O.T.R. sleever

4 weeks & it hasn't closed... That defiantly sounds like reason for concern. All of my incisions were sutured inside & taped outside. I'm wondering why your surgeon would have left it open.

3 weeks out, and you can eat 1/2 a sandwich & 4 oz of strawberries? That sounds like way too much to me, I'm about 10 weeks and 3-4oz is all I can handle. Not to mention, if you are doing this every 3 hours, that's 5 times in a 15 hour day, it adds up pretty quick. Does this fit into your prescribed meal plan at 3 weeks? The strawberry seeds alone I believe are cause for concern, I've heard of them causing problems in the staple line this early out.
I'm glad to see you will be consulting a NUT, does he/she have experience advising sleeve patients?

Believe me, if you are tipping them properly, they don't give a damn what you are drinking.

I just want to say, reading this thread makes me very happy, both in the fact that I'm taking steps to improve my life, and the idea that this site associates me with people such as yourselves that have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I say thank you to all of those here that are living for themselves, and in the same being a good example fathers too.

First of all, congratulations on your loss and your maintenance. I had my surgery in November of the same year that you did.
I do struggle with it sometimes too, feeling cheated because I can't eat more. Sometimes I enjoy the taste so much, that I do wish I could have a little more. You did a great thing leaving the table, it is a testament to your success. Most of the time, I stop, I know my limits. There have been times where I have taken that extra couple of bites and then paid for it afterward. I do not think you are alone with that feeling.
The one thing that has helped me with those situations is something a fellow sleeve patient who was a few more years out than me said. She said that when she feels like that she tells herself, "If I could, I would, and that is how I got here in the first place". Unfortunately, I think emotional eating is something that is very difficult to overcome. I know that I haven't, but I do my best to set up my world that I just can't eat a whole bunch of food that is not as good for me. I don't keep anything in my house that will tempt me...and boy does it suck when I just want some chips because I think they will make me feel better, and there are none. So what do I do, I end up eating a Protein ice cream pop (homemade), or an apple with a little natural Peanut Butter and honey because that is all I have. So I am still eating because I am stressed? Emotional? Whatever the reason which is not real hunger, but I am not sabotaging myself in the process. Make sense??
I should quit rambling, but I appreciate you posting this with honest feelings. It does get harder the further out you are, but to me, it really sounds like you know how to manage your diet in a healthy way. You didn't eat more pizza, you didn't eat the second taco, you made the right choices and you know your bodies limits.

A typical day for me;
0600 30g premier protien shake or frozen frozen fruit smoothie w/Syntrax nectar
0900 10g 1whole egg+ 1 egg white
1100 23g 1liter Water w/1 ocean spray flavor(cran-cherry) & 1Syntrax nectar packet(cherry)
1300 15g 3oz tilapia filet
1600 30g premier protien bar(this is a calorie killer but I sacrifice a few calories for the extra protien)
1900 21g 3oz pork loin
2000 23g 1liter Water w/1 ocean spray flavor(cran-peach) & 1Syntrax nectar packet(fuzzy navel)
There is also another liter of water throughout the day but I didn't list it since there is no protien added to it.
This is close to 1000 calories but has over 140g protien, and is based on 3oz portions on the more solid foods
If you trimmed the portions in half and dumped the protien bar you'd end up at about 700cal and 90g protien

A typical day for me;
0600 30g premier protien shake or frozen frozen fruit smoothie w/Syntrax nectar
0900 10g 1whole egg+ 1 egg white
1100 23g 1liter Water w/1 ocean spray flavor(cran-cherry) & 1Syntrax nectar packet(cherry)
1300 15g 3oz tilapia filet
1600 30g premier protien bar(this is a calorie killer but I sacrifice a few calories for the extra protien)
1900 21g 3oz pork loin
2000 23g 1liter Water w/1 ocean spray flavor(cran-peach) & 1Syntrax nectar packet(fuzzy navel)
There is also another liter of water throughout the day but I didn't list it since there is no protien added to it.
This is close to 1000 calories but has over 140g protien, and is based on 3oz portions on the more solid foods
If you trimmed the portions in half and dumped the protien bar you'd end up at about 700cal and 90g protien

Also, if you don't have one, a food Saver is a great tool for your kitchen.

I for one have quit buying pre packaged meat. I buy from the deli counter & have found a supermarket that has a full time butcher and a fine meats section. I'm finding that I can eat much better on less money than I spent previously. I also avoid pre packaged veggies unless I have a specific use for them. Also keep in mind, all seafood in the us that is transported is either alive or frozen. So, if you are buying "fresh" seafood in a supermarket, it is previously frozen. So just buy it in the frozen state and thaw as needed. BTW Sams Club has individually sealed fillets.

Think about this, 2lb per week for a year is 104lbs. In 18 months that's 156lbs. I understand that you'd like to see it melt away tonight, but I'll bet even if it takes 18 months that's WAAAYYYYYY faster than it was acquired.
Best advice I've ever gotten. Control what you can to the best of your ability. Then don't worry about the rest.

Think about this, 2lb per week for a year is 104lbs. In 18 months that's 156lbs. I understand that you'd like to see it melt away tonight, but I'll bet even if it takes 18 months that's WAAAYYYYYY faster than it was acquired.
Best advice I've ever gotten. Control what you can to the best of your ability. Then don't worry about the rest.

I too get frustrated with the rate of my weight loss. I read other people stating that they lost as much as I have within the first month and I am two months post-op. I know in my heart of hearts that everyone is different. I also know that my thyroid problem is going to make my loss slower. My husband tells me to look at the whole picture. I am down 45 pounds since my pre-op weigh in at the Doctor. This is since June 1st. When is the lst time I have been able to say I lost 45 pounds in 2 months...NEVER! I need him to remind me of these things from time to time. FYI...I sometimes go a week or more without dropping a single ounce. As long as we follow the required diet, this has to work!

The latest for me is the premier protien. They are a bit high on calories (about 280-290) but they also have 30 grams of protien. Not a bad idea to break these in half.

It is typical to regain up to 10% of what you lose.
That being said, you can regain all of your weight and then some.
This would take some some pretty serious self sabotage. The type that only extensive psychological treatment can help.

I personally believe in setting attainable goals. I personally would set a goal at the high end of normal for my body type. Then once that goal is attained you can Celebrate and use the motivation to evaluate where you are an maybe decide that you want to lose another 10 or 15lbs or not. Absolutely nothing wrong with setting multiple goals.

I just want to say, reading this thread makes me very happy, both in the fact that I'm taking steps to improve my life, and the idea that this site associates me with people such as yourselves that have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I say thank you to all of those here that are living for themselves, and in the same being a good example fathers too.

I just want to say, reading this thread makes me very happy, both in the fact that I'm taking steps to improve my life, and the idea that this site associates me with people such as yourselves that have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I say thank you to all of those here that are living for themselves, and in the same being a good example fathers too.

I just want to say, reading this thread makes me very happy, both in the fact that I'm taking steps to improve my life, and the idea that this site associates me with people such as yourselves that have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I say thank you to all of those here that are living for themselves, and in the same being a good example fathers too.

I just want to say, reading this thread makes me very happy, both in the fact that I'm taking steps to improve my life, and the idea that this site associates me with people such as yourselves that have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I say thank you to all of those here that are living for themselves, and in the same being a good example fathers too.

I just want to say, reading this thread makes me very happy, both in the fact that I'm taking steps to improve my life, and the idea that this site associates me with people such as yourselves that have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I say thank you to all of those here that are living for themselves, and in the same being a good example fathers too.

In addition to other items, my surgeon has very strict rules about soda consumption and smoking. I was addicted to both as a major coke addict (several a day) and smoker (1/4 - 1/2 pack a day). Never thought I'd be able to stop either but was doubly worried about the soda. I stopped coke, cold turkey, 2 months prior to surgery and the cigs 1 1/2 month. I did this because my surgeon will not knowingly operate on people that still drink soda and/or smoke. Those are his rules and I respect them.
People I have spoken to state that he has very strict pre and post op rules and they are correct but maybe this is how he keeps his complication rates low. I've no idea but I chose him to be my surgeon and feel like it is my duty to follow his rules. There are many WLS docs in my city and if I did not want to tow the line, I could have selected someone else.
Do I still crave two of my biggest vices? Hell yes, almost daily but I am trying to make positive health changes for the future. I went so far as to mutilate my stomach in an effort to lose weight so at least I can do all to make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Just my .02

Congrats Thin Soon! When you said you were going to Dr. Ponce I knew you would have a good experience. And I agree Trish is a heaven sent. Enjoy the journey, it's kinda a wild ride for the first month or so.

Just wanted to give an update on my progress. Its been 4 months and I went from 247 on surgery day
to 194 (finally under 200!). I have been lucky to not have any complications, and I feel like a completely different person with more energy and more self esteem. I can finally shop in the little trendy stores instead of the special plus sized stores, and have more energy to keep up with my little boys (3 and 5). If anyone out there is contemplating having this surgery or not, all I have to say is this surgery is one of the best things that I have ever done, absolutely no regrets. Feeling great!!

Getting skinny doesnt make you pretty on the inside