Chelenka

Start by not drinking 30 mins pre and post meals. This is a very tough habit to change for most of us because we are all so accustomed to having a beverage along with out food. Even you are eating a snack don't drink anything at the same time. Establishing that change alone really helped me. For one thing I noticed that I felt full more quickly and also enjoyed my food more. Second, as others have said start journaling what you eat and pay attention to portion sizes. If you can start eliminating the junk food and focus on getting Protein first, then veggies and fruits and last you carbs such as bread, Pasta and rice. Take it one step at a time and don't anything drastic. The pre-op liquid fast (I assume you will be required to do that) is hard enough. Good luck to you! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Fiddleman you deserve a day off! Went for another 14 mile ride today so thats 28 miles total so far. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Hey all: I'm late to the party, but can I join in? I want to try and ride and/or elliptical 100 miles by the end of the month. Can I include my 14 mile bike ride from Wednesday? I'm going for another ride today and hope to add a little more distance. I have a personal goal that I want to reach, going 55 miles in one ride by my 55th birthday, 10/28/2014, so I have a lot of time to train for that goal. Being able to challenge myself athletically is like a dream for me. Last year I would never have dared even to contemplate these fitness goals. Thank God for the sleeve! It has been changing my life and I am so grateful! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

As I was saying, the roads in our area are extremely busy so I stick to the recreational trails. There are several good ones nearby. I have a gym membership and have done the spin class twice but that was last year, pre-surgery, so it was really hard for me and I felt like it was too much plus the music is too loud and not my taste. However, I'll give it another try and see if I like it better now that I down 72lbs. We have a trainer but I'm not real crazy about it cuz we put my husbands bike on it and I'm not comfortable. I will look into finding a group to ride with. That would make the roads seem a bit less scary to be riding in a group but I am concerned that I won't be able to keep up. Guess the only way to find out is to give it a try. I think my biggest road block is my fear of hills, going down them and losing control and wiping out. Going up is hard but you can always get off and walk if necc. Humiliating but safe. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

I want to be able to ride the same number of miles as my age next year 10/28/2014, when I turn 55. I've never tried to do anything like this before and would appreciate any advice about how to train and build my endurance and speed, especially during the winter when I can't ride outdoors. I can currently ride about 14 miles on a trail that is pretty easy, minimal hills, but I'm slow. It takes me about 1 & 3/4 hours. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

My bike is a hybrid and I'm really chicken about riding on the roads in our ar pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Poop! I wasn't done. As I was saying, are retail jobs or restaurant jobs available? It may not be in your skill set but if you start working somewhere, even at a job that isn't ideal for you, at least you will be out of the house and earning some money for yourself. That might make your parents calm down their negativity towards you too. It's just a suggestion and I hope things are improving for you. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Dear Texasbelle: first of all you have nothing to be ashamed of so please try to stop shaming yourself for struggling with re-gain, especially while you are living in such a toxic environment. Your behavior is normal, under the circumstances, and you should be proud of yourself that you lost 142lbs and have enough self-awareness to reach out for help while in your difficult situation and also for recognizing your self-destructive behavior and working to reverse the trend. I think everyone struggles with regain eventually. The people who should feel shame are you parents and your lying ex-boyfriend! Re: the job situation, you may have to think outside the box and take a job that you don't really want for the short-term. Can you baby-sit, clean houses, walk-dogs? Are there retail or r pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

I have stenosis, disc degeneration in the L4 & L 5 and spondolyosis (vertebrae out of alignment front to back). No surgery on my back, yet, but tons of chiropractic and PT. My back and my knees were primarily why I decided to have WLS. I was exhausted from being in pain all the time. I am happy to report great improvement in both areas in terms of symptom relief and ease of movement. I do anticipate I will eventually need surgery on my back and knee replacement but my hope is that losing the weight will help me put that off for many years. Plus it's a lot easier to recover from a major surgery, especially joint replacement, if you aren't 100lbs plus overweight and are physically fit. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Sombra, a topical analgesic you can buy on Amazon works great and doesn't stink forever like Ben Gay. Stretching is also very important. Gonna look up the foam roller info for myself too. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Saw a recipe for a mini pizza using a portabello mushroom as a substitute for the crust. Sounds yummy and I'm gonna try it. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

I eat pizza. I can eat one slice of a large 16-18" pie and maybe two of small 10-12" pie depending on if there is meat on it or not. I think I probably ate pizza at 4 or 5 months post-op. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Well I guess you didn't die from it. LOL! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Every has different guidelines but I wouldn't try eating buts when you are only 3 weeks post-op. i think 3 months post-op is probably Ok but you should ask you surgeon and NUT. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Ok I'm glad to see I'm not the only one noticing some changes in my Lady Business! It seems like as my thighs are shrinking I'm getting quite a breeze down there when I move around! i keep feeling things moving around in ways I never noticed before. Maybe I need to buy some smaller panties? Also sex with hubby has been much easier and more enjoyable since there isn't so much fat in the way. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Awesome advice. Thank you! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

I gained three lbs while on vacation. You are not alone in struggling against the old eating patterns. I lost the three lbs plus two more after coming home but it was a rude awakening! And I had to work at it by cutting out the junk and hitting the gym. Don't know how old you are so it could also be hormonal and cycle related. For myself I am post-menopause so I have no one to blame except the woman I see in the mirror. The sleeve does seem like a miracle cure in the beginning but it doesn't change your brain. I know I have difficulty controlling myself when it comes to cookies and potato chips so I don't keep them in my house. On vacation with my parents there were tons of chips, cookies, pie, ice cream and candy, plus beer and wine with dinner every night. Surprise! I gained weight! My parents are in their 80s, have never had a weight problem and are total sugar junkies. Oy! If I eat like they do I blow up like a balloon. Being honest with myself about my addict-like behavior when it comes to high-sugar foods especially is really important to my continuing success. You will re-lose the small gain. Just cut out the junk food and eat like you did in the beginning of your journey. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

I think the first-month post-op is the hardest time emotionally. Your body is healing and you feel hungry but you can't eat anything yet. I really mourned for food at that point. Just hang in there, it gets easier. You are very young and you have great courage to have chosen this surgery at your age. I know I couldn't have done that when I was 18 even though it would have changed the rest of my life in such a positive way. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

I find fried foods and sometimes densely sugary foods disagree with me. Obviously I've tried eating these types of foods. They didn't come back up but just made me feel yucky. I drink wine and/or beer occasionally, eat fruit of all sorts, chew gum sometimes and have eaten pizza with no ill effects. Generally I stay clear of bread because it blows up in your tummy and then you can't eat your Protein. I don't drink soda but didn't before, not my thing. Everyone is different and what one person eats with ease might cause another to puke! So just take it slow and I think the key is moderation. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

I find fried foods and sometimes densely sugary foods disagree with me. Obviously I've tried eating these types of foods. They didn't come back up but just made me feel yucky. I drink wine and/or beer occasionally, eat fruit of all sorts, chew gum sometimes and have eaten pizza with no ill effects. Generally I stay clear of bread because it blows up in your tummy and then you can't eat your Protein. I don't drink soda but didn't before, not my thing. Everyone is different and what one person eats with ease might cause another to puke! So just take it slow and I think the key is moderation. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

You are ADORABLE! Congrats on your accomplishment! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

You look GREAT, trim and athletic! Congratulations on your new life! I wish I didn't want to eat anymore and didn't care about food but, alas that doesn't seem to be the case for me. However I am somewhat less food-obsessed than I was pre-surgery. Not sure how much of it is psychological vs physical in my case. Anyway, I am trying to become an exercise junkie instead of a foodaholic! LOL! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Didn't your surgeon give any guidelines to follow? I got a big package of instructions. Week one drink the Water in little sips. Add crystal light or other SF flavor if it helps you drink it. It's most important to stay hydrated! You MUST. Learn to drink your water and keep it up the rest of your life along with taking Calcium and multi-vitamin/mineral supplement. Week two I went on to "full" liquids which were Protein shakes and thin cream of wheat, cream Soups that sort of thing. Be careful to make the cream of wheat really thin. I made it too thick and it got stuck which was very unpleasant. Week three pureed food, pretty much anything from a blender but stay away from sugar cuz it will make you sick. Week four start slowly and carefully eating regular food in very small amounts. Stay with easily digested food as you are still healing. After about mont three I could eat pretty much anything except high-sugar foods. Only had a problem one time with a turkey burger that got stuck and gave me the slimies. I probably ate it too fast. So when you start incorporating real food measure you portion, 1/2 cup total, and chew very thoroughly! Go slow and enjoy yhe experience of eating. Regarding exercise, again ask your surgical team for guidelines. An exercise bike and/or walking is probably OK but don't over do it. Good luck to you! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

Beat decision I've ever made other than marrying my husband. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

When I first read your last post I thought it said you were going to eat your kids! LOL! Listen, IMO you need to find a way to live your life and eat that works for you for the long run. No one is perfect and while Mickey D's is not stellar dining there are some salads on the menu as well as the grilled chicken sandwich. You aren't ready to eat this yet but eventually you will be able to. Then comes the real challenge because your head-hunger can mess with you and if you find it torture to smell the fries but not eat them it's probably better to avoid fast food restaurants. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2