lsereno

Hi Lissa, Congrats! I'm so proud of you! Happy Birthday to the new you! Lynda

Boy have you hit the nail on the head! I have dealt with this in a number of other situations, but after reading your note, I realized I was sitting far enough back from my desk to accomodate my no longer present bulgy tummy. My biggest thing was I had to consciously work on the way I walked. My arms were too far out from my newly thin torso and my legs were swishing about a foot or air instead of jiggly thighs. Also I was kinda hunched to help even the load of 100+ extra pounds. I also had a hard time recognizing my clothes (they all looked too small!) when doing laundry or shopping and walking through spaces that were formerly too small, such as down a narrow isle in the store if someone is already in it. It's a fabulous problem to have, but it does require work. I wonder what else I'm still doing that I haven't thought about now that I've scooched my chair in! Lynda

On full liquids I was allowed greek yogurt and it really made me feel full. I also was allowed cream Soups that had been strained. I like Anderson's Split Pea. It was filling and sat well, which other brands of split pea did not. Lynda

My opinion? You are going to get a lot more comments on this journey. I am fortunate to have a little thicker skin going in because my Mom is young and beautiful and I have had a lifetime of people, some well-meaning and some not making awkward comments and pressing for personal details I don't care to share. My advice? Toughen up now and fasten your seat belt now and your journey will be easier. Think about the things you know people will say and come up with a set of responses. For example, in response to "Don't have this surgery, it's to dangerous": 1. Stranger: My doctor and I agree this is the best choice for my health. 2. Friend: That's so sweet of you to worry about me, but (repeat #1) 3. Family: Mom, why don't you come to the Doctors with me so you can ask questions. 4. Pushy stranger who continues after you say #1: Move away or end conversation as quickly as possible. I generally said something like "I have made my decision." and moved away or said "I don't care to discuss it further." I am at goal now and I have heard it all: You're not big enough. It's too dangerous. You'll gain it all back. You'll become too skinny. You'll die. You'll look old. Your skin will hang. You're too skinny. You look sick. You're going to blow away. I didn't recognize you. Is that all you eat? How much do you weigh? How much have you lost? You had surgery? ( This right after surgery - I guess they thought I would be instantly skinny after surgery) What's your goal? That's too small! You're going to be smaller than me. You're smaller than me! I wish I could have the surgery (from people 5-20 lbs overweight). You should stop losing. Do what's best for you and the rest will fall into place. Lynda

I'm so excited to be able to offer advice. The sleeve has been a lifesaver for me. I can't believe it's been a year and I'm at goal and seeing many others join the losers' bench! Lynda

I too developed lactose intolerance post-op. At over one year out, it is better but not gone. Immediately post-op I only tolerated

Hi, Try LIttle Miss Diva's Bootcamp: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/28139-the-basics-boot-camp/page__hl__bootcamp__fromsearch__1 You can also try reposting your message in another thread. This one is for success stories, so some people may not have seen your message asking for help getting back on track. Lynda

I couldn't eat more than a couple of bites of Pasta, rice, or untoasted bread till I was nearly 8 months out. I still can't eat a lot of them, but I can eat enough to be a small serving now. Lynda

Hi all, I'm a May 17, 2011 sleever. I didn't loose as fast as some, but slow and steady got me there. I was a relative lightweight -222 the day before surgery, so I got to goal in 9 months. For those of you with hunger, some people do feel hunger right away, but make sure it is not an acid issue. Does the Dr. have you on an acid-reducer? If not and you are hungry, I suggest calling and seeing if they will prescribe one. It may make a difference for you. For those having problems with Protein powder, one I like is

tntransplant06, Lots of good advice and words of encouragement here. I think you are doing a great job and it's really good you are working with a counselor to address food issues. I tried hypnotism before and did lose about 20 lbs, but gained it back after I quit listening to my tapes. I recommend using a scale to measure your food. It makes it easy and accurate. I just put my plate on the scale, hit the button that resets it to zero, then add Protein or whatever. I also use it to measure my yogurt in the morning instead of spooning it into a measuring cup and then a bowl. It's great for Snacks too. For example, I measure pretzels and watermelon with it. I find I have to eat a high-protein diet to keep hunger at bay. At least 65 grams and sometimes 80 grams per day. Some of my fav lower calorie protein snacks are: low fat cheese sticks low fat babybel cheese low fat salami fat free greek yogurt beef Jerky costco roast chicken 98% fat free ham and turkey lunch meats 99% fat free beef chili Best wishes on your continued journey, Lynda

For me it's a big 10. I am able to eat and drink whatever I like in smaller quantities, except most dairy. I can eat greek yogurt and firm cheeses, but everything else gets me. I switched to soy milk in my latte. I can tolerate dairy a little better now and occasionally have ice cream or whipped cream, but not much. I am at goal and have been maintaining a couple of months. I have a lot more energy now and I love the way I look. I do have some loose skin, but at 55, I didn't expect to look 30, so I'm OK with it. Lynda

I use the nutrition data on the package. I aim for 65+ grams of Protein a day and now, in maintenance, >1500 calories on average. Some days I eat more and some days less. It's working for me so far. I had stellar stats at my one year check up and I have been maintaining my weight for a couple of months now. Lynda

I started walking immediately and rode my bike after two weeks out. At 6 weeks out, I returned to strength training three times a week. Lynda

When you have to sip slowly. a trick for keeping your Water icy cold or hot is to use a well-insulated travel mug as a pitcher and a teeny cup (shot glass works well) as your drinking cup. Just keep refilling the small cup as you sip. The Contigo cups do a good job of keeping liquids warm/cold. Lynda

Tiffy-kins, Congrats on the boy! Rest up and take care of yourself. I am forever in your debt for being there for me throughout my journey. Your level-headed, honest replies to so many posts and your continued success in maintenance helped give me the confidence I needed to start the journey and the strength I needed to follow it through to goal and maintenance. Best wishes for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Lynda

Congrats Thinmint! Glad to hear your skin is tightening. I heard it can shrink for up to a year after your weight stablizes, Mine isn't terrible, but I'd like it to be better! Lynda

Lots of bad stuff. B12: Irreversible brain damage Calcium: Osteoporosis Iron: Tired I highly recommend taking the Vitamins. I put mine in a pill holder and keep them in my medicine cabinet. I take them when I brush my teeth and wash my face morning and evening. Lynda

M2G: Congrats on the labs and the svelte new look! Love the pics! Lynda

I ate a 6" inch on whole wheat with bbq chicken, lettuce, tomato, and bbq sauce the other day. Normally I can't eat all the bread, but for some reason I could that day. I am 1 yr. out. I agree with others, may stretch a bit, but if you stick with dense Protein and avoid too many noshes between meals, it won't be a problem. Good to see you back on the board! Lynda

I started eating it about 9 months out. I was afraid to try it sooner because I had issues with bread, rice, and Pasta early on. I eat 1/4 cup of oatmeal made with 1/2 cup of Water at Breakfast now instead of a slice of toast. Tastes great with a little splenda and I haven't had any problems. Lynda

I had crackers as soon as I was approved for them: 2 weeks out. I ate saltines. Just one or two with my lunch meat or cheese. Lynda

Remind yourself why you want the surgery. Picture your life in 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, in your old age. When you worry, go over these thoughts. If you are still worried, spend the time planning and cleaning so you are ready for a great recovery at home. You are close enough to start packing what you will need for the hospital and prepping what you will need when you get home. Do you have these things ready? I found them handy: lip balm and lotion 2 nightgowns, robe, and slippers Spare pillows (great for propping up in bed when you get home) Tivo movies or make a list so someone can rent for you after Magazines and books demitasse spoon (easier for eating small bites) one cup liquid measuring cup ( use it like a pitcher beside your bed and measure out one ounce per 15 minutes) shot glass (fill 3/4 full for one ounce every 15 minutes) timer or clock with second hand so you can keep on eye on how long to chew, how long between bites and how often you are downing liquids blender and strainer for pureeing foods and removing lumps bed tray to corral your phone, cups, books, etc. - I used a plastic tray I use on the patio. Worked great. flushable wipes. I got diarrhea and those wipes were great when things got a little tender. I'm coming up on my one year anniversary, at goal and happier and healthier than I have been since my 20s. Best wishes on your journey, Lynda

I gained 16 lbs. while in the hospital. I had lumps under my skin that did not match my incision sites for probably three months. The worst of the swelling was gone in about three weeks. Lynda

I ate saltine crackers as soon as I was cleared for them: 2 weeks out. Lynda

As long as its not too acidic for you. I didn't do too well with tomato products till a little further out. One soup I really liked early out was Anderson's Split Pea. Other brands of split pea soup bothered me. Anderson's is pretty high in Protein for a soup too. It has 9 ot 10 grams of protein per cup. Lynda