Has it already been 3 years? (Cross posted to Main Board)

I can't believe it has been so long. It seems like just yesterday I was choking down those protein shakes and counting the days until I could have solid food.

I wasn't sure if I was going to make a post because really, I don't know what to say. Life is great. I keep my weight between 110-115 (Though when I go on Vacation, I seem to gain close to 10lbs: I retain water like nobody else)

I love to travel, so I am gone a lot and I don't deprive myself when I do travel. I just make sure to do what needs to be done when I get home to get the weight off. I eat a no simple carb and no refined sugar plan 6 days a week and as long as the scale is exactly where I like it on that 7th day, I have a "cheat/off plan" eating day. I can't do moderation on a daily basis. I know what it does to me. So having that one day that I can eat what I want keeps me focused and on plan.

I am not going to lie to you, the sleeve got me where I am, but at this point it is 100% up to me to stay here. Sure, last week I went to the opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak in Vegas and was only able to eat 4 oz of my steak, but when I eat crap and carbs, I am the old bottomless pit I used to be. A couple of months ago, I ate a whole package of double stuffed oreos over two "cheat days." So, accountability is a must. I know what does and what does not work for me and have been rocking it for about two years now.

I think once you find your groove, it is smooth sailing. I had a friend say she wants to lose weight but doesn't want it to control her life. Well, I won't lie, I think about food a lot still. I turn down social events that will revolve around food if the scale isn't where I want or if for example (sorry guys) I am PMSing and I know how my will power will fail if I am surrounded by the one thing I am craving.

Sugar is my down fall, so some might had said this surgery was never for me. I was never a volume eater, but I also never met a piece of cake I didn't like. So, going into this I know I had to do way more than rely on my sleeve.

I miss you guys, but honestly I know that I don't need to read this board every day to know that I am doing what needs to be done for myself. I do pop in and read once a week or so because you guys are such an inspiration and I can't imagine my life without you! So, even if I don't post, I am here!

This is cross posted to the main board, so if anyone has any questions, I am an open book.

Hey SpookyDoll! Great post--thanx! I asked a question over on the regular board--about the state of your "flab" with your BMI of 18.6. My flab has finally started to disappear once I got to pushing my BMI down below 19. I am 19.6 now, but want to get it down to 19.0. I am VERY VERY curious what you can tell us about the flab/the skin issues/the effects of time on your skin/flab. Thank you in advance.

Mine hasn't gone away. But it isn't really excessive either. However, I did just finish saving for a tt and implants, so there is enough skin to want to have it removed.

OK thanx!  Good luck with the plastics!

Hi Spooky
Post like these are so important because it shows there is good life out there and maintenance is work but is very doable. good for you for having a life!  check in when you can. Love reading posts like these.    all the best.  diane

5'5 and 110 I can't imagine. Doesn't that put you in the underweight category? I'm trying to go lower than I ever imagined so this is exciting for me. Its good to hear from others that are further out. Thanks for the update.

No, it does not put me underweight.

How is a bmi of 18.3 not underweight?  I promise I'm NOT being a smart ass.   I'm 5'1 (barely) and 135-139 pounds.  I work out 7 hours a week and CANNOT lose another damn pound!  Nothing since last Oct.  My last body comp test (bodpod) put me
@ 26.2% body fat.  Anyway, congrats on your success.

Jennifer

I suppose it depends where you look. Some place say under 18 is underweight and some say 18.5. Regardless, when deciding on my goal weight, my nutritionist and I took a lot more into consideration than plugging in numbers on a generic scale. Everybody is built differently. What works for me may not work for you.

Do you have a small body frame? At 129 I can wear a size 2. I could still lose more weight but I think my bones would show- I already feel bony. Do you feel like that or did you build muscle?