How badly do you want it?

Hi Elena,

I have not been here in a long time but was happy to see you when I did log in. 

 

I reached my 4-yr. anniversary a couple of weeks ago.  I'm within 10 pounds of my lowest post-surgery weight.  I am going to take it back off again (got too many clothes in the closet to let it go).

 

I loved your post.  It is your job post surgery to concentrate on the weight loss.  If you don't get it done within the 6 - 12 months then you have to work triple hard to lose.

 

I've had so much success that my sister and my friend have followed in my footsteps and are so much happier in their lives.

 

Thanks so much, just what I need to hear!

Thanks Elina for just being you and posting the words we all need to hear. Your advice is that shot in the arm I need to get me through another week!

Great post Elina. You're always so informational. I'm three years post op and delighted to be living in the body that I've always dreamed of. I love how able I am in the gym or on a hike and how great it is to fit into clothes I bought when I got to goal.

One on my surgeons gave me the best ever talking to. He said that if my maintenance is 1000 calories (I'm 62 and on thyroid meds) to just make peace with it and get on with my life.

Someone asked when does maintenance get easier. I think my answer is, when having a party in life is more important than a party in your mouth, it gets easier. There is no magic date like 3 years post op when it gets easier. Easier is in acceptance that this is the choice we made and now our food choices need to reflect that. I would rather live on a food plan that supports my size 6 jeans than thevfood plan that supported my size 24 jeans.

Sure, I'd love that (insert whatever), but I wouldn't like being one of the regain statistics. I hear about too many people regaining to think it couldn't happen to me. A brief affair with flour and sugar for two weeks in December showed me exactly how vulnerable I am. Thankfully, at the weight where my ticker has been set for 18 months. I'm so grateful.

Pick your priorities and don't let a person, a job or a bakery derail you.

I miss you friend.  Will you consider coming to the next support group meeting?  Dr. C said that he would bring some amazing pickles.  If you are coming, I will make some special treat too.  I am trying to lure you here... how am I doing?  :)

You're doing perfect! I did go to Dr. C's grop last Monday night. Sharon is taking a class and hasn't been going. Maybe I can hook up with Lisa to come down. I miss coming to see all of you. Darn job! I'll keep an eye out for the next meeting.

I'm still in process but have already found at 4 1/2 to 5 months out, I have to work at losing now. I have been doing 850 calories but going over on the carbs by eating raw vegetables and even some (dare I say it...fruit). I read an article someone posted on here about carbs and addiction. I am standing at 69.9% EW and coming up on my 6 month mark. I need to get back to the protein only and lose the carbs. The carbs I eat are cucumbers, carrots, raw turnips and some strawberries as well but according to the article I only need protein because protein actually gives us all the carbs our body needs. I have 31.4 pounds to go. Thanks for a little RE-motivation, Elina. You're great! I am newly RE-motivated to get where I need to go!

I wish I could say I agree with your post, but my experience is that when one is ill and nauseous about 22 hours per day from The Sleeve, one cannot have that kind of dedication.  I have been sick as a dog for the past 3 months of my 4 months since my VSG surgery.  If I were a normal Sleever I might agree, but I live in a constant state of nausea.  I eat the best I can, but I am in survival mode.  I'm lucky if I get 50 grams of protein a day...it is more like 40 grams.  Carbs - well, I just cannot care right now.  Water - I am barely getting it in.  I just want the nausea to go away, and don't have much (or any) mental resolve to be strong and willing, like you suggest.  It is just not possible.

wonderful post as always elina.

i have been out of town and have some thoughts to share.

but all that you say is the truth. all the best. diane

Thanks Elina!!! Prior to reading your post, I had just had the revelation that having a sleeve gastrectomy is the best  course of action for me..  Then when I read your post it was confirmation that I made the best decision for me.  I am so tired of being overweight.  I want nothing more than to be healthy and to be at a healthy weight. I am willing to do whatever is necessary to be healthy and happier!! I have been reading posts on this site for about 8 months now, and you are a very inspirational person.  They should really pay you for being such a friend to those of us that have been going through this struggle for so many years!!!  Again thank you!!