My name's Sara and I'm on a mission to lose 100lbs MY WAY, which now includes a vertical sleeve gastrectomy! I had VSG weight loss surgery on 8/19/2022 and I'm excited to bring you along on my journey. I'm sick of crash diets, super restrictive diets, extreme workouts, and my weight going up & down. Join me on my journey, I will cheer you on too!
I've tried and been successful at losing weight before. The problem is I almost always gain it back and then some. I'm creating this channel for accountability first and foremost, but also for solidarity with anyone who is struggling on a weight loss journey. I also hope to bring comfort and no BS to those considering weight loss surgery like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. I hope you like my videos and subscribe. I'll be sharing weekly updates and meal plans, as well as tips and tricks I learn along the way. Thank you for watching & subbing! You can also join me on Instagram: @loseweightsara
Hi - great question! I have used Shapermint shapewear in the past. Most of the time though, I just wear biker shorts or leggings that hold me in. Mainly I just kinda deal with it! Thank you for watching!
I also work from home so the struggle of going out is real lol. I worked at home before it was cool though so I make sure to go out to parks or some where the sun just perks me up.
I think what’s happened to you is that you addressed your issues by taking action! One of the things I’ve learned to do over the years and it’s become automatic almost is the minute I feel anxiety coming up is I take some sort of action like I talk about it with a therapist or a friend I trust also take a walk or do sometimes to distract myself and change my headspace. Mindfulness is essential whether it’s sitting on my bed and listening to a talk on mindfulness (Check out Tara Brach really great for that ) sometimes I go into a church -even though I’m not religious- I go when it’s empty and quiet and I just sit there. I find getting peace is essential. PS I think you staying in the 150s is a great decision. Your body has been through a lot and just maintaining in that space for a long while would actually make losing more weight (if you ever decide again you want to knock off 5-10 more pounds ) much easier as I’m sure you already know this.
I'm so glad you're back in the 150s. I know you've had your struggles, but I think you seem to do better in that 150 windows. I think it helps your mental. You're doing awesome! Proud of you! ❤❤❤
I 100% agree! IDK what it is about the 150s - maybe because I hadn't been in that range in so long. I think I will be ok being 155. I still think I look good. And I definitely feel good. And that's what matters. Thank you for watching 💖💖💖
Thank you for the reminder that this is a lifelong commitment... not just something that ends when you hit your "goal weight". I'm a little over 6 mo. Post-op and approaching goal and the "end" of rapid loss and beginning to think about maintainence. I'm a little anxious about that. I started at 270 and now 154.
🏵🌟 you're doing great!! We all struggle. I'm struggling but also trying to learn balance. I've learned doing 1 hr classes 6 days or more at the gym in a row is burning me out. We all have to find the balance that works for our bodies and our minds. I'm glad that talking to someone has helped. I know that can be hard! Keep pushing you got this!!
I went through similar gym burnout when I was doing that Transformation Challenge. It paid off in the end, but whew! I was ok cutting back on gym time. So I know how that feels. Balance will be my focus when the challenge is over for sure. Thanks for watching! 💖💖💖
Yes! Grocery delivery! I went to Winco today for just a handful of things and found myself grabbing things we didn’t need and it annoyed me so much when I got home and unpacked them. I think maybe I should look at a delivery option because I’m sure that would help me too. 🙏🏻 Btw, rather “chilly” here in The City. Had a nice walk down by the lake this evening, but once the sun went down I was wishing I wasn’t in a tshirt and shorts lol
It was pretty crisp here in T-Town the last few days. I think that's about to come to an end. Fool's Autumn. LOL I pay for Walmart+ SOOOO I should probably utilize it and it really does help me save money (another stress factor lately). Thanks for watching Ken! I've been watching your celebration video that you tagged me in in bits and pieces! I'm almost to the end - and SO proud of you!
As someone with generalized anxiety I think that’s a great analogy. And I think I needed to hear that, too. I’ve been letting my anxiety overwhelm me lately. I love your videos and you’re like a little ray of sunshine.
Awwww thank you SO much 💖💖💖 That was very sweet to say. Especially since I don't feel like sunshine lately haha The talk therapy is definitely going to be beneficial, I felt really good afterwards.
TY! Very interesting video. So true about the grocery store. Didn’t lose any of the 6-10 that I’m aiming for but didn’t gain. Btw, I LOVE the flute in the background. Amazingly mellow!
I would say that NOT gaining is worth celebrating too! Great work! I'm glad you enjoyed the flute - my daughter is a quite talented musician and I'm very proud of her. 💖💖💖
I did it! I even got below my goal weight! Now the challenge is to maintain my weight at this new weight. I feel pretty good at this weight, but maintenance has always been the hardest for me. So we will see how it goes!
Hi Sara, I’m glad for you that you came to the realization that your depressed and get help for free. If this challenge is added stress why not just let it go and focus on your mental help and if your able moving your body. In my experience movement helps. This also can mean a 5 minute walk. Hope you fine with the mental health professional ❤🩷
That's the thing, I don't *think* the challenge was really causing me stress. It's mostly work. And finances as it's an expensive time of year. I have to get better at managing it. I'm feeling good so far and think the talk therapy is going to be really helpful in the long run. I love your suggestion though, and maybe sometimes being a quitter isn't such a bad thing 💖💖💖
Omg 😳 I can’t believe we only have 3 weeks left yikes. 😬 I’m so glad to hear you got an appointment with a psychologist I find it helpful to talk to someone once a week. Yes it will help you for sure. I’m the same and have not lost much either I fluctuate up and down by 2 lbs Are you taking your vitamin D? I find myself getting a bit blue if I don’t take my D. PS I see you more as a paint by number gal
Yes, I definitely take Vitamin D, I actually bump it up in the darker months of the year. The seasonal affective disorder basically requires it and using a lightbox, it's awful! Fluctuations are the bane of my existence right now! Hang in there!
Ohhh so I just googled that after seeing your comment and that looks kind of fun! Maybe I'll try and get myself a starter kit. I need more things to occupy my mind. Thanks for watching! ✨💖✨
Been in hospital and rehab since the 20th so terrible food, I hope I have lost weight after I am home. Please take time for the mental health piece of the journey. Look up Soul Sisters United a wonderful online community for women with food issues
My weight has also gone up, sadly. I've been going to the gym 5 days a week for a workout class. I have tried all different types of classes and switch it up sometimes. I know my eating has been off and I will be getting it back on track, just takes persistence. You've got this! It sucks, but even this morning I didn't want to go to the gym, but I signed up for a class and now drinking a shake before I go. 💗🌸💪
Persistence... good word for it. It is tough. I am trying really, really hard this week. Not perfect so far, but definitely making progress. I am trying to cheer myself on more for small wins too. Do you think maybe going to the gym more could be muscle gain too?? Thanks for watching! ✨💖✨
@LoseWeightSara it could be from going to the gym, but not 100% sure. One day they won't be so busy and I'll ask to use their machine that does the body scan and can get a baseline and hopefully learn from that
Love how you keep it real Sara. Your content so very relatable. OMG I got a coloring book too 😂. I also got some mechano cars to put together too I find it really helps keep the mind occupied too. Also just a suggestion but you should export audio only files and upload to spotify as podcasts. I drive a lot so would love to listen to you in the car.
Thank you so much - I need more things to keep my mind occupied and off of food. The fact that I've gained some weight is stressing me out and I already have enough stress! LOL Thanks for the spotify suggestion, I don't know how to set that all up but I will see if I can give it a try!
🐙🐙 I can't tell if the squid is pink or red! Let's go with pink! 😁 Nipping depression in the bud is big! Realizing/acknowledging it is big! Good job taking quick action. ❤
🛍️very interesting! Hope the appt goes well. I have been trying to lose 6-10 lbs for wks and wks and mos and mos. 😂 I’m going to do the same with exercise…just do it!
I am really really good at making excuses for myself, so I gotta be careful with that. Definitely hard to "just do it" but I am doing it so far! Hang in there, I know how hard it is! I'm mad that I gained it instead of losing it so far 😅
I’m having my surgery but I have to come up with 6000 but being a single mom and not having help I’m struggling to come up with the money. I watch your videos and I hope I can feel like you and be in better health for my kids.
I know how hard it is financially, my insurance did not cover my VSG either. I had to take out a loan myself. I make a car payment every month for my stomach LOL but it has been worth it. Have you tried setting up a GoFundMe?
@@LoseWeightSara no I haven’t tried a go fund me I’m not good at making stuff like that lol I tried loans but no luck. I so proud of you and how much you have done with yourself. You’re a great person and thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.
I did a video of what I eat in a day on VSG Pre-op diet, so definitely check that. My pre-op diet was strict, I was only allowed 2 protein shakes (1 at breakfast, 1 at lunch) and then dinner was a lean meat like chicken or turkey and leafy green vegetables. It was very basic, high protein, low carb. I hope that helps!
@@LoseWeightSara I have a hard time knowing what to look for on the back of the labels on stuff . I’m not sure what’s a good number and what’s a bad one on all of it lol.
@@ATx5853 your surgical team should tell you what your water and protein goals are! If they didn't, I would recommend asking them. They are the ones to tell you best. But definitely keep it simple and don't overcomplicate or you will get frustrated really fast. Wishing you all the best!
Technically, it's hard to say. I have gained about 5-7ish pounds, but I have been stress eating and not managing my food intake properly. So I can't say if the BC caused weight gain OR just my habits being lax, realistically it could be a combo of both!
Except it’s a onezee. Sorry about the bony comments. But you know -- people! You can never make anyone happy. Halloween here we never know if it will be 15 degrees or 90 degrees.
Hey there, I have an honest question. What I don’t understand is this: Would it not be the same to stop eating completely and get the same result? I’m not asking to be rude; I am actually considering doing the procedure, but I keep coming to the conclusion that the results are basically that you lose weight because you starve yourself, right? Or am I missing a bigger picture? 😬 I hope someone can answer. I am super confused by this.
I appreciate the way you phrased this. Reducing the size of your stomach is not the same as starving yourself. If you ate 600-800 calories with a regular sized stomach, you would feel miserable physically and mentally, but with a VSG/sleeve, you feel full on a small amount. Plus your body survives off the limited calorie intake AND your excess fat. In your first year post-op, you gradually can eat more and more food. It basically forces you to relearn how to eat properly aka not constantly over eat. The first year is absolutely critical to long-term success. It is not the same as starving yourself, which also would have a very negative mental impact.
