gustavo52974

I hate to cook. Like, seriously hate it. So why don't you come to my house and cook for me too!

My first stall was at 5 weeks, but it only lasted about 5 days. It was excruciating not seeing the scale move. But this is a marathon, not a sprint.
What's worse is that I'm now in my 6th week and when I stepped on the scale this morning I gained a pound from yesterday! I wanted to scream. I've decided to blame the fact that I was up until 5am last night after being out all night at a bar drinking several bottles of Water (and I hadn't had a bowel movement yesterday).

You know, it's funny that as I'm reading this thread, I'm watching a commercial for Outback Steakhouse. They're shoving huge plates of shiny food at the camera and I'm thinking two things:
1. Is food supposed to shine like that? I've never seen food that looks shiny, except for Chinese food and that's because they dump tons of MSG on it. That can't be good.
and 2. I absolutely cannot believe now that I was ever able to eat that much food! Not only would I eat everything on that plate, but I probably would have finished whatever anyone else at my table couldn't eat as well.
I was a "volume eater" and I truly mourned the fact that I couldn't eat as much as I used to. But as time went on, I began to realize that I was vaguely disgusted by the amount of food others can eat. I'll sit across someone eating and look at their food and be stunned that they could possibly finish what they're eating.
Case in point: Our beloved receptionist at work had a birthday and we all threw her a party. Of course there was a huge cake--Valrhona chocolate, which is one of my favorites (yes, I know my chocolate!). I didn't have any, but I thought to myself, "Wow, I'd love to have a bite of that."
A bite? What?! Now, I was surprised by this because somehow my mind can only imagine taking just "a bite" of something. Before surgery, my default would have been, "Wow, I'd love to have a couple large slices of that."
Flabbergasting to me is that a pre-surgery convicted "volume eater" like myself could ever default to being happy with just a bite of something. But yes, now just a bite of something can make me fully satisfied. This is what VSG can do for you! A few bites of my meal and I have that wonderful feeling of fullness that I call "the food high" which I used to only obtain by eating everyone else under the table.
My point is that your mind will adjust. You will eventually look at 8 pieces of low-carb penne Pasta with a little marinara sauce and think, "Now I get to pig out!"

You know, it's funny that as I'm reading this thread, I'm watching a commercial for Outback Steakhouse. They're shoving huge plates of shiny food at the camera and I'm thinking two things:
1. Is food supposed to shine like that? I've never seen food that looks shiny, except for Chinese food and that's because they dump tons of MSG on it. That can't be good.
and 2. I absolutely cannot believe now that I was ever able to eat that much food! Not only would I eat everything on that plate, but I probably would have finished whatever anyone else at my table couldn't eat as well.
I was a "volume eater" and I truly mourned the fact that I couldn't eat as much as I used to. But as time went on, I began to realize that I was vaguely disgusted by the amount of food others can eat. I'll sit across someone eating and look at their food and be stunned that they could possibly finish what they're eating.
Case in point: Our beloved receptionist at work had a birthday and we all threw her a party. Of course there was a huge cake--Valrhona chocolate, which is one of my favorites (yes, I know my chocolate!). I didn't have any, but I thought to myself, "Wow, I'd love to have a bite of that."
A bite? What?! Now, I was surprised by this because somehow my mind can only imagine taking just "a bite" of something. Before surgery, my default would have been, "Wow, I'd love to have a couple large slices of that."
Flabbergasting to me is that a pre-surgery convicted "volume eater" like myself could ever default to being happy with just a bite of something. But yes, now just a bite of something can make me fully satisfied. This is what VSG can do for you! A few bites of my meal and I have that wonderful feeling of fullness that I call "the food high" which I used to only obtain by eating everyone else under the table.
My point is that your mind will adjust. You will eventually look at 8 pieces of low-carb penne Pasta with a little marinara sauce and think, "Now I get to pig out!"

You know, it's funny that as I'm reading this thread, I'm watching a commercial for Outback Steakhouse. They're shoving huge plates of shiny food at the camera and I'm thinking two things:
1. Is food supposed to shine like that? I've never seen food that looks shiny, except for Chinese food and that's because they dump tons of MSG on it. That can't be good.
and 2. I absolutely cannot believe now that I was ever able to eat that much food! Not only would I eat everything on that plate, but I probably would have finished whatever anyone else at my table couldn't eat as well.
I was a "volume eater" and I truly mourned the fact that I couldn't eat as much as I used to. But as time went on, I began to realize that I was vaguely disgusted by the amount of food others can eat. I'll sit across someone eating and look at their food and be stunned that they could possibly finish what they're eating.
Case in point: Our beloved receptionist at work had a birthday and we all threw her a party. Of course there was a huge cake--Valrhona chocolate, which is one of my favorites (yes, I know my chocolate!). I didn't have any, but I thought to myself, "Wow, I'd love to have a bite of that."
A bite? What?! Now, I was surprised by this because somehow my mind can only imagine taking just "a bite" of something. Before surgery, my default would have been, "Wow, I'd love to have a couple large slices of that."
Flabbergasting to me is that a pre-surgery convicted "volume eater" like myself could ever default to being happy with just a bite of something. But yes, now just a bite of something can make me fully satisfied. This is what VSG can do for you! A few bites of my meal and I have that wonderful feeling of fullness that I call "the food high" which I used to only obtain by eating everyone else under the table.
My point is that your mind will adjust. You will eventually look at 8 pieces of low-carb penne Pasta with a little marinara sauce and think, "Now I get to pig out!"

Seriously? I inspire you? Wow! That's the best compliment I've gotten in a LONG time!
Now I really HAVE to put up a more recent profile pic of myself. I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of seeing myself in that pic looking pregnant in that awful red shirt, pretending Morgan Freeman is my homosexual life partner.
I'm going to Coney Island tomorrow with some friends, looking forward to riding the roller coaster without worrying about derailing it. Maybe I'll take some pics of myself to update my profile.

Star, That's the perfect answer!! I'm thrilled to see others working to remove the word "Only" from weight loss, too!
Deana, At less than 2 weeks post-op, your body is still working hard to get rid of the gas and fluids that were pumped into you for surgery. 9 pounds lost is awesome, especially considering how much Fluid is pumped into us during surgery. You also lost a significant amount pre-op, which can slow down your initial weight loss, not that 9 pounds isn't fantastic in two weeks! It is!!
One thing I've noticed is that some of us start out a little slower than others, but we're all at similar amounts of weight loss a few months out. It's like it levels off. Folks who begin with higher BMI's tend to drop big amounts of weight right out of the gate; those with lower BMI's "seem" to lose slower. But if the weight is coming off, who cares? This is a journey for each of us to a healthy weight. It's NOT a race. "Slower" losers have less loose skin, usually, which is a bonus, IMO.
You just keep working your plan and you will be amazed at your weight loss! Be prepared for the 3 week stall, which is coming right up. You won't lose anything for a week, maybe more, but it is because your body is adjusting to the new, lower, amount of food you're putting in it. But, that 3 week stall usually breaks in a dramatic way. Mine lasted a couple of weeks and I walked out of a pants size during it! I've found that I lose inches during stalls. It's a great idea to take your measurements now and keep track of them. When you hit stalls, you can measure yourself and see if it's a true stall or if it's just your body reshaping you.
Good luck!! You're gonna rock that sleeve!

Now that made me laugh out loud! Thanks for the early morning laugh :-)

Oh and gustavo I've heard A LOT of ppl on here say they just can't stand anything even remotely sweet anymore...

Lol! I can imagine! When my gallbladder was playing up if I even looked at anything fried or fatty I would collapse in pain!
I can see myself though, taking that little bite of cake and just sucking the life out of it! Lol I truly love that one day I will love even the thought of cake, even if I don't eat it just smelling it or seeing other people enjoy their slice would make my day

Yes! A blog would be great!!!
Snark is like a second language for me, which might be why I appreciate you so much! It didn't make things very easy when I taught second grade but my high school students certainly seem to enjoy it!

You know, it's funny that as I'm reading this thread, I'm watching a commercial for Outback Steakhouse. They're shoving huge plates of shiny food at the camera and I'm thinking two things:
1. Is food supposed to shine like that? I've never seen food that looks shiny, except for Chinese food and that's because they dump tons of MSG on it. That can't be good.
and 2. I absolutely cannot believe now that I was ever able to eat that much food! Not only would I eat everything on that plate, but I probably would have finished whatever anyone else at my table couldn't eat as well.
I was a "volume eater" and I truly mourned the fact that I couldn't eat as much as I used to. But as time went on, I began to realize that I was vaguely disgusted by the amount of food others can eat. I'll sit across someone eating and look at their food and be stunned that they could possibly finish what they're eating.
Case in point: Our beloved receptionist at work had a birthday and we all threw her a party. Of course there was a huge cake--Valrhona chocolate, which is one of my favorites (yes, I know my chocolate!). I didn't have any, but I thought to myself, "Wow, I'd love to have a bite of that."
A bite? What?! Now, I was surprised by this because somehow my mind can only imagine taking just "a bite" of something. Before surgery, my default would have been, "Wow, I'd love to have a couple large slices of that."
Flabbergasting to me is that a pre-surgery convicted "volume eater" like myself could ever default to being happy with just a bite of something. But yes, now just a bite of something can make me fully satisfied. This is what VSG can do for you! A few bites of my meal and I have that wonderful feeling of fullness that I call "the food high" which I used to only obtain by eating everyone else under the table.
My point is that your mind will adjust. You will eventually look at 8 pieces of low-carb penne Pasta with a little marinara sauce and think, "Now I get to pig out!"

Go gustavo- you hit the nail on the head IMO...
Although I'm pre-sleeve I am already noticing I have started a really healthy habit of Portion Control. Yes- tonight I had soda chips and chocolate but I had half a glass. A quarter of a bag, and two pieces. Hopefully if I ever have a "bad" day when sleeved I will have a sip, a chip, and a bite!
It's not brain surgery and even a bypass can't stop you drinking soda or eating ice cream but it does seem like you get into the habit of eating for nourishment and simply tasting for pleasure...
I can't wait y'all!!!!

You know, it's funny that as I'm reading this thread, I'm watching a commercial for Outback Steakhouse. They're shoving huge plates of shiny food at the camera and I'm thinking two things:
1. Is food supposed to shine like that? I've never seen food that looks shiny, except for Chinese food and that's because they dump tons of MSG on it. That can't be good.
and 2. I absolutely cannot believe now that I was ever able to eat that much food! Not only would I eat everything on that plate, but I probably would have finished whatever anyone else at my table couldn't eat as well.
I was a "volume eater" and I truly mourned the fact that I couldn't eat as much as I used to. But as time went on, I began to realize that I was vaguely disgusted by the amount of food others can eat. I'll sit across someone eating and look at their food and be stunned that they could possibly finish what they're eating.
Case in point: Our beloved receptionist at work had a birthday and we all threw her a party. Of course there was a huge cake--Valrhona chocolate, which is one of my favorites (yes, I know my chocolate!). I didn't have any, but I thought to myself, "Wow, I'd love to have a bite of that."
A bite? What?! Now, I was surprised by this because somehow my mind can only imagine taking just "a bite" of something. Before surgery, my default would have been, "Wow, I'd love to have a couple large slices of that."
Flabbergasting to me is that a pre-surgery convicted "volume eater" like myself could ever default to being happy with just a bite of something. But yes, now just a bite of something can make me fully satisfied. This is what VSG can do for you! A few bites of my meal and I have that wonderful feeling of fullness that I call "the food high" which I used to only obtain by eating everyone else under the table.
My point is that your mind will adjust. You will eventually look at 8 pieces of low-carb penne Pasta with a little marinara sauce and think, "Now I get to pig out!"

Christ on the Mount of Olives! He lost 224 lbs? That's...well...no words! Someone give this man a trophy!

Aww, thank you! One of the things I want to do before I die, from my "bucket list" as it were, is to throw my drink in someone's face. And your response reminded me of that. Maybe I'll tell more people now so when they give me one of the idiotic responses, I can do that. Then I can die. Seriously.

OMG!!! Gustavo, you absolutely crack me up!!! I love reading your posts. Even the really insightful ones are so humorously written!

I just don't want to be a B cup anymore.

Seriously? I inspire you? Wow! That's the best compliment I've gotten in a LONG time!
Now I really HAVE to put up a more recent profile pic of myself. I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of seeing myself in that pic looking pregnant in that awful red shirt, pretending Morgan Freeman is my homosexual life partner.
I'm going to Coney Island tomorrow with some friends, looking forward to riding the roller coaster without worrying about derailing it. Maybe I'll take some pics of myself to update my profile.

I'm so excited for you! I was there, man. I'd look at the subway entrance steps up to the sidewalk as if they were Kilimanjaro and I'd want to weep. New York is a walking city and I'd get home from work and want to just collapse into a puddle of sweat on the floor.
I went into the trendy men's clothing store Zara and my mouth started to Water thinking about one day being able to fit into their clothes (which are designed for anorexic European men).
Starting my 6th week out. In a frustrating stall, but at least I'm starting to fit into my "thin" clothes.
Your life won't be on hold for long. Good luck with your surgery.
And we appreciate YOU!
Gustavo

Aww, thank you! One of the things I want to do before I die, from my "bucket list" as it were, is to throw my drink in someone's face. And your response reminded me of that. Maybe I'll tell more people now so when they give me one of the idiotic responses, I can do that. Then I can die. Seriously.

Right now your body is trying to adjust to everything. I know my weight loss started off in those first day kinda slow. You still have Water retention and swelling from the surgery. And 9 pounds in 2 weeks??? That's 4 1/2 pounds a week. That's fantastic. If you would've lost 9 pounds before, would you not be celebrating? Look at it that way. We didn't gain it all at one time, so we can't just lose it all at once. The sleeve is a tool that allows us to control our portions. So 2 things you can do to continue this success... Make sure you get your fluids in. I know when I don't, my weight loss is slower. And the second, walk. Anything to burn calories. It takes 3500 calories burned to lose a pound. The more active you are, the faster it will come off. Oh and one more thing... Take the word "ONLY" out of your vocabulary when talking about weight loss. You will lose a lot some times, then you may stall for a month. Just relax, breath, and know that it will come off if you are following your diet properly. Congrats on surgery and your 49 lbs weight loss thus far.

I am with you there, Gustavo. No more envious looks from pre-teen girls when they stare at my chest.

I just don't want to be a B cup anymore.

You're not lost anymore! You found us! Welcome home! We'll be here for you whenever you need us.