mommyofLDS

I'm 5 months out now, and the only time I feel hungry is the week before my TOM. I've also noticed that during those few days, my capasity for food is higher. For example, most days 1/4 cup of egg whites with some cheese and grapes have me super full for breakfast. However, when its my TOM, I can eat 1/2 cup of eggs, more grapes, and a piece of string cheese. Then, about 3 hours later I'm hungry, and counting down until lunch time. I think its really different for everyone, because so far I haven't really had a craving for food. I'm hoping it stays this way, because I don't want to have to deal with my food demons. I baked a cake yesterday because my hubby wanted some, and had no desire to eat any of it. Pre-op, I would have eaten a huge piece right along with him.

First off, let me say that your weight loss is awesome! Great job! Looking at your pics, to me that looks a lot more like skin then it does fat. There is a big contrast between your upper body and lower body, In the first pic, your upper body looks normal, no extra skin or fat. That really makes it hard to believe that its anything but mostly loose skin. I know what you mean about not wanting to have another surgery. I was feeling the same way, but lately it seems more and more like it will be a reality. Sucks, but I want to have a flat stomach for once in my life. Have you thought about consulting a plastic surgeon to get a medical prefessional's opinion?

I had surgery on January 3rd, and was back to work 11 days later, on the 14th. I work retail, and was on my feet the whole time, but it really wasn't too bad. The lat hour was the hardest, I was really tired at that point, but it was okay. At 3 weeks, you will feel much better and will probably be climbing the walls! good luck!!

The propel flavors are pretty good, and Crystal Light has a raspberry flavor that has fiber added. Its more on the tart side, and its the only flavor that I like. Target also has a raspberry lemonade in their brand that is really good, not too sweet at all!

Awesome job! Your weight loss is amazing. Keep it up.

I have had popcorn a handful of times, and the biggest problem that I've found with it is that it's a slider food for me, and that makes it so easy to mindlessly eat it. I make sure to get my own small cup, and only eat from there when we have it at home, so that I do't eat too much. Don't feel guilty, it's okay to indulge once in awhile! Happy Birthday!

Congratulations on your weight-loss! That's an awesome amount, and in only 4 months! I wouldn't beat myself up over a few dietary indiscretions here and there. It's not a good habit to get into daily, but I think every now and then is fine. Personally, I told myself that I was never going to diet again, just adopt a more healthy life-style overall. I've had some pizza, and other things, but I think that's okay. It obviously hasn't been a hinderance to you. keep it up!

I think its time to venture into Old Navy. I am still a little nervous about going into a "normal" store. In fact, I still haven't done it, even though I've boughten 2 shirts in a regular size at Target. It's good to know that I probably wont have any problem fitting into clothes there, and probably a much smaller size that I would expect from the sounds of it. I've really been looking forward to this part! =)

I just got my appointment card for my 6-month check up in July. Crazy, doesn't seem like surgery was all that long ago. Is the 6-month another group meeting like the 3-month or is it a one-on-one with the surgeon?

The program that I went through wants us eating real food, and getting our protein from food only, for 2 reasons. 1) it is harder for your stomach to digest real food, so it stays in your stomach longer, which helps to control hunger 2) You can take in more liquid than you can solid, so you will end up consuming more calories with a Protein shake than you will with real food. It also helps to "train" your stomach right away to eat food.I have no problems with any foods going down now because my stomach is used to it. There was discomfort with some foods at first, but at almost 5 months out, I don't have any issues. It hasn't been proven yet, but there seems to be a link between more severe acid reflux and Protein shakes. There hasn't been any offical studies, but the nutritionist that I saw said that it all ties back into the stomach-training idea. I took a PPI daily for the first month, and haven't taken anything since. I haven't had any issues with reflux, so in my case, it all seems to be true.

First off, Congratulations on beginning your journey! Once the process gets going, it seems to go by really quickly! In regards to your questions food: Personally, I couldn't stomach anything acidic, including tomato-based foods. It would all come back up. It may work for you once you're onto FULL liquid, which is a few days after surgery, but not when you are on clear liquid. You wont feel like eating at first, anyway. I can't give you any advice on Protein powder, the program that I went through doesns't allow them as a part of the meal plan, so I've never used any. My surgeon gave me before and after pics of my stomach, but I'm not sure how big it was. The difference in the pics was really noticeable, and I had a visable intentation above the skin for about a month where you actually SEE where the stomach used to be. The stitching was all absorbed, so they aren't made of steel, and the outside wounds were closed with dermabong and steri-strips. Good luck!

The only place that I find in conistantly is costco, however I used to get it at Trader Joe's. Its lumped together with all the other dried nuts. In a pinch you call alo order it from amazon.com. Safeway sells frozen bags, and it makes a really good hummus-type snack, but I've never seem a recipe to roast it on my own.

Dry roasted edamame is another good one (how could I forget it!). 1/4 of a cup gives you 14 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, only 4 grams of fat, and all for 130 calories. This is a really good one to carry around with you.

Cottage cheese is a good one, and I get the lucerne brand at Safeway, it comes with added fiber. If I'm craving a treat, I get chocolate rice cakes and spread peanut butter. Its not a ton of protein (only 5 grams) but its tasty, filling, and adds about 150 calories.

Several people around me have had WLS, and yet I still made the decision not to tell anyone about it. My hubby knows, and my brother and his wife (she also had VSG). I saw all the ridiculous comments that people around them were making, and I decided that I didn't want to have to deal with it post-op. i have gotten some comments about general weight loss, which I never know how to respond, i really feel that this is such a personal issue, and can't believe how intrusive people are about it. In comparison, if I saw a friend with noticably bigger boobs, I'd never ask her if she got implants! to me, this is the same thing, but some people can be soo insensitive.

At my pre-op orientation, the NP said that there is no medical reason to wait. She said just make sure you aren't in any pain.

I get severe migraines, and had to take Fiorinal a few time since surgery (contains aspirin). I didn't have any issues, and my surgeon told me as long as I don't use it often, I'm not really any more a risk of developing an ucler. Good luck!

Yes, every dietician will tell you the same thing. They seem to vary a bit on how much of what they want you taking, but in general you will need to take a multi-Vitamin, 1000mg of Calcium citrate, and a sub-lingual b-12. Your surgeon or dietician may tweek this a bit, depending on your specific needs. I also have to take an extra Iron supplement, which I do every 3 days.

Aww, thanks everyone! I love having this board to share my success with, no one in my everyday life "gets it" quite the way you guys do here.

I'm feeling really great at 4 months out. I don't have any issues with food, haven't had any major stalls, and only have about 40 more pounds to go. Anyone lurking here, trying to decide if surgery is right, GO FOR IT!!

Fantastic progress! Keep up the hard work!

You're so close to goal! The last bit are going to be the hardest, for all of us, but soo worth it! Great job on your progess so far!

I've been having issues with hair loss recntly also. I usually flat-iron my curly hair, but I've been wearing it natural lately so that it looks a bit fuller. I know that its apart of the process, but the hair loss really sucks!

Happy Friday the 13th everyone! Its been a great month. I'm down 90lbs, and have offically joined ONEDERLAND!! WOOHOO, so excited. I haven't seen a 1 before my weight since I was 15.

I've had a few times since I've had surgery that I've fought with my hubby over it. He's got that 'Leave you before you leave me' mentality going on. We all forgot sometimes that this huge, life changing decision doesn't just effect us. There are support groups for significant others because it can be hard on them too. I'm not justifying the behaviour, but having dealt with a similar issue, it usually just stems from insecurity. When I've had to cross that bridge, I find extra love and reassuarnce tends to calm the waters. Maybe he just needs to hear that you aren't having this surgery to find men or to replace him. Guys can be extremely self-centered at times (sorry men!) and need to be reminded that our decisions aren't always about them! If you want to fix this relationship, maybe just try to talk to him about his fears? Good luck!