lessismore67

Congratulations bearman! Great weight loss results already and you sound so positive and motivated.Welcome to a new and healthy sleeve life.

I'm interested though how much everyone lost on average every week?

I'm not trying to compare myself to anyone just interested if there is a big variance in weekly averages.

Hi Ditdee.Mine varied and I am currently in the middle of a three week stall after gaining then losing 1kg over Xmas

My monthly losses approx after July 2013 when I was sleeved are:

Aug 7kg

Sep 5kg

Oct 5kg

Nov 3kg

Dec 3.5kg

Aiming to break the stall even if only by 1kg.I have lost 60% excess weight which is surgical goal but hope to lose another 20% which doesn't look likely atm.

hi ditdee. I am nearly six months out and have lost 30kg. It is far too early for you to feel unhappy about your stall but I understand your frustration. Hang in there. There will be more stalls in the future. Some people, like me have lots, some don't. Stick to "the rules" and it will work for you over time. You are already with us all on the losers bench and your new health and vitality (and wardrobe) is closer than you think

How far out are you lessismore and merry1
From all the forums I have read everyone has the same regret of not doing it earlier or it not being available so I have done it young in the hopes my kids will also benefit. Hearing people say that was a big factor in why I did decide to do it.
I know this isn't a diet but everyone I've ever been one has seen me lose weight for two weeks and then either gain or maintain on the other two due to my 'cycle', I certainly was hoping it wasn't going to happen with this surgery but seems it is.

Thank you for all your sensible advice and honesty with sharing your journey misty. I am glad you will be still here. Happy new year.

Thanks it was a blast!

All, I am cutting back the amount of time that I spend on this site. One of my goals for 2014 is to find balance in my life and that means spending less time in front of the computer. I am not quitting completely as i don't want to lose touch with you. If anyone wants to add me on Facebook please send me a PM with your name or email and I will add you. People say they have trouble finding me on Facebook.

My pleasure Ditdee.Just ask whatever you want and someone will have the answer on this wonderful forum. I remember crying in frustration 2 weeks post-surgery. I was only getting 300 cals on fluids, I was genuinely hungry and I had put on weight on the scales and (blushing) I actually wondered if Dr Mosse had taken out enough of my stomach !! Ridiculous I know.

You are right merry1. I think I was just so used to another diet failing. Even now, I am only on 750 cals per day and "only" losing 1kg per week (with lots of stalls) when technically I should be eating 2000 cals per day to maintain my basic body functions. No wonder all my previous attempts at diet and exercise to control my weight failed. The final decision for bariatric surgery came for me when I was starving on 1100 cals per day and was still putting on the kgs. It is an emotional and psychological journey as much as a physically restrictive one. My only regret is that this procedure was not available when I was younger. I love my sleeve.

Thank you Merry1 and lessismore67, I thought somehow it wasn't working for me already! Great to know it happened to others.
Happy New Year to all.

Your welcome Ditdee, I know what you mean about thinking it isn't working, if I go for a few days or a week and do see numbers change on the scale I start to worry that maybe I am eating to much or that it just isn't going to work for me. Luckily I have a daughter who keeps reminding me that there are victories other than the scale like loosing cm's and having clothes getting looser. This really is an emotional journey as well as a physical one isn't it. I think we are so used to diets not working in the past that it is very easy to doubt that this could possibly work.

Hi Aussiegirl! So good to hear from you!! You are so determined and self disciplined I know you will drop those 5kg in no time. Are you happy with your plastic surgery? Any tips for us?

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I have not been back here in a while but still see all your updates come through to my phone.

Good to see some more newbies come in and the "oldies" still around

Everyone is looking and doing amazing.

I admit to having lost my way for a little bit. After the prolonged recovery from the plastic surgery (where no exercise was allowed), quickly followed or concurrently with a very stressful period of work (travelling constantly/demanding clients/long long long long hours) and then overseas trip and Christmas (read alcohol period) I admit to having lost my way for a bit, and found I have put on 5 kgs from the lowest I have been. Strangely tho I dont look like I have (but go figure).

So much for getting off the weight rollercoaster, i think for me it is life balancing act. I am back into it and back to trying to get into 2 work outs a day (a kick starter so to speak), as I know how hard I still have to work, but 5kgs is better than 75kgs. And now I do know that I can do it, through eatting better and exercising more (besides I do feel better emotionally when I am exercising) and I have two 5km runs to get ready for at the end of Jan/beginning of Feb.

I hope everyone is well.

Hi ditdee it happened to me. My dietician said my body was in shock after the surgery and doing what it does really well...holding onto calories.Lol! Stick to the rules and the maths will win. Even my body couldn't hold onto the fat with the very low calories we are on. Like merry1 said Fluid retention is a big issue. My scales stall, go up a kilo (even when the cms are dropping) and then suddenly I will lose a few kgs all at once. So definitely expect hormonal puffiness and stay focussed on your fabulous long term goals

Hi all,
Anyone put on weight when they started to eat 'real' food again?
I normally put on weight with 'that time of the month' but I didn't think that would happen with this surgery.
I am only 3 weeks out and I put on 1kg, I just don't even see how it is possible with the little amount u can eat.
Any ideas?

Hi everyone! So inspiring to see and read how well you are all doing..and how gorgeous you look!

I have discovered already that if you slowly sip margaritas, nibble cheese, biscuits and the occasional roses chocolates, while being distracted by having a great time with friends, you can double your calory intake. And I mean double from 750 cals to 1500 cals in one day. Eeek! The sleeve restriction just doesn't kick in if I graze. So I am being very careful today to eat small dedicated meals and not have any fluids (alcohol!) half hour before or after meals. Good learning curve for me at this early stage. It is sad to realise that I used to easily consume more than 3000 cals at this time of year before the sleeve.

Wishing all of you wonderful people a very merry Christmas. Thank you for all your support and advice which I take heart from. Here is to a new year full of happiness and good health.

So I have only posted on here once to introduce myself. My surgery is tomorrow and whilst I'm not having second thought or doubts at all it is a bit scary! I did my 2 week pre op diet, couldn't use the opti slim, I found it too salty, so kept using the biggest loser shakes. After a few 'last suppers' my weight at the start of shakes was 146.6kg, today it's 140.3..I'm really hoping tomorrow is 139.something!! I did break a couple of times and am a little worried that this will impact on tomorrow, but can't do anything about it now...I can't wait until I'm over the other side with everyone else and after seeing how well everyone has done I'm hoping for the same positive results!!

You have done well spudsy. It seems to depend on the surgeon as to how much you need to lose before surgery. Some don't even ask their patients to do a preop diet. I was 125kg on the day of starting Optifast and 118kg on day of surgery. I am now 99kg and dropping 5 months later. Looking forward to hearing how you go. Don't forget to get up and walk when you are allowed.

It is so quiet on here - everyone must be doing their Christmas shopping!

Hi Sue. I was so frustrated with the new app that I uninstalled it from my android phone I am not in front of a computer at work so I log on when I can to catch up with the news and have a quick chat. So inconvenient but I am sure I am not alone....

Tell u what drinking bloody hurts. Apparently it is sitting above my sleeve for a while before it goes through. Hope that pain get better! Ah and that Barium swallow that was horrible. I'm moving really well though so that's a good sign I think. How's everyone else doing ?

Hi Ditdee! I still find that drinking can be an issue. I have to remember to just keep sipping a lot during the day and *not* half hour before or after meals. Icy cold Water and cordial does go down better after the surgery. I got a little dehydrated post op - not fun. You will be able to fit more in as your little tummy gets less swollen

Congrats on your great success Newlife... and I am jealous! I started out at 105.6kg - spurred into "serious" action because I could no longer fit into size 18s! You and I must be very different shapes... Or you are perhaps a lot fitter and more muscular than me (which wouldn't be hard, frankly). At 79kg I'm only just getting into size 14s... and by no means all of them. About time I got off to the gym.... Damn.

Hey Susan. Small let down the girl that gave me the pants informed me nicely that the pants she gave me were maternity pants. Real size at the shops 18. But I'm not discouraged

Lol newlife! Thank you for posting your photos. I can really see your weight loss and you are looking so good

Wow Bec! You look fab.Well done!!

Yes! This is normal for some sleevers. The hunger hit me four days post-op and I started to wonder if the surgery was a failure for me! The best thing you can do is make sure you have as much Protein as you can within the guidelines given to you by your surgeon/dietician. Even though I hated them I turned to the Optifast shakes. I also used Protein powder in my liquids/broths and had tiny mouthfuls of greek yoghurt. It really helped. The hunger settled right down after I got onto puree and mashed food but I have never really lost my appetite like some people report.

BTW the surgery *is* working wonderfully for me. I have lost 30kg in 22 weeks and still losing. You will as well. Just hang in there and do not eat anything that hasn't been recommended for you. This is the last bit of the tough part of your journey. Good luck

Bec I know exactly what you mean about not seeing the weight loss. I am now into the larger end of 'regular' clothes, size 16 or 18 compared to the larger sizes 22-24 I was in before. Suddenly I think I look huge again. I know it is not rational. Even though I am still obese, and have another 17kg until I am at my surgeon's ideal weight, I am no longer morbidly obese after losing 30kg.Maybe it is because I am now in change rooms next to women asking for a size 10 because the size 12 is too big!! Maybe because I am wearing fitted clothes instead of the baggy ones I used to buy because they were the only ones that fitted me Anyway, I am not upset or obsessed about it at all. I am really pleased and really proud of my weight loss. It is just another puzzling thing that that has come up on my sleeve journey and I suspect it has something to do with me getting used to my "new normal" after struggling with my weight all these years. It is such a comfort to know I will never go back to those days. Love my sleeve!

Oops...I meant "elegant" Sue ..

Thanks ladies.Very inspirational.

Rofl misty! Had to look twice before I realised that you were fitting into that single pants leg.You must be feeling fantastic because you sure look it.

And Sue-you look like a model-sovelegant

Hmmm.How do I 'like' a post using an android phone? There are no options for it.Tapping the header doesn't do it.

Less - sorry - I am an apple user so I will be no help - glad you found your way back!

Hmmm.How do I 'like' a post using an android phone? There are no options for it.Tapping the header doesn't do it.

Hi again misty.Tried to reply to you on my phone last night...I think this will work now:)

How are you feeling today? I hope your wound is clearing up and that the Questran is helping?

Oh my gosh! Woo hoo ! I am finally logged on!! Hi again everyone and a very warm welcome to the newbies- I have been trying and trying to log on for ages. Reading all the posts has been great but sooo frustrating not to be able to reply. I hope this works on my phone which is what I usually use....

Last time I posted I was so hungry, craving carbohydrates mainly, lots of head hunger, and couldn't work out why. Then I got my TOM for the first time in four months since the surgery. Suddenly I just couldn't fit *anything* into my sleeve for a few days. Go figure.

Now 30kg down and fitting into regular size 16-18 depending on the store. This is my surgical goal but I am still slowly losing and I have until January until the magical six month rapid weight loss window closes. I just cannot believe that I can walk into a regular size shop and try on things that fit me. More unbelievable is how much cheaper the clothing is (obviously not shopping for designer stuff yet - Lol). My arthritis continues but I know that if I had not had the sleeve I would be walking now with a stick. No knee pain now and my foot pain no longer makes me cry Love my sleeve and missed chatting with you guys.

Good evening all' date='

Well I went to Doomben yesterday to The Port Office Marquee Trackside. What a fantastic day!!! It felt weird getting compliments from strangers most of the day!! Lol. On another good note I walked away with tripling my money lol. Here is a pic of me from the day

[/quote']

What a winner! You look amazing Bec.Congratulations.

I finally had the follow-up with the gastro Doctor about the endoscopy and colonoscopy I had before my holiday to try to see why I have had diarrhea for 5+ months. I don't have celiac disease. I'm not lactose intolerant. I don't have anything physically wrong with my stomach or guts except I still have evidence of reflux so I probably need to take nexium forever.

So we are going with the hypothesis that my digestion is happening too quickly and releasing bile directly into my intestines. This is called bile acid diarrhea and is not too unusual. The doctor put me on something called Questran' date=' which is a cholesterol lowering drug. It binds to excess bile and makes it "neutral" somehow. That's how it lowers cholesterol. I don't have high cholesterol but apparently it will still absorb the bile and might give me some relief. It is a sachet I have to dissolve in half a cup of Water so I am nervous it will be gross, but if I can get some relief I will put up with it! We will give it 6 weeks and see how I go. At least it's cheap! 36 for two months worth.[/quote']

Good luck Misty.My relative had bile burning his gut after bowel surgery.The Questran gave instant relief but it took weeks for his bowel to fully recover.I hope you have the same good results.

It is week 15 post-op and I am suddenly fitting much more food into my sleeve.And I am more hungry!! I comfortably ate a whole sandwich for lunch yesterday so the surgical swelling has definitely gone down.Having a four week stall and trying not to play mind games with myself.Everyone is different and I think I am in the minority?(the hunger not the stall).

Hi all- it's been a while since I have posted. I have been struggling this past week. I am struggling in the heat to eat enough and am finding that when I do eat it's going right through me (sorry if that was TMI).

My question is has anyone else struggled with this and what can I do as my energy levels are really low and I am dizzy quite a lot - plus the stomach pains after I eat until it goes through me are pretty awful. I can't have shakes etc as they go through me too.

I am only eating steamed green veggies and grilled chicken or fish- keeping it simple but it still doesn't stay down. Yesterday I managed to eat less than 200 cal and today's about the same. This is not at all my intent but I just can't keep much besides Water down easily. I am getting over gastro from last week too so maybe it's related.

I have not consulted a dietician but am planning on doing so soon but anything I can try in the interim would be great

Thanks!!! Cheers Liss

Hi Liss.Sorry you are having such a ghastly time I have had this after gastro before I had the sleeve.Sometimes a gastro can strip your bowel of its normal bacteria and leave your gut inflamed and unable to absorb properly.Lactose can be a short term issue for some.Probiotics like inner health plus tabs or low fat yoghurt can be a big help.Pureed apple, broth (too hot in the weather for you tho?) and white rice are good. Keep up your fluids especially electrolytes as you will be dehydrating.

"Gastrostop" from the chemist is great to halt the diarrhoea for a day or so - I find it really good to stop the cramps after eating as well - but you will need to see your GP if you need to keep taking it.

I hope this helps Liss and that you feel much better soon.