jh5497

I went alone to TJ and was fine from flying to surgery to recovery. I was just bored. I made friends with another patient and that helped tremendously -- found her on these boards!

You just had surgery 2 weeks ago and went through with a decision to alter your life. If you didn't have moments of regret, sadness or panic you wouldn't be normal!
Do not base your future on how you feel right now. You put your stomach and body through a painful, unnatural thing, and readjustment takes a while. Right now, you don't feel good, but in 6 months or a year, it will be different. If you don't believe me just read a few posts on the Veterans board. They were all here once too and now look at them!!
Also, as our bodies burn that fat, it releases hormones that take us on an emotional roller coaster. I cried because 13 years ago when my sister got married , I was 15 and I couldn't go to her bachelorette party. Ohhhhh hormonal emotional roller coaster!
On top of that, if you were an emotional eater, you just lost your best coping skill. You can't eat to deal with feelings effectively anymore.
You changed your life -- there is a certain greiving process that goes with that -- it's not easy. Going back and forth between "awesome" and "oh crap" is part of that greif.
Next, I want you to be prepared for the stalls that are going to come because they will come and if you are already down, the kick of a stall will hurt that much more. A stall is your body playing catch up and will pass - no one stays stuck in their 3 week stall!!

You just had surgery 2 weeks ago and went through with a decision to alter your life. If you didn't have moments of regret, sadness or panic you wouldn't be normal!
Do not base your future on how you feel right now. You put your stomach and body through a painful, unnatural thing, and readjustment takes a while. Right now, you don't feel good, but in 6 months or a year, it will be different. If you don't believe me just read a few posts on the Veterans board. They were all here once too and now look at them!!
Also, as our bodies burn that fat, it releases hormones that take us on an emotional roller coaster. I cried because 13 years ago when my sister got married , I was 15 and I couldn't go to her bachelorette party. Ohhhhh hormonal emotional roller coaster!
On top of that, if you were an emotional eater, you just lost your best coping skill. You can't eat to deal with feelings effectively anymore.
You changed your life -- there is a certain greiving process that goes with that -- it's not easy. Going back and forth between "awesome" and "oh crap" is part of that greif.
Next, I want you to be prepared for the stalls that are going to come because they will come and if you are already down, the kick of a stall will hurt that much more. A stall is your body playing catch up and will pass - no one stays stuck in their 3 week stall!!

You just had surgery 2 weeks ago and went through with a decision to alter your life. If you didn't have moments of regret, sadness or panic you wouldn't be normal!
Do not base your future on how you feel right now. You put your stomach and body through a painful, unnatural thing, and readjustment takes a while. Right now, you don't feel good, but in 6 months or a year, it will be different. If you don't believe me just read a few posts on the Veterans board. They were all here once too and now look at them!!
Also, as our bodies burn that fat, it releases hormones that take us on an emotional roller coaster. I cried because 13 years ago when my sister got married , I was 15 and I couldn't go to her bachelorette party. Ohhhhh hormonal emotional roller coaster!
On top of that, if you were an emotional eater, you just lost your best coping skill. You can't eat to deal with feelings effectively anymore.
You changed your life -- there is a certain greiving process that goes with that -- it's not easy. Going back and forth between "awesome" and "oh crap" is part of that greif.
Next, I want you to be prepared for the stalls that are going to come because they will come and if you are already down, the kick of a stall will hurt that much more. A stall is your body playing catch up and will pass - no one stays stuck in their 3 week stall!!

You just had surgery 2 weeks ago and went through with a decision to alter your life. If you didn't have moments of regret, sadness or panic you wouldn't be normal!
Do not base your future on how you feel right now. You put your stomach and body through a painful, unnatural thing, and readjustment takes a while. Right now, you don't feel good, but in 6 months or a year, it will be different. If you don't believe me just read a few posts on the Veterans board. They were all here once too and now look at them!!
Also, as our bodies burn that fat, it releases hormones that take us on an emotional roller coaster. I cried because 13 years ago when my sister got married , I was 15 and I couldn't go to her bachelorette party. Ohhhhh hormonal emotional roller coaster!
On top of that, if you were an emotional eater, you just lost your best coping skill. You can't eat to deal with feelings effectively anymore.
You changed your life -- there is a certain greiving process that goes with that -- it's not easy. Going back and forth between "awesome" and "oh crap" is part of that greif.
Next, I want you to be prepared for the stalls that are going to come because they will come and if you are already down, the kick of a stall will hurt that much more. A stall is your body playing catch up and will pass - no one stays stuck in their 3 week stall!!

You are going to keep losing if you don't change your diet to maintain - at least that is my experience.
An extra snack or two, slightly less meat in favor of something higher calorie (only if you are still meeting your Protein needs), an extra Protein shake, adding carbs - some or all of those may be needed.
Avocado, nuts, and cheese. Full fat dairy. Etc.
I've had to do it - I'm at 124-126 lbs and 5'6". There is no choice for me but to eat more than just meat unless I want to keep losing. It's scary, the transition feels almost like starting over.

I am also looking at Dr. Sauceda. Has anyone ever heard anything negative about him? I am looking to book mid September.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

Welcome to your 3 week stall. It happens to many many people. It's not at all about what you're eating, it's about your body adjusting and catching up. It sounds like you are doing AWESOME with what you are eating/drinking and with your tracking! Tracking is a great tool, especially when starting out.
As far as nutrition, I don't worry too much about my fat, because I know it's healthy fat (Olive oil, avocado, almonds etc.). I try to keep carbs less than Protein now that I am this far out (8 months), but if I want a glass of OJ or a banana in my smoothie, I have it. I won't deprive myself of the things I want, HOWEVER, Protein always comes first to me and I pay attention to my total calories.

Welcome to your 3 week stall. It happens to many many people. It's not at all about what you're eating, it's about your body adjusting and catching up. It sounds like you are doing AWESOME with what you are eating/drinking and with your tracking! Tracking is a great tool, especially when starting out.
As far as nutrition, I don't worry too much about my fat, because I know it's healthy fat (Olive oil, avocado, almonds etc.). I try to keep carbs less than Protein now that I am this far out (8 months), but if I want a glass of OJ or a banana in my smoothie, I have it. I won't deprive myself of the things I want, HOWEVER, Protein always comes first to me and I pay attention to my total calories.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

You said "I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life". This for me now is 20 minutes when I'm at a restaurant with friends until I'm at my new "full", or at Christmas dinner when everyone gorges for hours, but they all feel gross after -- I don't! And those few minutes when I'm sad about being different and unable to binge pale in comparison to the months I spend being ridiculously happy/confident, showered with cute male attention and staring at myself in the mirror.
1- Have you had any major complications from the surgery? Nope - nothing!
2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting? Six weeks from anything over 20lbs I think, I only had two incisions, so I didn't follow this too exact... and was still fine! If you are a nurse, care aide or moving/transfering people, take a good two weeks off for sure!
3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? 2 days in Hospital, 2 days at a hotel post op
4- What did you tell friends and coworkers? I told them I was having surgery - I was vague with the nosy people I didn't like. Some got the details, some didn't. Now I think most people know. I haven't ran into a single person who has said anything negative. The important people care enough that they want you to be healthy and happy no matter what road you take. I armed myself with statistics about the sleeve, just in case I ran into a Negative Nelly.
5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery? That I didn't do it earlier. I'm 28. I wish I would have done this at 20. I feel like I'm reliving my life the way I always pictured it to be. I have guys fighting to buy me drinks, dance with me and kiss me on NYE. I don't feel like I will have to settle on "some guy" because no one else will ever be interested -- I can actually find someone worthy of ME. I finally have the confidence I always wanted and it shows to others. My relationships have gotten better now that I'm happier too. I can hang out with my brother and he's not ashamed. I can be in the jumpy houses with my neices and nephews. Life is better.

I have Blood Pressure problems which pushed me into considereing it (and the BP became my scapegoat because this was a lot about appearance for me). I still have my high BP. It was never because of weight, but genetics according to my doctor. He can figure out why I still have high BP when I do everything perfectly!
I feel hot. I love the attention I get. I like the way I look naked. I love how clothes look. I have more confidence than I can contain. It pops out all the time. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll. All I want to do is have fun and be active now. My weight stood in the way more than I thought. I was unhappier than I ever thought because of my weight. I didn't know that until I became "skinny". I find people treat me better -- hold open doors, offer to buy me drinks. My relationships improved, like my brother isn't embarassed or ashamed of me now. I don't worry about fitting in vehicles or chairs or if the cashier is judging me for buying cake mix. I feel soooo normal now. And hot. I can not repeat enough times how hot I think I am.
The rest of my life is the same. I have the same work stress. I have the same family drama. I still feel lonely sometimes. I still wish I had more money. All my problems are still there, but I like myself now and I think that's a huge accomplishment.

I'm 7 months out and notice the same things. I can chug back Water so much faster now. I can eat like 5oz of meat. So when I start to worry I track. I still am under 1000 calories a day most of the time. The random tracking keeps my accountable and makes sure I'm getting my Protein (which has never been a problem for me). Sleeves relax over time and that is normal.
7 months out, I eat everything. Tonight was 1/2 serving of taco salad with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, corn, cheese and catalina dressing. I had a mini cupcake. I also had a Protein shake after the gym and a steeped tea with milk from Tim Hortons.
Honestly, if you are worried track, see where you are. Adjust yourself from there. Don't stress over it. Stress creates cortisol than prevents weight loss and makes our bodies store belly fat!
Since I talked about calories, I should also mention that I have been told that because we lose the weight so fast and were so big for so long that our metabolisms aren't exactly normal (and never will be). So if one person our same size who hasn't undergone WLS eats 1500, they might maintain their weight, but if we had 1500 calories we would gain. Info I have says we need to eat 75-85% less than counterparts to maintain. If you google BMR calculator it'll tell you calories needed to lose/gain/maintain for your situation.

Dr Garcia in MX has stockings for my legs too and I got up and started walking right away, then I'd get nausea, a nurse would give me a shot, I'd sleep, then wake up and do it all over again for the first day. There were also doctors and nurses around all the time which I found comforting! I was really worried about blood clots, especially if they travel and cause a pulmonary embolism. That was probably my biggest fear.. and that they'd remove and sell a kidney on the black market!

Steeped Tea from Tim Horton's. 2 milk, 3 splenda and 50 calories that make my day wonderful! I knew it was becoming a problem when I slipped walking into work (we had gotten a foot of snow last Monday and then it melted making for treacherous conditions), slipped and spilled the whole thing. I went into my office and cried for 20 minutes. I got another one eventually, but I was devastated.

Congratulations, your body is normal and just like everyone else's! You will not ever lose 18lbs every week. Bodies react differently and some people lose consistenly and some people have bigger weeks and smaller weeks. Everyone has stalls. At first, everyone freaks out because of their stall. This is just one of many as you begin this journey. It'll pass and another one will hit a few weeks/months after, and it'll pass too. Just keep following your post op plan and have faith that the tool you chose will help you get the results your desire!

I'm 7 months out and notice the same things. I can chug back Water so much faster now. I can eat like 5oz of meat. So when I start to worry I track. I still am under 1000 calories a day most of the time. The random tracking keeps my accountable and makes sure I'm getting my Protein (which has never been a problem for me). Sleeves relax over time and that is normal.
7 months out, I eat everything. Tonight was 1/2 serving of taco salad with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, corn, cheese and catalina dressing. I had a mini cupcake. I also had a Protein shake after the gym and a steeped tea with milk from Tim Hortons.
Honestly, if you are worried track, see where you are. Adjust yourself from there. Don't stress over it. Stress creates cortisol than prevents weight loss and makes our bodies store belly fat!
Since I talked about calories, I should also mention that I have been told that because we lose the weight so fast and were so big for so long that our metabolisms aren't exactly normal (and never will be). So if one person our same size who hasn't undergone WLS eats 1500, they might maintain their weight, but if we had 1500 calories we would gain. Info I have says we need to eat 75-85% less than counterparts to maintain. If you google BMR calculator it'll tell you calories needed to lose/gain/maintain for your situation.

Commited to eating right August 2012. Sleeved November 2012. Lost 100 lbs as of this morning since August 2012. I am so geeked! Also, I had a NSV this afternoon...had to show my ID and the clerk didnt reconize me by my license pic.....She said "is this you" I said "really" she said "is this you?" I whispered " as of this morn, I have lost 100 lbs, can you really tell?" She said "oh my, this doesnt even look like you" So all in all today was a wonderful day!
I love my sleeve, love the lifestyle, I dont feel deprived AT ALL! Why didnt I do this years ago............................
DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!

I never would have imagined wanting to wear make up -- lots of it. And learning application techniques. And Having a skin care regimen and following it for more than a day.
Now that I'm no longer hung up on my "disgusting body" as I felt it was before, I'm beginning to take so much more pride in my appearance. I was surprised by how much I enjoy spending that extra time on myself since pre-op I couldn't have been bothered with washing my face more than once a day and just patting some powder on my skin.
I feel like I want to take so much better care of myself now and in turn with that, the more I do take care of my outside, the better I feel about myself (on top of practically being a skeleton)! Haha!