Recent Posts
I haven't been able to be on here much this past year. Yesterday was my 4 year anniversary from having VSG. I still feel that it was the best decision ever for my health and well being. I have lost over 200 pounds. I'm not going to lie, this year has been a bit of a roller coaster. I got married almost a year ago then after two months of marriage my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Through four hospital stays and two surgeries thank God he is fine now and cancer free. While that journey could have been so much worse than it was it still took a tole. I also went through some wacky health issues with hormones and things and had to work on getting my house fixed up and sold.
I went for my annual check in with my surgeon on Friday and despite the fact that I've gained 13 pounds back they were still very pleased with my overall progress and the fact that I am getting things back in control. I've been struggling with feeing a bit like a failure due to the little bit of regain however they said that with all I've had to deal with this year they were surprised at how well I've maintained. Overall things now have settled down and are going good. I'm working on getting back to my lowest weight and enjoying time with my wonderful husband.
The black and white photo is what my surgeon gave me from my first consultation day compared to my four year check in and the other one is from today.
Had VSG on 9/28/15
Lost 161 lbs since surgery, LOST 221 lbs overall so far!! 
Under Armour, Old Navy, and Athleta are my go-tos for compression gear and have been throughout weight loss.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Im trying to break that 200 barrier and stay there more often than not. Right now I'm staying around 205, which is 100 down from my surgery weight 4/2/15. And I am very proud of that fact, but it's a daily struggle and I'd like to find a way to make it easier.
HW 303, pre op diet 284 CW 278
on 9/29/19 10:16 am
I'm still actively losing, but I do IF three days a week (M,Th,Fri). I do a 16/8 on those days, meaning, I don't eat until 12 on fast days and I stop eating at 8p. The rest of the time I drink unsweetened iced tea or drink water.
Getting enough protein is always hard for me, regardless of whether or not I do IF. I eat between 900 and 1000 calories every day and I don't change that on IF days. What does change is I tend to get a lot less carbs on IF days because I prioritize protein and fat on those days to get enough calories in the limited time. IF days are all lean meat and vegetables/leafy greens. Yes, I exercise on Friday, which is an IF day. I'm ravenous after my morning work out on Friday, but I just drink drink drin****il lunch, and then I eat a high protein, high fat lunch. An omelette with cheese for instance.
My goal is to switch to IF (16/8) every day. But it's more challenging when I'm at home than when I'm in the office. At home, I am inclined to snack. It's habit more than hunger.
Does anybody have any suggestions for bigger size compression clothing?
I finally got over my 300lb hurdle and am looking forward to more gym time but would like to find some good compression clothing to keep loose skin from moving around so much.
Surgery Date: 10/18/2018
6'1" Male
HW: 471. SW: 459 (post). GW: 225
Ive been reading and hearing a lot about intermittent fasting, does anyone here use that as a maintenance? How do you get your protein in, do you exercise on your fast days? How long do you fast, how many hours at a time or days a week?
Im looking for general information and advice!
HW 303, pre op diet 284 CW 278
It will be 12 years for me next month and I still do not feel hunger.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
I don't want to be pessimistic, but I do want to warn you about some things. Based on your job, you're far more fit than I was when I had my surgery, so maybe you won't have these problems. Also, I'm 59, and I bet you're younger. But going back to a job that requires you to be on your feet all day one week after surgery seems ambitious.
I felt great after surgery, and I often overestimated my ability. Part of the problem was that I would feel fine one minute, and then the next minute I needed to sit down NOW. Once I had to sit on the floor in the supermarket, which was embarrassing (although the staff were lovely and rushed to get me a chair). Most of those episodes were due to dehydration, which you may be able to avoid if you're very careful. But I also found that I needed to pee frequently from all the water I was drinking, which may also be a problem for you when you're in surgery. I hope you can avoid all these problems, but I just want you to be aware that you may be trying to do too much too soon. I have a desk job, and my surgeon told me to take a full month off. At first, I felt guilty, but that first week back at work was exhausting. If you need more time before you can go back to work, don't feel like a failure!
Regarding being tired of sweet things, for those first few weeks after surgery I really enjoyed oatmeal with no sweeteners in it at all. Maybe try that. Also, things with an aftertaste (like some protein bars or protein drinks) often improve if you chill them in the freezer for a bit.
on 9/28/19 1:45 pm
Lol, no I meant I haven't hit the point where it hurts to eat more. I stop around 5 bites only cuz I feel like I SHOULD be full just listening to other people's posts. I'm scared to death to eat till I feel full as I haven't experienced dumping and seriously don't want to lol I don't feel hungry yet at all.
