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There are a lot of things that you can try before doing a weight loss surgery. Most of all, I don't think surgeries are the best way to lose your weight. It can be opted if all other things got failed and only when you are left with no other options. I've faced similar thing in my life and I didn't opt for a surgery. The first thing I did was- tried many diet plans and exercises. But it doesn't really helped me. Then I joined a men's weight loss program in Toronto, at Harvey Brooker. It was a 12 months weight loss program and I'm really glad to say that I reduced my weight from 310 lbs to 220 lbs. The weight loss programs are not just about following a strict diet, the program will make us to leave unhealthy eating habits and gradually reduce our weight.
I never thought I'd be one of "those people" who got the surgery. But now I did and I am one year out. I am happy I did it now, but totally understand not being able to put your head around it. Some things I've learned on this journey that I think could help you even without surgery-
1-My surgeons mantra is "Protein first, then veggies and then if you have enough room fruit and starchy Carbs" So he never says No carbs, they just are at the end of the list.
2- Not drinking while eating and for 1/2 hour after - Food is supposed to stay in your stomach for 30 minutes to digest before it moves on to the intestine. Not that you can't have a sip here or there but if you are drinking fluids with your meals it is going to push the food out of the stomach too soon making it easier to eat more. Food being in the stomach is what is going to make you feel full.
3- Drinking a Protein Drink/shake everyday helps keep your protein numbers up and your cravings down. There are many powders out there, you just have to try them. the Ready-t0-drink Premier Proteins are great because you can throw them in your bag and take them with you. They have great stats too 160 calories and 30g protein. I know you can buy them at Walgreens and Walmart but if you decide you like them they have cases at Costco, BJs and Sam's.
Many people use My fitness Pal app to track everything. Getting a fitbit might be helpful too... since it sounds like you are busy and may not always have time for traditional exercise this way you can track your steps and set goals.
Good Luck!
Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014
Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16
#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets
I mentioned this in another post in response to another person who posted a similar thing to you. You may ant to try Overeaters Anonymous (OA). At one time, I went to OA and lost 100 lbs. in six months and kept it off for seven years. You may also want to consider Taekwondo (a form of martial arts). When I participated in Taekwondo, I was losing 20 lbs a month. I was going five days a week for one hour. I've always had trouble with gyms as it seems no matter how much I exercised I never seemed to lose weight and therefore lost incentive to go. I found it easier to do Taekwondo as it was not only easier to lose weigh,t but I got excited about attending as I progressed passing each test and getting a new belt color. As a bonus, I learned self-defense moves.
I've felt the same way. I've been adamantly against WLS as I felt I got myself this way (overweight) and therefore I should lose it the same way I put it on. I, however, got to the point that I could no longer do it. I finally gave in and had WLS in 2012. I've not regretted it. A year before deciding on surgery I tried to lose the weight and was unable to lose more than 30 lbs in a year. Since I lost 30 lbs in the year prior to seeing the surgeon, he did not require me to lose any additional weight. You may want to try Overeaters Anonymous. When I was your age I went to OA and lost 100 lbs in the first six months and kept it off for seven years. I only regained the weight because I had a health problem that required me to take medication that had a lot of sugar added to it and therefore gave me cravings for sweets again. Just today, I saw a television commercial advertising a medication, Belviq which has been approved by the FDA for weight loss. I can't speak to the effectiveness of this medication nor its side effects but this may be something that you may want to discuss with your PCP (primary care physician). If you can afford it, you may want to look into Taekwondo (a form of martial arts). I did Taekwondo and was losing 20 lbs a month. I only stopped it because I could no longer afford the cost due to my income having been considerably reduced. The great thing I liked about Taekwondo is it has an incentive unlike the gym. As you progress in Taekwondo, you test out of each color belt. The other things I liked about it was the weight loss and self-defense skills attained.
Good luck, Amber! Long term weightloss can be accomplished without surgery. First, I'll say-losing weight is pretty easy. All of here are expers having lost and regained hundreds of pounds. The real challenge, surgery or not, is long term maintenance.
To lose, I used a bodybugg and carefully tracked every calorie to cross my lips. I also run or bike almost everyday. I continue to eat an extremely healthy diet. I don't get a day off or a cheat day. If there is something I want I might have it in moderation....once. I've remained strict with myself and I believe that is what my success has hinged on. I have many "drug" foods that I don't consume at all....
When people say it is a lifestyle change they aren't kidding. My habits are completely different at 140 than they were at 300....and if I return to my 300 lb habits I am certain the weight will creep back on.
I am here to cheer you on! :)
Hi everybody, my name is Amber. I'm 24 years old and close to 400 pounds! I'm going to be doing an "update" to my story since i joined this site about 4-5 years ago and abandoned it (along with my weight loss efforts).
I have been overweight for most of my life and obese for all of my adult life and recently I have taken very small steps to correcting the problem. I know myself well enough to know that this isn't something I can correct or do quickly or overnight but maybe i'm just babying myself into staying in the same rut I've always been in. I bought a scale and a measurer that can measure around my body, two tools which I haven't had access to in years. I'm on the hunt for the best way to track my food and/or calories. I know that I can't live my life like this forever...i'm in two weddings next year and I want to look at least a little better standing up there next to my best friends and loved ones.
The decision that this has to change happened when I got a shock at the doctor's office. I stopped allowing them to weigh me a few years ago because I wasn't comfortable with it, but decided to go ahead and do so, and was shocked to see 389 pounds.
I don't want to have WLS now or ever; it's just not something I'm interested in. Maybe down the line I'll feel differently but I can't much see my views on that changing. Not judging those who have, it's just not for me :)
I've got big things coming up for me...in a month I'm starting grad school while working full time 50 hours a week and I know that'll only make things more difficult..but maybe that'll be the push I need?
Anyways, any tips, tricks, hugs and comments from people are welcome and appreciated!
I am 4 years out from VSG and lost 200 pounds. I continue to lose about 2-3 pounds a month.
I eat according to "the rules" - protein, about 3-4 ounces, then veggies, & then if there is room a few bites of a starch or grain. No drinking for a half hour before and after meals. No carbonated drinks. No alcohol. Drink as much water as I can or, other liquids to reach 64 ounces a day.
Breakfast is usually a half cup of oatmeal with nonfat half & half and artificial sweetener. Lunch usually some protein.
It is not an easy fix but it takes hard work. No fast foods. An appetizer portion is sufficient if we go out to dinner .
I started at a size 32 and now wear a size 10. I have never felt better, nor do I feel deprived, either. Chocolate no longer has any appeal, but new clothes do. I don't have to look for a sturdy chair or worry that the chair I sit in may break- it did happen once , but never again!
Good luck on your journey. I hope I am able to help you. If you have any questions , you can contact me here.
I had the sleeve exactly five years ago today. I lost from my highest weight 100 lbs at the one year mark after surgery. ( I gained 25 lbs and kept the 75 off for 5 years). (I weighted 442 when I started). I have started a month ago the medifast diet, and have lost 10 lbs.
I should also add that I do take a multivitamin twice a day, along with Calcium + Vit. D, iron, B12 (liquid sublingual), and a fiber supplement (Konsyl - i take it 3x daily). I also don't snack in between meals.
Grits - i suppose my reply was a bit long, but if you re-read it, you'll see where I am now consuming 850-900 calories per day....
