*Lexie*

@@Nomorethickchick I just got weak in the knees when I read "cotton candy grapes". I must find out what these are right away!

I really struggled with this decision too. I kept thinking the bypass may be better because I love sugar and wanted the malabsorption. But the psych and dietitian felt it was too much surgery for me. The surgeon left it completely up to us, educating but not influencing. I ended up getting the sleeve and I'm very happy with it. I can eat candy (I had a Reece's pumpkin after my 12 mile run this morning) but I can't tolerate ice cream or cake and my desire for sweets is quite diminished in comparison to pre-op. (Along with a long list of foods I can't tolerate but I don't think this is common.) My one year anniversary is coming up in 2 weeks and I'm very close to 100lbs lost. It's more than I could have hoped for. I have exercised at a high level (training for a marathon right now) and though I keep working the program on the food, I have not been not perfect. Honestly, either surgery will greatly help you become the person you want to be. Best of luck with the decision.

Congratulations! Isn't shopping so much fun now? It's my motivation to keep losing because I want an excuse to buy more clothes. I so badly want to hit 100lbs lost before my 1 year appointment on the 21st. Fingers crossed!

I'm in, my goal is 150.

Final weight 164

162

I need to weigh in early this week. I'll be out of town on Monday. Current weight is 162.

sugar-free Jello and popsicles. Congrats on getting your date.

Congrats, it's pretty awesome on the post-op side. Come on over and join the party!

Honestly, it depends on the doc. I was weighed at my first appointment and every one after that. But the official weight they used for insurance was the first weight. I had to diet and lose weight before. The doctor assured us that insurance companies won't deny you if your BMI drops below the threshold, they actually like to see some weight loss, shows you're serious.

My sleeve must be extra dainty, I still can't get more than 2 oz of Protein. Now if it's cottage cheese or a carb, I can get a little more. But overall, just because you were able to eat 4oz the other day doesn't mean you will be each meal There is a weird phenomena where sometimes you can fit a lot into that sleeve and other times, you be stuffed after 2 ounces. Makes no sense.

I chose it because my surgeon wouldn't put in lap bands anymore. He said he stopped because he was taking more out due to complications than putting them in. He felt they have long term issues. And when I really started thinking about it, if I really wanted to commit to changing my life, I needed a permanent solution versus a reversible solution.

I've never seen this before. Love it, thank you for sharing.

Today's weight -163

I had the sleeve after a tummy tuck. No issues. Luckily I didn't stretch out my pretty tummy and now it looks great again.

Yay, congratulations! September 24th will be my one year surgery anniversary. It's been amazing, you have so much to look forward to. I had way too many food funerals. You'll be able to have most things again, just much smaller quantities.

Ditto the others. I was able to find a Multivitamin that is about as small as an Advil which made me very happy. All my tests have come back good so it must be a good Vitamin. I do take the chewable calcium but only because I like the taste of it.

Hi, I was originally interested in the band (seemed less invasive). When I found my doctor, I found out that he won't do the band anymore. He said he got to where he was taking out more than he was putting in so he felt it wasn't effective and had too many long term side effects. I ended up going with the sleeve and I'm happy with my choice.

Great tips! Congrats on your sustained weight loss.

Last year at this time, I was able to walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes at about 2.8 mph. Now I can run for more than an hour. What a great feeling. Can't wait to see what I will be able to do in another year. What can you do that you couldn't do prior to surgery?

@@Rovobay You should too!

@@Elode I agree, you look great. Jealous of that awesome jawline. My face has thinned out a lot but not as much as yours. I'm jelly!! I am one of those in-the-closet peeps too but I posted pics recently and just cut off my head. Mine are still during pictures as I'm still working on getting to goal.

@@enjoythetime Great point! We did this so we could start enjoying life. I've been so focused on what I should and shouldn't eat or drink when I'm on vacation, it never occurred to me that I should be focused on the fun. Old habits die hard, my life doesn't revolve around food anymore. Food does not equal fun. I'll probably need to remind myself of that a few more times.

Yay, congratulations! That's a week before my 1 year surgery anniversary. Time flies!

Wow, that is awesome!! Welcome to the group.