I have not visited this site for a while, so I am not sure if no one has posted yet in this topic or if I just do not know how to read previous posts. I know there is the long-term topic thread, where folks who have been sleeved for more than a year can post.
I got my sleeve on May 10, 2010. As an American, there was very little time allowed in the hospital, so I am grateful I did not have any post-op complications. I was surprised at how long it took to get back to full strength and operating level. Suddenly not being able to eat solid food was a shock, even with the pre-op diet where I ate only odd packaged food that had no bulk (part of the pre-op work up).
I did not 'work my sleeve' single mindedly. I did lose the weight down to what my MD predicted, but have not achieved waif-like thinness. I think about it, but right now with the work load and constant grading of papers and tests (I am a teacher) I do not have the mental will to go further.
Maintaining has not been hard. Part is I just cannot eat as much. A big part is that I eat protein first, and that stops me from eating more at that session. I weigh every day, so I am not fooling myself.
I still eat out, but order small plates. Once in a while I regret not being able to eat more because the taste is so good. I have finally relaxed being a clothes horse. I bought so much stuff at Goodwill while I was losing because it was so different and fun! I seem to have calmed down somewhat in the clothing area.
I am looking to see what the post-five year experiences are. I chose this over a band or a bypass to preserve the normal functioning of the stomach. Right now I have not experienced a larger capacity from the one year mark. Frankly, it really hurts to overeat, and I do not like the stomach ache. I hope that does not change.
This is more a report than a success story. The surgery was successful, and I am enjoying my new (really my old, as in the shape I was in in my 20s) shape. I would not have gotten here without the sleeve.
I have really relied on this forum for information and support. I live in a rural area, so even though my MD had support groups scheduled, I could not get to them. When I had my check-ups, and the form asked for support groups, I always listed this site.
Best,
Zoe
