nynewlywed

Highest weight 313 Current weight 178 8.5 months out from surgery 5'7" - 28 years old

I agree with what other people have said. A lot of people use this forum for help and support through their weight loss journey and with any struggles with the plan they go through (like me, i'm 6 months out) and any veteran advice is so welcome because they've all been there. But unfortunately life gets in the way and when you're 5+ years out, you may just find yourself not visiting the forum as much if at all. As far as i'm concerned, no news is good news. Personally, if i was 5 years out and slipping and re-gaining, this is the first place i would go for support so the absence of super-vets makes sense. Plus like someone else mentioned, this has only been around for a few years. Don't worry. An overwhelming amount of people would tell you that this surgery was the best decision they've ever made, me included. Down 113 so far!

Yes working out has become a HUGE part of my life nowadays. Cardio has been my greatest joy both mentally and physically. The biggest factors I can attribute to my success have been my family. All of them have been beyond supportive BUT the greatest thing was a month before my surgery, my sister had VSG done & we live together & have been each others constant support team. And , after seeing our rapid success, my two cousins, both around my age too & whom have struggled w obesity their lives too, both underwent the vsg procedure (one in December, the other in February) . So now the four of us are one giant, gym-obsessed, healthy eating, happily shrinking family lol. Which is more than I could have asked for. Though my family is amazing, my 'friends' (actually 'EX' friends seems more appropriate a term) are atrocious. I had two best friends prior to surgery. One of them is extremely morbidly obese, she always has been for the 10+ years ive known her, has not only stopped talking to me directly, but online posts incessantly how glad she is she didnt have wls and take the 'easy way out' . Meanwhile shes 5'0 and around 340lbs. She is jealous, and the only reason she didnt get the surgery is because she was too lazy to wake up & go to her pre surgical apts! My other friend was only slightly overweight, around 180lbs, and totally ditched me now that I am almost smaller then her.. Like wtf ITS NO COMPETITION! Jealousy is petty Hey! You look great! My stats are also super similar to yours. I'm 27, 5'7" and 6 months and 1 week out. I'm down 113 lbs. highest was 313, i'm now 199 and change. Just wanted to respond to your comment about a friend of yours who blew you off. It's tough i your early 20s but you have to learn to sift out the real friends from the superficial ones. Anyone who is that self absorbed and would only be friends with you because it made her feel better about herself when you were larger is no friend at all. Surround yourself with people who are on YOUR team and root for your success. Use your 20s to realize that friends aren't about quantity but quality. You don't need their negativity. This is YOUR time! Congrats, you look great and i'm proud of you and that "friend" will spend their life jealous and envious of your fierceness.

Surgery date 10/8/2013 HW - 313 CW - 199.8 Lost - 113.2 in 6 months and 5 days

Not unrealistic at all. If you believe you can do it, you will! I went from 313 to 199.8 in just over 6 months. I'm still losing a lot, haven't hit a shall yet..

I don't know where these Doctors get the nerve to tell you guys it isn't possible and be realistic. That's completely not true and not the right attitude. I'm 28, 5'7" and started at 313 (prob heavier but that's the highest recorded weight). I had surgery Oct 8th, 2013.. I am now 6 months and 5 days out from surgery and I weigh 199.8! Total loss of 113.2 lbs. and i finally hit one-derland! my surgeons goal for me is around 160, my personal goal is 130 but i will reevaluate as i get thinner. Don't let people tell you it isn't possible. I still pull 4 lb losses a week. Usually around 2.5-4..

That's amazing!! Congrats!!

You look AMAZING!! Congrats

Im very interested to hear from you younger Sleevers out there (i'm 27) whether or not you have issues with loose skin, how much weight you've lost, how much u exercised during weight loss and in maintenance and if you've looked into plastics what the general cost estimates you've gotten. Many many people have told me that my age is def on my side but i'm curious for those of you at goal and maintaining as I know your skin continues to respond for a couple years post weight loss. Thank you all in advance for taking the time to reply. This forum has been a constant reinforcement for my new life style and "friend" throughout this whole process. I am 27, 5'7" started over 300 (was only over 300 for a few months), 5.5 months out from surgery and down over 100 lbs. (hoping to lose another 80)

Thanks Sue! How much weight did you lose? Have you noticed any improvement? I already have some around my belly button, it's like a frown hahah. I wouldn't consider plastics until after i have a couple of kids (18 months postop is the goal) since my stomach will just stretch back out anyway!

I forgot to add that i RELIGIOUSLY track everything that goes in my mouth. The good the bad and especially the ugly. It keeps me on track and keeps me aware of what i'm eating. It's handsdown the most important part of making this a lifetime commitment.

As far as i'm concerned, not being "perfect" is why I have been so successful. I had my surgery Oct 8, 2013 and i am down 100 lbs (in about 5.5 months including pre-surgery diet).. I was extremely strict with pre-surgery restrictions and followed my post surgery instructions for a couple of months until my sleeve filly healed. Now, i follow my guidelines during the week very strictly and on the weekends I allow myself a couple of cheat meals (but i still weigh my portions). Being able to have the foods I love on weekends is what makes the week bearable. Regardless I always get my 45 grams of Protein, 64 oz of Water and all Vitamin supplements in daily. I exercise 5-7 days a week (walking 30-60 minutes a day, nothing crazy). I have also started preparing my favorite meals in a more healthy manner. As far as eating whatever you want but in smaller portions, as long as you get in all required nutrients and you aren't eating small meals all day long (ultimately consuming the same amount of food as before because you're always eating), you should be okay for that in maintenance. It's a different story when you're in the losing phase. This is just my opinion and not what a doctor would advise. I've made a real effort to make a lifestyle change and making the healthy choice 85-90% of the time and that is something i can stick to for the rest of my life. Also, don't beat yourself up if you lose your shit and go crazy for a day or two. Just hop back on the plan the next day.

You look AMAZING! I understand exactly how you feel! Live it up!!

Hi all! I've never posted my own thread before but i'm looking for some imput on the FitBit. Does anyone else have this? Pros/cons? I like that it plays well with MFP which i use every day. My main concern is accuracy. How would it know the difference if i'm walking vs just moving my arm while working at my desk? It's expensive so i want to make sure it's a sound investment because i LOVE the idea. Thanks! Stats: Starting weight : 313 Current weight : 224 Surgery date : 10/08/2013 Current loss : 89 lbs

Thank you everyone for your imput! As always you are all VERY helpful. I think i'm going to give it a go. But i'll wait for Tory Burchs FitBit line that is coming out this spring. Haha i'm very excited to see how i do with steps and sleeping and also to track a realistic estimating of calories burned. I read that a person my size/age/sex would burn around 2,000 calories a day if i was a couch potato the entire time.. Our bodies are remarkable things!

Thanks so much for your comments! does FitBit have a comparable database for food as MFP?

Thanks so much for the link and info. It may be a stupid question but how do you know that the flex is over calculating and not that the one is under calculating? Since it's on your hip, etc.. Just a thought.

Thank you so much for your review! I'm getting more and more convinced. I figure that this is top of the line and it would be worth the money for the technology and accuracy. How does it give you all of this info? On the app? I assume all you see on the actual bracelet is the 5 lights for your daily progress?

That's a great tip! Thank you! I guess i'm just concerned about it telling me i'm exercising more than I am or burning more calories than i am. How is the silent alarm? Does it actually work?

Wow Rhonda, you look AMAZING!!!!!!

Same as barbie girl, i have a lot to lose, down 70 lbs in 3 months (plus 2 week preop). I try to walk 5-6 times a week but that's really it excelpt for the occasional wii fit kickboxing or step aerobics. I see no reason to "go hard" until i stop losing so easily or hit a stall. I plan to ramp it up once i hit onederland

I just had my 3 month checkup and i started at 313 and current weight is 243. Ast few weeks have been tough because of the holidays and lost around 2 lbs those weeks, but i'm re-determined for the new year now and looking to pull big numbers for my 4 month checkup. I'm 5'7" and have a large build

Congrats on such an accomplishment! You look WONDERFUL.. So young and radient!

My surgeon and NUT have me on a very strict diet. I am to have 3 meals a day each at 4oz of food with absolutely no snacking. I used to need around 60-80 grams of protein a day but after a month out it was reduced to 45 grams per day. I always have to get in at least 64 oz of fluid a day, either water or calorie-free and sugar-free option. My big guideline is to observe the "5% rule" none of my meals can have more than 5% of my daily recommended fat or carbs. They do not focus on calories assuming that the 5% rule is followed my calories should be ok. I'm out 90 days and down 65 lbs. i do struggle with getting calories since i'm only allowed 3 4oz meals a day. Same with me on food restriction. No pasta/rice, very limited veggies no fruit.

Very valid point, when i did my food funerals, i also had NO idea that i could have most of that food again, just in very restricted quantities. I had my NUT and surgeon saying, no never again can you eat something over 5% fat and carbs EVER. That finality drastically influenced my decision. Things would have been different had i known. As for the pre surgery diet and it being cancelled, THAT WAS MY WORST NIGHTMARE. I though about that every day up until they put me out on the table.