makemyownluck

I was able to drink pretty close to normally since about 4 days post op... I'm 5 1/2 wks out and have had no issues. I don't chug, obviously, but I drink normally. I can also take normal bites from my food... I've only had indigestion once or twice, and it's usually from eating too fast, so I've been working on that..

It could happen sooner than you think!! I'm NOWHERE NEAR my goal, but I already move around soooo much better. I've lost about 70lbs since I started with pre-op stuff and I already notice a major improvement! I don't have to struggle to get up anymore. Yesterday I went shopping all day, while wearing TERRIBLE shoes for walking, and had zero pain, wasn't tired at the end of the day and wasn't constantly looking for somewhere to sit down!! I can't wait for it to get better as I lose more and more! Hang in there, everyone! You can start to reap the rewards of weight loss well before you get to your goal! Good luck!

have you tried the flavored hummus? I'm not a fan of the plain or pine nut - but I love the roasted red pepper and the italian herb. They also have an olive one that my friend raves about, but I'm not an olive fan, so I haven't tried it. Another good alternative is avocado. Just smush it up and spread it on the flat bread! like I said, I love wraps... and the flatout flat bread is really tasty - they have a "plain' version also that I make "grilled cheese" with for tomato Soup. It's more like a quesadilla, but whatever you call it, IT'S TASTY!

I must be losing inches.. I've never taken measurements, but if all my clothes are too big, I must be losing inches, right? I guess I'm just a lil mad too because when I was doing my pre-op stuff, I was losing weight at a much faster rate... then I have this surgery to 'help it along' and I'm stalled out!! I'm trying to stay patient, but it's hard! Still having NSVs, though... like wearing jeans that haven't fit me in years! And I have gotten a lot of compliments lately... I'm gonna keep my focus and keep working on this! It will be a welcome and wonderful relief when that scale starts dipping down again!

I make wraps for lunch all the time... I think you could do better making it yourself! Here's my go-to wrap: Kretschmar low sodum turkey - 2oz = 60 cal, 13g Protein Sabra Tuscan Herb hummus - 1/2 tbsp = 35 cal, 1g protein (2.5 carbs) Flatout Flat Bread Light - Italian Seasoned - 1/2 slice = 45 cal, 4.5g protein (8 carbs) and then I pile on spinach, which adds maybe 2 calories. Total: 142 calories, 18.5g protein, 10.5 carbs. And the spinach takes a while for me to digest, so it keeps me full for a long while! I'm all for convenience, so this isn't a bad choice, but I definitely prefer to make things myself to save on sodium.

I'm about 5 1/2 wks out (surgery May 2). People tell me I look good. I have 3 garbage bags full of clothes that are clownlishly too big and I can't wear anymore. I'm starting to wear clothes that haven't fit me in 4-5 years. I'm sticking to my diet, tracking every bite of food, getting my Protein and Water in. I'm exercising regularly. In short, I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. But the scale won't move!! I don't get it! I know I'm losing weight. I can see that I look a little smaller. All my clothes and shoes are looser. So what gives? I had my lowest weight 2 wks ago and have put about 5lbs on since then... I just don't understand. Why is the scale being so stubborn?? And I'm not posting this cuz I feel so sorry for myself, I'm asking a serious question - How does this happen? How could it be possible that I'm shrinking but the scale won't move? Will I suddenly get on the scale one morning and see 10lbs gone? On one hand, it's frustrating. On the other, I feel great! VERY confusing!! If anyone has any insight into this phenomenon, I'd appreciate some info...

I started with walking. At first, 5 minutes on a treadmill seemed like too much. Now I do about a mile a day, sometimes more. I'm currently 385, started at 459. The key is to do more than you did the day before - more time, more distance, more speed - whatever you can manage that particular day. I also do strength training with free weights. helps get your blood pumping and increase muscle mass, which in turn boosts your metabolism. Good luck!

I'm just over a month out from surgery and can eat just about anything. I've modified a lot of my foods to cut carbs, but I don't feel deprived at all... I have no issues cooking for myself, but I have NOT tackled eating out at a restaurant yet! The portion I'd be able to eat just doesn't seem worth it, but I do enjoy socializing over a meal... that's gonna be the tough part for me, but as far as what I cook for myself, I've been able to be creative and enjoy having lots of leftovers and stretching my money!

When my mom came to see me in my room right after surgery, she told me that she talked to my aunt and told her what I was doing. She felt guilty, and I was mad at her!! I was doped up on morphine, but I was so mad about it!! I feel like she spilled my Beans, I really didn't want to share this with anyone. I don't mind being helpful on a web forum, but I just don't need everyone in my real life knowing about this... That said, I have only told my parents (who told the rest of the fam, apparently), and 3 of my closest friends. I can't quite articulate why, but I just don't want people to know about it! It's no one's business!

It's great that you're getting your head in the game! I dieted for 8 months prior to surgery and lost so much weight! About 2 months before surgery I started doing Meal Replacements with shakes until I was on liquids prior to surgery. I didn't have a food funeral or anything, but I did allow myself to indulge when the urge hit - which wasn't often. It sounds like you are serious about making a change, and I honestly think that's the most important part!! People who aren't fully committed are more likely to make mistakes, cheat, feel bad about it, and continue the cycle of abusing yourself with food! Good for you that you're wanting to commit to it now, not just after you have the surgery! As far as bite sizes - Yes, it's important to practice, but I haven't had any issues with taking too big of a bite. My bites are smaller now than before, but not by a whole lot. Some people use baby spoons and such, but I just haven't had that issue with swallowing/digesting that others do. it's nice to practice these things and be aware of them, but the surgery affects people differently. It's fantastic to be as aware of what you might need to do, but I don't think a ton of practice as far as that goes is necessary (unless your prior habits included shoveling food in and swallowing without chewing, lol). Good luck! I had surgery 5/2/13, down 32lbs!

lol, right! I wanna be the biggest loser around these boards. You'll see!

I really don't know how to explain how little the lifestyle changes have really affected me. Something in my mind just clicked when I knew I was having this surgery. I had a similar feeling when I quit smoking cigarettes years ago. I had quit smoking maybe 20 different times and kept going back to it. But the last time I quit was the LAST TIME because something in my mind just clicked and I was able to quit. Just as trying so many diets and failing and deciding to have the sleeve to end the cycle - something just clicked. I sailed through my pre op diet, I'm 4 wks post op now and pretty much eating whatever I want. I wish I could explain how my mind just up and decides it's ready to do something like this! Some of your fears may come from doubting the surgery, so do your research and hopefully you'll feel more confident with your choice. Good luck!

I had a barium swallow pre-op and post-op as the leak test. They were the same test for me, except post surgery it was harder to swallow enough barium to get a clear picture and rolling on that table felt like absolute torture, even with the most patient radiologist and aide in the world! You swallow barium and they take a bunch of xrays. You get on a table that move, you go from standing to laying down, rolling to this side and the other side and hold your breath while they take a series of xrays. You sip the barium the whole time, which tastes like Mylanta without any flavor. Chalky, kinda gross. I never had to do any other testing, no endoscopy, no other leak test that these others say tasted worse than the barium. I just had the pre-op and post-op barium swallow.

Sorry I didnt see your questions til now, I'll still answer in case anyone else wants to know... The way my surgeon did it was to schedule for surgery about a month out, submit the paperwork and wait for approval. I called bcbs to check status and they approved 2 days later, so my surgery went ahead as scheduled.... congrats on your approval!! I hope you can get scheduled soon!!

It's different for everyone. My taste didn't change at all! But I agree - don't overstock cuz you just won't know if you'll have that problem til after surgery! Good luck!

I did a 2 wk liquid diet. I didnt think it was torture at all, and I lost like 17 lbs!

How have I never seen these before??? SOOO CUTE!!!! hahah

I just buy what I prefer taste-wise. I don't like full fat yogurt or cottage cheese because it's too thick/heavy. So I use low fat cottage cheese and fat free yogurt, but only out of taste preference... I agree that using less of a more natural product is better for us overall, it's just a matter of what someone prefers. I knew a girl who would spray butter flavored Pam cooking spray on her toast instead of using butter or margarine. I thought that was the ultimate in ridiculous! But, to each their own I suppose...

There's lots of hospitals who put their informational booklets online. Here's one that I found very helpful: https://www.hsc.missouri.edu/documents/bariatric/Bariatric%20Booklet%20VSG.pdf I know Kaiser put together a good one too, but I can't find it... maybe someone else has the link... As far as beer, I didn't drink it pre-op so I didn't ask or pay attention to the specifics on that. I know carbonated drinks can give you painful gas after surgery, but that eventually it's tolerable (after a few months). My surgeon said absolutely no alcohol for the first 6 months minimum. Most surgeons say no alcohol for a year... so you don't replace a food addiction with an alcohol addiction and also because it's empty calories/carbs. I do plan to enjoy a glass of wine again one day, but I've never been much of a drinker so these restrictions don't bother me at all. Good luck!

I glanced at my ticker and realized that I started at BMI 64 and today, I'm exactly BMI 54. I still got plenty of road til the finish line, but that was still nice to see.

I hope you're doing well!

My surgeon hasn't mentioned doing blood work, but my PCP said he wanted to see me "a couple of months after surgery". I'm going to see him about 2 1/2 months after surgery and request my blood work to be done (if he doesn't order it himself). If you want to know what's going on, just call and ask the MD to write the order, they wouldn't likely say no to that request. Good luck, hope your insides are good!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone. The encouragement is so appreciated!! I wanted to add this: another NSV for me is that I am healthy. I'm off my bp meds (well, I have been since the week before surgery, but it's due to the weight loss!) and haven't had any complications. I see so many posts from recent sleevers that are having issues, or having weakness with their food, and I really just can't help but be so glad it's not me. I realize that may sound selfish, but my journey is about me after all! What I've learned through this process is that my body - it's an amazing thing. The fact that I've lived this long being super obese and ONLY had high blood pressure for the past year is a miracle in and of itself. Add in that I just had major surgery less than a month ago and you'd never know it from looking at me, I realize I'm blessed. My body is healing well. My body is getting stronger. As much abuse as I've put this body through, it keeps on going... for me, this journey, even though I'm not at the end, has really taught me to LOVE MYSELF in a way I never did before. To love this perfectly imperfect body - and not just because it's the only one I'll ever have - because IT IS RESILIENT! It really brings a happy tear to my eye to know that I have more respect for myself now, and I'm not even close to the finish line. I'll get there... I'll (try to) be patient... but for now - this feels pretty great, too. Thanks again everyone! <3

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far! My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping! My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

Congrats on the surgery date!! I'll answer what I can: How do u keep the weight off? ( I've always been able to lose weight, but then slowing regaining) The surgery is permanent and you will never be able to eat as much as you are eating now. You could find ways to eat enough to regain, it will be up to you to make healthy choices. So far, I've stayed on track by using My Fitness Pal app to track everything. I hope that eventually it will become second nature to eat healthy. How will my body look? ( the extra weight in my body is well distributed) No one can answer that for you! Will my cellulite get worse or better? No one can answer that for you! I've never really exercised will I be more motivated to do it? You'll have to push yourself to do it in the beginning. It does get easier, even with a small amount of weight loss. Once you get stronger, it won't seem as difficult so you won't be as likely to avoid it. Is there anything I can do before surgery? Yes! Start doing a low-carb/high Protein diet now. Start reducing your calories now. Start exercising now. Start living your post-op life as much as you can RIGHT NOW. It will make the transition much, much easier!! Will I have lots of loose skin? No one can answer this for you! As far as how you will look, how your skin will react - there is no way to know. If you have cellulite now, that's not going to completely vanish. Even skinny people have cellulite. You skin and how it functions is determined by age, genetic factors, environmental factors and the shape it's in now. If you have lots of stretch marks and cellulite, those will probably be there when you lose weight. Anyone with 100lbs or more to lose (I have over 200lbs to lose, so I'm not trying to sound like a B when I say this) is more than likely going to have cosmetic issues to deal with when the weight comes off. The severity of those issues is really impossible to predict. The best you can do is keep it moisturized, use high quality skin products and exercise to tone the muscles underneath. And drink LOTS of Water and take your vitamins! I wish you luck!