NewNewMe

I am April Sleever - last April! I can't believe it has almost been a year. You are about to have the best year of your life! The pre diet is the worst part. You can do it! Keep your eye on the prize! Good luck!

It got better each week. I could eat anything by month 3.

That is completely normal. It will get better! You will love your sleeve!

Mine came back good except for vitamin B. My doc told me to go back to sublingual B12 which I have done. It was the multi vitamins I couldn't stomach and prefer the patch.

Finished week 5 part one. I will do part two next week and hopefully my first 20 min run. I signed up to do a 5k on April 24 with my son. It will be one week before my 1 year surgiversary! A great way to mark that very special anniversary. I now have extra motivation to get through my C25K program.

I use the patches. I love them! I could not find a chewable I could stomach. So far my blood work had been good with the patches.

It is really good blended with avocado.

I truly believe even those who are a "success" with the band will eventually need it removed. I had mine for over 9 years. 7 of those years I had very little fluid in it due to reflux issues. The last year I had no fluid. I felt fine once the fluid was out but found out after my revision what a horrific scene it was inside me. The doctor said my stomach was close to shutting off completely and it had to come out in pieces. I have to wonder what all long term band stomachs look like. I am so glad I had it out before I experienced a life threatening incident.

I finished week 4 today! Woohoo! I ran outside twice this week as weather permitted and I definitely prefer outside to treadmill. It took me two weeks to do week 3 due to the blizzard. I'm getting excited that I may actually be able to do this!

I converted. Sleeve vs Band is like night vs day! I feel like a normal person now who is not driven by food. The band only clogged me up. It didn't stop my hunger and cravings. Getting that horrid thing out was the best decision I ever made. I really can't believe doctors are still putting them in. I think the good ones have stopped.

If you are a carb addict I would stay away from them. Eating carbs leads to eating carbs. You may want to try the new weight watchers program. It is geared towards eating protein and cutting out sugar. I too need to limit the carbs or I am hungry all the time. I generally eat a piece of whole wheat toast with my breakfast and maybe some brown rice with dinner. Always eat protein first, veggies, then "good" carbs. Good luck!

One week out and down 5lbs. Most people are still up pounds from the IV water weight. Seems like your ahead. Follow your plan and try not to obsess on the scale. Easier said than done I know. Be prepared for the dreaded 4 week stall. You might as well set your mind on that now. Follow your plan the weight will come off!

I am going to get my blood checked next week. I think they are working but want to see what my blood work says.

Today marks 6 months since my revision surgery (4/30/15). -> I am down 72lbs -> I am currently losing between 8 and 10lbs a month. I am happy with that! -> I am still seeing a personal trainer and feel great! -> food is still not exciting. That is a good thing. -> My hair started falling out in clumps around 3 months post op. It finally stopped a week or so ago. I am now waiting to see new growth. -> I went on two vacations and came home lighter from both. That never happened with the band. -> I started getting frequent heartburn a month ago. This was fixed with OTC 24 hr Nexium. -> Had trouble with chewable Vitamins. I started using Patches from PatchMD. I get my bloodwork done next week so I will see if they are working. -> Still loving my sleeve. Just wish I did it sooner! I have attached a picture. First pic is pre band, middle is pre sleeve and last is current. I still have a long way to go but feel like I will finally get there!

Onderland sounds awesome! Congratulations! I hope I get there too! I have another week until my 9 months. Losing was slow over the holidays. But it was the first time I didn't gain 10 - 15lbs and actually lost some. I hope to be at 90 lbs by my nine month mark. I started a C25K which has ramped up my weight loss again. I now get in around 1100 calories per day and feel great!

Getting rid of my band and getting a sleeve was the best decision I ever made. I just wish I did it sooner!

I made it through Week 3 Day 1! Woohoo!

I have been using a treadmill at the gym. Does anyone know if it will be difficult to make the transition to outside later?

Thanks everyone! Reading about your success and tips has been very encouraging! @@jjmama and @@amyg80 we are around the same place - lets do this!

Thank you Jamie! That is great advice! As I look at the weeks to come it seems impossible. Your method seems like a better approach, especially for someone like me!

I use PatchMD too! I love it! I use two patches. The multi vitamin and the B12.

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I do not have any of the horrible experiences I had with my band. I finally feel like a normal person. I wouldn't trade my sleeve for anything.

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