9+ months, 150 pounds lost - My lessons....

Gosh, maybe I'm lax but nevermind all the things you list that you could have done better; in my eyes you have done completely awesome!!!!! Really truly! 150 lbs in 9 months! I'm in awe. Especially awesome since you had the bad luck not to lose your hunger like many do. Kudos and hugs and appreciation.

Sublimate, yes of course you have done an amazing job working your sleeve and managing your hunger and cravings, but what stands out most for me about your success is the honest way you evaluate and consider your progress.  You are clearly committed to a a healthier lifestyle that includes diet, exercise and mental health.  I am always genuinely impressed with your desire and ability to learn and grow and fight through all difficulties.  With this attitude all things become possible.  You are a terrific role model not only for weight loss but also for changing from unhealthy to healthy behaviors.  I hope that you are as proud of yourself and your accomplishments as I am proud of you.  Very impressive.

Thank you Elina.. you have been a huge support for me in this all and I am forever indebted to you with my eternal gratitude.  Now that I've been getting a handle on eating less lately, thanks to Frisco, I'm feeling a lot better about myself.  It was hard to feel proud before because of that behavior as I'm sure you understand. With the advice and support of some of the best vets around I've made more progress than I could have ever dreamed!

Thank you Holly.. Elina helped me realize that even though there are those who have lost more, many of them may not have dealt with hunger the way I have.  Even though I have stayed completely low carb I still have hunger.. but it is much better now and also easier to manage if I manage it with eating lots of protein, drinking lots of water, and continued work on my behaviors.

Rose:  Congrats! Big, Big Time!  I'm under 6 mos. post-op and down 125 lbs., so I'm on a similar path - I loved the no-nonsense attitude expressed in your post.  We all can do things better, but consistency of purpose and behavior are the keys to success.  I too, still have an "appetite," but I manage to asuage the bad cravings with replacement foods - popcorn, s/f puddings, popcicles, etc. they all taste just dandy to me and give me a "treat" without causing problems.  I have consistently logged every bite of food and step of exercise to see exactly how I'm doing - for me, Myfitnesspal.com is my conscience - if I go over on calories or under on protein, I know it instantly and can adjust accordingly.  I signed on to this sleeve thingy to lose 175 lbs. and I'm well on my way to getting it done.  I will give myself permission to enjoy some "forbidden fruits" like alcohol once in a while - but rarely.  My recent experience on a week's vacation in an "all inclusive" resort (lost 5 lbs.) helps me to know that I can do the right thing, even in the face of major temptations - yes, I indulged (honestly, once I really messed up and paid for it), but most of my indulgences were minor - and they were countered w/ massive increases in exercise.
ON SUPPORT:  I SIMPLY COULD NOT HAVE DONE WHAT I'VE DONE WITHOUT THE INCREDIBLE SUPPORT I GET FROM EVERYONE AROUND ME.  I go to 3 support group meetings monthly and I share my victories with all of those who love this thinner 65-year-old me.   Ain't life grand, Rose?  Again, you are an inspiration to all of us.
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Thank you so much.. the support and tips and everything I get from OH has been a huge part of my success.  Congrats on yours.. you are doing fantastic!

very hard struggle but i think 150 lbs at 9 months out is an awesome job well done.  keep up all the hard work and i cant wait to see before/after pics     you go girl  i am proud of your accomplishments and your should be too

Thank you.. I have to get Elina to take some good pics of me.. I know she can do it.

Awesome tips!! Thank you for sharing!!! 

Thank you Kris!