SkinnyScarlett

UPDATE: Weight: 01.01.17 - 271 01.08.17 - 269.4 (loss - 1.4 pounds) Exercise: C25K - started 01.02.17 Exercised 5 out of 7 days Tracked health, exercise and sleep through Withings and Apple Health apps Food: Logged into MFP 8 days Did not stay within 1500 calories but did count everything Drank as much water as I could. I am going to take this goal out as I truly do doing as much as I can and I always have a 20 ounce bottle with me - even in meetings as work. Ever since my surgery, I can't 'guzzle' water even after a work out, but I do stay hydrated. Did not measure food. Overall - a decent start to the New Year with a loss of 1.4 pounds. Life IS good. Enjoy and give thanks. S.

I'm joining this challenge for accountability. I had the gastric sleeve surgery 3 years ago. I lost 50 pounds and have gained 21.2 pounds back over the last year or so. I'm not making excuses. I haven't been exercising and I have not followed the rules: 1) Protein first, 2) veggies second and 3) not drinking immediately before, during or immediately after meals. I know from experience that following the rules and exercising allows me to work my sleeve and get the most I can out of the tool I have. So, here's what I'm doing: 1) Track food in My Fitness Pal - 01.01.17 2) Start Couch to 5K program - 01.02.17 3) Use the Withings and Apple Health apps for accountability - 01.01.17 Food: 1) Core Power Light chocolate shakes for Breakfast - I like them slightly frozen/slushy 2) Protein based Snacks and fresh veggies such as fresh mozzarella, P3 packs, light string cheese, carrots, etc. 3) Protein based meals 4) 3 meals and 3 snacks per day 5) Measure food Exercise: 1) Begin C25K program on Monday 01.02.17 2) Exercise 5 days per week 3) Walk at lunch 3 days per week Tracking and Accountability: 1) Track all food eaten and calories in My Fitness Pal 2) Track Water in My Fitness Pal 3) Weigh each morning 4) Use Withings scale and health apps to track weight, health and sleep activity 4) Use Apple Health app to track physical activity including calories burned, heart rate, 30 minutes minimum activity per day, standing 1 minute per hour for 12 hours and focused breathing several times per day Goals: 1) Weigh daily 2) Exercise 5 days per week for a minimum of 30 minutes per day 3) Eat 1500 (or less) calories per day 4) Drink 4 to 6 eight ounce glasses of water per day 5) Update progress on this thread each Sunday Life IS good. Enjoy and give thanks. S.

I'm still loosing and feeling great! I'm down 61 pounds since my surgery in November. My clothes size has gone from 24W to 16 Petite. I average between 800 and 1000 calories per day. I do my best to hit 90 grams of protein, but that is hard to do every day. I have absolutely no regrets - this was the perfect surgery for me to achieve my goals. WE ARE ALL SO BLESSED! Life is good. Enjoy and give thanks! s.

Hey y'all! I was sleeved on 11.12.13 and have lost 53 pounds! I'm loosing steadily at an average of 1 - 2 pounds per week. Some weeks are higher and some are lower, but, all in all, it's a loss every week! I just went on a shopping trip Saturday with a couple of girlfriends. It was so much fun! I've gone from a size 24 to a comfortable size 18 and, in some things, a size 16!. I'm down from a 3X shirt to a size XL. I'm buying off the "normal" rack! I bought an XL shirt from the regular rack at TJMaxx! I'm so happy! What I'm most thrilled about is that went off all diabetic medication 2 days before my surgery and my blood sugar numbers are absolutely perfect and normal consistently! I go to visit my endocrinologist next month and cannot wait to see what my AIC is! Also, I was on the lowest dose of Lisinopril for blood pressure and that does was cut in half 3 months ago! I will be getting off of it all together at my next appointment in May! That will be it for medications! Yippee! Life is so much better post-sleeve. I have no regrets. I am blessed to have this opportunity and second chance to be the healthiest me possible! God Bless. s.

Hey Y'all! I'm doing great, too! I'm down 49 pounds since my surgery on 11.12.13. I've gone from a tight size 22 to an XL in shirts and 16 or 18 on pants and skirts! I can't wait for to loose more and try on new sizes. I am officially 5 pounds from my lowest weight ever as an adult! It's exciting to think of the possibilities beyond that weight. The best part of all is that I am off all diabetic and high blood pressure medication as of the date of my surgery! My blood sugar numbers are always in the normal range and I feel fantastic. I typically get in about 900 calories a day with 60 - 80 grams of protein included in that total. I drink only water or occasional de-caf hot tea at night (Sleepy Time pomegranate and blackberry - yum!). On most days I can get in my 65 ounces of water and it tastes so good. This was the best decision of my life and I am so thrilled for all of us that we are on our pathway of success! I'm on MFP under "Susan110699" if anyone wants to friend me. I find that tracking on MFP is very helpful. Happy V-Day! S.

So true! It's always important to see how your new tummy reacts to the introduction of new foods. Of the two salads I've had, I never finished both - I ate the Proteins and a little but of the lettuce - just enough to get the crunchy and dressing taste. Vegetables, especially raw, take up a lot of room and, depending on how fibrous they are, they may or may not agree with your tummy. I love roasted carrots and have a great recipe that my husband loves. I tried them over the holidays and they were ok, but I only had a couple. I tried them again this week and had a few more - yuck - my tummy did not like them and I had my first case of throwing up. I will not be having carrots again, period. Go slow and choose wisely. s.

It depends on your doctor and nutritionist. I was allowed salads and pretty much any solid food at 6 weeks. My 6 week check up was 12.26.13. I've had two salads since then and no problems. My nutritionist said just to make sure my salad had a lot of Protein on it such as meat, egg and cheese. She did say that raw vegetables take up a lot of room in our new tummies so be sure to get your protein first.

Hey Y'all! I had my 6 week checkup on Thursday - I can now eat anything I want! I'm not really hungry. When I do eat, I eat small amounts. For example, this morning Breakfast was a scrambled egg, 1/4 of a banana and 1 slice of a whole wheat bagel thin. lunch was a cottage cheese/fruit double (they have 1/4 cup of cottage cheese and a small amount fruit) and the other half of the bagel thin with peanut butter. dinner will be 3 to 4 ounces of baked salmon and roasted carrots. My checkup was good. My surgeon is very pleased with my progress. I have lost 38 pounds so far. My incisions have healed nicely. He expects me to continue to loose weight slow and steady. NSVs: 1) I am Type 2 Diabetic but have not been on any medication since the day before my surgery. My blood sugar numbers range from the 80's to the 130's. Occasionally, I have a number in the 140's but not normally. I've had two episodes of low blood sugar - 66 both times. I just ate something and felt much better with blood sugars back to normal shortly thereafter. I was also on the lowest dose of high blood pressure medicine and now I have to cut that pill in half. I should be off of that medicine at my 3 month checkup - hopefully. 2) Three years ago I bought a pair of Michael Kors jeans, size 20. They were on the clearance rack - regularly $125, after discounts and coupons I paid $12 for them. That's why I bought them then - something I would never spend that much money on but it didn't matter at the time of purchase that I couldn't wear them. I planned on getting into them some day. I've worn a size 24 (and 3x/4x) for the past 5 years. I was able to wear my Michael Kors jeans to a get together with friends on December 14! And - they were loose! 3) I went shopping yesterday and bought a size 18 skirt and a 2x top! 4) My husband keeps telling me how small I'm getting and that my face is getting thin. 5) I got a beautiful watch for Christmas and it didn't have to have any extra links added! As a matter of fact, it's loose. 6) I went out to dinner with friends and ordered my salad to take home and brought home 3/4 of my entrée. I had my salad to go because I didn't want to fill up on veggies first - I want to make sure I get my Protein in first and foremost. 7) My husband and I had pizza for dinner the other night. I ate the 1/2 the topping (pepperoni and cheese) from 1 slice and that was it - no crust. 8) My dress shoes (heels) feel loose on my feet. 9) I'm back into my honeymoon jeans (14 years old) and they are getting loose! For those of you who are just starting out - know that this is a serious, life changing surgery. I have diarrhea more than I used to. I get full very fast. If I eat too much I get the foamies but haven't thrown up. It's just uncomfortable and a yucky feeling in my mouth. You can feel the difference in your stomach - it doesn't feel or act the same - ever again. But, that being said, I wouldn't have believed that I have lost 38 pounds in 8 weeks (including the 2 week pre-op diet) and will continue to loose slow and steady. I would do it again. The first two weeks suck. Your body is healing, you can't get your fluids or Proteins in and you don't feel like yourself. the next 4 weeks the mushy stage becomes boring, but, I will say, refried Beans have never tasted so good! So - congratulations to those who are on the journey and good luck to those who have made the decision! Remember - Life IS good. Enjoy and give thanks. ~Susan.

Hi Nancy and congratulations on your brave decision to change your life! When I came home from the hospital I slept in a recliner for a week. I'm a month out and it took me about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks before I could sleep comfortably on my side and stomach. Like Shells said, try taking smaller sips. I couldn't get all my Protein or Water in and still struggle some days. But, I will say - it does get better! Once I hit my 3-4 week mark, I felt remarkably better. I'm still on mushy foods for two more weeks, but I can tell that my whole way of thinking about food is changing. For example, brunch with friends yesterday include cake. I had two or three bites and that is all I wanted. It's my new normal way of eating - I don't want to nor do I have to eat everything on my plate. Freedom from food....I love my sleeve. Good luck on your journey. Hang in there - it WILL get better. s.

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Hey Y'all, I'm doing ok, but I have hit that stall! My surgery was 11.12.13 and I have lost 35 pounds which includes 15 on the 2 week pre-op diet. I have been struggling with 5 to 6 pounds over the last week - I keep gaining then loosing the same 5 or 6 pounds. It's getting frustrated, but, there is nothing I can do but wait it out. I am on the mushy stage and refried beans are my staple. I thin them out with salsa and sour cream. I went back to work this week and that's what I have for lunch. I am also eating cottage cheese, applesauce, tuna salad, chicken salad and yogurt. I tried cream of mushroom soup but making it with 1% milk didn't settle well. I can have crackers and certain veggies (canned carrots, asparagus, green beans, califlower, etc.). Right now I am at work and am drinking some hot chocolate from the coffee shop across the street. Things that are different: 1) Water - I now like very cold water with ice. I used to be fine with room temprature water, but not any more - I want it cold. I have a protein drink for breakfast (Core Power Light - 20 grams) and put it in the freezer for a bit so it will get slushy. I do miss not being able to chug water down - especially after a good workout! 2) Feeling full - My stomach actually hurts when I over eat. Seriously hurts sometimes to the point that it is hard to stand up straight. Funny thing is that it's my HEAD that's telling me I want more. So, I'm having to work through portion size and making myself realize when enough really is enough. 3) Tummy sounds - I have themfrequently. Not sure why, but they are loud on occassion! :-) 4) Not hungry - I seriously have not felt hunger since the surgery. At least not the way I used to feel it. I'm not to the point I have to remind myself to eat, but I really don't feel hungy. I'm having the hot chocolate now because I wanted something 'desserty" after lunch. 5) Changing tastes - This is just weird. I used to love asparagus. I tried it last night and - yuck. Also, I loved peanut butter enough to eat it by the spoonfuls, but not now. I tried it this week and it tasted different plus it sat very heavy in my tummy and make me have a stomach ache. Lastly, I wanted some chocolate, so I tried a reesses peanut butter cup. It tasted good and went down ok, but it wasn't as good as I remembered it to be - probably a good thing! 6) I can tell when my tummy is over full - it's like pouring water in a bottle and filling it all the way to the top - I can feel the liquid that close to the back of my throat if I over eat. As for my surgery - the gas pain was the worst in my left shoulder. That took quite a while to disappear. I had a hard time consuming all my protein and water. I still do to some degree but it is much better now. I'm looking forward to December 26th when I have my six week check up and can graduate to salads and other yummy things. All in all, I'm doing good and no regrets since week 1 (I think all of us should get a 'regret pass' the first week when we say to ourselves - "what the hell have I done to myself!"). Keep up the good work, y'all and best of luck! Remember - Life IS good. Enjoy and give thanks. Susan.

Today was my 2 week post-op visit and it was great news! My blood pressure was perfect (110/78), my blood sugar numbers average 112 (no diabetic meds since I left the hospital), incisions are healing nicely and I can move onto mushy foods! I have lost 33 pounds and several inches! I've been on liquids for two weeks and now I can have real food. Of course, it will need to be either mushy or puréed, but my dinner tonight was fabulous! Tonight I had a half cup of refried Beans thinned out with salsa and sour cream. Oh my stars - it was awesome and I was stuffed! My NUT said tomorrow I can have mashed potatoes, green been casserole, deviled eggs and puréed corn casserole and puréed ham. Of course I won't eat all of that because I cannot eat a lot, but I can have a taste of everything. I can have cream Soups made with milk, Peanut Butter, puréed meats and fish, tuna salad made with mayo, crackers with my soups. The key to success is to follow the sleeve golden rule: Protein first, veggies second and carbs last. (Although she was a little forgiving for Thanksgiving and letting me have mashed potatoes first). I did miss drinking with my meal but waited 1 hour and just now took a coupe of drinks. I'm still so full. I like this feeling. This is how a normal person eats and it's definitely different. I can see how this will now be my life and how I will eat. At my 6 week check up, I get to move onto meats not puréed and salads. I have been so blessed to have my husband join me - in his own way - on this journey. He didn't have nor does he need the surgery, but he voluntarily ate what I ate for pre-op then also had just liquids for my two week pre-op. He was really glad to have food tonight! He's also going to do the mushy stage with me. He has lost 18 pounds and only needs to loose about 10 more. My husband is my biggest supporter, my very best friend and biggest cheerleader. I truly believe my surgery is a gift from God to help me overcome one of my hardest, deepest life burdens - food. I now have freedom from food. Praise be to God. Good luck and God bless each of you on your journey. I wish you much success and peace of heart, mind, body and soul. S.

You look fantastic!! Congratulations!! I had the very same experience at Cedar Point - in the front car of the Millennium. Oh, I was humiliated and devastated. Now, when I go back next summer, I'll fit nicely into every ride! Keep up the great work and thanks for inspiring us! S.

I had some of this when I was in the hospital - it was soooo good! When I got home I couldn't stand the smell! Amazing how quickly things change. All I'm really enjoying for Protein is chocolate Core Power light shakes. No sugar, 20 grams of protein. Good luck on your journey. S.

Tee Hee! Okay, close enough....just across the bridge or through the tunnel :-) I do it ( weight daily) just out of habit. Take care. ~s.