Camarolegend

Weigh in...308...early due to heading out of town for Thanksgiving.

The numbers/statistics are easy to get. I encourage anyone interested to research all to make their decision. I am 6'2" and was 441 before my gastric sleeve surgery. I had no problems. I have no regrets. I've lost weight relatively quickly (133lbs in 5 months) and still going. My quality of life continues to get better. I didn't realize how bad I felt before because I didn't have any health issues...but Wow, I was missing out and didn't know it.

Welcome! Congrats on your surgery plan.

Being able to ride all roller coasters (at Busch Gardens). Buy clothes in the regular men's section, not big and tall. Not worrying about table or BOOTH. Not being recognized at first glance by extended family.

I too was told no golf for six weeks after surgery.

I drank strained hearty soups. It gave me a variety of flavors. Examples are chicken vegetable, beef vegetable, French onion. Once strained they have the clear liquid consistency. It isn't as thick as the protein shakes I was supposed to be drinking. Also sugar free jello counted as a liquid too. It was a great treat. Sugar free Popsicles were good too.

Congrats on weight loss! I suggest a regular and semi vigorous exercise routine. The endorphins released will hep counteract depression. It also gives you another feeling of accomplishment.

I agree with some others. Exercise is key. A multi vitamin with lots of B vitamins helps. Plenty of water too. Build that muscle mass back. Exercise has become part of my routine. I break from it on weekends. If I go extra days without my exercise routine my energy levels starts to drop. Even if I don't feel like exercising I still do and always feel better afterwards. As always check with your surgeon for any restrictions.

I considered it a year or so before doing it, but I decided I could do it with just diet. I lost 43 lbs then....I gained it back plus 20 more pounds. That's when I decided to go ahead and do it. Another factor was three different co workers having the surgery with major success. That inspiration pushed me over the line. I decided to go for it. No regrets! Five months out and 130 lbs down...still going strong.

As your body heals you will be able to eat more. I can eat a whole egg and a couple link Sausages now at breakfast. My surgeon and dietician told me three meals a day, no In between eating. The pre-op suggestion of five small meals a day went out the window. I believe it's because the extended times between meals makes your body burn the fat for the energy it needs. Keep the faith...it gets easier.

Great job! How tall are you? I'm 6'2" and wonder at what weight I will fit into size 38's...the non big and tall department. I'm down to 44's from 56's in 5 months. Pant size drops seem to come quicker now with less weight loss. I can hardly "weight"!

I still drink, but not nearly as often. I was a beer lover, but follow the no carbonation rule strictly. Once every week or two I have some margaritas or vodka and waters. I don't eat when I do because it keeps me from drinking. It's my only real "cheating" I do. I enjoy it and overdo it occasionally. I get right back on plan the next morning...hangover or not.

Way to go! Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to the 200 lbs mark. That will put me at 241 lbs. I have doubts on getting to onederland. At 6'2" that may be too small. I'll have to wait and see. Keep up the good work...your story is an inspiration to many!

22 lbs on the pre surgery liver shrinking diet. It got me in ketosis so weight loss was non stop post surgery.

Great job! You look fantastic!

Fiber Gummies. They are fruity tasting and help supplement fiber intake.

Mine was before I left the hospital. It was pretty cool. I got to watch the monitor while that nasty tasting liquid travelled through my system.

Congrats!

Good for you! I have had the same fortune. I'm guessing...I believe there are more of us than the forum leads one to believe. You read a lot on here about problems because those with side effects need reassurance and support. I'm happy to give that support to pay it forward. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy and congrats!

Thanks for your service! I can't think of a funny story as yet. I'm sure it will come.

Hope all went well!

Thanks! It is surreal. I have been fortunate with no negative side effects. This forum keeps me encouraged when I need it.

God luck! Anticipation is making you wait..haha!

How you see yourself in the mirror is normal too. At least my psychologist told me I would be the last to accept I'm not over weight anymore. I'll take that problem any day of the week. Congrats!

It may be your body going into ketosis...which is a good thing. Your body is switching to burning fat for energy instead of using what you eat. Google it for more info. Keep drinking water. Some stalls/weight fluctuations may be attributed to hydration levels.