piper

I thought ulcers were caused by bacterial infection and not coffee, spicy foods or stress. I am drinking coffee withou incident.

I thought ulcers were caused by bacterial infection and not coffee, spicy foods or stress. I am drinking coffee withou incident.

Ikea

I thought ulcers were caused by bacterial infection and not coffee, spicy foods or stress. I am drinking coffee withou incident.

Say thank you n walk away. IMO People that comment on your weight are rude. Bugs the crap out of me. There should be a campaign to educate folks to just quit harping on weight. Why not say, "you look nice today, love the dress" "your are glowing today" ....endless possibilities. When my children were small one of them was chubby at around ten. She is very athletic n fit now, at 19 . Anyhow, when we would visit my inlaws the harping would begin. "don't eat that, it will make you fat" asking me, "whys she fat"? I finally told them to stop focusing on the shell and tell her she is a lovely young woman, focus on the positive and all her countless wonderful characteristics. I feared the harping would compromise her self image and lay foundation for eating disorder. No one heard a word I said. I think commenting on weight loss is just as intrusive. There are so many other meaningful characteristics to comment on.

My kids are a lot older so they knew what was happening because is was discussed around the house. However, I do not think I would encumber kids three and eight with information other than "mommy's had surgery and she is recovering".

My sister was opposed. I had the surgery three weeks ago and I am still getting the cold shoulder. Although I understand the opposition comes from genuine concern for your health and well being, it is unfortunate when folks cross a boundary into the land of being unsympathetic and judgemental.

I cancelled the surgery in april due to nerves. I don't regret that I cancelled. I had become so worked up and was not up to the challenge in that frame of mind. I needed more time to get in bed with the idea. I did have the surgery last Thursday. I am four days post op. Things have gone very well.
Once I had asked all the questions I could ask on the forum I decided to look inward and get off the Internet. Although this forum is a very supportive environment, i found the ups and downs of various postings were taking me on a roller coaster ride and I needed to find some inner peace. I just recently got back on to help with my recovery. Be kind and patient with yourself.

Where was your surgery performed?
The AMA standards are quite different than those abroad and sometimes things like this happen because of it. To be discharged without pain medication is completely inappropriate. If you live in the US I would recommend seeing your primary for pain Meds or going to the ER. You definitely need them. I know I was in so much pain I took them regularly for an entire week and I won't even take an aspirin.
Best of luck.

Just went to my yearly physical, I was sweating bullets as I have been eating a lot more than I was back when I had my first labs done a year ago. I was afraid I would be back in the poor results camp after a stellar report last year.
Well . . . it's dang near PERFECT AGAIN! BP was 120/80 (in the doctors office, I have a lot of "white coat syndrome" issues) cholesterol was 133 - actually LOWER than last year, triglycerides was 64! Fasting blood sugar was 88. All the other blood tests were right in the good to excellent range.
Man, why didn't I get sleeved years ago! I cannot endorse this surgery enough, it has RADICALLY changed my life and health. I may fall over dead tomorrow but at least I'll do so as a fit and healthy person rather than a fat blob.

That's awesome. Congrats on a great year. Hope you get to onederland soon!

Yep, no regrets. I wish I could take every one of my overweight friends and family members to have the surgery, too!

I'm sure there will be set backs but after writing this thread, I searched for posts on similar situations and did find people who had succeeded at continuing to breastfeed. I know he's old enough to wean, but long ago I decided I wanted him to wean himself when he was ready. So I suppose I'll work very hard, pump a lot, try to get every bit of the liquids in and consume as much protein as I'm able. I will ultimately hope for the best and see what the outcome is. ) as far as the medicines in my system, I'm not too worried, and wasn't when I wrote the post. It was more about if anyone had been in this situation and was successful even with the decrease in caloric intake.

When I lost 55 pounds on optifast I felt this way about the attention I was receiving, especially at my daughter's school. I had felt very marginalized prior to losing. This said...I recognize that a percentage of this was of my own making. I had, to a certain extent, isolated myself by being socially unavailable. When I lost weight I felt better about myself and consequently reached out to others more often. I walked with the other mommies around my neighborhood, became active with the pta, became "room parent" to my daughter class, attended school events and birthday parties etc...Then, over the next two years I regained the optifast weight and once again retreated to a reclusive place, withdrew school involvement, stopped walking the other folks etc...

When I lost 55 pounds on optifast I felt this way about the attention I was receiving, especially at my daughter's school. I had felt very marginalized prior to losing. This said...I recognize that a percentage of this was of my own making. I had, to a certain extent, isolated myself by being socially unavailable. When I lost weight I felt better about myself and consequently reached out to others more often. I walked with the other mommies around my neighborhood, became active with the pta, became "room parent" to my daughter class, attended school events and birthday parties etc...Then, over the next two years I regained the optifast weight and once again retreated to a reclusive place, withdrew school involvement, stopped walking the other folks etc...

REGRETS......NOT ONE!!!!!! im in love with my sleeve best thing i could have done for myself!! I will never again be that person that i was... and all i can say is SO LONG SUCKER!!!!! LOLOLOL.
Ur gonna go thru stages of stalls.. that arent really stalls.. its just your bodies way of adjusting to the weightloss.. just keep up with your exercise and your Fluid intake you will kick the semi-stall in no time.. don't let it get you down, cuz u will eventually start losing again!

I wish I would have known about it sooner and done it sooner! Don't think of it as a diet and not being able to eat. It is a change in eating habits, and you will be able to eat, but just not gorge like you may have done before. But you will need to go through the stages and work to eating regular foods again. I am almost 4 months out and my sleeve will tolerate any food. I don't crave things like I did before, and I don't have a taste for alot of things I lived before, but I don't miss them because I love feeling good each day about myself, and love seeing my pants literally fall off, so it makes it all worthwhile!

I'm 4 days post op. I too was sad but I have 3 family members who have done it and they eat whatever they want just small portion. Of course when's it's unhealthy food once a week. My uncle eats one slice of pizza half of that cuz he can't fit anymore. He stays satisfied. So don't be sad I was sad too thinking omg never again am I going to be able to eat pizza or pasta. But you will be able to just small portion.

Thanks Bethany1987 ~ you are right it's hard to hone in the tone when it comes to the internet, or texting. Congrats on your 12 lb weight loss. When was your surgery? and how are you doing? If there's any way I can help, let me know, and I'll do my best.

I would just like to say that the way a few of you responded to him was really rude. If I were him I wouldn't come back to this forum after that. He was making a joke....I think that's allowed here.
Anyways...good luck on your journey and I'm really glad you you've made the decision to change your life for you and your kids! That's awesome!!
Sent from my iPhone using VST

Today I'm officially one year and 5 days post op. I've so far lost 98lbs. I'm so close to that 100lb lost it's crazy. The scale has slowed down alot but my body is changing soooo much. I'm doing about 1 hour of cardio a day and 30-45 minutes of strength training 3 to 4 times a week.
I hadn't noticed how much my body had changed until I saw my surgeon today and he asked about my measurements. In the last 6 weeks my bust size went from a 38 to a 36 (I started at a 48I), and I went from a 14/16 to a 10/12. My shirt size was a 3X and now I'm in a large which is getting pretty loose. This was the best decision I could've ever made for myself. I hope that you all are doing great! Keep up with the weight loss yall!
Here are some pics of me (before and after)

I had these thoughts after reading the fat trap. However, what is the alternative? Giving VSG a shot seems like a better choice than staying on the yoyo train. Also, the Autralain researchers said the dieters metabolism has a lower set point which does not reset for six years....if ever. To me that speaks to the VSG being an especially meaningful tool in this unique circumstance. My metabolism is very low, thanks to multiple VLCDiets over the years, hence I need to consume very little to lose and tiny bit more to maintain. I am so unlikely to be able to do this without VSG or having my jaw wired shut. Hey, why don't doctors do that anymore?

How are things going with the sleeve? Things are great now. Some days I don't even think about my smaller portions. I just made sloppy joes two nights ago, portioned out my 2.5 oz and topped with a serving of mexican blend cheese. The day before that? I made crockpot honey garlic chicken. I ate one thigh. It really isn't anything special. I just make my boyfriend's plate right along side mine, but I get the cuter plate, lol. It is just a way of life now making sure I get enough Protein and keep my carbs down. I use myfitnesspal religiously to make sure I am getting the nutrients I need.
How long ago were u sleeved? I was sleeved 7 months ago.
Has the adjustment gone well? Yeah, I was doing low carb six months prior to being sleeved. Soon as you get past the Fluid and mushy stages, I really think life perks up. Before that though, you gotta remember you are healing and relearning to eat with a totally new stomach. And sometimes there are hiccups, I didn't get any protein in my first two weeks. I had a really hard time with anything not a vitaminwater, but it gets better. Don't rush the stages, sometimes you have to linger a little.
How has adjusting to so little food been? It was a mind trip at first. I really liked my big portions. Before VSG, I could eat an entire hot-and-ready pizza by myself in about 15 minutes. Now? I eat about 3/4 of a slice. I just tear off the crust. You get used to it. You sigh, you cry, you have a little fit where your SO laughs at you, and you move on. This is life.
Side note, I really hate leftovers now though. I didn't before surgery, but post-op I really can't stand dried out chicken or even one of my favorite foods ever, pulled pork. I loathe eating reheated stuff. My boyfriend laughs and says, I got picky post-op. It is okay though. I just make a smaller meal that night and remake it in a couple of days so the meal is hot and fresh.
Have you engaged socially yet? Haha, yes, and that is where I go a little carb happy. I may not be able to eat like I used to, but I sure can still get down my fluids. I am really only limited by how much I feel like. I can drink 2 large unsweet iced teas from McDonald's in about an hour if I tried, and 3 or 4 of my low carb daiquiris like it is nobody's business. I have no problems getting down fluids. I like to keep a decaffeinated beverage in my hand now because I almost passed out on campus once when I forgot a Water bottle all day. I definitely learned that lesson well.
When I go out with my friends, I order things without bread, and I just don't eat Pasta. At Chipotle? I get my burrito bowl without rice and Beans, lots of veggies, double meat, and pile on that cheese and sour cream please! I eat about a third of the meat, cover it and bring it home. Okay, I will always eat Chipotle leftovers. I lied, lol. If I go to Buffalo Wild Wings or an Ale House? I get wings. If I go to my favorite Mediterranean place? I get the fried jibneh or kabobs. Indian? Paneer or Tandoori chicken. Vietnamese? Pho with extra beef. If I go for BBQ, I always get my ribs and just refrain from smothering everything in the sauce. I get the things I want, try to stay on plan, and just try to keep my protein up and be happy.
I can eat whatever I want, but I feel better when I am not eating bready things. They just don't sit well for me. I get really uncomfortable. At parties, I take a beer and chat. Carbonation doesn't bother me too much anymore.
Have you had a glass of vino yet? Err... lol, I guess I got ahead of this one. I will have to say yes. I have had wine, beer, vodka, tequila, bourbon, rum... Can I use my college student excuse? I admit I like going to parties and the club. What can I say?
Just talk to your surgeon about when it is right for you, and definitely wait until your stomach is healed.
Did your body respond differently than previously? At first, yes. I definitely could get tipsy off of a few sips of Riesling. Now? Tequila shot, you say? Don't mind if I do. Alcohol hit me hard and fast at first and it tapered off just as quickly. Eventually, you will definitely be able to hit the tapas and restaurants with your hubby again, but it might take two or three months. Again, talk to your surgeon about his or her recommendations.
Don't worry, life goes back to normal. Just follow your plan though for the most part and the weight will come off.
How will I stay engaged at social or family events that ,as always, revolve around cooking, eating and appreciating copious amounts of food? Well, for me, I just do what I normally do, chat up a storm. I carry my unsweet iced tea (blashphemy in the south, I know), grab a deviled egg, and play with my cousins. Same old, same old. I am just not carrying a huge plate anymore.
When I have friends over for a meal, everyone knows I eat low carb, so I just grab a little meat and a couple of veggies and do the same song and dance. I eat slower. I enjoy my company more. If I go out, I like not having to worry about eating an appetizer, entree, and dessert all by myself. I enjoy a little of everything in moderation and take the rest home along with my shrinking waist line.
Hope I answered all your questions and didn't come off as an alcoholic, lol. I really don't drink that often. VSG is just life now, and I really am happy with my decision. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

I had alot of those same doubts. the doc I see for sleep apnea gave me the best counter argument.... he said "so, lets say in 5 years you gained back some weight and in 10 years all of it - you still had 5-10 years of a much higher quality of life! 10 years of less pain, of being able to do the things you want to do. 10 years of having your life back."
I couldn't help but think he had a good point.
Even post surgery, I saw the NUT a month post op and had lost 30 pounds. I can remember telling her that I was still skeptical and I would know it is really working once I lose at least 50#. Well, I am at almost 70# off and even though I am still obese, I feel soo much better. It is hard to describe the incredibly good it feels.
As i have headed down this journey I am becoming more convinced that long term success is possible. I am not naive, anybody can regain after ANY weight loss surgery. I guess I am just starting to think that it is really possible to get this weight off... and keep it off permanently. The journey continues...

I’ve noticed a lot of emphasis on post-op diets. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not a dietician and I am not telling anyone what they should and should not be eating. Instead I am offering my take on sleeve dieting.

Would most agree that we did not become overweight simply because of the type of food we ate, but rather the amount of foods we ate? I was nearly 140lbs overweight when I had my surgery. My problem was quantity. When I ate out I would eat 3 or 4 of everything. Seriously, when I ate out I would eat 10 tacos at Taco Bell, or an entire large pizza from Pizza Hut, or two Whoppers at Burger King or two 12” Subway sandwiches. If my wife made steaks for dinner I would have 3 of them.

I rarely ate breakfast during the work week, but on weekends I would stuff myself with pastries. I would also tend to eat and watch TV until bedtime.

These are the things that got me, and I would suspect most people, into trouble. My new sleeve has changed all that. I physically CAN NOT eat foods in the same quantity as before. Thank the LORD! My meals are much, much smaller. This has required me to learn that breakfast and lunch are just as important as dinner.

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I have no foods that are off limits. I eat mostly the same kind of foods I enjoyed before surgery. I just have to be smarter about it. The proteins are eaten first in my meals, followed by other nutritionally dense foods. The carb rich stuff like breads is eaten last if my sleeve isn’t already full.

This was my Easter holiday meals:

For breakfast I had a protein shake.

After church my wife wanted to stop at McDonalds on the way home. I didn’t want to overindulge so I opted for a kids “Happy Meal”. It was 4 chicken nuggets, a kid fry and sugar free lemonade. It was less than 300 calories and I still got 10 grams of protein out of this treat.

For dinner I used a rotisserie on my grill and smoked a whole chicken for the holiday. I had a drumstick and a small portion of a breast, about a ¼ cup of mashed potatoes with some gravy, 3 tablespoons of steamed broccoli, and a freshly made wheat roll. The chicken was eaten first followed by the broccoli and potatoes. I only had a nibble off the roll because I was full. This was not my typical meal, but it was a holiday so I intended to enjoy myself while having dinner with my family.

For desert I had a Cadbury egg.

The point I’m trying to make is that moderation is the key. I had a few things yesterday that are not typical for me, but a reward for 30 days post-op and a holiday. This morning I am back to my regular routine. I had a single serving of oatmeal with honey for breakfast and a “Lean Cuisine” 290 calorie entrée for lunch. My wife is making tacos for dinner. I will likely have a taco and ¼ cup of Spanish rice with salsa.

Don’t beat yourselves up by thinking you’ve “ruined” your diet because you ate something that perhaps is contrary to dieting guidelines. You can simply make up for it with a later meal. We are all eating less because of our wonderful new sleeves and hopefully we’re a lot more active than we used to be. These two things alone will encourage weight loss. Don’t get hung up on what you eat. Pay far more attention to how much you’re eating. Try to make the smartest food choices when choosing your main entrée. I’m down nearly 40lbs in the 30 days since my surgery and I eat what I want.

Let the flaming begin.