measureofme

I'm gonna jump in on this one because, in my philosophy, for many of us it's a bigger picture issue.
I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Not a personality change, not a lobotomy.
If my obesity is part of a larger mental health issue, then the Sleeve is just half of the answer. Some folks don't know that they have addiction/personality disorder components as part of their diagnosis. Or have some amount of denial. So, they go into the procedure with only half the solution at hand. They can hear/see the formula and "know" the way the lifestyle works... but if they're not addressing the addiction/personality side of it because they don't realize or don't acknowledge it, then it stands to reason old habits will TRY to be retained.
I will freely admit and discuss that, for me, obesity resulted from a life of addiction/mental health disorder. I was damn lucky that my Sleeve Journey started with years of counseling and culminated in a watershed moment where I knew I had to change and needed help to do it. Not everyone for who the story is similar has that resource or insight. I know that without my small army of professionals, family and friends supporting me, I'd probably be asking the same questions you're frustrated by. I often wonder what the support of those asking these questions is like.
Is it frustrating to see folks posting freely about wanting to "cheat"? Yep. Is it SCARY how soon some folks push the envelope? Totally. Do I wonder what is in their minds? All the time. Do I want to shake them and aks why they bothered? Ohmygosh yes!
But then, I think about my own heart and how many times in my 9 weeks post op I've had a (albeit much quieter) demon on my shoulder telling me how good that toast would taste, how a "little piece" of this or that won't hurt me, just ONE will not make the scale go up. How many times in my 9 weeks post op I've failed to follow the program by not getting enough water/protein/exercise... giving in to the demon in my brain on a few occassions.
I guess my point is, I feel ya AmandaRae. Completely. But as a person who is struggling, I'd just ask for those who want to "tell it like it is" to do so, but add a dash of compassion into it too- the person asking about bread/chinese food/eating "normally" may not have half their own story solved or it may be winning them over for the moment. Shall I prepare for the flames now? Or perhaps I've just killed another thread?

I'm gonna jump in on this one because, in my philosophy, for many of us it's a bigger picture issue.
I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Not a personality change, not a lobotomy.
If my obesity is part of a larger mental health issue, then the Sleeve is just half of the answer. Some folks don't know that they have addiction/personality disorder components as part of their diagnosis. Or have some amount of denial. So, they go into the procedure with only half the solution at hand. They can hear/see the formula and "know" the way the lifestyle works... but if they're not addressing the addiction/personality side of it because they don't realize or don't acknowledge it, then it stands to reason old habits will TRY to be retained.
I will freely admit and discuss that, for me, obesity resulted from a life of addiction/mental health disorder. I was damn lucky that my Sleeve Journey started with years of counseling and culminated in a watershed moment where I knew I had to change and needed help to do it. Not everyone for who the story is similar has that resource or insight. I know that without my small army of professionals, family and friends supporting me, I'd probably be asking the same questions you're frustrated by. I often wonder what the support of those asking these questions is like.
Is it frustrating to see folks posting freely about wanting to "cheat"? Yep. Is it SCARY how soon some folks push the envelope? Totally. Do I wonder what is in their minds? All the time. Do I want to shake them and aks why they bothered? Ohmygosh yes!
But then, I think about my own heart and how many times in my 9 weeks post op I've had a (albeit much quieter) demon on my shoulder telling me how good that toast would taste, how a "little piece" of this or that won't hurt me, just ONE will not make the scale go up. How many times in my 9 weeks post op I've failed to follow the program by not getting enough water/protein/exercise... giving in to the demon in my brain on a few occassions.
I guess my point is, I feel ya AmandaRae. Completely. But as a person who is struggling, I'd just ask for those who want to "tell it like it is" to do so, but add a dash of compassion into it too- the person asking about bread/chinese food/eating "normally" may not have half their own story solved or it may be winning them over for the moment. Shall I prepare for the flames now? Or perhaps I've just killed another thread?

I'm gonna jump in on this one because, in my philosophy, for many of us it's a bigger picture issue.
I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Not a personality change, not a lobotomy.
If my obesity is part of a larger mental health issue, then the Sleeve is just half of the answer. Some folks don't know that they have addiction/personality disorder components as part of their diagnosis. Or have some amount of denial. So, they go into the procedure with only half the solution at hand. They can hear/see the formula and "know" the way the lifestyle works... but if they're not addressing the addiction/personality side of it because they don't realize or don't acknowledge it, then it stands to reason old habits will TRY to be retained.
I will freely admit and discuss that, for me, obesity resulted from a life of addiction/mental health disorder. I was damn lucky that my Sleeve Journey started with years of counseling and culminated in a watershed moment where I knew I had to change and needed help to do it. Not everyone for who the story is similar has that resource or insight. I know that without my small army of professionals, family and friends supporting me, I'd probably be asking the same questions you're frustrated by. I often wonder what the support of those asking these questions is like.
Is it frustrating to see folks posting freely about wanting to "cheat"? Yep. Is it SCARY how soon some folks push the envelope? Totally. Do I wonder what is in their minds? All the time. Do I want to shake them and aks why they bothered? Ohmygosh yes!
But then, I think about my own heart and how many times in my 9 weeks post op I've had a (albeit much quieter) demon on my shoulder telling me how good that toast would taste, how a "little piece" of this or that won't hurt me, just ONE will not make the scale go up. How many times in my 9 weeks post op I've failed to follow the program by not getting enough water/protein/exercise... giving in to the demon in my brain on a few occassions.
I guess my point is, I feel ya AmandaRae. Completely. But as a person who is struggling, I'd just ask for those who want to "tell it like it is" to do so, but add a dash of compassion into it too- the person asking about bread/chinese food/eating "normally" may not have half their own story solved or it may be winning them over for the moment. Shall I prepare for the flames now? Or perhaps I've just killed another thread?

I'm gonna jump in on this one because, in my philosophy, for many of us it's a bigger picture issue.
I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Not a personality change, not a lobotomy.
If my obesity is part of a larger mental health issue, then the Sleeve is just half of the answer. Some folks don't know that they have addiction/personality disorder components as part of their diagnosis. Or have some amount of denial. So, they go into the procedure with only half the solution at hand. They can hear/see the formula and "know" the way the lifestyle works... but if they're not addressing the addiction/personality side of it because they don't realize or don't acknowledge it, then it stands to reason old habits will TRY to be retained.
I will freely admit and discuss that, for me, obesity resulted from a life of addiction/mental health disorder. I was damn lucky that my Sleeve Journey started with years of counseling and culminated in a watershed moment where I knew I had to change and needed help to do it. Not everyone for who the story is similar has that resource or insight. I know that without my small army of professionals, family and friends supporting me, I'd probably be asking the same questions you're frustrated by. I often wonder what the support of those asking these questions is like.
Is it frustrating to see folks posting freely about wanting to "cheat"? Yep. Is it SCARY how soon some folks push the envelope? Totally. Do I wonder what is in their minds? All the time. Do I want to shake them and aks why they bothered? Ohmygosh yes!
But then, I think about my own heart and how many times in my 9 weeks post op I've had a (albeit much quieter) demon on my shoulder telling me how good that toast would taste, how a "little piece" of this or that won't hurt me, just ONE will not make the scale go up. How many times in my 9 weeks post op I've failed to follow the program by not getting enough water/protein/exercise... giving in to the demon in my brain on a few occassions.
I guess my point is, I feel ya AmandaRae. Completely. But as a person who is struggling, I'd just ask for those who want to "tell it like it is" to do so, but add a dash of compassion into it too- the person asking about bread/chinese food/eating "normally" may not have half their own story solved or it may be winning them over for the moment. Shall I prepare for the flames now? Or perhaps I've just killed another thread?

I'm gonna jump in on this one because, in my philosophy, for many of us it's a bigger picture issue.
I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Not a personality change, not a lobotomy.
If my obesity is part of a larger mental health issue, then the Sleeve is just half of the answer. Some folks don't know that they have addiction/personality disorder components as part of their diagnosis. Or have some amount of denial. So, they go into the procedure with only half the solution at hand. They can hear/see the formula and "know" the way the lifestyle works... but if they're not addressing the addiction/personality side of it because they don't realize or don't acknowledge it, then it stands to reason old habits will TRY to be retained.
I will freely admit and discuss that, for me, obesity resulted from a life of addiction/mental health disorder. I was damn lucky that my Sleeve Journey started with years of counseling and culminated in a watershed moment where I knew I had to change and needed help to do it. Not everyone for who the story is similar has that resource or insight. I know that without my small army of professionals, family and friends supporting me, I'd probably be asking the same questions you're frustrated by. I often wonder what the support of those asking these questions is like.
Is it frustrating to see folks posting freely about wanting to "cheat"? Yep. Is it SCARY how soon some folks push the envelope? Totally. Do I wonder what is in their minds? All the time. Do I want to shake them and aks why they bothered? Ohmygosh yes!
But then, I think about my own heart and how many times in my 9 weeks post op I've had a (albeit much quieter) demon on my shoulder telling me how good that toast would taste, how a "little piece" of this or that won't hurt me, just ONE will not make the scale go up. How many times in my 9 weeks post op I've failed to follow the program by not getting enough water/protein/exercise... giving in to the demon in my brain on a few occassions.
I guess my point is, I feel ya AmandaRae. Completely. But as a person who is struggling, I'd just ask for those who want to "tell it like it is" to do so, but add a dash of compassion into it too- the person asking about bread/chinese food/eating "normally" may not have half their own story solved or it may be winning them over for the moment. Shall I prepare for the flames now? Or perhaps I've just killed another thread?

I developed an intolerance for my Protein Drink at about three weeks out. Not coincidentally, about the same time I stalled for four/five endless weeks! That said, the solution for me was to use milk as the mix for the Protein Powder. Not sure what about the milk made it sit easier on my belly but it did. Of course, if you were to try that, milk would need to be an OK on your nutrition plan since you're so newly post op.
Also, I agree... 25lbs in 2 weeks is great!

I feel ya. I posted pretty much the same thing a couple of weeks ago. A NUT advised me that at my BMI I probably wasn't getting enough Protein in. They doubled my goal and after reaching for that for the last week I have some cautious optimism. I agree with the OP, beba238, there's a lot of hearts/flower/pure success stories here that can make these long stalls just seem that much worse, especially when we're having them so soon after surgery. I don't blame you for not coming by as often. And my goal is not to make it worse for you by talking about my own scale... I would just encourage you to talk to your surgeon about the experience so far and if they're not supportive, talk to a NUT. I think that it is significant your stall started when you started back to work...
Don't give up. We've all been through too much to do that now.

Long flight from Virginia. We arrived a day early at San Diego. I called Lora who seemed very sweet and was told Alina was picking us up. She was helping out as CeCe (Dr. Kellys wife) was at a sport competition with their son for a few days. Alina showed up, very nice and spoke very good english. The hospital wasnt going to be ready for a few hours, so Alina took us to grab a quick bite (broth for me)and gave us about a 4.5 hr tour of San Diego and TJ. Filling in history and telling us about the country. She's very pleasant and friendly. My mom and I really enjoyed the day.
Arriving at florence, everyone was friendly. It was clean, a bit dated as others have said, but adequate. My room was functional. I got the room others spoke of with the cafeteria trash view. Lol Some other rooms have a nicer view. It felt a little less private with the guys spraying down and dropping trash there in the evenings, but still it worked. Im not one to need plush or hand holding so the amenities and equipment were fine.They ARE renovating Florence, so I expect future patients will see rooms more up to date.
Dr. Kelly came in that evening to meet me. I can't speak more highly of another physician. He is very personable and caring. Willing to explain and answer all questions. I didn't feel uncomfy at all and actually felt completely at ease with him.
Next day: I have horrible veins, but they got it started on the 2nd try. Surgery at 10. There were alot of surgeries there due to Illan and Garcia now using the facility, but Kelly only did 3 that day I think, me being the first. It was quick..joking with the anesthesiologist and surgical team one minute, woke up in my room the next.
First day was rough. I've never been put under, and my reaction to the drug was nausea. I threw up on and off the first day, even with nausea meds, but NEVER had pain. Kind of a funny spasm or tight feeling under the diaphragm from the gas, but not pain. I walked as much as possible and slept. The nurses were nice and most spoke atleast some english. Anna and Sara were especially sweet. Communication wasn't a problem.
Next day..Vein blew, and many attempts over the day for IV access not their fault really, my veins had run for the border. Finally got it in late afternoon. I was better, up walking, going outside and so ready to leave the hospital. Barely feeling like I had anything done. I met several other patients including other VSTers and the support and camaraderie amongst us was really cool. Almost like we knew eachother. : )
Saturday...Leak test at Angeles Hospital..this is a modern, very nice facility. The dye was horrible, no lie..have some sugar free gum available for afterwards to get the taste out....then off to Hotel Lucerna. Wow. Beautiful is all I can say. I will stay again when I go back to visit TJ. The hotel broth isnt bad, its a standard broth. The menu for guests is good. Popsicles are comforting. But the restaurant across the street (Casa de Mole..I think)is amazingly good both for broth and guests. I was rarely in my room, but out wandering and walking.
Alina picked us up Sunday and we went shopping in the market place for a couple hours and rode along the beach area which was crowded due to spring break. I got coconut Water still in the nut, it was refreshing, hydrating and gave me a bit of variety. I managed atleast one 20 oz gatorade a day and some water(small sips constantly in hand), 2 tblsp chicken broth at dinner if I set my spoon down for a moment between bites..maybe 4 tblsp over a 30-40 minute period. Even today, 5 days postop, I feel no hunger and I feel great.
Dr. Kelly checked in everyday, even at the hotel and took the time to connect and chat. I really liked him and will visit in the future. I am very happy with my choice. With surgeon, coordinators,facility..I would do it exactly the same again.
CeCe picked us up on Monday, stopped for coffee across the border and we flew home with no issues.
I really enjoyed my stay and my experience.
Best of luck in your own choices and journey.

I went back to work at 17 days post op. The second day back was my "long" day when I have staff meeting and lots of driving. I was so exhausted and aching by the time 5pm came I was in tears. I'm glad you took it easy on yourself today. Indeed, you just had major surgery, it takes time to get back to 100%. Rest well!

Do you think this counts for newbie post-ops too? I lost 53lbs out the gate. I've bounced around in a 6 pound range for FIVE WEEKS now. My general calories have been 800-850 much of that time. I've struggled with protien but have *finally* found a milk/protein powder combo that my tummy does not regect and I'm doing really well on Fluid intake now too. I asked today "when does a stall simply turn into abject failure?". I've got to find the magic combination.

Amy, I normally avoid this forum like the plauge (I tend to be paranoid) so I just caught on from other posts that you'd had clots. I wanted you to know I am wishing you the best as they figure this out. I'm so glad you got help and answers. More wishes for a continued speedy recovery.

I was there six weeks ago and I enjoyed my stay there as a patient and my traveling companion was comfortable too. As mentioned, it's older in aesthetics but they're updating it even now. I loved all the nurses and the hospital bed was, to me, the most comfortable I've ever had occassion to use. Another poster said the linens were too scratchy for her, but I didn't notice. I liked that it was a full-service facility. They are internationally known for their alternative cancer care program and I understand a lot of Amish folks from the States like to use that facility for a variety of care (though I did not meet any on my trip). Nurses and all the doctors who do rounds were wonderful.

Dr Kelly is all I hoped for in a professional surgeon. This experience has been amazing. To all those worried and concerned, please just know its a pleasant process with Dr. Kelly and his staff. I'm 12 HOURS post and am doing very well and feel so taken care of. I feel lucky today.

So far Im only 3.5 weeks in and I am in a stall. Of course currently I feel this is probably the toughest as its so early after surgery no one wants to feel as if the could possibly fail again.

Most of us who have had our weights soar up to these unreasonable numbers like you and I have some sort of metabolic issues to go along with our food issues.
Most of us have been advised before hand that this will not be easy, natural, or anything like that. There is nothing natural about removing 85% of our stomach and the fight that comes with all that can be hell at times.
What people fail to realize is that our body likes sameness, even if the "sameness" is 400 pounds. It will fight to hang onto the weight and to maintain that homeostasis no matter how unhealthy it was. Thats why most of us are still fighting for every pound, regardless of the fact that we have had surgery. If we still didn't have to fight for it this truly would be "the easy way out" but it isn't and we all know that.

Oh thank you, everyone. This was exactly the balm I needed. Since I posted this morning, I've also taken some time to make a basic daily check sheet for myself to put up in my office... something I can put stars on when I complete the goal. Vitamins, Water, Protein, max calories, exercise calories. Maybe that visual of what I AM doing right will help and encourage me over the last little bump to compliance each day?
What each of you writes is true... so true...
This IS a process, not a race.
Following the "rules" is paramount for success and long-term health.
Keep the support system.
It's not just pounds lost, other changes are there too.
SO... okay. If I'm feeling low about what the scale isn't doing... what can I count otherwise?
The jeans I wore to Mexico fall off me now. Litterally.
The shirt I'm wearing used to not cover my belly. It does and then some today.
My fourth chin is nearly neck once more.
My wedding rings need to be resized.
My knee is not in constant pain any longer... it's a tolerable ache.
Stamina IS improving, if not as fast as I want it to.
Yes, posting this was probably the smartest thing I've done in days other than talking to my surgeon's staff. THANK YOU for the positive statements, encouragement and advice.

Oh thank you, everyone. This was exactly the balm I needed. Since I posted this morning, I've also taken some time to make a basic daily check sheet for myself to put up in my office... something I can put stars on when I complete the goal. Vitamins, Water, Protein, max calories, exercise calories. Maybe that visual of what I AM doing right will help and encourage me over the last little bump to compliance each day?
What each of you writes is true... so true...
This IS a process, not a race.
Following the "rules" is paramount for success and long-term health.
Keep the support system.
It's not just pounds lost, other changes are there too.
SO... okay. If I'm feeling low about what the scale isn't doing... what can I count otherwise?
The jeans I wore to Mexico fall off me now. Litterally.
The shirt I'm wearing used to not cover my belly. It does and then some today.
My fourth chin is nearly neck once more.
My wedding rings need to be resized.
My knee is not in constant pain any longer... it's a tolerable ache.
Stamina IS improving, if not as fast as I want it to.
Yes, posting this was probably the smartest thing I've done in days other than talking to my surgeon's staff. THANK YOU for the positive statements, encouragement and advice.

Part of the reason I think you see no complaints is that there seem to be very few on this board who have used him or we are not terribly vocal. He was my surgeon and the price I paid was higher even than that, for my BMI. I have said a million times and I will continue to say that, FOR ME, all was as advertised. His background and qualifications added to the in-person reference I had for him made the decision for me and I am not disappointed! I was also determined price was a third or fourth factor in my research.
 
I think that there is a leap of faith to go with any surgeon, a point where you trust, or don't, all the research facts and opinions you gather before you set the date and pay. If you have not read it yet, I wrote a looooooooong post about my whole trip and experience. Just search for MeasureOfMe's Mexico Adventure.
 
I did hear one complaint recently, I think, that said he did not have good bedside manner... But I am not 100% sure it was he the poster was referencing. Dr. K. was assisting in his colleague's surgery. And this was certainly not my experience.
 
Let me know if I can tell you more of my experience. Peace as you make your choices!

It's only temporary. And contrary to what most post.. It's not going to melt away like it did the first few weeks. But the weight will continue to come off over time. It's not a race and it's time to be patient and know its going to work if you make it work. Embrace any weight you lose as part of the new you and hang it there.
I'm a slow loser and I just have to accept it.

I'm probably the last one who should be responding but I have read (I think it was here too somewhere) that the body just stalls losing weight for a bit because it's re-accessing what's happening to it. Once it realizes what's going on, your weight starts dropping again. So just keep doing what you're doing & find other ways to see your success, like in other things you are able to do now or maybe you're losing inches. I forget what initials they use in calling that?? I'm sorry but I know what I'm trying to say, it just isn't coming out right! LOL! Maybe someone can help me?
I do want to emphasize that you're doing great as long as you're following whatever the doc told you to do. How can you fail? It's not possible. Just give yourself a bit of time & you'll see your weight start dropping again. Also, after surgery when I get to this point....please copy & paste this post in my thread too, okay?
Wishing you the best! Hang in there!

First off you are FAR from a failure! You did this! YOU DID THIS... for you! You didn't do it to change over night, you didn't do it to be in a size 20-16-12-8-4 in a week... month... or even year. YOU deserve this, and you will do it! The worst thing you could do right now is to give up, don't cancel your account! My surgeon has emphasized many times how important it is to maintain that support system after. I have not had surgery, so I am not going to even try to give you advice, but I would say that looking at your post that you really need to try to bump up your Protein. You admit that things aren't 100% but it is taking baby steps to get there. Make sure you are journaling what you eat, watch for the liquid calories. Check for weight loss support groups in your area, the one my bariatric program runs is open to the public, and the nutritionist and nurse both attend the group. Find a nutritionist who you can see, maybe your PCP can recommend someone. I know you are frustrated, but hang in there!

I think you have had a wonderful start. Keep reminding yourself you are not done yet. Surgery was a tool, not a magic wand (now, wouldn't THAT be great)
None of us can control how fast we lose, but we can control how we stay on plan. And work with the new tool we have. Try focusing on getting in all of your Protein and Water. Experiment with recipes, check out some websites that would give you a good variety and great choices. You have not failed, your job is to do your best and stick with what your doctors laid out for you. No two people will be exactly the same. Focus on what a great loss you have had so far. 10% of your weight gone forever! When was the last time that happened in such a short period of time?
Measuring is a great motivator too. I lose pounds about every other week, but I feel I'm always losing inches. Give your body a chance to catch up. You can do this, you should be proud of yourself for making this life changing decision and following through with it. In the meantime, draw strength from others going through this with you. Thank you for sharing, it is not always easy to do when we are struggling.

Part of the reason I think you see no complaints is that there seem to be very few on this board who have used him or we are not terribly vocal. He was my surgeon and the price I paid was higher even than that, for my BMI. I have said a million times and I will continue to say that, FOR ME, all was as advertised. His background and qualifications added to the in-person reference I had for him made the decision for me and I am not disappointed! I was also determined price was a third or fourth factor in my research.
 
I think that there is a leap of faith to go with any surgeon, a point where you trust, or don't, all the research facts and opinions you gather before you set the date and pay. If you have not read it yet, I wrote a looooooooong post about my whole trip and experience. Just search for MeasureOfMe's Mexico Adventure.
 
I did hear one complaint recently, I think, that said he did not have good bedside manner... But I am not 100% sure it was he the poster was referencing. Dr. K. was assisting in his colleague's surgery. And this was certainly not my experience.
 
Let me know if I can tell you more of my experience. Peace as you make your choices!