Well....it's been four years today....

[tinman]

Stepped on the scale and was not pleasantly surprised. Why? Because I weighed exactly what I weighed last week, the week before, the month before and the year before that. In other words, I've lost all of my weight and kept it off for the last four years.

So, most will ask. How do you do it? How do maintain your weight without roller coastering? It's easy. I eat what I want, when I want, and made just the way I like it. I just don't over eat. Period. Ever.

For the newly sleeved, here's the best advice I can give you. Learn what full feels like with your new stomach. Once you learn how that feels, respect the hell out of it. Don't abuse it and learn to walk away when you are full. If you'll do that, you'll discover that you just can't eat enough of the "bad" foods to make yourself gain weight. Also, in my opinion, fat and carbs are your friend and not your enemy when you are losing. If you starve your body of either, you will stall. Stalls are your body's way of protecting itself from a perceived threat. Your body will shut down all non essential functions in order to preserve it's precious stores of fuel. (fat) The first to go is your metabolism. So your body will ramp it down to a point that you are only burning what you consume and nothing else. BAM...stall city. If you'll obsess over the 80/64, you should be just fine. Also, if you'll pay attention to your cravings, you will also avoid stalls. Cravings are your body's way of ordering room service. It knows that it has a better chance of getting what ever nutrient it's missing if it asks for it in the form of a food that gives you pleasure when you eat it. Pizza is a great example. Lots on here claim to crave pizza. For most, it's the carbs in the crust that their body wants. It could be the protein in the sausage and pepperoni. It could also be sugar in the pizza sauce. What's for sure, you'll be feeding your body what it needs and avoiding a stall. Remember, eat just enough to get full and not a bite more.

For the one and two year vets, here's some good advice for you. I'm sure you all have found that routine is your friend. Once you've reached goal, find a routine of eating and supplements that you can live with that also will allow flexibility. It is not reasonable to expect to live the rest of your life without eating the foods that give you pleasure. If you keep up with the four pillars (Nutrition, Hydration, Supplements, Exercise) you will have no problems maintaining. When you take the sleeve for granted, it will bite you and bite you hard.

So, for those who are considering having the procedure, what are you waiting for. It is not possible to describe the difference this procedure makes in your life. Also, if you are considering Mexico, I would also recommend it. I went to Tijuana and didn't regret a single moment before, during and after my procedure.

As always, pm me if you have questions. I'm always more than glad to help.

[Indianasleeve]

Thanks so much. Excellent advice as always! Congrats on your victories

[Ann2]

So happy you are doing so well, Robert!

You're a WLS champ.

[Merry Mary]

excellent advice. Find a plan that works for you. Great job and thanks for helping me when I needed it!!!

[mrf0418]

Congratulations!

I love your advice and have followed it happily since day one!
Thanks-
Michelle

[jessiejess]

Always an inspiration. I wouldn't have achieved so much success without you. Now I need to get my mind wrapped around the mantra again. This post has perfect timing. Congratulations on your continued dedication and success.

[Stephen]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!