Macy6

My family watches food Network and Travel Channel food shows frequently.... They don't bother me, but apparently today I am hungry. We watched a special of hamburgers and now on BBQ. I guess I kept saying I wanted things because my mom looks at me and goes "Honey are you hungry?" and I think about it for a second and I am like well yeah kinda. She told me to go eat something, but I am mid Protein Shake so I trudge on and stare longingly at the food on the TV. I think I need to go for a walk or something...

My family watches food Network and Travel Channel food shows frequently.... They don't bother me, but apparently today I am hungry. We watched a special of hamburgers and now on BBQ. I guess I kept saying I wanted things because my mom looks at me and goes "Honey are you hungry?" and I think about it for a second and I am like well yeah kinda. She told me to go eat something, but I am mid Protein Shake so I trudge on and stare longingly at the food on the TV. I think I need to go for a walk or something...

I was a total snickers commercial pre op..... Physically ill, shaky, starving, drama queen (my friend used to say she was going to stick food in her purse before we went out) and like you I am not diabetic. I have not had that once since surgery. I do get hungry (11 days post op) but never starving just know I need to eat.

Hopefully they already know but if not definitely let it known. They had me very well medicated. I came in with an ear patch from the night before and wore that 3 days. I took Emend, a very strong anti emetic usually reserved for those on chemo etc...3 hrs before surgery and again when I got Into pre op what was supposed to be 1 hour before survey and took 3 with hold ups. They kept Zofran going every 4-6 hours and I was sent home with Zofran and I haven't been nauseated once.

Hello VSTers...
This past labor day weekend.. I took a short vacation and visited San Francisco and met with a friend who has not seen me in person for over 2 years.. (she did see my weekly update pictures though..)
I’ve been overweight/obese for as long as I remember.. and being invisible is my specialty.. but not this weekend! This is going to be one weekend that I will always remember..
First, I walk to my terminal in airport.. all worried that I was not going to fit in the plane seat.. and a pretty young teen walks up to me and says.. “You look pretty..” I had the biggest smile when I said thank you..
Second, I fit my seat…I actually had a little wiggle room!
Third, my friend was flying in an hour later than me to SFO.. so I was waiting for her and I started waving to her when she stepped out.. She kept looking back.. not knowing who I was..
Fourth, one of the guys in a restaurant was more interested in “me” than my skinny friend!!! That never happens!!!! Never! And I clearly did not know how to react..
Fifth, downtown SFO.. my friend and I were crossing a road.. and I got called out.. “Hey.. you look pretty!” by a wow looking guy.. I’m yet to believe that I was not dreaming.. he he.. and the thank you that came out of my mouth was very awkward! I just wanted to dig an hole and hide my head in there.. :ph34r:
Sixth, I can’t stop looking at the pictures we took.. for once.. I’m smiling in the pictures!
Thank You... for reading that.. no skinny person is going to understand how it feels to be not invisible!

Day 5 was my peak for pain and discomfort, but even then I was never in excruciating pain and have never struggled to get Water in. I hope you hear something soon

It has been awhile since I have posted here. So long, that I almost forgot that I was a member. September 15th will make 5 months since I had my surgery. A lot of things have changed for me. First off, the Protein shakes, had to stop. At first they were easy, and great. Except, I could only drink one kind and only one flavor of that kind. Everything else was making me sick. Of course, two of the same flavor, of the same kind, twice a day, every day, after a few months, also started to make me sick. It got to the point where I was getting sick, thinking about drinking the shakes. My meal also changed. After the healing seemed to complete, I noticed I started eating more often. At first this bothered me, because the idea of eating more often, seemed in my mind to defeat the purpose. Yet, I also noticed that I was eating a lot less.... just more frequently. I also noticed I was drinking a lot more fluids then I had ever done. I also, have not had a drink of soda, since my surgery, which I think probably also helped. I noticed that bread, will not be eaten again. That includes cake, Bagels, doughnuts, etc. I have tried almost all of these things, and while it does not make me sick, it hurts. I am not a fan of pain, so I do not try them again. I find that I do not miss any of them. I have noticed that I have a very huge craving for grapes. I now go through grapes, like I used to go through milk. I used to go through a lot of milk (something else I find, I do not miss.)
Well, after almost 5 months, and fearing that my eating was going to become a problem, I have lost 92 pounds. I am very close to the goal that my doctor set for me, and I believe I will pass that goal. Some other things that have changed. I am off all of my medications, except for my thyroid. Since I eat more times a day then I used to, I find foods that are high in Protein for Snacks, such as tuna. For the first 3 months, I could not eat tuna, but my dietitian told me to keep trying. She said that if I am going to cut out the Protein Shakes, I needed to find other sources, and tuna is a great source. So far, now at 5 months, I find I can eat tuna again. In fact, other then the breads, I have found that I can eat just about anything. My sweet weakness is M&Ms. I usually eat a bag of them a week. Which compared to how I used to eat them.....much much different. I also have a weakness for chocolate chip frappachino from Mcdonalds. I had someone tell me, I should not drink those, but I compare it to what I used to get at Mcdonalds. One meal at Mcdonalds for me used to be, a double quarter pounder, large fries, two mcdoubles, and a milkshake. Now a meal for me at Mcdonalds is the frappachino, and thats it. So I felt guilty at first, but not so much in contrast. That and instead of going like 3 times a week, I go like once a month.
I also found out, that I can run. I started running a mile every morning. It was only taking about 7 minutes once I got into it, that I thought that was not enough time. So now, I run for 30 minutes every morning. One day I will try to see how far I am going. I leave my house, and run for 15 minutes, and then turn around and run back. It is amazing, because I would not run before. I used to have a joke at work, that if someone made me chase them, they would get hurt if I caught them for making me run. Now, I have had to chase people, and smile the whole time I am doing it. In my local area, I am signed up for two 5ks.... coming up in October, and another run, called a Mud run in December. That one has an obstacle course, which I think I need some training for. Learned about something called a Zombie run, which I will be doing next year.
As far as more personal things, there was a rumor that I was told about.... size. I am talking about the little guy size....downstairs. Anyway, I was told that for every 30 pounds lost, I would gain an inch. I thought that was complete BS, yet, it was extremely pleasing to one day wake up in the morning, and notice that I could see.... everything. In a way that I had never experienced. Then to top it off, my wife, told me some stuff about things that could not be done before, that was being done now. I do not want to go into detail, but that rumor, seems to have a bit of truth behind it. Something I used to be ashamed of, I am now very proud of.
My kids have noticed a difference with me as well. I am doing all sorts of activities with them. Went to a Water park with them, and they where shocked that I went on the slides with them. Something I would not even think about doing before. I had an amazing time, and I am sure they will remember it for a long time. Something I do not think I would have been doing before I had the surgery.
I also got very luck with loose skin. As, so far, I do not have any, and have been told by the doctor, that I might not have any. He said to make sure, once I lose to the point I feel comfortable, I should start weight training. That building up muscle, would help fill in the skin, that was full of fat. Sounds like a plan to me. Anyway, that is my story so far. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me.

Just remember everyone is different. I went into the OR joking with the surgeon and just chatting with the anesteologist. I came out of a dream and woke up and questioned if I had surgery. My pain medication was quite effective and I never struggled with uncontrolled pain. You also need to consider age, your youth will help in some ways too. Just remember to get moving ASAP and yeah it's going to suck but the more you do it the better you feel. You'll do great. I freaked out too, I look back now and wonder why I worried at all. Pain is temporary, your life is forever.

Today I've reached 7 months post op. I'm a success from my surgeons stand point but I have about 30-60lbs until my final goal.
Pre-op 315, SW 294, today 208.3

Haha. I'm in the same boat! I told my family if they loved me they wouldn't eat burgers and fries they'd have thinned down Soup with me. They all looked at me and kept eating lol.

I wanted to just throw this out there and hope that someone who is on the fence or too scared to take the plunge for vsg or who is struggling post op sees this!
I had my vsg jan 29 2013 I was 330 pounds and miserable I couldnt even play with my then 1 year old the way she should have been played with. I was severly dependenet on my fiance to help care for not only me but taking the brunt of our 1 year olds care. I had tried and stuggled my entire life, I am 23 and had high blood pressure and was in pain constantly and just the simplest tasks exhausted me. I did not want to live this way any more, its not really living.
I had my surgery and bam I lost nothing for about 2 months, I joined a gym and said to heck with it I will be fit and healthy regardless of what my scale says. So I ate right and began running, I saw a whole new me come out. The better version of me that was being smothered by my fat insecure unhappy self. I found myself at 23 and as of today 114 pounds down. I regret nothing.
My now 2 year old and I play, and run to the park a mile away. She laughs and runs and I can catch her and toss her in the air til she giggles uncontrolably, I can carry her through the whole mall without putting her down. I can love and
play with her and be here for the long term now.
I am in no way perfect, and yes I am struggling now but I know I will get to my goal of 175, I am 212 now so it will happen. I am going to enjoy my size 16 butt cause the alternative was a size 26! Dont give up it is worth it, for a better future and a chance to live.

That is quite difficult. I am allowed pills, have been since day 2. I am not supposed to use straws. I can tell you what my nutritionist says....
Full Liquids: 60g of Protein, portions are around 1/2C and you are taking that in around 6 times a day. Water around 64oz a day. My rules are 5g of sugar or less and high Protein for Protein drinks.
I start Mush/Fork soft foods at 2 weeks: Rules: Meals are 1/4C to start and 1/2C as you get further in. Protein first, 20-30m to eat a meal.
Recommended:
eggs
Light/LF yogurt
Flakey white fish
tuna
Small shrimp
Tender cooked or ground beef, pork or poultry
Beans and Lentils
FF refried Beans
LF deli meats
LF cottage cheese
Shredded or soft skim or 1% milk fat cheese
Tofu
Other Foods:
oatmeal
Cream of wheat
Soggy Cereal
Cooked soft veggies
Soft fruit without skin
Crackers and toast chewed well
Potatoes, soft and mashed
Low fat Soups w/o large chunks of meat or veggies
Avoid:
Fresh bread
sticky rice
Pasta
Mac n cheese
melted stringy cheese
Peanut Butter
Raisins (dried fruit)
all raw veggies, salad, all lettuce
skins of fruit or veggies
nuts, seeds, granola
popcorn
chips
coconut
tough or chewy meats: steak, pork chops, ham, hot dogs
corn/peas (unless pureed)
Butter
Salad Dressing
sour cream
cream cheese
mayo
gravy
fatback/bacon
sausage
whole milk
whole milk cheese
fried foods
processed meats
chips
Desserts: cakes, Cookies, ice cream etc...
I am on that for 10 weeks.
Good Luck!

That is quite difficult. I am allowed pills, have been since day 2. I am not supposed to use straws. I can tell you what my nutritionist says....
Full Liquids: 60g of Protein, portions are around 1/2C and you are taking that in around 6 times a day. Water around 64oz a day. My rules are 5g of sugar or less and high Protein for Protein drinks.
I start Mush/Fork soft foods at 2 weeks: Rules: Meals are 1/4C to start and 1/2C as you get further in. Protein first, 20-30m to eat a meal.
Recommended:
eggs
Light/LF yogurt
Flakey white fish
tuna
Small shrimp
Tender cooked or ground beef, pork or poultry
Beans and Lentils
FF refried Beans
LF deli meats
LF cottage cheese
Shredded or soft skim or 1% milk fat cheese
Tofu
Other Foods:
oatmeal
Cream of wheat
Soggy Cereal
Cooked soft veggies
Soft fruit without skin
Crackers and toast chewed well
Potatoes, soft and mashed
Low fat Soups w/o large chunks of meat or veggies
Avoid:
Fresh bread
sticky rice
Pasta
Mac n cheese
melted stringy cheese
Peanut Butter
Raisins (dried fruit)
all raw veggies, salad, all lettuce
skins of fruit or veggies
nuts, seeds, granola
popcorn
chips
coconut
tough or chewy meats: steak, pork chops, ham, hot dogs
corn/peas (unless pureed)
Butter
Salad Dressing
sour cream
cream cheese
mayo
gravy
fatback/bacon
sausage
whole milk
whole milk cheese
fried foods
processed meats
chips
Desserts: cakes, Cookies, ice cream etc...
I am on that for 10 weeks.
Good Luck!

Went to the amusement park the other day and it was great not having to worry if the safety bar would come down. Little do my friends know that is why I haven't been to one in years. My highest weight when I started my journey was 363 now down to 210. Glad I embarked on this lifelong trip.

I wrote my sister in law an letter and put it in a file on my laptop and let her know. It freaked her out and made her cry, but like I told her. I didn't think something would happen, but God forbid something happen I wanted to make sure that someone knew my wishes.

10 min between bites?? I was told ago only take 20 min to eat a meal, so that would me only 2 bites! lol

Sounds really great! I have been relying on tylenol for the most part, but once a day my muscle wall really starts to ache and than I go to the stronger stuff. I was pretty miserable earlier, but had a lactose free Soup for dinner and I feel absolutely amazing. I am hoping this is a turning point. My Water is good, I hit my goal yesterday, I am short today. I bought lactaid and soy milk. I am going to give that a whirl tomorrow! Hope all continues well!

Welcome! I am only 5 days post op, but you definitely came to the right place!

I wanted to smother people in the grocery store today, but I felt like I was starving, I was hot sweaty and nauseous and there were screaming children. Granted I am day 6 post op, not tolerating Protein Shakes and almost started crying in the check out because I just want to eat something. Thank Jesus I am tolerating soy milk. I took in 4 oz in about 20 min and it is the most satisfied, without horrific cramping, that I have felt in a week.

I did them pre op but I am currently not tolerating them post op. Bummer too, I like them

YAY! I'm finally an official sleever! I had my band out in June and there was erosion so my surgeon wanted to wait on the sleeve. I went in on 8/29 and finally the deed was done!
The night of surgery I had a hard hard night, I was heaving something awful and was sure I had hurt my little tummy. My swallow test the next morning showed everything was perfect! I've had no problem getting my liquids in. My only issue has been an intense heartburn that doesn't want to go away. I'm taking Pepcid daily per doc's instructions but I don't think it's doing much.
I am soooo happy to be on the other side now and can't wait to see the scale moving!

I have tried a couple different shakes but I will try the lactaid pills!

Oh my! It sounds like someone didn't get their morning donut!!!
What's wrong honey did somebody steal your jelly filled??

I kept it a secret through the whole process (except to family and close friends) and on the day of my surgery, a few hours post op, high on morphine I outed myself to the world. I have no regrets, it was my plan all along. I couldn't believe the rush of support and ongoing support. I believe we have all earned the right to our privacy and if you want to keep it a secret do! I agree that the only way for things to truly remain a secret is if no one really knows. Even yesterday my dad had a phone call at work from a past employer who had a question and she said "your daughter and I were in the hospital at the same time and have the same surgeon" my dad was like how in the world did she know? Well my best friend had told her mom who went to visit her friend and mentioned their former bosses daughter was in the hospital and why. I don't care either way but things like that spread like fire.