I'm new to this...think I'm doing this right?

[mlk 1]

Hi-- I'm new to this site and very thankful I found it. I'm 8 months out from sleeve surgery. I've lost a total of 80 lbs since starting the process, but only 50 lbs since the actual surgery itself. I had my surgery at St. Vincent's charity hospital in Cleveland, OH and had a fantastic experience, no problems at all. However my inner voice is killing me as of late. My original goal is 27 lbs away, yet I'm beating myself up that I haven't lost it yet, which makes me gravitate towards eating out of being depressed (what I did pre-op). I'm so fearful this is going to spiral out of control and the next thing you know I will wake up pushing 267 lbs again!

[Arts137 1,811]

Little one,

GLAD you are here. Yes, it can spiral out of control!!! The sleeve is there forever, but you CAN "eat around" it. This is a HEAD battle that we all face. My suggestion... for two weeks go back to liquids (including Protein supps)... to "re-engage"

And 50 pounds aint shabby!!! Let's keep it off!

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Everyone loses at different rates...it totally depends on your body how much you lose and where you stall and start again...

Giving in to the urge to over eat is taking you back where you started....Would that be worth it....NO! 50 lb.s is 50 lbs. you must have worked hard to get that off.....If you slide which I am not saying that we don't all have ups and downs...But I think you have a good idea what will happen if you do abuse food again...

Get in touch with your Dr. and explain your situation...They have a dietitian on hand that can help you reboot the sleeve....

Never go back...You are among a great crowd of losers....lol

[mokee 588]

We are on the same journey. My surgery was 8 months ago also and I am down 80 lbs since preop. I am also struggling with my old ways. The chips, Cookies, all call my name. But this will be a struggle the rest of my life. I know I am a slow loser but it continues to go down another lb today. You should be so proud that you have done so well without the support from this web site. The wonderful people have been my rock from before the surgery. I don't think I would have had surgery if it was not for them. Read and post everyday and you will help others and in turn help yourself. Please keep in touch and we can encourage each other along the way.

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Look how long it took you to gain the 80 lbs and how long it took you to lose it.......Wow, you only have 27 more lbs to go....that's fabulous. The hard part is the last 27 lbs will be little harder for your body to let go. But remember, stay diligent, eat mainly high Protein, and veggies and the rest will come off. Eighty lbs is fantastic and I applaud you! CONGRATS it's time to do the happy dance and keep movin forward, don't let old behaviors sabotage your new life style......

[clk 3,519]

This is about the time when it happens, as you close in on goal. The sleeve fixes your portion size and only if you stick to dense Protein, at that! It doesn't change any of those old habits or comforts and it's a darn shame it will never stop those junky slider foods from going down so easily.

Now's the time to really get active here on VST and seek out threads (reboot some old ones or make your own!) about what you're struggling with - because you're definitely not alone. It's also harder to stay really tip-top motivated as the weight comes off more slowly. You see less of a return for your hard work, and it becomes easier to justify poor choices.

Hang in there. If you're still on that super strict low carb diet so many use to lose early on, you might consider slowly shifting it into something more like you'd eat in maintenance. Everyone is different and what your body will tolerate isn't the same as what works for me, but I definitely felt less pressure and less desire to binge/graze when I upped my carb intake and started eating a more varied diet. I even went back onto a daily Protein shake at that point - not only to boost my Protein intake, but also to allow me the room to eat a larger variety of foods.

Best of luck, and hang in there! You will definitely experience a slowdown here - we all do - so don't let that discourage you too much.

~Cheri

[chibabyy 77]

God forbid that you will go back to your original weight, may that not be your portion or any of us. You have come so far to give up. Think about the compliments, think about all the weight lost, all the clothes that are too big on you and how you use to look. Then gather up all the other suggestions from everyone including your doc and nutritionist and you will be set. You are strong and able to achieve your goals. Hang in there Mlk, The Lord will see you thru.

[liteNsun 58]

I am still early with this but my stall has messed with my head, so I quit the scale and took to the stairs. I am slowly increasing the number of stairs daily to distract myself and make myself feel better. I am having regular body changes and my fiance complimented me yesterday on how nice my legs look. Never heard that, and I needed some validation. I also went on Amazon last night and bought a spinning bike to be active in watching tv and kids routines. I bike already but whether can impact that. My point is, find some new ways to find inspirations, an exercise class, a healthy cooking class, shop at a new health food store, walks or even music can inspire. Breaking the rut might be helpful, it has for me.