vsg_joanna

Andrew, like thesuse2000 says, it is IMPOSSIBLE that the 2.5 lbs is fat! Especially as a man it is possible to easily go up and down +/- 5lbs just from normal fluctuations. Larger men (I'm talking body builder types can even fluctuate +/- 10lbs!)You cannot let the daily variances mess with your head- you'd have to do this for a week or so and then see how the scale is trending. Some causes of Water retention: 1. Salty food 2. Not drinking enough water 3. Alcohol 4. Menstruation (women only... obviously) 5. There are many more that I'm too lazy to type

You need to identify the trigger foods in your life and cut them out. For example I noticed that I'd eat the Power Crunch Protein bars when I wasn't hungry and just snacky. I could even eat two of them within a short amount of time! However, I could have four cases of Quest bars at my desk and only eat those when I am truly hungry. I told myself I wasn't allowed to keep Power Crunch bars around. I'm trying to be honest with myself and I know that even if I buy them with the best intentions.... I will cave in. Another HUGE trigger food for me is cereal- no matter how "healthy" I'll be constantly snacking on it. Haven't had Cereal at my house for two-ish years. So my advice is this: be honest with yourself. Find bars that are good enough to eat as a meal, but disappointing enough not to eat when you're dealing with head hunger. Yes, I totally believe in moderation- which is why I'd buy a single Power Crunch bar if needed sometime in the future... or eat a bowl of cereal at my inlaw's house HOWEVER I know that I cannot just keep those things around me. Hope this helps!

I agree with southernsoul above, I don't think you should worry about weight loss while sick at all. Also, I bet you are actually losing weight, but due to being sick are holding on to water weight. Your weight "going up a few ounces" every day is NOT real weight gain and you need to learn to not be affected emotionally by the daily fluctuations of your body.

I'm 26 as well with no children. Already down almost 60lbs and the boobies are already not looking so great. They are still a full 38DD... but NOT perky. No fullness on top, saggy... soooo sad! I have another 70lbs to lose and I have no hope for them. I don't think this has to do with age- this has to do with winning the genetic lottery!

Walking totally helps!! Walking and water and I'm guaranteed to go! Try to go for at least 20 minutes high intensity walk. Personally I cannot tolerate Milk of Mag. and there is no way I'm doing an enema.

Haha yeah I realized never trust a fart!!

Yup I totally chewed and then spit something out when I was still on full liquids lol

Also I wanted to add that I'm in Jersey too! Montclair... where are you?!

It's the Water intake! I was on a stall and was worried that my calorie intake was too high at 800 since most people are at like 600ish at this point... I focused on getting my water in religiously for a couple days and BAM -2.2lbs. When you're dehydrated your body stores extra water and once you start hydrating your body, it behind to release what it was holding on to. Don't worry about the Peanut Butter too much =P No one is perfect, but definitely focus on the water!!!

Call your doctor to make sure, but I did have very strong, contraction like pains the first week post-op. Apparently it's a known thing that happens sometimes.

Personally, I thought the unflavored tastes strongly of whey. I could not drink it with water, I would gag. When on full liquids, I made Farina really thin with milk and added the unflavored powder. It tasted like heaven after all the sweet shakes. Make sure you mix in super well after the Farina has cooled off.

I found that after surgery I prefer the plainer flavors such as chocolate or vanilla mixed with plain water. Before surgery I loved thick shakes and now that doesn't work well with my tummy and makes me nauseated. Also, I found that I don't handle ready to drink shakes well either. The ones you mix yourself taste better, less thick.

Oh man, I could feel your pain. I'm lucky to live on the east coast where I don't have to deal with it on a daily basis. What's kind of funny is that I had to unsubscribe from a few WLS support groups on facebook because it seemed like every other post was a sermon praising "Jesus" and "the Lord". One way I deal with these situations is either a. avoid them or if that's impossible b. go along with whatever it is, but I won't go out of my way to please someone. I.E. someone makes a mostly harmless religious comment- I'll nod in agreement and smile. No point in arguing.

I'm totally on the same boat as you- I'm 3 weeks out and I know I could probably eat a full serving of cream of wheat or soup, etc. However, I stick to the portion the doctor told me to stick to. I'm eating no more than 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup purees and no, I don't feel full like I did before, but I don't feel hungry either. Yes, it is so frustrating sometimes! A few things to consider: 1. Are you getting all your water/ fluids in? I have noticed that when I don't, I don't lose weight. 2. Most people at this point are at 600-800 calories a day. Check in with your doctor because I know plans vary, but this seems to be the norm. 3. When you say you "can eat a whole serving" - have you actually been honest with yourself about your hunger level? Are you feeling hunger at all yet? Or is it just head hunger? I'm a food addict myself, so I know how difficult that is. 4. You should check out Less of Sarah on youtube because she has lots of great advice- also she started out at 420ish and is now at around 220ish!

I'm 3 weeks out today and I have zero regret. To make you feel better about the water gulping... I was worried about this to since I've always been an avid water drinker and couldn't imagine not being able to chug a bottle. The about of water I'm able to drink at a time is perfectly satisfying! Salad however, I never liked it, so I don't miss it!