macman

For every person that has a complication posted on this forum there are 10x as many that do not. It is good to know about potential issues but you can be paralyzed by some of the commentary and the worry that goes with it. I suggest you do the reading, listen to what people say and determine what does or does not apply to you. There is terrific information here if you look for it. For me it has been a valuable resource. Being able to talk with others about similar situations has been invaluable. Understanding the risks associated with the surgery should be part of your decision making process. I knew and understood the potential concerns with the surgery and was willing to proceed, because the long term benefit was too great not to participate. I had a complication that I did not think would happen to me but it did. I dealt with it and moved on. It has been the best decision I made for myself in a long time. I feel great and my life has changed for the better. Maybe it is just me but I couldn't dwell on the what if's once I understand them and commit to move forward.

Congratulations Lady!! You look wonderful. Terrific achievement!

I have a Fitbit Flex and love it. I also have the Aria scale. I wear my Flex everywhere, including the shower. Even had it in a swimming in a swimming pool and it was fine. I am not sure if that is ok. I don't think it is waterproof, just water resistant.I have had the Flex since October. It syncs with My Fitness Pal, which I use for food tracking. It automatically syncs with my iPhone, my iPad and my computer.

Congratulations! Terrific achievement!

I was told early on that 15-20 grams of Protein per meal was advised, just as mentioned, and I have tried to stick with that. I do start my day with a homemade protein shake that is usually in the 25-30 gram range. I find that I like starting the day with a good amount of protein and it usually keeps me satisfied for 3-4 hours. It also allows me to meet my daily protein goal of 80-90 grams with 3 meals and two Snacks. I have read that the key to long term success is being able to maintain the feeling of satiety for as long as possible during meal time. It would be interesting to see how the protein absorption rates relate to the feeling of fullness. That could give some good guidance on amounts of protein to eat and how often.

I have logged my food since I started this journey. It works very well for me. Calorie intake is important but just as important is the make up of the calories. How much Protein, Fats and carbohydrates are you taking in. I am 5 months out and have been doing low carb, < 50 per day. In the last few weeks I have upped my carbs to 60-70 per day and it has made a big difference with energy levels. I am still losing weight steadily, but have the energy to exercise and I feel good about it.

Congratulations! This site has been significant in my journey. It has been very important to read and hear from others experiencing similar things

HW. 362 on 8/19/13 SW. 320 on 12/23/13 CW. 242 2 pounds this week, 120 pounds total.

I am 5 months out and couldn't be happier with the decision. Be patient, follow the program. You will be fine. Good Luck!

I am five months out from surgery. I have been eating in restaurants at least twice a week for the last six weeks or so. I have found that anywhere I go, I can make good choices and that restaurants are more than willing to accommodate my requests. You just have to make sure you can stay with the program and not be tempted by things you should not eat or drink.

I had no issues with PE before the surgery but ended up with a PE as a result of the surgery. The surgeons told me that if I had a known predetermination for blood clots before the surgery the protocols would change. The surgeon can tell you what would need to be done, but I agree with the earlier comments. You can still have surgery but the preparation for surgery is different knowing clots may occur.

I am also 5 months out. Currently I am at 1100 calories a day. A little less on days I don't work out or exercise. I am able to get a good sensation of fullness by making sure I eat enough dense Proteins, 3 meals a day with 2 Snacks. At my NUT's suggestion, I have recently upped the amount of carbs I eat to 60-80 per day to incorporate more multi grains. I needed the carbs for energy. I have made a personal choice not to eat potatoes, rice, Pasta or Desserts. I have found a Peanut Butter cup, made by Quest, that has 20 grams of Protein per serving. The taste is excellent.

I would bet that the vast majority of WLS patients choose surgery because they have tried and failed at "diets". I know that I tried Weight Watchers, Nutri System, Zone Diet, Medifast and Atkins at various times. I had varying levels of success with each but ended up putting my weight loss back on. Part of the problem is the "diet"approach. Very few of these diets teach you how to manage food choices beyond their program. Many WLS programs take a holistic approach to the surgery. That is why nutrition classes, exercise classes, psych reviews are included. Did any have a psych evaluation as part of weight watchers? The reason VSG is working for me is that I have made a lifestyle change. I am eating healthy Proteins, fats and carbs on a regular schedule, I am drinking more Water than ever, I am exercising and I have tremendous support from medical professionals and current WLS support groups. I have every reason to believe that I will be successful as long as I follow the plan.

HW. 362 on 8/19/13 SW. 320 on 12/23/13 CW. 244 2 pounds this week, 118 pounds total.

Everyone has reasons why they choose a particular surgery. My surgeon recommended the sleeve for me. I expect to be able to loose 140 pounds. I like what I saw in the results of VSG and had no reasons why it did not make sense for me. I had my surgery on 12/23/13. Currently I have lost a total of 118 pounds. Weight loss has been steady with no issues with the sleeve. I am very happy with my decision

I always feel the sensation of fullness when I have eaten enough. For me the hiccups are a sign of over eating

I will be Tarpon Fishing in KeyWest in Mid June. Since the big ones take 45-60 minutes to get to the boat, upper body strength is important.

I am having occasional balance issues which the Doctors relate to my weight loss. I am down about 115 pounds, and I also walk with a bit of a slouch. I have to remind myself about keeping my back straight. For me, a lot of weight has come off my upper body, shoulders, chest and stomach. In addition my feet are narrower than before. I guess it makes sense that balance could be a concern. Any idea how long this unfamiliarity will last?

Without a doubt Quest Protein Bars: White Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or Cookies and Cream

I took Dr Ohira Probiotics before the surgery so I asked about post surgery because it seemed to make sense. My surgeon said he thought it was a good idea but asked me to wait until I was on a full diet, about 12 weeks. The normal dose is two per day.

HW. 362 on 8/19/13 SW. 320 on 12/23/13 CW. 246 2 pounds this week, 116 pounds total.

You need some carbs to function so Ido not think no carb is an option. I decided that I wanted to do low carb since I had success with low crab dieting previously. My NUT recommended that I keep carbs between 50-60 per day. I have been able to do that successfully since I moved to a regular diet. I have found that I need to increase carbs as I need energy for increased exercise.

Today's menu Breakfast: chocolate Peanut Butter Protein shake with unjury Chocolate Splendor, PB2, Skim Milk, Water * Ice Lunch: Quest White Chocolate Protein Bar Snack: Celery sticks with 1 tablespoon peanut butter, topped with almonds Dinner: 2 Egg & cheese omelet with 3 ounces corned beef

I started at a size 56 waist. 4 1/2 months out I am down to a 44 waist pants. I am hopeful that I can get to a size 38, which is where I was at 25 years old