JolieBug

to address the few comments that alluded to the kids not having proper manners as regards to referring to people as "fat"...this is how I feel--I don't think it is a good idea or even healthy for parents to teach their kids that "fat" is a bad word or something bad to call someone...in fact, if they are taught that, then maybe they won't say the "f" word, but when they see someone who is fat, they will think there is something "bad" about that person...is that really a better attitude or lesson to teach your children?...heck, most of the time I call myself "fat" without mincing words, because at over 240 lbs., I certainly am fat...this is the thing, though--even if kids are taught that it isn't healthy to be fat, they should also be taught that human beings come in all shapes and sizes (as well as all colors and ages and religions and accents, etc.)...just because someone is different from what you are used to, that doesn't mean they are bad people or that you shouldn't respect them...*that* is the lesson I would want my kids to learn

Someone seriously brought me a platter of Cookies as a get well gift. I appreciate the thought, but...ugh.

I am having my sleeve done by Drake Bellanger at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge. I will be sleeved on March 25, and will update this thread with new information afterwards, but want to share the pre-surgery experience while it is fresh in my mind.
Katherine is the patient coordinator, and only works with bariatric patients at Woman's. she is fantastic: responds to emails at all hours, coordinates everything around my schedule, answers questions thoroughly, and is a very pleasant person.
The hospital itself is new, state-of-the-art, and immaculate.
The hospital hosts support groups weekly and boasts an affiliated fitness center that has programs specifically designed for bariatric patients.
Dr. Bellanger is a member of BLIS insurance. This means, for self-pay patients, any later complications are completely covered. Wow. He frequently gives talks for other surgeons and has surgeons from around the world come to see his technique.
Dr. Bellanger's office staff is wonderful and considerate, especially Pam, who is like the awesome aunt everyone loves.
I will update post-surgery for that experience.

Fyre, probably. But not with your full sensation. I love your humor. Normal people can never come up with something witty so quickly.

I JUST noticed my runny nose due to fullness. How odd...

You are fantastic!

Actually there is and its pretty simple; eat at a caloric deficit and you will lose weight. If you are not losing it means your metabolism has taken a beating, your BMR and your RMR has lowered down probably into the low 1000 calories. Overtime you have went from eating very few calories, 500-600 1month postop, with a BMR close to 3000cal per day to around 1000cal at 5 months postop and your BMR has dropped down to around 1200cal, thus why you are not losing. Your not losing because you are eating at a very small caloric deficit each day. The above figures have you losing at 1month postop, 5lbs per week. The above figures also show losing only 1lbs every 17days, 5 months postop. Those numbers are just examples but I bet they are pretty close to whats going on with members who are not losing.
People talk about breaking stalls by eating more. It works because they eat more for a couple days. Their metabolism picks up increasing their BMR and RSR. They go back to eating as usual and lose a few pounds because of their increased metabolism/caloric deficit. Its easy to say I broke my stall because I upped my calories but its much more important to your overall success to understand why/how you broke the stall.
Members who are losing quickly are going above and beyond what your doctors minimum requirements are. They are researching and implementing techniques to lose quicker, finding out what works for them and how their body responds to certain practices . 50g of Protein might be what your DR prescribed but thats really not a lot. 64oz of Water might be whats recommended but most members losing quickly will drink 64oz of Water during their daily workout... its not really a lot of water. You DR tells you to start walking, why not hit the gym and lift weights a couple times a week... how about 15+miles of walking/jogging/running per week? Walking around your block for a half hour 3 times per week might burn 400 calories all week long. Thats roughly 1600 calories a month... not even half a pound loss. Get on an elliptical for 45mins at a steady pace for 45mins every day and thats 600+calories a day, 18000 per month and over 5lbs loss.
Tweak your diets and change it up from time to time. Challenge and push yourself in the gym. Work hard towards a decent size caloric deficit and you will lose weight. Its plain and simple. You can make every excuse in the book but if your not losing it simply means you are not eating at a caloric deficit. If you think you should be losing because of the 800 calories your eating daily, it means your metabolism is shot and you need to figure out a way to increase your BMR and RMR.

We are baseball people, too, but I just bring a route 44 sonic cup full of their ice and chomp chomp. Sipping has always been easy for me, too.

You look fantastic! Thanks!

Welcome to Ketosis! This is the fat-burning phase caused by low carbohydrates in the diet. It gets better, but skin is noticeably dryer (I use Palmer's all over for firming and Clinique on my face 2x daily). You also may sunburn more easily. I do. You crave PB because your main source of energy is Protein, which comes from our diets now. Be sure to get in your recommended amount or you risk losing muscle mass, which can include the heart and other organs.
My eyes are dry and I have to use moistening drops and be careful with contacts. Normal. Up your Water if you can. For breath, try altoids smalls. They don't have carbs like regular mints.
Hope this helps!

If you soak a pad or tampon in an hour, call immediately.

Thanks! I couldn't remember the number the body couldn't take at a time!

Welcome to Ketosis! This is the fat-burning phase caused by low carbohydrates in the diet. It gets better, but skin is noticeably dryer (I use Palmer's all over for firming and Clinique on my face 2x daily). You also may sunburn more easily. I do. You crave PB because your main source of energy is Protein, which comes from our diets now. Be sure to get in your recommended amount or you risk losing muscle mass, which can include the heart and other organs.
My eyes are dry and I have to use moistening drops and be careful with contacts. Normal. Up your Water if you can. For breath, try altoids smalls. They don't have carbs like regular mints.
Hope this helps!

Today is the first day I've met both Protein and Fluid requirements. I'm only day 4, and already 13 pounds down, so I finally feel like this won't be just another diet at which I will fail. I hope you all are well and continuing your success.
TigerBelle and others who aren't sleeved yet, it really does get better each day.

No that's just postop. I lost an additional 15 lbs total preop.
Amanda Rae

There are a few here that had their stomachs removed and a stick implanted up their *** at the same time...

Hi everyone
I am from Lafayette La

Those Protein Shots were horrible! I liked blue Isopure with Water and pomegranate mio.
Today is day 3 for me (unless we count surgery day...?) and is even better than yesterday. I only used two half doses of pain meds yesterday. I was exhausted after a few hours of being up and moving around, but short naps help.
I even somehow slept on my stomach last night without realizing it!

Who had surgery by Dr. Clark?
Sleeved in July 2011 & I am 173 pounds happy. Dr Clark gave me my life back.
Pictures Same girl & guy. 5 years apart.

Hey y'all! I was sleeved yesterday. The whole operation took only 45 minutes and the surgeon said it was very easy. I spent extra time in recovery with high bp, but it's regulated now. I spent all of last night so sick from the pain pump medicine, though. When I finally convinced the nurses to stop giving it to me and give me something not as strong, the nausea went away.
I have a two-story house and my room is upstairs. I've made about 5 trips up and down the stairs to get more Water. I'm able to take in about 3 oz per hour, except when I have to take medicine, then it's only about 1-2 oz.
I'm using Isopure blue with blue G2 and it's pretty good! I count that as liquid intake for now. Thanks to all of you in the forum who have prayed for all of us. I hope your surgeries are as smooth as mine!

I am day 6 and started to justify chocolate. Seriously. It reduces to a liquid, which is my rule for right now. I've lost my mind. You're not alone, but don't do it again, k? I won't, either. Deal.

I am a week out from surgery and my nutritionist and surgeon both want me to focus on getting Protein from shakes and powders, as well as taking my Vitamins. I do track on MyFitnessPal, and I am about 600 calories right now. I will work up to about 800.
The low calorie diet (from the nutrition guides I've read) is safe to maintain for a period of 6-9 months, then one should begin increasing intake to form a 3500-7000 caloric deficit weekly to lose 1-2 pounds a week.
By combining low fat, low carb, low calorie, and high Protein, the body is losing fat and repairing itself without causing damage to muscle groups, including the heart. The protein needs to come mainly from a readily available source, such as easily digested meats, soy, and whey protein.
Anorexia is different because those with eating disorders do not focus on healthful, nutritious eating. They lose muscle mass quickly because there is little readily available protein for the body. This is in general, not a rule.
I hope this proves helpful. I have done a lot of research on the topic, but am by no means an expert, obviously.

Dude! I just posted almost the exact same thing! This whole chocolate reduces down to a liquid is total bs. It should be solid. Friggen addictive sugar and junk.

Hey, y'all! Sleeved 3/25, so still on full liquids. I do get dizzy and tired easily, but otherwise, it's been a breeze. I'm down 13 pounds already and feel pretty much normal. I am going back to work (I teach 8th grade English) Tuesday.
I'm ready to get of full liquids already, but I understand the importance of them. No leaks!
Tomorrow is Easter mass and I really don't want to go. People in my little town talk a lot and I've already been the Hester a time or two. Oh well. Let them eat cake. (Lol)