TheNickelMax

I had to use a sperm donor, whose availability was changing due to a deployment. I met with my OB/GYN, surgeon, nutritionist, and discussed risks 6 months post-op VSG. I had lost about 100 pounds at that time, and because I was tolerating the diet well, I was given the 'blessing' to go ahead and try to get pregnant. I was told the ideal is 18 months... but really, once you're out of the 6 month post-op window and are maintaining diet and weight well, you should be good. I'd speak with your surgeon for sure. My situation was unique because it might have been a last opportunity to access the sperm for an indefinite amount of time. I'm actually about 5 weeks pregnant right now. I've maintained communication with my nutritionist and am working to reach a daily caloric intake of 1500. (crazy that 8 months ago, I would have thought I was starving to death...now that seems like a ton of food!). I'm using prenatals, folic acid, calicum plus D (because of the baby pulling from your Calcium reserves for itself). Good luck!

1. I hope everyone is well! 2. I have been feeling pretty down about my self-image recently. I'm a little over three months post VSG and am down 65lbs (and 6" in pants). I've made progress... But am noticing that I'm feeling worse about my appearance than I think I did pre-op. 3. I feel like I've also hit a stall/wall... Have other folks encountered this? I'm changing/tightening up on Water and food to help jump start. I think this pause in progress has also made my self-image negativity worse. 4. I'm going to be trying to find a therapist that specializes in WLS/eating disorders to help me with this transition... But, I'm looking for personal experiences from all of you veterans. Have you noticed a less than positive change in self-image and self-esteem? Have you encountered a stall -- when, what did it seem like? Thanks everyone! N. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm three months post-op today and am feeling good. Especially after some scale and non-scale victories. Wanted to share! I'm down 65lbs total. Yes! I'm more active than I think I've ever been (even practicing for roller derby) Yes! Just went shopping for clothes and went from a men's XXL shirt to a men's XL and from a 46" waist to a 40"! I was able to buy multiple pairs of pants in a regular (not big and tall) store. It feels surreal to finally have some notable progress. I also feel like I'll wake up tomorrow , try to pull up my new pants, and find that they won't go past my knees! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Ten pounds were pre-op diet. The rest has been post-op. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm two months out from VSG and am down 53 pounds. Finally took a post-op picture and I can see a little change. Feels good to actually be able to see the positive change. Left picture is 346.6 on surgery day... The right is 2 months post-op. Same clothes. Sent from my iPhone using VST

How is everyone doing from the July group? I had VSG on July 10, started at 346.6. Now I'm at 293.2... Down about 53 pounds. I'm feeling good. I still can't SEE a difference in my physical appearance. Others make positive comments, but I'm not able to see it yet. How's everyone else doing? Sent from my iPhone using VST

Do you have pictures of the jeans? Sent from my iPhone using VST

I work at an insurance company, at a desk... Had surgery on a Wednesday and returned to work the following Monday. I'm happy with my choice. I can't imagine re-establishing routines after being home for 4-6 weeks post op. heck, I'd still be home! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I live in Asheville and traveled to St. Francis down in Greenville SC. I have been so happy with my surgeon and team. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I was sleeved just about five weeks ago and thought I was rocking the Protein requirement of 75g/d... Until I really started tracking it. I think I've only been getting between 50-60 per day at the most. What implications does this have? Have I caused irreversible damage? What, aside from getting more protein, can I do to prevent combined issues? Basically, have I completely screwed myself up? I'm feeling pretty disappointed in myself right now. Thanks for replies and info. (PS: I'm waiting to hear back from my nut...thought I'd reach out to you all in the meantime.) Sent from my iPhone using VST

Sleeved June 10, and am down 42 pounds. I don't feel different (aside from pants feeling big) or think I look any different. June folks, has anyone encountered pretty intense fatigue since surgery? Hope everyone is well!

I've really been fortunate to not have any back pain throughout my life. However, a few days after my GSV on 7/10/13, I started having pretty intense back pain on both sides of my lower back. Hurts in most upright positions. Anyone else encounter weird and new pains like this? Suggestions? Thanks!

I live in North Carolina and found them in the weight loss/slim fast isle at my grocery store (Ingles). I believe it was 1.25. Then had two other flavors, not sure when ones. I'm just in the midst of identifying and trying options, so I grab a few from different brands. So far, this one is the leader... I'll update if I try a different flavor or find an equally good second option.

Think Thin (clever name, right?) brand chunky Peanut Butter bar. It has 20g of Protein, zero sugar and is gluten free. Tasted like a fancier/healthier Reese's cup. Check it out it your in need!

Fiddleman: Since you have short hair, was the loss noticeable?

I've always wanted to become a jogger/runner... I was released for full activity last week and am hoping to start the couch25k app this evening or tomorrow morning. Pretty nervous and excited about it. The area I live in has beautiful outdoor spaces, and I look forward to expanding my world a bit more to include the outside world! I've heard from jogger folks around town that you have to have a certain rhythm/flow to jogging. Anyone know anything about that? Timing for steps and breathing?

I had surgery July 10, 2013 and initially thought I was killing my Protein and Water intake. I was certain that I was getting my 75grams and 64ounces per day... until I started tracking it in a small notebook. I was drastically under in both. I am almost four weeks out and am eating most foods fine. The days that I have meat with my meals, it's easier to get my protein levels. However, if there are days that I stick to more liquid foods because my stomach feels a little off and those are the protein-challenged days. I feel like eating enough food to meet the protein need, compounded with the water requirement would make me explode. I use Optimum Nurtition protein powder; it's got 24g per 4 ounce serving, and if you make it with milk you gain a little more protein.The Protein Shake, four ounces, usually takes me about twenty-thirty minutes to finish... I'll just sip on it. Basically, the shorter answer: I'm not sure that I'm really getting my protein in at almost 4 weeks post-op... but I'm getting closer on a more consistent basis. Good luck!

Initially after surgery, the cold water the hospital provided seemed to make my stomach clinch up-- which hurt a bit. Room temperature was way easier for me to handle early on. I'm 2.5 weeks PO and love cold water again.

I was sleeved on a Wednesday, walking around that night. Wanted to be discharged on Thursday, was actually released Friday. I returned to work full time on Monday. Everyone's different. It depends on you and what kind of work you do. I was really tired in the afternoons the first day or two back to work. I'm happy I got back in my routine as soon as I did, because it allows me to relearn/reinvolve food into my new routine.

My surgeon provided me with a similar card and I have used it twice. Once the restaurant was wonderful and accommodating. The other time, the place wouldn't reduce the fee but would reduce the portion. The latter place is not longer a restaurant my family and friends will go as a result. I'm sure I'll encounter other places that will try to stick to their "kids menu for kids under 12" rule... And I'm prepared to leave.

I was told to never drink from a straw. I have to constantly remind myself... And I had to stop using my Camelbak bottle.