing back. I feel like I look like Elvira at the moment because all the new stuff sticks straight up. I have to hairspray it back down lol. I still lose a little in the shower, but as far as losing hair by the handfulls, that part is over. I do have lose skin. It isn't terrible, but very noticeable. I look good with clothes on and that's it. My next goal is to start working on toning, to see if it makes any difference. I'm happy to answer any questions anyone may have. Stats: Height: 5'9" HW: 320 CW: 185 GW: 170 Pics: Before: Day of surgery: Today, one year out: I will update this evening with more pics as I am at work right now. Edit: Here's a pic I took this evening. I have always dreamed of taking picture like this! This is me in my size 22's that I used to wear all the time pre-op. In fact, I think I'm wearing them in the picture above (the one in the pink shirt.) I wear a size 8 now.

Hey thanks! Makes me feel a little better about my hair. I am pretty self-conscious about it lol. I wish you the best of luck during your journey. If you happen to have the "why did I do this??" thought after surgery, just remind yourself of exactly that: why you did. This surgery is an amazing tool that WORKS. It may not be easy, but holy cow is it worth it. The best bit of advice I can give you is to never lose sight of why you are doing this, and to never let yourself get off track, because it's easier than you might think. You will do great

Today is my one year surgiversary as well. I've lost 135 lbs, but have been at this weight since November. I'm assuming the "honeymoon" phase is over and I'm at a stall. But obviously I'm very happy with my results! I want to lose another 15lbs and if it takes a year to lose it I won't complain. Maintaining is a huge part of this journey.

I used the BMI chart to determine mine as well. I've been stalled since November as well (darn holidays threw me off my groove!) I've got 14 lbs to go.

I haven't worked out much. I'm making an effort to this year though, as I'm having loose skin issues. I'm wearing my shapewear in that pic! I don't leave home w/o it on. For those who are newly sleeved, just keep your eyes on the prize and don't allow yourself to slip, as it is very easy to. At 10.5 months out my hunger is back and my sleeve isn't as tight as when I started out (which is all to be expected according to my doc.) So now it's up to me to keep the weight off the rest of my life . Good luck to everyone and please message me with any questions!

10.5 months out and 135 lbs lost. My before pic is on my profile! Started at 320 and now I'm at 185 (I should mention that I am 5'9). Started at a size 22-24 and now I'm fitting in 8's. I'd like to lose another 15 but the weight loss has come to a standstill. But I am not complaining, 135 lost in less than 11 months is more than I ever expected. I love my sleeve! (Sorry for the typo in my username! >.<)

I've been soda-free for over 10 months now and although sometimes I crave it, I am so much better off without it! I was a soda addict pre-op and not only is it just empty calories, it ruined my teeth. Now I'm paying the price. I was curious and took a sip of my daughters sprite one day and it wasn't even worth it.. Made my tummy rumbly too. It's like, what's the point? Soda is so bad for you anyway.

I was in the hospital for 1.5 days, I was discharged the following evening. I took 3 weeks off of work (I work a desk job as well). I felt ok by week 2, but was glad to have the extra week off to get my strength back and figure out a menu of some sort for when I went back. Definitely be prepared!

10 months out now! Crazy how time flies! Still at 135 lbs lost as I did not lose any weight during the holidays. I'm happy I didn't gain anything! It'll be one year before we know it guys!!

Hi guys, as of yesterday i am 7 months out and have lost 121 lbs. I just entered ONEDERLAND which I have not seen in YEARS!! I weigh less than I did in high school. I walked my first 5k yesterday which was a breeze. I feel amazing and couldn't be happier with my decision to have this surgery. I'd love to lose another 30 but feel great even where I am at right now so whenever my body wants to stop losing is fine with me. HW: 320 CW: 199 GW: 170 Before: Now: (My first pair of jeggings!)

Yep TJ Maxx! Love that place

Hi everyone! I decided to not deprive myself on Thxgiving. I had a small plate of "a little of everything" which I did not finish of course, but it sure made me feel better having it in front of me. Only 15 lbs until goal! Slowly starting to incorporate a little more calories here and there since it seems like I might have trouble coming to a hault once I reach goal. Hope everyone is doing great.

My doc says you can take vitamins but nothing will essentially keep it from falling out. If anything they will help it grow back. My hair, at 8 months out now, is just not starting to grow back as I am noticing a lot of the fuzz on my hair line sticking up. Also I'm not noticing as much coming out in the shower. Good luck!

Actually I've lost a lot of hair. In the before pix I have long, thick hair and the most recent pix I have short hair because I've lost so much! And it's still coming out. Not to discourage you of course. The hair loss is not upsetting me though because I'd rather be bald than still be 320 lbs. Hair grows back Best of luck