desertmom

Hi
I posted about this in some forum about 5 months ago and people were kind of making out as if this was age related and had nothing to do with the surgery.
My eye sight have deteriorated a lot.I also noticed it the first time about 3 weeks post op.After posting about it I thougt it was my imagination.However,I cannot read any labels on anything anymore.I find this super frustrating as I dont want to wear glases.
That is also why I am on my ipad most of the time...can make it much bigger if I need to...lol
xxo

Hi Deanac
Well that makes me feel better about my stall...lol
If the DS was available in the UAE in 2003 I would have done it.Heck if it was here now I still would have considered it but I am not very compliant with Vitamins so it might have been a bad idea for me.
Good luck and enjoy losing!

Hi Deanac
Well that makes me feel better about my stall...lol
If the DS was available in the UAE in 2003 I would have done it.Heck if it was here now I still would have considered it but I am not very compliant with Vitamins so it might have been a bad idea for me.
Good luck and enjoy losing!

Hi,welcome!
I was on LBT for a long time from 2004 to 2006 (was sick as a dog with the band and soooo desperate the whole time)
The sleeve is for me everything I thought the band would be and wasnt.

Hi
Just my take on this.It might be clouded by my current 3 week stall though..lol
I am 6 minths out and all of a sudden I am thinking of food way to often.I am also hungry.Real stomach hungry,a feeling that I suppose is hunger (never felt hungry before in my life as I was always eating)
As a 45 year old habitual dieter that's not been at my goal weight for over 20 years and having to constantly tell myself not to eat now at 6 months out,I would have done the Ds if 1.it didnt have the bafhroom issues ans 2.the malabsorption of Vitamins were not so severe.I also would have considered the RNY if I havent seen so many of my friends gain 50 plus pounds 4 to 5 years after the RNY.
So,the botom line is one will have to relearn to 1. eat only at meal times and not snack all the time,2.have self control in your choices 3. Make peace with all this, no matter which one of the surgeries you have.
And if you can do that for the RNY or the DS then you can do that for the sleeve which at this time seems to be the surgery with less long term health issues in terms of nutrition.
One thing though.It was so shocking for me when I realized that I can snack and that carbs do go down so easily.I am sure that if I snack all the time it would be possilbe for me to regain everything I have lost.I have no doubt about it.When we graze we usually choose high fat high calorie Snacks and rubbish goes down so easy with the sleeve.
Permanent changes in the way we think about food and saying no to ourselves even when we dont want to is definetely necessary.
But the sleeve is working for me and I am working on changing my bad patterns.Having said all this my close friend had the RNY,lost all her weight,eats great gourmet foods,stays at her goal and have more restriction than me,had right from the start.She had her surgery quite a few years ago and she's still doing great and she finds it so easy.

Hi
Just my take on this.It might be clouded by my current 3 week stall though..lol
I am 6 minths out and all of a sudden I am thinking of food way to often.I am also hungry.Real stomach hungry,a feeling that I suppose is hunger (never felt hungry before in my life as I was always eating)
As a 45 year old habitual dieter that's not been at my goal weight for over 20 years and having to constantly tell myself not to eat now at 6 months out,I would have done the Ds if 1.it didnt have the bafhroom issues ans 2.the malabsorption of Vitamins were not so severe.I also would have considered the RNY if I havent seen so many of my friends gain 50 plus pounds 4 to 5 years after the RNY.
So,the botom line is one will have to relearn to 1. eat only at meal times and not snack all the time,2.have self control in your choices 3. Make peace with all this, no matter which one of the surgeries you have.
And if you can do that for the RNY or the DS then you can do that for the sleeve which at this time seems to be the surgery with less long term health issues in terms of nutrition.
One thing though.It was so shocking for me when I realized that I can snack and that carbs do go down so easily.I am sure that if I snack all the time it would be possilbe for me to regain everything I have lost.I have no doubt about it.When we graze we usually choose high fat high calorie Snacks and rubbish goes down so easy with the sleeve.
Permanent changes in the way we think about food and saying no to ourselves even when we dont want to is definetely necessary.
But the sleeve is working for me and I am working on changing my bad patterns.Having said all this my close friend had the RNY,lost all her weight,eats great gourmet foods,stays at her goal and have more restriction than me,had right from the start.She had her surgery quite a few years ago and she's still doing great and she finds it so easy.

I dont think I look younger.Because my face was so round the wrinkles we filled in nicely with fat..lol
But I started doing some facial and neck exercise just last week and low and behold the reformer teacher told me today that all of a sudden my neck looks so much firmer.Dont know about the face but a few people have commented on my face looking great lately.I have only been doing this for 2 weeks now.
I must confess though.A facelift is first on my plastics list.

Everyone is judgemental.So what?
It is you and you alone that can walk this walk.Will you lose friends?maybe.Will people treat you differently?For sure...but that is the way of the world and its called the human condition.The faster we learn to deal with that,the better our lives will be.
Harsh but my experience.Why do you want surgery is a very important question.
If I knew where my LITERALLY LIFE LONG EFFORTS to lose weight would have gotten me (nowhere) I would have done this surgery 10 years ago.
Good luck and seeing a therapist is an excellent idea.It helps us to get the answers we so desperately seek and make the conclusions we need to move forward.

Hi
I posted about this in some forum about 5 months ago and people were kind of making out as if this was age related and had nothing to do with the surgery.
My eye sight have deteriorated a lot.I also noticed it the first time about 3 weeks post op.After posting about it I thougt it was my imagination.However,I cannot read any labels on anything anymore.I find this super frustrating as I dont want to wear glases.
That is also why I am on my ipad most of the time...can make it much bigger if I need to...lol
xxo

No regrets here,a little sadness that I couldnt have done this at the age of 30,fifteen years ago!
I love my sleeve!

O,and what is your goal weight?You cannot be to far away from it!

Hi,
I dont think stretched yet,but it might if you keep up with the fizzy drinks.
Sometimes I think it is because we feel so much better that we start becoming complacent and indifferent to what we eat.On the other hand life is back to normal and we get use to the sleeve.
You know what the problem is.Those nature valley bars taste great but lots of sugar.one has 190 calories in them (ok,the 2 in the wrapper)I know,I have looked at them plenty of times already..lol
Just sit down,decide what is important.Just because we can eat more doesnt mean we have to.
Get carrot sticks,cucumber sticks...you will not be able to eat to much of those,it fills up very quickly.Cut some of the snacking, have an extra cup of tea.
Just make a few good choices again and your weight will start moving again.
NO FIZZY DRINKS!
Good luck and look at how far you have come.You can finish this!

Hi,
I dont think stretched yet,but it might if you keep up with the fizzy drinks.
Sometimes I think it is because we feel so much better that we start becoming complacent and indifferent to what we eat.On the other hand life is back to normal and we get use to the sleeve.
You know what the problem is.Those nature valley bars taste great but lots of sugar.one has 190 calories in them (ok,the 2 in the wrapper)I know,I have looked at them plenty of times already..lol
Just sit down,decide what is important.Just because we can eat more doesnt mean we have to.
Get carrot sticks,cucumber sticks...you will not be able to eat to much of those,it fills up very quickly.Cut some of the snacking, have an extra cup of tea.
Just make a few good choices again and your weight will start moving again.
NO FIZZY DRINKS!
Good luck and look at how far you have come.You can finish this!

Another way to see this is as an adjustment period after a big loss...( here is the reason to be EXCITED about an adjustment..) its followed by another big loss.
Having said that,I still freak out if it lasts too long!It just puts doubt in my mind.
I've lost really fast for my age and genentics by eating real solid Proteins.Hardly ever needed a shake since I could eat.
You will look at your friend,that's what we do even if we know we shouldnt.So,if you say she eats lots,how what does she eat that you dont and what does lots mean?
40 pounds in 2 months seems great to me.Will go and see where I was at 2 months out but it seems like a heck of a lot more than what some people lose.
xxo

Another way to see this is as an adjustment period after a big loss...( here is the reason to be EXCITED about an adjustment..) its followed by another big loss.
Having said that,I still freak out if it lasts too long!It just puts doubt in my mind.
I've lost really fast for my age and genentics by eating real solid Proteins.Hardly ever needed a shake since I could eat.
You will look at your friend,that's what we do even if we know we shouldnt.So,if you say she eats lots,how what does she eat that you dont and what does lots mean?
40 pounds in 2 months seems great to me.Will go and see where I was at 2 months out but it seems like a heck of a lot more than what some people lose.
xxo

Another way to see this is as an adjustment period after a big loss...( here is the reason to be EXCITED about an adjustment..) its followed by another big loss.
Having said that,I still freak out if it lasts too long!It just puts doubt in my mind.
I've lost really fast for my age and genentics by eating real solid Proteins.Hardly ever needed a shake since I could eat.
You will look at your friend,that's what we do even if we know we shouldnt.So,if you say she eats lots,how what does she eat that you dont and what does lots mean?
40 pounds in 2 months seems great to me.Will go and see where I was at 2 months out but it seems like a heck of a lot more than what some people lose.
xxo

Ok,I cant comment about the meds but I can tell you this.
The surgery is done.No turning back.At 2 months to 3 months I mourned the loss of eating.Then I decided to start enjoying it again.If I can only lick that fork,well it is the tastiest lick I will ever have.If it is 3 bites,which often happens when I eat out,it is the greatest 3 bites I have ever had.(ok,still need to learn to take smaller bites...lol)
In the beginning I would constantly feel that by the time others are just warmed up to eat,I was finished.Then I decided to argue this out with myself and to WIN.
Rule one is to be mindful when I eat those 4 bites.Slowly and deliberately.Look at it,beautiful,smell it..mmmm...taste it,delicious.
Now,when my 3 or 4 bites are finished,I have to tell myself the following:wasnt that just great?Isnt it just awesome that I am actually full without being the one to scoff down mine plus my kid's food?why do I believe I cannot be satisfied with what I have eaten?
And then I choose to let the plate go.No take away bag,nothing.Just tell them to take it.And I am so happy that I chose that.I won!
I keep telling people struggling with this issue.Now is the time to figure out how to be happy with the fact that you can only eat a little.And you can mourn the loss of a lot of food and you need to have a great talk with yourself and you need to congratulate yourself when you manage to feel you've won!
I suppose this is advice not support but if a friend of mine didnt have a very frank discussion with me about the fact that I just seemed so sad and depressed after my surgery and that I should let go of eating a lot without letting go of enjoying food,I would still be sitting in front of my plate of food,crying.
It just made me think how in control I can be if I am just prepared to be in control.That I decide,that I can turn this into a win win situation for me all the way.
Now,I dont diet,low carb,low fat,deprive myself of anything.
Baby portions of the best qualitly food I can possibly eat.I dont like something,I just wont touch it.Tasty food,well presented food,healthy food.
Good luck with your journey and I hope you can find this great balance and start really enjoying your food again.
At 4 months out you will really be able to eat a little more than you can now.You will learn to say as I do....it is awesome that I cannot eat that huge plate of food anymore.
xxo

That is a great resolve. ( is that the right word?)
Some of my great friends have forgotten who they were and where they came from after they got thin.I found it really sad at first but now I just think it will come back to bite them on the behind,like things usually do.
Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted as to how you are doing.
xxo

I have been on depression meds since 1984. It has been so long now, that I just consider them additional Vitamins. I have had to change types over the years, and in fact blame a bit of my weight gain on the depression puills. Anyway, my advice would be to keep the two issues as separate as you can. Treat your depression as it is needed. Treat your VSG sysmptoms as well. But try not to combine them.
Not being able to eat is depressing. No doubt about it. i am going through a real tough time right now with solid foods (7 weeks post-op). We still go out to eat. Here is why. Before I would have spent 10-15 bucks on dinner and 10+ more on beer. And that was to eat unhealthy and drink beer. Now we go out and I spend 10-15 on dinner (and 4 bucks on ice tea - they should be arrested for a felony.... sorry got off on my soap box there.). So before I spent 10-15 and now I spend 10-15. The difference is that I eat 1/10 of it. It bothered me at first. then you know what. I said poo on it. i am going to order what I want and eat what I can. I bought it, it is mine, if I want to sticvk it in my ear I can. So if I do not eat all of it - so what. A watse? sure. If I can not take it home it is a waste. But you know what? It is your business. eat what you can.
I have also come to the realization that I am eating so little, that I can be a bit more adventurous with my foods. 10,000,000 million calories a serving? Not for 3 teaspoons it is not!!!
I am finding that in my period of really struggling (I took Monday off because I felt so bad and down and was not eating enough), that a treat is in order. I had some baby back ribs last ***ht. Took me 30 minutes to eat a few of them.... but so what. I think everyone in the resturant could hear me lick my fingers.... ha ha ha I am enjoying these... I would take 2 bites or so and then simply wait 5 minutes before eating any more. It worked okay for me. If I eat too fast bad things hapen, so go slow and enjoy whatever amount you can. Do not let the reduced portion size make you crazy, allow the yummy-ness of the food to speak for it self.
And finally, some part of your depression has to be related to your weight and that has to be getting better. So, with all the struggles, there has to be some good feelings about the weight loss and the improved appearance. And that has to help with the depression.
I can fully understand your position, (I am in it right there with ya), it will get better. And you will look and feel better. Right now just figure out the best way to enjoy what you can during this short period of adjustment. I wish you the very best of luck, and you have friends here - all understanding of your situation, keep us informed and reach out when you get down.

Ok,I cant comment about the meds but I can tell you this.
The surgery is done.No turning back.At 2 months to 3 months I mourned the loss of eating.Then I decided to start enjoying it again.If I can only lick that fork,well it is the tastiest lick I will ever have.If it is 3 bites,which often happens when I eat out,it is the greatest 3 bites I have ever had.(ok,still need to learn to take smaller bites...lol)
In the beginning I would constantly feel that by the time others are just warmed up to eat,I was finished.Then I decided to argue this out with myself and to WIN.
Rule one is to be mindful when I eat those 4 bites.Slowly and deliberately.Look at it,beautiful,smell it..mmmm...taste it,delicious.
Now,when my 3 or 4 bites are finished,I have to tell myself the following:wasnt that just great?Isnt it just awesome that I am actually full without being the one to scoff down mine plus my kid's food?why do I believe I cannot be satisfied with what I have eaten?
And then I choose to let the plate go.No take away bag,nothing.Just tell them to take it.And I am so happy that I chose that.I won!
I keep telling people struggling with this issue.Now is the time to figure out how to be happy with the fact that you can only eat a little.And you can mourn the loss of a lot of food and you need to have a great talk with yourself and you need to congratulate yourself when you manage to feel you've won!
I suppose this is advice not support but if a friend of mine didnt have a very frank discussion with me about the fact that I just seemed so sad and depressed after my surgery and that I should let go of eating a lot without letting go of enjoying food,I would still be sitting in front of my plate of food,crying.
It just made me think how in control I can be if I am just prepared to be in control.That I decide,that I can turn this into a win win situation for me all the way.
Now,I dont diet,low carb,low fat,deprive myself of anything.
Baby portions of the best qualitly food I can possibly eat.I dont like something,I just wont touch it.Tasty food,well presented food,healthy food.
Good luck with your journey and I hope you can find this great balance and start really enjoying your food again.
At 4 months out you will really be able to eat a little more than you can now.You will learn to say as I do....it is awesome that I cannot eat that huge plate of food anymore.
xxo

When was the time you lost 20 lbs before surgery? It will happen and BTW, you really can't throw the towel in because the procedure is not reversible. So sit back, put the scale in the trash (LOL) and enjoy the ride. Focus on creating healthier eating habits with exercise. This is a life change. Measure your body and watch the inches disappear. You are doing great!

When my body takes the time to readjust (stall..lol) the scale stays exactly the same to the .100.Morning noon and night.And I do jump on the scale every 10 minutes so I really know this as a fact.
It can stay like that for quite a while too.....and then I drop quite a few pounds.
Every time I restart the exercising thing I stall for longer than 10 days....not a .1 down,nothing.
Do what you say you are doing and the weight will come off....be patient.

The sleeve is so different from the band isnt it?
At some point I realized how I would out eat the band just because I never felt restriction per se but was so sick with heartburn and pain all the time.
It left a deep psychological scar because I felt like an utter failure for so long.
Now I am starting to feel free.Free from this monster stomach that could hold so much food and free from the head that just wanted to feed it...lol
Anyway you are doing great.Keep up the good work!

This really really works.
That is why eating at restaurants really works for me.I am forced to sit at a table,have to take small mindful bites,chew enough times to taste it (to prevent sliming or stuck food whichI still get when I dont chew enough,prevent public embarrasment) I eat slowly (or I will be finished when everyone else is only starting) and the presentation of the food is always great.My satisfaction level with the food and the experience makes me feel full very fast.
But then mindfulness works in all aspects of life.It is just hard to keep remembering to be mindful.
I have a mindfulness meditation cd that is wonderful.

Hi
I actually cried about my old stomach...
The headache is from not eating and then maybe not enough fluids.I had it too for about 10 days on and off.At the moment you are delicate and it is a big op so you will feel tired and sick,I certainly did.
You will start feeling better soon.Just rest,sip and breathe.And dont worry about anything else.It takes a while to start feeling that everything will be ok,but it will.I sometimes read of people driving the next day and going to work in a week and I have no idea how they do that.
Just try to relax and its baby steps at this point.
Good luck and speedy recovery for you!