christin

It was a little over a year. I researched for a long time and had finally made my initial consultation when I had some money saved up. My surgery was 3 months after my consultation.

I have had no difference in any of my drinking habits. I like plain Water, Lipton diet green tea,and propel. I can drink water warm, room temp, or icy cold. The only difference is that I have to drink slower. I can take bigger sips now, but just can't gulp a glass down when thirsty. I also take the chewable Vitamins by Bariatric Advantage. Don't like them, but eat them anyway. When they are gone, I will look for a better tasting replacement.

So far, the only time I feel what I think is hunger is first thing in the morning. It is a very empty feeling and I guess gnawing is a good descriptor. A few bites of something will make it go away. Other than that, I eat because it's time. It is amazing because I used to feel starving all the time.

Of course cheesecake isn't on the plan, but overeating the sleeve is something I have struggled with a few times. We are still learning our full signals and it seems I often take one bite too many. It is frustrating and uncomfortable, but it's a learning process. Be patient with yourself. P.S. Eat cheesecake sugar free pudding instead!

This pattern seems to be starting for me too. I drop 3 to 4 lbs and then stay the same for a week. This whole thing requires a little patience and I am trying to learn how my body releases weight so I can recognize the pattern and not be concerned.

I admit I really miss my diet Dr. Pepper. I didn't even drink it every day, but sometimes you just crave some bubbles. Oh well.....

I admit that I expected to lose weight faster, but at the same time I am not disappointed. I think almost everyone is farther along than I am at almost 6 weeks post op, but for the first time in my life I am accepting my body and the pace it wants to go. When I think back to the slow climb to my highest weight, I remember how much I hated my body all the way from my current goal weight to where I ended before surgery. I can now see all the time I wasted on it and have promised myself that I will embrace and enjoy every weight and every size as I take this journey and be proud of every inch and ounce of progress. I am headed toward the destination and no longer feel like I am hopelessly out of control with my eating. That alone is an amazing relief.

The more I read on this forum, the more I realize how similar we all think toward ourselves. The years of struggle and self hate have really gotten the best of many of us and it is hard to give ourselves credit for our accomplishments. You have achieved so much in 10 months! You have every reason to feel amazingly proud! Let yourself feel it even though you aren't where you want to be yet! It takes time to truly transform a body after all the damage we have done to it! But it is within your reach if you stay the course. An important part of this journey for all of us is learning to be kinder to ourselves. Don't forget to enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going!

I am not super experienced (just 5 and a half weeks out), but I can totally promise you that it gets better every day. Other than taking naps, I feel much more normal. This is a major surgery and recovery both physically and mentally really does take time. I am still getting used to my new portion size. Change is hard, but I know this one is really worth it. Be gentle with yourself. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional at your stage.

I do understand feeling the need to eat and your sleeve not liking new foods you are introducing. For me, I went back to protein shakes with tiny meals. My nutritionist told me 3 meals a day even if it is a few bites until full and no snacking in between. Whatever shortage of protein I have has to come from shakes. Part of this journey is starting good habits right from the start and crackers and soft candy are not good habits to get into. I have had a few crackers too and admit that they go down so good, but I know I can't go back down that road. Don't be hard on yourself. This is a learning process, but be careful not to go down that slippery slope to snacking.

Good job doing the mental work. It will be an ongoing process to learn to cope with things in healthy ways. The good news is that after surgery, you won't be able to eat eat eat even if you badly want to. This behavior modification tool really does work.

I felt this same way in my 4th week a few times as I was trying new solid foods. I backed off my 5th week and have been slowly trying new foods, but relying still on mostly protein shakes and my sleeve has been much happier. Listen to your body. Not all of us are ready for solid foods just because our meal plan tells us it is time to introduce them.

What a sweet post! So happy for you! Enjoy your Valentines Day!

I had some during that phase. I thinned it out with extra milk, pureed it, and put unflavored protein powder in it. Mine had about 20g of protein per serving.

5 weeks out and drinking is much easier now. I can't gulp yet, but I can sip quickly. It is hard when you are really thirsty and you can't quench your thirst as quickly as you want to!

Congrats on breaking the stall! Glad you told us because everyone goes through these and it is a nice reminder that it won't be forever!

What Lissa is saying is so true. This week I haven't lost a pound, but a pair of pants I have went from tight to a little loose! That amazed me. Our bodies must be working so hard to change!

I am also spring cleaning. I have a list of things to tackle this weekend. I am trying to lighten my load in every area of my life! I have a good will pile growing by the day.

I understand how you feel. I anticipated losing weight at a faster pace myself, but I am trying to focus on the positive aspect which is that every pound I lose will stay off forever. All I can do is follow the rules and let my body release weight at the pace it wants to.

I really like this!

You are so right about eating being complicated. I feel like I have a huge "to do" list every day since surgery! Protein grams, Fluid, Vitamins, etc. etc. You have to time the liquids just right too since you have to wait an hour in between meals. I still don't feel like I am on a normal schedule. Glad you are feeling better!

I slept fine at night and took no naps until week 4. Last week and this week I am fairly exhausted all of a sudden. I don't know why, but I just go with it. If I am tired, then I sleep. I just figure my body needs it. It probably has a lot to do with going back to work.

Darn... and I love cucumbers too!

Hope you got some Super Bowl food down! I agree ... we will get through it! It's just part of the process!

Thanks very much! This was encouraging to read!