shrinkingjill

Not counting calories is where I completely disagree with your dietician to a point. Calories absolutely do matter, and the lower you can keep them the more you will lose. However, if you are eating 80g of LEAN Protein per day and keeping under 30 net carbs coming from non-starchy veggies, your calories should still be fairly low. That is, if you don't add in other things like sauces, dressings, cheeses, etc to what you are eating.
I say this not just as someone who is very strict with themselves, but someone who has charted weight for a group of women who had the sleeve at the same time I did last year. There are six of us who all started out at approximately the same weight, are within a 10 year age range (none of us over 40), and had the same co-morbidities before surgery. Three of us counted calories while the other three based their diets solely on counting carbs and Protein. Out of the three of us who were restrictive, I was the most restrictive, never eating more than 800 calories in one day and averaging 75g of protein and only 30g net carbs from non-starchy sources. The results: those of us who counted calories and kept them low lost more weight over our counterparts who did not watch calories. Out of the three of us who did watch calories, I lost the most. One year out, I am only 6 pounds from my goal weight, while the other two who were restrictive with calories are 25 and 34 pounds away from goal. Those who only counted protein and carbs and did not restrict calories still have an average of 75 pounds of weight to lose (+/-15 pounds).
Calories absolutely DO matter, and if you are not losing it is probably because your calories are too high. You are NOT eating enough protein, and you are NOT eating frequently enough. If you are having trouble eating because you fear gaining the weight, you might need to seek counselling for a disorder called Post-Surgical Eating Avoidance Disorder. It is more common than people in the WLS community want to talk about. Otherwise, it shouldn't be that hard at your stage to squeeze in 75g of protein for less than 400 calories per day, and you can fill the other 400 with low-carb items such as vegetables, a little bit of good fat, etc. You don't have to eat six times per day, but you need to eat frequently enough to get your baseline protein.
Hope this helps!

I am 6 months out and can fudge a little on the 30 minutes before a meal part of the equation, but I need more than 30 minutes after a meal before I can drink comfortably. I guess you have to listen to your body to know what's right for you.

Oddly enough, drink more water! Easier said than done, I know.. especially if you're already drinking that much in a day. More Water in = more sodium/excess fluids out though.

I use unjury - the chocolate Splendor and the vanilla. The strawberry is pretty good, too.
At different stages, I used different "mixers"...
On my pre-op diet I used Water because I wasn't approved for anything else.
Immediately after surgery, I used 1/2 milk 1/2 Water
After the first month, I have used almond milk, which I like. I use coconut water on days I do hot yoga (replacing the electrolytes I lose during yoga).
I will use the Torani sugar free syrups - my countertop looks like a Starbucks! You can drink them warm and I do, you need to make sure you follow the heating instructions.
When I mix my shakes, I mix all the ingredients (ice, fruit, PB2, etc.) first, then add the Protein powder in last - I find if you blend the powder in at first, it gets really frothy.
Here are a couple of my favorites...
chocolate Splendor - 8 ounces of milk, 4-5 ice cubes, a splash of sugar free Torani peppermint Syrup and 1 scoop of Chocolate Splendor...tastes like a Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie
vanilla - 8 ounces of milk, 3 frozen strawberries, 1/8 cup blueberries, a splash of sugar free Torani Vanilla syrup and 1 scoop of Vanilla
Chocolate Splendor - 8 ounces of milk, 4-5 ice cubes, 1 teaspoon PB2 powder and 1 scoop of Chocolate Splendor.
Vanilla mixed with 8 ounces of milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar free pudding mix (my favorites...lemon and pistachio)
There are so many combinations you can use - I started playing with different flavors and textures about a month before surgery.

Looking for a good ratios of calories and Protein. I tried rice milk and nearly fell off the stool when I saw the number of calories it had, scratched it off my grocery list. The Blue Diamond almond milk I got has 1 gram of protein! I thought almonds were supposed to be high in Protein, what the ???? Not looking to drink it straight out of the glass just add it to coffee , Protein shakes, etc.

@@shrinkingjill I am 4 days post op & stayed an extra day due to severe pain. I am walking, my stomach does feel like I'm carrying a brick-but it helps tremendously when I wear my stomach brace,provided by my hospital. That's not the technical name for it but I hope you get a visual.
Drinking at times is a little uncomfortable. But honestly, I read many, many post prior to surgery where people mentioned it may take weeks or up to a month before I feel like myself again. So I am choosing to hold on to that & just endure the uncomfortable moments. So no, you are not alone. Wishing you better days ahead. I'm told it gets easier.

In a few hours I will be having the EGD done. I know it's only under "twilight" but I am still nervous.... very nervous. Please send some positive thoughts and prayers my way. Thanks!

October 15!!!

My surgery date is Oct 15th. Excited. Nervous. Ok... Crazy nervous. Maybe that's why I'm awake at 3am reading forums and posts instead of sleeping! LOL. But hearing everyone's stories, fears, anticipation helps. It's nice to know we all have each other. We're not alone in this. I have a great support structure, don't get me wrong, but they're not going under the knife. It's you all that really understand. Guess I just want to say thanks. Keep posting!

Hey I'm new as well! I'll be getting sleeved Sept.22nd ! My first day of the liquid diet was today and I'm so happy I made it because it was hard lol.

I started this journey on June 18th, 2014. I weighed in at a shocking 518. Well I left there motivated and have lost down to 459. My biggest fears are two fold. One, I'm terrified of being put to sleep. Like panic attack kinda terrified. Second, is excess skin. Any feedback or comments?

I think both of these concerns are pretty normal. However, keep in mind that it's extremely rare for anyone to die as a result of anesthesia -- especially if you are in a hospital with an anesthesiologist watching over you (unlike Joan Rivers, just for example). Those doctors have extensive training and specialization and they know how to take care of you and keep you safe! When you are getting prepped for surgery in the hospital, you can tell either your pre-op nurse or the anesthesiologist (it is standard practice to meet him or her during the pre-op prep) that you are extremely nervous about anesthesia and can they give you something to keep you calm. Of course, that is assuming that they haven't already offered you that! Usually the anesthesiologist will offer a shot of Versed or something similar because most people are very nervous about anesthesia and surgery.
As far as loose skin goes -- yes, most of us get it. I have it and I can't say I love it. But (1) I realize that even with my loose skin, my body is more attractive now -- at least to the vast majority of people and definitely to me -- than it was when I was super morbidly obese; and (2) loose skin is really only noticeable when I am both naked and standing up. There are very few people in this world who see me naked and standing up -- lovers and health care providers. And if they can't deal with it, I don't need them in my life. So far no problems! Clothes and compression undergarments can work wonders -- but I don't use the compression stuff and I think I look absolutely fine when I am dressed anyway. If you think loose skin will bother you a lot, start saving for plastic surgery -- your money will grow very quickly if you can put even a couple hundred dollars a month into the bank, or, if you are a little bit more of a risk taker, a no-load mutual fund pegged to a major stock market index.
Good luck!

all i can think about is getting my sleeve.
all i want to do is read and write on the forums.
the only things in my calendar that mean anything to me are the appointments for my pre-op tests... everything else is a waste of my time.
is my obsession unusual? i'm finding myself less than engaged at work, which is a first. i usually forget everything else while i'm at the office, i've always been very good at compartmentalizing. i resent the time spent doing anything that does not lead toward my surgery.
can you relate?

It's so surreal. I checked in this morning at 9:15 and had surgery at 11:15. Came out of surgery in a lot of pain and nauseated. Once I got hooked up to the pain pump and got a dose of zofran I felt really good except I have been so very tired from the anesthesia. I am up and walking with almost no pain. My doctor allows ice chips thankfully because my mouth is really dry. Tomorrow morning I have another leak test (he does one in the OR) and then on clear liquids. Hopefully all goes well because I really want to go home! Once home I'm allowed to start on full liquids.
I hope everyone else's surgery's went well today! This is my first time on because I've been so tired and my eyes would not cooperate. Good luck to all those waiting!!

Just got back from the doctor everything is a go except the final report from the psychologist and I see him Thursday so it is all in his hands now very nervous if he OKs it I could have it done in October wish me luck

I have a date for October 15. Hopefully it doesn't change. I have been a wreck since March when I started this journey and I can't wait to get started on my new life

Hi everyone! This is my first post.. I'm hoping that my surgery is in October. My insurance required the 6 month supervised with a weight loss specialist . I have completed all of the pre-op test that were required by my physician. My last visit with him is on the 18th. I hope to get my date then. I'm so nervous and lately all I can do is think about the surgery and how things will finally change for me!

It's so cool to have another board!! I'm 26 years old, 5'3. I was banded on 3/3/03, in Phoenix AZ, by Dr. Hilario Juarez. Before surgery my BMI was 38.6. Now it's down to 33.7. My insurance paid 100%, but only after they denied me & I appealed. If anyone would like a copy of my appeal packet, let me know.

Greetings from Houston TX,
Im as well nervous and excited and the feeling of nothing else matters but surgery at this point besides my 10yr old lol...My surgery is 10/10/14(which 10 is my favorite # ) My 2wk diet begins 09/28/14 ...Im so ready to embark on this new life and enjoy things that I haven't enjoyed before (shopping outside the plus area) ...Congrats and Good Luck 2 you all!!!

Yes shrinkingjill I hear you I been postponing this for a while but it's time to think about me! And on the note of sounding selfish I have realized if I don't do it for myself no one will -__- but I'm almost done now I'm very anal so got everything out of the way been cleared by PCP, Psychiatrist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, and seen the nutritionist now I'm just waiting for begging of oct to do cardiologist and pre op testing. I live the program our doctor has he has everything you need to stay on track from a monthly support group to a running clinic which are all free to use and I plan on ( well I am ) taking full advantage of.... On that note I fell very prepared just very nervous and scared but also happy that I'm this far out basically just waiting for the day

Lazy_Lizzy, me too! I am so nervous. I want to be excited for myself but I'm afraid to jinx anything lol. Just really nervous for going under....

Lazy_Lizzy, me too! I am so nervous. I want to be excited for myself but I'm afraid to jinx anything lol. Just really nervous for going under....

Had my first consultation with surgeon yesterday.. Date set for October 8 ... Nervous today I'm wondering if I made the right decision. My husband is not being supportive ... Told me I'm losing my mind all I need to do is diet and exercise ... But the truth is I'm tired of failing. At 270 , 5"3 31 years old two small children ... I need to feel good about life and myself . Hopefully I'll start getting excited soon ... To many Debbie downers around me

So, I've been getting into a good exercise routine as my surgery date is quickly approaching (July 8th). I've really enjoyed going to Water aerobics classes and making it a part of my daily routine. Today after the class, I was talking to the instructor and told her how much I was enjoying her classes. I then shared with her the fact that I was having surgery in less than two weeks. As soon as I said it, I could tell from the look on her face that I shouldn't have mentioned it. She then began asking me all kinds of questions like, "Have you tried eating healthier? Eating less? Going to Weight Watchers?" I wanted to scream back at her, "OF COURSE I HAVE!!!", but instead, I just nodded my head and tried to wrap the conversation up. As I was leaving, she handed me a business card about a nutrition program she wanted me to look into before jumping into anything. Ugh! It is so frustrating that you can't share something that you've researched, worked hard to prepare for, and are making major adjustments to your lifestyle to make this entire process a success....just to be judged. I know it's not the first time and probably won't be the last time people look down on me for having the surgery. I am excited about this decision and feel like I don't want to have to keep it a secret, but I also don't want to have to explain myself or feel like people are going to look down on me based on a decision to better myself. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? Who have you shared the info with that you are having or have had surgery with? What have you told people after the surgery when they ask about your weight loss???

food addiction runs rampant across the planet, and doesn't only affect adults. Children suffer from addictions to food as much as their parents do.


I started putting on weight at a fairly young age. Six, to be exact. It didn't dawn on me until much later in life that this was when my food addiction reared its ugly head - full force. Carbs, sugar, fat ... They all became a staple in my life. I ate three or more servings of favorite foods like pizza, Pasta, rice and more. After school, my "snacks" would include two packages of ramen, a full box of mac and cheese, or two min-pizzas. Both parents worked from home, so I had no one home to monitor what I was eating. By the time I was in high school, I was close to 200 lbs. I reached 220 just before I graduated.
There is no doubt in my mind that I had a severe food addiction. There is a reason I was so obese I had to resort to weight loss surgery.
I see the same addiction rearing it's ugly head in my daughter. And even though WLS has saved my life, I don't want to see her have to go through it herself as an adult.
My Food Addicted Child
At 10 years old, my daughter is sitting at 117 lbs at 4'6". Right now her BMI is 28. It wouldn't be a concern, except for the fact that my daughter has a food addiction. Every day, I see her peruse the refrigerator and cabinets looking for Snacks, and crying - actually being visibly upset - when something she craves is not there. I remember exhibiting the exact behaviors well into adulthood. Even now, I will want something I'm not supposed to eat and not find it in the house - and get very upset over it, being brought to tears.
Watching my daughter struggle through this addiction as I have (and still am) is heartbreaking, to say the least. But I also know that we are not alone. Millions of children in the US live with food addiction and obesity. I see it every day in my daughter's friends and classmates. Even my son (6), who is not overweight, has a severe addiction to sugar and carbs. It's a strong addiction, to say the least.
Why Are We Addicted
Why are we addicted to these things? Well, studies have shown that sugar and carbs (even the complex kind!) have endorphin-causing chemicals in them. We emotionally feel better when we eat these things, sometimes euphoric. This also explains why we often experience withdraw-like symptoms when we stop eating carbs (Atkins, anyone?). This addiction can be stronger in children than in adults. According to Dr. Lisa Merlo, PhD compulsive eating and lack of control when eating are the two most common signs of childhood food addiction. Her article, Exploration of food addiction in pediatric patients: A preliminary investigation, also suggests the link between childhood food addiction and their parents.
Which makes perfect sense. My mother is food addicted. I am food addicted, therefore my children are food addicted.
How Do We Help Our Kids
This has been the biggest struggle for me. Right now, my daughter is on a very strict diet. She feels isolated from her friends, in a way. And it is the hardest thing in the world to watch my child struggle with anything. But it's important in these cases to remember that we are the parents in this situation.
1) The simplest solution, and in some ways the hardest, is just don't not buy the "crap". It's so easy for us to say we're buying chips, crackers, candy and treats "for the kids" and think that our children "need them", when the reality of it is that NO ONE "needs" them. My kids don't like it, but I no longer buy it, unless it's a special occasion - and even then, I try to make it myself rather than buying it packaged.
2) Raise the level of fruits and vegetables in our children's diets. This is SO hard in many ways, especially for those of us with picky eaters. My daughter used to eat salad, carrots, sugar snap peas, broccoli, celery ... Just about any raw veggie she could get her hands on. Now, she won't touch them. In fact, she won't eat anything that comes from the ground unless it's a potato or a banana. So getting the "green stuff" into her is next to impossible. But it can be done. There are some great cookbooks on the market about being sneaky parents and putting veggies in their food where they might not notice it.
3) Be more aware of our kids eating habits. Do they eat when they're hungry? How about when they're bored? Sad? Happy? If they are not only eating when they're hungry, but also eating at other times, there might be a food addiction. Try to help your kids find other outlets when their bored and figure out ways to Celebrate successes - and mourn losses - without food.
4) Make rules regarding food. This sounds absolutely ridiculous in many ways, but it is VITAL that a child with a food addiction has rules that they have to adhere to. For example: "The refrigerator is closed after 8 pm", "healthy snacks only between meals", "one dessert per day" etc. These are rules we've implemented in our home, and they work well for us. To us, it is just the same as having rules for video games, playing outside, and homework.
5) Be supportive! Children need a support network just like adults do. We need someone to talk to about our joys and concerns, struggles and successes. So do kids! Even if it's just a bad day at school or a good grade on a test, they deserve to be heard. They also need encouragement now and again. Telling your child, "Hey, I'm proud of the food choice you just made!" can speak volumes!
Food addiction is a problem that millions of people live with across the globe. Adults and children alike share this problem and often times it results in severe obesity leading to health problems. In severe cases, weight loss surgery is necessary. But it is possible to help our children beat the food addiction monster and to prevent them from having to deal with the same issues we have as adults. Just remember that love, acceptance, and support are key components to helping our children be successful!