Tamosy

Thanks Oregondaisy for sharing your experiences. I can imagine losing any gain after maintenance would be very hard. I certainly appreciate the warning!

10 weeks out here... a few things to add to ease your minds: When I asked about stretching my sleeve and being able to eat more...my dr explained there is a lot of swelling after surgery that goes down and makes more room in the weeks that follow as well as scar tissue building changes how our tummy's feel and stretch etc... it's a process that typically happens weeks 4 to 12 as the scar tissue builds with mature healing. As for stretching... he said, "imagine a rubber band and cutting off 80% of it and reattaching the ends in a secure way. You will always be able to stretch it, but it will NEVER be like it was. Granted our tummys are not the same, but he says there is minimal stretching that results in WLS failure with the sleeve. Failure is mostly due to diet choices (high calorie foods can still be consumed), organic disease/metabolic issues not food related. But rarely is the stomach stretching ever a reason people with VSG are not successful. That being said.... Once we hit goal (or whatever maintenance place our body decides is where it wants to stop and we have metabolically adapted to a low calorie existence...it is important to stay away or portion and calories to manipulate the scale. Not so much our tummy size as what we eat and how/when we eat it. It's important to stay to the Protein first, Water water... but he was quite assuring that stretching takes a lot of intentional work (overeating.. consistently) and even at that, there is a limited effect to capacity. The real culprit is eating habits. Just my 2 cents... I take comfort in that.

Hi there... I will share my experience. I'm 41 diagnosed with pcos in my teens. First period also at 14 and didn't have any without provera or bcp most of my adult life until having a child...then they came 4 to 9 months apart. I made a lot of lifestyle changes years before my vsg that made a difference with pcos. I exercised regularly, ate very low/low glycemic index carb, eventually going paleo (grain free) and through those changes and losing about 35 pounds on my own (honestly, I didn't start losing until I started metformin and I changed nothing... but I physically started recovering from my workouts after starting the meds, my periods started coming about 6 to 9 weeks apart. I felt like that was a HUGE deal. I am only 10 weeks out from being sleeved, but I've had 2 periods and I can tell I've ovulated and will bet money I have another in about a week. So.... I definitely experienced an improvement. I am optimistic that my body is really starting to act "normal" and hopeful it will help with some of the unwanted pcos symptoms too. I will say though, I've had some extreme PMS (like almost suicidal) that was VERY unlike me. I suspect it is all the released hormones in an already fragile hormone environment caused by the rapid weight loss. Hoping this next one is a little easier on me! Good luck to you!

Well this is a because you asked response.... not a I'm right so listen to me response. I struggled too with this. I'm 10 weeks out now and pretty much get my fluids in. I try not to over think it all. I use my urine to decide if I need to stress about fluids... clear or close to it.... I don't worry. If it isn't... well I hunker down and decide Water is more important than the 30 minute rule. I generally have a 32 oz bottle and will basically nurse it (getting easier to take a few big sips at a time) and just not eat anything until I finish it. I have introduced a Protein shake before finishing because it counts as fluids. I also rely heavily on hot tea in the evenings and if I feel like I haven't had a lot of fluids, I will drink 3 or 4 cups before going to bed. I think I do pretty well without over stressing it. I do think being exacting to the 30 minute before and after rule can make it hard... so I try to in general, but if I sense I'm a little dehydrated, I don't stress it. Good luck!

I am 10 weeks into this journey and did something that has ended up being a lifesaver for my mental state. I figured I would share here so others can copy if they like, and/or share tidbits that worked really well for them so we can steal from you too! I knew as a low bmi'er going in (32) I would lose slower than most, and because I was a lifelong dieter, PCOS w/IR, and just overall person who always lost slower than everyone despite usually working harder and being the most strict.... I needed to have some strategy for not freaking out with the disappointments. At 10 weeks post op, I have lost about 20 pounds. Less than most, but still 20 pounds! I did something that I had no idea would do so much for my peace of mind. Before surgery, I asked my Dr. how long he thought it would take me to get to my goal weight. He said 9 months was very reasonable. So I took the weight I needed to lose to get to goal (53 pounds and divided it by 9) 5.8... and I set a calendar reminder on my phone for each monthiversury post surgery. Counting down 5.8 pounds per month landing me at my goal weight 9 months post surgery. I do realize my initial loss is more and my later loss may be less, but in the interim, through stalls, lesser weight loss than most my peers here, I still feel encouraged when that reminder pops up and see I am well ahead of the curve and reminded I'm moving the right direction. The further I get from my surgery, the more global I get in my thinking. I stress less over the day to day and stay focused on the big picture. I would love to hear how others have stayed motivated and positive on their way to goal... especially in the final weeks/months as it gets closer and likely more challenging.

wow, i'm impressed! You seem to feel pretty darn good and ready to take it all on. I would not have been happy to go home same day! Just moving made me nauseous! Congratulations

My right side was excessively swollen. I have six incisions and the one that was the most sore on the right, looked like there was a swollen egg under the skin on top of generally just more swollen on that side. Dr. Said the same, that's where he pulled the stomach and did the most work through. He assured me it would normalize like the rest of the incisions in time. I am 10 weeks out and honestly, barely remembered about it until I read your post! But I do recall being worried it would always be weirdly prominent.

I am 10 weeks and have salad whenever I want. I do eat Protein first, so don't typically eat "a lot". But I've had no problems with it... or anything really. Well... I think bread is "yucky" feeling. I seem to always feel uncomfortable if I partake in any bread. I guess it's a good thing for the long term. I hope it stays that way!

Hi Jessybear... You asked about heavy weights, not sure if you mean actual weightlifting type activities, I would definitely wait at least four weeks for the incisions to fully heal. I asked a lot of questions because my job requires a certain level of activity (I am in sales but cart around lots of heavy samples of wood, tile, and carpet) as well as also engaging in intense workouts prior to surgery. He was pretty clear about my limits... listen to my body... that was the most important the concern initially is your incisions, he does not personally believe that leaks can result from weight lifting or exercise, but damage to the incisions can. You are young, which means you will likely heal better than my 40 something body, but healing quickly and recovering easily can also be a risk, because you feel better than you actually are. I agree, limit what you carry to what you need and don't carry all your books for the day. Use your locker and just take what you need, you should be fine. A back pack on wheels is a great idea, if it isn't something that makes you self conscious. Congratulations on taking control of your health. I hope you have lots of support in your life with this decision.

Wow, Jewell, you are an amazingly strong and determined caregiver. I was also sleeved on 2/4. I just want to encourage you to stay where you are in prioritizing time for yourself in your current life that requires so much from you for everyone else. You are right, you need to take care of you first in order to care for everyone else. It sounds like a very sad and challenging time for your family with your husband's illness. I appreciate your need to do all you can to be there for him and see him through as long as you can...what a lucky man to have such a dedicated wife. I also believe that our psychology effects our weight loss and body's response to the physical changes. I noticed you said you felt full from the salad, are you still eating your Protein first? I am a slow loser as well, I've lost about 20 pounds since surgery and this is with regular workouts, strict adherence to dietary requirements, and even logging everything into a food journal. I've reached a point that I really honestly don't care anymore about the numbers. I see lots of evidence of a healthier and better lifestyle emerging. I encourage you to keep things simple in all ways possible as your life is pretty demanding right now in ways you can't control. I do these things, they work for me... if it sounds like bits and pieces that might work for you great... if not, no harm sharing. I always start my day with a Protein shake (I use zero carb from GNC/Vitamin store), I mix with with vanilla almond milk and thus start my day with 20 oz of fluids, 50 grams of protein, and a good nutritional boost. I just won't let myself have anything else until I am done with the shake. I don't love it or hate it, so it takes me a good while to finish it and I feel full all morning long. When my shake is done, I pour a glass of Water (calorie free fluids) and focus on finishing before moving on to any real food. Lunch(ish) is always 2-3 ounces of some protein and a vegetable (I will make turkey meatballs/meatloaf on sunday and portion freeze for week, or sometimes a turkey chili things that make the rest of my busy week easier). I always finish my protein and just barely get to the vegetable. I think the key for you is going to be planning out your week so you don't just eat throughout the day in a reactive way to how your day goes. Here are some ideas of things you can make ahead and then have ready for quick healthy meals during the week: hard boiled eggs (I've done deviled too just to keep it yummy and fun) meatballs (I make them with ground chx/turkey...email me if you want some of my recipes) chicken breast/strips (easy to prepare ahead and portion out keeps well for days, and can freeze for later) seasoned hamburger patties (I make them about 4oz before cooking, they cook down perfect for me) lean pork chops Quick to cook Proteins (but don't keep as well): shrimp and fish I buy the small vegetable portions, frozen steamables as side dishes that are quick and easy for myself. I usually serve half and save half for next meal (I never even finish the half because I eat the protein first. As for dinner, well I cook for my family and plan those meals for the week too. I have noticed I sabotage myself "tasting" things and enjoying the cooking process and often can't eat cause I feel full and mostly, i didn't focus on protein! What I noticed is it leads to me eating as soon as the fullness goes away (more like snacking). I just don't do that when I force myself to eat protein first! By eating protein first I seem just full and satisfied for much longer. I always pour a drink when I am done eating. I force myself to drink a full glass between meals. Yes, I will wait 30 minutes typically, but mostly I just naturally wait because I am too full to want to drink. By pouring it though, I know I have to have it before food is even a thought. I agree... water, water, water! Or whatever fluids work for you. Lastly, move around... exercise is important for your psychological health and feeling good. I HIGHLY recommend you do what feels good and you enjoy whatever that is. Put music on and clean/dance have fun everyday. Do whatever you need to do to make sure it isn't a chore! I even turn the music on in my car and do a lot of dancing in my seat . Just tensing and flexing, and using your body even in the car is fun, feels good, and get your blood pumping. You need some feel good outlets in your world right now! I wish you the best and hope that you are able to carve out some time for yourself to just feel good and enjoy this process of transformation regardless of how fast or slow it passes. Take care of yourself and please keep us posted. I would love to Celebrate your successes with you. Keep coming back here for support and know that you are not alone in this. HUGS

I agree about not stressing about calories right now. I am 10 weeks out and just getting to the point of being more diligent in tracking because I am going back to boot camp style workouts and need to make sure I am taking in enough to support my energy level. I COULD NOT have done these workouts the first 6 weeks, just because I did not have enough energy. I am only going back twice a week hoping this will give me enough recovery time between workouts. As for stomach size, my Dr. discussed this with me at length, typically VSG's are performed with various sleeve sizes and even within the same sleeve size Dr.'s have different practices in terms of how tightly they stretch the stomach around the sleeve. Thus, it makes sense that on these boards we all have a slightly different experience in terms of how much we can eat. My personal greatest reason to go forward with this was to stop stressing about tracking every calorie, recording every calorie burned from workouts obsessing over results or lack there of from my efforts. I LOVE that I am confident if I just focus on a few simple things... fluids, Protein first, take my Vitamins, and get out and move (whatever form, it's all good)... that's the secret, I bet anyone that really does all those 4 things will find success. Maybe not their fantasy body, but a significant improvement in quality of life and satisfaction in their decision.

Congratulations on making a decision and getting a date. I too agree, do what your Dr. suggests, whether you agree or not. If you don't trust their judgement, don't let them cut you open. If you plan on holding them fully accountable for what happens, do what they say even if it seems unnecessary. I am now about 10 weeks out from my surgery. I would say by most standards I am a slow loser. I was 203 the day of surgery and 10 weeks later I am about 182...so about 2 pounds per week. Better than I've ever done with anything else and given that we started with a low BMI I don't think it's that unusual in terms of rate of loss. Couple things I've learned that have helped me a lot should you find yourself feeling like I did at times. You will stall (sometimes for weeks), don't get obsessive about the rate of loss. I don't lose EVER in my luetal phase of my period. But I don't gain like I used to either... now I stay steady for like 2 to 3 weeks til my period comes, then I lose a good chunk in a couple weeks time before it stalls again. In the end, until I see an upward trend, I refuse to let it affect my psych anymore. I did this to stop the lifelong battle with food... it has worked and I am confident this is the tool that will end that aweful cycle. I am back to the gym now (took a while to really have the energy to take on hard workouts... but I do now). Give your body time to recover and know in the yucky times they are very temporary. At 10 weeks I'm already forgetting the discomforts and misery of the strict pre/post diets phases. I know they were there, but I don't struggle anymore with it. I eat my Protein first and follow the general guidelines, take my Vitamins and live a totally normal life free of fretting about my weight. It is so incredibly liberating. I don't care what anyone else thinks about my decision. As for your remark about the social part of it. Yes! You will miss partaking like you used to in the social ways food plays a roll in our lives. I am still working on eating slow so I can enjoy a meal with others. I am often done too fast and can't eat more, while they are just a few bites into their meals. It's weird... I still have to think about eating small bites and slow. That too is getting easier though. You find new ways to live and enjoy foods and social settings. Good luck to you. I hope it all goes textbook and you find yourself as relieved as I am to have made the decision. We are pretty similar in starting and goal (but I'm 5'8" so numbers are shifted). I am 40... a little younger, but in the end, I've never felt such optimism to escape the weight loss/gain cycle that has tormented me my whole life and made me a slave to calorie counters, gyms, dietitians, and trainers... NEVER getting the kinds of results other people would get. It's incredibly liberating to know that those days are over. I still work out, probably log my food 50% of the time. My last Dr. visit he basically wanted me to try to get more calories in a couple days a week (NEVER had that advice before... to eat more)! I asked if I could have it in wine and he said if I keep doing all the things I'm doing, healthy food choices, working out, taking my vitamins, etc... a glass or two once or twice a week was totally acceptable! Made my day. I just feel like I can live a totally normal health life and not have to always be depriving myself of things. I was never a sweet fan and pretty much ate healthy 90% of the time before, so I don't really struggle with foods cravings or missing anything. I hope you find the same satisfaction in this process! Good luck to you!

LIndsey, your words are beautiful. My sister and I made plans to do the half marathon in October. I have literally made a reminder on my phone to call my sister weekly. I'm so sad that you lost your sister, that your beautiful neices and nephews lost their mother, and your brother-in-law lost his wife, your parents who lost their daughter. Losses like these are just not what any of us are prepared for... ever. Our neighbor's 21 year old son passed away this past weekend, had a car accident thought he was fine, died several days later from internal bleeding (it is suspected). I lost 2 cousins in their late teens unexpectedly. Life is not meant to be taken for granted and neither are the people we love. You clearly always loved your sister and you are right, she lived a good life, albeit shorter than anyone wanted. I hope and pray for your family to find peace in all of this. Hugs ~ Tami I wish I knew what it was like to have a sister relationship like that, though I have that kind of bond with my brother. I love my sister, we are just so very different in how we manage our lives and choose to live. Through your story and my desire to live a loving life, I am really committed to going the extra mile in being a better sister to mine. Thank you for sharing.

Tears, my mom left us 9/10/10... it still feels so fresh sometimes, especially reading your post. You are not alone, and there would be something wrong with you if you didn't feel a blanket of sadness for your loss. It is very recent and this is a major life changing event that is something significant you would have shared with her. It does get better, you find a new normal and you move past the shock and hard to accept reality that they are gone. You never stop missing them and wishing you could have just a little more time with them. I use it to remind myself to spend time wisely when with people I love. There is a lesson in the pain. I changed jobs to have better quality time with my own daughter and be more available to my wife. Time is a non renewable resource for us in this life, we need to use it wisely. It takes a good 12-18 months to get to your new normal existence. Hugs to you. It's tough, really really hard in ways only those of us who have grieved can understand. Nothing I say can make it any better. Sometimes it is just comforting to know we are not alone and to know it won't feel so raw and all encompassing forever.

Well, I'm gay too, if that makes ya feel any better But at the end of the day, the gay part is a given and the HIV discussion is a common one in the community in my experience. You obviously need to have that conversation and my guess is it would be highly unlikely that you would be having it for the first time with someone. Through match, that would probably be something I would disclose early in email conversation to save yourself and anyone else from wasting time. Everyone is different. I have some wonderful friends who have been together for 20 years, one is hiv positive and the other still isn't. Be authentic and honest, and stay relevant. I'd be willing to bet bit bucks that the men who get past the first filter of being ok with getting involved with an HIV positive person, will not care about WLS. There are many MANY people out there living with HIV, and living full rich lives with loved ones and in relationships with non hiv positive people. You are not HIV, or a BARIATRIC patient, you are who you are, those things don't define you. Just small details in a very elaborate artwork. Head high and live life, don't waste it worrying about what might happen... just so that nothing ever does.

I agree with others. I am 3 weeks today and honestly, there is absolutely NOTHING that feels like I had surgery. The first week is a lot of recovery and you will know you had surgery, but by 7-10 days out, you'll feel pretty normal outside of the liquid diet and possibly tiring easier. Get lots of rest intentionally before hand. But barring any abnormal issues, you should be fine. Good luck!

Ok, so I'm going to tell you a true story... good parts and bad, but hopefully the take away will be positive for you. My best friend lost 140 pounds with lap band. She has been on the dating sites and is having the time of her life. Meeting lots of interested fellows and holding on for repeats with pretty much everyone she wants. She has a lot of loose skin, a lot. You know what, not one has complained or not been interested if it went far enough to get there. Not one...this has been about a year and a half of dating and some pretty darn fit and in shape men. Don't worry about it, you don't want somone who is only interested in you being perfect. Be honest and authentic to who you are. You don't have to tell them about your weight loss right off the bat, or about the weight loss surgery. Let things move at whatever organic and natural pace it does. Unless you suspect it is moving in a serious direction, personal disclosures are not needed. I wouldn't advocate hiding it either, but heck, if you were on a date with someone is that what you would initially want to know about them? Who cares, be yourself, let them see who you are and your personality. Be attractive and confident, and own the new you. I was actually surprised that the loose skin was no issue with anyone honestly, it's pretty noticeable... but I can honestly say, it hasn't been at all!

hi pickle... i would recommend you have your surgery at least a couple months before you go, or do it after you return. You'll enjoy yourself a lot more fully healed and feeling good in your clothes at 8 weeks out. Or you'll enjoy indulging one last time before you make this big change. For me personally, I am only 3 weeks out, I feel great, but I see the next few weeks being so revolved around introducing new foods and learning about my new stomach, not something I would want to be doing while on vacation and not able to know what exactly is in my food I'm eating. Another thing to keep in mind, my Surgeon told me most leaks happen in the 3rd to 6th week post op. He had some theories for this, and though the chance of this happening is low, it does happen to folks and I wouldn't want to be in another country if this were to happen, you could be stuck there for quite a while. Just seems like a better idea to go before (and make sure your not on the liquid very restrictive pre op diet... that was the hardest for me personally.. post is much easier because you aren't hungry). Just my two cents because you asked. Good Luck

Hi Belladonna, I was sleeved on 2/4/14. I am on soft foods (also advanced a little early with NUT approval). I think I "could" eat what you are describing. I would say a third of a reg burrito is about 3/4 of a cup. That's about what I eat. I measure ounces/or scoop with a cup (1/2 or 3/4 depending). I have eaten 3/4 cup of butter Beans at a sitting, refried beans I can do 3/4 cup, I eat 1/2 cup cottage cheese and am sure I could add some peaches if I wanted to. I measure honestly and don't know what "full" feels like, I don't think I've been full yet. Tonight I went to Outback Steakhouse and ate about 2 to 3 ounces of salmon (guessing), and 3 or 4 broccoli crowns. I felt comfortable, probably took 45 minutes to eat it, went slow and really paid attention, didn't have any discomfort or issues with it. I would say you are eating within the normal realm, but I haven't felt "full" yet and don't want to. I'm with you, I want to get my calories up to at least 700... I am active and work out, I want to make sure I'm eating enough and don't want my body in starvation mode. I don't think it's abnormal, but I would weigh and measure and track what you are eating and not rely in feeling full (that's just meet, but feeling full was something I liked in my former life, so I'm really trying to use this drastic tool, to get away from that. Good luck girl, don't over stress it, listen to your body and listen to your Dr. I am doing fine with soft foods too.

Though the people closest to me are all incredibly supportive, I totally understand how you feel. I think in a weird way, I've been them. My sister had RNY 8 years ago and I pretty much felt it was "the easy way out" and lazy. I am using the hateful terms because that is what I thought... though I never said it or expressed it to her. My dad also had RNY and I think with him I was far more understanding because I had seen him go up and down over 100 pounds at a time over his life and saw the struggle and roller coaster ride... I knew he had tried. My sister ont he other hand, maybe once or twice she went on a short lived diet and even after WLS she eats unhealthy and is in my opinion not a healthy person. I always swore I would NEVER take that road. Yes obesity runs in my family, yes I have endocrine disorders (hyperprolactinemia, PCOS, IR) but I had this mentality that I was going to do it the "right way." In my mind, the only way to be proud of oneself. OK< so 20 years of doing it the right way, age 40, a huge investment in personal trainers, nutritionists, and obsessively endlessly dieting... I have had several injuries in the last year from cross fit style workouts, I have become more afraid of my obsessive lifestyle than I am of WLS (complications or judgement from others). So to those people who express that I should go about it the "traditional" way, here is my reply. It is a fact that only 3-5% of people that lose a significant amount of weight manage to keep it off the traditional way. I've found myself in the 95-97th percentile of that battle most my life and NOT For lack of effort, so you'll have to just suck it up and accept that it is important enough to me that I am willing to take drastic measures that statistically give me a 60-80% chance of reaching and staying at/near my goal as well as significantly increase my chances of a longer more quality life, than continuing to live in that 95% fail rate and suffering the consequences of obesity. It kinda shuts people up... ask them how many people that lost 50plus pounds in their life and kept it off... MAYBE than can think of one that did it without surgery. maybe... and they may have had surgery and just not shared that fact.

HI Bluesea, I too have PCOS and IR... low bmi (31 on DOS). I'm 5'8" and had surgery at 203. I have worked out and been a health conscious eater/dieter most of my adult life. So maybe that's why for me... it seems slow, or maybe it's just a stall... but whatever the case, I want to share so if you experience this you don't feel alone. Day of surgery I was 203 (Tuesday 2/4/14), I gained about 6 pounds of Water weight in the hospital from the IV's I guess. By one week out I was at 197... I'm 18 days post op and I"m at 196.5. Kind of discouraging, but with the PCOS and IR issues, I expected it to be slower for me than others anyway and you add in a lower bmi, plus I'm 40 years old and I know from recent years I have a HARD time losing no matter what I do, thus the VSG. Despite the slow/stalling start let me share the positives. I feel like I'm smaller, others have commented on it, I usually gain 6-8 pounds around my period and haven't gained any (day 3 today), I wonder if I will see a big drop when this cycle ends (I usually see a loss by now... but my body is changing). I am hoping to lose 1 1/2 pounds per week on average... taking me 9 months to get to goal. I figure on the bright side as a slow loser, my skin will have less issues. Hope that's true, my Dr. didn't think I would have any issues with sagging skin. Good luck to you!

Ok, so 2 weeks post op... week one down 5 pounds, week 2... less than a half at -0.4 pound... I am upping my exercise, going easy for now as I'm still healing... following the couch to k program and walking the dogs everyday for 30-45 minutes, I've been doing well with fluids and pretty sure my calories have been between 400-700 every day between my Protein shake and one or 2 servings of creamed Soup. Daily I get: Protein: min 75 grams Water/fluids: min 70 ounces Exercise: 30 min to 1 hour of cardio per day I'm pretty sure, in a week or 2, I'm just gonna see a big drop. I just think my hormones are wacked (I think I've been pms'ing since around time of surgery and my body just is having a hard time adjusting so Water retention may be playing a role.) Open to any other suggestions or just plain old encouragement especially from any PCOSers out there that know the weight loss resistance struggles and hormone struggles... but I'll take encouragement of any kind. Just feel like I'm doing everything and wanting to stay positive despite the quick stall on the front end of this journey. Seems like most folks drop so much in the first month/s. I know it will work even if it takes me longer... just looking for a pick me up from others who have been here before me! Thanks all!

Just thought I'd chime in. Your post was actually encouraging to me... so I hope my reply is to you. I'm 2 weeks today (sleeve 2/4/2014) and here is my loss numbers: Consultation: 210 DOS: 203 week 1: -5 week 2: -0.4 I am NOT in starvation mode, I eat between 400-700 calories a day. I have also been exercising everyday... walking dogs 30-45 minutes at a brisk pace... nothing too extreme. But I also went back to work last Monday and keep a pretty busy schedule. So it sounds like we are both stalled out at the moment....I get my Protein, Water, and calories and am still in the same boat as you, so don't over think what you are doing. Listen to your body, let it heal, and just know... the road we are on, will lead us to the destination we seek... in it's own path. Hugs and right there with ya!

oh...and it's funny, I worried too about losing too much. In fact my Dr. gave me a goal 10 pounds less than I want... because I think 150 would be too slim for me. I'm just a curvvy and athletic girl and I kinda want to keep my curves... just less of them When I asked him that very question, he said in his practice of 10 years he has not ever had such a situation. Some people need guidance on maintenance and it is more fear of regain, but it's very easy to maintain where you want to stop. These boards have convinced me of this as well.

HI there, I started at a BMI of 32. I also tried everything, seriously debated WLS a year ago (honestly for several years, but almost did it last year. Got scared and hired a personal trainer and nutritionist and enlisted an endocrinologist for a year. On the sucess side of that year (2013), I finally got diagnosed as insulin resistant that no dietary and exercise regiments were fixing, so I went on metformin and it made a huge difference in terms of my energy and I finally started to recover from my workouts and seeing results. After a year of VERY diligent effort, consistant and HARD workouts 3x's per week 90 minutes plus additional cardio throughout the week and healthy eating and logging everything that went into my mouth I lost a total of 30 pounds. Then I injured my shoulder and in a month of still eating the same but not able to work out so hard, I gained almost 10 pounds back! That was it, I was done, I waved the white flag, went to a seminar in December, had a consultation January 17th (bmi was 32), and went right in for surgery on 2/4/2014. I can tell you my very first thought was crystal clear when I woke up from surgery in the recovery room... it was PURE RELIEF that I wasn't going to have to struggle for the next several decades of my life and feel like it's all for nothing. I'm off the metformin now (we will see in 6 months if I need to go back on it). My risk for diabetes (mom, dad, & sister all have) has been significantly reduced. And I feel for the first time in forever, like I am actually going to win this battle and land in a normal bmi that I can maintain. That's all I want... just normal and not to have diet, exercise, and weight loss obsessively control my life. I'm 2 weeks post op, and am so sure this was the best thing I've ever done for myself (my trainer would have a heart attack if he knew!) But I don't care, I finally feel free. Do I wish I could have done it on my own, yep.... did I try? Ummm, yes for 20 years, the tide came and went, I never stayed in a normal bmi for more than a few months, but I was pretty much always active, worked out, and always focused on healthy eating habits. So... I'm pretty sure if I could be that 3-5% that does it on my own and is successful in the long term, well, I'd have done it by now. So...from one 32er to another, do what you feel is right. I don't regret the year I spent working so diligently to do it the conventional way, it definitely leaves me feeling confident I tried everything and thus, I have no regrets. Good luck to you!