cinward2001

Wow, sensitive much? Obviously, my idea of rude and your idea of rude are totally different things. Now, if I'd directed this toward anyone in particular, it would be rude, but I didn't. Plus, I IMMEDIATELY pointed out that I'm just frustrated with myself.
Personally, I think your response is rather...um...silly. Last time I checked, it'd be really, REALLY hard to shoot someone on an internet forum. I guess I could shoot my computer...now THAT would be really counter productive. LOL

I understand it. Especially in the earlier days, when it's harder to just drink liquids and the surgery is so "fresh." I feel like the surgery was drastic, the results should be drastic. I know better...I took a year to lose 85 lbs with the band. It's also a bit about the worry, too. Worry that this won't work, worry that I'll stay hungry even after moving to solid foods, etc. So looking at the numbers on the scales is a way to offset some of that worry and the more they move, the more comforting.
I've been frustrated that the scales haven't moved since I've been home. I'm going to try to let go of that today and remember that they ARE DOWN from pre-op. I don't know what I weighed on my home scales before leaving, but they're down at least 5-10 lbs (in about 2 weeks). So I need to remind myself that I AM happy with that, I'm HAPPY that I'm wearing some blue jeans that I wouldn't wear before the surgery, etc.
Being unhappy just makes me want to eat more. So I have to focus on the NSVs of recovery, those jeans, etc.
So I don't think it's negativity at all...I think it's worry and frustration..just plain ol' being SCARED.

I couldn't help smiling while catching up on this thread. I had surgery on May 14th, so I'm 2 months post-op today. I've lost 10-12 lbs. So it kind of tickles me when I read things like "only 50 lbs" or "only 5 lbs/week".
But I'm happy! I converted to a sleeve because the last chunk of weight I'd regained with the band were making me miserable. Clothes miserably tight, I was starting to consider needing new clothes, a larger uniform, getting too heavy for my horse, etc...all things that I could NOT let happen.
So the ~10 lbs that I've lost have been a VERY big deal to me. As I've told my hubby, I could easily spend the rest of my life at this size...I don't "need" to be a size 8 to be happy. In fact, if the last 7 yrs have taught me anything, it's to take the emphasis OFF my size and just live my life.
To be honest, too, though, I haven't been "working" the sleeve...as in, I don't track my calories, Protein, or water...I haven't even started consistently exercising, beyond riding my horse and becoming more active in general as I've started feeling better. I KNOW I'd lose more weight and lose it more quickly if I did, but I don't intend to track calories the rest of my life, so just kind of seeing what happens if I don't.
I know it helps that I didn't need to lose a lot to get back to "comfortable." I'd still like to lose 20 lbs...get back to my original goal weight that I reached with the band. But if I don't? I'm ok. Oh, and just had a check-up with my doctor...all my labs came back normal, so all is good there, too!

I think obesity is due to 2 things... 1) eating more calories than you need, and 2) underestimating how many calories you eat. Granted, if you're weighing/measuring every single thing that goes in your mouth, you might know exactly how many calories you're eating per day. But if you're not losing weight while doing that, then it's pretty simple...you're eating MORE calories than you need.
The really HARD part for most people is keeping calories low enough day to day to consistently lose. My husband can cut out a bowl of Cereal in the evenings and lose weight. Me? There isn't a bowl of cereal to cut out...I have to drop to 800 cal/day...and doing that consistently without a WLS to help is just too difficult.
As for the original post...what's the difference between a lecture and someone giving their opinion or advice? With the written word, tone and inflection is difficult to determine. I think if you feel lectured more often than not, you need to evaluate your own emotions that you're "bringing" to the thread.

Quit testing your limits. Seriously. It sounds, to me, like you're finding "excuses" to eat what you really shouldn't be eating. Subway sandwiches might *advertise* being healthy, but they're really NOT. Better to eat grilled chicken and some veggies than the processed stuff they call chicken. And the bread is pretty much just empty calories.
Think of it this way...if someone said "Hey, I can drink an entire milkshake...I'm so bummed that my sleeve isn't working any more!" What would you think? For the sleeve to be effective, you have to avoid "fluff" foods.
That said, even IF you're eating 6" subs, if that keeps you satisfied for 3-4 hrs (until next meal time), then it's probably FINE. The key is your overall calories/nutrition throughout the day.
I'm not trying to sound harsh and critical, but I AM trying to get you to take responsibility for your actions instead of "blaming" it on the sleeve. As I'm typing this, there's a pan of homemade brownies in my kitchen. And they're not the "from the box" homemade but true homemade. I could easily eat a brownie right now. I know some sleevers lose their taste for sweets and/or sweets make them nauseous. Not me!! So I could complain that the sleeve just isn't working that well for me, but in truth, it is what it is and *I* have to be the one to avoid the brownies.

1 month, 4 days post-op...down 10 lbs. LOL Seriously! That's it!
Congrats to all you speedy losers though!

1 month, 4 days post-op...down 10 lbs. LOL Seriously! That's it!
Congrats to all you speedy losers though!

Toy27, sometimes, you have to listen to what YOUR body is telling you. Doctors recommend all sorts of things to keep their patients healthy, but sometimes, those can be the wrong things.
For example, for a while, I was severely anemic. Went to my doctor, she did lab work, told me I had Rocky Mtn Spotted Tick Fever and that I needed to take Iron. I told her I didn't have RMSTF despite what the lab results said (false positives happen), she wanted me on antibiotics anyway (and the iron). So I spent 3 weeks throwing up from the antibiotics and the iron...I KNEW that would happen...I'm not a good pill taker and Iron has always made my stomach hurt. So add in the antibiotics and it just got really bad. I called her office, said "No more" and was a happy camper. No symptoms of RMSTF, eventually had an ablation to deal with the anemia (very heavy menstrual periods and had nothing to do with lack of iron).
In other works, I knew what *I* needed more than the doctor did.
My sleeve doctor said no Vitamins for 3 months. That since we DO digest/absorb what we eat (our small intestines are still intact), Vitamins weren't really necessary. So why do so many doctors prescribe them? Just to be on the safe side.
Remember, too, that vitamins are usually artificial or processed "vitamins" with fillers, colors, etc. If you're having trouble taking them, maybe *don't* take them? If they're making it more difficult for you to eat real food, then ditch the vitamins and focus on eating healthily.
There are other ways to compromise, too, in order to be mentally healthy. For example, I hate tracking everything I eat. It puts too much of my focus on food and weight...and I'm happier if I just go about my daily routine. And being happier usually means eating less (because I'm not turning to food for stress relief/comfort). So just make it simple guidelines...protein FIRST, then your good carbs next, then, IF you're still hungry, a small amount of "bad" carbs (when you can have them) such as dessert and bread.< /p>
All that to say...don't feel boxed in by what your doctor is telling you to do. If it's making you miserable, get a 2nd opinion, discuss it with your doctor or NUT (you might be surprised at how flexible they are), etc.

Wow, sensitive much? Obviously, my idea of rude and your idea of rude are totally different things. Now, if I'd directed this toward anyone in particular, it would be rude, but I didn't. Plus, I IMMEDIATELY pointed out that I'm just frustrated with myself.
Personally, I think your response is rather...um...silly. Last time I checked, it'd be really, REALLY hard to shoot someone on an internet forum. I guess I could shoot my computer...now THAT would be really counter productive. LOL

Any time you want to. Same for eating brownies and ice cream, potato chips, any other junk. You can also stop exercising any time you want. Really, you can pick up any "bad" habit you might have given up for this surgery at any time you want.
Does that sound preachy? It's NOT meant to be. It's just a fact. YOU choose. I could say "Listen to the advice of your doctor," but really, if you're looking for people to say "Well, I did it and I'm fine," you're looking for a reason/excuse to return to something you quit doing for FOUR months.
So the real question, I think, is WHY? If it's GOOD for you, why'd you give it up for 4 months? You gave it up because it's NOT good for you, no matter how you try to rationalize it. Are you craving it? Perhaps, but do you really want to give in to that craving?
I say this from a "been there, done that" place. When I was first banded, I lost 85 lbs. Gave up sweet tea and almost all sugars, junk, etc. But little by little, I brought those things BACK into my life. Now? I'm 25-30 lbs heavier and need the sleeve to try to get my weight back down. I honestly wish I'd never started with the bad habits...
So that's my advice to you. You have FOUR months of not drinking useless calories...why not try to make it 5 months...or more?

Any time you want to. Same for eating brownies and ice cream, potato chips, any other junk. You can also stop exercising any time you want. Really, you can pick up any "bad" habit you might have given up for this surgery at any time you want.
Does that sound preachy? It's NOT meant to be. It's just a fact. YOU choose. I could say "Listen to the advice of your doctor," but really, if you're looking for people to say "Well, I did it and I'm fine," you're looking for a reason/excuse to return to something you quit doing for FOUR months.
So the real question, I think, is WHY? If it's GOOD for you, why'd you give it up for 4 months? You gave it up because it's NOT good for you, no matter how you try to rationalize it. Are you craving it? Perhaps, but do you really want to give in to that craving?
I say this from a "been there, done that" place. When I was first banded, I lost 85 lbs. Gave up sweet tea and almost all sugars, junk, etc. But little by little, I brought those things BACK into my life. Now? I'm 25-30 lbs heavier and need the sleeve to try to get my weight back down. I honestly wish I'd never started with the bad habits...
So that's my advice to you. You have FOUR months of not drinking useless calories...why not try to make it 5 months...or more?

Why not have a "virgin" drink? Then, you're still being sociable with your friends, no one will question that you're not drinking because you have a drink in front of you. Unless, of course, the purpose of the drink is to get buzzed or drunk, but then, you're not really drinking for the social aspect but to get drunk.
So my advice...really THINK about why you're wanting to drink. It's empty calories, it can be hazardous to your healthy, etc. If it really is to be sociable, you can do that without the alcohol.

Any time you want to. Same for eating brownies and ice cream, potato chips, any other junk. You can also stop exercising any time you want. Really, you can pick up any "bad" habit you might have given up for this surgery at any time you want.
Does that sound preachy? It's NOT meant to be. It's just a fact. YOU choose. I could say "Listen to the advice of your doctor," but really, if you're looking for people to say "Well, I did it and I'm fine," you're looking for a reason/excuse to return to something you quit doing for FOUR months.
So the real question, I think, is WHY? If it's GOOD for you, why'd you give it up for 4 months? You gave it up because it's NOT good for you, no matter how you try to rationalize it. Are you craving it? Perhaps, but do you really want to give in to that craving?
I say this from a "been there, done that" place. When I was first banded, I lost 85 lbs. Gave up sweet tea and almost all sugars, junk, etc. But little by little, I brought those things BACK into my life. Now? I'm 25-30 lbs heavier and need the sleeve to try to get my weight back down. I honestly wish I'd never started with the bad habits...
So that's my advice to you. You have FOUR months of not drinking useless calories...why not try to make it 5 months...or more?

Ok, time for a reality check people! And I mean this with all kindness and support, but some of you need to put the disappointment and negativity in the closet and lock it away. Think of this...how many times in your life have your consistently lost even ONE pound/week without feeling like it was the hardest thing to do? And as soon as you let up just a little, that 1lb/week weight loss was right back!!!
I know pre-op and post-op eating phases aren't easy, but the weight loss IS happening and faster than anything pre-WLS. So ENJOY!
I'm only 1 day post-op, but I had the LapBand in 2006. With the band, it can take more than 6 weeks for ANY real loss because you have to wait for the first adjustment. Then it really is 1-2 lbs per week for most people. I lost 85 lb in 1 YEAR and was thrilled because it wasn't "that" hard to do, it was relatively consistent and it stayed off for over 5 years.
Now that I have the sleeve, I plan on going home and following my NUT's instructions and staying OFF the scales. Because I know that if I follow the guidelines, eat right, and exercise (at least some), the weight WILL come off. And since the past 2 years I've consistently fought an UPHILL battle again with the scale numbers slowing creeping UP, any DOWN movement will be wonderful.
So I understand the desire to get the weight off fast...but just LIVE YOUR LIFE, people! Just enjoying doing things you couldn't do at your highest weight, adventure, etc....as long as you're happy while you're losing weight, you're already a winner!

I think saying "you can't fix stupid" is a bit drastic. I understand the sentiment, but for some people, having WLS actually SHOWS them where their problems are. As in, all the psych evals, orientations, and doc visits TALK about what life is like after the sleeve, but TALKING and DOING are two different things. Perhaps, pre-sleeve, some people really DO think that giving up soda, or cutting back on portions, etc, won't be a problem...and then, they find out what they're wanting to eat is way more emotional than physical.
When I frequented band support boards, there'd always be those few who would intentionally NOT go get fills. They found that they didn't like not being able to eat their favorite foods in the quantity they wanted. Or they'd find the "sliders," just like sleevers can do.
So I honestly don't think it's being "stupid"...I think there can be a real difficulty in give up certain comfort foods and coping mechanisms.

Any time you want to. Same for eating brownies and ice cream, potato chips, any other junk. You can also stop exercising any time you want. Really, you can pick up any "bad" habit you might have given up for this surgery at any time you want.
Does that sound preachy? It's NOT meant to be. It's just a fact. YOU choose. I could say "Listen to the advice of your doctor," but really, if you're looking for people to say "Well, I did it and I'm fine," you're looking for a reason/excuse to return to something you quit doing for FOUR months.
So the real question, I think, is WHY? If it's GOOD for you, why'd you give it up for 4 months? You gave it up because it's NOT good for you, no matter how you try to rationalize it. Are you craving it? Perhaps, but do you really want to give in to that craving?
I say this from a "been there, done that" place. When I was first banded, I lost 85 lbs. Gave up sweet tea and almost all sugars, junk, etc. But little by little, I brought those things BACK into my life. Now? I'm 25-30 lbs heavier and need the sleeve to try to get my weight back down. I honestly wish I'd never started with the bad habits...
So that's my advice to you. You have FOUR months of not drinking useless calories...why not try to make it 5 months...or more?

Wow, sensitive much? Obviously, my idea of rude and your idea of rude are totally different things. Now, if I'd directed this toward anyone in particular, it would be rude, but I didn't. Plus, I IMMEDIATELY pointed out that I'm just frustrated with myself.
Personally, I think your response is rather...um...silly. Last time I checked, it'd be really, REALLY hard to shoot someone on an internet forum. I guess I could shoot my computer...now THAT would be really counter productive. LOL

Toy27, sometimes, you have to listen to what YOUR body is telling you. Doctors recommend all sorts of things to keep their patients healthy, but sometimes, those can be the wrong things.
For example, for a while, I was severely anemic. Went to my doctor, she did lab work, told me I had Rocky Mtn Spotted Tick Fever and that I needed to take Iron. I told her I didn't have RMSTF despite what the lab results said (false positives happen), she wanted me on antibiotics anyway (and the iron). So I spent 3 weeks throwing up from the antibiotics and the iron...I KNEW that would happen...I'm not a good pill taker and Iron has always made my stomach hurt. So add in the antibiotics and it just got really bad. I called her office, said "No more" and was a happy camper. No symptoms of RMSTF, eventually had an ablation to deal with the anemia (very heavy menstrual periods and had nothing to do with lack of iron).
In other works, I knew what *I* needed more than the doctor did.
My sleeve doctor said no Vitamins for 3 months. That since we DO digest/absorb what we eat (our small intestines are still intact), Vitamins weren't really necessary. So why do so many doctors prescribe them? Just to be on the safe side.
Remember, too, that vitamins are usually artificial or processed "vitamins" with fillers, colors, etc. If you're having trouble taking them, maybe *don't* take them? If they're making it more difficult for you to eat real food, then ditch the vitamins and focus on eating healthily.
There are other ways to compromise, too, in order to be mentally healthy. For example, I hate tracking everything I eat. It puts too much of my focus on food and weight...and I'm happier if I just go about my daily routine. And being happier usually means eating less (because I'm not turning to food for stress relief/comfort). So just make it simple guidelines...protein FIRST, then your good carbs next, then, IF you're still hungry, a small amount of "bad" carbs (when you can have them) such as dessert and bread.< /p>
All that to say...don't feel boxed in by what your doctor is telling you to do. If it's making you miserable, get a 2nd opinion, discuss it with your doctor or NUT (you might be surprised at how flexible they are), etc.

Wow, sensitive much? Obviously, my idea of rude and your idea of rude are totally different things. Now, if I'd directed this toward anyone in particular, it would be rude, but I didn't. Plus, I IMMEDIATELY pointed out that I'm just frustrated with myself.
Personally, I think your response is rather...um...silly. Last time I checked, it'd be really, REALLY hard to shoot someone on an internet forum. I guess I could shoot my computer...now THAT would be really counter productive. LOL

I think obesity is due to 2 things... 1) eating more calories than you need, and 2) underestimating how many calories you eat. Granted, if you're weighing/measuring every single thing that goes in your mouth, you might know exactly how many calories you're eating per day. But if you're not losing weight while doing that, then it's pretty simple...you're eating MORE calories than you need.
The really HARD part for most people is keeping calories low enough day to day to consistently lose. My husband can cut out a bowl of Cereal in the evenings and lose weight. Me? There isn't a bowl of cereal to cut out...I have to drop to 800 cal/day...and doing that consistently without a WLS to help is just too difficult.
As for the original post...what's the difference between a lecture and someone giving their opinion or advice? With the written word, tone and inflection is difficult to determine. I think if you feel lectured more often than not, you need to evaluate your own emotions that you're "bringing" to the thread.

Any time you want to. Same for eating brownies and ice cream, potato chips, any other junk. You can also stop exercising any time you want. Really, you can pick up any "bad" habit you might have given up for this surgery at any time you want.
Does that sound preachy? It's NOT meant to be. It's just a fact. YOU choose. I could say "Listen to the advice of your doctor," but really, if you're looking for people to say "Well, I did it and I'm fine," you're looking for a reason/excuse to return to something you quit doing for FOUR months.
So the real question, I think, is WHY? If it's GOOD for you, why'd you give it up for 4 months? You gave it up because it's NOT good for you, no matter how you try to rationalize it. Are you craving it? Perhaps, but do you really want to give in to that craving?
I say this from a "been there, done that" place. When I was first banded, I lost 85 lbs. Gave up sweet tea and almost all sugars, junk, etc. But little by little, I brought those things BACK into my life. Now? I'm 25-30 lbs heavier and need the sleeve to try to get my weight back down. I honestly wish I'd never started with the bad habits...
So that's my advice to you. You have FOUR months of not drinking useless calories...why not try to make it 5 months...or more?

Drop the "only" from that statement, Ramirelek! You've lost 12.4 lbs in 3 weeks, so that's 4 lbs PER week! Think about that...if you kept up that rate of loss, you'd lose 200 lbs in a year. You're doing great!

I think the healthier attitude is that there aren't any BAD foods. It's all about moderation, making good choices the majority of the time, etc. And sometimes, after surgery, you find that your tastes have changed...so if you (and I mean this in the "general" you, not to anyone in particular!) don't try something (when you're allowed, of course), then you could be spending a lot of mental energy thinking you want something...when you really don't.
For example, when I ate the pizza toppings, I tried one bite of crust. Well, when chewed to mush, that crust tasted awful. So instead of wishing/wanting to eat the whole slice, I was perfectly content with the toppings. And since I ate the toppings, thought they were good, but not "oh my gosh, I want PIZZA!" type good, I'm fine NOT eating them again for quite a while. Moderation.
It's all about knowing yourself. If the strictness is what you need to stay on course, then be strict. If moderation is best for you in the long run, then make conscious, honest decisions about what you're going to eat.
As for the chewing and spitting it out...nope, not for me. I had LapBand surgery, and now VSG, to be as normal as possible. I honestly don't feel that chewing up food and spitting it out (unless it tastes horrible! LOL) is "normal." But then, neither is living on liquids for 2 weeks, but why do 2 abnormal things if you can stay with just 1?

Drop the "only" from that statement, Ramirelek! You've lost 12.4 lbs in 3 weeks, so that's 4 lbs PER week! Think about that...if you kept up that rate of loss, you'd lose 200 lbs in a year. You're doing great!

I think the healthier attitude is that there aren't any BAD foods. It's all about moderation, making good choices the majority of the time, etc. And sometimes, after surgery, you find that your tastes have changed...so if you (and I mean this in the "general" you, not to anyone in particular!) don't try something (when you're allowed, of course), then you could be spending a lot of mental energy thinking you want something...when you really don't.
For example, when I ate the pizza toppings, I tried one bite of crust. Well, when chewed to mush, that crust tasted awful. So instead of wishing/wanting to eat the whole slice, I was perfectly content with the toppings. And since I ate the toppings, thought they were good, but not "oh my gosh, I want PIZZA!" type good, I'm fine NOT eating them again for quite a while. Moderation.
It's all about knowing yourself. If the strictness is what you need to stay on course, then be strict. If moderation is best for you in the long run, then make conscious, honest decisions about what you're going to eat.
As for the chewing and spitting it out...nope, not for me. I had LapBand surgery, and now VSG, to be as normal as possible. I honestly don't feel that chewing up food and spitting it out (unless it tastes horrible! LOL) is "normal." But then, neither is living on liquids for 2 weeks, but why do 2 abnormal things if you can stay with just 1?