former_vbg

We need to give him a little slack though here. To compare the difficulty of being on liquids before surgery and after surgery is almost night and day. Prior to surgery, we are relying soley on our own willpower and well, let's face it, if that's all it took- none of us would need surgery. Post surgery, our entire body has gone through shock and physically most people don't have that same sensation of hunger. I won't say everyone is like that, but I think that is most.
Anyhow, just do the best you can on this and understand that if your surgeon is really strict on the pre-op diet that you risk having to reschedule your surgery. Probably not unless you really blow it, but it's something you want to look into.

What everyone has said is correct. In the scheme of things, not that going off plan is good- but think about what you might have eaten on a "bad day" pre-surgery? Might it have more likely included Cookies, chocolate, pizza, ice cream, etc?
Focus on this being a new day. Remind yourself you are in the honeymoon phase and that you want to make the most out of this. You can do this!

One thing I would HIGHLY recommend you research is the issues with malabsorption with the GP. In short, after about 12 to 18 months, the body typically resets itself and while it might only actually absorb half the calories you are consuming for that first 12 to 18 months, steadily your body will adjust and absorb more calories until you are almost where you were prior to surgery. So, if you were used to eating say 1,500 to 2,000 calories after surgery, your body is likely going to only absorb half of that in the beginning. Eventually, your body will adjust and it will start seeing all or nearly all of those calories leading to weight gain because you won't realize what is happening with your body. This is most often what leads to re-gain for those that have the GP.
Also, understand that you are signing up for frequent labwork for LIFE to be sure your body is getting the necessary Vitamins it needs to keep you from having other health issues. Just imagine if you had this surgery, started regaining weight and left with the side effects of having to take a laundry list of Vitamins just to stay healthy. No thank you!
Just try to research the best you can. Ultimately you have to feel comfortable with your own choice. Just sharing some of the thoughts that went into how I made my decision for the sleeve. I have absolutely no regrets except that I didn't do it sooner!

I don't really have anything new to add that hasn't already been said really. But, now that I'm nearly at goal, and people are actually calling me "skinny" (a very odd thing to get used to but I graciously say thank you) and that feeling of being noticed and not blending in with the woodwork if you will is hard to get used to. Like others have said, I intentionally tried not to draw attention to myself because I didn't want people to look at how fat I was. Now that I am wearing size 4 slacks, can tuck in shirts confidently to show off my slimming figure (compression shirt for the loose skin of course), but just today I had 3 people at work say, "Wow, you are really skinny!!". Now, these same people didn't treat me ugly before, but there is a definite difference when out in public how we are treated according to what we weigh. The perception of someone who is overweight is that we are lazy, unmotivated, and some even think "dumb". Part of that is because for those who don't understand the need for the WLS, that we should "just control our portions and not eat unhealthy...." like that's the silver bullet. They just do not understand the issues behind obesity.
I had to go see a specialist today (first time I had met him), and we were discussing my risk factors for future blood clots, etc.. His exact words were, "well, since you are so active and thin, you are not in the high risk category....". I about did a double take to see who he was talking to that was "thin". Yes, I know I am looking pretty good right now, but it is an adjustment.
I also know that while I was always a confident person before, never had a problem speaking my mind, that I do walk differently, and on some level demonstrate just a bit more degree of confidence. When i speak up at a meeting, I no longer worry whether someone will discount my opinion because I was so fat. To be fair, I didn't do much to dress anymore than the required business casual before. Now, thanks to thrift stores, I have lots of nice dress suits, slacks, etc and I dress quite nicely now. I need to work on my hair, but that's another story. Until my Hair loss gets under control, I am quite limited on what I can do short of a wig.
Anyhow, I try to take things in stride the best I can. The people that probably upset me the most in these situations is those that didn't want anything to do with me when I was heavy and now want to pretend like they have been my best friend all along. I am civil with them, but certainly don't do anything to encourage anything more than a civil friendship with them.

In dress type slacks, most often it's a size 4- depends on the manufacturer. In dress suits, size 10 petites usually. In jeans, size 4's or 6's. My one year anniversary is this coming Thursday. I had hoped to be at goal by my anniversary but I'm ok with it- I'm very close to goal. I think that if I had the loose skin removed, I would be a size down in everything automatically, but financially, that isn't in the cards right now. Plus, it seems that most surgeons recommend waiting for your weight to stabilize for at least 6 plus months (prefer a year) before doing plastics to be sure you have leveled out where you are going to stay. We'll just see where I'm at then.
I've had some people tell me I shouldn't loose anymore weight, but what I have learned by taking a few polls with close personal friends that I know I can trust their answers is that I look like I weigh less than I really do which really has almost always been the case. Imagine hearing, "You're not that big.... when you are 200+". I never really knew if that's what they thought or were just patronizing me. Either way, deep down I knew different. This will put me smack in the middle of the BMI range scale. Not that I hold that as golden, but I am using it as my guide. The plan is that once I reach maintenance, I will plan to monitor my weight in that if I start to exceed 125 or WORST case 130 (I tend to put on weight just by looking at bad food it seems), that I know it's time to get busy and get things under control. I have learned to "listen" to my body and when I did a 10 to 12# regain after my long trip to Europe earlier this Spring, I started having that tighteness in my body knowing my body had taken on extra weight and it didn't feel good. So, I'm hoping I experience the same feeling once I level off at goal and if any weight were to start coming back. I know that getting to goal is only half the battle, but I'm determined to make it work. I've worked too hard to get here. The bottom line in how much you decide to loose is to base it on how you know your body to be and of course suggestions from your Dr. One other thing is that I am finding that over time, my weight is somewhat redistributing. My face is a perfect example. There will be weeks or more where my face looks real gaunt, but then before I know it, it just seems like overnight, it will look more normal- thinner but not gaunt. Our bodies just have to have time to adjust.

Sure, I'm 5'3". I'm doing the no carb thing right now and hitting the exercise EXTRA hard to zero in on the final goal. I want to see that 120# so bad I can just taste it!!

Ok, the first part of the week started out not looking so good and then *poof*, it started to start happening for me. Hope next week is just as good. I started spinning class 2x a week and Zuma 2x a week, so I'm sure that's helping. 5# weight loss this week!!! If I make it past my goal, I'm just going to keep working towards my final goal!!! Hard to believe I'm this close. It seems soooo close, yet soooo far away if that makes any sense!
Starting Surgery Weight: 271
Current weight: 133
4th July Goal weight: 130
Final Goal weight: 120

For years, I have "collected" various size clothes as my weight has yo yo'd over the years. And, as someone who hates shopping, this was just the way I chose to deal with having to wear different size clothes all these years. I literally had about 25' of clothes on hangers down in the basement ranging from sizes 8 to 26. I've had to go through my closet over the past year several times as my weight has gone down, but for some reason it has taken me until now to get the guts to really shed these clothes ONCE and FOREVER! Part of me is a little nervous to let them go for that fear of "what if".... but many of these clothes now are not in style, so its not all bad.
Anyhow, I got 8 boxes of clothes, work, casual, etc... shoes and such.... and they are now loaded in the car and I'm off to the Goodwill store shortly.
The ironic thing is I'm now wearing smaller clothes than anything I had down in my "basement store". I just can't believe I can wear size 4's!!!

Sure, I'm 5'3". I'm doing the no carb thing right now and hitting the exercise EXTRA hard to zero in on the final goal. I want to see that 120# so bad I can just taste it!!

Ok, the first part of the week started out not looking so good and then *poof*, it started to start happening for me. Hope next week is just as good. I started spinning class 2x a week and Zuma 2x a week, so I'm sure that's helping. 5# weight loss this week!!! If I make it past my goal, I'm just going to keep working towards my final goal!!! Hard to believe I'm this close. It seems soooo close, yet soooo far away if that makes any sense!
Starting Surgery Weight: 271
Current weight: 133
4th July Goal weight: 130
Final Goal weight: 120

I don't really have anything new to add that hasn't already been said really. But, now that I'm nearly at goal, and people are actually calling me "skinny" (a very odd thing to get used to but I graciously say thank you) and that feeling of being noticed and not blending in with the woodwork if you will is hard to get used to. Like others have said, I intentionally tried not to draw attention to myself because I didn't want people to look at how fat I was. Now that I am wearing size 4 slacks, can tuck in shirts confidently to show off my slimming figure (compression shirt for the loose skin of course), but just today I had 3 people at work say, "Wow, you are really skinny!!". Now, these same people didn't treat me ugly before, but there is a definite difference when out in public how we are treated according to what we weigh. The perception of someone who is overweight is that we are lazy, unmotivated, and some even think "dumb". Part of that is because for those who don't understand the need for the WLS, that we should "just control our portions and not eat unhealthy...." like that's the silver bullet. They just do not understand the issues behind obesity.
I had to go see a specialist today (first time I had met him), and we were discussing my risk factors for future blood clots, etc.. His exact words were, "well, since you are so active and thin, you are not in the high risk category....". I about did a double take to see who he was talking to that was "thin". Yes, I know I am looking pretty good right now, but it is an adjustment.
I also know that while I was always a confident person before, never had a problem speaking my mind, that I do walk differently, and on some level demonstrate just a bit more degree of confidence. When i speak up at a meeting, I no longer worry whether someone will discount my opinion because I was so fat. To be fair, I didn't do much to dress anymore than the required business casual before. Now, thanks to thrift stores, I have lots of nice dress suits, slacks, etc and I dress quite nicely now. I need to work on my hair, but that's another story. Until my Hair loss gets under control, I am quite limited on what I can do short of a wig.
Anyhow, I try to take things in stride the best I can. The people that probably upset me the most in these situations is those that didn't want anything to do with me when I was heavy and now want to pretend like they have been my best friend all along. I am civil with them, but certainly don't do anything to encourage anything more than a civil friendship with them.

I've been going through the same thing. It's just weird to look at the smaller sizes and go, "no way...." but indeed YES WAY!!!

I've been going through the same thing. It's just weird to look at the smaller sizes and go, "no way...." but indeed YES WAY!!!

For years, I have "collected" various size clothes as my weight has yo yo'd over the years. And, as someone who hates shopping, this was just the way I chose to deal with having to wear different size clothes all these years. I literally had about 25' of clothes on hangers down in the basement ranging from sizes 8 to 26. I've had to go through my closet over the past year several times as my weight has gone down, but for some reason it has taken me until now to get the guts to really shed these clothes ONCE and FOREVER! Part of me is a little nervous to let them go for that fear of "what if".... but many of these clothes now are not in style, so its not all bad.
Anyhow, I got 8 boxes of clothes, work, casual, etc... shoes and such.... and they are now loaded in the car and I'm off to the Goodwill store shortly.
The ironic thing is I'm now wearing smaller clothes than anything I had down in my "basement store". I just can't believe I can wear size 4's!!!

For years, I have "collected" various size clothes as my weight has yo yo'd over the years. And, as someone who hates shopping, this was just the way I chose to deal with having to wear different size clothes all these years. I literally had about 25' of clothes on hangers down in the basement ranging from sizes 8 to 26. I've had to go through my closet over the past year several times as my weight has gone down, but for some reason it has taken me until now to get the guts to really shed these clothes ONCE and FOREVER! Part of me is a little nervous to let them go for that fear of "what if".... but many of these clothes now are not in style, so its not all bad.
Anyhow, I got 8 boxes of clothes, work, casual, etc... shoes and such.... and they are now loaded in the car and I'm off to the Goodwill store shortly.
The ironic thing is I'm now wearing smaller clothes than anything I had down in my "basement store". I just can't believe I can wear size 4's!!!

For years, I have "collected" various size clothes as my weight has yo yo'd over the years. And, as someone who hates shopping, this was just the way I chose to deal with having to wear different size clothes all these years. I literally had about 25' of clothes on hangers down in the basement ranging from sizes 8 to 26. I've had to go through my closet over the past year several times as my weight has gone down, but for some reason it has taken me until now to get the guts to really shed these clothes ONCE and FOREVER! Part of me is a little nervous to let them go for that fear of "what if".... but many of these clothes now are not in style, so its not all bad.
Anyhow, I got 8 boxes of clothes, work, casual, etc... shoes and such.... and they are now loaded in the car and I'm off to the Goodwill store shortly.
The ironic thing is I'm now wearing smaller clothes than anything I had down in my "basement store". I just can't believe I can wear size 4's!!!

For years, I have "collected" various size clothes as my weight has yo yo'd over the years. And, as someone who hates shopping, this was just the way I chose to deal with having to wear different size clothes all these years. I literally had about 25' of clothes on hangers down in the basement ranging from sizes 8 to 26. I've had to go through my closet over the past year several times as my weight has gone down, but for some reason it has taken me until now to get the guts to really shed these clothes ONCE and FOREVER! Part of me is a little nervous to let them go for that fear of "what if".... but many of these clothes now are not in style, so its not all bad.
Anyhow, I got 8 boxes of clothes, work, casual, etc... shoes and such.... and they are now loaded in the car and I'm off to the Goodwill store shortly.
The ironic thing is I'm now wearing smaller clothes than anything I had down in my "basement store". I just can't believe I can wear size 4's!!!

About 2-weeks ago I bought (ordered online) some size 12 pants because my 14 were way to large on me. I bought some jeans and dress pants, and a XL belt. They arrived and I was floating in them. Thankfuly I had to go to Atlanta Friday, so I decided I needed to return them. I did, and much to my surpise I was able to put on a size 10. Never in my entire life would I have thought I could be that size. Much less not wear a XL top. Well, I'm down to a 10 in pants and skirts and a L in tops and dresses. Nice.
However the sales lady brought me a size 8 in jeans. I'm thinking lady you are crazy. But, I got them on, zipped and was tucked into them. Much like wearing a size 24 like last year, but hello...I actually squezed into them! First lesson learned, no more buying pants online...I need to try them on now.
It's funny. I look at myself in the smaller sized clothes, and yes, I do love the classic lines I can finally wear. But, to be honest, I would be totally happy if I could stay in a 10. Who knows where this journey will take me, but I'm lovin' it.
What I do hate is my saggy skin on my leggs. I hate wearing shorts and swim suits. I know I'll have to have surgery for this, my arms and tummy, but that's to come in the future.
Good luck with your journey. I'm grateful for how far we've all come.
Cheles

Well ... I'm sad/happy to say that yes, thin people are treated differently. But to echo what Lissa said, it is hard to blame people on the way we have all been conditioned. To be honest, it is on my list as one of the reasons to have the surgery. It has always been obvious to me in the work world that I was discriminated against. How was I going to change this? It is profiling, yes, but that is the reality of it. I challenge everyone on here not to profile in one way or another. It is just hard not to do.

thats a thought of mine too..i have yet to be sleeved but im wondering how others are going to act once i cross onto the losers bench..as of right now on my Facebook i dont have a picture of my as my profile pic..what i do have is a sign that says *under construction check back soon* haha..my motto is *if you weren't there at my worst you don't deserve me at my best*

Well, try to remember that this is a journey. But, also you CAN eat what you want if you do it in moderation. If it's potatoes and carrots you want, or even a slice of pie, it's not bad to treat yourself. Banning yourself from things you really want only makes people want them more. I treat myself from time to time. In fact for the past 1 1/2 months I have been basically eating whatever I want but because I can't eat much of it, I am able to keep things in check. Granted some of the junk goes down too well.
At the end of March, I took a 2 week vacation to Europe, gained 10# which I fully expected because I wasn't going to restrict myself to staying "on plan". It was my first trip across the big pond and I was going to experience all the different cultures while I was there. Since getting back I have spent the last month and a half getting caught up on "life", my dog got sick and passed away, etc... So, I just gave myself permission to "be human". Fortunately, I have basically maintained since getting back and last week made the commitment to get back on track so I can make it to my final goal. I have since lost 7 of the 10# I gained in Europe and I am going to stay focused until I reach my goal.
We can't be perfect all the time. I hope you do get a point where you do love your sleeve. I see you had your surgery last September. How are you doing with your weight loss?

The esophageal lining is made up of the exact same stuff that the remaining part of our stomach is made up of. I'm going to save any comments for a more respectable article. What is the Daily Mail anyway? Don't give any credence to someone (or their editor) who not only misspells esophagus, but won't even own up to their own article. The only author I see here is named Daily Mail Reporter.

I do not think you shoudl assume you need surgery again.
The sleeve is supposed to help us learn new habits, get away from old situations and relatonships with food. It was a long-term tool for longer term results.
maybe do the liquid boot-camp while getting back into the mentality you need to be Ok again.
I am not accusing but perhaos if I mention it will help...so with the risk of being the b***h - lets get real:
Your stomach has not expanded enough that if you are following an healthy lifestlye and "the rules" yo uwould be gaining any real amount of weight.
You have to sick to healthy foods - and you can't ignore that carbs, sodas, fats, and junk/fast/fried foods are no good.
To be gaining you are doing something different than what you were doing to lose. That's it in a nutshell.
The malabsorptive route will not help in the long run if you do not correct your habits.
I don't want to be mean and I sure didn't intend to - I want you (all of us) to be okay, and successful.

Those are good questions to have the information from. You can do another surgery if needed, but can gain wait ofter that procedure is done. So is there any way you can try going back to the basics and eat Protein first and veggies? It would be worth a try. Also, look into what emotional eating is and work on catching yourself when your eating from emotions and not real hunger. Maybe getting into counseling could help you identify and stop the triggers to eating when emotional.

Starting Surgery Weight: 271
Current weight: 138
4th July Goal weight: 130
Final Goal weight: 120
Lost 4# this week!!! Yeah! 4th of July here I come! I just realized I can now wear size 4 slacks!! OMG! I don;t think I have ever worn a size 4. I blew right past that number back in junior high!!