DanaInNewOrleans

Surgery 12/21

25 lbs Lost

I will hit the two month post-op mark in 3 days and today I had my second post-op appointment with the nurse practitioner.....she said she would have liked to see more weight loss but that there are so many variables that come into play that it is hard to pinpoint any one thing as a reason for the slow weight loss ( which of course all of us slow losers know well) I asked about calories and she said she never really gives calories -- just Protein goals, which I find very frustrating. I told her I was eating about 800 calories give or take a hundred. She wants me to up my calories to 1000 and see what happens, which I am hesitant to do because I will freak out if I gain ANY weight.

Anyway, she wants me to go back to doing two shakes a day, one real food meal and two Protein Snacks.

I see people here who are eating 500, 600, 900, 1200...etc It is all over the map.

Has anyone else raised their calories and magically started losing faster?

Surgery 12/21

25 lbs Lost

I will hit the two month post-op mark in 3 days and today I had my second post-op appointment with the nurse practitioner.....she said she would have liked to see more weight loss but that there are so many variables that come into play that it is hard to pinpoint any one thing as a reason for the slow weight loss ( which of course all of us slow losers know well) I asked about calories and she said she never really gives calories -- just Protein goals. I told her I was eating about 800 calories give or take a hundred. She wants me to up my calories to 1000 and see what happens, which I am hesitant to do because I will freak out if I gain ANY weight.

Anyway, she wants me to go back to doing two shakes a day, one real food meal and two protein Snacks.< /p>

I see people here who are eating 500, 600, 900, 1200...etc It is all over the map.

Has anyone else raised their calories and magically started losing faster?

Add me to the slow losers list, surgey date November 19th, down 32 since then. Ship I guess I'm averaging 10 pounds a month, but I lost a lot the first month, so the past 2 months I think I lost about 5-7 pounds per month. I'm hoping that even though I'm a slow loser it continues at this pace, I don't think I could take it if it slowed any more!

Hi! You're right, if it gets any slower I'm going to lose my mind! How many calories are you eating a day? I see some people are only eating 500 or 600 and some are eating 1000....it's all over the map. I try to stay around 800 but I'm worried maybe that is too much and that is why it's going so slow..... how about you?

Dana

Oh nuts... I pad keeps correcting.. PRE OP!

My iPad drives me nuts with the corrections too!

Different things I eat are cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, cooked egg mashed up really good (and chew it up good!), pudding, Jello, cottage cheese, yoplait greek yogurt, laughing cow soft cheese wedges, no sugar added applesauce, grits, refried Beans with a little sour cream and cheese, and Soup. Also veggies cooked really well so that they are soft to mash up. I put butter, salt, and any seasoning I like. I have also had tuna from the can with a little mayo and egg mixed in.

Always check with your doctor first because each doctor is different. My Dr allowed these things. Hope this helps!

That pretty much covers everything I ate during the soft stage.....oh wait, I did eat guacamole too.

I do B12 sublingual. It was specified to do it sublingual in my instructions...

I think everyone of us who have gone this far have had struggles with the mind playing tricks on us, trying to psyche us out and get us to quit. It's the inner fat kid screaming "I STILL WANT MY MOTHER F#$%ING ICECREAM AND PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!" Ignore them. What YOU need to do, is sit down and read the good, and the bad statistics. Don't always listed to what someone says on a public forum that can harbor those of ill intent. Maybe they did have the procedure, and they didn't do what they were supposed to do and it failed, or they failed rather, but DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM. Everyone going around spreading rays of sunshine also, DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM. Block everything out. Take a weekend, or a day or so, plop your butt in a comfy chair in your PJs and go through medical stats regarding complications, mortality rates, difficulties, etc and then go through the amount of weight lost by patients, increased function, increased length of life, etc. You will undergo numerous appointments, have crazy strict restrictions on diet, and have to deal with all of the stress of those in you family who do not support this decision.

One factor I have learned to key in, are the family members skinny: They don't know my struggles. Are they over weight and aren't seeking professional health whether surgery wise, or medically: They don't realize their issue or don't have the courage and such to get it taken care of.

There are complications, there will be days you want to kick your dog just because it's the closest thing you can inflict physical pain on, and there will be days you'll be cussing us for saying "it's worth it". But, dear, in reality, ask yourself, is the condition your in right now, worth it? Believe me, I've waged a holy war upon myself with that question. I could stay fat and happy, literally, right now, and die early, potentially of a massive heart attack in 10 years at the age of 38, or sooner, it happens all the time. As an EMT, and now in law enforcement, we see individuals all the time on medical calls that are morbidly obese and don't take care of themselves who just don't wake up. It's a gruesome thought, but it's true.

I personally came to the conclusion that I needed this. I wanted to live my life, I wanted to be around for my children and do everything I can to get where I need to be. If, like me, you've tried every diet from a-z and 1-100, and failed at it for one reason or another, you know how it feels. Going through things, failing them, feeling like a failure, then eating more, it's a vicious cycle, a deadly cycle. I've gone back and forth, weighed every option, done the math and calculated the risks. With my family history, there is a large chance I will get diabetes like my mother, my grand mother, her mother, her mother, etc, etc. There is a chance I'll have Congestive Heart Failure like my mother, her mother, and her mother. So far, I've been lucky, extremely lucky. My older brother is taking the path of my past relatives. I see him struggle, leg sores, pain everywhere, can't walk far, etc. I'm 28, active, I work out religiously, I know a thing or two about nutrition, and I know what commitment is, and I'm a failure at dieting. Even when strict, I don't lose. It's a medical problem to a certain extent. My thyroid is royally in the shitter, my metabolism is f%$ked beyond belief, this is my chance. This is all of ours. But you have to seize it and make it work. You HAVE to do what is said regardless of what others around you say. I'm grateful for others encouragement and love, but you have to find that internal motivation. You have to rely on your self to get what you need as far as positive reassurance. We're all here, but we can't change or alter your mental ramblings or the war going on in your head. If it helps, I'll give you my cell phone number, my email, and we can form a support group, but it's not going to help what goes on in your mind. Find a peaceful place, and just think with your self about what it is you seek in life, and are your goals attainable through diet and exercise alone. I hope things get easier for you, for all of you that struggle with family support. It's tough, but sometimes you just have to look out for numero uno, yourself, and get your life back.

Mark, I think this post should be shown to every person that comes to VST because they are considering the surgery. Great great post!

PS...I feel your pain about metabolism and thyroid being f@%#$&.....I had thyroid cancer and had my thyroid removed. From that year forward I slowly gained weight even though I was following a low carb lifestyle. I tried Weight Watchers because I thought, ok maybe my body has gotten immune to the low carb thing. I gained weight on WW eating 1200 calories a day. That is what finally pushed me to this surgery.

This is me!!! I am NOT a couch potato. I've made 'life changes' that I can do from now on. The parking out, taking the stairs, and I'll even occasionally get on my DH's Air Dyne (sp?) stationary bike for five or ten minutes. I have also made changes in my eating and all of this works for me. I just knew, if I had surgery, joined a gym and worked my tail off to lose weight, it would come back, slowly but surely....just because the working out would grow old and I'd stop. I totally identify with what you posted!

Yep, this is me too.

Today marks almost the end of my first week of my 30day workout challenge. it also is the first day I was able to drink an entire bottle of Water in less than an hour. I have been thirsty like I am going to die for over a month. Water taste awful now, makes me feel very queasy and goes down "hard"no matter what I mixed it with. I decided a week ago I am not going to die if I drink it anyways and I don't want to be dehydrated anymore. I figured the worst case was I would throw it up and then drink some more. Turns out It just sucks going down and then I feel great I have only lost about 40 lbs from surgery and about 56 from my highest consistent weight but I am down from a size 20/22 to a 15/16 I am very pleased and I am hoping by focusing on getting more fluids in that the weight-loss and my stamina will remain steady a little longer. (and no I am not hurting myself by making myself drink more water than makes me feel queasy and yes my doctor knows and wants more water for me)

I hike up a trail this week and it felt amazing! the ledge in the photo is where i hiked up to! it was brutal but awesome

I added some current pics...I tried to find befores to add but I found myself so disappointed I couldn't look directly at the screen sorry maybe in the future.

Love your title! It could be my daily anthem....

I've started using a straw which has helped...for some reason it goes down easier and quicker....

Where is the location of your hike? Looks like a beautiful area..

Thank you. I will take as many hang in theres as I can get. Knowing that other people went through this and survived really helps. Except, I don't know if I should read them because the minute I saw both of your responses I started crying again. God, help me. I am really pathetic right now!

By the way, your dimples are adorable! I would love love love to have those dimples!

Ok, I just read all the responses.... I see that my "hang in there" was not very original! LOL....

I promise you it gets better. I think the first week is the hardest emotionally.... I'm only 8 weeks out but my surgery feels like such a long time ago... I WILL get better....just try to hang in there...

My husband had his surgery before me since he had comorbidities and I had to do the six month plan. After a couple of months I saw what he was going through and thought I was doing well losing weight and maybe I didn't need the surgery. I came to realize that I was kidding myself. I've lost 90 lbs on my own before but couldn't maintain a lifestyle of eating only 1000 calories a day and exercising a couple of hours daily. Trigger foods would make me want to throw in the towel and start over the next day. My next day didn't come and I gained the weight back and then some.

When my husband was almost 6 months out, I had my surgery. He had lost 100 lbs and can eat almost anything but in small portions. I knew that surgery was the best chance I would have to free myself from the hold food had on me.

Now I am one of those people that is never hungry and I actually have to make an effort to get all my Protein in. It is such a relief both physically and emotionally.

That has been my philosophy from the moment I decided to do this. I wanted freedom -- freedom from the endless diets, gain lose, gain lose gain. I wanted freedom from having my psyche consumed by being fat, freedom from the pressure of being on diet and not seeing results, freedom of self loathing .... I just wanted to be "normal" and all that it means.... and one of those things is not being on a "diet" every moment of my life.... eating whatever I want (within reason of course) but just in much much smaller portions represents freedom to me.

It sounds like you are doing very well! My surgery date was 5-18-12. My starting weight was 338. I lost 50 pre-surgery & was 288 DOS. I'm also 5'7. My jeans size was a size 30 & shirt size a 30/32.

I'm currently at 195, a size 12 jeans & large tops. I do have an excessive amount of skin on my stomach. I knew that would be an issue going in tho.

It's nice to "bump into" someone with VERY similar numbers. It makes me feel better about my slow loss. (Yes, 143 pounds is a lot but 50 of that was Pre-surgery.)

Kristie

Hi Kristie,

Slow loss? You've lost 93 lbs in 9 months! You look awesome! Would you mind sharing what your daily menus look like now and say 6 months ago?

~Dana

I love turkey bacon. The best tasting to me is oscarmayers smoked turkey bacon. I was not able to eat meat till I was 3 months out from my sleeve.

Do you mean that you were not allowed any type of meat?

According to MyFitnessPal 1/3 of a Five Guys Little Cheeseburger with mayo, ketchup, mustard, raw onion has 227 calories and 15 carbs. Which is right in line with what I usually do for dinner or lunch! Yay!!!

I have no issue with bread or sweets, either. And they are both like crack to me!

And actually bread seems much easier for me than dense Protein. I always heard bread feels like a brick after being sleeved. For me it is the Protein.

Yesterday I had 1/3 of Five Guys small hamburger. It was HEAVEN. That little piece of hamburger was the best thing I've had in 8 weeks! And it was very easy for me to get down.

I am 3 mo out, the most I ate was 1400 that was once, maybe twice. I drink wine on occasion but I allot for that in my calorie count. Honestly I feel so guilty going over 1200 calories....I usually eat 1100 per day. I know my nut will up it when I see her next week for my 3 mo check. I could exercise more too. I am in a cold climate it makes it harder so I try to keep the calorie count around 1000-1100 but once this winter breaks I will be increasing my exercise and calories.....

As long as you are steadily losing, then so be it!

Kim, you lost 92 lbs in 3 months??? OMG, that is wonderful. You look great!

I'm 8 weeks post-op and I think my "worst" day for calories was Super Bowl Sunday. I'm guessing it was around 1500 calories. I had a piece of cake (unlike some sleevers I unfortunately have no problem with bread or sweet stuff).

I usually try to stay around 800 calories..

Everyone of my medical professionals -- Primary, Neuro(multiple sclerosis), Rheum(lupus) and Endo (thyroid cancer) were very encouraging and positive about the surgery. Even my previous internist was very encouraging about it, telling me his patients that have had the surgery have all done beautifully with great results.

What are your docs' concerns? Seems so odd that ALL of them are against it.

Thank you Crickee writing my thoughts down sounds like a good idea. This might help me.

I remember a few patients here on VST who said they cancelled their surgery and then decided to do it a few months later.... I really think everyone goes through the same thoughts. My family and friends all had the same reaction. I always explained my reasoning and looked at them dead on and said..

I am doing this. I KNOW this is what is right for me. I understand all your concerns and I've had the same concerns and I have done all my homework. You know me - I don't take major decisions lightly -- I KNOW THIS IS RIGHT FOR ME...

They all eventually just accepted it and embraced it with me...

Remember, 98% of patients go through the surgery and recovery with no issues.. of course there is always the possibility of complications with ANY surgery, but the risk is small. Follow YOUR head and YOUR heart.

They are Vitamins specifically formulated for weight loss surgery patients. They have a specific formula for sleeve patients. I'm sure the formula is perfect and high quality....I just wish they'd put more research into making them

tolerable....

http://www.opurity.c...e/multivitamin/

Thanks, Mastiff_mama I have RA - and I'm really concerned about not being able to take ibuprofen - the last time I tried that I ended up with a cane and steroid injections. The doctor is concerned about my reflux (she said the surgery is likely to make it worse and I already have moderate esophagitis from it - even with PPIs), and I have pretty bad Iron deficiency anemia that the doctors haven't been able to find a cause for. Several other more minor issues - but they involve a possible pre-existing malabsorption issue. I'm not really sure exactly what else she might be concerned about - most of my other issues are co-morbidities. I have also been on Prozac for years, and she said the surgery could trigger worsening depression and that I might not absorb enough of my medications.

I understand about the NSAIDS ....I relied on Advil to control pain and inflammation (I have MS, ACL tear, ruptured disc...) almost daily. When I knew I was going to have this surgery I kind of weaned myself off but I need to find something else that I will be able to take. Have you tried Voltaren? It is an NSAIDS gel that you rub on the painful joint/area. It still has all the same risks of oral NSAIDS but I would think that the fact the the pill is not actually going through the tiny stomach would be less risky? My next appointment with my doc is Monday and I'm going to discuss it with him.

As for your depression.... In my Aetna guidelines it specifically states that depression by itself should not prohibit a patient from having this surgery. It cracks me up to hear about people being denied the surgery due to depression. To me it stands to reason that obesity plays a huge role in the depression of obese person. I've battled depression for years and I can tell you it was all related to being fat, loathing myself, failing over and over to lose weight, etc..... is it optimal that you work out your issues before surgery? Well sure, in a perfect world. My opinion is have the surgery, start with a therapist and use BOTH tools (surgery and therapy) at the same time to work toward your new beginning/new life.

Of course there are always extreme cases or cases where the type of depression would be a show stopper for the surgery. I remember hearing about a patient that was denied because the psyche eval found that the patient did not take responsibility in her daily life and was not capable of successfully following the lifelong changes the surgery required. That is reasonable....

I know that you have other medical issues that may be an issue and wish good luck with whatever decision you make...

~Dana

I also agree with the smells. The other day I added some unjury unflavored Protein to Soup and the smell was making me sick. I got it all mixed in, took a bite and gagged violently. It tasted like it smelled. Nasty!

I also tried the opurity Vitamins and they taste so bad mostly cause they smell bad. Just thinking about taking them makes me sick. Ugh!

What a strange journey this is!

I take the Opurity Vitamins and it's all I can do the actually put them in my mouth. While I'm chewing those honking suckers I hold my breath..... They were making me nauseous too. I am now splitting them and taking half in the morning and half before bed. That has helped reduce the nausea.

Glad yours was so easy! I had to take the MMPI, which is over 600 questions and is a diagnostic tool that they use to identify potential disorders you might have.

Mine was just sitting in a cozy little office chatting about life. We discussed weight a little bit but mostly we just talked for an hour.