bellabloom

CLOTHES CLOTHES CLOTHES SHOPPING!! Walking into a regular size store and not getting looked at funny like I don't belong Being the "hot" friend for once Having the energy for simple things like good hygiene and makeup Wiping front to back. Gross but so true. Having better sex. My Belly always got in the way a Not having rashes under my belly that stunk Being able to shave and see my bikini line Being able to put my clothes on standing up Shopping in the regular clothing section and all the beautiful fashions Wearing heels again No more back and leg and hip and foot pain, no more need for medication Not sweating profusely. In the winter! Being able and needing to wear a sweater and scarf Sitting with my legs crossed and also with them pulled up to my chest. Wearing my diamond rings without having to get them sized Opening a fitness club and being a good before and after story Setting a good example for my children Being able to take them for a walk or hike Being an inspiration for others struggling with obesity and food dependence Not having people and even strangers suggest diets for me (and also being careful not to be one of those assholes) My mother will quit freaking about about everything I put in my mouth Saving so so so much money on food Learning to cook better and more creative dishes for my family Not worrying my kids might be teased or ashamed of me Walking on the beach in a bikini again or at least a swimsuit Running without pain Feeling strong and powerful and muscular Not feeling less in shape than my 60 year old mother Being able to pick up my 3 year old daughter Having adventures with my kids and showing them the world Having the world at my fingertips

liquids baby! Do you have a hand out from your doctor? I hope so!! If not (gasp) Google stages after bariatric surgery and call your doctor! If you just need ideas- take it SLOW. little tiny sips. I did Protein shakes, tomato Soup, v8, strained Soups like minestrone only the liquid , broth, yogurt sugar free, sugar free Jello, sugar free Popsicles. Very very little at this stage. An couple ounces is a meal or at least it was for me

I know it's not a huge difference but I'm jazzed all the same. That was about a week ago and those jeans don't fit anymore. Sweet!! I'm six weeks out and I didn't lose anything before surgery. My start was 240 and I'm at 200-202 ish. It makes me happy to see my old self coming back. And I feel like I'm walking on air!!

For sure. I think I may have an ulcer as well. My pouch cramps and burns non stop. It's really bad. Today I feel like I got kicked by a horse . The gallstones hurt like crazy and I pretty much hate fried and fatty food so that wasn't a trigger. I eat super lean. It just got progressively worse over the last two weeks Especially at night when I didn't have any food in my stomach. So weird. I never thought it would be gallstones!! The tech told me what I have is little tiny stones and "sludge". It's like mud in your gallbladder. Maybe that's why it feels different. Waaaaa. Hospital is so lame

Usually when things are free, it means they have little to know value. . It's the expensive food you should be going after!!!

I'm changing my opinion. I was told decaf was okay so,I've been drinking it. Now it looks like I may have an ulcer. Something to think about. I think an antacid is a good idea if your going to partake!! I wasn't put on one.

Have you talked to your doctor? Just to make sure everything is still working as it should in your surgery? I'm sorry your going through a stall. Especially since you cant work out. Maybe you could ride a stationary bike? Or walking? That doesn't involve your shoulder. Hang in there. You've lost a lot of weight and it will keep going. Statistically it's really hard not to,lose weight after bypass!! It may just go slower but you'll get there. This surgery is a commitment to a change and if you are slipping back into old habits it's time to rethink why you did this of course. Your shoulder is bad enough, you don't need obesity as an issue in your life too! The food isn't worth it, it really isn't. If you are using food to cope with feelings and frustration, perhaps a therapist is a good idea? Try someone who specializes in eating disorders. They understand what your going through, weight loss struggles and so much about why we gain weight in the first place. They will be able to help you and motivate you, and give you other outlets for your feelings right now. And don't beat your self up. I'm sure your a beautiful person and this is not about perfect ions and it's not a race. You've done great and I know things will get better

Thanks everyone. I think this is a good thread because this is something much on everyone's mind. I know I'm doing great but what I worry about it stalling later on, a few months from now. I'm trying to stay ahead of the curve and come up with ideas to rev up my loss when it slows. I don't think 2 pounds a day is good, I feel one to half a pound a day is awesome. I hit a stall once already and I didn't sweat over it, and it passed. As it turns out I've been having gallstone pain so that has been preventing me from eating as much as I want to everyday. My stomach has been rejecting food for a couple weeks on and off. I look forward to feeling better some can start making some of the delist low carb recipes I've been pinning on my Pinterest board! At the same time, my doctor, who is amazing and one of the top bariatric surgeons in the country, told me it is good to keep my calories under five hundred a day right now. He said at a year out I could go up to 1000 and ultimately eat about 1000- 1500 for life. It's funny how different doctors feel,about this same issue. My best friend had the surgery and her doctor allowed no carbs pretty much at all while mine allows oatmeal and Cereal and all kinds of carbs, even bread!! I chose to limit my carbs because before surgery they ran my life. I was a sugar aholic and carb junkie and they created cravings in me for more and I was alway hungry or super crashing. I don't want to eat them because I feel they are like a drug for me. It's playing with fire. Plus, I really like focusing on Protein as the staple of my diet. It makes me feel really good and everyone says I look amazing, glowing with health and even younger!! Carry on bold robots. You can do this!!

Did you have gallbladder pain and then it went away?? They didn't give me the option of waiting. This pain is excruciating it feels like my ouch grew razor sharp teeth. Did they give you a medication or something? I'm just so bummed it has to happen so fast. Four new incisions right on top of my old ones and more time off work. I'm basically broke right now, I've had to take so much time off and I own my own business so if I don't work money doesn't get made. I hate being away from work for so long and it's just totally frustrating. My kids miss me, I miss them, my arms got jabbed with huge f**king needle five times last night and once this morning, and again I barely slept. No food at all for toe whole days and now I can't even have Water. Right now I. Not a happy girl. Thanks everyone for your comments I appreciate your support. You too Athena , it's been a rough couple days.

I totally follow my food plan and then some. I have never tried to eat anything off plan. I chew and chew and struggle sometimes with pacing like everyone else This was not a food issue and sometimes I think we are too quick to think it is something we did off our "diet!" Nope. I have gallstones. And I didn't think asking about keeping my great weightloss going is wrong- who doesn't want to keep their weightloss going? I was hoping people had ideas about keeping the momentum up and not hitting stalls. And yes, in WANT to lose weight fast, don't you? Of course I confer with my doctor and nut. But they are three hours away so I can't just pop over to see them. I follow my restrictions ( which are few at this point ) to the letter and I don't even eat the carbs I am allowed. That's why my weightloss had been awesome so far. And I am eager to keep going. I called my doctor first and they said go to the hospital. But I am a single mom with no family near and no one to watch my children. I assumed I drank Water too fast, even though it actually wasn't that fast. I waited through the weekend to see if things improved. It became excruciating so I went the three hours to the hospital. Like is said before your post I have gallstones and need my gallbladder removed. Sigh. Did you read my post? Sorry I'm just grumpy. I appreciate your thoughts. I didn't sleep all night and now I'm going to have another surgery just six weeks from my last one. But yes, I follow the rules. It isn't my fault this is happening. On the bright side? Guess I'm going to lose more weight this week Except for the extra large pizza and chili dog I ate yesterday followed by a pint of whisky

I would say embrace it. It will get better in time and like my doctor said, the point of the surgery is to not eat much. . I know it's hard. Try to take your mind off of your old habits which likely surrounded eating by doing other things you love. Other than that, I have loved sushimi since surgery. Raw fish is very moist and delist! Maybe explore Japanese food! I like tuna with Parmesan and salad dressing especially ginger vinaigrette from newmans own. Yum. I did well on shrimp and lobster. I also do well on ground hamburger meat and ground turkey meatballs. I do cheese and tomato salad. Tomatoes go down well and so does a little avocado. Baked potato and baked yams are nice but not much they are carbs. I also liked meatloaf with ketchup. It's soft. I did shepards pie with just a little mashed potato. Of course chili and all soups are awesome. Bean soup, clam chowder, tomato soup, etc. I love deviled eggs, boiled eggs, fried eggs... On my way! lets with diced ham were okay and also with cooked spinach!!! You've gotta start thinking what's soft that I can chew a lot and still low carb?

Hang in there. Your going to lose the weight. Increase the protein and focus on low carb high protein, low fat!!! Get some exercise it will help your energy. Get out there, start living. You've lost 20 pounds. Could you have done that in f Four tiny weeks before surgery? And you'll never gain it back. Chin up your doing this right. Your whole life is ahead of you. 20 pounds in four weeks is five pounds a week!!!!!!!!!!! That's fucking awesome. Seriously. You are a rock star. Also. Have you pooped? Constipation stalls weight loss. Also- I hit a stall at three and four weeks. Your body has to adjust and it's rot now going - okay. Is this for real? This must be another slash diet. This can't go on. So were going to slow down for a bit. Pretty soon it will have to start eating your fat and it will do so more efficiently. You'll see the pounds will melt off. Take your measurements at least once every two weeks. I love this. I lost an inch off my wrist!!! It's so rewarding and much more clear than the scale. The scale can be wrong. Many overweight people have really messed up metabolisms. That's why you need , no, not frequent meals. Omg bull crap. Forget the diet industry. You need weight lifting. Get yourself some five and eight pound dumbells and google some weight lifting circuit routines you can do at home. Three times a week, three rounds. Gradually increase. Your body will love you and your weight loss will increase. Your metabolism will start working again and you will lose inches like crazy!!! Do it!! Before I was overweight I used to do triathlons and teach fitness. I know what I am talking about. Up your protein, lower your carbs. Lift weights and enjoy your life.

I'm in hospital having my gallbladder removed. Stones 6 weeks out. Felt like cramping under my rib cage. I guess 40 pound lost already was a little much to handle for my gallbladder. Darn darn darn So if you are losing slow and steady don't be so upset- it's better for your body. I'm glad I lost the weight but I have to have another surgery so soon and it stinks!!!!! Slow and steady wins the race ladies.

True probably your nut is best. Your still in such early days. I'd say if you can come close to getting your protein in your doing great. !!!

I was just so surprised to develop this in only 6 weeks!!

I went to the er. I have gallstones. I'm five weeks out so its early but I have lost 40 pounds so well, it happens. Will be in hospital the rest of the week having it out!!!

Thanks cat daddy. I'm sorry you had to go through that and I'm so glad your okay!! As it turns out I have gallstones!!! Surprise!! And I may have an ulcer. They are doing an edoscopy and gallbladder removal surgery at the same time. This has likely been why I've had such a hard time eating. I've been in pain on and off the last two weeks but my back meds were masking it until it got so bad they didn't work anymore. I'm surprised I never would have guessed and I'm so glad I came into the er although I had to drive. I have to stay in the hospital until Friday. So that's what's going on!! Thanks everyone

Okay. First of all I think what you are having to go through is a bunch of dog crap. No one should have to wait 6 months for this surgery. You obviously cannot do well on a diet or you wouldn't be obese!!! So what, that figure your going to be able to do well now? What crap I am so sorry you have the waiting period. If it was me- and this is just me! I would stuff my bra with weights on the first weight in and take one out every time. Because I don't think it's right to withhold a life saving surgery from someone because they can't go on a diet- which is why they need it in the first place. This surgery is amazing and you Should do whatever it takes to make it happen. Try and do well most of the time when you can. Read the book intuitive eating. It will help you find a good steady flow on maintaining your weight so you don't gain. Make some food choices but don't fall into deprivation or you will binge and gain weight. Wait the 6 months. Try and incorporate some healthy habits and try to get on track with your smoking. It's hard to quit coping mechanisms and it's hard to make life changes but you can do it. Smoking needs to go because it will destroy your Health and it won't work after surgery. But give yourself a break okay. You are making progress and sometimes you have to take a step back and try again. As far as trying to lose a bunch of weight before surgery- if my doctor had requires that I would have looked elsewhere. Seriously. If you could lose weight so easily why in the heck would you do this!! My doctor did not require a weight loss test. I had to meet with him and fast the day before and that was it. He is smart enough to realize that we can't loose weight. Duh. Why put us through more mental and emotional torture??? You should not do that to yourself. Find a new doctor and ask them what their requirements are up front. If they require weightloss pass!!! Especially if you don't think you can do it. Some people can and good for them. For me I was so good and carb addicted it would have sent me into a binge for sure which leads to emotional upset and feelings of failure and self worth. I said no more. Obesity is a disease and your struggling with it. Be kind to yourself. Now that I have had bypass all of my food cravings and need for sugar have vanished. Food is wonderful but I don't need it to be happy and it doesn't run my life. This surgery gave me my life back and you need to go for it. You will not regret it I promise. Do whatever you need to do for YOUR best interest.

That's a great idea cat daddy. I'm still at the er. Nothing got better so I figured what the heck I'll just go in. Luckily I have awesome insurance. I think perhaps something could be stuck but I'm not nauseated at all so I don't know. Also it didn't start until hours after I ate. It just hurts like hell. At the very least they can give me a shot of pain meds until this passes. It's fire in my belly!

I called my doctor last week and they said go ahead and go to the hospital but it was a three hour drive and I had to find someone to watch my children. I called today and let them know that I am going in. They said okay that's what they want me to do. I basically have felt for days like there is fire in my stomach. It's up high right under my ribs, a cramping, burning, wave like sensation and is not getting better at all. It's worse if I lay down. I am at the er waiting to get brought in. My doctor said they will run tests and hydrate me as I can eat or drink. Stomach pain has been an ongoing issue for me but never this extreme. I don't want to end up with a major emergency far away from my surgeon so I figured better safe than sorry when it wouldn't let up. It's three hours but it could mean my life and future Health so I came in. Hopefully it nothing!!!!!! But it feels pretty narly right now. I take narcotics for my back daily and even those aren't making any difference in the pain whatsoever. It's definitely not gas pain, it feels totally different than that felt. Could be I have something stuck but I would think that would have resolved by now. Let's hope that's what it is.

I am sitting here debating wether to go to the hospital. I have been up most of the night with horrible cramps in my stomach and it hasn't subsided completely. My stomach feels really sore and aches like I got punched. It burns like there is acid inside. I'm weak and dehydrated at this point and just not thriving. I feel like it may be a good idea to go to the hospital and see if they can run some tests to make sure everything is okay with me, and at the least give me fluids. I'm not throwing up, just this stomach pain and cramps. What sucks is the hospital I need to go to is three hours away. it's a long drive, I have no family or friends there and I need to go alone. If they don't keep me overnight I'll have to stay in a hotel which I really can't afford at the moment. Sigh Any thoughts?

Sorry if I seem judgemental. I have no problem with recreational occasional use. I have smoked weed before and well- it have the munchies!!!! Plenty of times. Like I said, I'm from humbolt. Ives seen a lot of people spend there lives surrounded by a haze and while I'm all for legalization and fun, and I do agree there are some therapeutic effects it is my personal opinion that weed is not a good thing to use daily. I'm entitled to the way I see it aren't i? I've seen a lot of people live unproductive lives because of mj. Just my thoughts. I'm sorry that you have arthritis. I hope it gets better for you!!! I know what it's like to live with chronic pain.

It's morning and I'm still in so much pain. Thank you for your input. This is what I thought too but the beef meat was really soft and I thought it would be like ground beef which I have had before and didn't bother me. Potatos is on my food list and I actually scraped most of them off because I don't like to eat carbs. All I can think is it was the Water but it's not relenting so I'm going to the er today. It's scaring me. It feels like my pouch is on fire!!! I have no problem backing off on food it's just that I'm getting about 200 calories a day already and I know that I should be eating more. Everything just discusts me at this point and I'm not sure what is going to work for me long term. I'm going to talk to my doctor and see if I can come up with some solution but for now I just want out of pain!!

I'm five weeks out. I have been having stomach cramps at night. Tonight it's terrible I can't even sleep!!! What's happening? All I ate today was some stew meat and mashed potatoes, a little bit of cooked veggie, coffee and Water. I did drink 16 oz of water pretty close together before bed. Any thoughts? It hurts so badly I'm not sure what to do. This is happening exclusively at night, worse when I lay down.

Do it. The band does not take away the grehlin and other hormones in your stomach that induce cravings and hunger. The bypass does. It's totally different. Most surgeons don't even do bands anymore. They don't work for most people. Bypass works. Period. You will live it. Your husband will like it once you are doing awesome and instead of eating and worrying about food all day you actually have energy and hopefully even sex life!!! Ha ! Gastric bypass takes away your desire for food!!! That's the best thing about it. You won't have to deal with consequences of eating cake BECUASE after a while you won't even want it.