mysleevemylife

I just ate some trader joes popcorn cooked in olive oil with a hint of salt. Was this a bad idea? I work out 4 times a week and have a physical job. Im 7 weeks post op. I think I deserve a little popcorn.

you're absolutely fine. Funny, cause I had a little for the 1st time since surg yesterday. It's all about a healthy balance & self-control. Treat yourself every now & then, just be careful to measure it & know what you are consuming in regards to Nutritional Facts. :-)

& just to think that if some of us don't "X amount" of lbs in a week, it's the end of the world...Things could def be much worse...(not speaking about any specific post or person at all cause we all feel like that sometimes)

_{The only peace I can possibly have in this is that I truly believe all of those children will go straight to Heaven where they will sing, dance, & praise God all day as they walk on the streets paved with Gold in a place where there is no heartache, pain, or tears. I will def. pray for them. It breaks my heart to think about the families that lost their loved ones.}

I just wanna say that you are worth what it will take to focus & make it happen. U gotta want it badly, bad enough to sacrifice, sweat, & sometimes maybe even cry. U can do this. Be creative with your food & just get a game plan together so that you will eat well BUT be satisfied, too. Cause being satisfied is very important. I'm willing to give tips via inbox if you'd like. Here for ya!!

WAY TO GO!!! I NOTICED THAT YOU LOOK FIRM, TOO! THAT'S AWESOME CAUSE SO MANY PPL (INCLUDING MYSELF) WORRY ABOUT ARMS, ETC LOOKING VERY SAGGY. VERY INSPIRING!

_{Oh, & I also wanted to say that I'm not judging you & thinking that you are vain or anything like that. You are human as we all are. Again, Best Wishes...}

I don't know but I have a hard time explaining this. Thought I could get help here. I can't stand my shape. When I was heavier my highest 280lb it was like what ever fit I would buy. Also I felt I was to far gone and I didn't care. Now I feel like I am picking myself apart and I see every bump and wrinkle. Please don't get me wrong I am happy for the weight loss and I work out so much better and feel great I'm not tired. I really work out hard. It's the way I look. Please I'm not vein at all either. I know I've said this before everyone looks so happy taking pics buying new clothes and you all look great in the. I still feel like crap and don't even like looking in the mirror. I went to JC Penny the other day, first time going actual shopping since surgery and I wanted to cry. I hate my legs they look so flabby my arms too. I don't care about my stomach I will never show that but my legs always looked good before when I was heavy now they just hang and forget about the but it's gone. I do total body conditioning and squats like crazy but I just don't have it. I'm going on Vacation for the first time in 5 years next week and I'm freaking out. All I want is cover ups and pants.

In my opinion, how you are feeling is absolutely normal...just as normal as someone saying "I love how I look now!" When your body makes drastic changes, it's life changing. I def suggest that you reach out for counseling regarding this, self-help books, journaling...something to help you process these feelings properly so that they will result in you making positive affirmations & soaring but feeling happy with yourself while you do. Plastic surgery is an option for some but if you choose not to go that route or cannot for any reason, you will have no choice but to change your mind towards your body. NOT saying that with "plastics" a healthy self-image is not needed, though! I hope this helps & makes sense.

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm 34, and for the past 6-7 years, I've really struggled with weight. In high school, I played football and baseball and was very in shape. I went to college and struggled with weight a little, but got through it. In law school, I started focussing on working out and really got into running. I was never a speedster, but I loved the comradery of the running community in my area. Around late 2006 and 2007, I started getting busier with work, met my wife and got out of exercising. Sure, I went for a walk now and then, but I really fell off the wagon with exercise.

In 2008, I quit smoking (yes, I know it's crazy that I smoked and ran, but it is what it is) and after that the weight started to pile on. Between 2007 and now, I went from the 200-215 range to the 360-370 range. There were some brief drops in weight when I went on the fad diet of the month, but lately, the weight has been damn near impossible to get off. The better I eat and the more I exercise, the more my body fights to keep the weight. It is very frustrating. Earlier this year, my doctor suggested RNY. I did some research re: WLS, and I really became intersted in the sleeve.

Unfortunately, my insurance policy doesn't cover WLS. However, I'm blessed to be in a position to self-pay for the procedure. This is one of the reasons I'm leaning towards the selave. My wife is very supportive of me getting the procedure, but is concerned about the risks. That's another reason I'm leaning towards the sleeve. My father and my inlaws are also very supportive, but my mom and my sister aren't too high on the decision. In their words, they can't understand why I just can't lose the weight on my own. To be honest with you, I wish I knew the answer to that question.

I went to the free seminar this past weekend, and stayed for a support group meeting for pos-op patients. I was blown away by all the success stories from everyone. Tomorrow, I have my first meeting with the surgeon where we will discuss my options. I have a sneaking suspicion he will push RNY, but after all the research I've done, I believe the sleeve is best for me.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself to everyone. It's amazing to see so many success stories and such good advice from everyone. Here's to a good decision and a new life!

Wish you the best!! I just read the entire post. You will have success this time around (affirmation)!!!

WELCOME!!! I'm at work, so I haven't read your entire post, but I will as soon as I can.

So, there was an event today that my job sponsored (outdoors). They had a zipline & I was so excited to try it!! :-) I got to the front of the line & as I was being harnessed, suddenly both myself & the man realized that the harness would NOT fit around my waist to be buckled....NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!! I was not not embarassed...I was just motivated. Imma hit it harder...even harder than I am now....and I'm hitting it hard. It's on my list now to try another zipline & next time around, darnit...I will fit, lol!!!! Any similar exeriences?? & just to think...I felt sooooo small this morning with my "getting too big" jeans on!

I am one week post op today. I have had no issues with nausea pain or acid.

I can get 60 grams of Protein daily with two premiers that I split in half. liquids are not an issue.

I also have no problem with sipping. I am able to take a normal size.

Somehow this doesn't seem right to me. I thought it would be much harder.

Now the psychological part is harder than I anticipated.

Enjoy the fact that you do not have a lot of complications (or maybe any for that matter). The only thing I would caution you on is to not allow yourself to become too comfortable where you're like "I can have anything I want. Yay!! let's go for it!" lol...really, though. I'm like you & I not too long ago had to tell myself to stay focused. Don't feel guilty b/c it may come somewhat easy to you in some ways. You're fortunate!! & also, don't be too hard on yourself. Take one day at a time & enjoy the journey. Hope this makes sense & helps some.

I agree about donating even the rough stuff, but I have gardening shirts that are quite literally unwearable. Stretched out, stained, unraveled seams, etc. THOSE went in the trash. As did old period panties. Can I say that outside of the 'powder room'? yep. I just did.

Good for you! Saturday it is!

Oh my goodnes...lolololol.....lmbo.....Yeah, those are the kinds of things I was suggested be just thrown away. Period Panties...lol!! Well, that's real life, though!

I'm issuing a weekend challenge.

To all of you who have clothes that are TOO BIG in your closet (Laura-ven, I'm looking at you, too)... GET RID OF THEM!!!

You will never need them again. Do not hold on to these clothes as a back-up plan! Plan to succeed!

I'm going to take a look in my closet and dresser and make three piles:

-keep because it fits me, is comfortable, and looks good on me

-throw it away because no one else would want that nasty old/dirty/torn/worn out thing anyways, and

-donate! I always found it frustrating when the only plus size things at Salvation Army were muumuus. My nice things will go directly there.

Good luck, and God speed! Challenge accepted.

Do it, and do it right!

(Holds up hands) Alright...you got me!! lol...yesterday I wore a pair of capri pants that were 24 and I'm down to about 18/20 regular in most "bottoms". I felts kinda embarassed all day at work to be honest. They were very baggy on my butt and thighs, lol. I thought to myself "You really need to give your stuff away that is now too big girl...ummmm, let them go!" I'm with ya. I'll do it Saturday. I don't believe in throwing them away cause no matter how messed up we think they look, someone is always in need (unless it's stained really badly or has blood or something on it of course)

The Walmart by me has a huge .88 bin that has a scar gel in it. It says for existing scars to use for 3-6mos 3Xs daily. The box shows "Compare to Mederma". I've been using for about a week & I tell you, the feel of my scars is already smoother. Try it! Sorry, but I don't know the name of it. I'd recommend buying about 6 boxes of it b/c the tube is kinda small.

I have total belief in you. You definately can do it..Just keep telling yourself that you did not go thru all of this for nothing. It is hard I know but you got to push yourself so hard. I am here if you need that motivation. I have to keep reminding myself that it will be hard the first time I do something but it will get better later. I was just diagnose with fibroid tumors this morning, so now this is another set back that I will have to deal with but nothing is going to stop me. I've come to far. On a lighter side, now I see why can't lose my stomach as fast as I am losing everything else, but it is all good. This to will pass..thats a promise..

Thank you so much. Your words touched me. I was like "awww". Yes, WE will do this!!! God is our help!! :-) Wishing you the best in your health & journey!

I knew you would call me out on my typo!! No way to change the subject text after posting.

LOL

Well, I dropped out only b/c I'm doing a lot of weight training & my weight stays same or goes up sometimes due to muscle gain, but this is an excellent idea & Best of luck to you all!!! Go for it!! :-)

If you are lifting weights, then you may be gaining muscle - and it may only seem like you are not losing weight. Or your body may be hanging onto every calorie because you're working out so much.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. This is a marathon, not a sprint. And everyone has to figure out how their body responds to different caloric intake, weight training, and cardio.

I personally have been gained back 3 pounds 2 weeks ago - and have been stuck there for the past 17 days. I've been walking harder and longer than ever before, but just can seem to start the downward tick on the scale. It's pretty damn frustrating. And I know that I haven't eaten anything more or different over the past 2 weeks.

But this morning, I hopped on the scale and was down just over 1 lb. Hopefully the weight loss is starting again.

I've been through these 2 week periods several times in the past 5 months and I am assuming that my body is just getting use to it's new weight level and caloric intake, then it realizes that this is the new normal and starts the weight loss again.

Man! I am so envious of those lucky people that report 25 lb/moth weight loss. To all those that have lost 100 lbs in 6 months, I salute you - and have a standing offer to take you to McDonald's for lunch. Muahahahahaha

Make sure that you're nice enough to order for them. They will probably want a Large Big Mac Value Meal with an apple pie on the side!! LOLOL....

I am 9 days post op and drinking fluids. Trying hard to get my Protein shakes in but getting it in. My question is how many people went back to eating purée or soft foods 1 week post op?

Sent from my iPod touch using VST

Hi there, ask your surgeon if you can progress to cream Soups & also cottage cheese. I would, for example, get Cream of chicken & sprinkle Parmesan cheese (powder type kind) & a little hot sauce in it to kinda spice it up. Now, granted, I've never had much of an issue with Heartburn or Acid reflux, so use your own judgement on the hot sauce. Creativity will help you a lot. Inbox me if you have any specific questions.

WELCOME!! I'm trying to think of an answer...Let me see...

Hi. I got my surgery April 1 I have lost 19lbs since then but then I hit a stand still n gained two lbs back. I'm very frustrated because I'm eating 600 calories a day n walking 3 miles almost every day. Why on earth would I gain weight? Can someone help me? Also sorry to get so gross but I'm only pooping once a week. Is this normal?

Hi I see that no one responded yet to your post. How are you doing now? Update, please...

Hi all,

Just curious for some recommendations on a model or brand of scale to get to help track my journey.

My only requirement is that it have a capacity of 440lbs.

Thanks!

I realize that you are looking for a specific model or brand....So I'm gonna suggest The Biggest Loser scale. I'm thinking that it will give you a Body Fat % (please correct me if I'm wrong cause I don't own one) & this will be helpful when you are losing fat but it's not reflecting directly in lbs on the scale. :-) Hope this helps.

I had sleeve surgery in August 2012. Down about 60 lbs. Have about 80 to 100 lbs more to loose. But I have hit a wall. Any ideas how to jump start weight loss again?

Funny you should ask this. I spoke with a Bariatric Dietician today & pretty much asked the same thing. Now, As of today, I'm 10 weeks out. So, what she told me was that it's pretty much expected for me to be between 600-800cals daily & I asked her about carbs but she stated that if I'm vocusing on Protein mostly, I shouldn't have to worry about that. Also, she said that when I hit a stall, up the Protein & vary my workout routine. She suggested 60-80 grams of protein daily for me. Hope this helps a little at least. Best Wishes!

Hi everyone,

I am getting a little discouraged. I have been post op for a month and the weight was coming off regularly, but for the past two weeks I appear to have gained weight. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if so, how did you deal with it.

Yep, I'm with ya! I pulled my scale back out...why?? lol...but seriously, I did & it reflects a 2lb gain. I've faithfully for the past few weeks been lifting weights, using ankle weights, etc. I'm def thinking it's muscle gain. Well, how I deal with the scale is this...I first do process of elimination to try to get at the issue that is causing it. Then I recommit to myself to Never Give Up. I also vowed to myself to allow my body to do what it wants, as long as I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. I know that this is a journey, so journies usually are for an extended period of time. I've driven myself "crazy" in the past by allowing the scale to dictate my mood & so forth, but no more! When I get off tonight, I'm going to Walmart to purchase a measuring tape. That's gonna be my way of telling from now on & only stepping on the scale 1X a mo. That's the plan & hopefully I stick to it. I wish you the best. Hang in there & refuse to give up.

I was about that far out when I went through the "OMG, WHAT did I just DO????" phase. It didn't last long but it sure took me by surprise... I mean after months and months of preparation and planning, I didn't expect to feel that way post op. All I kept thinking was, "OMG, what have I done? This can't be undone now.. and the vast majority of my perfectly healthy stomach is now rotting away in some Mexican biodump"

I'm now exactly two months post op and extremely happy with my surgery. Portion sizes are finally starting to feel normal and I'm used to the vsg eating habits now (like not eating/drinking at the same time, chewing food well, etc)

Yes...my portions feel more "normal" now too! I really like that. Now, I do have my days where I just don't wanna eat much, but for the most part, it's going pretty well. To, the creator of this post, hang in there!! You will have great days!!