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I had set my goal at 140 lbs as it was just within normal range. I sat at around 143-145 for a few months and had figured I was done losing. I know how you feel, I wasn't thrilled, but I was happy. I still wanted to lose that last little bit. In the last few months I started losing again not having changed anything and I am now down to between 135-137 (I bounce around according to what point in my cycle I am in). So there is hope! Hang in there! There is one thing that I added to my supplements that may help, although I started taking it more recently and had already started losing again, so I am not really sure if it made a difference. I added a supplement called CLA (Conjugated linoleic acids). It is suppose to help your body burn fat. This is the brand that I use, and I only have been taking it once per day, although studies have found that 3400mg is the optimal dose. I only take 1 because it is a little pricey and I just never remember http://www.drugstore.com/natures-bounty-cla-1000-mg-tonalin-softgels/qxp232842 I also read that Tonalin CLA is the best one, so make sure the supplement you buy has their symbol on it. Worth a shot if you are interested.

I really do understand how tough it is. hair loss usually doesn't even start until the 3rd month. I lost a lot of hair, handfuls in the shower. I ended up cutting my hair because it was thinning so bad. I noticed the most, my husband said he could sort of tell, but not bad. I think it looks worse to us then anyone else. I continued to lose hair until about 8 or 9 months post op. It did slow down, but kept falling out. I can attest that you will not go bald. I am now 20 months post op and all my hair is back and even thicker I think because of all the supplements I take. The only thing that I found helpful was BIOSIL...it is NOT the same as Biotin. It is a silicon supplement that helps your body produce collagen. That is the only thing that I can suggest. I have talked to many people that have tried everything and nothing works. I think it just depends on the individual. http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4022428 Here is a link to GNC Canada with some information about it.

First of all, tell your husband to put down the burger. That is not very helpful to eat it right in front of you. Secondly, in this case, I would say it is head hunger, a craving. It looks good, it smells good, you want to taste it. If you say you are feeling full, then it is your head playing games with you. I do feel hungry, and I think others do as well. But I can tell you it is not the same as before surgery, and it is usually after I have not eaten for 5 plus hours. I DO still have head hunger and cravings though and that is the toughest part to overcome with surgery. You can have your stomach cut out, but not your brain, and your brain accounts for a big portion as to why you gained weight in the first place. And honestly, my taste buds have not changed. chocolate to me tastes just as good now as it did before. Everyone is different though, and many say that when they actually eat the burger, fried, pizza, chocolate, whatever, it doesn't taste as good. I do agree about the PPI's (proton pump inhibitors). Sometimes excess acid production can feel like a rumbly tummy, so make sure you talk to your doctor about it.

I had thought about the band before I had heard of the sleeve. For me personally, the band had too many problems with it that I didn't like. I choose the sleeve because it was permanent, plus it removes a large part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin. I personally am always a little confused by people saying they don't want something permanent. I wanted a permanent solution and a permanent lifestyle change. I had tried everything else, I had done it the right way (portion control and obscene amounts of exercise). I just could not maintain that lifestyle any longer. I wanted to live my life and not be ruled by food. I am so happy that I choose the sleeve and would not change it for a second.

Very common and very normal. Just search the 3-week stall and you will find many, many, many posts from people that have gone through it and from people that can assure you it is fine. Your body has been through major surgery and it is trying to adjust. It WILL start coming off again.

amazing, such a great feeling to be able to fit in clothes that we haven't worn in years, then to out shrink them!! Hooray for you!

The first few weeks are the absolute hardest so hang in there. Is pepcid a PPI (proton-pump inhibitor)? If not, you may have to ask your doctor for a prescription for one. It stops the stomach from producing acid and it is very common for sleeve patients to have to go on one.

It sounds like you are doing everything right. I understand not being happy where you are at. I think the biggest thing is to just be patient. Our bodies love to hold onto those last few pounds and they are the hardest to lose.

Yes, Torani has their own site and you can order direct. I live in Canada and get them at my local coffee house. I think you can even get them on Amazon.com.

I would get your iron checked as well. Anemia can be common in the early post-op stages.

I was not trying to insult you. You posted 250 calories and 9 grams of protein and did not specify what it was for. If that is for a bought bar, I am sorry, but to me, those stats aren't great. Maybe a treat.

I debated even responding to you, but the point is that, it is a banana, so why did you feel the need to come on here, tell her how fattening bananas are when she was just sharing a recipe that she enjoys, and post incorrect nutritional information. This particular forum is for recipe sharing, not telling me if you think my recipe is bad or not. Like I said before, what you eat is up to you. Its not on your plan, and that is fine. Just don't go around preaching to other people what they should eat. I am pretty sure that she knew the information about bananas before you told her.

You look amazing, congratulations!

First of all, I know this is so cliche, but try not to stress about it. More stress=weight loss stall. I am 20 months post op and didn't reach goal until 18 months post op. I actually thought I was done losing with like you, less than 5 lbs left. I didn't lose for a couple of months, and all of a sudden I find myself losing again. I have actually dropped below goal by a few pounds and I have not changed anything I was doing. I know you will roll your eyes at me, but just relax a little and I am sure it will happen!

Sadly, most protein bars are basically candy bars in disguise. Also, make sure to look at the Fiber count. I don't use protein bars, but I know the Quest ones are high in protein, but extremely high in fibre which changes the net carbs of the bar. Sorry NenaLinda, but that bar is not a good choice, too many calories and low in protein. Like Fluffy said, greek yogurt with fruit is actually a better option, more protein and complex carbs in the fruit...although not as portable as a bar.

I know it is hard not to compare, but everyone is different. The more weight you have to lose, the faster you usually lose it, men lose faster, there are so many variables. I lost around 20-22 lbs I think in the first 4-5 weeks, and I think that is pretty average, so think as yourself above average. I was a slow loser, taking me 18 months to reach goal, but I made it, so don't be discouraged!

I would take a piece of ham, slice some onion. Then, down the middle of the ham, place onion, mozza, and some bottled pizza sauce. Roll up and sear in a non-stick frying pan (or microwave tell the cheese is melted. Tasted like pizza without all the fat. Good quick snack if you are craving the flavor.

You can make Chia seed pudding. I have only made vanilla, but you can make chocolate too! If you google it, you can find recipes. Mine is 1 cup almond milk (you can use any milk though), 2 TBSP chia seeds, vanilla extract and sweetener to taste (torani syrups, splenda, whatever you fancy), let set in the fridge (I usually leave mine overnight). The Chia seeds absorb the liquid and it becomes kind of like tapioca (the seeds still have a little texture though). Very filling snack! PB2 is delicious! You can get plain or chocolate. You can add it to shakes (chocolate PB shake, mmm). You can also add to almost anything you want a Peanut Butter taste (greek yogurt, Protein pancakes, protein ice cream, pudding).

I am 20 months post op, below goal, and have eaten stuff that is not good for me. Beating yourself is the worse thing to do. It gets you into that cycle of shame and guilt, eating more because you are upset, and then feeling even more guilty. Tomorrow is a new day and a chance to start fresh! If we never had temptations, if we never made mistakes, we would not be human. It does not mean that is ok to eat whatever you want, but it does mean it is ok to forgive yourself and do better next time. I

You are doing amazing and it sounds like you are doing everything right! Think about the past, did you ever lose almost 30 lbs in 5 weeks before!

In the beginning, calories are very low, around the 500 a day mark. Most of the time it is very difficult to get calories in. As you get a little further out, it is usually between 600-800 calories in weight loss phase. As for carbs, in my honest opinion, I think it is a personal choice. For some people, eating low carbs (30 or less) works well for them. I did not count carbs. I did make changes that cut out simple carbs, so I rarely eat bread, rice, cereals, pasta, and stuff like that. I will eat fruit, veggies, and complex carbs like oats. Find a balance that works for you. The sleeve is only a tool, so you do have to make changes to be successful, but you also have to do what works the best for you and your body. Did your surgeon give you any kind of post op guide or information??

I think you said you are 2 months post op?? You are early out and it takes such a long time to adjust and know what you can eat and how much. I still occasionally have over-eaten and the results are not pretty! And seasonings go a long way (the fight against the dried out chicken breast). Some things take a long time to be able to handle. I love pork chops but it took a long time to be able to eat them, they are really hard to digest (we always trim the fat off and bake or BBQ them). You will get there! I am still amazed some days how much restriction I still have...and...how much people really eat...yikes!! But, for the most part, you will get so used to it that it is just second nature and normal for you (PS. I never let my hubby dish out my food...I say "please, I will do it myself"...if there is too much on my plate, it is sometimes tempting to eat it) Good luck on your journey. I have been a part of this board for a while, but only started posting more now that I feel like I might know a little something. There is lots of great information on here, as well as lots of uninformed information, so be careful what you read. You have to do what works best for you. I was lucky, I was self pay and went through a company that facilitates surgeries. They have regular support groups and I have met a lot of local people that have had the surgery as well. I hope that you have or can find something like that as well, it is a great resource. Because, let's face it, as supportive as our spouses can be, they do not understand what we have been through as an overweight person, and they do not understand what is like to have 80% of your stomach removed.

That is great! I think it is all about finding balance. I have taken to approach of everything in moderation. I see so many people on here go to extremes with diet, and it is something you are not going to be able to maintain for the rest of your life. Like I mentioned on another post, I have NEVER tracked anything, no calories, no carbs, not even Protein. I am still losing a little 20 months post op. If I feel like a banana, I eat a banana...it isn't going to make me fat! I eat cherries, I eat apples with some Peanut Butter, and yes, I even eat things like potatoes...gasp! You have to change the way you look at food, and yes, you do have to change your diet, but you have to make it manageable. Hooray for banana lovers everywhere!!

It's everyone's personal choice what they eat. For you, it is not worth it, for her, it is a great treat!

Greek yogurt is really high in Protein and an unprocessed source as opposed to a protein bar. I am guessing that is why she suggested it. I eat a lot of greek yogurt sweetened with sugar free syrups and it is rich and creamy (not for everyone though). I have tried a few protein bars. The only ones I didn't mind were the Quest ones, and I warmed it up in the microwave. Just make sure your read them because a lot of them are just candy bars in disguise.