FedUpwithBeingFat

@@Sassy Little Redhead I found it very helpful and pain relieving. I am at 3.5 weeks and am still wearing it when I work. (On my feet a lot during the day) It definitely provides support and makes the abdomen feel more "protected" and "held together" I purposely wear it quite tight. In the first 2 weeks I wore it around the clock! Only took it off to shower.

@@livvsmum Hi, Your pics are AMAZING!!! I hear so many people who never get to their goal. For you to lose 140 lbs in 10 months is incredible! Can you offer any tips? What type things did you eat? What did you NOT ADD back to your diet? Did you exercise and if so, how often? You are an inspiration to so many on this site!!!

@@Butterflyhigh Wow, so excited to hear that you are continuing to drop pounds. Did you experience many stalls? I hear so many people that struggle to get to their goals. So impressed that you are losing so well. Do you have any tips? I have been heavy for 25 years, so it is hard for me to imagine myself getting info 6 or 4 sizes. Just wondering how you did it so "easily" ( I know it wasn't easy but you appear to have done so many things right!!)

@@Beckyyb93 Hi, I'm drinking Powerade Zero. I love the Fruit Punch Flavor (Red) It is sugar free. I've also found a juice (100%with no added sugars) that I love. It is white grape with peach. Also, for a treat get a Chick-fil-a Diet Lemon Aide. Good Luck. Just be sure not to drink juices with "Cane Sugar" in the ingredient list. NOT WORTH THE CALORIES!!!!

@@azwin Hi, I had my VSG on September 18th also. I would NEVER eat things the Dr. says not to eat, because at this point we are in danger of rupturing our staples. There has not been time to heal our stomachs. Please follow the Dr.'s instructions. If you are bored, you need to get up and walk, read up on how to change your lifestyle after VSG, etc. (there are lots of great books on Amazon, etc.) Also there is a GREAT BLOG on this site written by "Queen of Crop" I'm a little worried about your lack of compliance. (I say this with sincere concern) This is such a HUGE investment in improving our lives, that we need to see it as a "second chance" and take COMPLETE advantage of it. Please read all you can about improving your life and health. The best of luck to you!

Hi.....Just had surgery on September 18th and wanted to reply about shots given to prevent blood clots. I was hyper-aware of this issue since I've had surgery in the past for Deep Vein Thrombosis. I spent 2 nights in the hospital and was given a total of 6 shots in my lower abdomen for blood clot prevention. None given for when I left the hospital. I think this is why the Doc's STRESS the importance of walking. In the hospital as well as when you go home. I admit, I was very weak once I got home. I could only "stroll" to my mailbox, around the pool deck, or from one end of my house to the other. I never did all of these "strolls" at the same time. Maybe 8-10 minutes......at the most. I hope this gives you a little insight?

@TexasmegThank you for this tip. I am having a tough first week post surgery, but I hope (like you) to be better in a couple of months and then have smooth sailing from that point. Thank you for checking in on me.

@@Embrace Hi! Thank you so much for checking in on me. Your note before my surgery gave me great peace and comfort. I have told NO ONE but my husband, so having you and others checking on me in INVALUABLE! I have had a tough 1st week of recovery, but am beginning to feel better. My 1 week check up is tomorrow. Because I was converting a "plication" to a sleeve, my procedure lasted 5.5 hours. I think this may be the reason the Anesthesia was particularly difficult to rid from my system. Not sure if this is the cause of my blurry vision for the last 6 days, but reading online, I have found that this can be a result of anesthesia and will improve in 9-10 days. (I have been unable to read the newspaper, emails, or any of the 3 new books I bought to enjoy during my recovery phase.) Additionally, I have had severe headaches that I cannot treat with my regular migraine meds, due to the complicated revision-----my doc's fear that the strong meds (even crushed) would cause damage to my new sleeve. ENOUGH COMPLAINING THOUGH!!! I'm grateful for my supportive husband who paid the 17,500. fee to have this done and my steady improvement. I actually feel myself getting stronger each day. Remembering what you said about walking the anesthesia off, I made sure to walk a little each day but honestly I only made it to my mailbox and back, walked from one end of my house to the other.....etc. (I was quite wimpy this week) I tried to balance what you said about walking and resting my body. I have a goal of walking 30 minutes (all at one time) by Saturday of this week. I hope I am able. Your 3rd piece of invaluable advice was very helpful and something I HAD NOT considered. As soon as I can get out, I'm going to purchase tiny bowls and small plates. Thank you so much for this tip!! Something I had not expected was the weight gain in the hospital from fluids. ( I probably should have done better research and made myself aware of this bc it SHOCKED me!) I gained 11 lbs and after 6 days that was finally gone. I hope I begin steady "losing" from this point on. I practiced "going out to dinner" last night with my husband. This is a little scary at first! We went to a Tai restaurant where I was able to order a bowl of simple broth. It was divine. (After eating broth from a box all week.) Since today is 1 week out, I'm going to weigh, take measurements, etc. I'm hoping I'm on the right path and will continue to improve. Enough about me! Are you doing o.k.? Still losing? Adding new foods to your diet? Feeling good? I think your surgery was this summer so we are just a few months apart. Your wisdom and compassion came through so clearly in your message to me and I want you to know how very much I appreciate the time it took to send it. Please continue to send your valuable tips and please let me know how you are progressing.

@@Embrace Thank you SO MUCH for your response. I have to get up at 4 in the morning for the hour long drive to my surgery center. I have to be checked in by 5:30 and surgery at 7.......I was getting VERY ANXIOUS tonite, sitting here ruminating about my decision. I NEEDED to hear you say that everything will be JUST FINE. It is unbelievable that you have lost 30 lbs in 7 weeks??? I have approx. the same amount of weight to lose as you. I"ve read other bloggers who say it comes of SO SLOWLY if you "only" have 65-75 lbs to lose. (A low BMI to start) as opposed to having 100+++ pounds to lose. Do you have any tips for post surgery? I'm SO IMPRESSED with your progress! I hope I can lose as quickly as you !!!

@@DaniCan HI......I'm dealing with this same issue. Thanks for your great advice. When were you sleeved? How soon can you actually get in 70 worth of Protein? Is it all in shakes at this point? Any advice is welcomed. I thing the food addiction and how to beat it is my BIGGEST concern.

@@Whathereagain Hi......I think you may be being a bit unrealistic with your weight loss expectations. 10lbs per month is very normal and very sensible. Rather than get frustrated, just drink your Water, write down everything you eat and keep up your walking. I WISH I had only spent 5,000. I'm going for pre-admittance test tomorrow and have to pay 18,000. for my surgery. I'm also a low BMI so I understand what you are saying about the slower than expected loss, but it WILL COME OFF! Stay positive and stay focused!!! Good luck.

@@sarah92200 Have you tried the Fage 0% greek yogurt? I felt the same as you, but love this particular variety and brand.. You could put a pack of sweetener in the yogurt if you needed that. I also like to mix this yogurt with fresh fruit. The fruit gives it a great, sweet taste.

@@Indigo1991 Hi....we have about the same amount to lose. How long did your doc recommend for Pre-op liquid diet? Mine said between 7-10 days.......trying to decide what to do.

@@orlando OMG........I am TOTALLY on board with your comments. My husband is getting on my nerves telling me we need to inform our 3 sons before surgery. It would be all over the internet. I basically feel that most people DON'T HANDLE INFORMATION WELL. For this reason, I will tell NO ONE but my husband. Don't want the questions about how much weight I've lost or prying eyes monitoring and commenting on what is on my dinner plate. One question: What will you say when people comment on the RAPID pace of your weight loss? That is the only concern i have. Don't know yet what I'll say. (I start stuttering and stammering if I'm trying to "spin" a story)

@@ChaoticBliss Hi.....I'm planning the same strategy for my procedure. Only telling my Husband. Did you have a lot of inquiries when your weight started coming off really quickly? I don't want to deal with people monitoring my food intake or making judgmental comments. This battle (lifelong obesity) is hard enough without mean or judgmental comments. Just wondering what you said to those who noticed such a rapid weight loss?

@@Texasmeg Hi, I have similar stats to you. I'm 54 and have a low BMI (32) Just trying to mentally prepare myself for "Grieving the loss of Food"......we plan everything around food: celebrations, events, look forward to where we will go out to eat, etc. I'm embarrassed to say but it seems our lives revolve around food. How did you shift your focus to Non-Food related events. Or did you have this problem to begin with?

@ Hi, I'm having surgery this month. There are 2 things that helped me best prepare: 1. The book: "The Emotional First+Aid Kit" (the one for bariatric patients......I ordered it online.....2nd edition And 2. The blog on this website under 50 year olds having VSG. (It will be helpful even if you are NOT in your 50's) You can also easily find it by googling "Queen of Crop" blog. She gives you a week by week idea.......very realistic idea....... of what you will experience.

@@Queen of Crop Hi, Thanks for your reply. I am curious about your use of "fitbit." I have several friends that have mentioned they use it. Can you tell me the advantages? Any particular model# you would recommend? So glad to hear that you don't log EVERY bite, calorie, carb, etc. That has always been an exhausting and tedious task for me. Did you do this initially? I've debated about buying a diet/exercise journal for the first few months in order to monitor my food intake & exercise........just feel like I need to PAY ATTENTION (at least for the first few months) to the behaviors I so desperately need to change. My final doctor appointment is tomorrow and I hope to schedule a surgery date at that point. I may ask you occasional questions along the way, if you are o.k. with that. Again, thank you for your invaluable tips, advice and insight.

@@Queen of Crop Hi, Just had to write and THANK YOU for your amazing blog. Once I found it, I DID NOT STOP READING it until I was totally through your entire 52+ weeks! Your approach really inspired me. I am 54 and was worried I had waited too late to have VSG. I also appreciate the fact that you still occasionally enjoy ice cream, Cookies, popcorn, etc. I have only encountered blogs where WLS patients have gone "Overboard" after surgery with Obsessive Compulsive Rules: Organic foods only, Never Touching Sugar again, Never touching Wheat products again, etc. Your blog makes me feel that this surgery and life after surgery is totally "doable." It was written in such a realistic and humble manner. Again, Thank you!!! Is there a way to subscribe to your blog, so I don't miss your updates? I didn't see a way to subscribe directly from your blog.

@@startingyoung Be SO GLAD you are "starting young"!!! I have been battling my weight for 25 years and now, at 54 years old, I'm about to have WLS. When I look back at photos of myself in my late twenties, thirties and forties, I wish I had considered this procedure earlier. Don't look back!!! Keep your mind focused on healthy living, eating well and exercising. My focus was too much on food........how I wish I had re-focused on enjoying life instead of obsessing over food and "drinks".......You will do great!!! Good luck!!!

@@mi75 Hi, So glad to hear that you have tons of energy. I have a few friends who are feeling very LOW ENERGY a few weeks out and it is making me nervous......(my surgery date is September) I can't afford to feel lethargic all day long. Do you think their low energy is due to lack of Water? I'm hoping that if I do EVERYTHING my surgeons say that I won't have the fatigue. Are you having to puree all the foods you mentioned at 7 weeks out or are you able to eat (and chew) anything at this point? Such great info and encouragement in your post.

@FedUpwithBeingFat Bravo to you for posting the FABULOUS meal pics! That is the BEST visual for what we will be eating. I have been curious about types and quantities of food. This is SUPER HELPFUL!!!! When you say "this is not the body you were after" what do you mean? Was your shape too "flabby", did you want more muscle tone, How is yoga helping you? Sorry for so many questions, but we are about the same starting weight and your information and pics have been SO HELPFUL!!!

@@missjenny Hi, What a GREAT SUCCESS story! Did you have any saggy skin issues? You are so young, I'm hoping you didn't have sagging. Did you have any more issues like craving things you formerly ate? Any "head" issues you had to address? I'm so proud of your success.....just curious if you can offer any tips for me.

@@4mygirls Hi, so thankful I found this thread.....I'm considering the same revision. If you went to Mexico, you obviously had everything done in 1 step. My surgeon has required me to do a "swallow test" (x-ray) and an upper G.I. scope to see what the Plication looks like, if there is too much scar tissue, if there is room to create a sleeve, etc. He said if there was any scar tissue, I would have to wait 3-6 months (after "unfurling" my pleat/plication) Did you have any scar tissue or any other issues? Did your doctors do any pre-op testing? Any information will be helpful. I am self-pay and can hardly afford the "unfurling" surgery then the 2nd surgery to do the sleeve. Don't know what to do......

@@Kindle Wow!!! your pics are nothing short of INCREDIBLE!!!! I'm a little older than you and had a question........did you have any "skin" issues? Sagging, etc.....Just wondering if I have waited too late for this surgery.....wondering if my skin will go back to where it belongs!!! (I have about 70 pounds to lose.) Did you have any of these issues?