AliveAgain

IV fluids and swelling. I came home 8lbs heavier, was gone within 5-6 days.

I've been eating avocado regularly since I started mushy foods 3-4 weeks post op. I eat about 1/4-1/2 of a smaller avocado (28-50g) once a day about 3-4 times a week at most. It is has many health benefits and is actually not a high source of cholesterol. It does have a source of plant sterols which can be called a "plant cholesterol" but in moderation, can actually help with high cholesterol. They came highly recommended from two Stanford cardiologists who said the amount I was eating was "just right" and not too much. For how little fat you get in a 1/4 cup serving, it's not enough to worry about. In fat, a healthy balance of the "good" fats can do wonders for weight loss. You can see from my statistics, it hasn't slowed down my loss. Granted, eating a 1/4 cup of guacamole with fried tortilla chips is not the same thing

So I got worried over the last two weeks because I was barely able to eat solid foods. I am 15 weeks out now (3.5mos). It would take 20 minutes or so to get in 1-1.5oz of Protein (chicken, scallop, shrimp, etc) and I got the "full" signal. Most days, I barely hit 500 calories. Then, in the last two days I feel more hungry than usual. And I have been able to eat larger meals with no problem. In fact, if I wasn't listening to my full signal, I'd eat more. It's as though I'm eating more easily.
Last night I had 3oz of meat (mix pork chop and filet mignon leftovers), plus some veggies. Went down easy and in under 30 minutes. Tonight we made soft tacos for the first time since surgery b/c my husband was craving them. I made mine with 2oz ground lean meat and limited toppings more tostada style. No rice allowed and only 1tbsp pinto Beans - and no frying of the shell, just a nice pan reheat, no oil. I was expecting to eat it tostada style, but found myself trying the soft taco shell (a low carb option). To my amazement I was able to eat one whole taco, small bites, putting down the taco b/n bites and eating over about 20 minutes. I tallied everything and it came to 297 calories, 13g Protein, and only 15 carbs. But it was more than I've eaten in a single meal in WEEKS, and so easily with no pain at all. I was still under 700 calories for the day, 110g of protein, 30 carbs total and 20g fat. I also drank 80oz of Water and went on a 1.5 hour grueling 9 mile mountain bike ride.
The only things I can tie it to is that I hit ovulated a few days ago and I know the hormones spike in the days/week after that. Has this happened to anyone else?

IV fluids and swelling. I came home 8lbs heavier, was gone within 5-6 days.

I'm two months out today and in a typical day I do two shakes (usually 23g Protein nectar brand with Water, 8-12oz). For actual meals, my doctor told me to try to stay around 2oz of any meat. I bought a small scale for $15 at Bed, Bath & Beyond and it is a lifesaver because eyeballing it was not working -- what I thought was 2oz was more like 1oz. I measure my Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and all meat. I'm eating lots of chicken breast meat, shrimp, fish, and some pork chop. With dinner I'll also try to get in 1-1.5oz of asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli, or other good carb veggie. I have found my sleeve CAN take more, but usually around 3oz of food I'm satiated and any more will make me uncomfortably full. That usually happens when I have Soups and the 2-3oz of broth takes up more room. My favorite is when I treat myself to two Day Boat Scallops (that's usually 2-3oz) -- so flavorful with no added sauces! I have to say that I've loved my sleeve when eating out with friends, it really keeps me away from snacking on appetizers and Desserts.
On occasion, I'll take in a tablespoon of natural Peanut Butter -- it's like a little treat! I can do some cheese, though I limit it due to Constipation problems. My doctor recommended Metamucil wafers and they're like Cookies, cinnamon or apple flavored. Nice crunch, and 5g Fiber to boot! Whoo hoo!

Yes, I wake every night between 2:30-3 and then again at 5am. Both times just wide awake. I mentioned it to my doctor and he was baffled, seemed to think it could be a sign of depression. Hogwash! I know myself, and I know this is not depression, it was more like an alarm clock in my body waking me up. And yes, I've read that it could be ketosis as well. Wikipedia has a great explanation of it, but here's my understanding: Most of us have a fatty liver, that will go away like all the other fat. When you wake at all, to roll over, pee, etc. the liver can trigger that you need energy, like you're waking up. Since it's in ketosis, it burns up some of the fat for energy, turning it into ketones for the brain. This can trick the pancreas to push a small amount of sugar into the bloodstream. It's like your body thinks it's time to wake up, so it goes into motion. (Please take this with pause as I am not a chemist or biologist, but this is what I took away from it...)

This is a big one for me this week as I've been having a tough time emotionally and mentally with some things going on, and my "head hunger" has come back to the forefront of my thinking. When I'm sad, I want comfort foods. Thankfully I have not broken down at all and have stuck with the program and my weight loss is still progressing. But even today, after a tough session with my therapist, I really wanted to hit the Jack in the Box. Granted, I justified it by saying I'll just get chicken strips and eat two of them. I was halfway there when I stopped at a light and made a hard u-turn saying out loud, "Just go home! GO HOME NOW!" and I did. I came home and made a Protein shake instead. I was hungry (hadn't had enough Protein today) and emotional -- two weaknesses. It just goes to show how there is more to this surgery than just the incisions, gas, and pills. It's about knowing what you got in trouble in the first place and taking control.
I personally know that having the sleeve has been the best and most consistent tool I've had in weight loss ever. Before, I'd diet, I'd exercise, I'd get into a program and inevitably I'd lose momentum after 2-3 months. Having PAID for the surgery (a small chunk of savings that could have gone to SO many other things), gone through the cutting, the healing and that horrible first month -- I NEVER want to do it again. That does not mean I regret ever doing it -- just the opposite -- now that I have done it, I have so much motivation to never have to do it again! Not to mention seeing the results for the first time in six years! Yes, my weight yo-yo'd some in my twenties, but I've never had to lose this much weight before. To know I've been able to lose 50 pounds in three months, is just amazing.

Just reading and reflecting on how things have gone over the 2 plus years since having my surgery and the people who really influenced, encouraged and offered their story when I was seeking information about the sleeve surgery. I posted, tell me "the good, the bad and the ugly", I read and read. I prayed, I got to really understand that things can go wrong and do with people and this surgery. I never thought it would happen to me, because I follow the directions to the letter, and now maybe that was a fault. I ended up with an abscess that was caused by my JP Drain being left in for 10 days. Now, my doctor gives antibiotics before surgery and only leaves the drain in for a day (last time I saw him). So, folks even though I am posting in the Vets forum, for now I know others are reading this section.
Just curious if we have heard from Irene...LittleMissDiva (aka Diva, and will always be the Diva to me), Tiffikins (first one to help me), Libby aka, Me...Me...Me, (who bravely shared her leak story) or Lissa (aka Melissa, who was featured in the spot light), I know Cheri has been on the boards (hope you and your family are doing well), what about Sleeve of Steel; I know Kim is now a host Feed Your Eye (so cool), PDXman (also featured and always brilliant), Coops (showing dedication can get you there and I have seen her around recently ), umm BlackBerry (remember she had a body building picture)' remember when it was just Avitars on the site, no pictures...(digressed sorry), Sleeve For Me (new name, but always, i mean always recognizing others), Peg in the Woods (made a list of those with complications so you could read about it) and others during the 2011/2012 early time frame? I hope these folks know they forged the way and helped many of us, and even the NEW vets. Folks just know, all your contributions are/were appreciated. For me, I have been on and off this forum. I find when I am active, listening/reading and in some cases helping others, I feel successful, I tend to do better for myself and I sometimes feel I have contributed in a small way.
Make way for the new wave of big contributors, Laura Van (hostess with the mostess), Susan (you have been such a solid staple for the board, certainly a real person), ButtertheBean (host with clear and direct suggestions and advice, you pull no punches)...and more. Seems we have more hosts than before and thank you for your time. I know I have missed many and as soon as I post this, I will think of more, but for now, I am just "remembering", if you have or were offering advice.... Just know you are appreciated!
Thanks for reading this from a professional woman, mom and wife; who, thanks to her sleeve and incredible stories, direction, advice and input from folks like you all on this forum, has changed her outlook in life and the way She can now see herself growing old with her husband and enjoying life.
Make the most of everyday, eat healthy, exercise and make sure the people in your life know how much they mean to you.
Take care.
I will always be ONE HAPPY CAMPER :-)

Amytug, I'm halfway to goal at 3.5 months out from surgery. The scale is hovering at 201 the last two days, just waiting to hit Onederland soon!

Yeah, I know. The avocado is "technically" a bit of a no-no b/c of the fat content. And I love his nutritionist, she's very smart and gives wonderful guidance. So this was me straying a little from the plan. But I have two sisters who are Naturopathic doctors and they tout the health benefits of avocado to no end. It's a healthy fat, good source of Fiber (which I needed by a month out). Just be sure to keep it to a small amount, enjoy it for it's flavor and texture. I think out of a 56g Hass avocado, I would eat about 15g tops -- and only every other 1-2 days. It was a treat, not a staple.
Cottage Cheese: Homemade salsa (so I could keep the sugar and salt content low), salt & pepper, Tomato slices, even w/avocado. Again, measuring everything and tracking it all in MFP to watch carb counts. Even the applesauce was unsweetened or I made with real apples with my blender thingy.
I had my surgery at Good Samaritan in San Jose. It went really well with no complications at all, I was very pleased with Dr. Cirangle's work.
Again, they try to keep most patients away from fatty and sugary foods (even fruits) b/c it's a slippery slope to getting a taste of something so good, then wanting/adding more or going for other foods like them. It's not that avocado, blueberries, or applesauce are bad for you -- they just want to be sure you only use a small amount (in the beginning) and use it sparingly for some variety to keep you sane. But it requires self-monitoring to keep within the protein/carb/sugar/fat limits they ask of you!

So this thread came to mind today for me...
So I decided to just ask my husband, "Did I lose weight in my vagina?" He belted out laughing and nearly fell off his bike. Did I mention we were mountain biking at full speed? He said he'd have to put that one in the books of one of the things he loves about me.
Oh, and he his answer was, "Yes, a little bit"

Once you're off sample packs, Amazon has best price for tubs. They also have flavors outside sampler pack. My favorite combination is true Natural Orange (no artificial sweetener) mixed with vanilla Bean in almond milk or Water - Orange Julius flavor! But main go-to is Lemon Tea. Mix 5-6 cubes of ice, water in Blender Bottle with powder and Metamucil dissolvable Fiber. shake, shake, shake and little whisk does the work. I drink one every morning even 15 months out not b/c I have to but because I LIKE IT! I'm down 140 pounds, past goal from 265 to 125 an maintaining for about 3 months now :-)

Once you're off sample packs, Amazon has best price for tubs. They also have flavors outside sampler pack. My favorite combination is true Natural Orange (no artificial sweetener) mixed with vanilla Bean in almond milk or Water - Orange Julius flavor! But main go-to is Lemon Tea. Mix 5-6 cubes of ice, water in Blender Bottle with powder and Metamucil dissolvable Fiber. shake, shake, shake and little whisk does the work. I drink one every morning even 15 months out not b/c I have to but because I LIKE IT! I'm down 140 pounds, past goal from 265 to 125 an maintaining for about 3 months now :-)

The surgery to me was the easy part. Changing eating habits was the real hard stuff, and it's the most important part of weight loss success. I agree with the others, what's done is done and it sounds like you already know it's not working - move on, move forward. Do you have a nutritionist available to you as part of your doctor's program? Because it's not just straight calories you need to watch, but what is making up those calories - the ratio of Protein, Fiber, carbs, sugars, fats, etc. And yes, it's too soon for junk food. I found my stomach to be very funky about high-fat, fried, or otherwise "junk" foods for the first 4-6 months. Even now, I can't do fried very well. Junk food is made from inferior and questionable ingredients anyhow, it's horrible for your body in many ways and should be seen as a TREAT to enjoy from time to time.
Try to think of healthy, fresh, organic, REAL FOOD that will not only help you lose weight but will help you sleep, think, and feel so much better every day.
Also, are you drinking plenty of Water and fluids? That will slow down weight loss dramatically. At least 64oz per day, up to 80oz if you can do it.

The surgery to me was the easy part. Changing eating habits was the real hard stuff, and it's the most important part of weight loss success. I agree with the others, what's done is done and it sounds like you already know it's not working - move on, move forward. Do you have a nutritionist available to you as part of your doctor's program? Because it's not just straight calories you need to watch, but what is making up those calories - the ratio of Protein, Fiber, carbs, sugars, fats, etc. And yes, it's too soon for junk food. I found my stomach to be very funky about high-fat, fried, or otherwise "junk" foods for the first 4-6 months. Even now, I can't do fried very well. Junk food is made from inferior and questionable ingredients anyhow, it's horrible for your body in many ways and should be seen as a TREAT to enjoy from time to time.
Try to think of healthy, fresh, organic, REAL FOOD that will not only help you lose weight but will help you sleep, think, and feel so much better every day.
Also, are you drinking plenty of Water and fluids? That will slow down weight loss dramatically. At least 64oz per day, up to 80oz if you can do it.

The surgery to me was the easy part. Changing eating habits was the real hard stuff, and it's the most important part of weight loss success. I agree with the others, what's done is done and it sounds like you already know it's not working - move on, move forward. Do you have a nutritionist available to you as part of your doctor's program? Because it's not just straight calories you need to watch, but what is making up those calories - the ratio of Protein, Fiber, carbs, sugars, fats, etc. And yes, it's too soon for junk food. I found my stomach to be very funky about high-fat, fried, or otherwise "junk" foods for the first 4-6 months. Even now, I can't do fried very well. Junk food is made from inferior and questionable ingredients anyhow, it's horrible for your body in many ways and should be seen as a TREAT to enjoy from time to time.
Try to think of healthy, fresh, organic, REAL FOOD that will not only help you lose weight but will help you sleep, think, and feel so much better every day.
Also, are you drinking plenty of Water and fluids? That will slow down weight loss dramatically. At least 64oz per day, up to 80oz if you can do it.

The surgery to me was the easy part. Changing eating habits was the real hard stuff, and it's the most important part of weight loss success. I agree with the others, what's done is done and it sounds like you already know it's not working - move on, move forward. Do you have a nutritionist available to you as part of your doctor's program? Because it's not just straight calories you need to watch, but what is making up those calories - the ratio of Protein, Fiber, carbs, sugars, fats, etc. And yes, it's too soon for junk food. I found my stomach to be very funky about high-fat, fried, or otherwise "junk" foods for the first 4-6 months. Even now, I can't do fried very well. Junk food is made from inferior and questionable ingredients anyhow, it's horrible for your body in many ways and should be seen as a TREAT to enjoy from time to time.
Try to think of healthy, fresh, organic, REAL FOOD that will not only help you lose weight but will help you sleep, think, and feel so much better every day.
Also, are you drinking plenty of Water and fluids? That will slow down weight loss dramatically. At least 64oz per day, up to 80oz if you can do it.

The surgery to me was the easy part. Changing eating habits was the real hard stuff, and it's the most important part of weight loss success. I agree with the others, what's done is done and it sounds like you already know it's not working - move on, move forward. Do you have a nutritionist available to you as part of your doctor's program? Because it's not just straight calories you need to watch, but what is making up those calories - the ratio of Protein, Fiber, carbs, sugars, fats, etc. And yes, it's too soon for junk food. I found my stomach to be very funky about high-fat, fried, or otherwise "junk" foods for the first 4-6 months. Even now, I can't do fried very well. Junk food is made from inferior and questionable ingredients anyhow, it's horrible for your body in many ways and should be seen as a TREAT to enjoy from time to time.
Try to think of healthy, fresh, organic, REAL FOOD that will not only help you lose weight but will help you sleep, think, and feel so much better every day.
Also, are you drinking plenty of Water and fluids? That will slow down weight loss dramatically. At least 64oz per day, up to 80oz if you can do it.

The surgery to me was the easy part. Changing eating habits was the real hard stuff, and it's the most important part of weight loss success. I agree with the others, what's done is done and it sounds like you already know it's not working - move on, move forward. Do you have a nutritionist available to you as part of your doctor's program? Because it's not just straight calories you need to watch, but what is making up those calories - the ratio of Protein, Fiber, carbs, sugars, fats, etc. And yes, it's too soon for junk food. I found my stomach to be very funky about high-fat, fried, or otherwise "junk" foods for the first 4-6 months. Even now, I can't do fried very well. Junk food is made from inferior and questionable ingredients anyhow, it's horrible for your body in many ways and should be seen as a TREAT to enjoy from time to time.
Try to think of healthy, fresh, organic, REAL FOOD that will not only help you lose weight but will help you sleep, think, and feel so much better every day.
Also, are you drinking plenty of Water and fluids? That will slow down weight loss dramatically. At least 64oz per day, up to 80oz if you can do it.

I'm looking forward to feeling comfy the next time I'm in a plane!

Very cool!

when we traveled in Jan & march, i also found that the seats were way more comfortable now too!!
another NSV!!

That's awesome! How very cool!

YAY!!! Congrats!!! I will be almost exactly 3 months out from surgery when I'll have to renew my drivers licenses I'm hoping to look a little different in them. lol. No double chin would be awesome! I'm also hoping not to have to lie about weight either! haha.

Such a wonderful story! Love it!