Escape_Pod

Great thread Fiddleman!
My most important strategy is abstinence from sugar. Sigh... It's not what I was hoping for, but since I started off last year trying to lose a chunk of regain, did a face plant into a cupcake in mid-February and ended up hopelessly trapped in a sugar vortex and ending the year with 10 more pounds of regain to take off, I think it's official. I simply cannot do moderation.
Fortunately, I've found some wonderful sources for recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth without creating a craving for more. And, I've rediscovered the strength that comes from being ABLE to turn down the goodies in the break room, because I've got all that out of my system and I'm not a raging cookie monster.
That's my battle, and one I suspect I'll be fighting to my last days, but at least for the moment I'm winning. And it makes everything else pay off - the vigilance on the scale, sticking to it even when I know I'm doing everything right and I'm not seeing the losses I "think" I've "earned", the regular exercise, and the establishing of new routines to keep me distracted and away from food as a source of self-soothing.
The exercise is the other key element for me. It's my stress release valve, it occupies chunks of my day I'd otherwise be spending raiding the pantry, and on days when I can get out hiking in my beloved mountain trails, it's healing to my soul. It gives me much-needed solitude and space and time for self-reflection. It's as necessary to my well-being as anything else I do. And, oh yeah, the extra calories burned are a nice bonus, though I have to be pretty careful about how I spend them (see reference to the #@@%*@%# sugar vortex above).

Great thread Fiddleman!
My most important strategy is abstinence from sugar. Sigh... It's not what I was hoping for, but since I started off last year trying to lose a chunk of regain, did a face plant into a cupcake in mid-February and ended up hopelessly trapped in a sugar vortex and ending the year with 10 more pounds of regain to take off, I think it's official. I simply cannot do moderation.
Fortunately, I've found some wonderful sources for recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth without creating a craving for more. And, I've rediscovered the strength that comes from being ABLE to turn down the goodies in the break room, because I've got all that out of my system and I'm not a raging cookie monster.
That's my battle, and one I suspect I'll be fighting to my last days, but at least for the moment I'm winning. And it makes everything else pay off - the vigilance on the scale, sticking to it even when I know I'm doing everything right and I'm not seeing the losses I "think" I've "earned", the regular exercise, and the establishing of new routines to keep me distracted and away from food as a source of self-soothing.
The exercise is the other key element for me. It's my stress release valve, it occupies chunks of my day I'd otherwise be spending raiding the pantry, and on days when I can get out hiking in my beloved mountain trails, it's healing to my soul. It gives me much-needed solitude and space and time for self-reflection. It's as necessary to my well-being as anything else I do. And, oh yeah, the extra calories burned are a nice bonus, though I have to be pretty careful about how I spend them (see reference to the #@@%*@%# sugar vortex above).

I don't know why more bariatric programs don't warn their patients about the likelihood of the emotional roller coaster in the first few weeks post-op. You need to know, your family needs to know. It's totally normal.
As someone else mentioned above, a lot of hormones are stored in fat, so the rapid initial weight loss releases a lot of that back into your blood stream, so most of us are pretty emotional. Add that to lingering effects of anesthesia (which can take weeks to be completely out of your system), some post-op pain, inadequate sleep, and the fact that you just turned your life upside down, you're out of your normal routine, you're having to establish completely new habits for eating, drinking, and Vitamins (did anyone else literally need a chart to keep track of it all?), and the fact that you just eliminated what, for most of us, was our primary life coping mechanism (food), and .... well. .. is it any wonder we're a bit miserable for awhile? I woke up one night in my first week, had a bad case of the teeth-chattering shivers, and ended up full-out sobbing for no apparent reason. My poor hubby!
At least I'd encountered a few threads about the post-op emotional thing, so I sort of recognized what was going on.
As so many have posted, it gets SO much better. Yes, some of the changes are long-term, but most of them you'll adjust to quickly. Chin up girl, you're going through the worst part now.

I don't know why more bariatric programs don't warn their patients about the likelihood of the emotional roller coaster in the first few weeks post-op. You need to know, your family needs to know. It's totally normal.
As someone else mentioned above, a lot of hormones are stored in fat, so the rapid initial weight loss releases a lot of that back into your blood stream, so most of us are pretty emotional. Add that to lingering effects of anesthesia (which can take weeks to be completely out of your system), some post-op pain, inadequate sleep, and the fact that you just turned your life upside down, you're out of your normal routine, you're having to establish completely new habits for eating, drinking, and Vitamins (did anyone else literally need a chart to keep track of it all?), and the fact that you just eliminated what, for most of us, was our primary life coping mechanism (food), and .... well. .. is it any wonder we're a bit miserable for awhile? I woke up one night in my first week, had a bad case of the teeth-chattering shivers, and ended up full-out sobbing for no apparent reason. My poor hubby!
At least I'd encountered a few threads about the post-op emotional thing, so I sort of recognized what was going on.
As so many have posted, it gets SO much better. Yes, some of the changes are long-term, but most of them you'll adjust to quickly. Chin up girl, you're going through the worst part now.

Great thread Fiddleman!
My most important strategy is abstinence from sugar. Sigh... It's not what I was hoping for, but since I started off last year trying to lose a chunk of regain, did a face plant into a cupcake in mid-February and ended up hopelessly trapped in a sugar vortex and ending the year with 10 more pounds of regain to take off, I think it's official. I simply cannot do moderation.
Fortunately, I've found some wonderful sources for recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth without creating a craving for more. And, I've rediscovered the strength that comes from being ABLE to turn down the goodies in the break room, because I've got all that out of my system and I'm not a raging cookie monster.
That's my battle, and one I suspect I'll be fighting to my last days, but at least for the moment I'm winning. And it makes everything else pay off - the vigilance on the scale, sticking to it even when I know I'm doing everything right and I'm not seeing the losses I "think" I've "earned", the regular exercise, and the establishing of new routines to keep me distracted and away from food as a source of self-soothing.
The exercise is the other key element for me. It's my stress release valve, it occupies chunks of my day I'd otherwise be spending raiding the pantry, and on days when I can get out hiking in my beloved mountain trails, it's healing to my soul. It gives me much-needed solitude and space and time for self-reflection. It's as necessary to my well-being as anything else I do. And, oh yeah, the extra calories burned are a nice bonus, though I have to be pretty careful about how I spend them (see reference to the #@@%*@%# sugar vortex above).

Great thread Fiddleman!
My most important strategy is abstinence from sugar. Sigh... It's not what I was hoping for, but since I started off last year trying to lose a chunk of regain, did a face plant into a cupcake in mid-February and ended up hopelessly trapped in a sugar vortex and ending the year with 10 more pounds of regain to take off, I think it's official. I simply cannot do moderation.
Fortunately, I've found some wonderful sources for recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth without creating a craving for more. And, I've rediscovered the strength that comes from being ABLE to turn down the goodies in the break room, because I've got all that out of my system and I'm not a raging cookie monster.
That's my battle, and one I suspect I'll be fighting to my last days, but at least for the moment I'm winning. And it makes everything else pay off - the vigilance on the scale, sticking to it even when I know I'm doing everything right and I'm not seeing the losses I "think" I've "earned", the regular exercise, and the establishing of new routines to keep me distracted and away from food as a source of self-soothing.
The exercise is the other key element for me. It's my stress release valve, it occupies chunks of my day I'd otherwise be spending raiding the pantry, and on days when I can get out hiking in my beloved mountain trails, it's healing to my soul. It gives me much-needed solitude and space and time for self-reflection. It's as necessary to my well-being as anything else I do. And, oh yeah, the extra calories burned are a nice bonus, though I have to be pretty careful about how I spend them (see reference to the #@@%*@%# sugar vortex above).

Oh Cheri, I'm so terribly sorry. I don't think there are any words that could ease your troubles right now, so I'll just send a gentle hug, and ask you to be as kind and patient with yourself as you possibly can right now. Grief is a process, and sometimes you need a hug, and sometimes you need to sob, and sometimes you need to rage at the awfulness of it. We're all glad to have you with us, whatever it is that you're feeling at the moment. You are loved here, simply because you are you, not as a model of success, or a cheer leader, or an advisor, though you are wonderful at all of those roles as well.
Hugs,
Beth

Great thread Fiddleman!
My most important strategy is abstinence from sugar. Sigh... It's not what I was hoping for, but since I started off last year trying to lose a chunk of regain, did a face plant into a cupcake in mid-February and ended up hopelessly trapped in a sugar vortex and ending the year with 10 more pounds of regain to take off, I think it's official. I simply cannot do moderation.
Fortunately, I've found some wonderful sources for recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth without creating a craving for more. And, I've rediscovered the strength that comes from being ABLE to turn down the goodies in the break room, because I've got all that out of my system and I'm not a raging cookie monster.
That's my battle, and one I suspect I'll be fighting to my last days, but at least for the moment I'm winning. And it makes everything else pay off - the vigilance on the scale, sticking to it even when I know I'm doing everything right and I'm not seeing the losses I "think" I've "earned", the regular exercise, and the establishing of new routines to keep me distracted and away from food as a source of self-soothing.
The exercise is the other key element for me. It's my stress release valve, it occupies chunks of my day I'd otherwise be spending raiding the pantry, and on days when I can get out hiking in my beloved mountain trails, it's healing to my soul. It gives me much-needed solitude and space and time for self-reflection. It's as necessary to my well-being as anything else I do. And, oh yeah, the extra calories burned are a nice bonus, though I have to be pretty careful about how I spend them (see reference to the #@@%*@%# sugar vortex above).

I don't know why more bariatric programs don't warn their patients about the likelihood of the emotional roller coaster in the first few weeks post-op. You need to know, your family needs to know. It's totally normal.
As someone else mentioned above, a lot of hormones are stored in fat, so the rapid initial weight loss releases a lot of that back into your blood stream, so most of us are pretty emotional. Add that to lingering effects of anesthesia (which can take weeks to be completely out of your system), some post-op pain, inadequate sleep, and the fact that you just turned your life upside down, you're out of your normal routine, you're having to establish completely new habits for eating, drinking, and Vitamins (did anyone else literally need a chart to keep track of it all?), and the fact that you just eliminated what, for most of us, was our primary life coping mechanism (food), and .... well. .. is it any wonder we're a bit miserable for awhile? I woke up one night in my first week, had a bad case of the teeth-chattering shivers, and ended up full-out sobbing for no apparent reason. My poor hubby!
At least I'd encountered a few threads about the post-op emotional thing, so I sort of recognized what was going on.
As so many have posted, it gets SO much better. Yes, some of the changes are long-term, but most of them you'll adjust to quickly. Chin up girl, you're going through the worst part now.

I don't know why more bariatric programs don't warn their patients about the likelihood of the emotional roller coaster in the first few weeks post-op. You need to know, your family needs to know. It's totally normal.
As someone else mentioned above, a lot of hormones are stored in fat, so the rapid initial weight loss releases a lot of that back into your blood stream, so most of us are pretty emotional. Add that to lingering effects of anesthesia (which can take weeks to be completely out of your system), some post-op pain, inadequate sleep, and the fact that you just turned your life upside down, you're out of your normal routine, you're having to establish completely new habits for eating, drinking, and Vitamins (did anyone else literally need a chart to keep track of it all?), and the fact that you just eliminated what, for most of us, was our primary life coping mechanism (food), and .... well. .. is it any wonder we're a bit miserable for awhile? I woke up one night in my first week, had a bad case of the teeth-chattering shivers, and ended up full-out sobbing for no apparent reason. My poor hubby!
At least I'd encountered a few threads about the post-op emotional thing, so I sort of recognized what was going on.
As so many have posted, it gets SO much better. Yes, some of the changes are long-term, but most of them you'll adjust to quickly. Chin up girl, you're going through the worst part now.

I don't know why more bariatric programs don't warn their patients about the likelihood of the emotional roller coaster in the first few weeks post-op. You need to know, your family needs to know. It's totally normal.
As someone else mentioned above, a lot of hormones are stored in fat, so the rapid initial weight loss releases a lot of that back into your blood stream, so most of us are pretty emotional. Add that to lingering effects of anesthesia (which can take weeks to be completely out of your system), some post-op pain, inadequate sleep, and the fact that you just turned your life upside down, you're out of your normal routine, you're having to establish completely new habits for eating, drinking, and Vitamins (did anyone else literally need a chart to keep track of it all?), and the fact that you just eliminated what, for most of us, was our primary life coping mechanism (food), and .... well. .. is it any wonder we're a bit miserable for awhile? I woke up one night in my first week, had a bad case of the teeth-chattering shivers, and ended up full-out sobbing for no apparent reason. My poor hubby!
At least I'd encountered a few threads about the post-op emotional thing, so I sort of recognized what was going on.
As so many have posted, it gets SO much better. Yes, some of the changes are long-term, but most of them you'll adjust to quickly. Chin up girl, you're going through the worst part now.

I don't know why more bariatric programs don't warn their patients about the likelihood of the emotional roller coaster in the first few weeks post-op. You need to know, your family needs to know. It's totally normal.
As someone else mentioned above, a lot of hormones are stored in fat, so the rapid initial weight loss releases a lot of that back into your blood stream, so most of us are pretty emotional. Add that to lingering effects of anesthesia (which can take weeks to be completely out of your system), some post-op pain, inadequate sleep, and the fact that you just turned your life upside down, you're out of your normal routine, you're having to establish completely new habits for eating, drinking, and Vitamins (did anyone else literally need a chart to keep track of it all?), and the fact that you just eliminated what, for most of us, was our primary life coping mechanism (food), and .... well. .. is it any wonder we're a bit miserable for awhile? I woke up one night in my first week, had a bad case of the teeth-chattering shivers, and ended up full-out sobbing for no apparent reason. My poor hubby!
At least I'd encountered a few threads about the post-op emotional thing, so I sort of recognized what was going on.
As so many have posted, it gets SO much better. Yes, some of the changes are long-term, but most of them you'll adjust to quickly. Chin up girl, you're going through the worst part now.

Wow, I'm very late to this party, but it's amazing to see so many of the experienced vets back here - thank you! Whenever I need inspiration, or guidance, this veterans forum is my favorite place to be! Started off my morning on the wrong foot (in that OTHER forum - why why why do I go there?), and it's so much better here.
I just wanted to add another voice of support for supplements and regular labs. I'm about 2.5 years post-op, and still take bariatric-strength supplements religiously - a twice daily Multivitamin, 4x daily extra Calcium, and an Iron supplement (167% RDA), which I'll admit to occasionally taking twice (darn those yummy chewables!). I also eat read meat and spinach regularly. When I had labs done at a year, I was super low on thiamine, and d. I added a b complex, and high dose d to my regimen. Now, 18 months later I recently had labs done again. Thiamine and d (and b12) are great, but my ferritin levels are at 2. Last year they were on the low end of the normal range (12 or 15 - 150), I think I was at around 15. So, despite my regular supplementation, I've dropped to super-low levels.
I've been on a high dose timed release ferritin supplement, hoping to get my levels up without having to resort to infusions, I'll know in another 6 weeks if it's working. My symptoms were fortunately pretty mild, so don't count on that necessarily as a warning sign!
Lots of folks think sleeve patients don't need to worry about regular blood work because we're less prone to deficiencies than RNY patients, but "less prone" doesn't mean "not prone", right?

Mmmm... Quest bars. The nice thing about GNC is that you can buy just one (Amazon or direct from Quest is cheaper). Some Vitamin Shoppes carry them too.
If you haven't tried the apple pie, do it NOW! (I'll wait....)
A few seconds in the microwave, and ... awesomeness!
I love the Peanut Butter too, but I'm just that kind of girl.

It might also be worth a good look at your Protein sources in your meals. I found that I had to give up on things like cottage cheese and yogurt as my Proteins at meals because it wouldn't hold me for very long. Ditto with Protein Bars, even ones with better stats like Quest bars. I need something solid - a hard boiled egg, taco meat, grilled chicken, etc.
I often feel like I'm hungry between meals, and it certainly FEELS like real hunger, but if I'm extremely busy at work, or out running around on the weekend, I don't feel the need for a snack at all, which tells me the in-between-meals "hunger" for me is definitely in my head. But that's just me.

It might also be worth a good look at your Protein sources in your meals. I found that I had to give up on things like cottage cheese and yogurt as my Proteins at meals because it wouldn't hold me for very long. Ditto with Protein Bars, even ones with better stats like Quest bars. I need something solid - a hard boiled egg, taco meat, grilled chicken, etc.
I often feel like I'm hungry between meals, and it certainly FEELS like real hunger, but if I'm extremely busy at work, or out running around on the weekend, I don't feel the need for a snack at all, which tells me the in-between-meals "hunger" for me is definitely in my head. But that's just me.

It might also be worth a good look at your Protein sources in your meals. I found that I had to give up on things like cottage cheese and yogurt as my Proteins at meals because it wouldn't hold me for very long. Ditto with Protein Bars, even ones with better stats like Quest bars. I need something solid - a hard boiled egg, taco meat, grilled chicken, etc.
I often feel like I'm hungry between meals, and it certainly FEELS like real hunger, but if I'm extremely busy at work, or out running around on the weekend, I don't feel the need for a snack at all, which tells me the in-between-meals "hunger" for me is definitely in my head. But that's just me.

I'd guess you're just in a stall, as you suspected. It's great you're getting more Protein in, though. I still love my morning Protein hot cocoa - not willing to give it up yet, though I know something more solid would be more satisfying.
You're doing great!!

Wow, I'm very late to this party, but it's amazing to see so many of the experienced vets back here - thank you! Whenever I need inspiration, or guidance, this veterans forum is my favorite place to be! Started off my morning on the wrong foot (in that OTHER forum - why why why do I go there?), and it's so much better here.
I just wanted to add another voice of support for supplements and regular labs. I'm about 2.5 years post-op, and still take bariatric-strength supplements religiously - a twice daily Multivitamin, 4x daily extra Calcium, and an Iron supplement (167% RDA), which I'll admit to occasionally taking twice (darn those yummy chewables!). I also eat read meat and spinach regularly. When I had labs done at a year, I was super low on thiamine, and d. I added a b complex, and high dose d to my regimen. Now, 18 months later I recently had labs done again. Thiamine and d (and b12) are great, but my ferritin levels are at 2. Last year they were on the low end of the normal range (12 or 15 - 150), I think I was at around 15. So, despite my regular supplementation, I've dropped to super-low levels.
I've been on a high dose timed release ferritin supplement, hoping to get my levels up without having to resort to infusions, I'll know in another 6 weeks if it's working. My symptoms were fortunately pretty mild, so don't count on that necessarily as a warning sign!
Lots of folks think sleeve patients don't need to worry about regular blood work because we're less prone to deficiencies than RNY patients, but "less prone" doesn't mean "not prone", right?

Wow, I'm very late to this party, but it's amazing to see so many of the experienced vets back here - thank you! Whenever I need inspiration, or guidance, this veterans forum is my favorite place to be! Started off my morning on the wrong foot (in that OTHER forum - why why why do I go there?), and it's so much better here.
I just wanted to add another voice of support for supplements and regular labs. I'm about 2.5 years post-op, and still take bariatric-strength supplements religiously - a twice daily Multivitamin, 4x daily extra Calcium, and an Iron supplement (167% RDA), which I'll admit to occasionally taking twice (darn those yummy chewables!). I also eat read meat and spinach regularly. When I had labs done at a year, I was super low on thiamine, and d. I added a b complex, and high dose d to my regimen. Now, 18 months later I recently had labs done again. Thiamine and d (and b12) are great, but my ferritin levels are at 2. Last year they were on the low end of the normal range (12 or 15 - 150), I think I was at around 15. So, despite my regular supplementation, I've dropped to super-low levels.
I've been on a high dose timed release ferritin supplement, hoping to get my levels up without having to resort to infusions, I'll know in another 6 weeks if it's working. My symptoms were fortunately pretty mild, so don't count on that necessarily as a warning sign!
Lots of folks think sleeve patients don't need to worry about regular blood work because we're less prone to deficiencies than RNY patients, but "less prone" doesn't mean "not prone", right?

Wow, I'm very late to this party, but it's amazing to see so many of the experienced vets back here - thank you! Whenever I need inspiration, or guidance, this veterans forum is my favorite place to be! Started off my morning on the wrong foot (in that OTHER forum - why why why do I go there?), and it's so much better here.
I just wanted to add another voice of support for supplements and regular labs. I'm about 2.5 years post-op, and still take bariatric-strength supplements religiously - a twice daily Multivitamin, 4x daily extra Calcium, and an Iron supplement (167% RDA), which I'll admit to occasionally taking twice (darn those yummy chewables!). I also eat read meat and spinach regularly. When I had labs done at a year, I was super low on thiamine, and d. I added a b complex, and high dose d to my regimen. Now, 18 months later I recently had labs done again. Thiamine and d (and b12) are great, but my ferritin levels are at 2. Last year they were on the low end of the normal range (12 or 15 - 150), I think I was at around 15. So, despite my regular supplementation, I've dropped to super-low levels.
I've been on a high dose timed release ferritin supplement, hoping to get my levels up without having to resort to infusions, I'll know in another 6 weeks if it's working. My symptoms were fortunately pretty mild, so don't count on that necessarily as a warning sign!
Lots of folks think sleeve patients don't need to worry about regular blood work because we're less prone to deficiencies than RNY patients, but "less prone" doesn't mean "not prone", right?

I find that my motivation needs regular "care and feeding" - going to a bridal show sounds like an excellent way to get your head in the right place! You've got a lifetime of healthy eating ahead of you with your soon-to-be husband, and this is a good time to get both of you on the right track.
Can you find some healthy treats that appeal to you more? I find that most of the time I can find low-carb, sugar-free substitutes that will make me happy without sucking me into the carb/sugar vortex (and I'm VERY prone to getting sucked in). I make no-flour, sugar-free oatmeal chocolate chip Cookies, that taste great, and I can make 6 and still have some left on the counter after a couple of weeks. I even found myself a sugar-free low-carb recipe for pecan pie at Christmas so I could enjoy some without getting off track. It's good enough even my husband will eat it! Those are still treats, and not necessarily low calorie, but they're things I can truly enjoy in moderation without ending up on a binge. Don't suffer with foods you don't enjoy, find some you DO. There are some great recipe sites out there.

I find that my motivation needs regular "care and feeding" - going to a bridal show sounds like an excellent way to get your head in the right place! You've got a lifetime of healthy eating ahead of you with your soon-to-be husband, and this is a good time to get both of you on the right track.
Can you find some healthy treats that appeal to you more? I find that most of the time I can find low-carb, sugar-free substitutes that will make me happy without sucking me into the carb/sugar vortex (and I'm VERY prone to getting sucked in). I make no-flour, sugar-free oatmeal chocolate chip Cookies, that taste great, and I can make 6 and still have some left on the counter after a couple of weeks. I even found myself a sugar-free low-carb recipe for pecan pie at Christmas so I could enjoy some without getting off track. It's good enough even my husband will eat it! Those are still treats, and not necessarily low calorie, but they're things I can truly enjoy in moderation without ending up on a binge. Don't suffer with foods you don't enjoy, find some you DO. There are some great recipe sites out there.

There are a couple of factors here to think about. One is swelling - some people swell up worse than others post-op, which affects your ability to get anything down. The other is lack of sensation. When most of your stomach was cut away, most of the nerve endings were cut as well, so until you heal, your ability to feel full will be disrupted. So, take it slow, measure portions, and don't try to progress too quickly. You'll feel much more restriction as you begin to move to more solid food.< /p>

I'm 2+ years post-op, and I still start most mornings with a Protein hot cocoa, made with almond milk (I watch carbs), a scoop of chocolate protein powder, some unsweetened cocoa, and a dash of salt (to cut the artificial sweetener taste). I waited a couple of months before having coffee again because the acidity is hard on your healing sleeve, but I drink coffee most days too.