AliveAgain

I have plastic storage containers of clothes from the past 8 years, hoping to lose weight year after year. I have clothes that are a size 6 that I look at now and want to cry that I ever fit into them. Same problem here with different brands and mass cuts. Most of my clothes come from Lane Bryant (gag) and I have one pair of 18s that fit like a charm, and another pair that looks exactly the same that fit all the way up but won't button/zip all the way. It's infuriating. I still mostly wear my size 20s even though they only look good for about the first 10 minutes out of the dryer, then they become all baggy. I even have a pair of 22s that fit ilke the 20s. Clothing manufacturer's are never the same factory and cuts can very. I say pick the size you find fits the most across the lot of them and go with that! And yes, after losing 37 pounds I hoped to be down a full two sizes or more... but I'm only down like 1-1/2. But I'll take it!

What's funny to me are the number of general practitioners and specialists that have never heard of the sleeve! And they were the ones telling me to consider WLS. When I saw my GP the other day I had to explain to him what the sleeve was, practically walk him through the procedure. He kept saying, "So it was a bypass?" - UM, NO!!! So glad you committed and are enjoying the weight loss. Congratulations! I went through the yo-yo's the first month, wondering what the hell I did. And people I talk to still think I'm starving myself. Yet, I have good energy, I'm able to get through the days just fine, headache free, and happy.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! So exciting! Everyone's doctor has different diet guidelines for the food phases after surgery. Hopefully your doctor has given you a written plan or has a nutritionist on staff to help you? My doctor and NUT had me on Clear liquids the first week after surgery. So I stocked up on chicken, beef, and veggie broths; SF Jell-O, SF Popsicles, and Protein mixes. I ordered a mixture of powders from nectar, unjury, and my doctor's office gave me some Healthwise packets. They come in variations that can be mixed with just Water (the fruity flavors), or soy/skim milk (vanilla/chocolate), or Soups to mix with the broths. One of my favorite Snacks is to make SF Jell-O with unflavored protein, so I can get up to 5g in just a snack! The first 3-4 days at home, I barely hit 50g per day which was still good. By the end of the week, I was hitting 70g no problem. I would make sure you have some Miralax or Milk of Magnesia on hand as you may find (like many of us) that between the antibiotics, pain meds, and anesthesia, constipation can be a real problem in the first week. I also bought Benefiber powder to put into my protein shakes. I also liked having decaf green tea on hand for when I wanted something warm, Crystal Light to help with getting in the 64oz of fluids. By week two I could have some low-carb soups so long as they were well blended. Then by week three I was on to non-fat Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. GOOD LUCK!

I have been fine until this week as well, at 5-1/2 weeks out. Monday I poached a tender piece of halibut and steamed asparagus. The asparagus I'd eaten many times before, no problems at all. I ate about 2oz of the fish very slowly, chewed like crazy, over about one hour. I got that horrendous pain in the chest that didn't go away for about 15 minutes. So I finally gave in, and tried spitting a little only to have my first slime experience. Disgusting. Unfortunately I have a sensitive gag reflex, so the entire dinner came up. Now switch to the next evening when I'm at a friend's for dinner and I was able to eat about 3oz of grilled chicken, some green pepper, onion, avocado, mozz cheese, and 1/2 an oatmeal cookie made with applesauce. No problems at all! Then the next night I used the remaining halibut and put it in a veggie broth, and it went down no problem. So I'm thinking the one bad night is behind me. Until last night, when I tried eating roasted chicken (have had it before no problem) and after 1.5oz over 45 minutes -- got the slimes again. I take Prilosec in the mornings and otherwise have no heartburn symptoms. Go figure!!

Are you keeping an actual food journal to log the breakdown of your calories/fats/carbs/protein? Sounds like you are getting in an OK amount of Protein, but might need more. At 6 weeks you should be aiming to get 80-90g at a minimum. And it's good if you can get half of that in before mid-day, rather than lumping it all in the afternoon. If you can, mix up what you're eating rather than eating the same thing more than twice a day. Are you logging your fluids as well, 64oz or more per day? How much are you exercising? It might be time to bump it up a little, like 10% more. More than likely it's just a stall. The human body is not a perfectly tuned machine and can have it's quirks. Be patient, I'm sure it will break soon!!

This is completely new for me!! I did have some problems with constipation prior to surgery, usually around travel and stressful times at work. But it never turned into this....

So I'm curious if anyone else had problems with this post-surgery? I was convinced mine were a result of "aggressive" bike riding at the gym. You know how the saddles on those things are hard and wide, just horrid. Coming from the cycling industry I know those things are no good, but we had a raining spell and I wanted to get in my bike riding. But now I'm wondering if it's a result of too little Fiber from the VSG diet? I haven't had any unpleasant bowel movements or constipation, but perhaps there are other things at play. I am averaging about 12-16g of fiber each day, 12 of which come from Benefiber powder in drinks. Other than that, since I'm watching carbs I can't really get more in. I've emailed my doctor and they were of no help at all. They seem to think the Benefiber should do it, except I've been taking Benefiber daily for about 4 weeks now -- so well before the hemorrhoids showed up. Most medical websites say we need to get more like 25g, but there's no way to do that without breaking my diet rules. Plus, the volume of berries, Beans, and veggies I'd have to eat would cut into my Protein intake based on how little my stomach can hold. My weight loss has stalled this week due to the fact that I can't exercise AT ALL. Even a 20 minutes walk is painful. I saw my GP and he said to keep up with the suppositories, sitz baths, etc. and wait it out another week or two. They want to avoid surgery due to my age and the fact that the recovery from that is more painful and much longer. UGH! There has to be a better way?!?

I'm five weeks out and find I have good and bad days. Most of my meals are about 1/2 cup, or close to 2 oz. But I can sit down and eat close to a cup or 4oz if I want to. My doctor says not to ever put more than 4oz on my plate, but never said I can't have more. I try to do it to be conscientious of not stretching or pushing my sleeve into uncomfortable places. Just because you can, doesn't mean you have to!

It can be a struggle on busy days. I haven't tried bars yet (too many carbs) but have been using mostly nitrate-free deli meats like chicken and turkey, mozzarella sticks, greek yogurt, shrimp, fish, roasted chicken and tofu. That plus two shakes a day around 25g each usually gets me close to 90g per day, but in keeping to around 600 calories per day. Also, I make SF Jell-O with unflavored protein (Unjury) for mid-afternoon snack.

It's been postponed until the team gets past some crazy deadlines... fingers crossed!

My doctor had me slowly introducing mushies during week three, but I really didn't get the hang of it until week four. Meaning: in the beginning it took me 45 minutes to eat a single poached egg, then two weeks later I can eat it in 20 minutes. I slipped in a few mushies during week two, but like one tablespoon a day of yogurt or cottage cheese.

Because numbers like that are usually based on statistics of averages, and we are anything but average! I would talk to your nutritionist and doctor, start logging your intake again, and examine your breakdown. Also, drink more fluids!

For the larger breasted women (though I don't mind hearing from any size): When did you start to lose in your cup size? I have lost 35lbs so far, very happy, feeling great. I am definitely losing in my torso as my rib measurement has gone from 38 to 35! But my actual cup size is not changing much. Not as much as I'd hoped. They already look like hell and I know it will only get worse. But I'm really ready to lose the fat in these suckers. It's already hard enough to find a properly fitting 38H/I bra -- I can't wait until I'm a DDD or DD again. I will have reduction surgery once I hit maintenance, hoping to be a C or B one all is said and done!! Also, I need to find a better sports bra as I have people telling me I do not appear to have the right support. Anyone have any luck with any retailers or online brands? So far, all the stores carry those "one size fits all" things that turn you into uniboob. My torso is a size 16/18, but my boobs are still like a 22/24. And I'm short to boot with a super short torso. Most bras out there are made for taller women and have really long straps when I need shorter straps. I've heard there is a "petite" category that goes by height, but have never seen them in stores. Thanks for the help!

My weakness is Pasta and Mexican food. Haven't had the Mexican yet, other than a tablespoon of salsa mixed in cottage cheese (YUM!) macaroni and cheese used to be my downfall. Before I was married, I was lazy. Could make the whole box and eat it out of the pot because I hate cleaning up after cooking and doing dishes. My husband came home the other night having picked up food from our favorite place that serves a la carte items: rotisserie chicken, steamed veggies, twice baked potatoes, and mac n' cheese. He got the smallest serving sizes since he knew I'd only eat part of the chicken and some veggie. I couldn't resist and ate THREE noodles of the mac n' cheese at the end of my meal. Tastes so good, but immediately felt that tightness in the tummy of "no more!" That's exactly what I hoped my sleeve would do!

Sorry to hear about that! Sounds horrible! Yep, corn is on the "do not eat" list - like for a really, really long time. One of the higher in sugar foods. Between that and the butter, I'm betting your system just took a major shock. Rest, go back to the basics, and hope you feel better soon!

Fantastic results. What an inspiration for us all!

Hello Fitforlife! I live in the Bay Area as well, so we may have had the same surgeon (?) based on hearing you say "they hate carbs and don't want (you) to have any." My surgeon and nutritionist are the same way. Their plan is by far the strictest I've seen and I've been downloading other WLS diet plans on the internet to compare. It turned me into a stressed out nut about carbs, to the point I was willing to forgo Vitamins and Fiber I needed to get below 30g. Not smart. The funny thing is I've lost *only* 21 pounds since surgery (I'm in week 5) and to them, that's not terrible but not great either. I've notice people with other surgeons and other NUT plans seem to be losing more -- NOT that I'm saying their plans are better. Just everyone loses differently and to hold everyone accountable to the same plans is just crazy. I went through a period around days 22-27 where I was also getting dizzy, headache, weak, etc. especially when I got warm or overexerted myself. I looked at my journal and noticed that cutting the carbs so low was killing my electrolyte intake (sodium, potassium, magnesium). Not to mention I was still in the 450-525 calorie range when I should really be getting more like 600. It was just crazy to think I could continue that way. So I listened to my body and started allowing up to 50-55g of carbs instead of 30-40g, and from the "approved" list of veggies. Amazingly, I felt so much better and I'm still losing at the same rate I was before! And I do better when I snack on smallish meals 4-5 times per day than keeping to the 3 meal rule. By smallish meal, it can be 5-6 small nuts, 1oz of Protein meat or cottage cheese, or even a few bites of egg salad. I think some docs are too worried that someone will take the 4-5 smaller meal thing as dangerous ground for grazing and taking in sliders (like the cookies). Try to keep good snack options around like other posters have mentioned, and concentrate on keeping a food journal with MyFitnessPal on your phone or computer. It really is important to see how much you're taking in, or when you're not getting enough! Don't feel like you've irrevocably messed up. You will most likely do it again at some point (we all will) and the important thing to do is RECOGNIZE IT and learn from it. The more you pay attention, the more realize the difference between real hunger and head hunger. Planning is key, keeping emergency "good" Snacks available in your purse, car, desk, etc. Best of luck to you!

I tried a few flavors from GNC and did not like any of them -- AT ALL. The RTD protein made my tongue and mouth feel weird, almost like there was a coating of sawdust in my mouth. My husband tried it, said the same thing. Makes my mouth pucker as well and I felt sick drinking it. Personally, I do well with the Unjury and Nectar powders mixed with water. My doctor told me the body doesn't like to absorb more than 25-30g protein in any two hour period anyhow -- so the Isopure seemed like overkill.

Today marks thirty days since my surgery, four weeks and two days. My husband and I went out to eat for the first time in over a month, and it was a success! I was a little worried about a negative reaction, but was feeling OK since I haven't had any problems at home this past week introducing "early solid foods." We went out for sushi and I ordered a miso Soup which I've been making at home, familiar territory. Then I was about to very slowly, but wonderfully eat three 1oz pieces of sashimi (sake and maguro) dipped in low-sodium soy sauce. HEAVEN! I took very small bites, chewed so thoroughly, and patiently waited between bites to check in with my belly for the full signal. The taste was amazing, so nice to have something my taste buds remember from before surgery. I felt like I could have gone for a fourth piece, but didn't want to push it. It was hard to not dive into the roll my husband got, but I kept staring at the rice like it was a sworn enemy. I did allow myself a small bite of the unagi he ordered for "desert" It was so nice to feel normal again. And I have to say, I loved my sleeve for doing it's job tonight...

Day 30: "Mixed Feelings" I am wondering if anyone had breast reduction/reconstruction after having WLS, and if so: How long did you wait and was it covered by insurance? I am very well endowed genetically. When I gained weight, I went from a 34DD at 135lbs. to a 40H at 265lbs. I visited a plastic surgeon in October, and he was the one who mentioned the VSG option to lose weight. In fact, it was made me decide to have VSG done. He highly recommended that I lose the weight first, then have the surgery once I was at maintenance weight. Having the surgery at my highest weight would increase my chances of risks, longer hospital stay, etc. He said that losing even 50lbs. would reduce those chances by more than half. I've never liked having large breasts. I'm an active person and they get in the way. Not to mention trying to find bras, clothes, and bathing suits that fit. I usually have to order my bras from strange online retailers and spend outrageous amounts of return shipping and restocking fees when they don't work. It's not like I can just buy a bra at a local department store for $20! I love to swim, but my only option for bathing suits is a place in the mid-west that makes custom suits. They are close to $180 a pop! And as good as they are, they still don't support me all that well and they fall apart after 15-20 swims. I guess they are made more for those who sit by the pool than actually get in the pool. In regular tops and jackets, I still have to buy 1-2X just to cover my chest, while the rest of me is swimming in fabric. I am easily a size 14 in my arms and waist if that helps make a visual. I know my breasts are going to be my nemesis during the weight loss process. I've lost 34lbs. and haven't budged in the bra department other than I changed from a 40 band size to 38. I'm going to be very disappointed if I don't lose the boobs. I'm already daydreaming of having breast reduction as soon as I hit goal. Although we want to have kids, so if I'm able to conceive we may wait a little longer. They are terribly uncomfortable and such a pain. I tried swimming at a new gym yesterday and had a freaky, creepy old man staring at me the whole time. I stayed only 10 minutes before leaving in shame and embarrassment. I've been stared at since high school when I developed, and have always gotten more attention from the male-sex than I ever welcomed. I've been groped at concerts, unable to get security to do anything. I get cat calls when I'm out trying to walk for my health, nasty things. I can't wait until they are gone and I can have a normal life.

Yes, this is normal and you will find you can take a little bit more day by day. I am four weeks and can now eat 3/4-cup of cottage cheese in under 45 minutes. I would advise staying away from sweet potato for a few more weeks or months since they are on the list of "high" carb/sugar vegetables. They are very nutritious, yes, but at this early stage throwing that much carb/sugar on your liver/pancreas may not settle well. Have you tried plain Greek yogurt yet? Be patient, your stomach will tell you when it's ready for more!

I had mine done through Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. The site they want me to use is private, for "paying customers only." I get access to a registered nurse and a dietician. They're both nice, but the advice seems robotic. Like they forget who you are as a person, an individual. I feel like a heel when I tell them I would like to work in veggies like broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, etc. and they are freaking out about the carbs. I mean, I'm being sensible and have a list plastered to my fridge of the lower carb veggie options. It's not like I can truly eat a full portion of it anyhow after I get in my 1-2oz of protein! The only Pasta I've had in the last 6 weeks is a single, little bite off a fork of my husband's cheese tortellini. I did not enjoy it that much, and ending up swallowing the cheese filling but spitting out the pasta portion. They tell me they don't want me to eat something, have a bad reaction and then get food aversions. But what they don't see is that I'm slowly building aversions to the smell of broth, greek yogurt, tofu -- all the stuff they've had me eating for weeks now. I see more of a danger in eating the SAME THINGS over and over again. But then again, I have been lucky enough to not have a lot of food getting stuck and vomiting. Thanks for listening!

I read somewhere else someone mentioning the petite's and how to get enough in they had to take a lot. Maybe I misunderstood? I'll take another look at the store. I had a hard times with Vitamins before surgery, most would flush right through me and I'd still have problematic labwork. Some doctors believed I didn't have enough stomach acid to properly absorb them then, so not sure what that means now. Before surgery, my B12 levels were in the danger zone for more than a year. Couldn't get enough from food and anytime I used the Vitamin form I'd get super jittery, a headache, and crash. I had to do my own injections at home for a few months until I couldn't muster up enough courage to do them anymore. I'd cry and panic about it for 30 minutes then jab my leg wrong and have a giant bruise for weeks. UGH! I hear what you are saying. I'm reaching that place where I'm doing my own research and realizing my doctor is insane to want me to stay below 600 calories and "well below" 40g carbs for the next six months, then expect that I'll be able to "eat normally" ever again without problems. I think he's set on putting my body into a state of ketosis, which I'm not a fan of the long-term effects. I'm sure when I'm not losing enough they'll critique my judgement. I've already heard, "Well if you are doing everything like we tell you, you should be losing faster." Like I'm either lying and not doing what they're telling me, or something is wrong with me. They gave me this "bible" they told me to read over and over to memorize about what I'll do in each stage. Yet, when I follow it they tell me, "No, don't do that!!" Seriously. It's in THEIR BOOK and they're telling me it's wrong. Not sure how hard it is to get your facts straight and keep your stuff up-to-date. And they want me to journal and blog on their site, but I think it was made in 1999 for how outdated it is. Sorry, I just needed to vent a little I guess

My nutritionist said the capsule will prevent nausea and stomach upset since they tend to be gentler than the tablets. With the One-A-Day Petite w/Iron, you still have to take like 6-8 pills per day, correct? I'd like not to have nausea and that seems like a lot. I use the Benefiber because I get easily constipated. Was that way before surgery, but was able to eat proper foods to get real Fiber back then. Without fruits, veggies, and whole grains, it's just ugly. But I see it as short term, just a weird diet I have to do to lose weight and then get back to proper nutrition.

Yes, I'm trying to reduce my carbs and I don't care for the sweetness. The two chewables account for 4g of carbs in a single day. Add that to the calcium chews and Benefiber, and I'm already at 20-24g carbs or half of what I'm allowed in a day. They taste like SweetTart candies and get stuck in my teeth, not a big fan.