Sophie7713

Sisternewt... Congratulations Christmas Eve sleever!!! Just think there's 7 months ahead to work toward the next 60. No doubt, your Christmas present to yourself at year's end will be SWEET!

Hi TaeRenee - Keep up the great work! 72 pounds, that's fabulous along with inches lost. Stall is probably your body re-adjusting getting ready for the next 72 pound drop. Yah! Hang in there.

Oh Mrs. Gamgee, do feel better soon. Having a cold at this early juncture must be so uncomfortable! Are you on soft foods? Do keep well... your 52 pound loss is fabulous, too! This is just a hiccup in the journey downward. ;]

While it is already the Dog Days of summer here... I've caught a brutal cold that hubby brought home from his workplace last week. I am five months out and thankfully, did not contact the flu or any other illness until now. This cold has hit like a vengeance! Funniest thing. It feels very different than colds in the past. Does anyone have any remedies or tips that helped them through? I have continued to drink water and hot tea allotments, however any food just irritates the very raw throat with tummy upset. Previously, it was said: Feed a cold, Starve a fever. Remember?! And, OH boy, would I ever feed + comfort myself (Ahhhh...) with Stouffers macaroni and cheese (YUM!), Haagen Dazs coffee and chocolate ice cream flavors (Heavenly!) and home made chicken noodle soup (Soothing!) Did not find the soup that helpful this time around, separating out chicken and veggies (no noodles) for just the broth. The liquid and solid thing rule, as you all know. I am behaving myself and staying right on plan, but stumbled upon this new insight with my first cold sleeved - How being sick was just another opportunity to indulge myself. So with the Ahhhh, Yum, Heavenly and Soothing now taken out of this equation, any suggestions!? :[ chicken soup.pdf

SusieQ2019 - I can't imagine how painful coughing was for your esophagus and new tender pouch! Ouch. Coughing and nasal drip has irritated sleeve causing nausea. I tried cough syrup and it came back up. I'm not tolerating cold meds well at all. Strange. I guess it's the nature of the new beast. That said, will definitely try your fresh ginger and mint tea suggestions tonight. Thank you for your well wishes.

Nothing like a NYC hot dough pretzel with mustard. Just saying...😋

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Way to go, Carrot! Setting up healthy boundaries now will ensure the new you inside and out. It has been my experience that people will see you the way they need to see you, in order to keep from seeing themselves. Best wishes and continued success with the ongoing summer house cleaning! ;]

I concur, not only is it unrealistic, it's unhealthy. The body has gone through a serious surgery and a major change... Give it GRACE! It will regulate and adjust accordingly. This process is NEVER just all about losing the weight or how rapidly. It is an external and internal transformation to be savored and appreciated...

Hi Tracydawn, I am also 5 ft. I had GS surgery December 2018. Almost 4 1/2 months out now - I have lost 72 pounds. I am very strict (nothing processed) three small meals a day with no snacking. I walk every day. Very active with my business. Eat out regularly for business lunches usually ordering a small salad or shrimp cocktail (can only eat three shrimp) etc. And, of course, lots of water and I enjoy hot decaf tea with 1% milk later in the evenings. I don't experience stalls and very happy about my pace. I suspect there are others who loose slower or faster... So, I don't compare. Every body is different. The key for me has been to eat a variety of healthy, high quality nutrition fresh as possible and remain well-hydrated. The water is imperative to flushing out fat deposits, and I believe keeping my body on a steady downward course. You seem to be doing really well according to your stats. It will be an exciting ride! Continued success with each passing day toward your goal of 130! My goal too. Maybe by December 2019? :]

Ooooo la la!

Good morning, Jolexis! Many congratulations and much continued success with 116 pound weight lost. Wow. You must feel on top of the world, and such a pretty smile, too. I'm originally from State College, Pennsylvania. Celebrate my 60th birthday (yikes!) May 29th - so hoping to be in the 180's too...(191 today) wearing something fabulous for our dinner party event. My husband is an accomplished baker and will make his popular homemade strawberry rhubarb basketweave pie + yellow coconut flake cream cake. I've already decided I'll enjoy a light dinner then, sip on some nice hot tea while guests savor dessert. Have no intentions of jeopardizing current sleeve restriction or coveted honeymoon period working so well for me right now by introducing any high fat or sugar. The best birthday gift I hope to give to myself this year and next, is to arrive at final fit and trim goal. And, at my age (oh boy) there's not a lot of room for experiment nor error! I am very thankful and even a bit astonished that food or desserts this time around - will not be the big attraction. The sweet tooth monster is calmed for now. And really... I had over-indulged for so many years to last a lifetime of been there done that!!! ;]

I'm a 5' 0" tall peep or should I say shrimp - and a goal weight was never discussed. I am aiming for 130 pounds which might be too heavy for my frame. However, feeling great and almost ½ my size 4 months out... So, no complaints here! Like NYC Paula said, I will continue to monitor and evaluate as weight lowers. I'll also use visual cues and clothing size in helping to reach a goal weight perfect for my age, body type and psyche. That said, I just love my sleeve and how it has transformed AND that makes me feel 10 feet tall! ;]

I didn't realize that when I lost weight... That I would be so inclined to purchase 5 pairs of the same affordable, Jones New York Lexington Bermuda white shorts (we can wear white here all year around) in decreasing sizes. I started out with size 18 in February. Dropped into a size 16 by March. This April - I am now wearing size 14. Size 12 by late May? Maybe settle into a sound size 10 by June or July? At any size, I really like the tailored jean fit and feel. Goes with everything in my revolving wardrobe. You might want to check them out. Purchased at our Dillard's store here. Will I need a size 8 someday? No way! Is that even possible. Oh boy. Silly, I know, but I always liked looking nice before surgery even in sizes 2X or 3X... AND, I am absolutely elated like Greentealael to celebrate regular size labels again!!! It is a euphoric moment. And, by the way ladies - Guess who tried to pick me up yesterday morning... My hubby! I had laughed when I read earlier posts and thought to myself - I don't think mild manner Robert the engineer would ever try to pick me up. But he did. I kid you not, he wrapped his arms around my mid-section and attempted to lift up! Not realizing a hug was turning into a gymnastic routine, a resounding big OOCH came from my mouth. It really hurt. My ribs and back were sore all day. Understanding he didn't mean to crush me - I said, maybe will use bubble wrap protection the next time. So, definitely, another thing I didn't realize when I lost weight... A new HE MAN thing would emerge. ;]

This group is definitely rocking and rollin! Congratulations and much continued success to all on the scale, BUT most importantly a new healthy mind set and balanced perspective for long term change. 4 months out - I am so happy to be experiencing less is more of high quality nutrients on my plate! It is so liberating to no longer be focused on rich dense foods with dessert included.

I am 3 ½ months out and have lost 60 pounds. I arrived at Onederland this past Friday at 198. I have not seen the 100's in over 20 years! My next milestone is to achieve another loss of 68 pounds to settle around 130ish. I'm only a petite 5'0" frame, and prefer not to look "just chubby". Very thankful I'm no longer morbidly obese, and continue to strive toward normalcy to the fit and trim range. Looking forward to a much different and better end of 2019 holiday season. I love my new sleeve and the endless possibilities... Any other height challenged individuals out there? What is your ideal weight goal? Congratulations to all for your weigh downs and continued best wishes. Happy spring!

Brent from Texas - You rock! Continued best wishes toward your goal. 100 pounds off, WOW! ;]

Hey, December 2018 Sleevers - Check out New topic entitled, I didn't realize as I lost weight... It's hilarious! ;] BTW, Healthy Life 2 - How exciting!!! You are three pounds away from your goal! Congratulations a head of time...  Something I didn't realize nor expect as I've lost weight is the opposite sex taking a second glance. Even my very handsome dentist was extremely complimentary of my appearance yesterday. It's nice when others are now looking at you positively and not at all the baggage once carried! One gentlemen at Earth Fare asked me out for drinks at the fresh nut bins. I wonder if hubby is becoming concerned? Haha. A BIG smile at Ms.SSS comments!!! Oh boy - what's life come too when at bowel movement ROCKS our day! But it's true. Waking up in the morning... Could this be the day? I've had to re-set my memory button for car seat and a lowered steering wheel. That gigantic tummy is just no longer in the way! Not to mention, I no longer roll out of the car BUT actually show some degree of poise exiting the sports car model. ;] AND, who knew I'd ever touch the likes of swordfish, sea bass, cod or any other swimming creature for the matter! BUT you'd be proud... this solely rich meat (especially prime rib, NY strip, pork chop or pot roast... yeah baby!) and Potato girl said for lunch out yesterday, "I'll take the grilled shrimp over mixed spring greens, please". A totally new snap shot from past requests for a BLT or grilled roast beef sandwich. Just imagine I thought I was making really good strides toward healthy eating by asking for mayo on the side and multigrain bread. At the doctor's office - the blood pressure cuff no longer feels like it is going to explode my arm off (ouch, that use to really hurt) and they could actually find my vein to draw blood. Getting up on that high examination table, no problem. I actually wore a form fitting, clingy dress (a leopard print to boot)! VS. the old sack cloth like neutral, cotton or linen ho hum stand by's. My very cool jean jacket with said leopard dress - Now a size 10 not a 2X. What a great topic. Just too many to mention... Fun!

BTW, Healthy Life 2 - How exciting!!! You are three pounds away from your goal! Congratulations a head of time... Something I didn't realize nor expect as I've lost weight is the opposite sex taking a second glance. Even my very handsome dentist was extremely complimentary of my appearance yesterday. It's nice when others are now looking at you positively and not at all the baggage once carried! One gentlemen at Earth Fare asked me out for drinks at the fresh nut bins. I wonder if hubby is becoming concerned? Haha. A BIG smile at Ms.SSS comments!!! Oh boy - what's life come too when at bowel movement ROCKS our day! But it's true. Waking up in the morning... Could this be the day? I've had to re-set my memory button for car seat and a lowered steering wheel. That gigantic tummy is just no longer in the way! Not to mention, I no longer roll out of the car BUT actually show some degree of poise exiting the sports car model. ;] AND, who knew I'd ever touch the likes of swordfish, sea bass, cod or any other swimming creature for the matter! BUT you'd be proud... this solely rich Meat (especially prime rib, NY strip, pork chop or pot roast... yeah baby!) and Potato girl said for lunch out yesterday, "I'll take the grilled shrimp over mixed spring greens, please". A totally new snap shot from past requests for a BLT or grilled roast beef sandwich. Just imagine I thought I was making really good strides toward healthy eating by asking for mayo on the side and multigrain bread. At the doctor's office - the blood pressure cuff no longer feels like it is going to explode my arm off (ouch, that use to really hurt) and they could actually find my vein to draw blood. Getting up on that high examination table, no problem. I actually wore a form fitting, clingy dress (a leopard print to boot)! VS. the old sack cloth like neutral, cotton or linen ho hum stand by's. My very cool jean jacket with said leopard dress - Now a size 10 not a 2X. What a great topic. Just too many to mention... Fun!

It is wonderful to read all your success stories and the mounting rewards as December 2018 sleevers! Wow.  My surgery was 12/17/2018 at NW Medical Center in Coral Springs, FL. I am currently three poundsaway from onederland!!! A total of 57 pounds from 258 start weight the first of December. Usually major consecutive holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas thru New Years in the past, meant a weight gain for me. I tried to use restraint, but all the rich, high calorie "specialty foods" of the season just continued the never ending weight battle + cycle resulting in feeling more discouraged and hopeless with each passing year. :[ BUT NOT THIS New Year of 2019! I love my sleeve and so glad to have begun a new, hopeful and promising track! Does anyone else feel the same? Refreshing, right? My blood pressure and blood tests all came back healthy - And, left injured, problematic knee is much improved. Bowels have stabilized andVitamin regime no longer causes nausea. I follow closely Dr. V and my nutritionist's recommendations for balanced nutrition with moderate exercise, at this 3 ½ month juncture. Other aspects I am thrilled about is the ability to be satisfied with so much less volume of food. I really have not missed sugar, salt or fat laden recipes and Desserts. While I had made major changes in my diet losing 41 pounds (298 at highest point) before considering surgery last November, the sleeve just simplifies and propels me forward in getting to my healthy weight. I desire to drop another 40 pounds and feel the confidence I can now do so. Not to mention, keeping it off and maintaining a healthy weight via reduced stomach - Breaking the vicious cycle. I have not seen the scale read under 200 pounds in over 23 years! That's a lot of baggage for this petite 5'0" frame and interior designer constantly on her feet. My clothes closet has been purged and taken to a quality consignment shoppe or Goodwill - Now shopping in regular departments for limited clothing in size large for tops and XL for slacks. Most of these sale items are quickly becoming too loose. So happyto no longer see 1X, 2X or 3X (at highest weight) on my clothing labels. Right? Excited for my size 10 and petite medium goal.  Really proud of all of us! Let's keep on sharing our victories and "all the nuances" of becoming our best physically and emotionally. None can truly appreciate nor understand this journey we embark... except for us. That makes us a pretty fabulous group of comrades. Happy spring everyone! ;]

It is wonderful to read all your success stories and the mounting rewards as December 2018 sleevers! Wow. My surgery was 12/17/2018 at NW Medical Center in Coral Springs, FL. I am currently three pounds away from onederland!!! A total of 57 pounds from 258 start weight the first of December. Usually major consecutive holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas thru New Years in the past, meant a weight gain for me. I tried to use restraint, but all the rich, high calorie "specialty foods" of the season just continued the never ending weight battle + cycle resulting in feeling more discouraged and hopeless with each passing year. :[ BUT NOT THIS New Year of 2019! I love my sleeve and so glad to have begun a new, hopeful and promising track! Does anyone else feel the same? Refreshing, right? My blood pressure and blood tests all came back healthy - And, left injured, problematic knee is much improved. Bowels have stabilized and vitamin regime no longer causes nausea. I follow closely Dr. V and my nutritionist's recommendations for balanced nutrition with moderate exercise, at this 3 ½ month juncture. Other aspects I am thrilled about is the ability to be satisfied with so much less volume of food. I really have not missed sugar, salt or fat laden recipes and desserts. While I had made major changes in my diet losing 41 pounds (298 at highest point) before considering surgery last November, the sleeve just simplifies and propels me forward in getting to my healthy weight. I desire to drop another 40 pounds and feel the confidence I can now do so. Not to mention, keeping it off and maintaining a healthy weight via reduced stomach - Breaking the vicious cycle. I have not seen the scale read under 200 pounds in over 23 years! That's a lot of baggage for this petite 5'0" frame and interior designer constantly on her feet. My clothes closet has been purged and taken to a quality consignment shoppe or Goodwill - Now shopping in regular departments for limited clothing in size large for tops and XL for slacks. Most of these sale items are quickly becoming too loose. So happy to no longer see 1X, 2X or 3X (at highest weight) on my clothing labels. Right? Excited for my size 10 and petite medium goal. Really proud of all of us! Let's keep on sharing our victories and "all the nuances" of becoming our best physically and emotionally. None can truly appreciate nor understand this journey we embark... except for us. That makes us a pretty fabulous group of comrades. Happy spring everyone! ;]

That is awesome NuMe2!!! I am three pounds away from that goal. Are you enjoying the many and new changes in clothing, movement and being satisfied with less food? Won't it be nice not to carry all the bulk this summer?! So happy for you.

Oh O&D, wishing for you a calm and comfortable recuperation! Here's to smooth sailing ahead for you, indeed!

Okay. You've totally arrived at GQ status! So happy for you. Congratulations, Steve. Your haircut also looks great.

Silly Kitty - Looking FABULOUS!!!! I could really relate to your post Friday AND also discovering nuances about how I felt at 258 pounds vs. how I'm feeling today at 212. You are an inspiration to me... I am definitely height challenged at 5 feet (haha) but do wish to be 128 one day arriving at a healthy BMI. Slim not just slightly overweight if you know what I mean. I had adjusted to just being obese never really effecting my successful career or personal life. Or did it!? I am sure things will begin to reveal themselves to my trance? I turn 60 May 29th - celebrating a new birth, so to speak. Greetings from Palm Beach to CA. Love the support + encouragement from you, Fluffy Chix, GreenTealael and other legends... as December 2018 sleevers. We're just babes in the woods! ;]