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Thread: 18 month update

  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/02/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Walter Cha
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Last Activity
    02-07-2024 11:13 AM
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    Akron, Ohio
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    Default 18 month update

    Hello everyone,

    I was sleeved October 2, 2017. I would like to give you some of my observations and stories.

    I started at 307 lbs. I am currently 204 lbs. I am 6' 0". I reached 204lbs in my 11th month post sleeve and have remained at this weight for over 6 months. I think this will be my set weight. I lost weight very quickly the first 3 months and then settled in at a consistent 10lbs per month. The consistent weight loss made my transition very easy. It did cost me a fortune in clothes.

    I was always athletic, ex football player, softball player and competitive weight lifter, I also play golf 80 times per year. When I lost weight rapidly I lost a lot of muscle mass. I started in month 2 working with a personal trainer and we gradually increased the intensity and weights for my workout. Although I am not as strong as I was I have put back a lot of muscle.

    Clothing. I went from 2xl golf shirts down to large. Golf shorts and slack went from 46 down to 36. My sportscoats and suits went from 50-52 long down to a 44 regular. Shoes went from 12 to 11 1/2. Dress shirts were 18 1/2 x 35 down to 16 1/2 x 35. Some of my dress shirts are now in the fitted or athletic style.

    I can now walk 18 holes of golf, 5-6 miles with no problem. I have so much more energy and require less sleep. No more daily naps after golf. I can tie my shoes without holding my breath.

    Eating. I eat almost anything. Some favorites I have trouble with are chicken breasts, pork chops, strip steak, pasta and any white bread. I now eat chicken legs or thighs, pulled pork, and steak filet. Very very little pasta and small salads. I add vegetables, beans, broccoli and fruit. I love some heavy Italian dishes lasagna or ravioli but only eat a couple bites. There are some of the old meals I miss but I decided when I started this that was the price I needed to pay for better health. No problem at all.

    I am off of my cholesterol medication. I am off my blood pressure medication. Cholesterol was 148. BP is 126/70. HDL and LDL are in the excellent end of normal. Not bad for a 66 year old guy My doctor is thrilled.

    I wish I did this 15 years sooner. What a great tool. When I had my sleeve I attacked it from every angle, diet, walking, weight training, less alcohol and a strict vitamin intake. It worked for me. Back to alcohol. I still drink but not nearly as much. In 18 months I have had maybe 6 beers. I now have a glass of wine instead of 2-3. I love single malt scotch and now buy the really good stuff and it lasts a long time. If I drink I drink well. I now have a sweet tooth and have to watch my sugar intake. If I want a couple pieces of chocolate I know it means miles of walking.

    Thanks to those here who gave me support and encouragement. To those who may be struggling, keep working and follow the program it works. To those considering a sleeve, research everything about it and give it strong consideration. You only live once.




  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Katrina's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Katrina
    Surgery date
    11/04/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Borland
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Last Activity
    06-22-2023 07:11 PM
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Fantastic! Congratulations to you. I also developed a sweet tooth I did not have prior. Sad to say it still hasn't lessened at 4.5 years. It hasn't hurt me though, so dont stress over a few bites of chocolate. Keep doing well!
    No pre-op diet
    Day of surgery 11/4/14: 5'4" 213lbs
    1 month: 187
    2 months: 171
    3 months: 155
    4 months: 148
    5 months: 142
    6 months: 136
    7 months: 131
    8 months: 125
    9 months: 120
    10 months: 114
    11 months: 111
    1 year: 109
    1.5 years: 105
    2 years: 108
    2.5 years: 102
    3 years: 113
    4 years: 115
    5 years: 115
    6 years: 117



  4. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Bellagirl's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    03/27/2019
    Surgeon
    Corrigan McBride
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Last Activity
    04-08-2020 09:35 PM
    Location
    Omaha, NE
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    I’m glad to hear things are going so well! I’m just starting out and I worry about all those foods I love to eat, and the temptation. I want to be successful but it’s hard to imagine how difficult this will be. Starting out, did you have restriction right away or did it develop once you were eating solid foods again? I’m trying to wait patiently but want to know when I may be able to expect it. Did you follow any certain diet? I’ve heard people talking about the keto diet frequently. Any advice you have would be wonderful.



  5. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member EllisM80's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Michelle
    Surgery date
    10/11/2018
    Surgeon
    Dr. Clifford Black
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Last Activity
    12-24-2019 10:27 AM
    Location
    Valley, Alabama
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Thank you so much for sharing!! Congratulations also! That is a huge accomplishment... those are amazing results!




    HW: 315 lbs (2008) Maintained at 296 until 2015.
    SW: 255 lbs (10/11/18)
    1 mth post op: 229 -26lbs
    8 weeks post op 213 -42lbs
    3 months post op 197 -58lbs (at home)
    3 month post op appt 196 -59 lbs (1/28/19)
    6 months post op 171 -84 lbs (4/11/19) (at home)
    9 months post op 150 -105 lbs (7/11/19) (at home) *GOAL*
    1 year post op - maintained at 150

  6. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member KiwiGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    09/04/2017
    Surgeon
    Stephanie Ulmer
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
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    05-24-2021 09:49 PM
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    Auckland New Zealand
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Great post.
    So glad that you are doing so well. You have obviously worked hard to get to where you are.
    I love hearing these success stories.



  7. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  8. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member Dutchie's Avatar
    Name
    Simonne
    Surgery date
    01/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Pablo Enriquez Valens
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
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    07-05-2020 12:35 AM
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Congrats on your success!
    It sounds like your hard work really paid off.
    Keep up the good work!
    English is not my first language anymore, so I may and do make mistakes in my spelling, or say things oddly. Please ask me, if you want any clarifications.



  9. #7
    sraebaer
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Amazing. I love these stories. I sit at Weight Watchers looking at 300 pound people and thing "NO WAY" you need surgery! Losing as much as you did the old-fashioned way would take 3-4 years, and what are the chances of giving up? Pretty big.

    So proud of you. That's how I found my goal weight, I just stopped losing. Happy where I am looking like a normal person. Occasionally those "I want to be skinny" thoughts/jealousy creep in, but I manage to squash them. I'm strong, healthy, and look fine.

  10. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/02/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Walter Cha
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Last Activity
    02-07-2024 11:13 AM
    Location
    Akron, Ohio
    Posts
    144
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    Was Thanked 119 Times in 65 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1 Times

    Default Re: 18 month update

    My diet is similar to the recommended diet for all sleeve patients. Protein first, followed by vegetables and maybe a little carbs. As you transition from the post surgery liquid and soft foods to some firmer foods you will know what works for you. At first they tell you 2-3 oz. of protein and they are not kidding. Try to eat slow. Also for me in the first year I did my 96oz of water or liquid every day. That is very important. After I started back with weight training and walking I needed more protein intake. Find a good protein shake and use them. There are several good ones out there. For me the Premier Protein shakes taste best. When I decided to get sleeved I wanted to succeed and did everything possible to make it happen. Good luck to all you new sleeve patients. You did the right thing.




  11. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member JessNP's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    05/23/2019
    Surgeon
    Dr Shillingford
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Last Activity
    07-14-2019 02:12 PM
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    South Florida
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Thank you for posting! I am at the very beginning of my journey (pre-op) and feel so overwhelmed at times. It is incredibly helpful and inspiring to hear first-hand accounts like yours - especially your observations and details. And you're final words nailed it, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! Congratulations on your success!



  12. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christie
    Surgery date
    11/03/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Wright
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    Nov 2016
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    09-12-2019 04:13 PM
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Way to go!! I think 204 at 6'0" is great! Cheers to the new healthier you!



  13. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/29/2019
    Surgeon
    Dr. Foreman
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Last Activity
    01-26-2020 02:17 AM
    Location
    South Carolina
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    Default Re: 18 month update

    Thanks for sharing your update. So happy to hear how much better you feel and it sounds like you've found a way of managing your food intake and staying on target. That's great and I wish you continued success.



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