Rogofulm

Yeah... that's the way it is. But a week from now you'll feel much better!

Read this post from @@Babbs every single morning and follow her advice! THAT'S what will get you where you want to go, not some fruit and vegetable diet. In fact, I'd recommend staying away from fruits and non-green veggies altogether for now. It's all about the protein and the fluids – seriously. Good luck! Make good choices and you'll get there!!!

Hi Susan, 151 today. Thanks! Rog

Well, yeah... I totally agree with the education part. And yes, people need to realize that this is still a hard slog. WLS is only a tool. But it's a pretty darned powerful tool! So I'll reiterate what some others have said on this thread – is WLS an easier path than just diet and exercise alone? Hell yeah, it is! That's why we did it. Because we kept failing with the "old fashioned way", either immediately or eventually. But having our hunger severely curtailed for a year or more gives us a tremendous opportunity to get our heads straight for the long haul. And as we lose weight, and are hopefully not miserably hungry in the process, we see that continually making the next good choice pays off – on the scale, in non-scale victories, in how our clothes fit, in how we feel, and in complements from others – all very motivating, right? So by the time we, presumably, reach our goal (or comfort level), we have learned what it takes. Will there be challenges ahead? Of course. But if we can remember to use our tool when it gets hard, it should be a lot easier than if we didn't have it. So is this really "the easy way out"? No, it's not easy. And there is no "way out". We'll need to stay vigilant and work with our tools for the rest of our lives. But it sure is easi–er! And that's what people who are on the fence about having the surgery need to understand. Because otherwise, what's the point? It would be just another Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutri System, Diet Center, Atkins, South Beach, etc., etc., etc..... But this method is different – and that's a very good thing!

When clothes shopping doesn't suck! When you can actually buy clothes off the rack, and they fit without alterations. When you tuck in your tee shirts because it looks sleeker. Heck, when you even have the guts to wear shirts that aren't oversized tents. I'm tellin' ya, this procedure makes a whole world of difference!!!

I'm glad! That's why I keep posting the same darned message over and over again. It's that important at a critical time for new sleevers. Good luck on your journey!!!

@@CowgirlJane and @@bikrchk have it right! Take all those comments: goofy, clumsy, stupid, or nearly offensive, as compliments. (If they're not, then they're from envy, and that's okay too!) Use them to truly believe that you are now the lower-weight person they're describing. When you see a slimmer person in the mirror, believe it. And don't look back over your shoulder at the heavier person in the rear-view mirror. Let that person go! And the funniest compliment I ever got was, "Holy ****, you've lost a crap ton of weight!" And I loved it!

Don't touch the bread, or drink alcohol, or eat dessert. Swap out the starch for a second vegetable. Eat your Protein first, veggies second. You should run out of room part way through the veggies. Take the rest home for tomorrow's lunch. It really is that simple!

Hey, @@Joey Jackson. Here's the stuff I wish someone had told me: That it hurts like hell when you first wake up! But the improvement starts almost immediately and after 2 weeks you'll feel pretty decent. That the first few trips around the floor are really hard, but after that walking actually starts to feel pretty good. That they would transition me from IV pain meds to pills during the night in the hospital. And yes, you can swallow a small pill. That the pain meds are only needed for 3 or 4 days. That Water is even more important than Protein during the first week or two. That if you don't get enough fluids, the constipation is gonna really suck! That you should have some kind of laxative or stool softener ready. (Miralax is pretty good.) That food and drink are going to get stuck at various points in your esophagus at various times in the first few weeks, and make weird noises going down. This is normal, and due to swelling, and it improves pretty quickly. That tons of fluids (eventually) are the best way to keep your skin elastic, which might help down the road. That tons of protein (eventually) plus Biotin is the best way to try and keep your hair. That Vitamin B-12 is a happy pill. (I prefer timed-release to sub-lingual.) That around week 3 after surgery, all weight loss may stop for 2-3 weeks! This is completely normal and here's why. good article That if I follow ALL the rules about what and when to eat and drink, never eat starches or sweets (or drink alcohol), and get regular exercise, I could lose 111 pounds and reach my goal weight in 7 1/2 months. And.... that if I did all of that, I would actually enjoy the journey... and I have! Good luck! I wish you all the success in the world!!!

You've come so far, and you're getting close enough to your goal that you can almost reach out and touch it. Throughout my life, that was the point where I'd bag it and the weight would start coming back on. But this is different. Use your sleeve as a crutch in times of stress. Choose a walk and some fresh air instead of food. Don't let this throw you. Your sleeve will keep you on track if you let it. Most of all, don't give others the power to sabotage your success. And pleeeez, don't go to the "well I've already blown it today so I may as well eat other stuff I've been missing." That will only set you back further. Just leave it in the past and go back to the eating habits that helped you lose over 200 freakin' pounds!!!

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!)

You've probably already read my frequent post about the Week-3 stall, but in case you missed it, please click the link and read the article. It will give you some idea about why it happens. For some it happens sooner, for others, later. You may be in the sooner group. Good luck and keep making good choices. Eventually it will break -- it has to. 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!)

For those struggling to get back on track.... Last night my doctor came to our support group to answer any questions his patients might have. When asked how to get back on track, he gave three suggestions: 1. Call my office. 2. Call my office. 3. Call my office. So there you go.... Call your doctor's office. Good luck!

I haven't tried this (so do your research), but some people swear by it. The first page of the site looks like an ad for the book, but all the info is there for free. Good luck! You can do this!!!! Oops! Forgot the link. Here it is.... http://www.5daypouchtest.com/index.html

Wow..... just..... WOW!!!!!

Ola, Portuguesa! Sure it's your decision to make, but it's nice to have your family and friends' support for such a life-changing event. Have you tried explaining it to him patiently and unemotionally? You've done your research, right? Bring him some statistics. Show him that this is the most effective way to permanently lose weight. Take him to the next free seminar, or bring him with you to the doctor's appointment so he can ask his questions and get answers straight from the surgeon. I'm 55, married, with a kid....and the only person who suggested that I try again the old-fashioned way was my Mom.... who first put me on a diet 48 years ago when I was 7. Is that even rational? Our parents are just worried about surgery because they love us. Once I explained to her that I had made my decision and she needed to get on board, she did. Now she's thrilled that I've finally lost the weight. So now... get this... she tells me I'm getting too thin and need to stop. See.....? They're irrational because they love us. So just be patient with your Dad, and try to get him all the information he needs to understand why you feel you have to do this. I'll bet once he's fully informed, he'll come around. Boa sorte, amiga!!!

Congratulations! It sounds like you have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. In fact, you're probably just about done with it. 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!)

Ain't it grand?!! Congratulations!!!

Okay, since you lost over 100 pounds you know HOW to do this, but "flicking the switch" back to the ON position is hard. Here are a couple of sites that people on this forum have posted. I haven't tried them myself, so do your research, but they have helped other get/stay on track. http://forum.fastday.com/5-2_diet.php http://www.5daypouchtest.com/index.html And here's a general bariatric surgery site with lots of tips you may have forgotten over the years. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/ And start going to a bariatric support group. They're not there to judge you, they are there to help each other. Good luck, you can do this!!!!!

My family eats out all the time and it's easy! Order a grilled meat dish (chicken, steak, pork, lamb, etc.). It usually comes with 2 sides, one veggie and one starch. Swap out the starch for a second veggie. Skip the bread, drink, and dessert. Eat the Protein first. And good luck eating any veggies after that. So most of the veggies come home in a box for later meals. At Mexican, while my family eats chips and salsa, I ask for my own salsa and have a few bites with a spoon. I order fajitas, skip the chips and the tortillas, and maybe eat a bite of Beans. At Chinese, I order chicken and veggies in a white sauce. At Italian, I order a meat dish like chicken or veal piccata or marsala, skip the Pasta, and follow the rules above. Etc., etc. etc. Remember, calories are not our problem, starches and sweets are. So just stay away from them and don't worry about sauces too much. And, of course, don't drink with your meal. Good luck!

My initial goal was to reach the "normal" BMI range (154). Got it. Then my goal was to give myself a 4-pound cushion so I wouldn't become "overweight" everytime I bounced a bit (150). Still working on that. And then, I read that the ideal weight for my age and body type is 148. So that's my new stretch goal. 5 pounds to go!

Happy Onderbirthdaylations!!!!!

It will take some time for you to be able to handle 64 oz. BUT... As soon as possible you need to get there, for many reasons: fluids help with weight loss; fluids help prevent constipation; fluids give your skin more elasticity so it has a better chance of bouncing back after weight loss; and fluids may help (but Protein definitely helps) prevent hair loss. So with that being said, you'll want to get that Fluid intake up as quickly and as high as possible. Here are my tips: I bought two 24-ounce Tervis Tumblers (and handles) at Bed, Bath & Beyond; one for work and one for home. At least 45 minutes after Breakfast I fill one up with sugar-free, decaf Crystal Light (or generic) iced tea (Mio works too) and sip it all morning, finishing up at least 30 minutes before lunch. At least 45 minutes after lunch, I fill another and sip it all afternoon. Then, at least 45 minutes after dinner I fill my last one at home and sip it all evening. That's 72+ ounces of fluid every day! If I have to go somewhere, I bring my tumbler in the car with me. And if I'm hungry and it's not mealtime or snacktime, I drink even more. If I'm going to a casual party where there won't be anything "appropriate" for me to drink, I bring along more tea in a cooler. Between the iced tea, coffee (yeah, I know), and my Protein shake, I'm easily getting in 120 oz of fluid per day. But you have to make it a daily routine. Good luck!!!

If he's not happy with that, I think you should punch him in the nose! (Kidding, I'm kidding...) Congratulations on your great success in the past year!!!!!

This may be old news on this thread, but here are two recipes for no-carb pizza. Haven't tried them, but others say they're delicious! Mix: 2 cups fine grated cauliflower, 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, and 2 eggs. Mix and press in a parchment paper lined 10 inch. pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes or until brownish on top. Let stand for 10 min then add pizza toppings. Pop in the oven for another 5 or so min. until cheese bubbles. . AND