frumpynomore

Just like everyone above has said....it is the 3 week stall and most of us experienced it. I'm 4 months out and about every 2-3 weeks I have a stall but then it kicks back in again. YES, it is very discouraging but you will see that the weight will continue to come off. You might even experience some depression as I am working my way through right now. It's not only a physical change but a HUGE emotional change as well. So, hang in there!!! YOU WILL SUCCEED!

WOW! JEALOUSY is alive and well! Every time they make a comment to you...just smile inside because you know that they are eaten up with jealousy!!! Great job on your successful weight loss!!!

I have a protein shake every morning since the liquid stage and I am 4 months out now. I use Syntrax Nectar (chocolate, strawberry mousse, vanilla bean torte) and mix 1 2/3 scoop with 1 cup of ice and 1 cup water and blend in a mixer. Yes, you normally use it as a meal replacement and my Nut says that it counts toward your liquid intake. Only certain protein powders are mixed with food. Unjury has an excellent Unflavored protein powder that you can add to any food and it's completely undetectable. Good luck!

An occassional mouthful and then spitting is not going to hurt you. Of course, as with anything, keep it in moderation. I went through a period during the puree stage where all I wanted was to feel texture and some great tasting food. I chewed and spit every now and then to get the desire out of my system. It is not cheating....it's just the emotional desire that you have been use to up until now. You will be fine and this stage will be over soon. Just hang in there and all will be fine.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are conquering YOURSELF....the biggest mountain to conquer!!!!

VERY GOOD QUESTION! I was sleeved almost 4 months ago and never realized what everyone meant by it's a "tool". Well, I certainly know now what it means. The sleeve does not allow you to eat very much thereby lowering your weight. What it also does NOT do is correct your mental and emotional attachment to food. An it also does NOT change your feelings about exercise and getting off the couch. I've had quite a struggle with this but am slowly adjusting. It is up to you whether you put the sleeve to work or not. If you don't change your eating and exercise habits then you will not lose all the excess weight and you can gain whatever you lose back. The sleeve is for people that are willing to change their lifestyle and want a "tool" to help. I didn't realize that I would still have to do all the work that I should have done prior to the surgery. Now that I understand what I must do, I am conquering my demons and will WIN! Good luck to you!

Thank you Bobustermax and Donniej for your encouragement as well! I KNOW I will get to my goal weight...it's just going to be with some struggles...BUT I WILL DO IT!

Thank you Amanda 3.0 for your encouraging words! I think it's just a mental slump I'm going through and I'm sure I will pull out of it soon. I guess just the realization that I have to exercise and diet after going through such a major surgery just kind of threw me for a loop! Yes, exercise is easier with less weight but it's the mental part that I struggle with. Prior to my surgery I had asked if my lower BMI would give slower results or less hair loss and I was told that it didn't matter. I'm not giving up, just hit a bump in the road. I appreciate your concern and wish you all the best on your journey!

I needed to hear your what you said to keep my spirits up as I am at a stall. You inspired me!!! Congrats!

The Chocolate Truffle, Strawberry Mousse, and Vanilla Torte are by far the best. They are good made with 1 cup milk or water. The rest of the flavors are to be used with water only (the Cappuccino might good used with milk too) and are very acidic tasting to me. Some people have recommended mixing the water flavors with Crystal light to better the flavor. Mybariatricpantry.com also has a "Double Stuffed Cookie (oreo)" Syntrax protein that I'm going to try next!!!

I had the same issues when I was first sleeved. PDXman responded to my concerns and had explained to me that the 2-5 tablespoons is only AFTER you get on solids. When I was on the liquids and mushies phases I too could eat a LOT of food and drink a lot. Now that I'm on full foods I do feel restricted after eating 2-4 ounces depending on what it is I'm eating. If it's something soft like chicken salad then I can eat about 4-5 ounces. If it's something drier and harder like a baked chicken breast then I feel restriction at about 2-3 ounces. Do not worry as I did. You will feel restriction soon enough. As long as you are losing there is nothing to worry about. To make yourself feel better you might ask your doc what size Bougie he used on you. Not that it's going to make much of a difference in your weight loss as there is only millimeters difference between the sizes. My doc used a size 38 which is a good medium size. Do not worry....your journey has only just begun!!! Good Luck!

I was sleeved Dec. 13th so I'm just pass 3 months. I'm down 49 lbs today and my weight is coming off SOOOOO SLOWLY! It's been slow for about 1 1/2 months and I'm so concerned that my honeymoon is over and the rest is up to me. If I could have done it by myself to begin with then I wouldn't have had the surgery! All the people on this website keep talking about joining a gym and their extreme workouts and I just don't get it! I hated exercise before the VSG and obviously had a problem with controlling the amount and types of foods I was eating so how are people completely changing their habits with just having the operation??? I'm not giving up...I joined a gym and hired a personal trainer but I hate exercise like I've always hated it. I still find myself cheating with bad foods more often than I should. I am having extreme anxiety's over this and can't believe I went to the extreme of having VSG only to have to fight the same demons I had prior to surgery. I think I expected the surgery to help me out so much more than it is and I'm having major regrets and depression is hanging heavy. The hair is starting to fall out and the saggy skin is hanging and I knew what to expect prior to surgery and I kept telling myself that I would rather be skinny with thin hair and have saggy skin than be fat B-U-T that was contingent upon being able to be thin! Since my weight lose has extremely slowed down and it seems every 1/4 pound I have to fight for, the surgery seems a mistake. It's been a bad 1 1/2 months and my reality is upsetting. I'm venting and don't mean to bring anybody down. VSG obviously works for a whole lot of people in helping them make lifestyle changes...I pray someday it helps me.

I had VSG - Dec. 13th, 2011: 3 1/2 months ago I've lost - 48 lbs Starting weight: 237 lbs Height: 5'7" Goal weight: 140

I was sleeved the day after you were, Dec. 13, 2011. Our stats are VERY similar: 5'7", beginning weight: 237, goal weight: 140, BIRTHDAY: NOV. 23, (1963)..I'm a bit older than you though . My current weight: 190. I cheat too...we are only human BUT I try to keep it to a minimum. For instance, if I have a cookie today then I won't cheat again until a couple more days go by. I just try to keep it in check and that's all we can really ask of ourselves. The surgery didn't change our habits, cravings, and emotional issues. It will take some time to change our inner feelings so forgive yourself for your MINOR indiscretions as long as you keep working toward your goal! Good luck to you!

I was sleeved Dec. 13th. I had the stomach gurgling for about the first 2 months but it has stopped now. I was told that it's just your new tummy getting use to foods/liquids again and readjusting. I'd say just give it some more time. It will eventually stop. As far as energy goes, I am always tired and have no energy. I take all my vitamins daily; multi, C, E, Selenium, Zinc, B12 Sub., and calcium. I just signed up with a gym a week ago and hired a personal trainer. I've had 2 sessions with her so far and I can tell you my stamina and energy level IS improving! I have not felt like getting off the couch since my surgery but things are finally changing and I really believe it's because I'm making myself move. My doc said if you don't have the energy to actually exercise at least KEEP MOVING: meaning instead of asking someone to bring you a drink since their in the kitchen anyways...get up and get it yourself. Instead of driving to the mailbox....walk there. Instead of making a pile at the bottom of your stairs to take up in one load...take each item up as needed. So, I am always conscious to KEEP MOVING and I believe that is helping too. Make sure you are getting all your protein in each day as that will decrease your energy too if you don't. Best of luck to you and remember everyone's journey is different. Keep searching and trying different things to fit your needs and you will find your way!!!

Thanks for the info.! My doctor's office hasn't returned my voicemail and my training begins in 1 hour. I've had no problems with and since the surgery and at 8 weeks my doc said I could start exercising. I just wasn't sure if there was anything I could do that would create a leak.

I'm 12 weeks out and signed up to start with a personal trainer tonight. I'm afraid that I'll tear something in my stomach and create a leak. Can someone tell me exactly what I can and can not do? Should I stay away from anything that tightens my stomach muscles? Should I not bend excessively or anything like that?

I'm in the same boat! My surgery was Dec. 13th and i can and do eat about 4 oz cottage cheese and 8 oz of soup! Absolutely nothing hurts my sleeve enough to stop me from eating. I was told from someone on here that once i go on full foods that i won't be able to eat that much anymore....I'm waiting patiently but scared to death that i won't keep losing weight. I would consider the can of chicken that you ate as a full food so i'm not too sure now that full foods is going to slow me down. I hope someone on here can give us some info or guidance.

12/13/2011: Do I have a twin?

I know how frustrating all the rescheduling can be! GOOD LUCK IN YOUR JOURNEY!

THE SURGERY IS FOR Y-O-U! I know you would love your family's support but it's a personal decision. I didn't give my family a choice in the matter. Now that I'm 3 weeks post-op my family is very supportive. Yours will be to when they see you losing weight and grow to understand that you are doing it to be healthier and to be around longer for them. Hang in there....they will come around. GOOD LUCK!

Thanks for your replies! It gets frustrating to read all the different definitions on here from everyone. Just doesn't make sense that surgeons have different directions. Oh well, i guess we'll all get through it!

The good news is you acted quickly and got medical help! YOU WILL BE FINE! Think positive! You have a huge support group here praying for you! You are NOT alone! Godspeed!!

Sleeverette...she's makin me dance with joy!

I'm 3 weeks post-op now and was just like you. I couldn't stomach any protein drinks for the first 2 weeks on clear liquids. My Nut told me not to worry too much about getting in your protein at this stage. Your main concern is getting in enough liquids to keep from dehydrating. I couldn't stand water, kool-aide, or even any type of broth. The only thing that kept me alive was ice tea sweetened with stevia and homemade chicken or turkey broth. I couldn't stand the taste of the ones that came in a can so I boiled a turkey and a chicken and strained the broth off of them. Your tastebuds are going to be off for awhile. Mine came back about the middle of my second week and now my tastebuds seem back to normal. Hang in there! You will be through the liquid stage soon just keep hydrated!!!