L. Speegle

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I was sleeved 4 years ago and got down to 186—9 pounds from goal. Life happened—we moved to the Mississippi Delta, which has not been a happy place so I started eating more carbs. 

My starting weight was about 350 so I lost 164 pounds. I have regained 39. I feel great around 190 so would really like to get it back off but the more I read the more impossible it seems.

With my surgery, my doc told me about 80% of patients lose what they call the “hunger mechanism”. I did not. So I have done well overall. I knew there would be some regain and am happy to still be 125 pounds lighter but I need to do this.

Basically I am looking for some support and ideas. Any advice would be appreciated. As long As I avoided refined sugar I did great. Help! 

I started at 337 and was sleeved 12/29/14. To date I have lost 142 pounds and hover around 195 plus or minus rwo pounds. My ideal is 177. Problem is I want sugar. I know all the rules. I work out. When school is in session I walk 3+ miles a day. I drink coffee once or twice a day, sometimes never, use Splenda and a little half and half or sugar-free creamer. It helps with constipation. I have read wherenprobiotics can help. 

I have also read after 18 months most do not lose anymore. I would really like some ideas. Thanks. 

Geez Louise

I have lost 134 pounds and I am 11+ months out.  I have lost down 8 sizes and I KNOW WHAT TO DO!  I work out 3-4 times a week.  I walk 4-5 times a week.  I get my fluids in.  I am drinking protein, eating chicken and fish and an occasional piece of red meat.  I have met my first goal.  I am at 203 and wanted to be in ONEderland by Christmas BUT stalled.

For those of you who have experienced a stall of this nature---help or motivate me.

Am I done?  I want to be 174-180.  I am so close.  Will I continue to lose this next year?  Should I eat more to break this cycle.  If you have experienced this, please comment. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

I am stalled. I do not think I am getting enough protein. Walk and work out several times a week. I am 9.5 months out, have lost 127 pounds and can see the end in sight. I know it slows down but I also know I can lose through year two. Any help would be appreciated. 

Well I remain thankful for my sleeve but the mirror without clothes is my enemy in a psychological way. 140 pounds is gone. I have about 20 left but I have been stuck for two months. I know all the drills and I know weight loss does not go on forever BUT ...

Cosmetic surgery is not an option. I am a teacher and those costs are probibitive. I walk most every day and work out 3-4 times a week. Sometimes more. I am realistic---I knew this would happen and I guess it could be worse. I love to swim but can not see myself ever in a swim suit again. I look great with clothes but ...I can not swim in them  

I use this blog as a sosunding board  For those who read it thanks for allowing me to do this  

I can not help but think about last summer and how far I have come. In a little less than 6 months I have lost 95.2 pounds and my hope is to lose as long as I can. I feel so much better and the determination I feel is strong and exciting.  In August my goal is to join a gym and focus on weights to help tone my excess skin and continue to lose. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to be on this journey. 

For those of you who are experiencing your first or second stall---fret not because it happens and THEN your weight loss will resume.  Walking is the best thing you can do.  Get a Fitbit or some device to help you track your steps.  A co-worker bought me one when she saw how determined I was to make this work.  She has been one of my biggest supporters. Everyone is different and loses differently.  I work with several and here are their results:

AR: Lost 100 pounds and told me she could have easily lost more but was satisfied with her loss.

LL: Lost 60 because that was what her Rheumatoid Doctor wanted her to lose.  She has kept it off.

BG: Wanted to lose 100 pounds 2 years ago. She did and has kept it off.

JB:  Had surgery last July (2014).  Her goal was to lose 100 pounds in a year.  She has 9 pounds to go.  She started at a size 24 and is now in a 12.  She never walks as exercise.

Then there is me.  I deal with a stall about every three weeks and it will last about 5 days and then the scale moves.  Since March 31st I only managed to lose 8 pounds but I am only 4 months out,  Since December 29th I have lost 80 pounds.  that is an average of 20 pounds per month.  In June I will be swimming, biking, and walking so I definitely plan to drop another 78 at this point and my surgeon says it should be easy. After 80 pounds I am down from a size 28 to an 18-20 in most clothes.  That is five sizes for me. I feel good, I will let people take my picture now, and I am no longer on cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes meds.  

Sally is what I call my sleeve.  I love her.  Fret not---the stalls pass, they have to.  5-8 bites is all you can eat.  Protein first, veggies, carbs last.  Stick to it.  Stay away from bad carbs and sugar.  Refrain from bread, potatoes (sometimes I do eat a few fries), rice (white) and pasta.  Move into a healthier life school.  Embrace your decision. Embrace life.  Sally and I do!

Last week we missed three days of school because of winter weather. In the South, we are ill-equipped to deal with such things.  The weekend was not better due to a severe stomach virus going around, landing me the the hospital for two days and nights to be rehydrated.  Now, a nice storm shuts school down again, ice is everywhere - so no Y, walking, etc.  Sheesh! 

I weighed 275.8 the morning after I got home from the hospital but was a little over a pound over this morning. How is that after 48 hours of diarrhea and no food, only IV fluids?  I should not be whining since I am down 61 lbs and am a little over 2 months post-op, but I am human. Question is---can 3-4 bags of IV fluid show on the scale?

This blog is to document my journey for me but if you read it and can offer advice or insight, please do.  

Moving right along, not as fast as I would like, but I have done well.  My trainer cancelled on me so I went to the Y the next day and rode the stationary bike 3 miles to burn 77 calories, a cross trainer bike for 20 calories, and some kind of gadget that you paddle with your hands.  The treadmill got away with me so I got off.  It is OK tho, I had already walked.  My bariatric surgeon said he wants me to do strength training which is why I wanted a trainer---I have no idea what that means.  And I really do not want to see weight coming back on right now---I know that will happen with strength training. If someone can shed some light I would definitely appreciate it. I bought a ball and some hand weights to use at home but have not done so yet.  But I do walk 6 days and write down everything that I eat.  I drink at least 64 ounces every day, and I am committed to only weighing twice a week.  I feel so good most of the time and just want to do, do, do.  I think I am in love---with my sleeve.

Last Sunday, 2/8/15, I weighed my lowest. I have varied this week and today it is still the same.  I walk every day but Sunday and I write down everything I put in my mouth. I get 64 ounces of fluid daily at a minimum, keep carbs under 40 and aim for 60 grams of protein.  I must be doing something wrong.  My spirits are a tad low. I have yet to measure myself at all so guess I will try that. Love this site. Any ideas or words of encouragement appreciated.