happy1957

I am writing this because I've been complaining about my lack of weight loss and stall. I went to see my Dr yesterday for my 6 week follow-up. I have finally broken the dreaded three week stall that started the day I started on solid food which was the day of my two week check-up, it lasted for almost 4 weeks. According to her scale I have lost 4.5 lbs in just the last few days. I was still discouraged with the low loss, but she was not unhappy at all. They are aware of the three week stall, she also made me realize that the pounds I lost prior to surgery are and should be counted as surgical loss. Many people don't lose any weight prior to surgery and therefore enjoying a sudden drop. I have less weight to lose than many others, so my loss will be slower. She was so encouraged and made me realize that I am already over half way there to meet her requirements. Using her little calculator and making all these configurations, she said if I lose 50% of my excess body weight(average) I am over half way there, although the nutritionist and I have set a lower weight, she said if I lose a mere 20lbs, I will be what is considered a successful sleeve according to national averages. So my current 29lb loss is over half way??? I do not plan to stop at another 20lbs, but it was encouraging to know how well I am doing and will do since I am just 6 weeks out. Her visit was just what I needed. I love my Dr. :-) Thanks to all of you who gave me encouragement when I was feeling down. That's why I love this venue.

I too carry lots of butt /hip weight, usually when I lose, I get narrower, but my butt still sticks out. We'll see what the future holds.

Your subject line made me laugh...."Here you go sweet cheeks" I think this is the best site.. Dr Oz endorsed. http://www.feelfoxy.com/ or http://www.herroom.c...9f724cc3154c09b or http://www.lovemybubbles.com/ PS my mom had a stroke about 16 years ago, when cleaning out her private things I came across many of these, never knew her little curves ( 90lb woman) were not natural.

I don't think I could eat less without dizziness. My job is standing all day, running, running, running. I am exhausted in the pm and actually hungry all the time. I can't wait to see what the Dr say's tomorrow. I have had a couple episodes of near passing out over he last week. Not sure why, it just comes out of the clear blue sky. I am getting all my Protein and Water, I'm thinking a sugar drop from the lack of carbs.

Thanks for the encouragement. I am logical, know that eventually I will lose, it's a no brainer, I'm not eating enough to sustain my current weight. Yet at moments I am weak emotionally. Last night was one of them. Today is a new day. I can't wait to hit the Dr's scale tomorrow and hopefully get the ok to do some real exercise. Not that I want to become a weight lifter again, just wanted to be an average exerciser.

My friend apparently made a small tear at the point that the small intestine is reattached to the new pouch. It was a slow leak, but the pain she was haivng was disguised as a "pulled something". She was doing so well, had lost 75 lbs, was exercising every day, She had so much more self esteem,it's a totally different surgery than VSG. She also had an underlying liver problem found during her first surgery, after a 7.5 hour surgery to fix the leak, she was unable to fight the infection in combination with the liver issues. She passed on Jan 3rd and was only 44.

I will be 55 in May.... My Dr does not want me or any other patient to work out other than walking for 8-12 weeks. I just lost friend to a leak , who was 4 months post op from gastric bypass, who apparently caused the leak at the gym. Nonetheless, I will wait until I get the ok. I will be 6 weeks post op tomorrow. I am just disappointed and feel a little stressed about it. I'm sure it will come off eventually. I can't possible sustain this weight eating 600-800 calories a day...

Thank you for the kind words. I think my issue is that my entire life, no matter the effort, I 've been a slow loser and have had to work out 2 hours a day , 7 days a week to lose 1to1.5 lbs a week. I was so hoping this would be easier in some ways, that I could exercise without as much time and effort, not worry about building huge muscle to burn more calories. That my body would be happy with lower calories and the ability to just tone up and do average aerobics. It's discouraging. Wish the sleeve would have been around 25 years ago. I am just disappointed today, once I meet with the surgeon, the stress of not meeting their goal will take some pressure off. I hate disappointing others and myself. At my age it

What am I doing wrong? I was fat before my sleeve and now fat and depressed. I am so happy for all of you that are losing and so happy with your sleeve. I lost 5.5 lbs on my pre-op liquid diet and another 8.5 the two weeks following my Dec 28th surgery. My Dr was very pleased with my loss although I knew it was lower than most . I am scheduled fior my 6 week follow up on Thursday and had a "goal" loss of 6 lbs suggested by my Dr. I have been at a standstill for four weeks. I'm trying to be patient, but that is turning into depression. I have no idea what to do other than starvation. I'm doing all things right and getting 600-800 calories a day. I'm not trying to burst anyone's bubble, just voicing my frustration. I hope I wake tomorrow 7 lbs lighter.

I am going to be 55 soon, only 6 weeks post op. This topic seemed to bring together many from my age group. Did anyone here have an issue with losing weight at the beginning? I have not lost any weight since my 2 week check up and it's getting discouraging. I have but one day to lose the the 6 lb goal that my Dr gave me. I dread going to the Dr's and nutritionist appointments on Thursday.

I wish I had some words of wisdom, but it seems natural to sit at the same weight for awhile , check out this topic. I have been at a standstill and it will be 4 weeks tomorrow, haven't lost a pound since my 2 week follow up. :-( http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/30314-is-it-the-infamous-3-week-stall-or-is-it-3-weeks-of-stalling/page__fromsearch__1

Update.... I will be 6 weeks post op tomorrow. I have not lost a thing in almost 4 weeks, since my 2 week check up. I was given a goal of losing 6lbs and now have but one full day to do that in. I have a Dr's and nutritionist appointment on Thursday. I have seen a drop of about 2lbs, but then the next day it's right back on the scale. I hope a miracle happens by Thursday, I am embarrassed to go to the Dr's without any weight loss. I get all my protein, little to no carbs and plenty of water. I don't know what else to do. :-( I hate being old. All the young ones seem to have the weight just fall off. I hate to think this was all done for nothing.

Congratulations! Today will be the first day of the rest of your NEW life. Many successes to you.

I would also like the shakes document. It will not allow me to open it.Would you please send it to my e-mail? sos@myfairpoint.net thank you..

The one suggestion that someone here at VST made to me, was to bring ear plugs and they were a God send for the hospital and may be for your friends house. Sip,sip,sip and walk,walk,walk is all you'll want to do to get rid of gas. The best of lick to you!

Congratulations on getting approved! I too had lots of denials over 11 months and had lost weight. My Dr. Said that they use the first weight you ever had at the nutritionist. So when they send to the insurance company, that's the weight they use. I was under 40 and it was not an issue. The best of luck to you.

This topic has been written here many times. I too went through a period of waking in the early am around 2:00 - 3:00 for the day . Many have explained it to me as a symptom of ketosis which you actually want to be in to lose fat. It was about two weeks for me and now I 'm the opposite. I'm a good sleeper and find it difficult to roll off the bed in the am. I bought some Melatonin, but have never had to take one. I also try to get most of my Protein in by 3:00 pm as I had always had this issue with low carb diets. I wish you the best of luck in finding what works fr you.

E-girl... You are doing this for all the right reasons. I am only 5 weeks out and can already eat most of my favorite foods. I had Mexican food on Friday evening. I had Shepard's pie yesterday. Yes, I can only have 1/3-1/2 cup of my favorites, but you learn to eat slow, savor ever morsel and enjoy what you put in your mouth more than you ever had. I promise you there are many folks that get stressed about what they will miss, but reality you can have everything and a small bite satisfies you. I am sure this is only going to get better for me. I am anxious to try salad, I loved salads and wraps. Now I can have a small wrap made on a 6 inch tortilla shell instead of an 18 inch. I may not even be able to finish it, but I can have it, and feel total satisfaction. I always get my protein first and then hopefully can put in some carbs one meal a day. You'll see, a new healthier you. Your friends will be amazed and envious. Good luck on Tuesday.

I used the G3-Recover. It's the highest protein and tastes pretty good. It is not sugar free, but at this point, who worries about calories? You're taking in so little. I got it at Walmart in the powdered protein section. ttp://www.gatorade.com/default.aspx#product?s=recover

Wow!! Cheap in comparison to mine.

I too had a required EGD, they where looking for ulcers, H-Pylori, Hiatal Hernia and any other types of abnormalities that could later cause issues with your new tummy. I just looked up the cost on my ins website... charges were 537.00 paid 376.50 for the Dr. 4186.94 paid 4186.94 for the hospital and 253.00 paid 233.00 for the pathologist. I believe the anesthesiologist was part of the hospital and not billed separately because they are now a hospital owned group. I think if you run it through your insurance they will pay for it especially if they find something or you already have a diagnosis such as acid reflux. If the Dr codes it as obesity, they may reject it, but running it through forces the providers to accept the "customary charges" opposed to the full charges as listed above. I actually was surprised to see how close the charges were. to to the actual allowed. My Dr charged 4190.00 for the actual VSG surgery and was only paid 1607.32. I personally think that is a little low considering the detailed, excellent care and responsibility that she had. My suggestion to you is ALWAYS run everything through your insurance no matter how insignificant it seems. I wish you the best.. It'll all be worth it in the end.

Your story seems similar to mine, no adverse moments in my journey with the exception of a three week stall and constipation issues. I have actually only lost 13 lbs in 5 weeks. :-) I'm looking foward to my 6 week follow up appointment next week and a real weigh in at the Dr's. I hope our journeys continue uneventful.

I wish you the best of luck, slow losing may be better in the long run, maybe we won't have any hanging anything. (That would be a miracle) Although just a few pounds and I am getting turkey jowls. Just four more months I may be considered "Senior Citizen" at many restaurants, so I guess I've earned them. :-) My sister had this surgery On August 30th, she looked like she was losing weight, but claims she had a 5 week stall. She has been sort of a roller coaster loser, nothing for a couple weeks than a good drop. She is almost at goal, lost 8 lbs in the last two weeks which is huge considering she is so small. I'll keep hoping it all works out..

I wrote about this same discouraging subject last evening. It seems that it's a common issue when we convert from liquids to food. Patience is what we need right now, our bodies will adjust and the weight will come off. The experienced people here all share similar stories. Good luck!