familyguy

mt_hi_liner --
I'm six months post opp. Here's my experience over time:
Preop: Constantly hungry, rarely satisfied. Could eat all day and large quantities. Would always clear my plate and look to second helpings. food always on my mind.
Post opp 1-2 months: No hunger whatsoever. Eating was a big effort. Ridiculously small amounts of food (3-4 bites of soup) would fill me to the brim. Started to serve myself food in tiny plates.
Post opp 2-4 months: Still no hunger. Capable of eating certain foods better than others, especially ground meats like hamburger, Soups, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. Biggest issue was figuring out how to get in enough Protein.
Post opp 5-6 months: No hunger as in growling stomach or hunger pangs, but experienced some food cravings. Joy of eating started to return. Discovered "slider foods" like chips and ice cream. Learned that the best way to avoid this stuff is do as ordered -- start with Protein and there's really no room for this stuff. Last night I went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and ordered the appetizer meatballs (3 golf ball sized). I ate two and was completely stuffed. I mean 20 oz NY Steak with all the fixings stuffed.
It's sort of hard to describe the mental part of this. Here's a glimpse -- when I used to see TV commercials for the newest Double Bacon Mushroom Swiss Burger from XYZ chain, my mouth would literally Water. Now I look at the same commercial and just scratch my head at how people could eat that. Same guy, same head, different guts. There's another hundred examples like that.
As for success, I'd just say stick to what they say -- protein first, then veggies, then fruits, carbs last / lots of hydration in between / reasonable exercise.
You can send me a private message if you want more info on any specifics.

mt_hi_liner --
I'm six months post opp. Here's my experience over time:
Preop: Constantly hungry, rarely satisfied. Could eat all day and large quantities. Would always clear my plate and look to second helpings. food always on my mind.
Post opp 1-2 months: No hunger whatsoever. Eating was a big effort. Ridiculously small amounts of food (3-4 bites of soup) would fill me to the brim. Started to serve myself food in tiny plates.
Post opp 2-4 months: Still no hunger. Capable of eating certain foods better than others, especially ground meats like hamburger, Soups, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. Biggest issue was figuring out how to get in enough Protein.
Post opp 5-6 months: No hunger as in growling stomach or hunger pangs, but experienced some food cravings. Joy of eating started to return. Discovered "slider foods" like chips and ice cream. Learned that the best way to avoid this stuff is do as ordered -- start with Protein and there's really no room for this stuff. Last night I went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and ordered the appetizer meatballs (3 golf ball sized). I ate two and was completely stuffed. I mean 20 oz NY Steak with all the fixings stuffed.
It's sort of hard to describe the mental part of this. Here's a glimpse -- when I used to see TV commercials for the newest Double Bacon Mushroom Swiss Burger from XYZ chain, my mouth would literally Water. Now I look at the same commercial and just scratch my head at how people could eat that. Same guy, same head, different guts. There's another hundred examples like that.
As for success, I'd just say stick to what they say -- protein first, then veggies, then fruits, carbs last / lots of hydration in between / reasonable exercise.
You can send me a private message if you want more info on any specifics.

I'm 6 months post opp and enjoy alcohol a couple times a week (down from a couple drinks a night pre-opp). I waited about two months post opp to give it a try. I've keep it to wine and the occasional martini, beer or anything fizzy doesn't seem appealing. No physical complications whatsoever and alcohol basically effects me the same as preopp.
Two big points of caution, (1) there are many people that trade one addiction for another post surgery so beware of that phenomena, and (2) as others will undoubtedly tell you, alcohol basically falls into the useless calorie bucket same (or worse) than a coke or glass of grape juice.

I'm 6 months post opp and enjoy alcohol a couple times a week (down from a couple drinks a night pre-opp). I waited about two months post opp to give it a try. I've keep it to wine and the occasional martini, beer or anything fizzy doesn't seem appealing. No physical complications whatsoever and alcohol basically effects me the same as preopp.
Two big points of caution, (1) there are many people that trade one addiction for another post surgery so beware of that phenomena, and (2) as others will undoubtedly tell you, alcohol basically falls into the useless calorie bucket same (or worse) than a coke or glass of grape juice.

I'm 6 months post opp and enjoy alcohol a couple times a week (down from a couple drinks a night pre-opp). I waited about two months post opp to give it a try. I've keep it to wine and the occasional martini, beer or anything fizzy doesn't seem appealing. No physical complications whatsoever and alcohol basically effects me the same as preopp.
Two big points of caution, (1) there are many people that trade one addiction for another post surgery so beware of that phenomena, and (2) as others will undoubtedly tell you, alcohol basically falls into the useless calorie bucket same (or worse) than a coke or glass of grape juice.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

Powaqqatsi,
This is a great topic. You primary point -- that these surgeries are NOT a panacea or magic wand of weight loss is totally correct. If you can lose weight on your own and keep it off, then I wouldn't consider this surgery. For me, I just couldn't and wanted to extra help.
You can still gain weight by eating the wrong foods, not exercising, etc. I'm six months post opp and sugar drinks, alcohol, Cookies, ice cream, and chips basically go down just as easily post surgery as they did pre surgery for me. So, if those are your big weaknesses, then I'd tell you it's not going to help. Fortunately, for me, those weren't my problem. My thing was that I ate way too much and had a ridiculous appetite all the time and this surgery does help tremendously for that. For example, in the past, I'd eat a large rack of baby back ribs with fries and slaw and then wonder about desert. Now, I eat 2 or 3 ribs (no fries, no slaw) and feel completely stuffed and satisfied. That kind of help has allowed me to get back to my high school weight and has been totally life changing.
Anyhow, going in "eyes wide open" is super smart. Loosing a bunch of weight can make folks feel exuberant about their decision and your right to set expectations properly.

mt_hi_liner --
I'm six months post opp. Here's my experience over time:
Preop: Constantly hungry, rarely satisfied. Could eat all day and large quantities. Would always clear my plate and look to second helpings. food always on my mind.
Post opp 1-2 months: No hunger whatsoever. Eating was a big effort. Ridiculously small amounts of food (3-4 bites of soup) would fill me to the brim. Started to serve myself food in tiny plates.
Post opp 2-4 months: Still no hunger. Capable of eating certain foods better than others, especially ground meats like hamburger, Soups, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. Biggest issue was figuring out how to get in enough Protein.
Post opp 5-6 months: No hunger as in growling stomach or hunger pangs, but experienced some food cravings. Joy of eating started to return. Discovered "slider foods" like chips and ice cream. Learned that the best way to avoid this stuff is do as ordered -- start with Protein and there's really no room for this stuff. Last night I went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and ordered the appetizer meatballs (3 golf ball sized). I ate two and was completely stuffed. I mean 20 oz NY Steak with all the fixings stuffed.
It's sort of hard to describe the mental part of this. Here's a glimpse -- when I used to see TV commercials for the newest Double Bacon Mushroom Swiss Burger from XYZ chain, my mouth would literally Water. Now I look at the same commercial and just scratch my head at how people could eat that. Same guy, same head, different guts. There's another hundred examples like that.
As for success, I'd just say stick to what they say -- protein first, then veggies, then fruits, carbs last / lots of hydration in between / reasonable exercise.
You can send me a private message if you want more info on any specifics.

Just played my first round of golf post surgery. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to put the same weight into my swing, etc. Silly, I know but that's the type of stuff that goes through my head.
Have to report that golf is much easier with less weight. Besides the fact that the weight loss had no negative effects on my game, there was a bunch of little stuff that made the whole experience more enjoyable. Not having my shirt go all untucked every swing, not sweating like a pig, not feeling like I was climbing Everest every time I walked up to an elevated green, not having my thigh smooch against the side rail in the golf cart we're all welcomed improvements.
I'm still a hacker like before but a much happier one....
Have you guys played post surgery?

mt_hi_liner --
I'm six months post opp. Here's my experience over time:
Preop: Constantly hungry, rarely satisfied. Could eat all day and large quantities. Would always clear my plate and look to second helpings. food always on my mind.
Post opp 1-2 months: No hunger whatsoever. Eating was a big effort. Ridiculously small amounts of food (3-4 bites of soup) would fill me to the brim. Started to serve myself food in tiny plates.
Post opp 2-4 months: Still no hunger. Capable of eating certain foods better than others, especially ground meats like hamburger, Soups, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. Biggest issue was figuring out how to get in enough Protein.
Post opp 5-6 months: No hunger as in growling stomach or hunger pangs, but experienced some food cravings. Joy of eating started to return. Discovered "slider foods" like chips and ice cream. Learned that the best way to avoid this stuff is do as ordered -- start with Protein and there's really no room for this stuff. Last night I went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and ordered the appetizer meatballs (3 golf ball sized). I ate two and was completely stuffed. I mean 20 oz NY Steak with all the fixings stuffed.
It's sort of hard to describe the mental part of this. Here's a glimpse -- when I used to see TV commercials for the newest Double Bacon Mushroom Swiss Burger from XYZ chain, my mouth would literally Water. Now I look at the same commercial and just scratch my head at how people could eat that. Same guy, same head, different guts. There's another hundred examples like that.
As for success, I'd just say stick to what they say -- protein first, then veggies, then fruits, carbs last / lots of hydration in between / reasonable exercise.
You can send me a private message if you want more info on any specifics.

I'm 5 months post opp and can eat anything I "want" but in vastly different portions than pre opp. For me, the want part also changed significantly. Things that don't go down well all of sudden don't look appealing at all. For example, I used to love french fries and would eat mounds of them. Even though I could eat them now without getting sick, they don't go down all that easily and would take up too much room, so I'm no longer interested at all. I used to love a good bagel loaded up with cream cheese, lox, etc. I could definitely have some of that now, but again it's become sort of unappealing. By the way, I'm not bummed out about this at all.

Yes, all the anxiety is totally normal. I consider myself a pretty rationale person and I was crawling up the walls ahead of surgery.
Does the preopp diet / surgery process suck? Yeah, kind of. But so what? I'd equate the whole process to having a bad flu. You're knocked out on the couch for a few days and can't eat what you want for a while. If I told you that you would have improved lifelong health, physical ability, confidence, appearance, etc, etc in exchange for going through the negatives of a 3 week flu, would you do it? I would (and did) and am only upset that I didn't do it sooner!

Yes, all the anxiety is totally normal. I consider myself a pretty rationale person and I was crawling up the walls ahead of surgery.
Does the preopp diet / surgery process suck? Yeah, kind of. But so what? I'd equate the whole process to having a bad flu. You're knocked out on the couch for a few days and can't eat what you want for a while. If I told you that you would have improved lifelong health, physical ability, confidence, appearance, etc, etc in exchange for going through the negatives of a 3 week flu, would you do it? I would (and did) and am only upset that I didn't do it sooner!

Yes, all the anxiety is totally normal. I consider myself a pretty rationale person and I was crawling up the walls ahead of surgery.
Does the preopp diet / surgery process suck? Yeah, kind of. But so what? I'd equate the whole process to having a bad flu. You're knocked out on the couch for a few days and can't eat what you want for a while. If I told you that you would have improved lifelong health, physical ability, confidence, appearance, etc, etc in exchange for going through the negatives of a 3 week flu, would you do it? I would (and did) and am only upset that I didn't do it sooner!

OK, let me offer some different perspective:
1) Certain people have a very difficult time loosing weight. Us. That's why we went through this process. So, if you stall or the weight comes off slowly, you've just completely validated your decision to have the surgery. Imagine starving yourself on some sort of ridiculous diet right now. You'd be totally unmotivated by the lack of progress and maybe give up. That's impossible now!
2) From what I can tell, you've lost about a half pound per day. That's an awesome rate and if you extend out the math, I'm sure you'd be tracking very nicely towards your goal.
3) There are a LOT of benefits to loosing weight gradually -- it's better for your skin, more natural, less stress on the internal organs, etc.
To sum up -- you made the right choice, your weight loss is awesome and unlike the past, you don't have to worry about "falling off the wagon!"

OK, let me offer some different perspective:
1) Certain people have a very difficult time loosing weight. Us. That's why we went through this process. So, if you stall or the weight comes off slowly, you've just completely validated your decision to have the surgery. Imagine starving yourself on some sort of ridiculous diet right now. You'd be totally unmotivated by the lack of progress and maybe give up. That's impossible now!
2) From what I can tell, you've lost about a half pound per day. That's an awesome rate and if you extend out the math, I'm sure you'd be tracking very nicely towards your goal.
3) There are a LOT of benefits to loosing weight gradually -- it's better for your skin, more natural, less stress on the internal organs, etc.
To sum up -- you made the right choice, your weight loss is awesome and unlike the past, you don't have to worry about "falling off the wagon!"

OK, let me offer some different perspective:
1) Certain people have a very difficult time loosing weight. Us. That's why we went through this process. So, if you stall or the weight comes off slowly, you've just completely validated your decision to have the surgery. Imagine starving yourself on some sort of ridiculous diet right now. You'd be totally unmotivated by the lack of progress and maybe give up. That's impossible now!
2) From what I can tell, you've lost about a half pound per day. That's an awesome rate and if you extend out the math, I'm sure you'd be tracking very nicely towards your goal.
3) There are a LOT of benefits to loosing weight gradually -- it's better for your skin, more natural, less stress on the internal organs, etc.
To sum up -- you made the right choice, your weight loss is awesome and unlike the past, you don't have to worry about "falling off the wagon!"