Nicolanz

I'm almost 2 years post sleeve. Sweets go down really easy for me. As a matter of fact, I was never a sweets person until after I had the sleeve. There was a short period where I ate chocolate or cookies everyday! I was developing an addiction! I gained about 6 pounds and had to get myself in check! I think the only thing that will stop your sweet addiction is you! Good luck!

I agree that a lot of people think this is easy and have no clue what wls entails. I wouldn't worry about it too much. But I understand the frustration when people down play all of your hard work! That really gets under my skin as well. But you did this for you and you only. You know your accomplishments. Be proud!

I'm sorry you're feeling this way, it must be miserable to think such ugly thoughts. I don't know much about mental illness, but I do know it's a real struggle. I hope you find something that works. This probably isn't the best place for that kind of support as you can see, a lot of people just don't understand and are provoking you negatively. I didn't read the whole thread so forgive me if you already said this......are you also involved with talk therapy to find better ways to cope? Good luck to you!

I thought I was the only one who does not like them! I was so excited to try them based on all the hype here. I found them at my grocery store and bought 5 different flavors. I only tried the brownie one and it tasted like any other weird textured energy bar. So disappointed!

Is it bright red or dark?

Actually intrinsic factor made in the stomach is needed to absorb B12. The sleeve can cause deficiencies in B12 which isn't usually an issue until about 2 years out, so taking B12 is important. Also long term complications are malabsorption of calcium and phosphate as well which can lead to osteoporosis. I can't remember exactly how but the sleeve absolutely does cause malabsorption and it's important to take vitamins with all bariatric surgeries.

I feel for you, I really do. You aren't the only one who struggles. I am in an intense nursing program where I don't have any free time. I have to schedule every last minute in order to be successful. With nobody to help me with my kids and a husband who works at night, I feel very alone at times. Eating healthy is often put on the back burner. But I have to put myself in check or I too will gain weight and throw away all of my hard work. It sounds like professional help could really be beneficial to you. 600 calories sounds a little extreme to me as well but what if you made small changes at a time. Like giving up the sodas, eat 3 meals and two snacks only, don't graze. Schedule your meals. It's hard, I know, but you can do this. Maybe drop down to 1600-2000 calories a day instead. Find an activity you like. Watch documentaries or find info online about fitness and health (it usually motivates me). Find what motivates you and learn to believe in yourself. Even if you don't believe you can do it now keep telling yourself you can until you believe it!! Good luck to you, I'm rooting for you!

Does it mess with your moods?

I have had the paragaurd for about a year and a half. It has no hormones. I have mixed feelings about it. It's easy and doesn't make me hold onto or gain weight but my periods are heavier and last longer.

I think we all know what bullying is. I've been around these forums for a while and on many occasions I've seen people be called idiots, morons, not capable, etc. If they didn't use those exact words, it's obviously implied. Then the OP's thread turns into a joke mocking the person asking a question. Then the rude people want to back track by saying it's hard to interpret tone over the internet. We're all adults here. Let's be real.

I can't believe a "professional" said that to you! How horrendous!

I had coffee 3 weeks post op when I returned to work! I just had to! But I'm not sure what the rules were about coffee post op. Do you have any post op instructions to follow? Maybe someone earlier out will remember. Sorry I'm not help!

I LOVE that quote too!

My opinion, if you aren't breaking any rules laid out by the creators of this site, ask whatever you like. Some members like to make their own criteria as to what should be asked, how it should be asked, and when. Who are they? If they aren't contributing to your resolution, ignore their remarks. Let them be miserable on their own. Just remember that those with low self-esteem usually try to belittle others to feel superior. It isn't your fault. This is an exciting yet terrifying journey, don't be afraid of the "bullies". There's usually someone willing to give you a compassionate answer or suggestion. Good luck!

Hey Shelley! I would suggest looking into either Bosley or Nioxin shampoos and conditioners. They work! If one is deficient in biotin, it may cause your hair to become thin and brittle. It is a water soluble vitamin so whatever is not needed, the kidneys flush out. There are lots of claims that it helps with hair growth but it hasn't been proven. Biotin deficiencies are rare. Just a thought before you go out and spend more money on vitamins.

Yes! I had no health issues either besides my mental health, which is equally important, I think. I was so depressed and felt ugly, which affected every aspect of my life. So for me, even though I did it to feel more attractive, I have gained health for my mind, body, and soul. Nothing wrong with that!

What is it with sweets after the sleeve?!?! I too went through a chocolate kick for a few months until I noticed I gained 7 pounds! I never craved sweets before! I had to kick it to the curb.

They say the stomach doesn't stretch back to where it was but it does stretch some. I don't know the real answer but I can say I can eat more now than I could at 6 months out. For example, I can eat 2 eggs and a sausage patty when I used to be super full off of one egg with cheese on top. I could only eat half a sandwich at one time now I can eat a whole one. I'm hungry every 3-4 hours, so if I ate poorly every 3-4 hours, even though I can eat small amounts at one time, the calories really add up. Now if I ate every 2 hours or every time I passed the kitchen......you can see how easy it can be to gain weight. If you haven't dealt with your food issues and have a real problem with abusing food, you could eat until you're really full......wait a few minutes for some food to digest and try to force more in. That's an extreme example but It's possible to eat around the sleeve. Unfortunately, some people can't get a grip on it. It's really important to gain control early on. Make life long changes in you're eating habits that are doable. We're all going to have our days where we feel like a failure but I think the secret to being successful is being able to get back on track before you have a huge gain. I personally have had a 7 pound gain that I'm currently working to get off. I've managed to lose 4 of those 7 and still want to lose 20 more.

Good luck!

I was on soft foods until 8 weeks too. I can't remember the first time I ate it after the sleeve but after you're cleared for solid food, it's really just trial and error to see what you can tolerate.

I LOVE Chipotle! Since being sleeved, I get a burrito bowl with chicken, black beans, peppers, salsa, lettuce, and guacamole. I usually get it to go and put my own cheese and sour cream if I want it. It is about 3-4 meals for me too. It may be a while before you can tolerate the lettuce and peppers but I'm sure it would be delicious without them too!

I know but in my experience they still dried my hair. I actually used a leave-in when I was using the system.

I've gone from a b cup to a negative a cup womp womp. Not exactly what I meant when I wished for a body like Kelly Rippa..... P.S. I eat avocados almost everyday......didn't know about the breast thing but I think it's safe to say it doesn't work for me!

Biotin does nothing. It didn't work for me and it hasn't been proven to aid with hair growth at all. Bosley and Nioxin do work but you'll need a good conditioner especially since you have curly hair because it dries your hair out. Hair falling out after surgery and with weight loss is inevitable. It'll grow back. May take a few months or a year. Mine stopped completely at around 12-13 months out right about the time I stopped losing weight. Good luck! And maybe consider a cute short cut for the summer!