Melodica

Things that I used to adore (Pasta and sweets especially) make me feel AWFUL. I actually gagged when I heard someone order a chocolate fudge sundae and I adored chocolate before surgery. That being said, I still look at things and wish I could have them. I guess my brain hasn't caught up with my stomach.

I weighed in this morning at 271.2lbs. That probably sounds like a lot to most, but I haven't weighed under 275 in about 15 years. That also means I've lost a total of 104lbs since this entire thing began and leaves me with about 72lbs until I hit 199, which at this point, is my ultimate goal. Anything after that will just be a bonus.
What surprises me the most is that I'm still losing. I'm still not exercising like I should and I'm eating basically what I want. All the stuff they say we're not supposed to have, I eat. However, I've felt better since starting to do that and the sleeve keeps me from overdoing it most of the time. My weight loss is slow, but I think that's keeping me from having a lot of excess skin. Now if my hair would just stop falling out. I've been taking my Vitamins better and TRYING to get in more Protein (though I'm sure I'm still not at the 90-100g that they wanted me to have). I'll go for days without washing my hair because when I do, so much comes out. I read somewhere that this can happen for up to six months. I've been losing for a little over three - I dunno if I'll have any left after six!

I weighed in this morning at 271.2lbs. That probably sounds like a lot to most, but I haven't weighed under 275 in about 15 years. That also means I've lost a total of 104lbs since this entire thing began and leaves me with about 72lbs until I hit 199, which at this point, is my ultimate goal. Anything after that will just be a bonus.
What surprises me the most is that I'm still losing. I'm still not exercising like I should and I'm eating basically what I want. All the stuff they say we're not supposed to have, I eat. However, I've felt better since starting to do that and the sleeve keeps me from overdoing it most of the time. My weight loss is slow, but I think that's keeping me from having a lot of excess skin. Now if my hair would just stop falling out. I've been taking my Vitamins better and TRYING to get in more Protein (though I'm sure I'm still not at the 90-100g that they wanted me to have). I'll go for days without washing my hair because when I do, so much comes out. I read somewhere that this can happen for up to six months. I've been losing for a little over three - I dunno if I'll have any left after six!

I weighed in this morning at 271.2lbs. That probably sounds like a lot to most, but I haven't weighed under 275 in about 15 years. That also means I've lost a total of 104lbs since this entire thing began and leaves me with about 72lbs until I hit 199, which at this point, is my ultimate goal. Anything after that will just be a bonus.
What surprises me the most is that I'm still losing. I'm still not exercising like I should and I'm eating basically what I want. All the stuff they say we're not supposed to have, I eat. However, I've felt better since starting to do that and the sleeve keeps me from overdoing it most of the time. My weight loss is slow, but I think that's keeping me from having a lot of excess skin. Now if my hair would just stop falling out. I've been taking my Vitamins better and TRYING to get in more Protein (though I'm sure I'm still not at the 90-100g that they wanted me to have). I'll go for days without washing my hair because when I do, so much comes out. I read somewhere that this can happen for up to six months. I've been losing for a little over three - I dunno if I'll have any left after six!

I weighed in this morning at 271.2lbs. That probably sounds like a lot to most, but I haven't weighed under 275 in about 15 years. That also means I've lost a total of 104lbs since this entire thing began and leaves me with about 72lbs until I hit 199, which at this point, is my ultimate goal. Anything after that will just be a bonus.
What surprises me the most is that I'm still losing. I'm still not exercising like I should and I'm eating basically what I want. All the stuff they say we're not supposed to have, I eat. However, I've felt better since starting to do that and the sleeve keeps me from overdoing it most of the time. My weight loss is slow, but I think that's keeping me from having a lot of excess skin. Now if my hair would just stop falling out. I've been taking my Vitamins better and TRYING to get in more Protein (though I'm sure I'm still not at the 90-100g that they wanted me to have). I'll go for days without washing my hair because when I do, so much comes out. I read somewhere that this can happen for up to six months. I've been losing for a little over three - I dunno if I'll have any left after six!

Thanks for the info, mysleeve. I'm going to try to start doing that and see if it helps. I'm hoping switching Multivitamins will help as well. Definitely update us if you notice that is making a difference.

1) Height / weight starting our wls programs: 5' 8.5", 375

2) Weight day of surgery: 357

3) 14 week post op weight pounds lost/gained: I've lost a total of 79lbs, 61lbs since surgery.

4) Goal weight: Mini goal #1 was reached when I hit 299lbs. Mini goal #2 is 269lbs. Mini goal #3 is 239lbs. Milestone goal is 199lbs. Ultimate goal is 170lbs. I'm trying to place a lot of easily reachable goals so that I feel like I'm accomplishing something.

5) Your biggest success this week: Finally making it under 300lbs. It's been 4 years since I was under that weight. I did Weight Watchers back in 2010 and lost about 40lbs - got down to 279ish, so I'm looking forward to beating that.

6) Your biggest struggle this week: Still having tons of trouble finding things to eat. I eat things with too much fat and too many carbs, though I've found when I do that for a couple of days, that's when the weight seems to drop off - go figure. I'm obviously not getting enough Protein because my hair is falling out. Thankfully I had plenty to spare so it's not really noticeable yet, but it's annoying and worrisome. I also still can't push myself to exercise because I'm so tired. I also HATE summer and the heat, so that probably doesn't help either. Once it starts cooling off, I'll probably feel like getting out more.

I've been drinking soda occasionally since I was a month out (three months out now). I don't crave it like I used to, so I don't drink it very often though. It doesn't really bother my stomach that much. I just belch a lot after drinking it.
I haven't noticed any stretching of my sleeve either. I can eat more now than I could in the beginning of course, but I'm still reduced to maybe five bites (less if I drink something with it - which is a habit I haven't been able to kick yet).
I know a lot of people around here (and doctors) will say carbonation is the devil and you should stay far away from it, but the conflicting information makes me believe that there's not as much to it as they want you to think. Ultimately it's up to you whether you want to drink it. I'd just advise going really slowly. Small sips or you'll feel like you're foaming at the mouth!

I am in counseling and on antidepressants. They do nothing for me. I am not married and don't have kids. I feel so unhealthy from the abuse I put my body through, so I don't see myself having kids in the future. I am so ugly and depressed so no one will want to marry me either.
I had this done because I was so afraid of getting sick after my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. I wanted to get healthier as I pursued law school, well neither of those goals worked out.
I am certain I shortened my lifespan. I made a huge mistake with this surgery. I wish it made me happy like it did for all of the people I heard about and my aunt who had it done (who now gained back half the weight she lost).
A stomach transplant would be amazing even if I end up a fat cow again.
Fyi... I have nothing against this surgery for those whose lives were transformed by it. I think it can be a life saving surgery for many.

Thanks for all the advice guys! I'll definitely try your suggestions.

Thanks for all the advice guys! I'll definitely try your suggestions.

Thanks for the boost guys. The scales moved down another 4lbs, so that's about 7lbs this week so far. Not too bad. I'm looking forward to never seeing my weight starting with a '3' again. Only about 3 more lbs to go!
Still frustrated about foods though. I hated cooking before surgery (which is part of the reason why I was fat - fast food is easy). The surgery didn't change my opinion of it either. It's so frickin difficult to come up with meals. And even more difficult to remember to eat something every few hours. I know I don't eat enough and I've been horribly neglectful about taking my Vitamins. I'm amazed that I'm still losing and still have hair.
And welcome to the club, Matt! We could use a guy around here. I actually think it's interesting to see how people react to men having the surgery and how men lose the weight as opposed to women.

Melodica - I'm sorry you are having trouble. I don't know if this would help, but I've noticed when I eat with regular silverware that I feel like a few bites in I get a giant lump in my sternum. Almost like the food is stuck. I bought some cocktail forks (which are super cute) and some baby silverware and it reminds me to take tiny bites. I've noticed I am more aware of my chewing when I use the small silverware. Sometimes if something tastes really good and I'm using normal sized, I tend to eat it too fast or don't chew as thoroughly and it feels stuck and is painful. I'm not sure if this helps, but I know when I've hit times that I've been sick or in pain, just one little thing sometimes made a huge difference. As far as upset stomach, I'm not sure if you are talking about nausea or just feeling yucka after eating, but two things really helped me. My surgeon suggested keeping sugar free cinnamon candy with me. I even branched out and got some SF lemon drops and SF lifesavers, but when I start feeling nauseous or just feel gross and don't feel like eating, I will suck on one of them and maybe it's mental, but it seems to help. If it's straight nausea, Zofran worked. I hope you start feeling better. Please don't stop posting because we are all here for you.

1. Height - 5'8 1/2", starting weight - 375lbs
2. Weight day of surgery - 357lbs
3. Weight today - 311lbs. Lost a total of 63lbs since starting, lost about 3lbs this week
4. Final goal weight is 180lbs. Mini-goal weight is anything under 300lbs.
5. Biggest success - Getting in more fluids. I can drink a lot more at one time now. Not sure if that's good or bad!
6. Still having trouble finding foods to eat. Also, I still can't keep myself from drinking with meals.

1. Height - 5'8 1/2", starting weight - 375lbs
2. Weight day of surgery - 357lbs
3. Weight today - 311lbs. Lost a total of 63lbs since starting, lost about 3lbs this week
4. Final goal weight is 180lbs. Mini-goal weight is anything under 300lbs.
5. Biggest success - Getting in more fluids. I can drink a lot more at one time now. Not sure if that's good or bad!
6. Still having trouble finding foods to eat. Also, I still can't keep myself from drinking with meals.

Looking great, Mschwartz! I love seeing pics like this. It's a big motivator.
I tried on some size 24 jeans on the other day that haven't fit me for a year or more and they fit! They were a bit snug in the waist, but a little loose in the booty (which was surprising) and legs. So I've gone from a size 30 down to a 24. Now just ten more to go down to my goal of size 14!

Looking great, Mschwartz! I love seeing pics like this. It's a big motivator.
I tried on some size 24 jeans on the other day that haven't fit me for a year or more and they fit! They were a bit snug in the waist, but a little loose in the booty (which was surprising) and legs. So I've gone from a size 30 down to a 24. Now just ten more to go down to my goal of size 14!

1 head of broccoli, florets trimmed and stalk peeled and chopped
3 slices turkey bacon
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
6 cups low sodium fat free chicken broth
1 cup fat free half n half
1 Tb cornstarch made into a slurry with 1 Tb Water
6 oz shredded chicken
4 oz low fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Cook bacon in pan coated with cooking spray. Remove when crisp. Add onions and broccoli stems. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent. Add garlic and tarragon, cook one minute. Add chicken broth. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer for 15 minutes. (At this point I purée the Soup because my daughter won't eat the broccoli stems, but you don't have to.). Add half n half and cornstarch slurry. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce to simmer and add chicken and broccoli florets. Cook 10-12 minutes until florets are tender and Soup has thickened. Add cheese and reserved bacon. It's so good. I attached the mfp stats.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one, Blondiecakes. I took the nutrition classes as well and like you said, it was a joke. The one that I saw didn't prepare me at all. She just showed me a plate and said I'd need to eat x much meat, x much veg and went on about Protein shakes. I've never been one for cooking and even before surgery I had trouble planning nutritious/balanced meals (thus one of the reasons I needed the surgery). Removing most of my stomach didn't change that. It would have been a lot more helpful if they had given us recipes or really good eating plans for AFTER the liquid and soft foods phase. I need to know how to eat for life - not for the first month or two. Everything I've seen just says don't eat bread/pasta/rice and eat a lot of Protein. Not incredibly helpful.
I went for a walk yesterday morning. Ended up going 3/4 of a mile in about 20 minutes and didn't feel tired at all. Before surgery, I couldn't have made it 10 feet without extreme lower back pain (due to my huge stomach) and without panting and not being able to catch my breath. So the surgery HAS helped there, but being so tired because I can't seem to eat right makes me not want to move at all, much less exercise the way I should, which I know is affecting my weight loss - or lack thereof.
I've heard some say that if you aren't getting enough nutrients you'll gain weight, so that might be your issue, Blondie. I don't know how you do it though. It's just me and my husband. I can't imagine feeling like this and trying to take care of an energetic child. My hat is off to you!

Ladies I want to say this to all of you please please keep on moving!! Literally when you have awful negative thoughts I want you to go for a walk breathe and know that you will look back at this second month and realize you were just going through the transformative phase! I too have had these negative thoughts but honies nothing feels as good as sitting in a booth and not thinking omg are my boobs going to hit the table or breathing hard going up 4 steps! Yes you are limited to food you had your stomach cut off but this is the time you need to train your mind what your body is forcing you to do food is fuel and you need to change the mental warfare that is going on in those pretty heads of yours!
Therapy and speaking to your docs are key if you can't get out of the funk or are throwing up --- please go speak to people who can help if you need it. Sometimes we all need hints or a checkin because you never know there could me issues and you are the best ones to tell the docs something is wrong! Hang in there and know that in month 4 you will not feel this way I just know it!!! Xo

The only time I have a sweat/sick feeling is when I eat something high in carbs or anything with regular sugar. I tried a couple of sips of a milkshake and it made me feel awful. Carbs like bread and Pasta have done the same thing. Strange that I still crave them.
I'm also having a lot of trouble meeting my Protein and Water goals. I'm never really thirsty anymore (and so bored with fruit flavorings for water) and I'm having trouble finding things to eat to get the Protein I need. I've never been a big cook and I hate preparing meals, so it's difficult for me.
I hope the meds help you feel better! I can't imagine having that feeling the whole time.

I was completely open about my surgery. I don't care what other people think. If they want to start something about it, I'll certainly finish it for them. In any case, all my co-workers and boss were very supportive and encouraging.

I was completely open about my surgery. I don't care what other people think. If they want to start something about it, I'll certainly finish it for them. In any case, all my co-workers and boss were very supportive and encouraging.

I'm about 6 weeks out and I had some soda at about a month out. I don't really buy the whole sleeve stretching thing. I burp and belch too much after drinking it to believe that the carbonation is stuck down there stretching it out.
However, it doesn't hold the same appeal that it used to for me. I've had a 2 liter of Cherry Coke Zero in my fridge for two weeks and it's still got almost half the soda left in it. I have a few sips every now and then - that's it. Since I drink so little of it, I'm not becoming addicted to caffeine again either.

Thanks so much for the recipe, mysleeve! I'll definitely have to try those. They look really yummy!