I am just about a week shy of two years. The challenges now are definitely different. I have a completely new normal, and maintaining and trying to lose at this point definitely takes some trial and error. I gained back about 9 lbs, so I immediately went for a visit with my surgeon to adjust the plan, and I feel it's working. Part of my challenge was that I was pushing the limits a bit and trying different things, so I went back to basics as far as food. Also, I am starting to go through menopause and my hormones are a little bonkers. I just had to regroup, and I am figuring that's something I will have to continue to do again in the future. This is all new territory to navigate!

I am 4 years out from the sleeve this past July. I'm not losing anymore, haven't in a year, may very well be in maintenance whether I want to be or not. But with 160+ pounds off since surgery, I am mobile again and healthy and that's the whole point of the surgery. I still follow the plan, weigh and measure a lot and find this seems to be my new normal.

Hi Dawn,

I was sleeved 6/12/13 and am also working hard to get back/stay in the groove. I lost too much down to 138 which at 63yr 5'9" (maybe 20# excess skin) was unhealthy. It was good to gain 10 but then the scale just kept inching upward to 162. I was afraid it would go up and up and blow this whole fabulous change... :noway:

I'd decided to stay 140-150, so at 151 the struggle started. I started tracking again and fighting cravings but still found it hard to stay under 1400C/day. :huh: It's been a few months, but the past couple weeks I finally got close and am now down to 158. :bigsmile:

Drinking lots of water seems to help a lot. Tracking is essential - yesterday I stopped eating before really having dinner because my calories were used up & I'd had enough protein. I'm making sure to get enough protein (jerky & tuna salad instead of protein shakes). And processed carbs are my enemy :sad: they trigger cravings in me [bran, rice, rolled oats, potatoes, beans are ok].

The hardest thing is ignoring the desire for treats. There are plenty of yummy satisfying foods that aren't cookies or crackers. But that little :devil: voice that says "one won't hurt" or "you already blew it, might as well have another now and deal with it tomorrow" or even "but I really WANT it" - those are the worst. It takes a week or so of diligence to quiet the voices. And there MUST be treat alternatives around the house that are yummy, high nutrition and filling, like: vegie casseroles, quiche, soup, fruit cups, meatloaf, chili, stir fry, nuts, etc. Great ideas at http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10171698/lets-see-what-you-are-eating/p1

Wish you the best. Friend me if you want.
:flowerforyou: Paula

Really like this saying!

Hit 2 years in September and can see how the challanges have changed. It's easy to fall into a new normal and forget the basics. Been able to stay within 10 pounds of my LW but it does take a more focused effort the further away you get from DAY 1.

I was sleeved 03/26/12 and still am very appreciative of the resulting benefits. I gained 30lbs from my lowest weight and have logged back into MFP to work on losing that 30. Four years out and the challenges are different than my first year out. My old habits have come back (emotional eating, boredom eating, and the sweet & salty crunching). I am grateful that my sleeve is still working - letting me know that I ate too much, and still on occasion find myself in the bathroom feeling sick. Today I searched the house and found my old binder from the Bariatric clinic and am reading that again for inspiration.

shirleygirl910 wrote: »

The fist five years were fairly easy. Now I got stressed from my job and gained 30 lbs. It's really hard to hit my protein macros now because protein shakes and liquids don't satisfy. I try to eat protein and veggies but get bored. And now that it takes an hour and half each way to work I don't get to the gym very often.

I can understand the struggle. Is there any where for you to walk or exercise at work? Even for 20-30 minutes.

Good for you @Msroro! I've been keto for a year, it's marvelous!

I was sleeved 4/2/2014 almost 2 years out. HW was 289, lost down to 198, have bounced back up to 225, I am back on track again and now I am losing again back down to 219 and counting it down again. I went back to surgery rules and following my handbook as much as I can to try to get it back off. I am starting to go through menopause and my hormones are crazy. My oldest children, and job is given me lots of stress, which makes my old habits come back (emotional eating, boredom eating, and the sweet & salty crunching). Popcorn with butter, and chips is very hard to stay away from for my head is telling me it is ok to have it once in a while. Logging my food is very important to me so I can see where I am through out the day.

I am two years out SW 276 LW 156 CW 173. I am 5'10" and had gotten too thin. Sometimes I get discouraged but I am trying to learn to LOVE ME! I feel good. I can do things that I had never done before surgery. I am finding that loving myself and finding gratitude for where I am and where I came from.

candacet36 wrote: »

I am two years out SW 276 LW 156 CW 173. I am 5'10" and had gotten too thin. Sometimes I get discouraged but I am trying to learn to LOVE ME! I feel good. I can do things that I had never done before surgery. I am finding that loving myself and finding gratitude for where I am and where I came from.

Love this. Need this. I keep fighting with the same 10 pounds. I would like to just make peace and move on!

I'm almost 2 years post surgery as of 4/1/14. SW 257, LW 149, CW 151. My goal is to reach 130; however, I've been stuck fluctuating between 149-152 last 6 months. I'm starting to notice that my appetite has picked up, I feel hungry more often even after I up my protein. I've been too tired to exercise lately. Have a follow up with Dr on 4\5 hope he can offer some good advice.

3 yrs 2mo post op starting weight 400 lbs surgery weight 340 lw 213 cw 240 happy have a great job and so much self esteem!! I am 5"2 so I am still morbid obese but I feel great and blessed!!

Hi Dawn! We were sleeved not too far apart (5/28/13 here). It is definitely more challenging the further out you are. I have been able to maintain the last nearly 4 years, but I find that it's so easy to eat anything, and very difficult to stay under 1,500 calories a day! I also find my body is changing. I had a baby 11 months ago and I feel like everything is different and I feel like my body is wider (even though my weight is the same). Granted I haven't been exercising as much as I'd like because of how busy I've been between work and taking care of a little one. I really need to get back into an exercise routine or I fear regain will hit me hard!