Ripper

It is really funny, (read strange) how everyone has an opinion about what you should and should not be doing once you make the choice to take control of your life. I personally applaud you for your recognizing the need for a new relationship with food as well for understanding that a new relationship does nor equate to a "break up" from things you enjoy. I for one have always loved to cook, and just because I limit what I cook for myself, it does not limit what I cook for family and friends. Hang on to you dreams, your loves and your life. One thing I have learned from the wise sages here is that it is not only possible, but motivational to know that this life change is not a life limitation, but a life affirmation. We can have healthy, and fulfilling lives and for those who don't get it, I am truly sorry! All the best! R.

Thank you so much for sharing! You are an inspiration. I myself am about halfway to my goal. Knowing that you were so successful gives me the needed kick in the butt to keep working! Thank You!

I stared at 460lbs. I have been pretty fanatical about eating only very high Protein, very low carbs and very low fat. More importantly to my mind is the commitment to exercise. I walk/hike at least 5 miles everyday. During the work week my wife and I get up at 4:30am and get in at least a 3 mile walk, then in the evening after work we try to get in an additional 3 mile hike in the woods near our home. I also have returned to lifting weights which I try to get in at least 3 days a week in the evenings either before or after the evening hike. It is tough to make the time because I also work a second job as a college professor two nights a week, but I just look at it as something that must be done. I have gotten to the point where I now look forward to the walks and hikes as the enjoyment portion of my day, and I cannot wait to get home from work to unwind on the trails. Truly I am not doing anything special or different from what everyone else here is doing, I just have made the decision that I am worth it, that I will make the time for myself, and that I want to live a long healthy life full of adventure and activity. I was very fortunate that I did not have any of the health concerns which are typical of someone who was as overweight as I was/am. I do however know that it was most likely only a matter of time, so I am going to do everything I can to avoid those pitfalls and get healthy. I actually used EAS pre-made Protein shakes. They are 11 ounces, 100 calories and 17 grams of protein each. They even taste pretty good. I know you are going to do great! The hardest part is getting past what we have preconceived in our heads as to what is necessary in life. I struggle with not using food as a comfort or a crutch, but now that I have started to make positive changes I just want to keep doing/making more. There are really good people on this site, and many have been, and are inspirations to me and my journey. Whenever it gets hard, or I feel down, I come on here, read a success story, realize that anything is possible, and then go back to the plan re-energized. I wish you the absolute best, just keep telling yourself what I know is the truth...You Can Do This!

Hello all, I just wanted to drop in and provide a brief update. I am about 3.5 months post-op. At 105 pounds lost, I stalled for about 2&1/2 weeks staying constant and even gaining 1/2 pound. I didn't freak out however, (mostly thanks to you wonderful people because in your writings and sharing of your stories you prepared me for this eventuality) and I just kept working the plan, Protein, Water, exercise, exercise, exercise. I am now happy to report that I am back to dropping weight! I am currently at 107 pounds lost. I also want to Thank you all for helping me to appreciate the Non scale Victories that continued during my stall. I know that muscle weighs more than fat, and I am now working out harder than I have since I was a Freshman in college, 27 years ago. My clothes fit better, (The few clothes I actually have at this point! LOL) I feel better, and am living the active life I used to live. I guess I just wanted to Thank all of you who have been so supportive and inspirational. This has been a wonderful, strange and unexpected journey...its good to know that you do not have to make it alone, even if you have never met your fellow travelers! Good Luck to all of us, together we can accomplish extraordinary things! R.

I intentionally did not go near the scale all weekend. I woke this morning at 4am and went for my daily 4 mile walk. when I got home I drank some Water, took a shower then went to the scale... ...I am exactly 80 days post-op today. I lost 28 pounds in the month prior to surgery, mostly due to the 15 day 800 calorie liquid Protein diet. So as I stood on the scale the happy dance began... today I am officially 100 pounds lighter! THANK YOU SLEEVE! THANK YOU DR. ROGULA! THANK YOU BARIATRIC PAL! THANK YOU ALL WHO HAVE BEEN SUPPORTIVE. POSITIVE AND INSPIRED ME TO MAKE THIS LIFE CHANGING/SAVING JORNEY! Today is going to be a very good day, the first of many more to come. Good Luck to all and remember, we can all do this together!

Congratulations! You look great!

Hi Cody's Mom, Yes, I get my 4 mile walk in every morning before work. That leaves me free to golf (9 or 18 holes walking of course) on the evenings that I am off work. I am trying to complete a 365 day challenge, to walk everyday for 1 year. So far so good! Thank you to all for the kind remarks.

Hello all, In keeping with my hit and run update posts I offer the following. Today is 74 days Post-Op and as of this morning I am down 95 pounds. I cannot believe it but I am so close to 100 pounds gone. Getting sleeved was the best decision of my life! Good Luck to all...we can do this!

Congratulations! You are going to do great. Getting the sleeve was the best decision I have ever made to improve my health and quality of life. All the best!

Amazing! Congratulations

Hello all, I have been MIA for awhile and just thought I would pop in and give a brief update. Today is 60 days post-op for me, and including the weight I lost 1 month prior to surgery I am down 85 pounds. I am so incredibly happy that I had the sleeve, and am taking my life back. My closet is empty but it has been a blast taking all my too big clothes to the City Mission instead of taking things that were too small. I hope everyone is doing great, and look forward to reading other stories of success. Good luck to all!

Hello All, I am 43 days Post-Op and so far I have lost a total of 73 pounds. I am so happy that I made this choice to take back my life. My weight loss has slowed, but fortunately it has not stopped nor stalled yet. At first I was losing around a pound a day, then 1 pound every two days. Now I am losing about 1-2 pounds every 5 days or so. I am completely ok with this and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will continue at this rate. I am however mentally prepared and emotionally ready for when the dreaded stalls come a knocking. I have had such positive results from the weight loss to date that I cannot express my gratitude that this option was available to me. I now walk 18 holes of golf and instead of being tired, I am ready to shower and go on to the next adventure that awaits. I also want to thank everyone who has sent along positive comments and well wishes. It really does make a difference when you know you are not alone and have the support of a community of individuals who all share a common goal and are venturing down similar paths. Good Luck to Everyone! We Can Do This!

I had my 1 month follow up visit with my surgeon yesterday. I am very happy to report that combining my strict dieting for 1 month pre-op, and 35 days post-op I have said goodbye to 71 pounds. Thank you sleeve, I think I love you!

Hi Everyone, I was sleeved on 6/6, and at that time I was 422. At the beginning of May I was 454. I weighed in on Sunday and I was 392, at 6 feet tall I have been walking between 2-4 miles daily, and eating about 600 calories on a good day. I have been lucky with fluids as I can get about 70 ounces daily. I moved through the different food stages with no problems, and have been on normal food now for about 2 weeks. I Love my sleeve, and am very pleased with the weight loss and cannot wait to keep on losing and getting healthy. The funny thing is I really don't enjoy eating anymore. It seems like my expectations don't measure up to reality, which has made sticking to low fat, low calorie, high protein pretty easy. I hope everyone is doing well, and wish you all the best of luck.

I think it is supposed to drop off quickly at first. I have lost 22 pounds in 22 days since my surgery. This does not concern me, but the other issues are a bit worrisome. I suffered from mild Premature Arterial Contractions prior to surgery, and they have worsened since. I am hoping this is just due to low calories and rapid weight loss. EKG's have been normal and I am scheduled for a Holter monitor this week just to make sure. GOOD LUCK!

I too am having a June 6th Surgery. Good Luck to you both, we are going to be GREAT!

On day11 of my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. I have lost 17 pounds so far. My goal was 20, but I think I might beat that! Fingers Crossed!

Just a bit of an update on my progress on the 14 day pre-op liquid diet. Started day #7 and have lost 10lbs. It works, even though sometimes you feel like it does not. For those who are looking to start this soon, take my advice...DON'T WEIGH YOURSELF EVERYDAY! You will get discouraged when you don't lose. Have faith, if you are not cheating, it will work. Good Luck to all.

I too am a rabid golfer, got 36 holes in this weekend. I am getting sleeved in 10 days and am worried that I will miss the rest of the golf season. I hope that I will be able to play sometime in July. Is this realistic? I also am looking forward to being able to walk 18 holes without being a sweaty mess at the end of the round. I am also looking forward to being able to find raingear in my size as well as the nice golf clothes that they don't make for the 400lbs. club. I am guessing the weight loss will alter my swing, but hopefully for the better. I am currently a 10 handicap and would love to get into the single digits!

Well...pre-op really works. Just started day 4 of 800 calorie liquid diet and did a weigh in this morning. Lost 6 pounds. I am pretty imprerssed, very hungry at times, but more impressed right now. Anyone who has not started this yet, don't worry, you can do this. It is not as bad as I thought. More to come later.

I am on day two of my pre-op liquid diet. I am using EAS Advantage Protein shakes. They taste pretty good and each shake has 17 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs and only 100 calories. I am allowed 800 calories a day so I at least have the 8 shakes to ration throughout the day. I woke with a headache today, but I think that is a combination of no caffeine and hunger. I really cannot wait until surgery day. Wish me Luck!

I started my two week pre-op liquid diet today. It is kind of weird but I am looking forward to this two weeks, because now it feels real...this is really, finally going to happen! I sometimes worry about all the things that I have read that could go wrong, but I am truly trying to focus on all the things that will be good after, and the opportunity to really live my life without having to always worry about what my weight will and will not allow me to do. For the first time in years...I am looking to the future with optimism. June 6th here I come.

I am scheduled for June 6th. I am very excited but also nervous and a little scared.