Rogofulm

@@kimmeesue, Get off the carbs ASAP and keep your Snacks in the Protein family (meat, cheese, jerky, nuts, Greek yogurt). They're satisfying, and won't set you back too badly, no matter how much you eat. And drink tons of fluid! Hunger is often thirst in disguise. Good luck!

Thank you to everyone who posted about avoiding the carbs because whenever you try them, they lead to cravings for more. That's exactly what I needed to hear! I haven't tried them yet for fear of the slippery carb slope, and your posts inspire me to keep avoiding them. Thus far in maintenance, nuts, cheeses, and decadent meats have been my treats; and so far they have not led to weight gain. Thanks again for your really helpful advice!

Hi @@Grateful_Love, If you're one month out and thinking of eating normally for a non-bariatric person, I'm worried that you still need to change your mind set. As you said, you have a new "normal". And it only includes Protein, veggies, lots of fluids, sugar-free and low-carb drinks/treats, and exercise. Once you reach your weight loss goal, you can expand that a bit, but you'll always have to focus on those foods and drinks. That's what we signed up for! The good news is that, if you manage these carefully, you won't have to worry about fat and calories; they'll take care of themselves. And the better news is that if you follow all the rules, you'll drop lots of weight, feel great, look great, and get healthier. Sound like a good deal? It is – so go for it!!!

Well this morning I finally made it to goal! It took me exactly 7 1/2 months to get here and I'm totally thrilled with the entire journey! For those wondering how it happened so quickly, I can only say that I followed all the rules meticulously: 80-100 grams of Protein, no starches/sugars, some veggies, no booze/soda, and 64-120 ounces of Water every...single...day, plus daily walking and once a week workouts. I always had a plan for what I was going to eat, even at parties and restaurants, and if I deviated from the plan, it was always protein-based, like cheese, nuts and beef/turkey Jerky. So... going in, was I worried about missing out on food? Yes. Did I feel deprived during my journey? Nope, as my tag-line says, "Nothing tastes as good as slender feels!" What's next? Lose 4-5 more pounds so I can have a little wiggle-room and still stay at or below my goal weight. Will I go crazy now and eat all the stuff I've missed? I don't think so because I've tried to get my head straight about this being a lifelong effort. Can you do it too? Absolutely!!! Thank you to all who have given me support and guidance along the way. I hope I was able to help you too. And my plan is to keep coming here and posting my message about The Dreaded Week-3 Stall, because it almost broke me at the beginning of my journey. I wish everyone who reads this a world of success!!! If you want to ask questions or get tips on how I worked my program, send me a message and I'll try to give you a thoughtful answer. Okay, here are some embarrassing photos and some slightly less embarrassing photos.....

Good luck! We're all pulling for you!!!!!

I echo what @@JamieLogical said. Educate him about it today! Tell him all about the three main types of surgery. (I have found that people are fascinated by the subject.) Invite him to come with you to a seminar or surgeon's appointment. Believe me, the doctors are used to answering tough questions from family members. And if he still says that he wishes you wouldn't take the easy way out, print this out and read it to him.... A message from someone who had gastric surgery, lost 115 pounds, and is living below goal weight..... Is this the easy way out? Well, yes and no. Yes, because the smaller stomach helps me control my appetite and the amount of food I can take in. Initially, calories are restricted because of the lesser volume consumed, but good choices still have to be made every single time I put something in my mouth. And no, it's not easy. Because in the 9 months since my sleeve surgery, I have: Taken nutritional counseling classes Been evaluated by a psychologist Been evaluated by a cardiologist Been evaluated by a pulmonologist Had an upper GI evaluation Had a complete physical by my primary care physician Gone through a two-week pre-operative liquid diet Gone through and recovered from a major surgical procedure that removed 80% of my stomach Gone through a two-week post operative liquid diet Gone through a two-week soft food diet Eaten zero starches (bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes, pizza, etc.) Eaten zero sugary Desserts (cake, pie, pudding, ice cream, candy, etc.) Eaten very few fruits Always eaten Protein first Always eaten non-starchy vegetables second (and there's never room for anything else) Had zero fruit juices Had zero sodas Had zero alcoholic beverages Eaten 80-100 grams of protein every single day Drunk 64-120 ounces of fluids every single day Exercised 5-6 times a week Logged everything I ate or drank for several months, and again whenever my weight loss slowed And through it all, I get to watch my friends and family eat and drink whatever they want at restaurants, parties, holidays, sporting events, and so on.... Now, does that sound "the easy way"? Not by a long shot! (Just compare the yes and no sections above.) But it is a tool that makes the likelihood of long-term success much higher than it would be without it.

It sounds to me like you'd need to lose about 80 pounds to get to a "normal" BMI. Not extreme at all in the bariatric world. Do you have family health insurance? Are you sure this isn't covered? Your BMI is over 38, and do you have any co-morbidities like diabetes, asthma, apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure? Those go into the calculation as well. You might also look into your state laws governing insurance coverage for bariatric surgery. As for your husband.... Is he controlling and cruel in other areas as well? Sounds, at the very least, like you guys need some serious counseling. Is there any chance that you can drag him to an information session or appointment with a bariatric surgeon so he can learn about it? Most people who vehemently oppose the procedure don't know the first thing about it. A little education might go a long way. He wants you thinner, and here's a tool to help you get there. Win-win! And why not use tools to make our lives easier? That's what separates us from animals, for crying out loud!!! "Punkinvine" made an excellent and very funny point yesterday about this exact subject that you might want to share with your hubby.... You know the next time you see a person with a flat tire and you stop to see if they need help. Just think what they would say if you said... "If you use a compressor to fill that tire up you are doing it the easy way. You should just put your mouth on the valve stem and blow!" Share that story with him to see if it gives him any perspective. I hope you can find a way to initiate a long-range plan to get your surgery, lose the weight, get a job, and then take your kids and leave this chump if he doesn't get his head out of his a$$!. Good luck!!!!

Congratulations! That's a great milestone to be celebrated! Go out and buy yourself something to wear that emphasizes the new, smaller you and makes you feel great! Salvation Army, Goodwill, and consignment shops are great pleases to get deals on "transitional" clothes. Enjoy your success and keep it going!!!!!

Everybody loses at different rates during the first several weeks. Since you're concerned about it, I'm going to give you a head's-up in advance about something you're not going to like, but you'll have to get through. Read on.... The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the pounds will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

Yep, beef and turkey jerky are my "secret weapons". By that I mean that whenever I'm unsure of what the food situation is going to be, I plan ahead by bringing along a bag of jerky. That way I can't be caught without something appropriate to eat. A bag of jerky is a satisfying meal!

During the first couple of weeks I had gurgling down in my tummy, and then up in my chest. My doc's office told me that this is normal and the result of swelling. It mostly went away shortly thereafter. But even now at 8 months out, I occasionally get a gurgle when warm liquid releases into my stomach.

Remember that hunger is often thirst in disguise. Try to get your Fluid intake up, way up. I drink 120+ ounces of fluids a day. That helps control the hunger, but doesn't remove it entirely. So if I eat a snack, I make sure it is always a Protein snack like Jerky, nuts, cheese, yogurt, or meat leftovers. I'm afraid to open the sugar/carb can o' worms, and this system seems to be working so far. Good luck!

Today seems to be my day for posting this over and over, but many new post-ops appear to be stalling at the moment. So, while you may be early.... Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the pounds will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

Yep, I agree with @*Lexie*. My go-to convenience food is beef or turkey jerky – lots of Protein, low fat, and the only "bad" part is the high sodium. (Well, some are a little high in sugar too, so avoid those brands.) I discovered on a 10-day driving vacation that you can buy jerky almost everywhere, and a 3.5-oz bag is a meal. Sure beats eating fistfuls of Wheat Thins on the road! But my most important tip for success is: Always have a plan! Never be caught hungry and without something you can safely eat and drink because that's when bad choices get made. So if that means always packing a cooler of Crystal Light and a bag of jerky, then that's what we need to do. Good luck!

Hey, @, thanks for your post! That's the main reason I joined BP nearly a year ago – to hear the war stories of those that have gone before us. Yours is a cautionary tale for those of us who are feeling successful about our journeys, to never, ever get complacent and take our sleeves/bands/pouches for granted. I'm 8 months out and below my goal weight, but can definitely feel my hunger increasing. And I'm finding myself nibbling between meals; especially at night. My saving grace, so far, is that I only allow myself protein-based Snacks. They may be high in fat and calories (cheese, nuts, jerky), but they don't kick-off a sugar/carb binge. So thanks again for sharing the wisdom of your experience, and good luck getting your program back on the straight and narrow! It sounds like you're in the right frame of mind to succeed.!!!

Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. (You may have just gotten there a little early.) It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the pounds will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

Congratulations@@juliarg!!! And sorry, @@Comeflywithme, but I have to disagree with you about celebrating with food by being "bad" for one day. Too frequently that can lead to 2 ,3, 4... "Bad" foods are a slippery slope for many of us, best avoided until we've had time for our heads and bodies to get to the right place. Some can jump on and off the horse without a problem, but from what I read and hear, most of us get into trouble when we do that. So,@@juliarg, for a reward, how about buying yourself a great blouse, or dress, or [gasp] even some nice underwear, that makes you feel good about your accomplishment? I bought myself one or two shirts and pants each time I got to a new size. Salvation Army and Goodwill are great places to get good deals on "transitional" clothing that you will grow through in a few months. I always find that wearing clothes that emphasize my smaller self is a great motivator! And take some pictures of the new you and compare them to the old you. Pretty great, right?!! And finally, make sure you identify with the new you in those pictures, and not the heavier you that you're leaving behind. That person is gone forever. Keep up the good work!!!!!

4 weeks out? Read below about your stalled weight loss and check out the link. As for the depression, hopefully it will pass as you lose weight and inches and start feeling better about yourself. Don't mourn the foods that got you here. They're NOT your friends!!! Instead, Celebrate that you have the chance to break free of those unhealthy chains. Good luck, and now read on... Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the pounds will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

At first it's really hard to get the fluids all in. But you have to really work at it! They help you heal, help you lose weight, and early on in particular, they help you avoid serious constipation -- and believe me, that's something you want to avoid! Keep a drink by your side at all times and sip, sip, sip. You won't stretch your sleeve! Water will always seek the easiest path, and that's down into your small intestine where it's supposed to go. Good luck!

My surgeon says that if you fall off the horse, call his office. They won't judge, and they can help you get back on track by giving you tips, reeducating you about how you should be eating, and/or refer you to a nut, psych, or trainer who can help. Don't be embarrassed to call your doctor's office for help. They're invested in your success. Good luck!

Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the pounds will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the pounds will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

DING, DING, DING!!! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner! @@punkinvine ROTFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you considered printing all these responses and giving (or mailing) them to your surgeon? He sounds like the same guy that says bariatric surgery is taking the easy way out. Grrrr....

As a corollary.... When you don't waste time driving around the parking lot looking for a closer space, because it's faster (and healthier) to grab a farther space and walk in. Furthermore.... When you run upstairs to get something – whenever you need it – rather than waiting until you have a bunch of reasons to climb that mountain. Okay, one more.... When you compare the weight you've lost to other heavy things -- I've lost just about 3 bags of mulch! I mean, think about that... I'd have trouble picking up two bags of mulch, let alone three. Imagine carrying three bags of mulch everywhere you go, including upstairs! Ouch!!! And freakin' YAY!!!