CowgirlJane

Avoid dairy and sugar... at a least for awhile. Journal your consumption so you can pinpoint the triggers. My Protein Drink of choice is chocolate premier and yet it sometimes does not agree with me. When that happens I have to take a 2-3 month break and then I can tolerate it again . Weird.

Imagine my dissapointment when I went in to the doc for my one week follow up and he said, since you are a band to sleeve revision, stay on liquid an extra week (compared to the plan they gave me) and push out the whole progression another week. The nutritionist forgot to mention that to me and I was literally counting the days... only to have it ripped out from under me...lol
At the time, I was sorta disappointed, I wanted to eat, i was feeling some hunger etc etc. Well, I stuck with it and am glad I did. In hindsight, it was such a short window to do without solid food, it really wasn't THAT bad. I am happy to have not had a leak - not to say that everyone who cheats has a leak, but why tempt fate?
Another thing that somebody mentioned is that certain kind of foods can get caught in the still healing staple lines. Stuff like nuts and other small hard bits like that. EVen if you chew carefully, you might swallow something that could get caught in the healing tissue... and eeeewww, you can imagine what that might result in.

I think we should also recognize that some of the protocols are refined/changed based on studies, feedback etc. Someone who is many years out is likely working under "old guidelines". However, the basics and the headtrip stuff are probably all about the same.

I think we should also recognize that some of the protocols are refined/changed based on studies, feedback etc. Someone who is many years out is likely working under "old guidelines". However, the basics and the headtrip stuff are probably all about the same.

I think we should also recognize that some of the protocols are refined/changed based on studies, feedback etc. Someone who is many years out is likely working under "old guidelines". However, the basics and the headtrip stuff are probably all about the same.

I think we should also recognize that some of the protocols are refined/changed based on studies, feedback etc. Someone who is many years out is likely working under "old guidelines". However, the basics and the headtrip stuff are probably all about the same.

I think we should also recognize that some of the protocols are refined/changed based on studies, feedback etc. Someone who is many years out is likely working under "old guidelines". However, the basics and the headtrip stuff are probably all about the same.

I just joined a 6 week body transformation - it is a food program plus high intensity workouts. It's a different approach, and I am only a week into it, so I am not sure I can recommend it yet. Bottom line, a lot more food - the idea is to prevent the hunger/binge on the wrong food cycle. It is heavy on very lean Protein, green veggies, healthy carbs (small portions) and small amount of healthy fats. No cheese, no wine - ha. For 6 weeks it is an abstinence approach to sugar, alcohol and most fats. Anyway, I had to have them cut my portions because it was too much food, but I have stuck with it beautifully, because it is very satiating. I know that is way different approach that many of us have taken in the past.
Week 1 I lost 4 pounds with zero hunger, but my bodyfat % did not change which was a little disappointing, but lets give it more time.... I will keep you posted.

My sleeve was Dec 2011; hit goal Feb 2013 after losing 150#. I was a pretty prolific poster, including sharing my plastics experience. There is alot of truth that people just move on - WLS itself isn't really that central to my life.
Another reason haven't posted here much lately because I concluded that newer people prefer advice from other newer people - advice/input from me simply isn't relevant and I am okay with that - it just isn't a good use of my time. It took me a while to figure that out - but it is the simple truth. Part 2 is that as much as i would like support from other vets (my experience is maintaining has been much harder 5+ years post op) I can't seem to really find that here. I have always disliked OH, maybe that is where many "vets" have moved to, but i didn't.
So, it is unfortunate for me that there isn't an active Vets community anymore because this site was a big source of support for me a few years back. There are a lot of Facebook groups, but I guess I prefer the forum format.

The best time is the time you will do!
According to personal trainer there is no concrete evidence that time of day makes a difference in the calorie burn. His point is just do it - do what suits you best!

I had no catheter either...mean people made me get up and pee!

Early months/years post op I really didn't enjoy food as much as I used to. I made a conscious decision to not spend my time energy on food, making it taste better etc. to try to change that relationship with food. Others have had much success post WLS and developing their cooking skills!

I know this is old, but it is useful information. I have a belief system (lifetime of obesity and maintaining as a 6 year post sleever) that I need so little to eat.
I am doing a 6 week transformation through a local gym - and they want me to eat more than I think I should. However, when you actually stick to it - a person really isn't hungry, weight loss is slow but steady and it supports working out and building muscle and fitness since the Protein is very focused on lean Proteins, green veggies and limited but healthy carb and fat choices.
I know there are exceptions, but once you are maintaining, I don't think most people need to live on only 1000- 1200 calories a day or something. I think we try to stick to that kind of restrictive diet but then have days where more is consumed, via either drink or food.
I doubt it makes that much difference, but other than consuming workout supplements, I avoid eating 2 hours after an intense workout with the thought it might make a slight difference. During that 2 hour window, presumably the body is driven to convert fat to energy (And I currently have some extra fat).

I just joined a 6 week body transformation - it is a food program plus high intensity workouts. It's a different approach, and I am only a week into it, so I am not sure I can recommend it yet. Bottom line, a lot more food - the idea is to prevent the hunger/binge on the wrong food cycle. It is heavy on very lean Protein, green veggies, healthy carbs (small portions) and small amount of healthy fats. No cheese, no wine - ha. For 6 weeks it is an abstinence approach to sugar, alcohol and most fats. Anyway, I had to have them cut my portions because it was too much food, but I have stuck with it beautifully, because it is very satiating. I know that is way different approach that many of us have taken in the past.
Week 1 I lost 4 pounds with zero hunger, but my bodyfat % did not change which was a little disappointing, but lets give it more time.... I will keep you posted.

I just joined a 6 week body transformation - it is a food program plus high intensity workouts. It's a different approach, and I am only a week into it, so I am not sure I can recommend it yet. Bottom line, a lot more food - the idea is to prevent the hunger/binge on the wrong food cycle. It is heavy on very lean Protein, green veggies, healthy carbs (small portions) and small amount of healthy fats. No cheese, no wine - ha. For 6 weeks it is an abstinence approach to sugar, alcohol and most fats. Anyway, I had to have them cut my portions because it was too much food, but I have stuck with it beautifully, because it is very satiating. I know that is way different approach that many of us have taken in the past.
Week 1 I lost 4 pounds with zero hunger, but my bodyfat % did not change which was a little disappointing, but lets give it more time.... I will keep you posted.

I just joined a 6 week body transformation - it is a food program plus high intensity workouts. It's a different approach, and I am only a week into it, so I am not sure I can recommend it yet. Bottom line, a lot more food - the idea is to prevent the hunger/binge on the wrong food cycle. It is heavy on very lean Protein, green veggies, healthy carbs (small portions) and small amount of healthy fats. No cheese, no wine - ha. For 6 weeks it is an abstinence approach to sugar, alcohol and most fats. Anyway, I had to have them cut my portions because it was too much food, but I have stuck with it beautifully, because it is very satiating. I know that is way different approach that many of us have taken in the past.
Week 1 I lost 4 pounds with zero hunger, but my bodyfat % did not change which was a little disappointing, but lets give it more time.... I will keep you posted.

I know this is an old post - but very relevant. It is hard to sustain the focus!
I am nearly 6 years post conversion from band to sleeve so I have a cumulative 16 years of failing and succeeding post bariatric surgery (my goodness, how time flies). For me, the only way I can maintain is to maintain diligence; or to regain diligence quickly when it inevitably weakens a bit. It can be depressing, BUT, I am lucky that as a horsewoman I have friends who tend towards fitness. As they age along side me, it seems they struggle about the same I do - I am just more fatigued...haha. Also, I probably could be 300-350# again if I let it get that far out of control, and that consequence is unlikely for them. So, I think for me, the consequences are bigger - more life and death.

I just joined a 6 week body transformation along with a bunch of other desk job types who have no concept of morbid obesity. I feel so normal - ha - struggling over the pounds along with everyone else!

The advice I got was to just sip sip sip small portions all day long to stay hydrated. I couldn't stand Water so I switched to warm (not hot, not cold) herbal tea - for some reason I could drink that. It does get better, but those early weeks were rough for me too. I am sorry you are going through this - I remember how hard it was.

I just joined a 6 week body transformation - it is a food program plus high intensity workouts. It's a different approach, and I am only a week into it, so I am not sure I can recommend it yet. Bottom line, a lot more food - the idea is to prevent the hunger/binge on the wrong food cycle. It is heavy on very lean Protein, green veggies, healthy carbs (small portions) and small amount of healthy fats. No cheese, no wine - ha. For 6 weeks it is an abstinence approach to sugar, alcohol and most fats. Anyway, I had to have them cut my portions because it was too much food, but I have stuck with it beautifully, because it is very satiating. I know that is way different approach that many of us have taken in the past.
Week 1 I lost 4 pounds with zero hunger, but my bodyfat % did not change which was a little disappointing, but lets give it more time.... I will keep you posted.

Nice to hear from you Kathy - maybe we need a virtual celebration/party in December!

I guess the reality of it is that I expect t have to battle with weight issues forever. I am about 30# over my fine skinny self and am currently engaged in working it back off.... I don't consider it a struggle or failure - hell, I used to be 150# overweight so this is just ongoing maintenance/reset that I will need to do.
Even obese people assume that all obese people got fat by stuffing the face with candy - well, in my case, overeating just a little bit continiously allows me to slowly let the weight creep back on. It is clear that I just don't need as much!
Anyway, I completely dislike OH - not crazy about Facebook for support, but due to circumstances around here - doesn't feel like a great fit either. The disappointment is that this place was such a source of inspiration and knowledge for me before, and I just don't see where to get that from over the longer haul. I don't take it personally, but all this talk about how rude and mean veterans is offputting to me. I personally would be quite happy with a veterans forum and I can avoid responding to non vet posts if that is what people really want. I frankly don't really get it, but okay.


Wow - you have done great. Plastics (especially going out of country for it!) was for me scary, but life changing. I feel more beautiful now in my 50s then I ever remember feeling in the past. Plastics didn't make me feel beautiful, but it was like trading in the 3X pair of sweatpants for a more flattering, fitted look! I am so glad I was able to share my story that helped you create a wonderful success story you too can share!
I am working off a small regain right now - and I have tried and failed at this a few times this year. I am trying something quite different now - I think I will wait to see how successful I am at it before reporting out on it. Maintenance, for me, got much harder at the 3-4 year post op mark BUT I am still a normal sized woman, in good health - and THAT is my victory at the end of the day.

Dating at any age is difficult. At age 68 my husband of 39 year passed away. It was a difficult year during his illness. fortunately I had lapband surgery in 2013 and lost 70 lbs. It gave me the energy and mental ability to deal with his illness and I was able to care for him until he passed away. I had no intention to date or get romantically involved with anyone. Felt like I was too old . I went to the gym and helped with my grandkids and felt life was going to be a lonely time for me. I was invited to a charity poker club and started playing twice a week. I met a man who was single had been divorced for many years. We spoke some at the poker club , he asked one of the other guys if I was single. He asked me out to dinner and the next week was my birthday (70) he came and now we are together. He makes me feel so young and happy. I believe dating and being happy is about your attitude but you have to feel good about yourself first. If I had not had surgery and lost my weight, I doubt I would have had the courage to get involved with anyone. He knows I had WLS and is proud of me. He tells me I am beautiful every day. Keep working on yourself then get involved in a activity where you could possibly find someone special.

It has been my experience, that all negative side effects can be traced back to behavior - I realize not everyone is that fortunate. I was suffering from reflux/heartburn this last summer but it miraculously reduced when I cut back/cut out on coffee and wine (and ended a toxic relationship - coincidence?, maybe!).

I am currently doing a 6 week transformation and I am so not hungry on that program - ha. It is like all very lean Protein and veggies with small portion of healthy carbs 2x a day (with breakfast and lunch). It seems like so much food, but really it is the type of food that is so satiating - it has been a good reminder to me that following bariatric rules actually works (including for people who have not had WLS!)

I am 6 years out, i definately experience hunger and managing it is very much about food choices. My experience is that maintenance got tougher, in terms of hunger, at about 3 years post op.
As far as restriction goes,i can eat alot Compared to early years-post op, but if i follow the guidelines I don't feel the need to.

I know this is an old post - but very relevant. It is hard to sustain the focus!
I am nearly 6 years post conversion from band to sleeve so I have a cumulative 16 years of failing and succeeding post bariatric surgery (my goodness, how time flies). For me, the only way I can maintain is to maintain diligence; or to regain diligence quickly when it inevitably weakens a bit. It can be depressing, BUT, I am lucky that as a horsewoman I have friends who tend towards fitness. As they age along side me, it seems they struggle about the same I do - I am just more fatigued...haha. Also, I probably could be 300-350# again if I let it get that far out of control, and that consequence is unlikely for them. So, I think for me, the consequences are bigger - more life and death.

I just joined a 6 week body transformation along with a bunch of other desk job types who have no concept of morbid obesity. I feel so normal - ha - struggling over the pounds along with everyone else!

Early months/years post op I really didn't enjoy food as much as I used to. I made a conscious decision to not spend my time energy on food, making it taste better etc. to try to change that relationship with food. Others have had much success post WLS and developing their cooking skills!