7carol3

I too had little to no complications after my surgery. I have lost hair over the years, but I am a picky Protein eater. I refuse any kind of Protein Shake on the market, so my bad. I was NEVER close to being bald, nor did I have bald spots. I have very curly hair and no one ever noticed that I lost any hair. At the beginning of my journey I could only manage to eat 1/3 of a container of Greek yogurt in one sitting for Breakfast. I now have no problem eating the whole container and sometimes I have a handful ( 1/4 cup ) of high protein granola mixed in. For me, portion size depends entirely on what I am eating. I can eat a ton of cucumbers or lettuce and spinach. But I still can't eat an entire crabcake. I couldn't finish an entire filet mignon even if that was the only thing I was trying to eat. If I'm trying to eat only protein, I can't pack in too much in one sitting. Maybe the size of the palm of my hand. Half of that if I am eating veggies too.
I can definitely eat a lot more now and agree with @aroundhky that the sleeve is a tool that needs to be used properly or your results can be reversed. It takes work to maintain the weight loss. You have to put in the time and effort. I can drink soda, but I get a terrible stitch in my right side (always my right side) and it doubles me over in pain so it TOTALLY isn't worth it!! I stick with Water. I do like to drink Bai coconut water for a change up. I'm not a coffee drinker but I like tea and I do drink that.
I have had low Iron and low Vitamin D but I fought those battles when I weighed 265 pounds so I don't feel that is a complication. I am a bit of a hermit and I don't like milk so there is my Vitamin D problem. I have a thyroid condition which makes battle with iron. I take a prescription for GERD every night, but I did that at 265 as well. I have acid reflux if I eat or drink anything other than water too close to bedtime. Again, my bad! Even at 7 years out I still do things wrong, we are human.
I am very proud of the fact that I have never overeaten to the point of vomiting. I think it is important to know your sleeve and how it feels. Eat slowly and stop just shy of feeling full because sometimes full hits you quickly, depending on what you are eating. Watermelon almost always gets me, funny enough. There isn't really anything I can't tolerate but food in general just isn't as appealing to me anymore. I don't love dill pickles like I used to. I can't stand to smell eggs cooking. Eating a hard-boiled egg is hard for me because it is so dry, I have to put hot sauce on it, if I eat one that is. I usually just put them in salad. I eat a lot more avocado and Greek yogurt now than I used to. Anything else I can bore you with...just let me know...I'm here to help!

I’m back after a long time away as well. We’re both had our sleeve done around the same time. I know you’ve got the determination to get where you want to be. I’ve managed to maintain my 265 to 155 weight loss. Seven years out, I guess that makes us success stories!

As some one who has just found this thread and getting ready to move forward this is all great information that you are sharing! thanks

I too had little to no complications after my surgery. I have lost hair over the years, but I am a picky Protein eater. I refuse any kind of Protein Shake on the market, so my bad. I was NEVER close to being bald, nor did I have bald spots. I have very curly hair and no one ever noticed that I lost any hair. At the beginning of my journey I could only manage to eat 1/3 of a container of Greek yogurt in one sitting for Breakfast. I now have no problem eating the whole container and sometimes I have a handful ( 1/4 cup ) of high protein granola mixed in. For me, portion size depends entirely on what I am eating. I can eat a ton of cucumbers or lettuce and spinach. But I still can't eat an entire crabcake. I couldn't finish an entire filet mignon even if that was the only thing I was trying to eat. If I'm trying to eat only protein, I can't pack in too much in one sitting. Maybe the size of the palm of my hand. Half of that if I am eating veggies too.
I can definitely eat a lot more now and agree with @aroundhky that the sleeve is a tool that needs to be used properly or your results can be reversed. It takes work to maintain the weight loss. You have to put in the time and effort. I can drink soda, but I get a terrible stitch in my right side (always my right side) and it doubles me over in pain so it TOTALLY isn't worth it!! I stick with Water. I do like to drink Bai coconut water for a change up. I'm not a coffee drinker but I like tea and I do drink that.
I have had low Iron and low Vitamin D but I fought those battles when I weighed 265 pounds so I don't feel that is a complication. I am a bit of a hermit and I don't like milk so there is my Vitamin D problem. I have a thyroid condition which makes battle with iron. I take a prescription for GERD every night, but I did that at 265 as well. I have acid reflux if I eat or drink anything other than water too close to bedtime. Again, my bad! Even at 7 years out I still do things wrong, we are human.
I am very proud of the fact that I have never overeaten to the point of vomiting. I think it is important to know your sleeve and how it feels. Eat slowly and stop just shy of feeling full because sometimes full hits you quickly, depending on what you are eating. Watermelon almost always gets me, funny enough. There isn't really anything I can't tolerate but food in general just isn't as appealing to me anymore. I don't love dill pickles like I used to. I can't stand to smell eggs cooking. Eating a hard-boiled egg is hard for me because it is so dry, I have to put hot sauce on it, if I eat one that is. I usually just put them in salad. I eat a lot more avocado and Greek yogurt now than I used to. Anything else I can bore you with...just let me know...I'm here to help!

I too had little to no complications after my surgery. I have lost hair over the years, but I am a picky Protein eater. I refuse any kind of Protein Shake on the market, so my bad. I was NEVER close to being bald, nor did I have bald spots. I have very curly hair and no one ever noticed that I lost any hair. At the beginning of my journey I could only manage to eat 1/3 of a container of Greek yogurt in one sitting for Breakfast. I now have no problem eating the whole container and sometimes I have a handful ( 1/4 cup ) of high protein granola mixed in. For me, portion size depends entirely on what I am eating. I can eat a ton of cucumbers or lettuce and spinach. But I still can't eat an entire crabcake. I couldn't finish an entire filet mignon even if that was the only thing I was trying to eat. If I'm trying to eat only protein, I can't pack in too much in one sitting. Maybe the size of the palm of my hand. Half of that if I am eating veggies too.
I can definitely eat a lot more now and agree with @aroundhky that the sleeve is a tool that needs to be used properly or your results can be reversed. It takes work to maintain the weight loss. You have to put in the time and effort. I can drink soda, but I get a terrible stitch in my right side (always my right side) and it doubles me over in pain so it TOTALLY isn't worth it!! I stick with Water. I do like to drink Bai coconut water for a change up. I'm not a coffee drinker but I like tea and I do drink that.
I have had low Iron and low Vitamin D but I fought those battles when I weighed 265 pounds so I don't feel that is a complication. I am a bit of a hermit and I don't like milk so there is my Vitamin D problem. I have a thyroid condition which makes battle with iron. I take a prescription for GERD every night, but I did that at 265 as well. I have acid reflux if I eat or drink anything other than water too close to bedtime. Again, my bad! Even at 7 years out I still do things wrong, we are human.
I am very proud of the fact that I have never overeaten to the point of vomiting. I think it is important to know your sleeve and how it feels. Eat slowly and stop just shy of feeling full because sometimes full hits you quickly, depending on what you are eating. Watermelon almost always gets me, funny enough. There isn't really anything I can't tolerate but food in general just isn't as appealing to me anymore. I don't love dill pickles like I used to. I can't stand to smell eggs cooking. Eating a hard-boiled egg is hard for me because it is so dry, I have to put hot sauce on it, if I eat one that is. I usually just put them in salad. I eat a lot more avocado and Greek yogurt now than I used to. Anything else I can bore you with...just let me know...I'm here to help!

I’m back after a long time away as well. We’re both had our sleeve done around the same time. I know you’ve got the determination to get where you want to be. I’ve managed to maintain my 265 to 155 weight loss. Seven years out, I guess that makes us success stories!

Excellent and good to hear from you again stranger!

I’m back after a long time away as well. We’re both had our sleeve done around the same time. I know you’ve got the determination to get where you want to be. I’ve managed to maintain my 265 to 155 weight loss. Seven years out, I guess that makes us success stories!

Actually, that is totally what I wanted to say Louise...I was just trying to be nice to the hubby!
And ouroborous, I didn't mean it as a slam in any way. I seriously would brag! It's OK to feel like a stud after feeling like a dud for years!! Pat yourself on the back, it's OK.

Actually, that is totally what I wanted to say Louise...I was just trying to be nice to the hubby!
And ouroborous, I didn't mean it as a slam in any way. I seriously would brag! It's OK to feel like a stud after feeling like a dud for years!! Pat yourself on the back, it's OK.

Actually, that is totally what I wanted to say Louise...I was just trying to be nice to the hubby!
And ouroborous, I didn't mean it as a slam in any way. I seriously would brag! It's OK to feel like a stud after feeling like a dud for years!! Pat yourself on the back, it's OK.

Gustavo- I have tried Pop chips. I actually eat them quite a bit. I am 9 months out from my surgery. The ENTIRE bag is less than 400 calories (not the single serving size, those are 100 calories). I really like them, particularly the Sweet Potato and Salt & Vinegar varieties.
I do eat carbs. I have eaten chips. I have had a cookie here or there. I have cake when it is someone's birthday. I keep track of EVERYTHING that goes in my mouth (even gum, event things with no calories like the pink packet sweetener) though and I make sure I'm not going over my calories for the day. If I'm getting close and I still have dinner to get in I go for a walk or a bike ride. I'm not saying everyone should do it, I'm just sharing my experience. I followed the rules TO THE LETTER until I went below my goal weight. I'm still below my goal weight. We can eat and be happy we just can't make ourselves happy by eating. Ultimately we never could...we never should.

Hahah thanks guys!!! Very good feedback and funny ones too [emoji41]

How come when women get breast implants no one asks....why don't you just grow them the natural way?!?

Preach! Not to mention the mental ups and downs, at least for me. My journey was just as difficult mentally as it was physically. Four years later and I'm still not living the easy life. Ha! Ha! Thanks for posting that Rogofulm.

This thread made me go back and find my Easy Way Out post from a few months back. It reminds me that anyone who would say that has no freakin' idea.
A message from someone who had gastric sleeve surgery, lost 120 pounds, and is now living below goal weight.....

Is this the "easy way out"? Well, yes and no.

Yes, it's easi–er because the smaller stomach helps me control my appetite and the amount of food I can take in. Initially (but not forever), calories are greatly restricted because of the lesser volume consumed, but good choices still have to be made every single time I put something in my mouth.

and...

No, it's not easy, because since making this decision I have:
Taken nutritional counseling classes Attended bariatric support group meetings Been evaluated by a psychologist Been evaluated by a cardiologist Been evaluated by a pulmonologist Had an upper GI evaluation Had a complete physical by my primary care physician Gone through a two-week pre-operative liquid diet Gone through and recovered from a major surgery that removed 80% of my stomach Gone through a two-week post operative liquid diet Gone through a two-week soft food diet Eaten zero starches (bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes, pizza, etc.) Eaten zero sugary Desserts (cake, pie, pudding, ice cream, candy, etc.) Eaten very few fruits Had zero fruit juices Had zero sodas Had zero alcoholic beverages Completely avoided the Snacks and treats people bring to work every day to share Eaten 80–100 grams of Protein every single day Not had anything to drink for 30-45 minutes before eating Not had anything to drink with meals Not had anything to drink for 30-45 minutes after eating But still managed to drink 64–120 ounces of fluids every single day Taken a handful of Vitamins and supplements every single day Planned what I will eat every single time I leave the house for more than an hour so as not to get caught without something appropriate to eat and drink Made sure that acceptable food and drink will be available every day at work Always eaten Protein first Always eaten non-starchy vegetables second (and there's never room for anything else) Exercised 5-6 times a week Logged everything I ate or drank for several months, and again whenever my weight loss slowed And through it all, I've watched my friends and family eat and drink whatever they want at restaurants, birthdays, dinner parties, sporting events, New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and so on.... Now, does that sound like "the easy way"? Not by a long shot! (Just compare the Yes and No sections above.) But weight loss surgery is a tool that makes the likelihood of long-term success much better than it would be without it. And now that I'm in maintenance, I have to eat, drink, exercise, and live in such a way as to not regain the weight I've lost – for the rest of my life! My "Honeymoon Period" is over now. I get hungrier than before, so I have to stay extra vigilant not to eat too much. And if a few pounds creep in, I have to muscle them back down before they find friends. The easy way? Yeah, right!

I work for a Parks and Playground Recreation Commission. Everyone is healthy and active, with the exception of myself and one other employee. With that, I receive a free gym membership which I don't often use due to health constraints. The pressure is definitely there to workout daily, but I'm not physically able to do this.
I'm just beginning my journey and simply mentioned that my insurance will cover surgery, but will not cover seeing a nutritionist. My boss rolls her eyes and walks away saying, "Typical lazy American way out". Soooo, I won't be sharing any of this journey with her!
I'm so glad I've found this forum so that when the time comes, I will better know how to deal with questions/comments and be ok with knowing what I do is none of their business.
Sent from my SM-G928T using the BariatricPal App

I had a coworker tell me I was taking the easy way out. Now ALL of us know that every weight loss journey is a struggle. There is NEVER an easy way. I wish I wasn't such an open book and could be more like The Post Op, but I never have been. We just have to pat ourselves on the back for the wonderful things we accomplish and overcome the negativity. Yay us!! I so agree with Rogofulm, my sleeve is just the tool I use to maintain a healthy weight, naturally. It's still not easy but it is worth it!

I had a coworker tell me I was taking the easy way out. Now ALL of us know that every weight loss journey is a struggle. There is NEVER an easy way. I wish I wasn't such an open book and could be more like The Post Op, but I never have been. We just have to pat ourselves on the back for the wonderful things we accomplish and overcome the negativity. Yay us!! I so agree with Rogofulm, my sleeve is just the tool I use to maintain a healthy weight, naturally. It's still not easy but it is worth it!

I have a lot of terrified family members that make unsupportive comments. I refuse to keep my lifestyle change a secret or pretend all of a sudden the natural way is working. So I explain I don't want to take medicine for 3 conditions for the rest of my life.. My whole family is overweight.. So it's an entirely new way of thinking

Yeah, the "natural way" is for us to all grow or hunt our own food, build huts, walk everywhere, bathe in the river, not get immunizations or prescriptions, and die in our 30s. Everything else involves tools. Bariatric surgery is a tool. End of story.

I like PopChips as well (9 wks out - I've had them twice), and I've a few Stacy's Pita chips w/ hummus.

Gustavo- I have tried Pop chips. I actually eat them quite a bit. I am 9 months out from my surgery. The ENTIRE bag is less than 400 calories (not the single serving size, those are 100 calories). I really like them, particularly the Sweet Potato and Salt & Vinegar varieties.
I do eat carbs. I have eaten chips. I have had a cookie here or there. I have cake when it is someone's birthday. I keep track of EVERYTHING that goes in my mouth (even gum, event things with no calories like the pink packet sweetener) though and I make sure I'm not going over my calories for the day. If I'm getting close and I still have dinner to get in I go for a walk or a bike ride. I'm not saying everyone should do it, I'm just sharing my experience. I followed the rules TO THE LETTER until I went below my goal weight. I'm still below my goal weight. We can eat and be happy we just can't make ourselves happy by eating. Ultimately we never could...we never should.

I know you posted this a while ago..but I used imitation crab meat (flake style) mix it up with a little parmesan cheese, an egg and a drop of horshradish..spray pan with pam cook like a fried egg...for topping I used sour cream or greek yogurt with dry ranch packet mix and lemon juice...so delish!

Thanks for bragging...I mean being brave enough to share your wonderful experience. Heck I would brag too...if it would have happened to me!