Oliver's Mom

I just say that it was a lot of work, involved a lot of lifestyle changes - I eat high Protein, low fat & low carbs and I exercise A LOT. All of which is true. I feel it's my decision to tell people if I had surgery. And all those who I determined should know do know. I wouldn't necessarily tell folks if I had other surgery (like when I had my 2 breast biopsies, or when I had a tubal ligation (years ago) It's totally up to you. As time goes by you might choose to widen the circle of those who 'know' but that is up to you.

I'm so happy I found this thread. I have continued to track everyday, but my carbs crept up & my exercise decreased (medical reasons - but cleared fully for exercise now!!) I need to weigh everyday again. It only takes a second and it really does keep me informed. Happy to be back on the site.

I have gained back 8 lbs. I blame this on both my allowing carbs back into my diet & not exercising for 6 months due to should surgery recovery. I got un-motivated after 4 weeks of not being able to really doing anything & then continued not even walking. It's funny how 8 lbs seems like 80. My clothes still fit, but a little tighter in the waist. I never stopped tracking my food intake on MyFitnessPal - and only was eating 1300-1400 calls a day. I think I must be hyper carb sensitive. SO today - I AM RECOMMITTING. I put it in caps to emphasize to myself that I am dedicated. I haven't been on this site for a while and now will follow this thread and other veteran threads. Thank you for starting this.

I struggle with snacking in the afternoon. Popcorn has been my struggle.

You look AMAZING!!!! This is so motivating. Don't stop posting - even though you've reached goal. We all want to follow your maintenance too.

I am SO not math-y so your help is very much appreciated. SW 214 CW 151 (gained 3 while recovering from should surgery) GW 145

random thought of the day: getting cold here, don't want to hide my 'new me' under bulky sweaters this year

Greek yogurt, light mini baby bel cheese, Quest protein bars, low sodium ham, turkey, homemade mini protein muffins, shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp! Water, mio, crystal light, Tazo passion herbal tea. Lots of fish, cod, haddock, salmon even skate wing! Turkey meatballs.

Congratulations! You look great! All of your work is showing in the outcomes. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead in all things.

I had my 10 month post-op visit with the nurse from my program yesterday. I had gained a pound since my 8 month visit. Considering that I had rotator cuff surgery a month ago and am unable to exercise like I was, AND while home not being able to drive I had a crazy uncontrollable love affair with popcorn, of all things! I wasn't surprised. We talked at length of how my weight has stayed the same for a while even when I was exercising 6 X a week (and not obsessed with Skinny Pop popcorn) and eating about 1000-1100 calories per day. It may be that this weight is where my body wants to be. I'm good with that if that's the case. I can begin start walking now, but no weights, no zumba, no strong women classes, no 30/30 classes for a few more months. If by my 1 year anniversary I'm still at this weight then I will consider myself at goal. I'm really happy with my health (off all meds for HBP, diabetes, high cholesterol) and I FEEL so healthy and happy - energetic. Plus I am wearing clothes sizes that I hadn't seen for decades. I love this thread - it keeps things so in perspective for me. I do like the idea of being accountable weekly by attending WW though.

I've been at the same weight for several weeks now - but - can't complain. Had rotator cuff surgery 2 weeks ago - so no exercising (which I miss greatly!! Who da thought??) and no driving so stuck in the house. Going a little stir crazy, taking walks outside when I can. I have eaten a few more calories per day the last 2 days (1300 or so instead of my usual 1100-1200 per day) But thru this all my weight has stayed the same. Crazy to say this 'outloud' but I miss wearing my smaller size clothes - can't really wear any pants that are not elastic waists and bigger tops to accomomdate the sling. Sorry for the whining - feeling a little sorry for myself that I can't live my new normal life. I will soon tho.

Congrats! You look amazing. All of your hard work is paying off, keep up the great work.

for a WHILE. I need rotator cuff surgery!! My first question to the surgeon today at my consult was what about exercise?? What can I do, how soon can I do it, can I at least walk, what about jogging/running? Pretty much, all I will be able to do for at least 4 weeks is walk! %$@$#$%%^ - she said under her breath! But I have to have it done - and the sooner the better because of the pain AND I want to be able to hold my first grandchild when he/she arrives. Son & wife in midst of adoption process. I'm good now with my food choices, but will be ever more vigilant about that since my activity level will be less for a while.

I also found that my 4 week pre-op classes (once a week for 4 weeks) was really helpful. I attended support group meetings for 3 months (once a month) to hear those who have had the surgery talk, be able to ask questions, got a lot of info there. I read this site and I also read the World According to Eggface and other blogs. Even tho Eggface has gastric bypass, it was helpful to me to read the recipes, tips etc. Good luck!!

I was told by my nutritionist to start with 'soft' lettuces - I too kept asking about having salads!! So I did, no crunchy lettuce for a while - but now at 9 months out I can easily eat the crunchier type lettuces like iceberg. In fact lettuce is my new best friend. I eat lots of things in it, as I don't eat bread of any kind - my choice. But I do notice that my stomach might gurgle a bit when I do eat lettuce. But no cramps. I think the advice that most everyone has given to wait a bit then try it again is best. Good luck!

I say try it. I think meditation is very helpful in not only settling your mind and calming, but I believe it is helpful to visualize your goals. I too believe in the possibilities of alternative therapies- saw so many of them work so well while I was working for a hospice. Patients pain levels decreasing with Reiki or Reflexology treatment. Good luck with your surgery.

Thanks for the link - I just ordered mine!

Ok, let's hope this ole gal (me! turning 60 in 2 months) can get these pics attached. The one in the black top is me at my highest weight 225lbs, and the one in the Red Sox shirt is today - only 8 lbs from goal. Weight coming off very s l o w l y now, but no worries, I'm just following the plan (high Protein, low carbs, lots & lots of Water and exercise) and it will come off when it comes off.

Thanks everyone! The best part is that I am off all of my diabetes meds, my HBP meds and my cholesterol meds!! Hahahha Kathy - I'm not good at taking 'selfies' I guess. Having the sleeve was the best decision I've ever made. No regrets at all. thanks again

I think on the recipe board, there is a recipe for 'cloud' bread. Which I made a couple of times to eat my tuna on. Haven't lately, I have this odd craving for things on lettuce lately. So I use the leuttuce lea as a roll-up for my chicken, tuna, crabmeat, even when I have the occasional burger. I also have used thin sliced English (seedless) cucumber as my 'cracker' for hummus, and tuna salad. Good luck!!

Can you bring a little cooler?? Yogurt, cottage cheese, SF pudding, SF Jello - things like that could all fit in a little cooler. You could bring a shaker bottle and your Protein mix, or pre mixed Protein drinks. Is it just for one day that you'll be traveling?? On the road you could get a scrambled egg, Soup etc. Good luck!!

I was sleeved December 3, 2012 & remember that I had my first 'stall' around week 3. It only lasted for 4 days. Since about May the weight loss is slow, maybe .4 or .2 and I hover at that for several days. Then I might lose another .2 or .4. The last couple of weeks I've been hovering at 149. My own goal is 140 - doctor and/or medical team (NUT, RN, etc) never set or recommended a goal for me. I've stopped stressing. I eat so differently now and it feels comfortable and right - I exercise 5-6 days a week. I drink a lot of water - 12-15 8oz glasses a day. I was obese for over 15 years - why do I need to derail the process by stressing that I'm 8 months out from surgery and not at goal yet. It will happen, and when it does that's great. I'm thrilled that I'm off all but one of my medications and that's been reduced to 1/4 of the dose I was taking. When the 8 month labs come back (drawn today) it's highly likely that med will be D/C'd too. This is a journey, sometimes the speed on the road is slower than others - it's all OK.

Sleeve, this was the perfect post for me to read today. I have been having an internal discussion about 'goal' for me lately. I feel great where I am, and would just like to tone up a bit more in the ab area. Prior to surgery I was thinking 130 lbs, but then changed that goal to 140 as at my age & stage I thought it would be more realistic. I'm with you as far as wanting to be happy with eating this new normal way - not feeling like I'm constantly dieting or battling with food. Thank you for your honest, down to earth and personal insight. Much appreciated.

You're smart to work on that pesky inner voice. And Jmarie is SO right - it does get easier every single day. 8 days from now you'll be in an entirely different place than you are today. The positive self-talk you'll still have to do, but it will be less of a conscious thing because you've begun to change it to the the loudest voice. Keep up the good work, we are all here to support you in this journey.

I have a little jiggle of my inner thighs when my trainer has me do quick runs in place (like football players do) during Takada (spelling??) training. I don't like that feeling so I wear stronger lycra workout pants!! And If I wave to someone, the extra arm fat/skin might continue to wave for a few seconds after my hand stops!! That only shows if I'm in a sleeveless shirt. But I can live with these things - their not as bad as I expected and I am continuing to work out and S L O W L Y lose so I'm hoping the jiggle and the wiggle will reduce.