Babbs

Yup, as early out as you are, the sleeve helps control your hunger. That won't always be the case. It's great that you're hard and fast on the rules right now, because that definitely helps someone stay successful, but don't fool yourself. This whole thing gets harder and harder the further out you are as hunger slowly returns and restriction loosens a little. It's very easy to feel so confident as early out from surgery as you are. I know I was. But life happens, tragedy happens, Holidays and celebrations happen, "normalcy" happens. The weight is gone and compliments about your weight loss are less so your original motivation wanes, and it becomes harder and harder to resist the temptation to graze or over eat day in and day out. That, unfortunately, is the cold, hard truth. That's why it's so hard for some to keep it off.

My pannus. Hands down. Some inner thighs, but no biggie. Excersise has really helped my arms, but no amount will help my tummy and pannus area. Wayyy too much damage done by huge babies and carryimg a lot of my weight there. I do plan on a tummy tuck in a year or so.

You may be one of those people that just drew the short straw and loses a little slower than others. As of this week, I have lost 91 pounds and I am 14 months out. Doing the math, that equates to an average of a little under 1.5 pounds a week. Actually right in the average weight loss norms of 1-3 pounds a week. But LOW end of average. Okay, I'll just say it. Slow for having WLS. Apparently, I have the metabolism of a koala. I did everything by the book. When I would stall, I would tweak things a little until the stall broke, whether it was eating more, upping my excersise, eating less, excersising less, eating a few more carbs etc...maybe that helped, maybe it didn't. But I continued to follow plan and the stalls would break and I would continue to lose weight, albeit slowly but steadily. Just keep at it like I did, and you will get there. Continue to slowly increase calories as the months go by to keep your metabolism going, keep your body moving and follow your plan as closely as you can and you will lose! And try not to get discouraged! It's counter productive to your goals.

"Isn't that a little drastic?"

I am 14 months out and have lost 90 or so pounds as of now. That averages out to roughly 1.5 pounds a week. What you lost is not uncommon, and is in fact, average weight loss. Some weeks more, some weeks none at all. Don't sweat it, take @@JamieLogical's advice and keep up the good work!

Planning, planning, planning is the key. I know it's hard (especially for you busy moms), but like @@BLERDgirl said, always having an emergency stash for those OMG I NEED TO EAT NOW times will prevent what happened from happening again. We've all been there!

@@CowgirlJane As a noob, (I'm still a relative noob) there were several veterans I looked up to and soaked in every peice of information they had to offer. You were and still are very relevant to me, especially now that I'm going into maintenance. You veterans who have maintained for many years are who we all should be using for support and knowledge the most! Because after all, I knew I was going to lose the weight eventually. But learning how live normally after while maintaining the loss is something most newbies don't even consider, and I think as B52 put it so eloquently, you become less relevant to the people in weight loss mode. People want to commiserate with people going through the exact same thing at the exact same moment, so I think that's the problem. There are also many who just want hand holding and coddling through the whole process, and I don't know about you, but ain't nobody got time fo dat! So long story short, are you still relevant? Yes to some and no to some. To me your knowledge and honesty has been irreplaceable.

122 pounds is in the "normal" range for 5'8?? Jeez, can you IMAGINE? But I digress. Amazing results! You should be so dang proud of yourself! And I know you must feel amazing, because you look amazing. Congrats on 1 year of your new life!

I have cooked these before, too! Yummy! Healthy Flourless Black Bean Avocado Brownies {vegan and gluten free} Nutrition Information Serves: 12 Serving size: 1 brownie Calories: 136 Fat: 4.4g Carbohydrates: 23.4g Sugar: 11g Fiber: 5g Protein: 4g Recipe type: Brownie, Vegan, Gluten Free, Healthy Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 25 mins Total time: 35 mins Print Delicious fudgy and healthy brownies made with black Beans and avocados. Sounds weird, tastes awesome! Gluten free and vegan. INGREDIENTS 1 large flax egg 1 - 15oz can low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 medium to large ripe avocado 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling Find Delicious Holiday Dessert recipes INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8×8 inch baking pan. Place flax egg, black bean, avocado, vanilla, and brown sugar and process in a food processor until smooth. Add in cocoa powder, coconut oil, baking soda, and baking powder and process again until smooth. Batter will be thick. If batter is way too thick and won't process, you can add in a tablespoon or two of almond milk. This batter needs to be very thick in order to produce fudgy brownies. Fold in chocolate chip or sprinkle onto batter then transfer to prepared pan and use a spatula to spread evenly to sides. Sprinkle top of batter with 2 tablespoons of remaining chocolate chips. Bake for 22-30 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out somewhat clean. We don't want these to dry out, but we also don't want them completely raw either! The top of the batter should be completely set and no longer jiggle. Cool pan completely on wire rack then cut into 12 bars. NOTES You may be able to sub the brown sugar for honey, agave or maple syrup. I would reduce to 1/3 cup though. The brownies are best went made in a food processor so that beans can blend together better. The brownies are best when served at room temperature or cold. They should be stored in the fridge. I love eating mine chilled. You can also freeze these and thaw out for an easy treat.

Ah, the ol' carbonated drinks debate. My OPINION is they do not stretch the sleeve. Watch Dr Matthew Weiner's YouTube video on bariatric surgery myths. I think the biggest problem with them is just how they are tolerated in general. Carbonation can hurt! I drink a Coke Zero occasionally at 14 months out just as a treat. The carbonation used to bother me, not so much anymore. I will nurse a can all day long.

You won't be sorry! Welcome!

I was just kidding!! You know I love ya!

Looks great! I'll give them a try!

I would see a doctor as soon as you can for it. Could be Cyanosis or a circulation issue.

I bought Culturelle, but a friend who is a nurse recommended this today, so I ordered it! http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Probiotic-10-Billion-Vcaps/dp/B002S1U7RU/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&dpID=51SPoZ-8HDL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=0D4A862Z65R654TX4DXX&ref_=pd_aw_sim_121_3 I'm so ordering those!

Positive thoughts and big hugs to you!

There is huge misconception about how fast the weight comes off after WLS. I think the very rapid losers are far and few between...especially with the sleeve. Yes, the first 6 weeks can be pretty rapid, but then it slows to a more normal pace of 1-3 pounds a week average. Like what was said earlier, some weeks more, some weeks less. Some weeks not at all! And sometimes you may even (gulp) GAIN. Age, how much you have to lose, fitness level, etc are all factors in how rapidly the weight comes off.

Good luck to you. I know with treatment, you will get to a point where you can live a healthy, happy life and find balance. Take care of yourself!

@@VSGAnn2014 Awesome points and YES, drinking your calories is one of the biggest indicators of weight gain. That's how my husband gained 30 after quitting smoking. Too many Starbucks coffee drinks, beer and soda. (He subsequently lost the 30 he'd put on) This was one of the first things his surgeon told him about WLS patients who gain their weight. DON'T DRINK YOUR CALORIES. He explained it as the one of the mortal sins for WLS patients.

Stalls are normal 2-4 weeks after surgery. They happen to almost EVERYONE, and there really is not much you can do about the first one but ride it out. Consequent stalls, on the other hand, should be dealt with a little differently than this first one. This first one is normal and almost NEEDS to happen. Here's why: A "stall" a few weeks after surgery is not uncommon, and here's why. Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs. of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when a patient is not getting in enough food, the body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. Then when 2 lbs. of glycogen is used a patient will also lose 8 lbs. of water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs. that most people lose in the first week of a diet. However, when the body stays in a caloric deficit state the body starts to realize that this is not a short-term problem. Then the body starts mobilizing fat from adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But the body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. As it puts back the 2 lbs. of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs. of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though the patient might still be losing energy content to their body, the weight will not go down or it might even gain for a while as the retention of water dissolves the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

After having a husband who had RNY 9 years ago, and a sister in law who had the sleeve 6 years ago (she was one of the first people to get it before it started becoming more popular), I have noticed after a few years there seems to be about a 10-20 pound gain that almost seems to organically happen. I've also seen a few very veteran sleevers (over 3 years) on this very forum experience this. Obviously I'll give them a chance to chime in. And before I get jumped on for saying the above as fact, I'm just speaking from what I've seen first hand and from this forum, but the 10-20 pound gain after 3 or 4 years seems to STATISTICALLY be the norm. Why? Well I'm sure that's what you're trying to find out. ETA: Both hubby (who is RNY not sleeve) and sister in law have kept the weight off aside from the 10-20 pound gains.

I must try this......

Well, I haven't seen a pic, so it can't be that. You CAN be charming on occasion.... I actually have never heard your accent, so.... I guess I don't really like you after all.

Yes But in all fairness, who DOESN'T have a crush on you? I mean, Australian accent? What's not to love?? Except vegemite.

I love you and all, but I'll pass. Maybe next time