lsereno

Hi all, Today I weighed 165 (Not reflected on my ticker: I only update it once per week on Fridays). I have exactly 30 lbs. to go to my goal: 135 and a BMI of 21.8!! I'm so excited. It's been about four and half months since my surgery date. I'm scared of the inevitable slow down in losing as more time passes and I get closer to goal. I have noticed I am getting hungrier. Nothing like pre-op thank goodness! I'm working out 6 days a week and sticking pretty close to my program guidelines. I'm participating in the Halloween Challenge and I check in there every Friday. I missed last Friday because we were gone on vacation and I didn't have access to a scale. I'm hoping to be at goal at 8 months from my surgery date. That's assuming I can continue a 10 lb. per month weight loss. I think 9 months may be more realistic, what with the holidays and a planned trip to Japan in December. I have not weighed 135 since the late 80s. My joints still hurt a bit and I'm hoping these last 30 lbs. will help that. I'm already off my blood pressure meds and high cholesterol med. Currently, I'm wearing medium tops and size 12 pants. The pants are a little baggy, but I'm going to wait a few weeks before buying new ones. I am finally feeling like my pre-surgery self in terms of energy. It took me longer than many on the board. Now, I'm hoping to feel more energetic in the months to come. What with nearly 90 lbs. gone since beginning the pre-op diet, I should be way more energetic! 30 lbs and counting! Lynda

I had melon, strawberries, and mango during my soft food stage. Also tried a few bites of fresh peach and nectarine. My program's equivilant to the mushie stage (weeks 3-6), allowed all soft fruits, skin removed. Lynda

Ugh. Rootman and Diva, I know you guys are right. I guess I will just wait till i get to goal and see if there's anything that bugs me so much I want it suctioned or cut off :-) In the meantime, I will be rubbing and exercising anyway. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a placebo effect :-) Lynda

I'm with Diva, I haven't heard of anyone getting an air bubble trapped. My program didn't want us using straws because you could swallow air and be uncomfortable. We were told many people have a problem with gas for a few weeks after surgery and swallowing extra air makes it worse. I used a one ounce medicine cup and a measuring cup after surgery to get my fluids in. I took tiny sips from the one ounce cup, working to finish it in 15 minutes. That's 4 oz. per hour and if you are up 16 hours, that makes 64 oz. per day. I used the measuring cup as a pitcher so I didn't have to get out of bed every 15 minutes to refill my medicine cup. I also agree with Diva that it helps to practice sipping ahead of time. It won't seem so strange after surgery if you have practiced a bit first. Lynda

I believe in massaging the areas where you want the fat to disappear. I have those fat pads too so when I take a shower, I rub the heck out of them, along with that little bulge on my lower tummy and the other areas that I am sincerely hoping disappear with the next 30 lbs. I lose. Who knows if it works, but it makes me feel like I am doing something. It definitely increases blood flow to the area. Try a back exercise for the fat pads. I believe the dumbell rows will target the area that is closest to the fat pads (at least where mine are): http://exercise.about.com/library/blbackexercises.htm Lynda

I followed my program guidelines. I was allowed decaf immediately, but I didn't have any for a couple of weeks probably. My tummy was really picky at first, and I was afraid it wouldn't sit well. I drank Starbucks or Peets decaf for the first three months, and now I am back to caffiene. Yeah! I generally get mine in by having a Soy Milk Latte in the morning. Gets in 8 oz. of fluids and 8 grams of Protein with my caffeine fix. Lynda

Congrats Tiffykins! Tatum looks pretty already. Can't wait to see her adorable face in a couple of months. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. It brings a smile to my face. Lynda

I like Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame. 70 calories and 7 grams of Protein per ounce. Do not mistake this for Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame. It is nasty!!!! If you are not uber-restricting carbs, I also like Anderson's Split Pea and Bacon Soup, 140 calories, 23 grams carbs, 10 grams protein per cup or Dennison's Fat Free Chili, 210 calories, 29 grams carbs, 20 grams protein. They will be especially nice in these cool winter months coming up. I get an extra 8 grams of protein in by having a soy milk latte midmorning. I use 8th Continent Original, which has 80 calories, 7 grams carbs, and 8 grams protein. Sometimes at night I have a cup of soy milk heated with a little sugar free caramel syrup. Satisfies my sweet tooth and it's another 8 grams of protein! I read you don't like Greek Yogurt. Try it in a smoothie to hide the yogurty taste and thickness. I make one with 3/4 cup greek yogurt (one with at least 20 grams of protein per cup and no fat), 1/8 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup Water, 2 strawberries, and three tablespoons of Splenda. It's pretty sweet, satisfies my fruit craving in the morning, and is the texture of a thin milkshake. I agree with other posters: exercise first thing in the morning. Make an appt. with yourself. You deserve to feel better!!! Set out your workout stuff the night before and get up earlier if you have too. Also, track your food and water intake and your exercise till you are in the groove again. Tracking and exercise are two of the top habits of people who keep their weight off. Best wishes getting back on track. You can do it!!! And you are worth it!! Think how nice it will be to get old and be healthy. Lynda

Hi, I had my surgery on May 17 at Kaiser Fremont. I am 54 yrs old, weighed 222 and I am 5'6". The Dr. repaired a small, undiagnosed hiatal hernia while he was in there. My outside stitches were the dissolving type and by the time my steristrips fell off, they were long gone. I found the pain medication at the hospital and at home (generic liquid lortab) effective as long as I didn't put pressure on my tummy. It hurt when I sat up or twisted, but not as long as I laid still, sat still, or even while walking. I was able to sip and walk as soon as I was allowed. I didn't pick stuff up off the floor for several days and I slept propped with pillows to mimic a hospital bed with my knees and upper back raised for about a week. I had discomfort- not pain. My stomach rumbled like a mac truck was driving through it. I felt tired, weak, and like I had been slugged in the stomach. I had diarrhea for about the first two weeks. I discovered I was lactose-intolerant following surgery (fairly common, but it goes away for most people after a few months), and when I gave up all milk products except yogurt, the diarrhea slacked off to 2-3 times per day, slowly returning to normal for me (once a day). I think 20 days will probably be enough time off, but you will be pooped after getting off work, so if you have home responsibilities, do whatever you can to make them easier on yourself. Everyone heals differently, so you are likely to hear a wide range of pain levels, tiredness levels, and complications after surgery. If you don't get enough responses to see a variety of information, poke around on the boards for older posts about this topic. Many people check in often in the days following surgery, so you can read their thoughts about the process as they were going through it. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery! Lynda

I started walking in the hospital and over the first couple of weeks increased the distance till I was able to join my walking group again. We walk fast for about 45 minutes twice a week. The first time out, I had to turn around after about 20 minutes, take a rest, and then walk slowly home with one more rest on the way. The second time out, I turned back after 20 minutes and walked slowly back with no rests. Third time out I walked the whole way. I know they walked a little slower for me the first few weeks, but not super slow. At 6 weeks, I went back to strength training with a trainer for 30 minutes three times per week. At 4 months, I joined another walking group, so I'm walking three times per week now. I have also switched up the strength training, adding in a couple of classes and cutting back the personal trainer to once a week. Wohoo! That saves me quite a bit every week! Here's my current schedule: Monday: Body Sculpt (30 minutes cardio, 30 minutes weights), 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Neighborhood Walking Group, 7:00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Body Pump (60 minutes weight training), 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Neighborhood Walking Group, 7:00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Friday, Strength training with trainer, 8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Saturday, Park Walking Group, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Sunday: Day Off My problem areas are some fat lumps under my arms, a thick tummy, and thunder thighs. My upper arms are flabby underneath, but I've got pretty good muscles there, so it may be that I'm stuck with that. I'm not targeting any areas yet. I'm going for all over strength building and praying the next 33 lbs. I lose takes care of the rest as much as possible. Lynda

I was a hot mess after surgery, I burst into tears when I had a fart that wasn't if you know what I mean. I was in bed about three days out and had to wash the sheets and my nightie. My poor mom and hubby were horrified when I started sobbing. Sheesh! I felt much better by the end of week two, although hubby found me a little snarky :-) I do feel grateful for the surgery, but it hasn't made me cry yet. Lynda

I kept my food log and I was eating 1/2 cup yogurt or cream Soup at 2 weeks out. For dense Protein (chicken, fish, beef, pork, or dense cheese), I have been able to eat 2 oz. at most meals since about a month out. Lynda

I have felt that way several times. Guess I was a slow learner! But Kelly is right, don't eat too fast and measure your food and it will fix it. Also, I can't eat bread, it makes me feel sick. That may have been part of it. I can eat crackers (two to three saltines or 5 small whole wheat crackers), but the soft bread bothers me. I was afraid I couldn't throw up after surgery, but I did one day after eating a few bites of peach at Breakfast. It came up so fast it shocked me. I had the pain for just a minute, then whoosh! Also I got the foamies a couple of times after overeating. Really gross!! I was trying to eat to much to get my Protein in. I finally backed off and realized it's not worth it to feel bad. You can always drink more protein if necessary. Lynda

I'm 55 and I love to eat out and have a few drinks. I'm waiting till the 6 month post surgery because that's what my Dr. recommends. I know many people have started having drinks earlier, but I'm most comfortable following my Dr's program. Also, I'm worried about transfer addiction and the way alcohol loosens me up to eat a lot of Snacks, so I'll be monitoring my drinking closely post-op. I do miss drinking, but I have something fun and I'm always the designated driver now :-) At first, I couldn't have caffeine, so I just had still Water with a splash of cranberry juice when at a bar. Now I have that, coffee, or an iced tea. For the food, I often order off the appetizer menu, but sometimes I order a full dinner and just take part home. Like others, I concentrate on Protein when eating out, just like at home. I can't eat the soft part of the bread (makes me sick), but I do eat a bite or two off the crust if they restaurant has good bread. some of my meals: PF Changs: Lettuce Wraps, Tuna Takati, Oolong Marinated Sea Bass Coastal restaurants: Crab or shrimp cocktail, clam chowder, grilled sardines, BBQ: Smoked chicken, pork ribs When you're hanging out on the boat with friends, just make sure you have stuff you can have and that you like and you won't feel deprived (at least I don't!). I like the Diet Lipton Citrus Green Tea when it's hot and I like having a Soy Latte when it's cold (can't tolerate milk since the operation). For snacks, I eat popcorn, beef stick bites, lite salami, watermelon or cantaloupe or something like that. I have also eaten a few chips or crackers. If everyone is having desert, sometimes I have a bite too. I'm not hungry like I used to be, so I don't eat as much snacks as I used to and I almost never have sweets. A few bites and I'm happy with that. Lynda

Breakfast: Yogurt shake with 3/4 cup plain fat free greek yogurt, 2 strawberries, 1/8 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup Water and 3 tablespoons Splenda: 120 calories,16 grams Protein Snack: Soy Latte with 1 cup soy milk and 2 shots espresso: 90 calories, 8 grams protein Lunch: Lite cheese stick, 1 oz. lite salami, 1/3 cup roasted butternut squash (roasted with 1 teaspoon olive oil): 200 calories, 15 grams protein Snack: 1/4 cup watermelon: 15 calories Dinner: 2 oz. ground beef, 1/3 cup roasted butternut squash (roasted with 1 teaspoon olive oil): 220 calories, 14 grams protein Snack: 1 cup soy milk with 1 tablespoon sugar free caramel syrup: 90 calories, 8 grams of protein Total: 61 grams of protein, 735 calories For the fluids, I just keep working on it through the day. I track it using a whiteboard on my fridge door and try to get to 3-4 cups by lunchtime and 5-6 cups by late afternoon. I also use the white board to track my protein intake. I'm not currently tracking calories, carbs, fat grams per day, but I'm very aware of what I'm eating. Lynda

Congrats to you Super Woman! I can just picture your victory dance. I keep practicing mine in my head. Hope I get to use it soon! Lynda

When my clothes get pretty baggy, I replace them. I don't wait till my pants fall down on their own. When I replace them, I buy new ones that are quite snug. I'm buying just a little at a time. I try to keep two pairs of jeans, two pair of workout pants, 5-6 tops and a couple of sweaters. I had some smaller clothes I had outgrown that I was able to add back in, but those are all gone now. I buy at Walmart and Target. I also got a new coat at costco. Just $35, but I needed something. My old coats were swimming on me. Lynda

Hi all, I lost .8 lbs. this week. It's the second time since surgery that I have had such a small loss in a week. First time was the notorious 3 week stall. I lost .5 that week I think. Last week I lost a lot (3.5), so maybe this week is just evening that out a bit. Still on track for my Halloween goal and still have lost every week since the surgery. I have 3.8 lbs. to go till I can join the 30 lbs. or less to lose group. I'm really looking forward to that! I did my new exercise class on Monday and Wednesday this week. Next week we will be on vacation so eating will be a bit of a challenge. My plan is to have some vanilla Protein Powder in my Soy Latte for Breakfast (normally I have greek yogurt for breakfast), string cheese and Jerky or beef sticks for lunch, dense Protein at dinner and an unjury chicken protein at night. That will get me to 60 grams of protein a day and still under 800 calories. I will have a few more calories that usual at lunch and dinner because I won't have the same low cal options I have at home. This is my first vacation post-sleeve that doesn't involve going somewhere with a fridge. It will be good practice for my trip to Japan later this year. Halloween Goal: SW-177.............CW-173.1...............Halloween Goal-159 Sept 2: 175 Sept. 9: 173.1 Sept 16: 169.6 Sept 23: 168.8 Sept 30: Oct 7: Oct 14: Oct 21: Oct 28: Halloween:

Congrats! It's not even October yet! Maybe a new mini-goal for Halloween? Edited to add: Well just saw you are under goal!! Lucky you - I can't wait to join you. Guess you'll have to work on something besides losing weight between now and Halloween! I can't wait to join you on the Goalies Bench :-) 33.8 lbs to go for me. Lynda

Hi PenguinLover, I buy mine online. I couldn't find it at any stores locally. I didn't order it till post-op because I had some other stuff I had bought and tolerated well pre-surgery (I tolerated it well after a couple of weeks post-op too, but not at first!). It came pretty quick, thank goodness! Lynda

Oooh the first week. I had a pain on my right side and it was swollen there. It hurt when I moved around much, like getting in and out of bed. I developed diarrhea and found out I was lactose intolerant. My gut rumbled like there was a mac truck in there. I was tired big time. I gained 16 lbs. from fluids during my overnight hospital stay. I'm just telling you guys this so you know you are not alone. Now, at 4 months plus a few days, I am in size 10s and 12s pants, medium tops (down from 18-20 pants and 2x -3x tops). I've lost 53 lbs. post surgery and have just 34 lbs. to go to my goal, 135, which will put me at 21.8 BMI. Things that helped me the first week: Drinking from a one ounce medicine cup. Small sips, one medicine cup every 15 minutes. I used a 1 cup measuring cup as a pitcher so I didn't have to hop up and down every 15 minutes to refill my medicine cup. I drank in tiny sips, taking the 15 minutes to finish the ounce. Keeping this up all day got me to 64 oz. by the end of the day. unjury chicken Protein powder: I tolerated this better than anything else. I walked around the house every hour or two and took one to two longer walks every day. I used pillows to make my bed like the hospital bed. I used one big one under my knees and three behind my head. I mostly wore a loose nightgown and no undies. I lotioned my poor stretched skin. It took about 8 days to release the fluids the IV pumped in me. Taking my pain meds. I know a lot of people didn't need them, but I did. They kept me comfortable and I slept well at night. I had hoped I would be one of those people who felt great after day two and was rarin' to go by the end of the first week, but I wasn't. Everyone's recovery is different. But we all do recover! Best wishes to all of you recent VSGers and welcome to the losers' bench! Lynda

Kaiser Fremont guidelines are Protein first, followed by vegetables or fruit. If there is room after than, a small amount of starch, such as 1/2 slice of bread or 1/4 c. potato. I never have room for the starch. Sometimes I don't have room for anything but 2 oz. of protein. We are to try to get our protein from food, but if that's not possible, then a Protein Drink in the evening to get the protein in. 65 grams of protein per day, at least 64 oz. of fluids (caffeinated coffee does not count towards total because it's a diuretic). 400-900 calories per day weeks 6-12. 600-1200 calories per day 12 weeks to 1 year. I get in around 600-800 calories per day. Lately (4 months and a few days), my diet looks like this: Breakfast: 16 grams protein, 120 calories: greek yogurt smoothie with 3/4 C. yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 2 strawberries, 1/4 C Water and 3 T Splenda Midmorning: 8 grams protein, 90 calories: Soy Latte with 1 cup light soymilk, 2 shots of espresso Lunch: 15 grams protein, 150 calories: 1 lite string cheese and 1 oz. light salami, 1/3 C. melon Dinner: 14 grams protein, 170 calories: 2 oz. dense protein (chicken, pork, fish, or beef), 1/4 C. mixed vegetables After dinner: 8 grams protein, 90 calories: Soy milk with a little sugar free caramel syrup That puts me at 60 grams of protein and 620 calories. I settle for that even though the program wants us to have 65. Lynda

I buy it at Walmart. Lynda

Meggie, Congrats - You look great and so happy! It's obvious that you are rockin' your sleeve and getting skinnier and healthier every week. Thank you for sharing your pictures. They are inspiring! Lynda

For people you cannot get away from easily (family, co-workers, etc.) who continue to make comments after you've said something, I would be very direct and say "When you say something like that, it makes me feel bad. Please don't do that." Follow that with disengaging from conversation with them by walking away or, if you can't walk away, turning away and busying yourself with anything else. Stick with that every time they do it. Don't rise to the bait or engage them at their own level. Of course, we can always come here to rant and rave about them! You'll find my personal rant in the Rants and Raves section here: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/23101-you-weigh-less-than-me-and-you-better-not-weigh-less-than-me/ Lynda