deedeemuffin

Are you girls sure? Have you tried? I don't like to run, but it's always nice to know that you can. You know, in case you're being chased by a serial killer or a zombie apocalypse sets in...LOL.

Thanks! Now take a look at our weights. I outweigh you by over 100 lbs. You could start running now! It might not be far, but I am confident that you could start, though!

Those are awesome goals! My Brother In Law just did the Ironman in Arizona in November. If you are shooting for marathons or triathlons you are already an athlete in my book. You obviously have it in you. Go get it!

Thank heavens for shape wear! No, it won't actually get rid of any loose skin or jiggles, but it definitely reduces the appearance. I have one that goes from right above my knee to right below my bust. The only clothing that I have been spending money on since surgery is bras & shape wear. For me, It's all about hiding the loose skin & jiggles until I am at a weight where I can have plastic surgery. I've already started saving for a trip to Mexico! Yes, exercise helps & is so good for us of course. Unfortunately, most of us will need (or want) plastics in the long run. Good luck!

I know that I am reiterating what others have said, but really make sure to get in your water & protein. I will be 4 months out in about 9 days. I have found that at this stage you have to concentrate more. In the beginning I was trying to really take care of myself, heal properly, etc. that I stuck to the rules very closely. Being just almost 4 months out if I get busy it is VERY easy to skip meals & liquids. On Saturday I was putting away groceries & I got really dizzy & truly felt like I was going to pass out. Luckily my BF was home & I just held onto the refrigerator door while he grabbed a chair for me to sit. His first two questions were, "What did you eat today?" & "Have you been drinking your water?". My answers were "Nothing" & "No". It really makes all the difference in the world. We have radically changed how we eat, but it is important that we make sure that we are nourishing ourselves. I laid on the couch the rest of the evening & drank water & got in a protein shake. It is just as important now as it was the day after surgery to take care of ourselves. It is a learning process. The human body can live for over 3 weeks without food, but only 3 days without any water. That is how important it is to our bodies. So, be well!

I have been having a bit of a hard time with purging as well. Well, actually I haven't been able to do it yet! I am not down a lot of sizes but enough to get rid of stuff. I started out in a very tight 32/34 & am now in a 24. At 5'10" my goal is to get down to a size 12. I would be unhealthy in a single digit size. lol. I literally have piles of clothes in my bedroom now ranging from sizes 24-34. There is a clothing drop box not even half a mile from my apartment too. It is definitely a head thing. It took us a great amount of work before we were ready to really lose our weight by getting sleeved. I think that it will also take time for us to adjust to not being heavy. I ramble, but I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone!

Definitely take your time. You can never be too careful, especially in the beginning. I remember eating Jello & I took 20-30 minutes at least. Baby your sleeve & it will be good to you!

That is AMAZING progress. I hope that you are very happy. My official 12 week weigh in isn't until next Tuesday, but I am down 70 lbs in 16 weeks! My Dr. Said that I am doing really well too. So, 70 lbs in half that time is tremendous!

It's hard to believe that I have had my wonderful, little sleeve for a full 3 months already! I now just affectionately refer to my sleeve as my "tiny tummy". My tiny tummy & I embarked on our adventure together on November 27th. So, we've already had our first Christmas together. 90 days ago I was scared, tired & miserable. I had managed to lose & regain the same 30 lbs. (& 30 lbs. only) over & over again. My clothes were all bought over the internet. I limited my social interaction, because I was embarrassed about how I looked. It didn't matter what I wore, or how I did my hair, or how perfect my make up was. I always felt like I was disgusting. That is no way to go through life. If anyone who is reading this is pre-op & feeling that way, just let it go. Self deprecation doesn't benefit anyone. I went in for surgery on November 27th absolutely terrified. When I woke up in recovery the pain was unbearable. I felt like a bus had run over me, backed up & was still sitting there. I only had to stay in the hospital 1 night. I had a leak test the next day & was cleared & ready to go home. The first 3 weeks were HARD. There is just no way to sugar coat that. Everyone is different. Some people have an easier time than I did recovering. Technically, I had a perfect surgery & recovery. It has been my thinking that is taking the most time to adjust. This site was absolutely invaluable to me during my 1st 30 days. I lost a lot of weight in the first 7 days. Then the scale didn't move even a tenth of a pound for 3 weeks! I was convinced that I would never get past that 30 lbs. So many people told me this was such a small part of the journey & things would get better & they were right! I am not the fastest loser, but that is okay. I remember one week being disappointed that I had only lost 3 lbs. that week. "Only 3 pounds". Before the sleeve I would have been ecstatic to lose 3 pounds in one week. 3 pounds a week times 52 weeks in a year is 156 pounds! I would be SO excited if next 11/27 I down 156 lbs.! I had to change the way I thought about numbers on the scale. I needed to learn to trust my Dr., nutritionist, my sleeve and myself. Now I have not been perfect. A few of you may remember my mistakes from at least one infamous thread. One day I ate 10 chicken nuggets & a mocha frappe from McDonalds. It took me 4 hours, but I got it all down. Recently I had bread for the 1st time & ate 4 pieces of garlic bread dipped in sauce. I caused myself much pain in both instances. Physically & emotionally. What have I learned from these experiences? Never again! That's what I learned. Maybe some people are perfect, but some people like me sometimes learn the hard way. This is not only a physical journey. It is mental & emotional too. We all got to our highest weights for different reasons. I think, though, that most of us can relate to using food as a comfort at some point. Also, if you are an ex-smoker (like me) it is a double whammy. First I had to quit smoking for quite awhile before I could have surgery. Then once I had my surgery I could only use food for - get this: NUTRITION! Ack! Once I was only feeding my body nutrients & not comfort I had severe nicotine cravings. I remember crying because I couldn't eat OR smoke. Jump to 2/27. 90 days post-op. I am down 64 pounds, 4 pants sizes, 3 shirt sizes & 1 shoe size. I am comfortable in my car now. I can fit into restaurant booths without worrying. I have more energy. Instead of my life revolving around food, my life revolves around life! Imagine that? I can go out to eat & have great conversations instead of obsessing about what appetizer, entree, dessert combination I'll be having. It's very liberating! I still have a long way to go, but I know now that I CAN do this. My tiny tummy & I are going places. Literally. My boyfriend & I planned our first flying (as opposed to driving) vacation together in 6 years. We live in upstate NY. The 1st week of May we will be going to Phoenix to visit my grandmother. We are also doing a 3 day drive & stay trip to Las Vegas & The Grand Canyon. I am looking forward to all of it. If I keep with what my average weight loss has been I will be close to 100 pounds down by the time we leave. This trip definitely gives me motivation to really get in some good exercise over the next 2 months. I want to be able to come back & say that I HIKED in the Grand Canyon. I also want to be out on the disc golf courses with my sweetie. He deserves a more active partner than I have been. 3 months ago I started a whole new life. I can't wait to keep on this amazing path & rise to all the goals that are waiting for me!

Eventually, you will be happy. Like I said, it is not just a physical journey. It is mental & emotional as well. I remember being happy when I could go from water to protein shakes. Then like 3 my days later I was miserable on protein shakes. The same goes for pureed/soft foods. Every transition I would be happy for a couple days & then miserable again. It was 6 weeks before I was cleared for all foods. It probably took me a good month to be okay with what my new portions. I would feel sad because I would only be able to eat enough to get a very small taste of something & then I would have to stop. I am fine now. though. I make sure to enjoy every bite just like it's the last bite. It helps! You will feel better. Promise!

Every surgeon gives different discharge instructions. I was only allowed water or crystal light for the first week. I had a hard time even sipping at first. So, my BF ground everything into ice chips for me. I remember being in SO much pain the 1st week. It really will get better. Just follow your discharge instructions very carefully. They are there to keep you & your new sleeve safe. I am happy to help anyway that I can. Just know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

I am hoping some of the ladies out there can offer some advice, support or let me know if your body is reacting similar to mine. This all period related. I had my sleeve done November 27th. My regular period ended right before my surgery date. One week post-op I got my period again for 3 straight weeks. I got a reprieve for 2 weeks & then another period for 2 weeks. Another 2 week break and now another period is starting. In case you are counting that is me having my period for 6 weeks out of the 11 weeks post-op and I have no idea when this one will end! I am going absolutely crazy. In 11 weeks I have lost 61 lbs. and gone down from a size 32 pants to a size 26. That is all well & good, but I am tired of having my period. My surgeons office said that this is not abnormal as you lose weight, but I don't know. I have another almost 180 pounds to lose & I can't take it anymore! My poor boyfriend asked me if I was ever going to not be having crazy long & erratic periods anytime soon. lol. Poor guy. Not to be gross, but my periods are SUPER heavy. I am going through boxes of tampons & pads like there is no tomorrow not to mention 6 pairs of ruined underwear, 1 pair of pajama pants, 1 pair of jeans AND a set of sheets! Has anyone else gone through this? Does it ever regulate? Anyone on the pill to help? I'm getting pretty desperate here...

Thank you for not judging me by the Bread Thread! LOL. It is hard to have to quit smoking & then eating. You can do it, though. A lot of people have been where you are.

I am sorry that you are feeling how I felt. I know exactly how hard that is. Keep your spirits up & keep your goal in mind at all times. Your life is going to change for the better. Hang in there & I wish you a great surgery & a speedy recovery.

I absolutely love your story. You seem like a truly amazing person. You have a kind heart & a positive attitude even during your struggles. We should all aspire to this. God Bless you & your family!

Happy Sunday VST members! I wanted to start a thread that is positive and encouraging. I would love to make this a regular Sunday thread. Let's share the things we love big or small. If someone is struggling let's give each other a positive boost! I just want to get this started. I will be back in a few to share. Let's get positive friends!

Phew! I know your surgery is tomorrow and I was thinking, "Why hasn't this poor girl's surgeon's office told her about this stuff!". LOL. Now I know that you're all set. You're going to do great!

I am surprised that your surgeon's office hasn't covered fluids yet. Every one can tolerate something different after surgery. I hope you aren't already stocked up on Protein shakes, because your taste changes. I was on pure 48 oz of Water my 1st week. I could add in 3 shakes shakes a day weeks 2&3. When I came out of the hospital I hated my previously loved Protein shake. I couldn't stomach it. So, be prepared to try new Protein Shakes again. Again, I'm surprised that you haven't gotten a list from your doc. Yes, there are special, chewable vitamins specifically for people who have bariatric surgery. It provides extra nutrition needed. Other docs might have you also take Biotin, B-12 & Calcium with D3. At the very least get the multiple in. This is a lot of info. No one is perfect in every area. This is like learning how to eat all over. It is good, though, because it will help us live longer & healthier lives. All the best!

You have a lot going for you as far as safety & skin elasticity. Being 25 & in the 200's is a big advantage for you. As of Wednesday I will be 90 days post-surgery. I am already having skin issues, but I am 34 & started out at 418 lbs. Like you, I also did not have a pre-op diet. The only thing my surgeon required was water only for 24 hours before surgery. Everyone recovers differently. It is really important to follow orders after surgery. It is difficult in the beginning, but you will get through it. Definitely make sure to stay hydrated. Your first priorities after surgery will be to stay hydrated & move as much as possible. Pay attention to both these things, but also listen to your body. Don't push yourself too hard. I will be completely honest with you. During my first week I cried a lot & thought that I had made a huge mistake. Everyone told me that it would get better and it did! At just 3 months out I know that it is the best decision that I could have made for myself. I am down 64 lbs., 3 clothes sizes & a lot of other wonderful things that go along with being a little lighter. I still have a long way to go, but for the first time in my life I know that I can do it. The sleeve is an amazing tool. I know this is a long post, but I hope that it helps. This board was absolutely my saving grace during my first few weeks after surgery. So, whenever you have a question, no matter what it is, someone is willing to help. Best wishes for a great surgery tomorrow & a quick recovery!

Emotional eating is a big problem for a lot of sleevers even though few will admit it publicly on the board. So, first off, congratulations on recognizing this pattern & asking for help. Exercise is always a great help. It is also helpful if you have someone close that you can talk to. Therapy is always a viable option. I know that my bariatric group has a psychiatrist on staff that deals specifically with weight loss surgery patients before and after surgery. OA can be very helpful. There are community meetings or online meetings. Bariatric support groups through your surgeons office should be very helpful. A lot of people are antimedication, but it has it's uses. Sometimes an antidepressant or antianxiety medication can take the edge off while you work through your issues. Hopefully some other people can give you helpful tips too. You WILL gain control over this!

My edamame is roasted & crunchy. I buy it at the store. I get it at a local grocery store. They have it in pretty much any health food store. I am from the North East & Shoprite, Hannaford and Stop & Shop all carry them. My NUT said the lightly salted or wasabi coated ones are fine. I was sleeved November 27th so, 2 days from now is my 90 day surgiversary. During my puree/soft foods stage my NUT okayed Hummus & Tofu. Sabra even makes their Hummus in single serving containers in packs of 4. I track my food on My Fitness Pal & I seem to average around 700 calories a day. I am ashamed to say that I haven't exercised at all except for 1 yoga class. I am starting today, though, because my BF & I just booked our vacation starting April 29th. I would really like to be down 100 lbs. by then. The first few weeks post-op can be rough, but just stick to the program & you'll so just fine. Feel free to message me anytime if you have veg questions or are struggling or whatever. Best of luck to you!

I just had to laugh when I saw your reply, Laura. I don't remember what we were watching on TV, but I looked at my BF & said, "I'm in big trouble if I ever needed to run for my life". LOL. Soon maybe we can. My boyfriends sister lost close to 100 lbs on her own. She just started running & doing 5ks. Her husband is a Triathelete & just did The Ironman in Arizona in November. Once my weight goes down a little more I won't have much choice but to run. The two of them are already planning at what date they thing they might get me ready for my first 5k! Yikes!

The sentence about edamame should say you only need to eat 1/4 of a cup. Not 70! lol! 1/4 of a cup is small. It's nice because they are crunchy & salty but don't sit heavy in my sleeve. I did try to eat meat once since I was sleeved. I cut it really small, chewed really well, ate slowly & 3 hours later threw up. Meat is just too hard on my system. As you can see from my 1st post you can meet your NUT guidelines no problem with gentle & yummy food!

I have read on the boards of some people doing a mini restart for their sleeve...doing 1 day of Water, 2 days of Protein shakes & then on to other foods. I think lets your sleeve rest & reset a little bit. I also have a hard time getting in my protein, but that is because I am a vegetarian. I too have a greak yogurt every day. Instead of regular Peanut Butter I use PB2. It is a powdered peanut butter that has 85% less fat & calories than peanut butter but a full 5 grams of protein. I also use the PB2 in a shake that I make with almond milk, chocolate Protein powder, frozen banana & PB2. It is so delicious with lots of protein that doesn't taste like a Protein Shake. Another good tip I got from my NUT is eating lightly salted edamame (roasted soy beans). You only need 70 eat 1/4 of a cup for a full 14 grams of protein. Low fat string cheese too. So my average menu looks something like this for protein: Breakfast: 1 cup almond milk 2g 1 scoop protein powder 15g 2 tbsp. PB2 5g Lunch: Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt 16g 2tbsp. PB2 5g Snack: 1/4 cup edamame 14g Dinner: Veggies - no protein Snack: 2 Polly-O sting cheese 2% 16g That menu is a total of 73 grams of protein with absolutely no meat, very little carbs or sodium. My NUT is looking for 60-70 g of protein per day. Everything I have eaten, she has approved. Even when the day comes to 73 she said it's okay, but not to push it too much higher. I don't eat the exact same thing every day. Sometimes, for example, I substitute carrots & roasted red pepper hummus for the string cheese. That gives me 61 g per day. I know that this a long reply, but I am hoping that maybe even 1 of these things might help. I think that they are all fairly easy on the stomach & also for digestion. Meat is much harder to break down. You are doing awesome with your loss so far! Congratulations.