TeacherToni

I know how you feel! Tomorrow will be six weeks since my sleeve surgery. So far, I have lost only 17 lbs...12 lbs in the first two weeks and 5 lbs in the last four weeks. I have been eating about 1000 calories a day and 60 grams or more of Protein. My metabolism has been fried from all of my yo-yo dieting, so I know that I have to figure out a way to incorporate exercise into my busy day. Yes, I have been frustrated by the slow pace, but I have to remind myself that the sleeve has kept me from binge eating since the surgery. It may take me longer than most to lose the weight, but I know that the sleeve will eventually help me reach goal. SW 233 CW 216

Congratulations! I'm glad that you were able to squeeze the sleeve into your busy schedule!

Tiffany, See if you can hook up with others who are having surgery on this date. I am sure at least one of them would video the surgery for you. There is only one operating room at the Jerusalem Hospital, so everyone has to wait his or her turn. As my roommate at the hospital waited her turn, she watched my surgery on the OR monitor. Good luck! Toni

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments! I have only been sleeved for 11 days, so I am still not eating very much. I am managing to get half my Protein in, but I will be upping the grams each day until I at least hit 60 grams. I am looking ahead to when my stomach heals and is able to hold more food. I agree with Linda and Tracy...I don't want to be obsessed with my weight anymore, and I want to eat like a skinny person. My main changes in my eating habits are to avoid simple sugars, eat 60 grams of protein, and refrain from grazing all day. Thanks!!!!

Hi, The following is a re-post from the OH site. I would appreciate your comments. I have been reading the posts about how everyone one seems to be dieting with the sleeve. Two years ago, I reached my goal weight by eating 800 calories (mostly liquid protein). Once I began eating normal food, I began to crave carbs and overeat. I steadily gained weight until I reached 233lbs (it took less than two years to gain much of the weight back). When I saw that I had gained 100 lbs, I scheduled my surgery within the week. Now that I have the sleeve, I can tell my stomach will not allow me to binge eat, so I will no longer be eating thousands of calories a day. Will I lose weight if I just make healthy choices without counting calories? Has anyone lost weight without going on a structured diet? I am just so weary from my years of dieting... Toni

Congratulations, Joan! Dr. Almanza sleeved me on January 5th. I hope I am as successful as you have been. Are you following a diet or just eating less?

Hi, I was sleeved a week ago, and I feel well enough to teach. I teach at a college, so I have another week before the new semester begins. When I made the appointment, I wanted to leave enough time in case there were complications. Last week was rough (I am a big baby when it comes to pain), but I feel great today!

Congratulations on the amazing weight loss! Dr. Almanza sleeved me on me on January 5th. When I went to Mexico, I had planned to get a lap band, but once I was there Dr. Betancourt advised that a sleeve would be a better choice for me. He spent an hour with me explaining the pros and cons of each procedure. I am loving the sleeve, so I will be forever grateful for Dr. Betancourt!!!!

Hi! Dr, Almanza operated on me on January 5th. He was very professional and patiently answered my questions with help from a translator. My stomach feels great, and my five new holes in my stomach are healing nicely. Last week, I had a little bit tougher time than the others at the hospital because I ended up getting a sinus infection. (I always get a sinus infection when I leave the country. Yuck!) Dr. Almanza is the surgeon while Dr. Betancourt is the "host". Dr. Betancourt exudes personality! He's definitely the most colorful doctor I have ever met. I appreciated his medical expertise and frankness. My one caution is for you to keep an open mind about your definition of a good hospital. For example, the hospital is clean, but it is not the sprawling facility with a gift shop and cafeteria that many of us are used to in the US. The Jerusalem Hospital offers six tiny patient rooms with the OR about 50 feet from the front door. Also, the hospital is located in a strip mall across from the Love Boutique. :-) However, the recovery house is very modern and comfortable. It is located in small gated community across from Dr. Bentancourt's own house. There is a housekeeper who cooks and cleans and drivers who will take you shopping if you are feeling up to it. Both the hospital and recovery house have WiFi, but I did not spend much time on my laptop because I just wanted to sleep. Also, you will have access to free phone calls to your family and friends. I will admit that once the driver pulled into the strip mall I had second thoughts about the whole operation. However, once I met the doctors and other staff members, I felt right at ease. They patiently catered to my needs and answered my many many questions. I recommended the hospital to my sister who is pretty down to earth. However, my mother is a complete diva, so I suggested that she use a hospital in the US. I hope this helps! Toni

I am having the same issues with the protein powders. Where would I find the protein shots that you mentioned? Thanks!