jh5497

When I was 19, I had stats similiar to yours and I wish I would have done. I went to Mexico alone and had surgery. I didn't tell my mom, who still doesn't know, but the rest of my family knew and were supportive. If this is what you want -- DO IT! This is your body, your choice! Neither of your parents have had your journey, walked in your shoes or dealt with your thoughts about your body image. I hope that when you are healthier and happier, they come around, but absolutely do NOT live your life to make someone else happy!

Hey guys,
I am 5 wks out this Friday and I am pretty much eating Breakfast, lunch and dinner with 1 maybe 2 Snacks through the day. Just wondering what you all pick up when you are a little hungry in between that is good, Protein rich and quick/easy? I have been having a slice of turkey lunchmeat or a reduced fat string cheese or babybell, etc. Pretty much feels almost like a meal to me because I get full, but I know it is not.
So, just curious what else do you have just during those in between....especially if you are busy out running around or something, you are hungry and frankly it is time to eat but you arent home and cant eat a real meal?
Ideas?

The moment I posted and saw "loosing", I was horrified. I knew it was losing, but there's no going back! I'm very ashamed and usually take pride in using proper spelling and grammar. Also, thanks, it's nice to hear that weight loss will happen and that I just need to have more patience!

The moment I posted and saw "loosing", I was horrified. I knew it was losing, but there's no going back! I'm very ashamed and usually take pride in using proper spelling and grammar. Also, thanks, it's nice to hear that weight loss will happen and that I just need to have more patience!

So I was sleeved August 9, 2012. 4 weeks ago today. Before I went into surgery I was weighed at 218lbs. Now, 4 weeks post op, I weighed in at 211.8 this morning. 7.2lbs in 4 weeks with an extremely restricted diet.
I'm disappointed in the results and have tried so many things to encourage myself (self talk, seeing slow losers board, reminders that it takes time, that its still a loss etc.), but I just feel like the reality has fallen short of my expectations for the sleeve. I had a stall around week 2 which was expected, but even considering that, I feel like my body isn't doing what it is supposed to.
So here's the details and suggestions are welcomed:
I walk for exercise -- about 20-30 minutes/day, plus chores like mowing grass where I work up a sweat. Sunday is my one month and I plan to start doing more like swimming and beginner work out dvds (biggest loser ones).
What I eat:
Breakfast is a 100cal EAS Carb Control Protein shake (17g Protein),
lunch is usually Soup or left over supper or super steamed veggies from the cafeteria (I work at a hospital)
Supper is chicken mushed with dressing/spices (about 2 oz solid food right now)) or Ground Turkey recipes.
Snacks (2/day usually, sometimes 1 depending on Fluid intake) cheese, greek yogurt, protein pudding (80 cals, 15g protein).
Fluids: I drink 1 Water bottle while at work (it's just shy of 1L), I have for sure one 500ml glass of herbal caffeine free tea in the evening, usually 2, but sometimes I switch this up with ProtiDiet hot chocolate (80 cals, 15g protein) in 500ml water instead of more tea ior a chai tea latte (80cal, 4 carbs, 5g protein).
I feel like I'm doing everything right but the results aren't telling me that! Any help would be appreciated!!

I would be discouraged too - but I guess one of the things i am learning through this journey is to just keep on keeping on. If you are doing the right things, the weight loss WILL happen.
I had a month long stall and wasn't discouraged exactly, but not too excited about it. Somehow, during that weight loss stall I dropped another clothing size and people who hadn't seen me thought i had lost alot of weight during that month. Go figure.
I am going to suggest that you try something really radical - just because i believe in changing things up when things aren't going as planned. What about not weighing for a month, but keep following the plan? How about during that month, change your exercise routine and possibly back away from the Soups (salt?). Sometimes something new and different causes the weight to start coming off for no explainable reason.
As far as food goes, check that you are getting enough Protein, but it sounds to me like you are eating pretty on target.

I was sleeved on 6/29/12 and stalled in weeks 2, 3, & 4. Then the weight started coming off. As long as I get my protein and fluids I lose the weight. I have only stalled one other week and that was last week when I had my monthly TOM. Then got on the scales and had went down 3 lbs in one day. It will happen. Your body has been through a lot and is in shock!

When I was 19, I had stats similiar to yours and I wish I would have done. I went to Mexico alone and had surgery. I didn't tell my mom, who still doesn't know, but the rest of my family knew and were supportive. If this is what you want -- DO IT! This is your body, your choice! Neither of your parents have had your journey, walked in your shoes or dealt with your thoughts about your body image. I hope that when you are healthier and happier, they come around, but absolutely do NOT live your life to make someone else happy!

No, a low BMI doesn't mean you shouldn't do this. I went in have a BMI on the lower end of the spectrum after losing 50lbs on my own and when it came time to: do my post op diet, fly to Mexico, get in and out of the hospital bed, shower with a drain in, walk the gas off and recover, I was THRILLED to be a lower BMI. I think for me, my recovery was easier because I was smaller. If you want this -- do it!

Between my ribs, my collar bone and my pelvis -- I'm starting feel like a skeleton! Haha! It is AWESOME!!!!

I've been very concerned about these strange, hard lumpy things under my skin. Some are bumpy and growth-like. Some are long and more smooth. They've been appearing more and more as the days go by. They seem to have something to do with body structure....Oh wait........what?? My husband informs me that these are called "bones." Is anyone else finding weird stuff like this?

I'm super emotional too. I think it's normal. I cried the other day because when my sister got married 12 years ago, I was too young to get into the bar and attend her bachelorette party. I have been embracing my emotions as they come for the most part.
As far as your in-laws go, just shrug it off. You did your part and informed them of your lifestyle change. You made them lunch when your husband could have taken on the responsibility of entertaining guests. Your in laws are stuck with you regardless of their opinion -- You married their son, he loves you and their opinion is their own issue -- don't take it on and make it yours to stress about. Ask yourself if this will matter in 6 months? I sure hope it doesn't!!

Did anyone see his show today? He discussed the benefits and positive impact Bariatric surgery can have on secondary medical conditions brought by obesity. Although, they only discussed the bypass and the immediate improvement it has on Type 2 diabetes, I felt it was a step in the right direction. I, wish the sleeve had been discussed, maybe because there is not as much longterm data regarding the benefits, it wasn't addressed. However, Dr. Oz is a supporter of Bariatric Surgery as a beneficial tool to fight obesity. He and the other doctors he had on the show, made a point of emphasizing that surgery is not an easy way out option, because of the the lifelong committment the individual has to make to a lifestyle change. They hope that more training will be provided in nutrition in medical schools and that PMD's will learn more about Bariatric surgical options and not be hesitant to refer their patients if they are suffering from other serious health issues secondary to obesity.

Boy have I been excited for this day to come! Tomorrow is my one year surgiversary. I have lost a total of 115 lbs from my highest weight, and 95 lbs since the day of surgery. I went from a size 22 to a size 6 (actually I'm wearing size 4 pants right now, but they're cut pretty big). I don't exercise as much as I should, and I have the flab to prove it, but overall, I have to say, I look DAMN GOOD!! My self-esteem has improved by about a thousand times, and I finally look like the person I feel like inside. I don't count calories or carbs, but I don't eat fast food either. I try to eat like a "normal" person, cooking at home more, choosing light things when I feel like it, but not depriving myself of the good things in life. Life is good, y'all.
Good luck to everyone out there.

My understanding is that your body is unable to absorb over 40 grams of protein at a time so anything over that is wasted. I might be wrong but I remember reading about it and talking to my nutritionist about it and she agreed. I was interested in doing this with my protein drink but my nutritionist sd it wd be a waste and stick with the 35 g of protein I get with 1 scoop.

When I was 19, I had stats similiar to yours and I wish I would have done. I went to Mexico alone and had surgery. I didn't tell my mom, who still doesn't know, but the rest of my family knew and were supportive. If this is what you want -- DO IT! This is your body, your choice! Neither of your parents have had your journey, walked in your shoes or dealt with your thoughts about your body image. I hope that when you are healthier and happier, they come around, but absolutely do NOT live your life to make someone else happy!

When I was 19, I had stats similiar to yours and I wish I would have done. I went to Mexico alone and had surgery. I didn't tell my mom, who still doesn't know, but the rest of my family knew and were supportive. If this is what you want -- DO IT! This is your body, your choice! Neither of your parents have had your journey, walked in your shoes or dealt with your thoughts about your body image. I hope that when you are healthier and happier, they come around, but absolutely do NOT live your life to make someone else happy!

My surgeon said no swimming or baths for 4 weeks. He also said all scabs should be gone. It was hard after surgery sitting by the pool at the Marriott and not jumping in:)

Well, im setting here at Mi hospital in Tijuana watching the OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers basketball game. My wife and I got sleeved yesterday by Dr. Garcia. Our surgeries went great. The staff at the hospital are second to none. First class. We get to go back to the hotel tomorrow around 11am.
We have never been treated as good as we are down here, at the hospital and the Marriott. The care that is given is so much better than anywhere we've ever been. It's unbelievable.
It's very important to walk as soon as you can after surgery, this helps with gas pains. All of the doctors and nurses will stress this. It's also very important to follow and be strict on your pre op diet! The smaller your liver is, the easier it is for the doctors to do their thing without complications.
Tijuana is a cool city, haven't seen any violence and have never felt scared for our safety.
If you are considering going to Tijuana for your surgery, please know that it is safe and you will receive great care.

So, I am sitting in the airport, Day 4 post op, waiting to catch my last flight home. Reflecting on the past 5 days has been amazing. I used Janese at "a lighter me.com" who was fantastic! I got to San Diego and immediately Samuel, the driver called me and picked me up. He showed my some cool ships in San Diego and then we headed to Mexico. Once I got checked into the hotel, the pre-op diet was driving me crazy, so I decided to get busy and check out Tijuana. I walked to WalMart and a local grocery store and never felt unsafe whatsoever. And I was alone!! When I checked into the hotel, Eduardo, my on site coordinator was there and helped me, then he called me again that night to check on me and arrange medical pick up to the hospital the next morning.
SURGERY DAY: August 9. I got up and made my way to the shuttle that took me and another patient to the hospital. We got there, filled out some paperwork, had blookwork done and then waited! I got into my room and was a given a gown. Then a staffer came and did and EKG on me. Dr. Valesco (sp?) was there to support me and answer a lot of my questions. Then the anesthestist came in and told me what he would do and what to expect, then Dr. Garcia came in, told me surgery would be in about twenty minutes and explained the procedure to me and gave me a chance to anser questions. I walked into the OR, laid on the table, and then woke up in the recovery room! The rest of the first day was a bit of a blur, but Dr. Garcia did call my family back home in Canada and update them. I slept and walked a little the rest of the day. I had bad nausea post op, but the nurses were awesome to give me medicine the moment I needed it. I had some gas pains, but to me, the nausua and dry heaving was worse. Dr Garcia also updated about surgery. He told me because I did so well on the pre-op diet that my liver was very small and he only needed 3 incisions to complete the procedure! I asked to see my stomach, but they had thrown it away.
AUGUST 10: Walking and resting. I was given everything I needed at the hospital to take care of myself and spent the day getting my energy back up and walking. AUGUST 11: Discharge to the hotel (and I totally felt ready to go!). I checked back into the hotel and Eduardo came by to check on me and take care of everything I needed. I wandered around the hotel, the pool and had free broth and popsicles from the restaurant in the hotel. It was great. That night, Dr. Lopez, another surgeon came to check on my with Eduardo as well. Awesome service!! AUGUST 12 was pretty much the same except I spent even more time by the pool. Eduardo was great to come by again and coordinate the next day to get to the hospital. So that brings me to now. We had a quick trip through the border and everything was pretty uneventful.
Things I didn't do but wish I had: brought gas x strips, they really do help, or make your breathe better, either of which is good, I wish I would have brought more of my own broth mix and tea bags, and been so darn scared! My only frustrations were with nailing down a surgery time. I kept asking so I could update my family, but no one seemed to be able to tell me, and then one night at the hospital, there was a fiesta outside our window which apparently doesn't happen very often, but kept me up til the wee hours of morning. I had met another patient on this forum and having contacts when you are there alone can be awesome, help you beat the boredom and give you someone to talk to!
Overall, I would do again in a heartbeat. I can feel my relationship with food changing already and I can't wait to get to use my sleeve more and more to become the person I feel that I should look like! If you have any questions or want to know more, please feel free to message me!

So, I am sitting in the airport, Day 4 post op, waiting to catch my last flight home. Reflecting on the past 5 days has been amazing. I used Janese at "a lighter me.com" who was fantastic! I got to San Diego and immediately Samuel, the driver called me and picked me up. He showed my some cool ships in San Diego and then we headed to Mexico. Once I got checked into the hotel, the pre-op diet was driving me crazy, so I decided to get busy and check out Tijuana. I walked to WalMart and a local grocery store and never felt unsafe whatsoever. And I was alone!! When I checked into the hotel, Eduardo, my on site coordinator was there and helped me, then he called me again that night to check on me and arrange medical pick up to the hospital the next morning.
SURGERY DAY: August 9. I got up and made my way to the shuttle that took me and another patient to the hospital. We got there, filled out some paperwork, had blookwork done and then waited! I got into my room and was a given a gown. Then a staffer came and did and EKG on me. Dr. Valesco (sp?) was there to support me and answer a lot of my questions. Then the anesthestist came in and told me what he would do and what to expect, then Dr. Garcia came in, told me surgery would be in about twenty minutes and explained the procedure to me and gave me a chance to anser questions. I walked into the OR, laid on the table, and then woke up in the recovery room! The rest of the first day was a bit of a blur, but Dr. Garcia did call my family back home in Canada and update them. I slept and walked a little the rest of the day. I had bad nausea post op, but the nurses were awesome to give me medicine the moment I needed it. I had some gas pains, but to me, the nausua and dry heaving was worse. Dr Garcia also updated about surgery. He told me because I did so well on the pre-op diet that my liver was very small and he only needed 3 incisions to complete the procedure! I asked to see my stomach, but they had thrown it away.
AUGUST 10: Walking and resting. I was given everything I needed at the hospital to take care of myself and spent the day getting my energy back up and walking. AUGUST 11: Discharge to the hotel (and I totally felt ready to go!). I checked back into the hotel and Eduardo came by to check on me and take care of everything I needed. I wandered around the hotel, the pool and had free broth and popsicles from the restaurant in the hotel. It was great. That night, Dr. Lopez, another surgeon came to check on my with Eduardo as well. Awesome service!! AUGUST 12 was pretty much the same except I spent even more time by the pool. Eduardo was great to come by again and coordinate the next day to get to the hospital. So that brings me to now. We had a quick trip through the border and everything was pretty uneventful.
Things I didn't do but wish I had: brought gas x strips, they really do help, or make your breathe better, either of which is good, I wish I would have brought more of my own broth mix and tea bags, and been so darn scared! My only frustrations were with nailing down a surgery time. I kept asking so I could update my family, but no one seemed to be able to tell me, and then one night at the hospital, there was a fiesta outside our window which apparently doesn't happen very often, but kept me up til the wee hours of morning. I had met another patient on this forum and having contacts when you are there alone can be awesome, help you beat the boredom and give you someone to talk to!
Overall, I would do again in a heartbeat. I can feel my relationship with food changing already and I can't wait to get to use my sleeve more and more to become the person I feel that I should look like! If you have any questions or want to know more, please feel free to message me!

So, I am sitting in the airport, Day 4 post op, waiting to catch my last flight home. Reflecting on the past 5 days has been amazing. I used Janese at "a lighter me.com" who was fantastic! I got to San Diego and immediately Samuel, the driver called me and picked me up. He showed my some cool ships in San Diego and then we headed to Mexico. Once I got checked into the hotel, the pre-op diet was driving me crazy, so I decided to get busy and check out Tijuana. I walked to WalMart and a local grocery store and never felt unsafe whatsoever. And I was alone!! When I checked into the hotel, Eduardo, my on site coordinator was there and helped me, then he called me again that night to check on me and arrange medical pick up to the hospital the next morning.
SURGERY DAY: August 9. I got up and made my way to the shuttle that took me and another patient to the hospital. We got there, filled out some paperwork, had blookwork done and then waited! I got into my room and was a given a gown. Then a staffer came and did and EKG on me. Dr. Valesco (sp?) was there to support me and answer a lot of my questions. Then the anesthestist came in and told me what he would do and what to expect, then Dr. Garcia came in, told me surgery would be in about twenty minutes and explained the procedure to me and gave me a chance to anser questions. I walked into the OR, laid on the table, and then woke up in the recovery room! The rest of the first day was a bit of a blur, but Dr. Garcia did call my family back home in Canada and update them. I slept and walked a little the rest of the day. I had bad nausea post op, but the nurses were awesome to give me medicine the moment I needed it. I had some gas pains, but to me, the nausua and dry heaving was worse. Dr Garcia also updated about surgery. He told me because I did so well on the pre-op diet that my liver was very small and he only needed 3 incisions to complete the procedure! I asked to see my stomach, but they had thrown it away.
AUGUST 10: Walking and resting. I was given everything I needed at the hospital to take care of myself and spent the day getting my energy back up and walking. AUGUST 11: Discharge to the hotel (and I totally felt ready to go!). I checked back into the hotel and Eduardo came by to check on me and take care of everything I needed. I wandered around the hotel, the pool and had free broth and popsicles from the restaurant in the hotel. It was great. That night, Dr. Lopez, another surgeon came to check on my with Eduardo as well. Awesome service!! AUGUST 12 was pretty much the same except I spent even more time by the pool. Eduardo was great to come by again and coordinate the next day to get to the hospital. So that brings me to now. We had a quick trip through the border and everything was pretty uneventful.
Things I didn't do but wish I had: brought gas x strips, they really do help, or make your breathe better, either of which is good, I wish I would have brought more of my own broth mix and tea bags, and been so darn scared! My only frustrations were with nailing down a surgery time. I kept asking so I could update my family, but no one seemed to be able to tell me, and then one night at the hospital, there was a fiesta outside our window which apparently doesn't happen very often, but kept me up til the wee hours of morning. I had met another patient on this forum and having contacts when you are there alone can be awesome, help you beat the boredom and give you someone to talk to!
Overall, I would do again in a heartbeat. I can feel my relationship with food changing already and I can't wait to get to use my sleeve more and more to become the person I feel that I should look like! If you have any questions or want to know more, please feel free to message me!

Heck yeah! I hope to be where you are after 2 months. But it's hard to guess where you should be because everyone's weight loss is so different! Trust your sleeve to do it's job and be proud of what you've lost already!

Oh I have 3 small incisions and a drain hole. I fully expect to be in my bikini by next summer and looking good finally by next year