plasticbee

I just got my huge (HEAVY) box of shakes last week. I got the Premier Protein chocolate/vanilla combo. I have to say they are amazingly good, and either a combination of them+time made me get off a short stall I was on.
I also was approved for the scar cream -- I'm not really sure what it "does" (I mean, scar help obviously) but hey it's not going to hurt to put it on, right? Anyone been using it for a longer period of time have had any good results with it?
They also sent me a sample of chewable Vitamins as I wasn't approved for them. They are pretty good -- the brand is optisource (Citrus flavor) and is made by NestleHealthScience. No idea if these are readily available for purchase, but I know a lot of people often look for Vitamin alternatives, so I figured I'd mention.
I wish I had know about this earlier in my process, I probably wouldn't have bought that Ninja blender (though it IS pretty amazing, I just find myself not using it as much now that I have the Premier shakes and shakes from BariatricChoice.com)

I just got my huge (HEAVY) box of shakes last week. I got the Premier Protein chocolate/vanilla combo. I have to say they are amazingly good, and either a combination of them+time made me get off a short stall I was on.
I also was approved for the scar cream -- I'm not really sure what it "does" (I mean, scar help obviously) but hey it's not going to hurt to put it on, right? Anyone been using it for a longer period of time have had any good results with it?
They also sent me a sample of chewable Vitamins as I wasn't approved for them. They are pretty good -- the brand is optisource (Citrus flavor) and is made by NestleHealthScience. No idea if these are readily available for purchase, but I know a lot of people often look for Vitamin alternatives, so I figured I'd mention.
I wish I had know about this earlier in my process, I probably wouldn't have bought that Ninja blender (though it IS pretty amazing, I just find myself not using it as much now that I have the Premier shakes and shakes from BariatricChoice.com)

A good list, and I guess my comments are more clarifying rather than disagreeing.
On the topic of exercise - you are right that plenty of people lose just fine without it. I think that you will be a little sad though to find when you get to goal that you have lost so much muscle mass that you can eat so little in maintenance. Exercise does not really cause you to lose weight so much as it increases your fitness/ups your metabolism/preserves lean muscle to make life time maintenance more realistic.
Most of us DON'T NEED plastic surgery. In my case, even after losing 160# I didn't have skin rash or any medical need for plastics. Heck, Spanx or other decent Shapewear kept things together for me just fine. I wanted plastics because it was important to me to look "normal". I truly believe that it will help me with the mental/emotional aspects of long term maintenance. Plastics were really really hard but I am glad I did it. I would also say that people at the beginning of their journey shouldn't even think about all this. As time went on, i got more and more comfortable with the excess skin and if I had not been able to do plastics - I would have been okay with that too.
The honeymoon period is real... but it is debatable how long it lasts. I lost about 100# my first 6 months. Took me another 8 months to lose the next 50 - so it took me 14 months to lose 150# to goal. I stabilized and maintained that 150# loss before I decided to lose 10 more. I was well over 18 months out and it wasn't that hard to lose those 10. It is very true though that the fastest weight loss/least hunger occurs in those early months so TAKE ADVANTAGE. It also means that you shouldn't give up just because you are more than 6-12 months out - it is still possible!
As far as eating - eating the right things is so important, but so is Portion Control. The idea is to learn to eat to absence of hunger, not until full. That was a foreign concept to me, but has really paid off! I still after all this time, eat off smaller plates and use appetizer sized utinsils at home.
One thing you don't mention is the head trip that this whole journey is for many of us. Some get depression, some find their whole worlds turned upside down.... others maybe a smaller impact. Be prepared for major ups and downs though. As that fat sheds, hormones are released which can cause mood swings. You may find that friends and family get tired of hearing about your weight loss, you may find many things out about your relationships during this journey. Don't make big decisions if you can avoid it if you are going through that wild emotional ride.
Mostly... keep your eye on the prize - life at a healthier weight, enjoying doing things you could only dream of when obese. It is so worth it!

Howdy folks. I've noticed a lot of newbies coming onboard recently (welcome!) and some misinformation getting posted. As I learned a lot from vets who posted wise words when I was pre-surgery and early in my journey, I wanted to share the knowledge and dispel some of the inaccurate info I'm seeing posted. Please feel free to add your own info, and as always, there will be exceptions to the info below - there always are! I'm sure I will be flamed by someone who eats McDonalds and pizza day in and day out, never gets their Protein in and drinks vente vanilla lattes every morning and still loses 4 lbs. a week. For the rest of us, this is written to help folks set appropriate expectations about their sleeve. Good luck to all of us on this amazing journey.
Myth #1: The sleeve will do it for you and you have to work at making it fail.
Nope, not true. Even though you will have restriction, you still have to deal with some increase in sleeve capacity that happens over time and the effect of sliders (foods that reduce in your stomach and don't fill you up, like popcorn and chips....) and the calories in liquids (ah Brownie Frappucinos...). So, while the sleeve is an amazing tool and the restriction will help you sooo much, you still have to follow basic rules of sleeve eating in order to have continued success in the long run. The stats for VSG are around 60% excess weight loss. Think of that as an average of some people losing 100% of excess weight, some losing little or none, some only losing half before they stop, and some losing great and then gaining it back.
Myth #2: When you have the sleeve you can eat "whatever you want" or "like a normal person," (whatever that is).
Nope. Unless "whatever you want" includes lots of protein and vegetables and other healthy foods, it's unlikely you will be able to eat whatever you want with no limitations and have the sleeve do it all for you. While we all have exceptional days here and there where we don't eat what's best for us, overall you will be following protein first, vegs second, and carbs third forever. Are there exceptions to this rule? Sure, there are some people who are exceptions and go back to eating fast food, junk food, and sodas every day and keep the weight off, but not many and they certainly are not the majority on this board, at least. Why set yourself up for failure? Learn good habits early on.
Myth #3: Everyone must follow 1200 calories a day (or whatever amount) or they will go into "starvation" mode.
You are not on a regular diet. You are on a medically supervised plan that works in conjunction with major surgery, and most plans utilze VLC (very low calorie) eating plans. I see people here think they can't do on 500 calories a day and use "starvation mode" as an excuse to eat more, then before you know it they are writing in asking for help because they haven't lost in 5 months. Does "starvation mode" exist? I don't know, and some people do drop weight after adding an extra 100 calories a day, but don't go hogwild with the concept of starvation mode. Trust in your nutritionist or find a nutritionist that you can trust. And remember that many people (especially older, postmenapausal or sedentary people) can only maintain on 1200 or 1000 calories a day and will stop losing if they take this advice to eat more. On the other hand, if you are 22 years old and very active, you will probably do just fine with a higher calorie count, but again, everyone is different.
Myth #4: You have to eat X amount of protein, carbs, fats, etc.
Nope. The nutritional guidelines vary from doctor to doctor. Everyone wishes they were the same and it would sure make it easier, but doctors and nutritionists differ. Those in Centers of Excellence have a long track record that they base their recommendations on, and others use published research. Sometimes it seems like our nuts just pull stuff out of the air. Some doctors are very strict and others give vague guidelines with few or no limitations. What to do? If you trust your doctor and nutritionist, then stick with their plan. If you are getting results, stick with your plan. You hired them for their expertise, so trust what they say. If you don't trust your doctor/nut, then move to a different practice if you can and find someone you can trust. Almost everyone agrees that protein is very important for sleeve patients (one thing to agree on!) but what that magic number is ...open to debate. You will see everything from 60 grams of protein a day to 100 or more. And you will see people who can't get it all in and get by on 40 grams a day with no problems. That's why it is important to stick to the plan you trust and works for you. Many people here vary on how many grams of protein, fat, carbs, Fiber, 5:2, Atkins, yadayadayada. What is right for you may not be right for someone else.
Myth #5: You can stop your hair from falling out with Vitamins, protein, etc.
Not really. You can probably help it with vitamins and Biotin and making sure you get in all your protein, but many people do all this and still lose hair. It is the body's natural response to the extreme stress you have put it in with surgery and severely limited calories. A few people don't lose their hair, others lose anywhere from a little to a lot and some resort to wigs. Eventually it grows back, but even that timetable varies from person to person.
Myth #6: Once the honeymoon (6 months) is over you will stop losing.
Not really. As vets can attest to, your first 6 months are your best window of opportunity and your doctor will expect you to lose a significant portion of weight in that time. However, if you stick with (or return to) your basic plan of firm protein first, vegs second, carbs third and lots of Water, you can get back to losing (and it's still easier than if you did not have the sleeve). You may not lose like you did in Month Two, but you will still lose. Some doctors say your window of opportunity is 18 months out from surgery. They vary on this, too.
Myth #7: You have to exercise.
Not really. Lots of people don't and still lose. However, exercise will give you much better results and most importantly, you will be much healthier. Also, if you start building good exercise habits now it will make keeping the weight off much easier in the long run. So, even if it's just a walk around the block, start moving your body around.
Myth #8: You will need plastic surgery when it's over.
Maybe, maybe not. Depends on your age (a lot), how much you had to lose, where you carry your weight, how much you exercise and type of exercise, genetics, if you've born children, etc. A lot of people do need plastic surgery, but a surprising number don't.
Myth #9: If you eat "bad" food it will make you sick.
Nope. While there are some folks who have very delicate tummies (and in the early months there are lots of delicate tummies), in the long run most people can get pretty much anything down.
Myth #10: Sleevers don't dump.
Nope. Sleevers can dump, it just isn't nearly as common as RnY folks. Dumping (aka Gastric Emptying) is just food hitting your intestines too quickly, causing really yucky stomach discomfort, weakness, lightheadedness, flushing, cramps, nausea, explosive diarrhea, and other fun symptoms. It can hit immediately or several hours after eating. Most sleevers never get it, but some do. You'll know it if you do.

10/1
HW/SW:352.8
CW: 300.9
GW: 140
I worry sometimes that I'm not losing fast enough even though I know people lose at different rates. It's like head hunger but about weight

10/1
HW/SW:352.8
CW: 300.9
GW: 140
I worry sometimes that I'm not losing fast enough even though I know people lose at different rates. It's like head hunger but about weight

10/1
HW/SW:352.8
CW: 300.9
GW: 140
I worry sometimes that I'm not losing fast enough even though I know people lose at different rates. It's like head hunger but about weight

10/1
HW/SW:352.8
CW: 300.9
GW: 140
I worry sometimes that I'm not losing fast enough even though I know people lose at different rates. It's like head hunger but about weight

Just to give another point of view, I had my gallbladder out in 2010 -- and it was worse pain than the VSG I just had on 10/1/13 in terms of soreness. The recovery time for the gallbladder was shorter, though.
As an example, with the gallbladder surgery I could absolutely NOT get in and out of bed or lay down in bed (comfortably) for about a week, and I slept on a chair but with VSG I was able to get in and out of bed without an issue.
Good luck with your surgery! Having the gallbladder out now will be a blessing later on, I hear.

Sorry about feeding the trolls.. but..
Nancy, throw out the soda. Your drama over drinking soda is way overrated and if you can't handle giving up soda, you seriously need to seek out the help of a counselor before, during, and after VSG surgery.
I drank soda every day, and had a serious carb and sugar habit too. In order to use the tool of surgery correctly, I had to follow my surgeon's orders, and cut out all the crap. Almost every single one of us who has been through the surgery has had to go through some kind of withdrawal from a food or drink. We didn't end up here because of healthy habits.
We've all seen and heard of the person who messes up a bit during pre-op, and that's "normal" as they confess, learn, and move forward. You seem to be confessing, but then going right back to the bad habit. I hate even replying as it's giving your soda habit more attention than it deserves. Get help from a professional.

I went in for my 2 week check up today. I had been dreading going. I know I lost some weight, my ankles are no longer hideously swollen for example, but I thought (and kept thinking) "Oh god, I haven't lost enough, I haven't lost a lot what am I doing wrong!"
Instead, I find out I'm down 20 pounds since 10/1
YAY!

Thank you.
I really do feel better, I think I was just putting myself into a terrible worryspiral about it.
Stupid worryspiral.

Thanks for the words everyone. And yes, I do see a therapist weekly. Its helped a lot, but its long process of course.

Yes, I definitely do still feel restriction when I have denser Proteins. Sets my mind a bit more at ease to think of that (which I hadn't before).

Yes, I definitely do still feel restriction when I have denser Proteins. Sets my mind a bit more at ease to think of that (which I hadn't before).

I am 6 weeks today. I have been stalled for about a week now. I did start running using the app couch to 5k. Today was my second day. I made it through it!!! 6 weeks: 40lbs down. I have long way to go!

I took mine with no interruptions at all (Quasense, a generic Seasonale) and have not noticed anything I would call a hindrance. The pill however, still didn't prevent my period from trying to creep up early on me though... at least I had read here enough to know that was a "thing" and didn't panic. HTH.

I was set on 15 as well and was told the same thing about my narrow airway. After 45 pounds they reduced the pressure. Getting off this thing is my #1 NSV. I hate this damn thing even though I feel much better after starting it a few months ago.

(if you can't see this post without a bunch of extra HTML code, go here: http://sleevers.wordpress.com/2013/11/10/you-may-be-doing-better-than-you-think/)



Or math games geeks play.



So I see people posting how they’ve lost a lot less than those who were sleeved the same day as them. “I’m 3 months out and I’ve only lost X but everyone else has lost so much more than me.” Theoretically we all understand that if someone has a lot to lose, they will lose faster than someone who has less to lose.



But here’s an example to make it real. There’s me, with 80 lbs to lose, and there’s my friend Emily who has 180 lbs to lose. Mine are actual results, and I made up the results for Emily.



Wow, I’m doing really badly. I’ve “only” lost 35 lbs in 3 months and Emily has lost 79 lbs! Obviously, I’m failing.





But you want to know a secret? I didn’t entirely make up Emily’s numbers. Look at the picture below. Can you guess what I did?







Yup. I messed around with the numbers until Emily had lost exactly the same as I had in terms of percent excess weight to lose. I have 80 lb. to lose, she has 180 lb. to lose. In order for her to match me for percent of excess weight lost, she has to lose considerably more than I do during the same time period.



Poor Emily is having to work a lot harder to get the same results I am. And what do you know, I'm doing just fine.



This is why I strongly believe that we should move away from total pounds lost, and move to percent excess weight lost to gauge where we are in our journeys.



Here’s how to calculate your %EWL:

[Total weight lost/(Starting weight - Goal Weight)]*100
[35/(230-150)]*100
(35/80)*100
=44%
Who knew Math could make you feel better hunh?



Btw, if you're total math phobic, give me your start weight, your current weight, and your goal weight and I will do this for you.

I absolutely hate this stall crap. I knew about it. I read all I found here about it. And yet, its happening and I still feel like I'm failing my sleeve utterly. It's a horrible mindgame I'm playing with myself that I'm trying to get out of (its not working so far!).
I know I can't possibly hope to keep up the 20 pounds in 2 weeks stuff (oh how I wish) but right now... bleah. At least I still do feel like I'm losing inches if not weight, at least in the way I feel myself carrying my body.
Good luck everyone

I just got the pathology report copy from my doctors. I don't understand a word of it. Something something red-brown mucosa, I hope that was good?

Hi Everyone,
I am celebrating year 5 of having a very successful weight loss surgery! I was 63 when I had sleeve surgery done, so it is never too late to have weight loss surgery!!!!
This was very best choice I have ever made in my life. I had my Weight Loss Surgery in Oct 2008. After a lot of investigating and considering all the doctors and places I could have my surgery. I made the choice to have Dr. Aceves in Mexicalli Mexico do my surgery. I was a self-pay, and believe me I really checked out every option there was. I was an older person and I really took my time to figure out what was best for me. I talked to a lot of different people who had already had weight loss surgery about who their doctors were.
It wasn’t something I rushed into. It took me about 6 months before I knew for sure that I was going to the right place for me. I also made the choice to have VGS aka the sleeve. I lost of total of 105 pounds and it took me 14 months to do this. Was it easy, yes and no? The 1st month was the hardest month I had to do. After that it just kept getting better and easier each month. It is NOT a magical cure. It is my tool to allow me to use to reach my goal. The big question you are thinking is have I maintained my weight loss goal? The answer is YES, I fluctuate between 5 to 7 pounds sometimes. I still eat healthy, make sure I get enough Protein and stay away from too many carbs. It accurately is a lifestyle change NOT a diet. It is easy for me to live like this and eat like this for the rest of my life. I have some really delicious meals and I never feel deprived at all. Do I eat deserts, yes and it is made healthy and is extremely good. Do I eat deserts every day; the answer is no. I love all the lifestyle changes I have made in my life and it will always work for me.
I was the person who hated to exercise. Now I do something every day. Last Sept, I thought I would just see if I could walk 7 days a week for a month and I did just that. Well that became a good habit and I walked EVERY DAY for one YEAR without missing a day. Yes, I walked outside when it was raining or not nice weather—I am always coming back home, so I will get dry if I get wet while walking. I walked between 3 ½ miles to 4 miles a day. Five years ago, I could have never walked that much. Find some type of exercise that you like and it will be easier to do. Start out slow and then add to it. You don’t have to do it 7 days a week, but do something at least 3 or 5 times a week.
I want you to know that you too can become successful at weight loss. I am 68 now and life is so different for me. If you are thinking about having weight loss surgery, I am living proof that it does work and you can do it too.
Suzanne Beaty
Sleeved Oct 21, 2008

Not really a meal, but I just got back from 2 week check up (20 pounds omg!) and stopped to get REAL food at the store. I totally ate a piece of deli chicken while I was waiting for the rest to be sliced. It was like the most wonderful thing ever.
Now I'm going to go start a batch of turkey chili. SO EXCITED.

Hillsboro, OR -- right near Portland, basically

Hi everyone! I'm new here. I'm Samantha and I'm 10 wks post op. Have good/bad days. Nice to meet u all