Rogofulm

I haven't tried this myself, but here's the link to the 5-day pouch test. Look at the "Plan" tab. It doesn't sound any different than what we all did at the beginning with our sleeves, just accelerated. I can't see that there's anything wrong with trying this for a pouch, a sleeve, or even band. It's just back to our basics. And here's a link to an article I read today on this Forum about how we sabbotage ourselves and what to do about it. It has some straight talk, which may be what you need. And finally, here's the 5:2 diet that some people use to maintain their weight loss. I know that's a lot of material to review, but it sounds like you and others who are posting on this thread need to throw yourselves an intervention to get back on track. Good luck!! I wish you all the success in the world. You did this once, and your sleeve is still in there - USE IT!!!

Congratulations on hitting the century mark! That's quite an accomplishment!!! But as you say, it's not over.... Just keep making the good decisions, day after day, and you'll make it! And you mentioned milestone rewards... I know we shouldn't give ourselves food-related rewards, but on the day I hit goal, I went straight to Buffalo Wild Wings (my former obsession) at lunch time. Did I order my usual dozen wings with french fries, carrots, blue cheese dressing, and four glasses of iced tea? Nope. I bought a bottle of my favorite wing sauce and took it back to the office. In the old days, a bottle would last me 2-3 days as I poured it onto crackers. This bottle has lasted 5 weeks so far as a dipping sauce for meat, and it still has a ways to go. And this morning I just hit 4 pounds below goal, only two away from my stretch goal. I'm only saying this to show that we can all learn to change our habits and eat moderately. Good luck everyone!!!

Fantastic! Embrace it, and use it! Good luck on your journey to better health!

It sounds like we're in a similar boat – 9 months out, down over 100 pounds, and feeling the hunger returning. So far I've been able to keep the beast at bay using two techniques. I hope they help you too. Don't back down on the fluids! I keep my sleeve full with 120+ ounces every day by building the fluids into my schedule. It's harder to keep to the schedule on weekends, and that's when it gets harder. So it takes even more effort to get the fluids in, but it's worth it. All of my "cheat" Snacks are protein-based – Jerky, nuts, cheese, yogurt, sausage, etc. I don't worry about fat content or calories, just that there are no sugar/carbs. I know it's going to get harder, but I'm going to try and keep these habits going. Good luck! You know how to do this and you've already been wonderfully successful – so do it!

Hi Susan, Took 3 weeks, but I finally lost a pound. New weight is 150. Thanks! Rog

Your surgeon's fulla horse hockey! Of course there are stalls as you body adjusts to what it perceives as crisis mode. Check out the article below. It describes what you're probably going through right now. Just like "stuff", stalls happen. But the better the choices you make, the shorter they will be. Okay, here's my standard spiel... 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 weight 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!)

Thanks, Mo! Stretching for 148 is tough and slow going, but that's okay. I'm pretty comfortable where I am, so there's no huge rush. Good luck with your surgery! Follow your doctor's program to a tee and always make the right choice and you'll do great!

Don't look back over your shoulder at the heavier person you used to be. Identify with the new, slimmer you in the mirror – that's who you are now. So look forward, towards a healthier future.

Since you're already seeing a therapist, I'll stay away from the psychobabble stuff that I'm not qualified to dispense anyway. But here's another question: are you getting enough fluids in? I've found that when I'm running dry, I feel tired, head-achy, and slightly depressed. Try punching up the fluids to 64 oz or more every day. I drink 128+ oz a day, so if you need tips on how to do that, let me know....

Are you taking B-12 Vitamins? They're my happy, energy pills. But.... I have to take the timed-release ones because the fast-acting, sublingual pills make me cranky – like I'm over-caffeinated. If you're not taking B-12, you might give it a try. Good luck!

Hi Susan, Still at 151 this week. Thanks!!! Rog

June 24th, here.... Glad to report that I'm down 114 pounds, and 3 below my initial goal of 154 – which is one pound into my "normal" BMI range. I've set a stretch goal of 145-148 as my permanent range to try and avoid ever going back over my goal number. I have to say that this journey has really been fun! But now, as the honeymoon period ends, the compliments and new clothing sizes dry up, and the long-haul work begins, I hope it will continue to at least be satisfying. I'm proud of my success, and the collective success of our June 2014 family. If we keep working at it, it will keep paying off. Good luck, everyone!!!

Isn't it amazing how this subject touches a raw nerve in all of us? When people ask me how I lost all the weight, I tell them, "I had bariatric surgery last June and I haven't had a bite of starch, or any sweets, or any booze, or any soda since then... I live on almost exclusively on small portions of Protein and some green vegetables, I exercise almost every day and I feel great! Thanks for asking..." If you spit that all out quickly enough, nobody dares to say it's "easy".

Have you added anything back into your diet to stabilize your weight, or has it found its own equilibrium? Are you eating exactly the same? Bigger portions? Did you reintroduce some carbs, or are you keeping that door tightly closed to avoid the slippery slope? I recently got to goal and am working on figuring out what works to stop losing, but not gain. Thanks! I went back to my nut and she identified an appropriate level of calories and carbs to stop losing and that has worked well. She took into account my level of exercise along with my height and goal weight. I've expanded my selection of foods, but in general, stick to healthy things. I still monitor my nutrition levels daily and supplement as needed. Thanks! I'll use that advice!

Also, during the liquid phase, I found warm chicken broth and cream soups with the chunks strained out to be soothing.

To someone who says something like that unsolicited, I'd be tempted to say, "Really? Tell me what you think you know about bariatric surgery, and what's so easy about it. The quarter of a million people on my Forum think it's hard, so what do you know that they don't? Are you pulling this ignorant sh!t out of your a$$? Then I suggest that you stuff it back where it came from." But what I'd really say is, "Why would you say such an insulting and ignorant thing? Is that your way of being helpful? Well it's not." Then I'd turn and walk away. And please, please don't let an ignoramus affect how you feel about yourself or the surgery. He's just not worth it! You're making an excellent decision for your health and for your life. Always remember that. And in a few months, you'll be reaping the benefits while jerk-boy watches and stews.

In my experience, after sleeve surgery, hunger is really thirst in disguise, so if you're getting hungry, drink more fluids. This process requires a complete lifestyle change, and that's what you signed up for when you went under the knife. Grieving your old foods is perfectly natural, but realize that they are what got you to the place where you needed surgery. They are not your friends! Your new friends will be Protein, fluids, and exercise. And in a few months, when you are able to fit into great-looking clothes, you'll understand the magic of this program. But you have to do your part. So decide to stay away from carbs, sweets, and booze. Your sleeve will help you do this. And come on here whenever you're feeling the need for support. We're here for you! Good luck!!!!!

Excellent letter, Alex! Thanks for representing us so well!!!

When I complained about being hungry, my doc told me that hunger is often thirst in disguise. So I increased my Fluid intake and it really helped! Now I drink 120+ ounces of fluid per day, and it keeps my sleeve pretty satisfied.

For those just getting started, remember that drinking TONS of Fluid can help your skin stay hydrated, which should help maintain some elasticity (and it really helps with weight loss). I definitely have some "Sharpei Belly" going on, but it's a whole lot better than where I was before! And working out with weights has helped reduce my excess arm skin. Hmmm.. maybe I need to do more planks and crunches....

Have you added anything back into your diet to stabilize your weight, or has it found its own equilibrium? Are you eating exactly the same? Bigger portions? Did you reintroduce some carbs, or are you keeping that door tightly closed to avoid the slippery slope? I recently got to goal and am working on figuring out what works to stop losing, but not gain. Thanks!

From the responses so far, it appears that those who adhere very closely to their plan have been extremely successful. Okay, here's my recipe for getting to goal weight.... Start every morning with a Protein shake 70+ grams of protein every day 64+ ounces of Fluid every day Non-starchy vegetables as fullness allows Eat protein first, veggies second, and if you really need it, fruit last Don't drink anything for 45 minutes before or after meals Only protein-based Snacks (nuts, cheese, yogurt, Jerky, meat leftovers) Completely avoid starches, sweets, and booze Very limited fruits, and no fruit juices Walk 30+ minutes every day Try to have a plan in place for every situation When you will be in an unknown situation, bring fluids and protein with you Jerky can be purchased almost anywhere, and a 3.5 oz bag is a meal At restaurants: Do not have bread, dessert, or booze Order a meat dish Substitute a 2nd veggie for the starch Calories and fat don't matter Carbs and sugar do Establishing repeatable routines makes it easier Guys lose weight faster; it's not fair, but it's true I followed my plan pretty closely and it got me to goal, even with lots of social occasions and restaurant dining. Now to see if (with a few modifications) it will work in maintenance, and how sustainable it is for the long haul...

I've told anyone who asked, and received 100% positive responses. Others I read on this Forum have gotten lots of negative feedback. What's the difference? It could be the people in your life. (I'm in my 50s, so my crowd may be wiser and less judgmental.) Or it might just be in the delivery. I tell people with such confidence and enthusiasm that it's hard for them to say anything negative. ("I had bariatric surgery last June. Since then I've lost XX pounds, my health has improved, and I feel fantastic!!! It's been really hard work, but it's totally worth it!!!") Notice that I told them what I was doing, how successful it's been, what improvements have come as a result, told them that it's NOT easy, and expressed my enthusiasm for the process. Who, besides a total Grinch is gonna say something bad to that? Might be worth a try.....

Sounds to me like you're doing great! Just keep making the right choices, and don't let that dumbass bring you down or harm your commitment. If you stick to this daily recipe..... 70+ grams of Protein 64+ ounces of Fluid Green vegetables as fullness allows Only protein-based Snacks Completely avoid starches, sweets and booze Walk 30+ minutes .....the weight will fall off and the next time you see him, you can tell him he was fulla spit last time. Good luck! You got this!!!!!

At 4 weeks I found myself hungry too. Then my surgeon told me that post-op hunger is usually thirst in disguise. I bumped up my Fluid intake and the hunger went away, or at least became much more manageable. So make sure you're getting AT LEAST 64 ounces of fluids every day. I'm up to 120 oz. a day, now, and the only time I'm tempted to graze is when I fall behind on my fluid intake. Good luck!!!