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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
    Said "Thanks" 5,839 Times
    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    At age 68 two years ago today, August 18, 2014, I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). One year ago I posted here how about how my first year post-op had gone. Spoiler – it went great!

    In Year One I lost a pre- and post-op total of 92.6 pounds, going from 235.6 pounds to 143.0 pounds and surpassing my initial weight goal of 150 pounds. I described in that post what I’d done to reach and pass my weight goal and offered some unsolicited advice.

    Year Two – the Year of Maintenance

    Now another year has passed, and I’m 70 years old. I feel that Year Two was an even bigger success than Year One. While eating menus that averaged 1700 calories and 100 grams of protein a day, I have lost another 8 pounds and now weigh 135 pounds, bringing my total weight loss to an even 100 pounds. For the last 7 months I’ve maintained this weight plus or minus two pounds. My big NSV is that I have never in my whole life maintained a weight loss so consistently.

    Maintenance Behaviors That Are Working for Me

    Most days I still do the things I did during Year One, including:

    • Plan and track my menus in My Fitness Pal
    • Weigh every morning and record my weight in MFP
    • Drink 8 glasses of water
    • Don’t drink with meals (stopping 15 minutes pre-meal and waiting until 30 minutes post-meal)
    • Eat “healthy” foods – 75% of my food is dense protein, 5-7 veggies/fruits, dairy (non-fat skim milk, full-fat cheese, Greek yogurt), whole grains (breads, all-bran cereal)
    • Take all meds and supplements daily (thyroid, antacid, vitamin/mineral, fish oil, probiotic, biotin, stool softener) and twice a week a B12 (daily doses make me break out with B12-induced acne)
    • Walk and move so much more than I did pre-WLS – walking 3 miles a day, cleaning fence lines, mowing, clearing downed timber, loving a twice-a-week yoga class (yoga is tremendous exercise and reduces stresses)
    • Manage the stress in my life (family illnesses and deaths, relocations, etc.) so it doesn’t sabotage my lifestyle choices
    Stress Management Protip #1: Marry a good, strong person who loves and supports you.
    Stress Management Protip #2: Accept that life is full of changes, some of which you can initiate and control and some of which you can’t do a damned thing about, except decide how you will respond to it.
    • See my shrink whom I committed to work with for three years: (1) the year of losing weight, (2) the year of maintaining weight, and (3) the year of boring real life.
    Stress Management Protip #1: Marry a good, strong person who loves and supports you.
    Stress Management Protip #2: Accept that life is full of changes, some of which you can initiate and control and some of which you can’t do a damned thing about, except decide how you will respond to it.

    Other Maintenance Strategies That Work for Me

    • Treats – In addition to eating healthy foods (see above), I allocate 300-400 calories daily to “treat foods.” For me, that’s alcohol (single-malt scotch or wine) and/or biscotti, dark chocolate or desserts. I prefer to spend my treat calories on good stuff – not potato chips or fast food.
    • Vacations and Travel – Yes, there are days and weeks when I do eat more than 1,700 calories/day – vacations and occasional weekends. But I have a strategy for that, too: When I gain more than two pounds I cut back to 1,500 calories or (rarely) 1,200 calories until I’m back down to my “new normal” (135 pounds). I stay at that calorie level for a few days, then gradually ease back up to 1,700 calories. It works like a charm. FTR, I have to do this every 45-60 days.

    My Lifestyle Is Defined by What I Actually Do – Not What I Aspire to Do

    Here’s how I think about my new post-WLS lifestyle that includes planning nutritious meals, exercising, taking my meds, brushing my teeth, making my bed, reading good books, etc. If I do these activities once a week, they aren’t really part of my lifestyle. But if I do them daily they are. My continuing challenge is to care well for myself every day. Happily, I’ve found that the more consistently I care for myself, the easier it becomes. If at age 70 I can change bad habits, I bet you can, too. 

    P.S. Attached below is a graph of all my weekly weigh-ins since early June 2014 when I first consulted with my bariatric surgeon:

    Attachment 26050

    Disclaimer: As always, others’ mileage may vary. This is what has worked for me thus far.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post


  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/07/2015
    Surgeon
    Broussard
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Last Activity
    02-17-2017 04:13 PM
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    117
    Said "Thanks" 83 Times
    Was Thanked 98 Times in 57 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3 Times
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Awesome post as usual...good morning sunshine!


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  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member dtiller1147's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Doyle
    Surgery date
    10/20/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Michael Peters
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Last Activity
    10-19-2017 04:29 PM
    Location
    Dover, Delaware
    Posts
    52
    Said "Thanks" 5 Times
    Was Thanked 32 Times in 24 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 531 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Congrats Ann on " SECOND SURGIVERSARY " you always have such a great outlook on life and especially your weight loss journey! You will be inspiring the young cubs for many years. You are just a little ahead of my down trail. Just keep posting!!!



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  7. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member RehabNurse's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/20/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Smith
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Last Activity
    02-08-2020 09:38 PM
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    1,147
    Said "Thanks" 695 Times
    Was Thanked 1,491 Times in 728 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 905 Times
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    I am so happy for all of your successes, Ann. You've rocked your sleeve to the max and avoided the pitfalls that cause so many sleevers to start regaining during that second year. Too many people irrationally fixate on the weight loss phase (read: "Omigod! I am losing too slowly!") when the maintenance stage is the most important.

    In addition, you give so much to this community with your sage advice and suggestions. I actually took your advice to start increasing my caloric intake in a stepwise pattern during the first few months, and now I'm in the 1500 to 1700 calorie-per-day range and still slowly losing.

    Anyhow, congratulations! You are truly special...


    10/23/14 Initial Consult 200 lb, 5'1 tall
    4/6/15 Highest Wt 225 (yes: 25 lb gain)
    4/20/15 Surgery Wt 218, BMI 41

    1 mo 203.0 -15
    2 mo 190.5 -12.5
    3 mo 184.5 -6
    4 mo 177.0 -7.5
    5 mo 171.0 -6
    6 mo 164.5 -6.5
    7 mo 157.5 -7
    8 mo 152.5 -5
    9 mo 149 -3.5
    10 m 143 -6
    11 m 142 -1
    1 yr 138.5 -3.5
    13 m 133 -5.5
    14 m 128 -5
    15 m 125 -3
    16 m 121 -4
    17 m 120 -1
    18 m 118 -2

    Dec '17: BMI 23.5; consumes 2000+ kcal/day

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  9. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/29/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Last Activity
    07-29-2021 08:28 PM
    Posts
    19
    Said "Thanks" 7 Times
    Was Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Congrats! All of your advice has meant the world to me



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  11. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  12. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member j_davenport's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/23/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Landerholm
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Last Activity
    09-21-2020 01:16 PM
    Location
    Shelton, Washington, United States
    Posts
    28
    Said "Thanks" 53 Times
    Was Thanked 14 Times in 10 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and success! Congratulations and GREAT JOB with keeping up with everything you need to do in order to stay successful. You're a great role model for those of us behind you, thanks again!



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  14. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    01/13/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr Gmora
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Last Activity
    01-21-2018 05:19 PM
    Location
    Hamilton,Ontario Canada
    Posts
    121
    Said "Thanks" 14 Times
    Was Thanked 48 Times in 40 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 569 Times
    Blog Entries
    21

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    I always read what you post because you give me a glimpse of what I have to look forward to. Thank you.



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  16. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member Merry Mary's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Mary
    Surgery date
    09/29/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    371
    Said "Thanks" 166 Times
    Was Thanked 217 Times in 151 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 195 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Congratulations Ann, you're post should help the new members see the long term benefits of this surgery. Being able to clear fence lines and timber is just as much exercise as biking, running or weight lifting. Great job on your accomplishments!!!!
    HW - 394
    SW - 366
    One year post op - 191
    Goal - 177 met 16 months post op
    Current - 174

    220 lost since June 19, 2014




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  18. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member Mbenson5's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Melissa
    Surgery date
    06/13/2012
    Surgeon
    Poplowski
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    1,752
    Said "Thanks" 431 Times
    Was Thanked 607 Times in 457 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 220 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    I could not be happier for you! I agree with Rehabnurse, you have given so much wonderful advice to this forum and it would not be nearly as great wothout you here. Even though I am twice as far out, I don't mind at all to say that I have learned so much from you. It is a joy to see you in maintenance and keep on trucking! Many congratulations!! Celebrate today!! Melissa
    A person's a person, no matter how small! Dr. Suess


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  20. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member WANAGL's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Cyndi
    Surgery date
    12/30/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Robert Marema
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Last Activity
    01-09-2020 06:15 PM
    Location
    Hampton Beach, FL
    Posts
    1,640
    Said "Thanks" 1,143 Times
    Was Thanked 908 Times in 689 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2,250 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    HAPPY 2nd SURGIVERSARY!!!

    Your support, no-nonsense suggestions, knowledge, wisdom and experience are an amazing inspiration to me.

    You're rocking this lifestyle and as a result you're happy, joyous and free...In mind, body and spirit. I love that about you!

    FB_IMG_1464443319941.jpg




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  22. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Blove2012's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/22/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr Ariel Ortiz
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Last Activity
    07-11-2017 12:39 PM
    Posts
    130
    Said "Thanks" 2 Times
    Was Thanked 57 Times in 46 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Thanks so much! I cannot express how much guidance I take from these postings!

    Belinda



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  24. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member mrf0418's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Michelle
    Surgery date
    12/17/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Larson
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Last Activity
    01-15-2018 09:55 AM
    Location
    Wellington, FL
    Posts
    170
    Said "Thanks" 81 Times
    Was Thanked 98 Times in 59 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 325 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Congrats Ann,

    You have certainly been an inspiration to me and I look forward to hearing your wisdom, I especially appreciate your simplicity and honesty with this process. You have a few months on me but like you, it has been a great ride! Although I rarely speak up, I often check the board because it reminds me of where I came from.. I am grateful to continue to hear from you!

    Michelle



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  26. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member Shirl's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Shirl
    Surgery date
    05/17/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Sergey Lyass
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    SoCal and Central Texas
    Posts
    1,310
    Said "Thanks" 976 Times
    Was Thanked 1,063 Times in 667 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1,909 Times
    Blog Entries
    57

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Lifestyle Is Defined by What I Actually Do – Not What I Aspire to Do

    Here’s how I think about my new post-WLS lifestyle that includes planning nutritious meals, exercising, taking my meds, brushing my teeth, making my bed, reading good books, etc. If I do these activities once a week, they aren’t really part of my lifestyle. But if I do them daily they are. My continuing challenge is to care well for myself every day. Happily, I’ve found that the more consistently I care for myself, the easier it becomes. If at age 70 I can change bad habits, I bet you can, too. 
    Ann,

    I've only been on the forum for about five months, but I have gotten a life time of good advice and excellent ideas I have added to my tool box from you and several others. I check in often to this forum to keep me present and grounded on this journey. I look forward to bits of information that I can take, evaluate and apply. Most often they are seeds of information I can store away.

    What you said about "what you do" instead of what you "inspire to do" may seem elementary, but they are actually things that many (including me) tend to put to the side when we are boggled down with life pressures. We lose and do not take care of ourselves. You reminded me that self-care is essential and as simple of as remembering to brushing teeth. For me it's flossing, and moisturizing I should doing it every day, I try but I forget or plain just don't wanna. I find "I'll do it later" have been regular in my thoughts. It is the little things I must conquer in order to have success in the big things! ✊��right on!✊��

    You are amazing! Thank you!

    ✨Hugs!✨
    HW: 245lbs (11/15); SW: 226lbs (5/17/16) - Height: 5'6"

    Post-Op Weight:
    M1: 211.3 (-14.7)
    M2: 203 (-8.3)
    M3: 196.5 (-6.5)
    M4: 191.5 (-5)
    M5: 186.3 (-5.2)
    M6: (?)
    M7: (?)
    M8: 179.4 (-6.9)
    M9: 177.1 (-2.3)
    M10: 174 (-3.1)
    M11: 171.5 (-2.5)
    M12: 171 (-.5)
    Y1.1: 170 (-1)

    "Today is another day to get it right!"






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  28. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgeon
    Dr. Stowers
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Last Activity
    11-30-2016 11:36 AM
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    6
    Said "Thanks" 3 Times
    Was Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    Wow - Congratulations. Your journey sounds incredible and thank your for the encouraging words.

    Courtney



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  30. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member SomeGuyJeff's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    05/20/2015
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Activity
    02-23-2018 03:36 PM
    Posts
    634
    Said "Thanks" 291 Times
    Was Thanked 418 Times in 268 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 110 Times

    Default Re: SECOND SURGIVERSARY: Loving My Life. Goodbye, 100 Pounds!

    ann - youre still my hero



  31. Said thanks:


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