MarciaN

You have to change your mindset that you are doing this for the number on the scale to go down. Eventually we will be on maintenance where we don't want the scale number to move. We need to concentrate on fueling our bodies with the best things we can and being strong and healthy. Eventually, if we do this, we will be at that all "powerful" number. I've never been a huge loser. (I lost 10 pounds the first 2 weeks after surgery and stayed at that weight for another 6 weeks.) What I am is consistent. This has really helped me to concentrate on what is important. We are not in this for the short term- we are in this forever. Will it really matter if it takes 16 months to get to goal rather than 12? After we have maintained for a few years- I doubt it will matter. What will matter is that we learn how to change our lifestyle and our relationship with food. I thoroughly love eating! But I now know it is not my comforter or companion. If I don't deal with issues I'll eventually go back to my old "companion" and then I will have BIGGER issues (bigger me.) We can all do this! Each person's journey is unique. Be proud that you didn't give in. Eventually you will reap the reward. Good Luck!

I went on a cruise just 6 weeks after my procedure. Everything was just fine. Just order EXACTLY what you want- no more- no less. They will bring it to you looking beautiful and you'll be eating right along everyone else. You really don't need any explanations because it is amazing that thin people typically eat like this! I am dating a wonderful man now and he has never had a weight problem. His refrigerator has exactly the same things in it that mine does. We go out to eat all the time and just order really healthy options. it is almost a non-issue now. You will do great! Have fun!

I always thought I was 5'3. I was bummed when they told me I was 5'2" because that meant I had to lose 5 more pounds to get to goal LOL

Hello Everyone! Looks like we are all over the place- some just starting, some waiting for surgery, some post op and still working on losing and some at goal. The common denominator is that we are all "petite". I've never been a fast loser but I sure am consistent. I started almost 15 months ago and in a few days will be 6 months post op. Down almost 118# from start and 50 from surgery. Feel fantastic now- Can't imagine how I will feel when I get these last 33#s off my body. Oh yes, and I am 58.

Congratulations! Getting through the liquid diet is probably the hardest part of the process. Only one week left and you will be joining us! Good job!

I started at 286# and I'm not sure I could have done anything except swimming. (It was even hard to walk from the parking lot to the pool!) I remember each time I got out of the pool after doing my laps and feeling the pull of gravity.... I've lost almost 118# now and have a personal trainer and do a lot of power walks with my dog. One thing that we have all learned is not to let anyone bully us any more. Someone who has never had an extreme amount of excess weight on their body has no idea the pain that accompanies that. Enjoy the water! Be free and enjoy as you transform your body. The best is yet to come!

I never had any problem with drinking either. Be thankful because you will not have to worry about dehydration. The only thing you need to remember is to wait the 30 minutes between drinking and eating. A pound a day is unbelievable! Enjoy the journey and be thankful.

When I first started I had the "burp" too. Now I don't any more but definitely feel that full feeling. You need to stop any time you have any discomfort or pressure.

I didn't puree anything. I just ate the scrambled egg and cottage cheese. I got nectar Syntrax unflavored Protein powder and mixed it in sugar free pudding mix with skim milk. That was yummy. I also put it in broths and Soups. It makes it creamy and is easy on your tummy. Then, of course, there are all the Protein shakes. My doctor wanted me off these after week 4 but each doctor is different. You can lose as much weight as you want. If you look at this site you will see that so many folks are at or below their goal weight. If you concentrate on your protein and then veggies, you can keep healthy and keep losing. Most who have regained weight will probably tell you that they stopped working the program. This is a tool- ultimately losing weight is totally in each of our hands. We are responsible for what we eat and our own exercise. You can do it!

Good luck on all your tests. You'll be joining us all before you know it!

One of my favorite sayings is "You don't drown by falling in the Water, you drown by staying there." Good job on realizing that you have fallen in the water and a really good job in not staying there!.

I was worried about this too, at first. Then I realized that people don't really pay too much attention to what others are eating and drinking. I have no problems going to a bar now and either asking for Water or "nursing" one drink. No one seems to notice that after a few hours it still is barely touched. As for food, we can eat wonderful food. No one notices how much you eat- You may be conveying that you are uncomfortable and that is what people are picking up on. Enjoy the people you are with and they will enjoy being with you. Good Luck

You can lose all the weight you need to on the sleeve. The statistics lump everyone together- including those who don't change their eating habit. I have been FORTUNATE that I have had to work for EVERY pound. I never had the "honeymoon" effect. While those around me were losing 10 pounds a week initially, I was losing, if lucky a pound---maybe two. I've never had a big lose. But... I am consistent-- I lose about 7-8 pounds a month and pretty much do this each and every month. I've had to learn to eat the way I am supposed to. I am glad there was no quick fix. I still have a little less than 35 pounds to go. I don't care how long it takes because I am doing what I am supposed to and know that it will come off. I feel fantastic. If you are willing to follow the program you can lose what you need to lose. You'll be more healthy and happier. Don't expect a quick fix. We are in this for the long run. It doesn't matter if it takes a year or 3 years as long as you make it and learn about how to maintain this lose. We have all seen folks who have had the bi-pass, sleeve, lapband etc who have gained it back. But-- there are MANY who have had these procedures who have embraced the new lifestyle and are living a wonderful life. Good Luck! You can lose all the weight you need to on the sleeve. The statistics lump everyone together- including those who don't change their eating habit. I have been FORTUNATE that I have had to work for EVERY pound. I never had the "honeymoon" effect. While those around me were losing 10 pounds a week initially, I was losing, if lucky a pound---maybe two. I've never had a big lose. But... I am consistent-- I lose about 7-8 pounds a month and pretty much do this each and every month. I've had to learn to eat the way I am supposed to. I am glad there was no quick fix. I still have a little less than 35 pounds to go. I don't care how long it takes because I am doing what I am supposed to and know that it will come off. I feel fantastic. If you are willing to follow the program you can lose what you need to lose. You'll be more healthy and happier. Don't expect a quick fix. We are in this for the long run. It doesn't matter if it takes a year or 3 years as long as you make it and learn about how to maintain this lose. We have all seen folks who have had the bi-pass, sleeve, lapband etc who have gained it back. But-- there are MANY who have had these procedures who have embraced the new lifestyle and are living a wonderful life. Good Luck! You can lose all the weight you need to on the sleeve. The statistics lump everyone together- including those who don't change their eating habit. I have been FORTUNATE that I have had to work for EVERY pound. I never had the "honeymoon" effect. While those around me were losing 10 pounds a week initially, I was losing, if lucky a pound---maybe two. I've never had a big lose. But... I am consistent-- I lose about 7-8 pounds a month and pretty much do this each and every month. I've had to learn to eat the way I am supposed to. I am glad there was no quick fix. I still have a little less than 35 pounds to go. I don't care how long it takes because I am doing what I am supposed to and know that it will come off. I feel fantastic. If you are willing to follow the program you can lose what you need to lose. You'll be more healthy and happier. Don't expect a quick fix. We are in this for the long run. It doesn't matter if it takes a year or 3 years as long as you make it and learn about how to maintain this lose. We have all seen folks who have had the bi-pass, sleeve, lapband etc who have gained it back. But-- there are MANY who have had these procedures who have embraced the new lifestyle and are living a wonderful life. Good Luck!

Thanks for sharing this! You have so much to be proud of! Your pictures are amazing. Congratulations- Marcia

Doing well. Have 35 pound to reach goal. Down 115 so far! Feeling wonderful!

I was actually losing more BEFORE the surgery. I was a little discouraged when I went for my follow ups and everyone else seemed to be losing 5 or so pounds a week and I was lucky to have one. But...I have to work for every pound I lose. I never had the "option" of eating things that weren't good for me and still losing weight. Now am extremely happy that I was "different" than most. I can't take anything for granted. I love how I feel and am starting to love how I look. I don't want to mess up and go back to where I was before. My mind frame has changed. I don't really care if I never have a piece of chocolate again in my life. I get to move around without being in pain. I can breathe easily after walking up multiple flights of stairs, I get to dress in "normal" size areas at the store, I get to live a VIBRANT life! So, I guess I will concentrate on all the "I get to" rather than what I have to give up...which now seems pretty small.

Any one who has gone through this knows that it is not the sleeve that takes the weight off- it is you! It does assist in "reminding" me what the proper portion sizes are-- but it does not have say over what are in those portions! If I do what I am supposed to do, I get my Protein in first and veggies. Pretty much never eat bread, Pasta, rice etc because I am already full. But... if I don't care, I could easily start with a "comfort" food and fill up on that...which would end up making me feel hungry again real soon. And doing it all over again. I've had to reset my mind too. I evaluate if a food is "worth" eating. Will it nourish my body? I buy better quality food because I don't need a lot and FINALLY realize that I am worth it. The months leading up to the surgery are probably the most critical portion of this entire process. Changing my mindset on food and already working the plan made the surgery almost seem like a nonevent. I'm eating exactly the same way I was when on the preop diet. I am ever mindful that this is not a quick fix or magic procedure. I don't know how my body reacts to pasta...or rice...or cake... because there are so many better things to put in my body. (and this coming from a woman who could eat a half gallon of ice cream in a single sitting...who would have thought...)

I always thought I was 5'3 and now discover I am 5'2! Thanks heavens I have blue eyes so I can be like the song "5'2, eyes of blue, coochy coochy coochy coo-- has anybody seen my gal "

Our bodies are amazing- at any age. I still have 42 pounds to go but in just 15 pounds I won't be considered obese any more (just overweight LOL). I have a personal trainer and am exercising and getting stronger and I am actually dating again. Who would have thought...

I don't know what your BMI is but I started at 52. I am now down to 34- have lost a little over 100 pounds with 49 left to go. As JamieLogical said above- these are tools. If you are committed to using the tool and following your doctor's program you won't fail. It is all up to you. (Oh-- I forgot to mention that I had the sleeve.)

Congratulations! Sounds like you are off to a great start. I too am a grandma of 7. I was similar to you in that I did not have any problem with the surgery and healed very fast. Each day gets better and better and before you know it you won't even thing about things. I had almost 9 months of pre-op counseling and diet so this I am eating just like I have been now for the past year. I made my 100 pound loss and am slowly whittling away the last 50. What a wonderful way for each of us to spend our time as healthy Grannies!

My doctor wrote me a one month's prescription for my meds that were not time released. I just cut the pills into four pieces, crushed them and took them 4 xs a day. I'm back on my time released now. Everything was great. (OK..taste was not too great with the crushed pills but I got through it and so will you.) You can do this!

That is SO exciting! Congratulations. Pretty soon we will all be joining you. So happy for you! Woo Hoo!

I just hit my 100 pound loss yesterday! (and my one year anniversary from walking into the weight loss clinic is TODAY!) I am going to have to figure out how to get pictures on this and then will post (after I take some---teehee). What a difference a year makes!

I just made my 3 month from surgery and am down 32. I was thrilled (because I am REALLY TRYING not to compare myself to others...always so hard!) I am so happy for you.