LilMissDiva Irene

It's ok to feel frustrated!! I get like this too every time I'm sitting down to a good meal and wish I could eat more. Then I look over and watch my Hubby or someone else eat and eat and eat... then I think, darn if I did that I'd be back up to 300 Lbs in no time. Then I suddenly relax, smile and move on.

Be careful not to get into that mindset where you don't want to eat because you're afraid it's too many calories. 1000-1300 isn't too many calories. Especially if you're getting in some type of calorie burning routine. If it slows down the weight loss, that's ok. This isn't a race... you have taken on a lifestyle change and now you have the rest of your life to get to where you want to be. In fact I always say, don't think of how you'll turn out next month. Instead consider yourself one year from now. It's much more realistic... relax a little bit. Again, this is for life... and since you've taken the steps to be healthier, you just added on a whole lot of years of living!! Enjoy it.

Rhap you are not doing anything wrong. Like Katie mentioned, you are experiencing real hunger. Remember what I mentioned on your blog? Likely the only thing that will help the hunger now is only time. Some folks take a little longer for the hunger to go away, and it's usually when you start eating more normal and solid meals. Unfortunately too, there is a small group of folks whose hunger never does go away. I hope this is not the case for you! Keep pushing, you should be close to your puree's if anything. I'm almost sure you will get help with feeling hungry then. *hugs*

Definition of Diet: Temporary. Definition of Lifestyle Change: Permanent

Thanks friends, today was truly a good day! I've been needing one of these... xoxo

Wow, you really take me a-back with this!! It's really true, I don't see myself like that. I just come here and share my story - and hope I can save some lives here. The sleeve IS a lifesaver!! I'll shout it from the rooftops! Thank you so much for this post, it really speaks volumes to me. This is so funny, because like above I really honestly don't view myself in that light. I was really dumbfounded when I got that message this morning. I never would have gone to look otherwise... ha! Hugs girl, you're doing really great and that makes me happy! Maybe from the looks of it!! Ha!! Hugs Lynda, you've always been a joy!!

I believe you are still on liquids? If that's the case then any liquids you consume, even protein shakes can add to both your liquid count as well as your protein count. I even used to substitute a few meals per day with protein shakes to do my best to get everything in. I still rarely did, but I think the main thing is doing your best. Just remember, fluid intake is #1, then protein is #2. HTH

I never thought... anyway I received a PM from a dear friend on Facebook this morning and she told me she was playing around on Google. She did a Search for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Before and After... lo and behold I'm on there. There's actually 2 of me that I found but this is the best one. Again, I never thought I'd become famous over this!!! HAAA!!! Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!!

Hey lady! So, are you on any kind of acid reducting medication? If your stomach is rumbling that is not head hunger. Head hunger is pretty much uncontrollable ( they can be controlled but hard to do! ) desire to eat. Anyhow, having a lot of acid can mimic hunger pains. I use Prilosec and as long as I'm eating protein first I rarely feel hunger pains even this far out from surgery, and even when I do they are faint in comparison to pre surgery. The pain while swallowing does go away, rest assured. It took me at least three weeks from what I remember. *hugs* NO worries, you're doing excellent.

HI Mary!! Welcome to VST. I am also a revision patient from band to sleeve. I love my sleeve!! Best things I ever did for myself. For me I did experience some pain and I also had nausea and even a little vomiting. Even with all that though I do NOT REGRET my decision what so ever. I'm so thankful I was given a second chance and here I am today sitting at goal and continuing to improve daily! I took 3 weeks off from work and have a desk job. It was more than enough time, but it was nice that I didn't have to be on liquids while getting back because it can be a little tough remembering to sip sip sip all the time. I'm not sure if 2 weeks would be enough time for you, as I'm not sure all that entails being a bus driver. It does seem a little physically demanding, having to move that large steering wheel for hours and hours. But again, I'm not privvy to that. Good luck to you!!!! You're going to be fine. Nervous is normal, it's totally ok. Like favored mentioned above, we do have a section here specifically for band to sleeve revisions. Here's the link: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/13-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/

Hi Lorraine, welcome!! It's nice to have you. You can do it! Keep the positivity and you will get to your 180 Lbs!!

That is really really great, keep up the amazing progress!!

HI Pixie, WELCOME!! Congrats on the weight loss pre-op, I do love hearing about things like that. It shows you're ready to take on the challenge... and it is a lifelong one at that. You will soon have just as much energy as your darling daughter... keep us updated on your progress!!

Wonderful news!! Hope it all goes just as fast.

For me with the smaller sizes I can move through them with about every 5 Lbs. I've even gone a size smaller without even losing any weight at all. Also, the smaller the clothes, the more crazy sizes can be. It gets to a point where you can't go clothes shopping without trying everything on. I used to be able to walk in a store, pick up a size and know it would fit. Not anymore!! It's ok though because shopping is a LOT MORE FUN!!

Wonderful NSV!! You will find so much variety in sizes 14 and lower. Good luck keeping money in the bank!

Even if some might see it as obsessive I'm ok with that. It's better to be obsessive about being healthy and seeing just how fit I can get my body!! I have taken on the Insanity Challenge. I should get it next week, and I'm really looking forward to it. How far can I go? Well I'm about find out, or die tryin'! I asked around about it on MFP, and got some good feedback. Everyone did say too that it is NOT easy... but also said don't count on the scale too much with it, the best measure will be how your clothes fit and by the tape measure. Sure I'll lose some pounds but the real measure is the inches lost. Again, I'm ok with that! I've said this here before... I'd rather be wearing cute clothes and be heavier on the scale. I'm not going to walk around with a scale hanging on my neck. Who cares???

That is awesome, love it!!! Good luck to you!

Helloooo my BEAUTIFUL FRIEND!!! Thanks for sharing!! I love to see your awesome smile, and your LBD! Whoohooo!!

Wow great loss!! Feels good don't it.

I saw this on a commercial just last night and thought I'd share... Citracal Gummies. Wish I'd known about these a long time ago! I don't need them now but would've come in real handy just post-op. >>>CLICK HERE<<<

I do the "pinch test". I bought a body fat Caliper right off ebay for less than 7 bucks, then looked up on the 'net on how to properly perform the test. There are also many websites that will calculate everything for you by inputting what your Caliper says. I've also paid to use the Bod Pod which you will also find on the internet. They are usually found in Universities or at Health Centers. The closest one to me about an hour away at a Golds Gym. PS, Change in Lifestyle for ME means finally realizing there is never an end in sight. I will forever have to workout and maintain a healthy eating regimen. Until I die.

***FOR SOME REASON I CAN'T EDIT MY ORIGINAL POST*** So I am replacing my re-edits here: Sorry! I get lots of questions regarding how to get back on track. This journey is tough, and one thing I've learned is that I'm not perfect - but if I'm going to move past that I have to figure out how to forgive myself. For me, the main factor in my obesity was my inability to overcome this. So I would give up and gain all my weight back, and even more. I cannot do this to myself!!! I have to pick myself back up and keep it moving. I didn't go through 2 torturous painful weight loss surgeries to just keep giving up. Heck no!!! So, along my Sleeve Journey, when I noticed I wasn't doing well and needed to get back on track this is what I did: The BASICS BOOTCAMP: For 5 STRICT DAYS I will eat only... Proteins: Seafoods, Poultry and eggs, Dairies, nuts/seeds including Peanut Butter. Veggies: Green only. Fruits: None. Breads/Cereals/Other Carbs: None. Fluids: One gallon of water (128 oz. - or 80-100oz if that's too much. It won't hurt you!) Protein drinks (RTD or Powder) Gatorade or Propel.. Full Version to replenish your electrolytes (Calcium/Potassium/Sodium/Magnesium) and you Sugars. Avoid: Sugar and Sodium Once the 5 days are over, I am pretty much over the Sugar Carb Demon. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate carbs! I do need them to live a healthy life and since I workout a lot it is important I have them. However, I need GOOD carbs. Whole grains, fruits, veggies... But I don't need processed sugars. White carbs, in cereals, breads, rice... etc. Lots will do the 5 day pouch test. http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ Great! To each their own. I personally do not do this. My first reason is because I don't have a pouch. I have a sleeve. The second reason is because for me, this has proven nothing but torture for me. I don't feel like I should have to do that. My personal program works just as good without that side effect. The only reasons I've ever done liquids only is simply from being threatened with my life (post op) or if I'm just feeling sick and to let my Sleevie rest. That's it. Good luck everyone! This journey is tough, but nothing worth doing is ever easy. Xoxo

I usually have some real Gatorade around to replenish my electrolytes (Calcium, Sodium, Potassium) and sugars during the day. Other than that I pretty much just buy all fresh meat to cook at home, baking and tons of green type veggies. It's only a few days...

Hi Vicki! I'm a revision too from band to sleeve. Best! Thing! Ever! If you're anything like me you will be head over heels for it. I didn't go the same route as you, so I don't have any advice as far as timelines, just wanted to extend my warm embrace to ya. *hugs*