PirateGirl

I am almost 2 years out (surgery in Jan 2015) not regaining significantly (3-5 lbs but that's where it starts) but sort of stuck at 25 lbs from goal for 6+ months. I too had let my old habits sneak back in - eating junk, fried foods, sugar, drinking alcohol. I was on the verge of ordering NutriSystem, as I thought the pre-portioned, nutritious meals would help me, but it is EXPENSIVE! I went in search of a way to replicate NutriSystem on my own and found a book called "The Simple Diet: A Doctor's Science-Based Plan" by Dr. James Anderson. It is the easiest plan I have ever done, it is perfect for a post WLS patient and I am so happy I found it. I lost 8 lbs in the first week - that is a lot for someone only needing to lose 25! I'm now on week two, so I'll let you know how it goes.

If you're interested, I highly recommend you get the book - I downloaded it to my Kindle. Basically, you use a mix of Protein Shakes and frozen Entrees as Meal Replacements. They have to meet certain nutritional requirements for calories/fat/protein to be acceptable on the diet, all of that is outlined in the book. You also get unlimited fruits and vegetables in between or with meals (of course w/ no added fat/calories) - none are off limits either - including bananas/potatoes/corn/starchy fruits and vegetables. Water, exercise and that's about it! It's so "simple" and with my restricted stomach size, the portions of these meals are perfect for me.

I've really enjoyed the variety I get and surprisingly have found some absolutely delicious frozen meals (Blake's Lasagna Bolognese and Shepherd's Pie are as good as homemade). I thought I would share for those that may be struggling too in case it could help others!

Hello, the both of you!! My progress is nothing to write home about. I'm 5'4, and was 241 prior to surgery. So far I've lost 64 lbs. sitting at 177 as of current. I've had a lot of stomach issues since the surgery. My hormones freaked on me a few months ago, producing additional problems. About a month ago I hurt my back at work and keep re injuring myself. Needless to say not much of any exercise. Protein Shakes are now giving me diarrhea. Wondering about a possible lactose intolerant issue??? Other than that I'm great!!! How about you guys?

We're almost twins! I was 245 at surgery and am at 178 today. No exercise. I am discouraged and mad at myself for not taking full advantage of the honeymoon phase, which I fear is over. I've let some bad habits creep back in - sugar, alcohol, carbs. Still losing but only 1-2 lbs per month. I'm recommitting this week...getting rid of the bad stuff and trying to get to goal once and for all!

HW/DOS 245

CURRENT 185

GOAL 140

Confession: I've only exercised once since surgery. I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. I know I could see the scale move down a whole lot faster if I would only get moving!

I'm curious how everyone is doing 4 months out. I was sleeved on 1/2. Down 48 pounds. SW: 245, CW: 198.

My weight loss has been slower than I expected, but I'm still happy I made the decision and am pretty steadily losing. I'm able to tolerate most foods. Still haven't added back bread, rice, Pasta, raw veggies/fruit, steak, pork chops or alcohol per doctors orders. I'm sooooo ready for a salad and some sushi rolls! I'm also not feeling hungry yet which is great!

How is it going for others at the 4 month mark?

I've lost 47 since 1/2. Looking and feeling better but wishing it was coming off a little faster!

I'm 4 months out and rarely experience hunger. I have to remind myself to eat most days and the times that I do get a slight pang, it doesn't take much to satisfy it.

Do you mind sharing where you are with your weight loss now? I am in the same boat you were...I'm 12 weeks out and down 32 pounds. I thought I'd have lost much more by now, but it is coming off painfully slow. I'm starting to panic thinking I won't get to goal (another 83 pounds) before the honeymoon period of no hunger wears off. I'd love to hear where you are now!

I'm 7 weeks out and started using a straw at about 5 weeks. No problems and am able to get tons more Water in daily. No more sipping for me!

I wore the gown the whole time and I did get them to bring me a compression belt to support my abdomen. I only wore it the first 24 hours and after that I felt better without it.

40

I will be 6 weeks on Thursday. So far I've lost 21 pounds. Weight on day of surgery was 245. I'm trying hard not to compare myself to others, as I see some who lost way more (and some less), but they may have been at a much different starting point than me. As for what else contributed to my weight loss...not sure. I haven't been exercising much. I seem to lose more on days that I restrict carbs to minuscule amounts. How much have you lost?

Must be surgeons preference. I had one and was grateful because my abdominal muscles were so sore, getting off and on the bed was so painful. And with all the Fluid being pumped into you by the IV's, you'll have to go frequently.

I use Bariatric Advantage orange flavor. It tastes like an orange starburst. Yummy!

In hospital 2 nights, took 2 weeks off of work. That was perfect for me. I think If I had gone back any earlier I would have been too tired.

In hospital 2 nights, took 2 weeks off of work. That was perfect for me. I think If I had gone back any earlier I would have been too tired.

I'm in the soft foods stage and I'm loving my crustless quiche. I made this pre-surgery quite often. From my calculations it has 12g of Protein per serving (makes 9 servings).

Crustless Quiche

12 oz. low fat cottage cheese

3 well beaten eggs

1 package frozen broccoli (10 oz microwave steam in bag kind)

1/2 c. shredded cheese (I use Colby Jack)

1/2 c. frozen chopped onions

6 oz. mini chopped ham cubes

6 oz. jar mushrooms, drained

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook broccoli according to package directions then chop into very small pieces (I use a hand chopper or my mini food processor). Mix all ingredients together and pour into an 8x8 glass baking dish. Bake at 350 for 45 to 1 hour (until firm).

You may use other veggies or meats than those listed. It is very versatile. I often use the Jimmy Dean pre-cooked turkey sausage (though haven't tried it since surgery). I have never frozen it before but will probably try that, as it would take me 2 weeks to eat 9 servings and I don't want to waste it. It's too yummy!

I had my first sliming incident this morning from eating too much/too fast. I'm 2 weeks 2 days out and was eating grits. It was scary. It was a very weird sensation. It felt like the food was stuck just below my throat and that I needed to burp, but I was scared to because it almost felt like if I did I was going to choke. I decided to drink something hoping that would help the food pass on through, but that made it even worse. It hurt really bad. After a few minutes I burped and up came the slime. Gross! TMI, but that was definitely a lesson for me t slow down and STOP when I'm full. I had even remarked to my husband that I never thought I'd see the day when I couldn't finish a pack of grits...then I kept eating. Ugh!

I just bought Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate chews in Tropical Orange flavor and I really like them. They taste like an orange Starburst.

I had mine on 1/2 (13 days post op) and am doing really well. I've moved on to purée and feel like a new person. The first thing I tried was Progresso chicken Corn Chowder (liquified in the blender and added some pepper) and I think it may have been the best thing I've eaten in my entire life.

I've also had Bojangles mashed potatoes and gravy which set really nicely on my tummy. I'm still getting the bulk of my Protein through the shakes (I use Premier w/ 30 grams per shake) because I just can't bear adding he unflavored Protein Powder to my yummy Soups and "real" foods. I drink 2 per day. Luckily I have had zero restriction where liquids are concerned so I am able to drink the shakes and my Water without any problems.

Good luck to everyone! Every day it gets a little better!

Are you pre or post op? When I was preop I was very concerned about giving up coffee (had to have my daily cup to start the day), giving up drinking through straws, giving up caffeine and carbonated drinks (was addicted to diet mt dew). I am now 13 days post op and have not missed any of them one bit. The way I look at coffee/caffeine/carbonation is...if I'm not missing it, why bother trying it to see if I can tolerate it? That's the mindset I have right now...may change a few weeks or months down the road.

I was sleeved on 1/2 so am now on day 3 post-op. Day of surgery was pretty painful but I slept a lot and had a morphine pump (yay!). Didn't get to drink anything until mid-day the day after surgery and have been doing fine since. I did have a bit of nausea twice when I stood up to go walking but the nurses gave me something to take care of it. I came home on 1/4 and have been in minimal pain (just general soreness from the incisions) and have been tolerating everything well so far. Haven't had any more nausea since I was in the hospital. Honestly I started to feel great once the gas started exiting! That made a world of difference. Like you, I was very nervous and even considered canceling several times prior to the day of surgery. I feel very fortunate in my experience so far and am hoping it will continue to go this well. Good luck!

Hi! This is my very first post on this site. My surgery is TOMORROW, 1/2. I am nervous, scared and excited all at the same time. Reading this site has helped calm my nerves considerably. It helps to know I'm not alone in my back and forth feelings of anxiety and excitement. I'll check back in to report how things go!