jayhawk1965

Welcome! I am saddened to hear that you were feeling judged by some Forum members--the place where you should feel safest. Know that you are not alone! I am a slow but steady loser. My pieces of advice: 1. Find Protein you like and get your recommended grams of protein in every day. You will lose faster, protect against hair loss and will feel great! I drink Isopure Zero Carb (I like the orange, grape and fruit punch flavors). 2. Celebrate every 10 pounds. Looking at the "BIG" number of what I wanted to lose was overwhelming but the 10 lb milestones were attainable. My celebrations were a new purse, a massage, a new pair of pants, etc. Not food. 3. Surround yourself with supportive people and accept compliments graciously. You will see some changes before others and others will see some changes before you do. Focus on the fact that you are losing enough for people to notice and you are getting healthy. 4. Find exercise that you enjoy or can at least tolerate. Last but not least, I am a work in progress on the emotional eating issue that got me to 389 pounds. Now I ask myself, "Am I really hungry or am I thirsty?" "Am I really hungry or did something just happen that upset me?" Stopping to query myself helps focus me and then I make an informed choice instead of just eating. Best of luck on this journey--it is quite a ride and I am only half-way there!

People are going to be impressed with your weight loss they won't notice...and hopefully you are so proud of your accomplishments that you will just be happy to be on vacation. Congrats on your progress! Have a great trip.

Hi TheRealMelsHere. I think I will go shopping! And maybe try a new flavor of Isopure--I tend to stick with the same flavors. How did you celebrate when you hit your goal?

My surgery was July 31, 2014 and I wondered how I would feel when I hit the 100 lb. mark. This morning I hit 101.3 lbs. lost and I feel great! I know there is much more to do but today I am going to Celebrate. If I could give my pre-surgery self advice, I would say, "Don't worry about how fast other people lose. Stick with the plan, learn how to live your new life, respect the sleeve and it will all work out!" Let's see if I can follow my own advice for the next 107.7! Hope your journey is going well and you, too, are feeling great!

Congratulations! What an exciting, momentous occasion. I am so glad you celebrated by buying some new clothes.

Hi. I don't know about you but this site was a lifeline in the early weeks because you could find so much detail. But the further from surgery, the less detail. I thought it would be helpful to start a discussion and share challenges, helpful hints and other support as we enter our 8th month post-surgery. What are your lifelines? How many calories are you eating and what is your exercise regimen? How are people responding to your weight loss? What challenges are you experiencing? My challenge? I still have a difficult time getting in all my Water. It just is very challenging because it doesn't taste quite right. I really miss not being able to gulp water! Unsweet ice tea has become my lifeline. I look forward to hearing from you!

Hi. I travel every week. I was sleeved on 7/31/14. And my first trip was 2 weeks later. My doctor did give me medication (injections to self-administer) the day before travel and the evening of travel. He also instructed me to get up and walk on every flight. Here are a few other travel tips: I am fortunate because I am able to rent a car in many of the cities so I found Wendy's to buy chili, a grocery store (sliced turkey breast!) and a GNC/Vitamin Shoppe for Isopure. I bring my Protein shakes and bars (once I was allowed to have bars again). I also try to stay in a hotel that has a fitness room and a mini-kitchen so I can heat Soup. If I must eat in a restaurant, I volunteer to select the restaurant for the group so I can choose a place that has options for me. I can find an Italian restaurant and order meatballs or lasagna (and not eat the noodles). I also found Qdoba and Salsarita's for refried Beans. One last comment. People are interested in what they are going to eat. I haven't had anyone comment on what I order, how I order or how much I eat (or don't eat). Do what makes sense for you. Good luck!

Hi. I travel every week. I was sleeved on 7/31/14. I am fortunate because I am able to rent a car in many of the cities so I found Wendy's to buy chili, a grocery store (sliced turkey breast!) and a GNC/Vitamin Shoppe for Isopure. I bring my Protein shakes and bars (once I was allowed to have bars again). I also try to stay in a hotel that has a fitness room and a mini-kitchen so I can heat Soup. If I must eat in a restaurant, I volunteer to select the restaurant for the group so I can choose a place that has options for me. I can find an Italian restaurant and order meatballs or lasagna (and not eat the noodles). I also found Qdoba and Salsarita's for refried Beans. One last comment. People are interested in what they are going to eat. I haven't had anyone comment on what I order, how I order or how much I eat (or don't eat). Do what makes sense for you. Good luck!

Hi. It is unfortunate that a trained medical professional made you feel uncomfortable about something that is a natural part of life for 50% of the population. Have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your concerns. I had my period during the surgery (and I have VERY heavy cycles). They let me wear a pad with my underwear into the operating room (I have no idea what happened once I was under but I know my underpants and pad were back on when I came to in recovery). I didn't have a catheter. You will also have an opportunity to speak to someone during your pre-op visit and you can mention your concern to them. I wouldn't let this keep you from surgery. Good luck!

Thanks, Myonlybattle, for your reassuring words! Happy 5th day...keep hydrating...that makes all the difference. Good luck!

Hi. I was sleeved on 7/31. I lost 43 lbs in the 4 week pre-op diet, gained 7 lbs while I was in the hospital, lost that and then gained 9 lbs during the full liquid stage (that was a heartbreaker!). I finally lost that. I have lost a total of 58 lbs since July 1. Rationally, I know that I have never lost 58 lbs in 10 weeks in my long history of dieting and I should be thrilled. I am measuring, counting, exercising and following the plan religiously and have only lost 13 lbs. since surgery. When you have a lot to lose, this is a little defeating. Just need some encouragement. Thanks!

So glad you posted this. We can be so hard on ourselves and overlook the changes our body is undergoing. I was feeling so down this morning. because tomorrow is 2 weeks and I am only down 3 pounds post surgery. I have to focus on the fact that since June 17 (my first doctor's appointment), I have lost 46 pounds. (I have also been battling constipation so I am returning to Optifast instead of a different Protein shake I have been using for a week which adds to my slightly grumpy demeanor.) Hang in there! We know if we work the plan, the plan will work!

Hi. I had a drain and it was removed at my 1 week appointment which was actually 6 days after my surgery. Don't worry if you have to have one...other than pinning the little tab that is attached to your clothes so it doesn't pull, it wasn't an issue. Good luck!

Talk to your doctor about Mirapex or Pramaxipole. This is one of the primary treatments for RLS which includes other parts of the body. I was sleeved on 7/31 and have severe RLS and couldn't take my medicine because there isn't an IV form. Absolutely horrible night and no one at the hospital had any concept how awful restless leg syndrome can be. Finally slept the next afternoon when I could finally take medicine.