VSG Maintenance Group
My story with pics
Although I've been in maintenance for a while now, I'm posting pictures for the first time.
HISTORY: I had been constantly overweight (well, obese) since I was in high school, so that makes 30 years of being overweight.
SURGERY: I had surgery in May 2011. I was self-pay and had no complications. I never lost hair.
FOOD: I have never liked eating meat (I'm not a strict vegetarian, but I can't think of the last time I had meat). So I still have at least one protein drink a day and I also use protein bars. My favorite drink is chocolate Premier Protein and my favorite bars are cookie dough and chocomint from Diet Direct.
Unlike many of you, I stopped tracking my food about 5 months after surgery. I need very little variety in my diet and found that when I'm basically having the same things every day, there's no need to track.
During maintenance, a typical meal for me is cheese with tomatoes or pesto, maybe a few crackers. Edamamme is a staple for me too.
WHAT I MISS: The only things I miss are really good bread and fruit. Pre-surgery I could easily eat a loaf of bread (yes, just like you). I also love fruit and would eat it in large volumes (we were all told fruit was healthy, right?).
GOAL/WEIGHT: I started at 255 pounds My surgeon did some measurements of hip bone spacing and shoulder spacing and declared that I have a large frame. (Funny how that's the only time we like being called large.) My surgeon then set my original goal at 155 pounds, just inside the normal range of BMI, and liked to remind me that getting to normal is more difficult for those of us who have been overweight for 30 continuous years (compared to those who haven't been overweight as long).
In 8 months, I reached 155 pounds, 100 pounds lost. I looked and felt good, but I knew I would be happier lower. I'm now maintaining at 140. I've gone a bit lower, but my upper body and face look too thin, so I think I'll stay around 140. I weigh myself every morning and get strict if I vary go up or down 3 pounds.
CLOTHES: I went from a size 22 pants and 1X or 2X top to a 6 pants and small top. I can only wear relaxed style pants as I have a lot of excess skin in my thighs that needs to be camouflaged. Would you believe that I still don't like shopping for clothes?
MY RULES: Focus on protein and fluids. I don't drink 30 minutes before and 45 minutes after a meal. I have three meals a day that take less than 30 minutes. I have no snacks at all. I think the no snacking part is the most important part of my success.
EXERCISE: During the weight loss phase, my exercise was walking (fast pace, about 45 minutes a day). Unfortunaly I had foot surgery last month, so I'm not allowed to even walk much right now.
I rarely post, but I regularly check in on the VSGM forum. During the weight loss phase, especially early on, I was addicted to the VSG forum, but now I find it annoying!
Hope everyone is doing well.
HISTORY: I had been constantly overweight (well, obese) since I was in high school, so that makes 30 years of being overweight.
SURGERY: I had surgery in May 2011. I was self-pay and had no complications. I never lost hair.
FOOD: I have never liked eating meat (I'm not a strict vegetarian, but I can't think of the last time I had meat). So I still have at least one protein drink a day and I also use protein bars. My favorite drink is chocolate Premier Protein and my favorite bars are cookie dough and chocomint from Diet Direct.
Unlike many of you, I stopped tracking my food about 5 months after surgery. I need very little variety in my diet and found that when I'm basically having the same things every day, there's no need to track.
During maintenance, a typical meal for me is cheese with tomatoes or pesto, maybe a few crackers. Edamamme is a staple for me too.
WHAT I MISS: The only things I miss are really good bread and fruit. Pre-surgery I could easily eat a loaf of bread (yes, just like you). I also love fruit and would eat it in large volumes (we were all told fruit was healthy, right?).
GOAL/WEIGHT: I started at 255 pounds My surgeon did some measurements of hip bone spacing and shoulder spacing and declared that I have a large frame. (Funny how that's the only time we like being called large.) My surgeon then set my original goal at 155 pounds, just inside the normal range of BMI, and liked to remind me that getting to normal is more difficult for those of us who have been overweight for 30 continuous years (compared to those who haven't been overweight as long).
In 8 months, I reached 155 pounds, 100 pounds lost. I looked and felt good, but I knew I would be happier lower. I'm now maintaining at 140. I've gone a bit lower, but my upper body and face look too thin, so I think I'll stay around 140. I weigh myself every morning and get strict if I vary go up or down 3 pounds.
CLOTHES: I went from a size 22 pants and 1X or 2X top to a 6 pants and small top. I can only wear relaxed style pants as I have a lot of excess skin in my thighs that needs to be camouflaged. Would you believe that I still don't like shopping for clothes?
MY RULES: Focus on protein and fluids. I don't drink 30 minutes before and 45 minutes after a meal. I have three meals a day that take less than 30 minutes. I have no snacks at all. I think the no snacking part is the most important part of my success.
EXERCISE: During the weight loss phase, my exercise was walking (fast pace, about 45 minutes a day). Unfortunaly I had foot surgery last month, so I'm not allowed to even walk much right now.
I rarely post, but I regularly check in on the VSGM forum. During the weight loss phase, especially early on, I was addicted to the VSG forum, but now I find it annoying!
Hope everyone is doing well.
VSG on 05/03/2011, SW 255, CW 140, 5'6" female
Body by Sauceda on 11/30/2012, LBL, BL/BA, long thighs, arms, neck
Way to go! 
You look great....thanks for sharing and I liked your detailed and easy to read update!
I also miss bread occasionally....and definitely miss being able to eat lots of fruit...now I have to eat just a few pieces or it feels all weird in my tummy...like sloshy, maybe from the water content?
You look great....thanks for sharing and I liked your detailed and easy to read update!
I also miss bread occasionally....and definitely miss being able to eat lots of fruit...now I have to eat just a few pieces or it feels all weird in my tummy...like sloshy, maybe from the water content?
Alain Polynice Arm Lift & Revision BL 4/15/15
Alain Polynice Hernia Repair, Revision TT, Lipo Flanks 5/28/14
Dr. Lee Gallbladder Removal 5/28/14
Francisco Sauceda TT & BL 6/3/13
Mitchell Roslin VSG 5/12/11
Congratulations on your success!! WLS is such a gift and a second chance at a healthier and more active lifestyle.
I don't miss bread that much, but I do miss eating as much fruit as I used to. I eat small amounts and that seems to be enough.
I'm one that continues to track my food intake, but it keeps me mindful and on plan.
Congrats once again!!!
gail
I don't miss bread that much, but I do miss eating as much fruit as I used to. I eat small amounts and that seems to be enough.
I'm one that continues to track my food intake, but it keeps me mindful and on plan.
Congrats once again!!!
gail
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