NewSetOfCurves

Thank you ladies!!!

I researched and researched this surgery. I got into this forum and read EVERYTHING. I wanted to know all the different scenarios and the different things I could expect post op. My biggest fear was what a lot people deemed as, "mourning the food." I didn't want to go into the depression that some people got pulled into because they were literally mourning over the loss of their ability to eat certain foods or copious amounts of food. Now, I'll admit it was definitely difficult post op. Your tummy is small, added to the fact that it is inflamed from surgery, and it is pretty darn difficult to get anything down. But, as many have already stated, that phase passes quickly. I was released to all foods after 6 weeks, instructed to slowly add all the food groups into my diet. I can eat just about anything. Breads and carbonated drinks are impossible, but I still get to enjoy food in small doses. I have, however, made the conscience decision to change the foods I put into my mouth. Researching this forum and other sites taught me that this sleeve really is a tool--as cliche as that term is on this site. It really is just the nail that AIDS in securing the structure of your new body. It WILL NOT hold the structure. You have to be the hammer that keeps adding other nails to create a secure structure for the long haul. If you want this to work indefinitely, YOU have to make those changes. People who are years out have gained weight back. They stick to unhealthy choices, they eat the same foods that they used to eat pre surgery, they graze throughout the day not watching their calorie intake, they did not make a conscience effort in that wonderful first year post op to re-teach their brain and their body how to eat. I'm not saying you can't eat what you want, but, as a previous poster said, when you eat smart and plan small little indulgences can happen without regret. I would recommend this surgery 150%! Research doctors, meet with them, ask the tough questions. Ask about their success rates, failures. Find support groups. It can help you change your life for the better if you are mentally ready and willing to make the changes necessary. Good luck! (Sorry for the long post!)

Wow! You look GREAT!!! So much younger too! Congrats in your success so far!

Your doing great Caroline!!! It's only going to get better!!!

I remember looking at all the before and after pics less than a year ago and wondering the same thing. I couldn't fathom looking like some of the vet posters. But I'm near goal now, and even though I always felt fabulous and beautiful, I feel even better...like my insides match the outer part. Most of all I love the mobility and the ability to be active with my kids on a much greater scale. Thank you so much for the compliments and good luck on your journey!

Thank you! You're super kind!

Ya, the calories need to get up there ASAP. Your body is in starvation mode and it's eating your muscle to make up for that deficit. I'm up to 1,200 cals a day, 1,400 on hard core lifting days. Egg whites with feta, oatmeal with some unflavored protein powder, protein shakes, low sugar protein bars (those are actually sliders for me) all aid on getting that protein in. I love the unflavored protein powder, because you can add to foods you cook. Also, a slow release protein powder is great at night. I was super weak post op. I could barely curl a 20, but I'm up to the 35's.

Yes, you're suppose to sip your water all day. What the other poster was saying, was that if you add something like crystal lite or one of those sugar free flavored squirt liquids (like the Mio), it reduces the density of the water and makes it easier to drink. My life savor for getting "liquid" in post op was those sugar free Popsicles. Now I drink water without a problem. I can't chug it down without getting that tight feeling in the chest or burpiness, but I can drink it fast and satisfy my thirst. I drink between 64-88 ounces a day.

Ya...I gained 10 pounds to get approved. I wore heavier clothing, made sure not to clear my bladder...did everything I could to hit that 40 BMI. Needed 100 pounds to lose and I only have 15 more to go.

Lol!!! I know what you mean! Love it!!!

Thank you! Yes, I exercise regularly, ranging from running, biking, elliptical, abdominal work and being active with my kids. I wish I had more time to hit the weights, but there is only so much one can do with a full time job, 4 kids ranging from 2-10, and home to run. Elastic it depends on various factors: age, amount of time being over weight and your size, motherhood. 20 something's have great results with their tummies. Older women, those who suffered for obesity for decades and mothers...well, not so much. My lower stomach from the belly button down is shot. I have a flap of skin with tons of stretch marks. I will eventually get the abdomnioplasty or tummy tuck. But, on the bright side you can't tell with clothes--at all! I've dropped, from my highest weight, 85 pounds. I had a 100 to lose...almost there!!!

If I could teach through this screen, I'd kiss you! You are 60 years young and you look absolutely fantastic! You've lost a lot and have come so far and you know get to enjoy a better quality of life because of it. And let me tell you something else...you hit the nail on the head...my skin, our skin, all of us with the extra skin should wear it like a badge if honor. It tells our story of defeat, struggle, overcoming and victory. I love how you worded that. Beautiful. Just like your compliments and no doubt your character. Thank you again Mark! Muah!!!

WOW, WOW, WOW girl!!!!! You look absolutely FABULOUS!!!!!!!! Talk about an A-MAZING TRANSFORMATION!!!!!!!! What an accomplishment! I bet you feel absolutely great! Congrats to you girl, you deserve every inch of the fabulousness you've got going on

I'm 7 moths post op too, but my doctor made it very clear that as we near our normal BMI, the weight loss will slow down significantly. I tend to stall out when I cut back on my water intake. Keep those fluids going. Are you exercising? Getting your protein? Have started to increase your calories? At one of my stalls my doc suggested upping my calories. It worked. I started losing again. I eat about 1000-1200 calories a day. 1200 on work out days. You've done absolute fabulous this far. Congrats on so much success in such a short amount if time. You'll get there. Just keep doing what you're supposed to be doing.

7 months post op

Ooh aroundhky! I'm loving that muscle! It's super sexy on you! Good for you, you look GREAT!!!

Looking FABULOUS girl!!!! Keep it up and congrats!

WOW! What a compliment!! Thank you VERY much!!! I really, really, REALLY appreciate that. You brought the biggest smile to my face. However, I'll be honest, my lower stomach is not tight at all. I have loose, saggy skin and stretch marks. You can't tell--at all--with clothes on. Nobody knows the difference. I'll pay off the loan I took out to pay for this surgery by next spring and I'll renew it to have a tummy tuck at that time. But even if I couldn't have one, I'd still be satisfied. It feels AWESOME to be healthy, to cross my legs (even though I have that extra skin, it isn't obtrusive), to wear dresses or shorts without being embarrassed by big lumpy legs, to wear long boots that zip over my calves... Most of all, I'm beyond content that I can be active with my kids. To run with them, jump, ride bikes. Nothing--and I mean NOTHING--beats that. Again thank you for lighting up my life today. I hope you have the utmost success in your journey to a new and healthier you! Edit: I just saw your profile...you're almost to goal! Congrats! You look absolutely terrific!!! ;D

Thank you!

I appreciate the compliments! You all validate what I've been able to accomplish with the sleeve and I appreciate it VERY much! Thank you!!!

I love your enthusiasm! I'm happy and excited for you...good luck and congrats to taking the BIG step to a smaller and healthier you!!!

I had my sleeve on a Tuesday, and I weigh myself every Tuesday. Everybody is different. I don't mind seeing the fluctuations. I'm aware when my body is retaining water due to my auntie's monthly visit. I always see a stall at that time. But it helps me keep myself on track. The stalls don't really bother me. I have yet to have one that lasts too long and I know to expect them. I'm happy as long as I see small fluctuations and an overall viewing of my weight dropping.

Thanks ladies! I feel soooooo good! Lol!!! Especially since I recently just bought my first size 8!

Whoop! Whoop! I just bought my first size 8... My goal is a 6! Congrats to you...you look FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!

Wow! 18 months in the new and fit Fiddle! Congrats in all of your success. I love to read about all the great stuff your doing and learning about, and I love that you share it with the rest of us. Hope your wife is doing great too!