VSG AJH

Still stalled, still 184. The scale is going to move this week, I just a know it!

So happy for you! I can't wait to get to 100 pounds lost.

Susan -- I'd like to jump in, too, if you don't mind. I've been stalled for months following orthopedic surgery and immobility. I'm healing now, and as I'm moving more, the scale seems like it might start wiggling. I weighed 184 on 11/7 and 11/14, and I'll weigh in again (and post) tomorrow. I was sleeved on 12/03/13 with a 267 start weight. My goal is 134, but I'd like to be at 174 by 01/02/15, so ten pounds down.

Chelenka -- I am so, so sorry to read about your mom. My mom passed away 2.5 years ago from Oat Cell Carcinoma, an inoperable, aggressive type of lung cancer. Those days of caring for her were so difficult for me, and I'm praying for you that you're able to make the time to keep making good choices for your health. Many cancer centers offer support group meetings for families. Also, food-wise, this might be a really good time to do a little meal prep (or allow hubby + friends to help with this). I was pre-sleeve when my mom was sick, but thinking back, life was so emotionally difficult and physically challenging that we relied on lots of takeout. If you can do it, it might be worth grilling up a bunch of chicken or buying precooked meat, Protein bars and shakes, steamer bags of veg, proportioned fruit, etc. so you have good things ready to go. I know you know these things, but it is just so important you keep taking care of YOU while you take care of her, and that is very hard to do.

I'd talk to your surgeon. Maybe he can send you to someone else for a second eval.

I developed sepsis earlier this month after getting a piece of glass in my foot. (6 months post-op VSG.) We did a combination of IV antibiotics, oral liquid antibiotics, and huge oral pill antibiotics cut in half (not crushed). I was able to get them down easily, but they did make me queasy. I wasn't able to eat much of anything for several days, then developed thrush from the antibiotics which prevented me from eating for a few days more. I worked hard to stay hydrated, so I had no complications from dehydration, and the not eating for a solid week contributed to me busting out of a very long stall.

I haven't had a soda per se, but I picked up a flavored water at the drug store, and discovered after opening that it was "sparkling." Tried to drink about half, letting it sit in my mouth to "defizz," but still had pain, Prior to that, I willfully ordered a specialty drink similar to a Moscow Mule (which is made with fizzy ginger beer). It wasn't a huge drink, and it was fine going down, but all of a sudden afterwards, I was in so much intense pain, I was praying to throw up (and unfortunately, didn't). I like to keep testing things (little rebel), so I had a few sips of a hard cider this weekend, but it was so not-enjoyable that I poured it out after just those few sips. I have had no problem taking in all amounts of non-carbonated beverages, though I do strictly limit alcohol.

I ate the heck out of Pacific Organic boxed soups post-op. They were smooth and filling, and they were so flavorful that I could easily conceal my Syntrax Nectar unflavored protein. They cost about $3/box (3-4 meals each), and they're found usually on the top shelf of a soup aisle or in the Natural Foods section. Cashew Carrot Ginger was my favorite.

I'm 6 months post-op tomorrow, and my little guy turns one of the 13th. We're still going strong re: nursing (3-4 times daily, and additional sessions on demand), and have no plans to wean anytime soon. Best of luck!

I'm five months (almost six) post-op VSG. I'm 73.4 pounds down and stuck in the longest stall, but I'm still seeing changes in my body shape and contour. A long way to go still, but at least I'm going in the right direction.

Count me in, Bea! I dropped out of the last challenge because I was in the middle of the worlds.longest.stall and couldn't lose anything. I saw a but of a change in the scale this morning, so I'm hopeful things are back on track in the WL department. Here are my stats: SW 193.8 GW 185

Hey Andrew -- I invested in a Squatty Potty post-op because I was having a problem with constipation and bleeding hemorrhoids (as a result). It really has made a difference, and now I do at least once, sometimes twice, daily with ease. If you're at the point of involving docs, etc. it might be worth the investment. I purchased the 7" Squatty Potty, and I ordered from their website, though it's also available on Amazon.

Astonishing difference!! You look amazing!

Fantastic idea! Thanks for posting!!

Prior to surgery, I had similar experiences, and my GI doc diagnosed me with IBD. It would be exacerbated by certain foods, and any time I ate anything especially greasy or fatty, I would have the exact symptoms you describe. They are awful! The doc offered meds for the IBD, but I opted to monitor diet alone instead, and found relief by avoiding really fatty things (although healthy fats were fine and didn't cause a reaction). I have pain when I eat gluten-filled things (both pre-op and post-op), and now post-op, I think the whey Protein is causing gas and bloating and some of those IBD symptoms on a much more manageable scale. (Eliminating Protein Drinks for a while to be sure.) Some people experience symptoms like this when their gallbladder is petering out. My gallbladder was removed almost 20 years ago, but maybe this could be the case for you? I'd call both your surgeon and your PCP for medical advice.

I would go about that long between BMs immediately after surgery. I had to take a couple of stool softeners for a couple of days plus Miralax plus MoM to get things moving along. I began including fresh vegetable juices to help after that ordeal, and I invested in a Squatty Potty. When my diet progressed to include more vegetables, I began to be more regular, and I now go once, sometimes twice, daily.

I've been pretty pain-free since surgery. Recently, at 4 1/2 months out and with no food restrictions, I began having pain. Sometimes acidic, concentrated in my stomach initially, but eventually moved mainly to the left side. I had pain all the way down my left flank from my ribs into my hip. I was also significantly, visibly bloated (though my clothing size didn't change.). After a convo with my surgeon's nurse, I added back some Gas-X chewables (as needed) and the daily Protonix I'd been taken off of. Perhaps excess acid or a gastritis flare-up? I'm also more closely watching for symptoms as they relate to the types of food I take in. Periodically, post-WLS folks develop a sensitivity to lactose, and things like whey protein shakes can be difficult to manage. I still have 1-2 protein shakes per day (in addition to real food), but I didn't have any yesterday or today, and I feel less bloated and gassy. All of that to say, I'm not exactly sure what you're issue is, but excess acid and food sensitivities can lead to discomfort.

Hi Jewel -- I'm not caring for my spouse, but I have six kids, four of them are age four and under, and they similarly require lots of hands-on care and many Snacks I'm 4 1/2 months post-op, and down 70 pounds. What has worked for me thus far is scheduling meals and measuring/weighing portions. I eat 5 times a day: at 9AM, noon, 3PM, 6PM, and 9PM. I go to bed between 11PM and midnight, so if it works for me to go to bed earlier, I drop that 9PM snack as I am not supposed to eat within 2 hours of bedtime. The most challenging thing for me during this journey has been the head hunger. I'm used to snacking with my kids, or finishing their plates, or eating when they eat, which with so many is all the time. Having scheduled times to eat and measuring my portions really helps keep me in check, because then I can tell myself I am not really hungry, I've had an appropriate portion, and I can eat again soon. After doing this for a while, there I have been times I've gotten to my appointed meal/snack time and realized I wasn't legitimately hungry, and found such relief! I generally still will have a very tiny snack if I'm not super hungry just so I'm not mentally famished an hour later. Maybe a few almonds or a cheese stick, etc. I otherwise follow doctors orders by having 2-3oz dense Protein plus 1oz veggie at mealtimes, or no more than 1/2c food in a serving (so 1/4c cottage cheese and 1/4 diced light peaches as a snack). Best of luck to you!

Bea, thanks so much for coordinating these challenges! I appreciate all your work!! Still in a stall, my initial weigh-in is 198.2. Hoping to bust outta this stall during this challenge, my ultimate goal weight is 189.

My final weight was 198.2, so back up. Weeks of up and down in the same few pounds clearly indicates a stall, I guess. Boo. I'm so frustrated!

I'm 4 months post-VSG, and I regularly eat salad, fresh fruits and veggies, and other real foods.

I was on full liquids before leaving the hospital post-op. I loved the Pacific Organic box soups mixed with some unflavored protein powder. My doc also didn't stress low fat during that stage.

Sleeved 12.03.13 HW 267.2 SW 250.4 CW 195.5

You seriously look fantastic, but I understand that internal commentary. Hang in there!

Don't feel like an idiot. With as much as you're working out, you probably need more carbs than many of us, but I agree that the carbs in the Protein Bars in particular might be contributing to your slow down. They're shockingly carbolicious, aren't they? Every once in a while, I allow a Quest Protein Bar as a treat, but other than that, I just can't justify the calories/carbs. Protein from real food is best, but I personally still include some Protein drinks, particularly on crazy busy days. My go-to Protein Drink consists of two scoops of Syntrax nectar unflavored whey protein with two sugar free drink packets blended in a Blender Bottle absolutely full of Water. 80 calories, 0 carbs, and it contributes towards my protein and water goals (though I also eat plenty of real protein and drink lots of pure water, as well). Here's the nutrition info from the label: