deedeemuffin

My bariatric surgeon, not my obgyn, recommends 2 years. I actually had to sign a paper acknowledging that it was for safety purposes. Not only do you need time to heal & learn how to eat with your sleeve & lose all your weight. You also need to be able to provide adequate nutrition for yourself & the growing baby inside you. Most people can't do that at just 3 months out. I know that a lot of women get pregnant unexpectedly because of the hormone surges we go through while our body dumps it out of our fat cells. As long as you work with a nutritionist, your obgyn & your surgeon I'm sure that you will be just fine. Best of luck to you.

My bariatric surgeon, not my obgyn, recommends 2 years. I actually had to sign a paper acknowledging that it was for safety purposes. Not only do you need time to heal & learn how to eat with your sleeve & lose all your weight. You also need to be able to provide adequate nutrition for yourself & the growing baby inside you. Most people can't do that at just 3 months out. I know that a lot of women get pregnant unexpectedly because of the hormone surges we go through while our body dumps it out of our fat cells. As long as you work with a nutritionist, your obgyn & your surgeon I'm sure that you will be just fine. Best of luck to you.

I bottomed out at 209 in August and am at 220 this AM, so yes, definitely can gain weight if you fall off the wagon. The monkey is always on our backs. I had been doing well with running until November, when it got cold, and I've been doing elliptical since, which just doesn't burn as much. Holiday chocolates, etc., etc. you know the drill.
The sleeve is just a tool. My doctor pokes me in the stomach and tells me, "I can only fix this part. I can't fix this part (pokes my head)."

I think I definitely need veteran advice & ideas of how to restart weight loss. I was sleeved 11/27/12. So, I am now a little over a year out. The first 6 months I did awesome. Lost weight like gang busters. 101 lbs. in 6 months. Then the next 6 months I lost 19 & then gained 10. So, I'm 13 months out, now 110 down with 130 or so MORE to go. *SIGH*
I know this surgery was not a magic cure. I know that there are things that I should be doing that I'm not (counting my grams of Protein, drinking Water, exercising). It's like I totally lost momentum & I am so depressed about it. I am a vegetarian so the Protein part has always been hard for me. I think it was at about the 6 month mark that my sleeve was able to handle about anything. It's easier & tastier to eat Pasta than tofu over & over.
Has anyone else gone through something similar or know someone who has? I feel like I probably need to go back to Water & Protein shakes for a couple of weeks (as much as I loathe the thought of protein shakes) & try to "reset" my body. It is definitely used to simple carbs & sugar again. I dread going through the withdrawal.
I am also struggling with my self-esteem. How could I screw this up? I was given a second chance to live a healthy life & I'm not doing it right. I was feeling resentful that my diet has to be so different. I think that I thought that I would be able to eat "normal" food, but in smaller portions. It really looks like I will always have to eat fairly "clean" & the sleeve helps with portion sizes of those foods.
Yes, I want to be a healthy weight. Yes, I want to feel better. Yes, I want a lot of things. I am just having a REALLY hard time getting back on track. I just got engaged on New Year's Eve. We are going to get married in the Fall. I can't help but thinking that if I had been on track this whole time that I would have been healthy on my wedding day. Now I'll be fighting the world of plus size bridal gowns. I'm not giving up. I just don't know how to pick myself up & move on.

Love the picture board idea. I haven't seen that posted here before but I have used them in the past. Made my last one pre-op with a picture of a happy healthy woman wearing a sundress and sandals standing by a beach cruiser. Check! Picture boards are really powerful tools.
Lynda

Hi Dede u are not a failure! U have lost 100 pounds u are on a journey. I had my surgery in 2011 and never reached goal or even come close. I am a vet that now needs to use the sleeve tool to lose weight after surgery. Isereno gave excellent stratgies. One I wanted to add is a picture board. Visualization of your end self. Keep a pic oof what u lool like now and a pic of your fav gown. That may give u strength to stay on track. And my last suggestion plan a treat. Clean eating is good but feels like denial and dieting. We have to make this. Eating a lifestyle. I haven't mastered this but must find a way to satisfy the sweet tooth without giving in to the carb monster or the trigger foods that take us all down a dark road. Congrats on the engagement!

Now you are saying that "yes" you want all those things....................get up and do something about it. Pasta has no nutritional value and certainly has no Protein. If you are a vegetarian what are your other protein foods? Yogurt, Beans, veggies shouldn't these be your mainstay. You have done a terrific job so far.............you can make it to your goal. You can accomplish any goal you set your mind to; one day or meal at a time!!

And one more thing, after watching my naturally thin friends, they all eat healthy most of the time with the occasional splurge. There really isn't another way that I have seen. Lynda

I don't recommend all liquid at this phase. I'd cut out all carbs except those from veggies, whole grain and dairy. Clear the crap out of the cupboards and stock up on your fav low cal foods. Wanna treat? Eat fat free yogurt and veggie dippers. I mix my yogurt with the packaged ranch dressing mix. Very low cal and a splurge. Join the valentines challenge. Get a food scale if you don't have one and weigh your food. And remember, you can't hate yourself thin. When you want to snack, close your eyes and picture dancing on your wedding day, thinner, healthy and happy. See a counselor if you need to to help some of the "why" you eat. Buy yourself a present for getting back on the wagon. Make a list of foods you eat and then next to them write better substitutes. For example, instead of Pasta, Beans. They have more Fiber and Protein. Lynda

I think I definitely need veteran advice & ideas of how to restart weight loss. I was sleeved 11/27/12. So, I am now a little over a year out. The first 6 months I did awesome. Lost weight like gang busters. 101 lbs. in 6 months. Then the next 6 months I lost 19 & then gained 10. So, I'm 13 months out, now 110 down with 130 or so MORE to go. *SIGH*
I know this surgery was not a magic cure. I know that there are things that I should be doing that I'm not (counting my grams of Protein, drinking Water, exercising). It's like I totally lost momentum & I am so depressed about it. I am a vegetarian so the Protein part has always been hard for me. I think it was at about the 6 month mark that my sleeve was able to handle about anything. It's easier & tastier to eat Pasta than tofu over & over.
Has anyone else gone through something similar or know someone who has? I feel like I probably need to go back to Water & Protein shakes for a couple of weeks (as much as I loathe the thought of protein shakes) & try to "reset" my body. It is definitely used to simple carbs & sugar again. I dread going through the withdrawal.
I am also struggling with my self-esteem. How could I screw this up? I was given a second chance to live a healthy life & I'm not doing it right. I was feeling resentful that my diet has to be so different. I think that I thought that I would be able to eat "normal" food, but in smaller portions. It really looks like I will always have to eat fairly "clean" & the sleeve helps with portion sizes of those foods.
Yes, I want to be a healthy weight. Yes, I want to feel better. Yes, I want a lot of things. I am just having a REALLY hard time getting back on track. I just got engaged on New Year's Eve. We are going to get married in the Fall. I can't help but thinking that if I had been on track this whole time that I would have been healthy on my wedding day. Now I'll be fighting the world of plus size bridal gowns. I'm not giving up. I just don't know how to pick myself up & move on.

I think I definitely need veteran advice & ideas of how to restart weight loss. I was sleeved 11/27/12. So, I am now a little over a year out. The first 6 months I did awesome. Lost weight like gang busters. 101 lbs. in 6 months. Then the next 6 months I lost 19 & then gained 10. So, I'm 13 months out, now 110 down with 130 or so MORE to go. *SIGH*
I know this surgery was not a magic cure. I know that there are things that I should be doing that I'm not (counting my grams of Protein, drinking Water, exercising). It's like I totally lost momentum & I am so depressed about it. I am a vegetarian so the Protein part has always been hard for me. I think it was at about the 6 month mark that my sleeve was able to handle about anything. It's easier & tastier to eat Pasta than tofu over & over.
Has anyone else gone through something similar or know someone who has? I feel like I probably need to go back to Water & Protein shakes for a couple of weeks (as much as I loathe the thought of protein shakes) & try to "reset" my body. It is definitely used to simple carbs & sugar again. I dread going through the withdrawal.
I am also struggling with my self-esteem. How could I screw this up? I was given a second chance to live a healthy life & I'm not doing it right. I was feeling resentful that my diet has to be so different. I think that I thought that I would be able to eat "normal" food, but in smaller portions. It really looks like I will always have to eat fairly "clean" & the sleeve helps with portion sizes of those foods.
Yes, I want to be a healthy weight. Yes, I want to feel better. Yes, I want a lot of things. I am just having a REALLY hard time getting back on track. I just got engaged on New Year's Eve. We are going to get married in the Fall. I can't help but thinking that if I had been on track this whole time that I would have been healthy on my wedding day. Now I'll be fighting the world of plus size bridal gowns. I'm not giving up. I just don't know how to pick myself up & move on.

I would encourage you to talk to your Dr. as soon as possible. Cigarette smoking puts you at so much risk especially during the healing process...blood clots & the like. See if you can survive on Nicorette or the patch for awhile if the Dr. Okays it. This is something I struggled & continue to struggle with. I quit the appropriate time before surgery & picked my cigs back up, but not until a FULL 12 weeks post-op. I AM trying to quit, though. Weaning myself down & am down to 4 cigs per day. Not everyone can give up "everything" all at once, but you need to be so careful. You just had MAJOR surgery. Eating & smoking (nicotine or herb) are addictions. I've found that it can help to talk to a professional & seek out medication when needed to address these issues. I know my surgeon's office has a psychiatrist on staff for post-sleeve issues & counseling.
As far as the marijuana, if it is medically necessary, have you thought about a vaporizer? You will get a concentrated amount of THC without the smoke. Unless you are using the marijuana for a medical reason I would also be careful with any intake. Learning how to eat, drink & judge when you are full is a huge learning process with the sleeve. If you are stoned & having the munchies you will not be able to properly gauge this new feeling. You could risk some serious damage to your new sleeve.
I am not a Dr. or health professional of any kind. They are best suited to give you the answer you need. Please be kind to yourself & take care of yourself. I wish you the best of luck.

Give it time. I am 9 months out, down 111 lbs., from a size 34 to a 22 & none of it happened how I thought. You can eat perfectly & exercise & the scale won't move. You can lose 50 lbs. & not one size. I just went 4 full weeks without losing any weight at all...absolutely ZERO change on the sale but lost 2 sizes. It can be frustrating, but have faith in yourself & the process. Follow your nutrition & exercise program & the rest will fall into place eventually.

Give it time. I am 9 months out, down 111 lbs., from a size 34 to a 22 & none of it happened how I thought. You can eat perfectly & exercise & the scale won't move. You can lose 50 lbs. & not one size. I just went 4 full weeks without losing any weight at all...absolutely ZERO change on the sale but lost 2 sizes. It can be frustrating, but have faith in yourself & the process. Follow your nutrition & exercise program & the rest will fall into place eventually.

Give it time. I am 9 months out, down 111 lbs., from a size 34 to a 22 & none of it happened how I thought. You can eat perfectly & exercise & the scale won't move. You can lose 50 lbs. & not one size. I just went 4 full weeks without losing any weight at all...absolutely ZERO change on the sale but lost 2 sizes. It can be frustrating, but have faith in yourself & the process. Follow your nutrition & exercise program & the rest will fall into place eventually.

I am really looking for some insight & encouragement from people who have succeeded, or are further along than myself, or are finding themselves in a similar situation. I am 9 months out. I've lost 111 lbs. I have gone from a size 34 to a size 22. That is all well & good, but I have found myself in some sort of slump. I think that it happened sometime after the 6 month mark. I was determined to lose 100 lbs. in my first 6 months & I did that. I lost 101. Three months later I am down just 10 more pounds. My weight has never gone up, but I have had many weeks of no loss at all. I've had my missteps along the way...junk food a few times, dehydrated to the point of hospitalization once. I have just found that I am not as vigilant as I use to be. I never feel hungry anymore so when I'm busy or stressed food becomes a hassle & it's much easier to skip eating altogether than choosing a healthy or unhealthy option. I still have over 100 lbs. more to lose & I don't want to get stuck in this place that I am. Even when I try to eat well, as a vegetarian, I find myself really missing the mark on Protein. I have a lot on my plate (proverbial not literal) right now. My boyfriend & I are closing on our first home on Thursday. I am going back to work full-time starting Monday after not working at all for 4 years. Then we're moving next Saturday. It's a lot & I'm overwhelmed. I'm just so much better at taking care of others than taking care of myself. Has anyone been in a similar place? Or maybe someone just has some good advice? I never thought that I would be that person who forgets to eat or can't be bothered. That's what has happened, though, and I'm not quite sure how to get restarted. Tomorrow I need to have a tooth pulled. What a joy on the day before our house closing. I'm assuming getting a tooth pulled will limit what I am able to eat. So, maybe a Liquid Protein reset? Just hoping I'm not alone out here.

Give it time. I am 9 months out, down 111 lbs., from a size 34 to a 22 & none of it happened how I thought. You can eat perfectly & exercise & the scale won't move. You can lose 50 lbs. & not one size. I just went 4 full weeks without losing any weight at all...absolutely ZERO change on the sale but lost 2 sizes. It can be frustrating, but have faith in yourself & the process. Follow your nutrition & exercise program & the rest will fall into place eventually.

Give it time. I am 9 months out, down 111 lbs., from a size 34 to a 22 & none of it happened how I thought. You can eat perfectly & exercise & the scale won't move. You can lose 50 lbs. & not one size. I just went 4 full weeks without losing any weight at all...absolutely ZERO change on the sale but lost 2 sizes. It can be frustrating, but have faith in yourself & the process. Follow your nutrition & exercise program & the rest will fall into place eventually.

Give it time. I am 9 months out, down 111 lbs., from a size 34 to a 22 & none of it happened how I thought. You can eat perfectly & exercise & the scale won't move. You can lose 50 lbs. & not one size. I just went 4 full weeks without losing any weight at all...absolutely ZERO change on the sale but lost 2 sizes. It can be frustrating, but have faith in yourself & the process. Follow your nutrition & exercise program & the rest will fall into place eventually.

Give it time. I am 9 months out, down 111 lbs., from a size 34 to a 22 & none of it happened how I thought. You can eat perfectly & exercise & the scale won't move. You can lose 50 lbs. & not one size. I just went 4 full weeks without losing any weight at all...absolutely ZERO change on the sale but lost 2 sizes. It can be frustrating, but have faith in yourself & the process. Follow your nutrition & exercise program & the rest will fall into place eventually.

That is absolutely not a forever thing. I'm 9 months post-op & I have been eating fruit with skins (like apples) & fresh veggies for what seems like forever now. In the beginning of post-op it seems like forever before things will be "normal" again. Rest assured that fresh fruits & veggies will again be a part of your daily diet. I have an apple or grapes every day & raw, baby carrots dipped in hummus are a staple for me. The only problems I have had with digestion are when I try to eat something loaded with white sugar. Getting sleeved was the best decision that I ever made.

I have only felt truly hungry a few times. The first time was before I was allowed fruits & veggies & other solid foods. String cheese doesn't fill me, but add a banana & its good. I find the less processed the food, the more filling it seems to be. Veggies and fruits are a great way to fill up. They are a part of every one of my meals. The other time I started feeling hungry was at about 6 months out & I started having that PMS hunger super appetite. I thought that was gone forever. That was when the big reality check of the sleeve being just a tool kicked in. You'll figure it out. Just keep pushing on & asking questions when you need.

Stalls are a completely normal part of the process no matter what food plan you follow. It is important to follow the plan that your NUT gives you, but you will eventually develop a lifestyle that works for you. I eat snack like meals 5-6x per day. That is the only way that I can get in all of my Protein & I'm rarely hungry. So, do follow instructions but don't feel too locked into them.

Just saw that you are a Patient of Dr. Weiss also. You have done amazing! I am down 105 with 100+ still to go. I am also 5'10" so your pictures are awesome inspiration for me to get to my goal. Thanks!

I would encourage you to talk to your Dr. as soon as possible. Cigarette smoking puts you at so much risk especially during the healing process...blood clots & the like. See if you can survive on Nicorette or the patch for awhile if the Dr. Okays it. This is something I struggled & continue to struggle with. I quit the appropriate time before surgery & picked my cigs back up, but not until a FULL 12 weeks post-op. I AM trying to quit, though. Weaning myself down & am down to 4 cigs per day. Not everyone can give up "everything" all at once, but you need to be so careful. You just had MAJOR surgery. Eating & smoking (nicotine or herb) are addictions. I've found that it can help to talk to a professional & seek out medication when needed to address these issues. I know my surgeon's office has a psychiatrist on staff for post-sleeve issues & counseling.
As far as the marijuana, if it is medically necessary, have you thought about a vaporizer? You will get a concentrated amount of THC without the smoke. Unless you are using the marijuana for a medical reason I would also be careful with any intake. Learning how to eat, drink & judge when you are full is a huge learning process with the sleeve. If you are stoned & having the munchies you will not be able to properly gauge this new feeling. You could risk some serious damage to your new sleeve.
I am not a Dr. or health professional of any kind. They are best suited to give you the answer you need. Please be kind to yourself & take care of yourself. I wish you the best of luck.