SouthernDonna45

I had sleeve surgery in June of 2012. I lost about 90 pounds within the first 5 months or so and then nothing since. I have been stalled out over a year now and am very depressed about it. I've even gained a few pounds! I know exactly why I'm stalled out, and that is the worst part. I'm eating junk and not exercising. I don't watch what I eat at all anymore and as much as I'm concerned about It, I can't seem to stay focused and motivated to do the right things. When I buy groceries, I look for low carb high Protein foods and that's what I buy... and then a box of Little Debbies just in case. Well, I end up eating the Little Debbie's in a day or two and never touch the food I purchased that's good for me. In fact, I mostly just eat out. I don't know how to kick the cravings I have for carbs... On a positive note, however, I did switch to putting Splenda in my coffee instead of sugar... that was a miracle for me because I've never liked it that way. Anybody got any suggestions for motivation or kicking the cravings? I have got another 100 pounds to lose and time is running out on me... Help?

Where can I find recipes for high protein foods? I want quick and easy because of my hectic lifestyle. ANy advice?

I forgot to mention that I am just 8 weeks post-op myself, so that happened to me very recently. I'll lose pretty well for several days and then stall again.... it was frustrating at first for me too, but I've read the posts and talked to my sister (who was sleeved in August) and know that it just happens and will pass. By the way, you're losing inches all the time, even when the scale doesn't reflect a loss. So, your clothes will start getting really loose and you'll notice the changes, even during a stall. Chin up!

I am a patient of Dr. Alvarez. You have chosen the very best! I know you are excited about the upcoming surgery and let me tell you, you will be very well taken care of!! I was sleeved by him on June 1st. I had absolutely no problems and they were super nice to me!! I don't think I've ever received that good of health care anywhere in the states that I can recall. He is a very sweet, personable doctor and his staff is very helpful. I had no nausea, no major pain, nothing. I really had a great experience and have lost 55 pounds already! The best part is, he and his staff are always available anytime via phone or email and he'll email you himself if you have questions and want it straight from him. He's very generous with his time and very caring. Good luck to you!!

1. I forget to eat

The same thing happened to me around that time! It WILL PASS!!!! In the next week or two, you'll likely start dropping 2 to 3 pounds a day for a while and then it will taper off again.... one morning I woke up and had dropped 5 whole pounds overnight.... don't ask me how that happened, but it did! Don't get frustrated... you've had surgery... you don't have a CHOICE but to lose the weight now.... it'll happen. Just keep up the good work and wait for it!

You have made the right decision!! I was sleeved on June 1st and have lost 44 pounds already and 25 inches! It was not only the best decision I ever made for myself, but more importantly, as it turned out, it was a life saving one for me. When he got in there to do the surgery, my organs were so covered in fat that my prognosis was very bleak... I would not have lived another year or two the way I was going and the scarey thing is... I didn't even KNOW it!! I had so much liver damage from fat that you would think I was an alcoholic (and I don't drink). I mean, I had shrank my fatty liver with the pre op diet before surgery, but the damage was already done. Thank God the surgery has stopped it's progression and now I can live a long healthy life (God willing). Don't let anyone talk you out of this most important endeavor... it might just save your life! Just do it! Good luck to you!!!

Pre op diet is full liquids such as broths, cream soups with no chunks, popsicles, jello, etc. Post op first week is clear liquids such as broths, water, popsicles, juices, etc. Dr. Alvarez says you should have some sugary drinks like juice that first week because your body needs it. There is a list his office will send you for both pre op and post op. His web site might contain these things if you go to endobariatric.com Hope this helps! Good luck!

You have all made a great decision going with Dr. Alvarez! I was sleeved by him on June 1st and let me tell you, no regrets!!! I've lost over 40 pounds so far and 25 inches total! It hasn't been difficult for me except for giving up Dr. Pepper. I know they said I could have it if I let it go flat first but who wants a flat Dr. Pepper? The only trouble I have after being sleeved is remembering to eat. I'm simply never hungry anymore... at all. I have to watch the clock sometimes to remember to get something in at certain times.. also have a little trouble eating enough protein. Cant hold it. I don't really like any of the protien shakes at all or the powders... however, I make myself drink a Muscle Milk shake every morning. Anyway, the experience in Eagle Pass and Mexico was surreal... enjoyed it very much and Dr. Alvarez is absolutely wonderful. Wasn't sick, didn't feel much pain from incisions, nothing. I was up walking a few hours after surgery and it felt GREAT to just get up and walk up and down that hall!!! I had a great experience and I know y'all will too. Good luck to everybody!!!

Thank you for the advice AKSleever! My sister told me that too and I have done it... pounds coming back off!! Yay me!!! Thanks for noticing my post and responding to it!

I am 6 weeks post op and have a huge problem.... I am gaining a pound a day and have been for nearly a week now!! Im so discouraged! I hardly eat anything but I admit I have been drinking sugary drinks a lot... I started walking a mile a day on the treadmill but still gaining... I am not getting my proteins in... only getting about 30 grams a day instead of the 70 I'm supposed to be getting... One thing new that happened that might be contributing is that I just had my last 4 teeth pulled out and got new dentures top and bottom... having major pain and can't eat much.taking antibiotics and pain killers (Percacet)... the only thing I can really eat is vienna sausage because they are soft.... Please somebody tell me what to do to make this weight gain stop... Is it really just that I drink some koolaid and tea wtih sugar? I mean, I don't do that all day... just periodically...Advice is welcome!!

I have been "stalled" for over a week now and I'm only 5 weeks out! I have not only stalled but have actually gained three pounds! I have identified the problem as being too much sugar... I drink sweet tea, Apple juice and KoolAid a lot... I don't eat sweets, but I drink them! I just never thought that would make this much difference, but apparently it does! I only just started exercising yesterday so I have a lot of catching up to do! I have to use ice cream to make protein shakes or I can't get them down... calories calories.... I'm sure that's what's doing it, now that I've read all these posts... I feel so stupid... I thought once you're sleeved, no more worries! The weight would have no choice but to come off... how naive is that? I'm ashamed of myself for not thinking about any of this as I was doing it... Glad I am reazliing it now so I can change it...

Thank you for the advice! I have tried the protein bullet (vial) from WalMart and it was terrible! I know there's not much liquid in it so I should just turn it up, but I can't make myself do it! I just know I'll throw it up if I do. It's soooo nasty! Thanks for the tip on Collegen protein Amy... I did not know that... will watch that from now on.

Best of luck to you both! You'll do fine!! Praying for your speedy recovery!

I am 6 weeks post op and having MAJOR trouble getting in all my proteins!! I hate all the shakes I've tried except Muscle Milk. However, I can't hold enough of it to make a real difference. On the pre op diet I could chug one every morning and loved it... however, now I do good to get in a few sips. I'm a very picky eater/drinker, so I automatically hate everything I try.. lol I know, that really sounds childish, but I wonder if anyone could tell me a better way to get a lot of protein without the shakes or powders? I can't eat enough meat to get it that way either, so I'm really struggling here...

I had no pain after surgery and still don't. (I am six weeks post op). I like the "binder" idea though... I wonder if it would help with skin problems I may have? I've started really exercising more and just thought that might help tone my stomach... thanks for sharing!

I want to put my seatbelt on and not be fighting it to the DEATH all the way to my destination. I want to be unaware of it like small people are. I want to sit in a regular desk and work with my 9th grade students side by side, one on one sometimes... not have to have them come sit at a table with me. I want to turn heads again like I did when I was young... I can remember guys looking twice at me when I'd walk in a store or anywhere out in public... that hasn't happened since I was 22 years old. I'm 46. I want to ride a bicycle again. I won't explain that one. I want to be able to breathe calmly all the time, even when I get up to just go to the bathroom at my house... don't want to be out of breath to do it! I want to wear normal jeans... no elastic... and be comfortable in them I want to be able to order a T-shirt at school to help the kids' fundraisers, etc. I agree with skinny sex. Nuff said I want one chin and I want it attached to my face.. When I lie down, I want all my parts to stay where they go... not hanging on either side of me I just want to be healthy... with all it entails...

I've lost 25 pounds since the beginning of pre-op diet (14 days presurgery) I chose to do 14 days instead of 10 days because I quit smoking too and just did it all at same time. I've been sleeved a week so part of the loss has come after the sleeve I guess... Anticipating more and more of course! You will love Dr. Alvarez... such a great guy. You'll also love Jessica and Jesus... they'll be tending to you day and night in the hospital. It's great!!! Good luck to ya!

I was sleeved by Dr. Alvarez on June 1st. He is a GREAT doctor and I am very happy with my decision to use him. I recommend him highly!