lilbearzmom

I am a little over 6 months out as well (surgery 12/17/12). I eat between 1000-1200 in general. One day I went over 1200 by 199. I have done pretty well, lost 84 lbs since surgery, but I feel like I really have to work at it more and more. Obviously the first six months are the "easiest", as odd as it sounds. I am "hungrier", can eat pretty much anything now, and can eat more than ever. The restriction is still there, though, when I eat the right things. My weight loss has slowed for sure as well. I think this is fairly normal for where we are in our journeys. 50 lbs is nothing to sneeze at for sure- it's a good loss!

I didn't have a pump- I was given morphine through an IV when I requested it. Morphine sucks- made me itch. Usually they give dilaudid but there was a shortage at the time of my surgery. When I got home they gave me percoset, which in my opinion, is the best medication ever. Truly a "happy pill". LOL

*getting out the popcorn because now I can*

I thought plication was another term for the sleeve. Like an "old school" term. Stick around! The more the merrier!

12/17/12, so 5.5 months out. I am down a total of 109 lbs- 79 of that post-op. Doing well but still struggling with the protein part. Really happy with my results and have no regrets whatsoever!

Sorry, I need to shout it from the rooftops- I passed my 1st Board exam yesterday and am now a Certified Respiratory Therapist!!! Also waiting to see if I get a job offer here soon!!! Life is moving on & up. Thanks for all the support, everyone. I feel like this is part of why I succeed in other parts of my life. So THANKS!!!!!

They want you to start thinking NOW like you need to think AFTER surgery. This also means practicing eating without drinking, putting away soda pop, eating slowly and taking small bites, and choosing foods which are nutritionally dense. If you are thinking that the sleeve will allow you to lose weight eating the things you are now, you're probably wasting your time and money. You do have to change your mindset if you're going to be successful.

I love MFP. I log every single day and love giving and receiving support. Add me if you like!!! lilbearzmom is my member name. I am 5.5 months out and eat everything (protein, vegetables, fruit, carbs, etc.) in moderation.

I'm a little confused. You only needed to lose 55 lbs? If I am reading this right, you are the poster child for why you should only take the risk of this surgery if you are morbidly obese. In your case, the pain and discomfort you're in now wasn't worth it. No wonder you had to go to Mexico. I realize I'm not being helpful here to you, but I hope people who are considering this surgery to lose a relatively small amount of weight read this....

You are too cute! Congrats on all your successes! I hope the best is yet to come for you!

Well I think a lot of WLS patients have multiple plastics procedures at different parts of their journey. Personally, I have a lot of loose skin and hope I can get surgery, but not until I am at or closer to goal.

What is a binge to you? And what are you bingeing on? More detail, please!

I am seeing a therapist monthly and I am over 5 months post-op. I have been seeing her since before surgery- she was referred to me by the psychologist at my surgeon's office. She specializes in WLS patients, pre-and post-op. It's a good idea to see one regularly if you feel you need it- it is a fairly good indicator of long-term success. I am not ashamed to say I need it. LOL I love having someone who is objective listen to me and ask me the right questions. I highly suggest it! My therapist is part of my success at this.

You are too cute! All I can say is, what you're feeling is totally normal. I'm wondering if maybe you should replace the cream soup with more protein shake. Even when you make them with milk, the protein in those is pretty negligible. I have never been the greatest at getting my protein in, but in the beginning it is SO important because you are healing. That's what protein does is "rebuild" and "repair" your body. The more protein you get in, the faster you will heal. Good job so far, and welcome to "the other side"! -Kendra (5 + months out)

Amazing!!! Congrats on your success. You're also a really great support on these boards. You have helped a lot of us among the way...

Um, it could have been much, much worse. Don't beat yourself up. I think you have more than earned ONE Hershey Kiss.

I have been eating cashews and nuts since week 8. I freaking love cashews, so I try not to keep them in the house. I just love their buttery goodness....

What do you do when you can no longer use food as a coping mechanism? I'm in a transition period in my life right now. I just graduated from a AAS Respiratory Care Program, am about to embark on taking Board exams, and I am looking for work in my new field. If this had happened pre-sleeve, I would have been opening the fridge and stuffing all of my anxiety down. (I actually find myself opening the fridge STILL for no reason, but now I don't eat anything.) I can't do this now with food, so I am being forced to actually feel these feelings of anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. It's kind of scary. I saw my therapist yesterday and she validated how I was feeling, that it's pretty common among WLS patients. I know now I need to find a way to cope with life's issues. I'm not sure how. Does anyone else feel this way, and if so, have you found a way to "drown your sorrows" in a constructive manner?

I don't know why, but I find this funny. LOL Good job on your pre-op diet!

I do know that having a sunburn dehydrates you, so I am sure it's probably water retention- make sure you get extra fluids while the burn heals!

At 5 months out my sleeve is fine with it. Yesterday I had Old El Paso medium salsa with breakfast and dinner!

I love myfitnesspal. I think I'm actually addicted to logging. It's definitely a way for me to feel in control. I also love the forums over there.

I have been avoiding watching...the loss of more kids after Sandy Hook is almost too much for me to bear. Thinking of OK tonight- glad you're OK too!!!

Reading this made me think about how long it's been since I had anything fried. I can't remember when- definitely before surgery. My inlaws are on a low carb, Atkins-type diet. About a month ago we went to Red Lobster and they got the "Admiral's Feast"- a huge plate of every fried piece of seafood possible. But they wouldn't eat a baked potato. They did it again at my graduation dinner last week. They think fried battered food doesn't have carbs....IMHO, fried battered food is as bad as it gets...

This is just my personal experience, but I have recently been raising my calorie level, from 800-900 to 1000-1200. I was stalling way too much. I track all of my food on MFP, and follow those forums as well. I have been doing quite well in the last few weeks- made onderland and lost 2-3 lbs per week. I also am actually enjoying food and feeling pretty satisfied. I limit carbs to less than 100. I admit I don't get the recommended amount of protein everyday, though. I don't drink shakes- haven't had one of those in a couple months. I exercise most days of the week- Zumba, swimming, elliptical, and walking. I think it can be really beneficial to increase your calories in a reasonable way. Also, eating like a "normal" person can help us in the long run to keep the weight off. Good luck everyone!!!