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03/27/10 – 307 lbs (started liquid diet 3 days prior to surgery)

Everything is going really well. I started losing hair about 4 weeks ago and I expect it will continue for another 4 weeks or so. The good news is that I have thick hair so it is not noticeable to others.

I have dropped from a size 24/26 to a size 18.

I joined a gym and I work out 4-5 days a week now. At the gym I complete 30 minutes of cardio and I use free weights and weight machines to work out all the muscle groups on a 3-day alternating schedule.

Nutrition-wise, I drink A LOT of water – at least 64 to 80 oz. a day. I truly feel this contributes greatly to my weight loss success… but I can’t explain the science behind it – no medical training here… I’m an accountant. I do my best to get 60-70 grams of protein in a day. I try to keep my carbohydrate intake at 30g or less. I stopped journaling my food, but I would estimate that I take in 600-800 calories per day. I have a lot of energy despite the low calorie intake. I surmise that my body is now pulling the energy it needs from my fat stores.

I’m not carb-shy, just carb careful. Here are a couple of examples of what I mean:

My favorite protein powder is Syntrax Nectar Vanilla Bean Torte. It is so versatile. I mix it with Carbmaster yogurt from Kroger. I can create a different flavor each day by blending it with a different flavor of yogurt, ¼ cup of fruit, crushed ice, and water. The total protein comes to 35 grams.

I have given 5 bags of clothes away to Goodwill and I pick up replacement clothes from them as well. If you’re willing to spend the time going through the racks, there are some real gyms to be found there. In fact, the jeans and shirt I am wearing in the picture are Gitano jeans and a Mossimo shirt from Goodwill. The last time I went, I got 6 items (pants/jeans/shirts) for $30.

We have saved a lot of money on our grocery bill and on eating out. It’s just me and my husband here as his daughters are in college now. When we go out, we order one entrée and I take a small amount from his plate. Since I don’t drink with my meals or drink soda anymore, we save money there, too. Also, my husband has dropped weight, too. He was not really overweight in the first place, but now that I cook only 1-2 days a week his weight has gone down 15 lbs. We will probably have to finesse that situation somehow as this process continues… I just don’t care to cook anymore… but I feel bad that he has had to fend for himself most nights…

I had blood work/lab tests run about 6 weeks ago. Everything came back within the “normal range". My vitamin B-12 and D levels were on the lower end of the normal range, so my surgeon and nurse at Vanderbilt added those items to my daily routine. I’ll be re-tested in 6 weeks to see if those items have increased to the level they want.

In closing, I would say the biggest struggle has been learning to slow down when eating and chew thoroughly. Yes, I have vomited on several occasions. ‘not because anything was wrong with my sleeve, but because I ate too fast and did not chew well. It was a learning curve for me, but I think I finally have a handle on it. I now know to put my utensil down between bites and pay attention/"listen" to my stomach. I have learned to recognize my signals when the food has processed far enough to take another bite. I think this is an individual process that everyone has to figure out for themselves.

Well, I don’t post often and probably won’t post more pics for a few months. I just wanted to share my experiences with you guys and I hope what I have shared helps you new “sleevers" and pre-ops with your journey.

It’s been a GREAT RIDE! …and, yes, I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!!!!!!!!!