1Day1Life4Now

I get really hungry too, but my nutritionist keeps telling me its because I'm not drinking enough. She says the more you drink the less hungry you will be. I'm working on it.

I agree with what everyone has said in the above posts. I am 3 months out and I still have problems with plain water. It all tastes metallic to me. I have to use crystal lite lemon aid or sugar free kool aid drops. The Kool Aid drops in cherry have been the best as far as I'm concerned. It makes the water so smooth and it goes down so easy. You can adjust the flavor with the drops. Just one or two for a little flavor or more if you like a strong kool aid taste. Different things work for different people and you have to experiment to see what is best for you. Good luck.

I had the pain the first couple of weeks. I just made smaller sips and kept at it. eventually it gets better. Just keep at it. Good luck.

I truly have no idea what my ideal dress size should be but I selected an 8 as it seems more reasonable to me as a goal. I am not hung up on numbers for size or weight as I prefer to focus on being healthy and fit. When I get to my ideal weight, what ever it may be, and my ideal size, who knows what it could be, I'll know it by how I feel. I still have a ways to go as far as weight loss is concerned but I feel so much better and am able to do so much more. I have energy and I feel strong... how can a dress size compete with that??? When I look at a person I don't think to myself is she a size 6 or a size 14, no, I notice if they are fit and comfortable in their own skin, if they are... they are at their ideal size.

I can't speak for the maintenance calories for a tall woman....I'm only 5' 4". But I can speak about the energy!! Since having the VSG and losing weight, I've had more energy than I have had in a very long time. You don't need that many calories, you will get full quickly and your calories will be limited during the losing phase but you will take Vitamins to make sure your body gets all of the vitamins it needs to do its work. I've had fatigue only once since surgery and that was due to an upper respiratory infection. As soon as that was gone, I was up to my regular energy levels. Don't over think this process. There is a scientific equation here that helps you lose weight by burning more calories than you take in. It works, its fast, and it is a life saver. Don't think you are any different than anyone else, you won't starve and your metabolism and BMR are no different than anybody else of your height. When you accept the program for what it is, you will be ready.

Angst about surgery is so normal and is to be expected. The professionals at the hospital are so well trained to handle all of the surgery before and after duties. You will be fine. Just do what they tell you to do and all will be well. The first week is very rough but don't let tht deter you. The first week after surgery is always tough, regardless of what kind of surgery you have. Get up and walk and drink your fluids. Simple as that. Good luck and sending up healing prayers for you. Hugs

Congratulations! HOpe you get a date soon.

My IBS is soooo much better.

a lot of people view the pics of posters but they are on this website, not out in cyber land. I looked at your profile and I didn't see any before or after pics. Do you have pics somewhere else?

I had 6 incisions. 5 across my belly, a couple inches above my belly button and then one right at my bra line in center. I didn't wear a bra for the first week and that one healed the quickest because it was so small. I went back to work the next week and a bra was fine. In fact I felt more comfortable and more "together" with a bra.

start practicing now for your post op diet. Use the Protein shakes for one or two of your meals and then have a healthy meal of meat and veggies for your third meal. It will take off the weight.

The foot pain is a gradual thing. The more you lose, the less your feet will hurt. Just 20 pounds can make a really big difference. I used to have knee and hip pain all of the time. I've lost 40 pounds and now the pain is gone. I still have a little pain going down steps but it is so much better than it was. Also, my feet have gotten smaller. Some people were ecstatic about that but its a bit of a problem for me. I measure a size 7 and sometimes a 7 1/2 and my feet look too tiny for my body. It is not a good look. My shoes are looser and Im fine with that. Some people have said they went down several shoe sizes when they started losing weight. That should help with some of your foot pain as you shoes won't be so tight. Good luck and as the previous poster said... get the best shoes you can and wear them... it will eliminate foot related problems. The professional pedicure is also a great idea. It gets the blood flowing and makes you feel sooooo good. And of course you are worth it!!!

There have been so many posts lately about whether to tell or not. I've said it before and I'll say it again.... When people start paying my bills they can start having a say in my life. Till then it really is none of their business. I just wanted to save myself some hassle and not deal with any negativity or stress from people I don't care about. I told my husband and daughter because they live with me and were the ones looking after me in the hospital. My son lives in Tennessee so I did not feel any reason to tell him as he wouldn't be involved in the surgery, the recovery or my daily eating plan. He will just be happy to see me thinner and healthier for mother's day. I only took 4 days off from work so there was no curiosity about where I had been or anything. I just don't feel this is something I need to share with co=workers, neighbors or church members. I have told the people I want to know so I don't have to worry about who knows what or who has told who. Its just not an issue. I'm happy with my decision and you have to make the decision that you know you will be happiest with. Just remember, once the genie is out of the bottle you can't put him back in.

I had 6 incisions. across the bottom of my stomach (waist line) and then one under and between my breasts. I think each doctor does it a bit differently. I did not have a drain so no incision for that.

don't worry. Your body is still recovering from surgery. Some people recover more slowly than others. Once the healing has truly begun...you will see more weight loss. Make sure you are eating your Protein and drinking your Water and you are walking every day. If you do all those things the weight will come off. Good luck and be patient.

You look adorable in your new slim trim body. Congratulations.

Good luck msryan. Your angst prior to surgery is completely normal. Tomorrow starts an entirely new life style. You will do fine and you will love the results. Be patient and follow the rules and you will be fine. Also, good luck to Sleevin it in Jersey. Slim times ahead. Get ready for all the compliments everybody because people will be noticing a slimmer trimmer you.

My sleeve gurgles too. I wasn't sure why but I'm glad it is normal and others are experiencing it too. I will be so glad when it settles down as it is very embarrassing when eating in public.

Its natural to be nervous, and that's okay. You've had bariatric surgery before so you know all the ropes. the sleeve is awesome. True, it can't be undone but then who wants a temporary fix? The reason I chose the sleeve was because it was permanent and I felt that it would help me change my eating habits for life and ultimately help me keep the weight off for life. I am tired of yoyo dieting and the temporary weight loss. I'm all for a permanently healthy life. I wish you much luck and a very easy and quick recovery. You are going to love it.

Go to the doctor. I hope you haven't broken/ busted some internal staples.

The world is made up of rule makers and rule breakers. What others choose to do has no true impact on me or my weight loss. I look for support from those that have been following the rules and are successful. Does that mean I won't ever break a rule? Of course not. I'm only human and as hard as I try to follow the rules and lose the weight, I sometimes become weak and stumble. I do try to make conscious decisions of everything I put in my mouth but does everyone do this? I doubt it, it's their life and their problem so let them do it their way. We all place a different value on health and that's okay, if everyone was 100% successful with WLS it would devalue our journey. Then it really would be "the easy way out". Anything worth having is worth working for .... so I'm working for my health and my future life. If someone else doesn't achieve that...I'm not affected.

totaloser, you have been blessed and I agree, the sleeve did save your life. You are now in a new battle and I pray that you will be strong for this too. Wishing you much luck and sending you healing hugs and prayers.

No, I agree, the starting weight does not make any difference at all. But by the same token, I sometimes get irked by "how many pounds total have you lost" and the "what size do you want to be?" Does it really matter how many pounds we lose or what size we get to? Am I less of a person If I only get to a size 12 than the person that gets to that size 6? I put the weight on my ticker that the doctor's staff told me I should weigh.... by looking at a chart. Do I think I will really get to that weight? Not likely. I will try my best but I think it is unrealistic. I'm getting healthier and that is what really matters. Staying healthy is my ultimate goal.

Raising my hand here. I've suffered from depression for years. I've taken all kinds of stuff. But no more....I am facing my demons head on and the sleeve is working for me. Other than the first couple of weeks, I've had no depression and I'm feeling great. The compliments from others has kept me "UP".

stick with the prescribed diet.... it was planned with success in mind.