TamaraS

Thank you ladies!! It really does work GodsGrace, I was shocked when I stepped on the scale this morning ! You can do it too!!

I perfer to get my Protein from food because I feel hungry every couple hours. I am totally bummed my hunger hasn't gone away like many others that have had this surgery. I do have a shake almost every morning when im working and dont have time to make Breakfast. If I have a lower protien day I add another shake before bed. I intake 90 to 120 grams of protein daily.

I just hit 4 months yesterday I stopped losing weight at the very end of 2 months and had gained 4 lbs during my third month. I use syntax nectar Protein shake in the morning and again before bed if my protien is under 70. That particular shake has 25 per scoop so its a really easy way to make sure Im getting over my recommended amount! I have read a lot of slow losers have trouble with Water and Protein so when I increased it I had no idea the weight would come off so quick in a week but its totally worth the extra effort to ensure my weightloss continues. Best of luck!!

I get in two Water bottles before Breakfast and at work I talked to my manager about keeping Water bottles on me and she was totally supportive so during the work day I am constantly drinking and make sure to get atleast 3 water bottles down while there. It's the same at home, while relaxing I keep a water bottle on me all the time. I noticed that purchasing a case of water has helped me immensely. I never drank this much when I used a cup. Counting the water bottles is a lot easier way of tracking how much I am intaking also. I just wish I had started doing this sooner!!!

I have had a rough time making the numbers I wanted after surgery. During the all liquids phase I did excellent with my weightloss but it slowed drasticly after I started foods again. I had trouble making it to 64 ounces of Water and meeting the protien recomendations. a little overa week ago I was desperate when I gained 4 lbs in my fourth month so I decided to consume 120+ ounces of water and go over my daily recomended Protein requirments. I lost 11lbs this week!!! I was really affraid I wouldn't lose any more weight but my hope is renewed =) Just wanted to share and encourage anyone who isn't drinking enough water or getting enough protein!

I was curious about the possiblilty of stretching my sleeve too. I did some Googling and ran across a medical site that said IF you worked hard enough at overeating you could stretch your sleeve, but occasionally overeating would not permanently stretch it. But I'm not going to push my luck. :-)
I've paid too much cash and gone through too much pain to waste this life changing opportunity.
I did freak out a little when I realized I could eat more than 1/2 cup per meal. At about 6 months, I started being able to eat around 1 full cup - depending on the density of the food. I could eat more of vegetables and fruits (stuff that can be mashed down) than dense Protein like chicken, steak and pork, chicken being the most filling.
Now at 12 months, I can eat 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food per meal, but I can still maintain my weight or loose more depending on how much I let myself eat and exercise.
If it helps, I have found that drinking warm fluids, like coffee and chicken broth keep my head hunger at bay pretty well.
As well, I try to get plenty of rest. I've noticed that I stay hungry all the time when I'm sleep deprived. I guess my body knows it will get a little boost of energy if I eat something and it's trying to get out of the slump.

This is California Kelly's husband Adam & I am a Massage Therapist, Aromatherapist & Instructor & I can't begin to tell you the amazing ranges at which massage will help you through your journey. So much so you really do not have to reach for any justification for getting bodywork done!
First off, the simple yet scientifically proven benefit of reduced cortisol levels (a primary stress hormone) is enough for anybody in modern society to justify massage on a regular basis. Cortisol in long term exposures causes a whole slew of medical problems including weight management challenges.
Second, positive touch. It is amazing the benefits of having a healthy, sympathetically applied touch and what it can do for ones physical, emotional & dare I say spiritual well being.
Third, increased blood & lymph circulation, scar tissue adhesion release, lower blood pressure, increased self awareness & energy are all a part in the reasons massage should be a comprehensive part of your healing regimen which can continue on to be a part of your wellness plan post recovery. Aromatherapy & utilization of oils are amazing for the skin, the body & the mind!
On a personal note, the day after I got Kelly home we did a lymph drainage of her clavicles, armpits (axillla) & inguinal (hip/thigh crease) then proceeded to drain her four abdominal quadrants to their respective end points & Kelly slept great, felt less post surgical swollen/full & had increased range of motion & energy.
*Hello ladies, this is CK, & I asked my husband to respond to this as I thought it would be helpful. He is available if you have other questions, just know he is not a Dr. & he can not diagnose or prescribe.

I have had a rough time making the numbers I wanted after surgery. During the all liquids phase I did excellent with my weightloss but it slowed drasticly after I started foods again. I had trouble making it to 64 ounces of Water and meeting the protien recomendations. a little overa week ago I was desperate when I gained 4 lbs in my fourth month so I decided to consume 120+ ounces of water and go over my daily recomended Protein requirments. I lost 11lbs this week!!! I was really affraid I wouldn't lose any more weight but my hope is renewed =) Just wanted to share and encourage anyone who isn't drinking enough water or getting enough protein!

I have had a rough time making the numbers I wanted after surgery. During the all liquids phase I did excellent with my weightloss but it slowed drasticly after I started foods again. I had trouble making it to 64 ounces of Water and meeting the protien recomendations. a little overa week ago I was desperate when I gained 4 lbs in my fourth month so I decided to consume 120+ ounces of water and go over my daily recomended Protein requirments. I lost 11lbs this week!!! I was really affraid I wouldn't lose any more weight but my hope is renewed =) Just wanted to share and encourage anyone who isn't drinking enough water or getting enough protein!

I have had a rough time making the numbers I wanted after surgery. During the all liquids phase I did excellent with my weightloss but it slowed drasticly after I started foods again. I had trouble making it to 64 ounces of Water and meeting the protien recomendations. a little overa week ago I was desperate when I gained 4 lbs in my fourth month so I decided to consume 120+ ounces of water and go over my daily recomended Protein requirments. I lost 11lbs this week!!! I was really affraid I wouldn't lose any more weight but my hope is renewed =) Just wanted to share and encourage anyone who isn't drinking enough water or getting enough protein!

Sorry to hear you've been stalling. We all do at some point, some more or longer than others. Its time for you to get back to basics! Revert back to the beginning, high protien lots of Water, lowfat you know the drill. Dont terhink you've fail. You have already lost an extreme amount of weight, so you know have the tools to start losing again:) Get back on track, start making better choices, you can do it, you've already proven that by the weight you have lost:) Good luck and have faith.

Today marks one year since I had my first appointment with my surgeon. Not knowing what to expect, afraid that I would not get approved, afraid of complications and death, afraid of being stuck in my 215 4'10 frame, and not being able to change.
On July 13th was my first appt, and on November 19th, my life totally changed. I went from 215 to now 146. I need to be 120 for my height. I have not been able to follow up with my surgeon because I lost my health insurance. But, VSG has changed my life. Now, mind you, almost a year out I can eat alot more, and if I want to cheat I can. I workout, use my fitness pal, and hold my self accountable. I am by no means perfect. And I dont ever want to be perfect. But I love my new healthy lifestyle.
As someone who is a diagnosed binge eater, (I have not binged since October), I like to say that my VSg is my tool. A tool that helps shape my life. I am no longer on a diet. I have created a new way of life. Clean eating, working out and fighting the demon of addiction. I am so thankful for that day one year ago. I am so thankful for having been given a second chance. I still fear weight regain. But I am diligent on keeping track of calories and my activity levels and of course my clean eating. Anyway hope everyone is well and good luck on your journey's

I haven't been on in forever but I made goal today! 135.2 111 lbs gone and it was 10 mths yesterday I am not sure how I've been so blessed and had no stall but..... I do see over the last week some bad habit tying to sneak back in... We can do this!!! We've come so far! Hope everyone is doing great!

She definitely is!

She definitely is!

I have had a rough time making the numbers I wanted after surgery. During the all liquids phase I did excellent with my weightloss but it slowed drasticly after I started foods again. I had trouble making it to 64 ounces of Water and meeting the protien recomendations. a little overa week ago I was desperate when I gained 4 lbs in my fourth month so I decided to consume 120+ ounces of water and go over my daily recomended Protein requirments. I lost 11lbs this week!!! I was really affraid I wouldn't lose any more weight but my hope is renewed =) Just wanted to share and encourage anyone who isn't drinking enough water or getting enough protein!

I have had a rough time making the numbers I wanted after surgery. During the all liquids phase I did excellent with my weightloss but it slowed drasticly after I started foods again. I had trouble making it to 64 ounces of Water and meeting the protien recomendations. a little overa week ago I was desperate when I gained 4 lbs in my fourth month so I decided to consume 120+ ounces of water and go over my daily recomended Protein requirments. I lost 11lbs this week!!! I was really affraid I wouldn't lose any more weight but my hope is renewed =) Just wanted to share and encourage anyone who isn't drinking enough water or getting enough protein!

5-18-13 & it had been exactly one year since I had my vertical sleeve gastrectomy. At my highest weight, I was 358, at the start of my pre-op diet, I was 338, on the day of surgery, I was 288. Today, I'm 193 pounds. (I'm 5'7) From a size 30 jeans, 30/32 tops to a MD top, & size 12 jeans. May 28th I will have my corset Trunkplasty to remove my excess stomach skin. My surgeon estimated 15-18 pounds of skin & from a 12 to an 8. Mentally, I struggle everyday because I feel like I should be smaller. But I've been exercising HARD since my 6 month pre-op diet, following my surgeons plan to a T. Not much else I could've done. I just have to love myself & where I am, but I'm going to keep on pushing towards my goal!
Kristie

Proud to report that of this morning I have a normal BMI!!!

Good morning everyone! We all seem to be trudging along well:) Let's keep at it!

This is it..... Drum roll please..... As of today I have lost 100 pounds!!!!!!
I need to put on my dancing shoes and celebrate!!!
I weighed in today at 141. I feel great!!! Thank you all for being on this journey with me.

My birthday is in 3 weeks....my goal was to make it to "onederland" by then. Just weighed at 213#....can I make??

September 27th here! SO crazy seven months ago we all were waiting to start our journey! This surgery has truly changed my life, im so thankful!

Today weighed in at 225. Feels fantastic to be getting close to being under 200 pounds. Down over 135 pounds. Only get depressed when I think that so many on here started their journey around the weight I am now. Feels like I have so far to go. At least 75 more pounds to go to get to normal bmi. Was on a stall for 2-3 weeks going between 228 - 231. Realized I had let too much sugar creep into my diet. One week of cutting out the sugar and I dropped to 225.

Stalls..... Don't get frustrated!!! Apparently they are all normal. If you look back at all the recent post most people are experiencing them. At 7 months post op I guess it's slowing down for everyone.
What I've heard is when we hit a long standing stall we have to change up our routine. If your not exercising ..... Start doing something.
If you eat very low carbs..... Eat a little more for a few days then get back to dropping them.
If you eat 1000 calories or more.... Cut them back down for a few days.
Whatever you do..... Do something different!!!
Just don't give up!!! It took us a life time to get to obesity. 7 months is really such a short time in our journey and look how much better things are today than 7 months ago.