MichiganChic

High weight 306 December 2012, current weight 165.

I was 50, and if the sleeve had been an option with the same risk level as it is now, I wish I could have done it in my late twenties when I became morbidly obese and just couldn't get the weight off. I considered RNY in my 30's, but the risk factor was much higher, and involved a huge incision, so I opted not to do that. So, I had the right surgery for me and the earliest opportunity. As for my child, I have supported my 26 year old daughter as she had the sleeve. I did not encourage her to seek WLS, but once she decided it was the way she wanted to go, I was OK with it. She has been overweight most of her life, and no amount of diet and exercise was successful. I've seen her struggle, and I believe the benefit is worth the risk for her. She's got a great husband, baby, and wonderful life ahead of her, and I want her to be able to enjoy it. Morbid obesity robbed me of so much as my children were growing up. I have another daughter who is 23, and I would not support her if she decided to have WLS. She has mentioned it and I have discouraged her. Her BMI is not as high, and she can lose weight if she tries. She doesn't have any associated problems. So, for me, the benefit has to outweigh the risk, and I do not want my children to have WLS unless there really is no other option.

The "wrong way" is not something I've encountered. In fact, I've not encountered one person I've told who judged me (though I've been very selective in who I've told). My family has been really supportive, so the "wrong way" is a strange concept to me. I suppose people might think it's wrong because the right way would be a traditional diet. I don't care what they think because they are either stupid or uninformed or just judgmental. Life is too short for that shitt.

Funny visual there, with the bobble head I have to agree that the BMI chart is not the be all, end all to determine a healthy weight, or even a weight that looks good for lots of people. I know muscular men who have no fat, are not muscle bound, and would be overweight by those charts. I just think science has a long way to go in the field of obesity, from diagnosis, to treatment. My problem is that I'm a nurse and was taught to use that BMI chart for a myriad of things, so unlearning it has been hard for me. I think it can be a quick reference, but we should consider other factors in determining our best, healthy weight.

Flights are easy in and out of Detroit

I originally set my goal at 145, thinking it would be a normal BMI. Then, I stopped losing at 165.I kept trying, but just couldn't lose. So, then I changed my goal to 155, and figured after plastic surgery I'd probably meet that goal. That's still a normal BMI for someone my age by some charts. So, I had 12 pounds of skin and fat removed and the scale has not budged. Still 165. My surgeon did not set a goal, and said I'm good. My PCP called it good, and so did the plastic surgeon....and my family.....and my friends on BP....and yet I really struggled with the number. But, I've come to the conclusion that this probably IS it for me. I still have swelling from surgery, so maybe a little more will come off, but I'm not counting on it. I didn't want to change the goal because I failed to meet it. However, I've shifted my thinking lately. I'm almost ready to call it a day and declare victory at 165, but I'm going to give it a little time while I wait for the swelling to subside. In the meantime, I think I look fine, and I am successful, despite my too high BMI. It's been quite a relief to just LET IT GO.

I've never tried it, but I work for a hospice company, and we provide that service in some locations. What you describe would be wonderful for terminally ill people, as well as healthy people!

I have also been guilty of that. Try not to feel too bad. I think we are all different in sizes and our personal goals. I also have a 6 foot daughter, and we are just different shape, size, composition, everything. Having said that , though, it does quickly remind us how difficult it is to be an overweight girl, and we sure don't want to make it any harder for them! and you look great! I agree, time to find contentment!

I agree, you've got a great starting point, and I think you'll be amazed at the results. Your thighs are better than mine after having 2.5 pounds of skin and fat cut off of each of them. Good luck, and can't wait to see how great you look!

Sleeves are unique, and rate of healing is, too. I doubt you've stretched, but I do believe it can be stretched. I have never thrown up, never slimed, and can eat a lot more at 2 years than I wish I could. At six weeks out, I could also eat more than many people report, but it was still very little, as you are describing. My advice is measure your food. I was supposed to be eating no more than a half cup per meal at that time. Just because we can eat more than that does not mean we should. It's important to eat slow and pay attention to signals you get that you are becoming full - and then stop. That is definitely a hard thing to learn, at least for me, but it is critical. I would not be too alarmed at the quantity you can eat. There are many of us who are like that and do succeed. I do think a larger capacity is both a good thing and a bad thing. I requires us to work a little harder to control portion sizes, but it also means less/no vomiting and sliming. I can now eat roughly 8-12 ounces, depending on what it is. If I allowed myself high calorie foods or ate to capacity or grazed, I'd weigh 300 pounds again. I saw my surgeon yesterday, and he said that capacity is pretty normal for 2 years post op. So I still have the tool, it still keeps hunger controllable, and the capacity keeps me from going off the rails, but now I'm putting in a great deal of effort to stay on track.

50

I have always carried most of my weight in my hips and thighs. I don't think any amount of exercise will do anything about those fat deposits. My thighs were HID-EE-US. I had it all cut off. In December I had a vertical thigh lift, and while they are far from perfect, they are a million times better. It's amazing how much freer I feel without all that hanging, dripping, wobbling and generally disgusting and miserable fat on my thighs. Once they are healed, I'm going to try to build some muscle, and at least now I have a chance of improving them some. Look at some pictures on real self - you'll see plenty of issues, probably worse than yours.

Sorry they treated you like that. I think you are doing great. You don't give your age or height, or goal, but all those things play a part, and you have lost a significant amount of weight. What did they say your excess loss percentage is? What numbers are they using to calculate it? I could understand concern if you were not compliant, but since you are, there is nothing left to do. Even if you do not represent the average pounds lost, could you do anything different? I doubt it. Just keep doing the things you are doing, and your loss will continue. I do think you should plan to back, just request different people. I have kept detailed, daily records of my weight since my sleeve. At 26 weeks, I had lost 51% of my excess weight, so in answer to your question, it is reasonable. I was 306 when I started and 225 at 26 weeks post op. I am now around 90-95% of EWL, or even 100% depending on what you say the goal is. My point is that it's easy to lie with statistics. If they are basing it on a very low goal, your current % is going to be low. My docs office used the stats as guidelines, but treated me as an individual. My 26 year old daughter had the sleeve 4 months ago, and she's lost around 60% or more already. But she's young and I think that makes a difference. I know people who lose much slower. It just goes to show we are all unique, and all successful. You are successful, and while you can spin numbers many ways, the fact is, you've lost a LOT of weight, and our bodies only can lose so fast. You are doing fine, just keep up the good work.

I used to give up fast food, and forced my family to, as well. They hated it, lol. Now I don't eat fast food. I don't know what I could give up....I don't eat any of the usual lent suspect like pop, candy, cookies, etc. Perhaps I'll give up cussing....but I really hate to! Maybe I could give up coffee, but I love my coffee. So, I suppose the cussing would be the actual best for my soul

I had GERD for years before surgery, but didn't have a hernia. I'm 26 months out and haven't had problems with GERD for over a year and a half. I don't take anything for it, either.

Depends on your body shape and the make of the pants. However, at 5'4" and 165 pounds, I wear a 10, and they are almost too loose. I think I would have been 14 at this weight in high school. The vanity sizing these days works for me

I love Perfect shape Body by Victoria at VS. They have several styles to choose from.

@@sweetcheeks14 If you were asking me if I exercise, I have to admit that I do not, currently. I did religiously for the first year during weight loss, and sporadically most of the second year. I walked, lifted weights, and did the ski machine and elliptical. I had some plastics in the fall and during the holidays, so I've not exercised since. Once things are fully healed, I'll go back. I was just getting into yoga, and also I want to swim.

@@feedyoureye you got it! We are so, so much better off! I've also come to the realization that I'm a perfectionist, ergo, I'll always find a way to self criticize, unless force myself not to. It's been a couple of weeks that I've consciously been making this decision to accept this weight and declare success, and I'm coming to the same conclusion as you. We need to enjoy the sun while it shines! You look great, too, and I appreciate your encouragement

@@BethinPA Thank you! I do think only those of us who have walked this path really know the all consuming effort required. My follow up post was really to just say I agree, it is time to call it good and enjoy life. It's quite freeing to let go of that baggage and line of thinking. And congrats to you, too! You've done it, too!

@@VSGAnn2014 Yes, time to focus on other things. I have a great career, so I'm good there. In fact, I got my current job about a year and a half ago when I was down about 100 pounds. I have my MSN, so I'm mostly good with education, though you never know. As for travel - yep - working on that one! I'm planning a trip in April to sit on a beach. Something I've wanted to do for 25 years and never could bring myself to do it. I have a wonderful and supportive family. So, I definitely feel like I have a rich life and am blessed for it. I don't talk a lot about that here, because I am always focused on weight loss discussions here. I make it my business to stay focused on the changes I've made because I am pretty sure I'm one who would backslide otherwise. I'm definitely goal driven and it makes me nuts not to accomplish them, and I don't like to revise the goal just because I couldn't meet it. This is a case where I had to revise and get ok with it. The original goal was based on the science of BMI, so not really arbitrary. However, I just can't negate the fact that I was super morbidly obese, am 52, and that impacts more than science and the standard BMI chart reflects.

I have weighed every day since surgery. I think it keeps me on track, and I don't flip out about a little fluctuation. I track it daily, compare week to week, and use a monthly average to make sure I'm on track in maintenance.

@@Think can't wait to see that! I had a butt lift and my upper rear is better than the lower half. I was thinking about getting fat injected, but I'm about out of fat, so I need to decide that before I have any lipo. I have a little fat left in my thighs. Never thought I'd ever be worrying about not having enough fat, lol!

@@Chelenka thank you! You are right - be happy. It's a choice, and I'm going with it!

Love this chart. I'm 5'4", and I am calling it good at 165. I really wanted to be 145, but I can't seem to get there, and at 52 years old, size 8/10 pants and sm/med tops, I think I'm good where I am. This chart made me feel good about that, lol.