Newfoundlove

My surgery was on May 3. Last night we went to a Mariner's baseball game and were guests of a local resort here in their suite. The food choices they had were great. Tried my first 'ruffage' - raw spinach as well as my first bites of raw apple. Both went down without a problem. I also had some pineapple and blueberries - yum! They had dessert but I just didn't even feel like a taste. That may change as I get further out, but for now I'm happy not to want sweets. Every morning I have a tall skinny latte - decaf. No problems with decaf coffee and I get some protein in too.

I reiterate what Wheetsin says above. Very common at three weeks. Mine didn't come at three weeks, but came at 5 weeks, lasted for one week, then I lost three pounds the next week. I was in a stall last week too, no weight lost for one week, and then two pounds lost this morning. It's part of the process, our bodies are adjusting.

I'm with you, Star! Nothing has bothered my sleeve, but like you, I haven't tried bread, desserts or pasta and i'm not missing it a bit. I did have a couple of small spoonfuls of Israeli Cous Cous and it tasted good! But, i concentrate on protein. Tonight was Korean Style Short Ribs, grilled with an heirloom cherry tomato salad and one stalk of brocollini. It was delicious and filled me up perfectly! My issue is getting in the 800 calories my NUT wants me to get in while still eating so little really. I'm at about 1/2 cup food each meal and cannot get in more and i eat five small meals a day! I'm still only consuming around 600 calories most days and that's with a RTD protein shake! I'm 8 weeks out tomorrow. How many calories are you getting in? I think we are eating the way we should and I'm not ready to test the waters with any fried food or sweets. It's just not worth it to me!

Gardening is my favorite exercise! It really does give your body a good workout. I live in the Pacific Northwest so the weather (even when it is raining) is almost always perfect for gardening of some type.

WOW!!!!! You look fabulous! Way to go! What an inspiration!

Checking in. SW: 220 CW: 212 (in for over a week!) GW: 210 - only two pounds to go - I hope this stall breaks!

I was sleeved almost eight weeks ago. I've lost 41 pounds total, BUT, 17 pounds was pre-op, and 15 pounds was in the first two weeks. Since that time, I'm losing at about 2-3 pounds a week and I had a one week stall. I also started adding in exercise and when that happens it takes a while for your body to adjust and you might even seen a small gain for a bit (muscle weighs more than fat). Think about this - would you have been able to lose the 15 pounds you've lost in this short of time without the surgery? I know I would not have! I've read lots of posts on here from individuals that are losing at about the same rate as me and to expect stalls, and even a one or two pounds gain every once in a while (TOM, and other factors). My NUT said to expect about 2-3 pounds a week so I am on track. Here's a tip if you are not already doing so - take your measurements and check them weekly. Last week, none of my measurements changed except for my neck and I had lost 3 pounds! Weird huh? But it's nice to see a little change somewhere, even if you aren't seeing it on the scale. And, try not to let the scale get you down. I know it's easier said than done, and I'd be lying if I said I don't get a little frustrated occasionally, but that's human nature I think. If you are following your doctor's plan, you are going to see progress. Some of us are just slow losers. Keep focused on your plan and do your best to stay positive! You're on the losers bench!

You could add some Torani Sugar Free syrups to the plain yogurt while in this stage. I also brought vanilla greek yogurt and ate that without any issues. My NUT told me that the carb/sugar content in the Greek Yogurt is okay as sugar/carbs in dairy is different than sugar/carbs in other food items.

I didn't feel any restriction at first with the small amounts of food either. Same with yogurt, which is sort of like a liquid - I don't get restriction with that 1/4 cup equals two ounces so that's not that much food, but my NUT had me on 1/4th cup to start for the first week or so and then gradually increasing to 1/2 cup. She doesn't want me to eat any more than 3/4 cup of food total at any meal. I would imagine, however, that once you graduate up to a larger quantity, maybe even at 1/2 cup of something (not liquid), you will feel the restriction. Believe me, you'll know it when you feel it. The foods you are eating are not very dense either so they will process better (at least for most people they do). I could probably eat a whole cup of cottage cheese, but I don't because of the carb content in that food, so I keep it at 1/2 cup which still gives me plenty of protein. I also eat it for a snack instead of with a meal. But that's just me. I believe that the first true restriction that I felt was with grilled tilapia. Even though it is soft, I tried to a fairly nice size piece and about 3/4 through, wham, I got this tightening in my stomach and I burped. For me burping is the signal that I am through. Everyone has their own way of knowing when they should finish by the change in their body. You'll figure this out as time goes on. I can tell you that the "one bite too many" feeling is not pleasant, so maybe you'll be fortunate and not have that happen. You are doing everything right by following the plan your doctor has you on at just over two weeks out, so don't worry if you're not feeling restriction yet. Good luck!

You are doing great! I'm almost eight weeks out and having a really hard time getting my calories in too! Usually I am around 600 but my NUT wants me at 800. But, I get in my Water and make my protein goals so that's at least something! I do use myfitnesspal.com religiously and do find that helps. I just can still only eat about a 1/2 cup of food at a time so getting in the calories is really hard! I have an appointment with my NUT and Fitness counselor this Friday so I guess I'll see what they say. We're also on about the same losing pattern, I'm 2-3 pounds a week now but it's progress and I feel great! Keep up the great work!

I've lost 42 pounds and am still wearing the same size band and cup 42 G but my bra was really tight before surgery, so they are fitting nicely now I spent a nice chunk of change last summer on four new Wachoal bras at Nordstrom. Had a bra fitting First bra I've ever bought that fit perfectly and was comfortable so it was worth the price. Then I gained more weight so the straps started cutting into my shoulders, etc. I did just buy the Genie Bra and got a size smaller than I am now so I can grow down into them. They are still slightly too small for me but I can tell they are going to be really comfortable.

Down to 213. Three more pounds until I meet challenge goal. Played golf today for the first time in four or five years. It felt so good but man am I sore!

Congratulations on your success. I was sleeved by Dr. Billing on May 3. Love him! It was a good experience all around for me -- no complications. I did really well on the low carb pre-op diet. To date including pre-op I've lost 40 pounds and have the same great energy and wellness you describe. I have quite a bit more to lose since I'm 5'3" and started with a BMI over 40, but I'm following the nutrition plan, exercising, and working the program well. Who is your NUT at Pacific Wellness? I have Barb and really like her. I'm really happy for you and it's good to hear of a success from Dr. Billing.

Wow, that's a pretty good major stall. It is so hard when that happens so I feel for you. Have you talked to your doctor or your NUT about this? My NUT's advice was to stay within 800 to 1000 calories. I can barely get to 800 on most days, but I'm only seven weeks out. I watch my carbs too and try to stay around 30 or lower - but that's because I know that my body reacts negatively to carbs, even good carbs. I'm 5'3 so almost the same height as you. Of the calories you consume, how many carbs? What about sodium, could it be a little too high and you're retaining water? Have you tried LilMissDiva's boot camp? I've heard from others on here that they have had success with that. I saw a post from someone else that she's only been able to get success by varying her calorie count every other day or so. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things. You will lose weight. Stay strong and positive and keep working your sleeve.

Yes, I did. And to be truthful, as Lil Miss Diva says, it continued after my surgery too. I was biting everyone's head off and reacting poorly. I was not sure if it was related to the upcoming surgery, being uncomfortable and getting used to the schedule post surgery, or if it had something to do with being peri-menopausal since I had other symptoms (racing heart, not sleeping well, etc.). Two weeks after surgery I went to see my PCP and she prescribed a low dose anti-depressant. It took about a week and I started noticing a real difference. I'm much calmer, sleep good and my racing heart has gone away too, etc. It's a very small pill so I'll bet you'll be able to take it soon after surgery.

How far out are you? If you're on regular food, then I would say yes. I'm 6 weeks out and on regular food and use protein bars. They are fairly high in carbs though so I usually only eat half a bar (I like Quest and Simple Truth bars). I've eaten a whole bar a couple of times because it needed to clever lunch and snack.

Way to go!

I put on pants about five days after surgery. Elastic waste pants I exercise in so fairly loose around the waste. I was walking hunched over too but then I tried holding a small pillow to my stomach when walking, and it also helped getting in/out of bed and up/down sitting. I had one very small incision up by my bra line. My doc said it's where they went in to fix the hietal hernia. I did'nt put a ba on until my one week post-op appt and took it off as soon as I got home. I lived in nightgowns for a week plus some.

As others have said here already, your weight loss will be unique to you. I lost 17 pounds pre-op, and 21 pounds since surgery six weeks ago. The post-op loss could be considered slow by some, but the benefits of losing slower are important to me as I am over the age of 50. The slow weight loss is allowing my skin to snap back better so less extra skin so far. The Sleeve is a tool and not an easy way out or a magic pill, but used correctly, it does work and keeps on working. Stay positive!

This is very common with sleeve patients. I have found that with constipation a Colace capsule (stool softener, not a laxative) taken at night before bed does the trick by morning and also make sure you are getting in your water and more! Also a little bit of non-fat Greek yogurt with fruit. For the other issue, babybel cheese takes care of that with me.

Well, it finally happened. Three weeks later than I expected. Six weeks out and I hit a stall. Stuck at 215 for the last week. It's okay though since I added exercise to the schedule this week so my body is probably just trying to adjust. I did have a great NSV this week too. I cleaned out my closet and took two large trash bags of clothes that i will never wear again to a consignment store that sells only women's sizes 14 and over. I get 50% of the sales price. These are very nice clothes as I have to wear business dress for work. I can use the profits as credit in the store if I want. The store has really cute clothing and accessories so I think this is a good deal as I am dropping sizes and don't want to spend the money on new clothes. Great transitional clothing! I'm eating regular food now but still having a hard time getting the calories up to 800 per NUT's recommendation. Still around 600. Protein has been in the high 70's to low 80's, carbs in the 20's, and at least 64 ounces of water daily, sometimes more. Last night I had halibut cakes, rather cake (singular) since I could barely eat one. I'm not finding eating at restaurants challenging at all. There always seems to be healthy choices. I ate one or two bites of the outside of the cake which was very lightly coated with panko, and ate mostly the middle of the cake and two green beans. It was a delicious meal, although just the very small bites of the panko crust did send me to the bathroom an hour later. At least I thought that's what it was. Could also have been the rich filling in the halibut cake too. For Father's Day, I'm making Emily's Bites Lasagna Cpcakes since my husband wants lasagna. Can't wait to try them! I feel like I am in a really good rhythm now and it is great!