jeni2u

Im having surgery on the 19th I've decided to see a therapist because there is a reason I need to have surgery and I want to go into this as mentally prepared as possible. He is helping me figure out why I have an eating disorder and how I can avoid repeating the problem.

Im having surgery on the 19th I've decided to see a therapist because there is a reason I need to have surgery and I want to go into this as mentally prepared as possible. He is helping me figure out why I have an eating disorder and how I can avoid repeating the problem.

You're whining about not losing but you're eating ice cream?!? It should be all about Protein, veggies and Water at this point for you, not ice cream and margaritas. Unfortunately it sounds like you were given very unrealistic expectations and were not properly informed about how much work and commitment WLS really is.

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

I was sleeved on 12/17/14
starting weight: 293.6
surgery weight: 277.5
current weight: 223.4
goal weight: 145
   

16.5 months out (vsg 12.12.13)  

So I kind of get a better understanding. Apparently I suck with pain as well! Im trying. Its effin hard tho. However, im only 4 days post op. I can't wait to feel normal again. Congratulations on looking great. Keep me updated please. I need the motivation.

Gastric bypass surgery 3-5-15
Starting weight- 249
Surgery weight- 228
Current weight- 204
Goal weight- 145

It's hard to predict how your skin will react or your body will reshape, but you are very young. That should really help! A lot of it relates to genetics and your age.
Go into it with the best attitude possible - "Things may not be perfect, but I will do my best to get the best results (strength training, drinking Water, Protein, etc."). Doing our best is all we can do. Set your worries free and relax in that thought - doing your best is all you can do.
Focus on goal #1: getting healthy! Worry about the rest later. One thing at a time. High blood pressure at your age, combined with borderline diabetes is very, very serious in terms of heart health. I can't state that enough - the combination of the three things you mentioned are catastrophic, especially as you age. However you lose the weight, you have to get those things under control. (weight, sodium, exercise, lean Protein, low carbs -- don't wait to focus on those things; start right now!) You should be way more scared of that combination than about sagging skin. Sorry to be so harsh.
When I was younger (but still older than you! ~31), I lost 100 lbs and looked fabulous. I am your height and was about 10 lbs less than your weight. I didn't have any skin sag problems when I lost it. I did work out 5 times a week, both aerobic and strength. Unfortunately, eventually, (after I had a baby) I did gain it back. That is why I did the surgery. I don't want to have large ups and downs anymore. I need a more permanent tool to keep the weight down.
I wish you the best! You have a great opportunity before you to turn things around. See if you can find a mantra that will resonate with you to calm your fears. Say it every day, every morning. Our thoughts are very powerful. Best wishes!

You know how they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think that is true when we look in the mirror at ourselves as well.
When I look in the mirror I can see both sides of this issue. I see myself as fat, I see myself as having lost weight. When I was young and super thin, I would look and see something else and vs versa. When I was fatter I saw myself as fatter and I saw myself as beautiful still.
When I see myself now 80 pounds lighter I still see a heavy set woman, and when I am having a "down" day I put myself down. When I am having a "good" day I think wow you look great in that color it brings out your eyes and wow this fits when it's been in my closet for years and I never thought I'd wear it again.
Other times I put something on and think dam woman you look like a slob in this, I can see every roll and wrinkle on your face. (Can it really bring out the wrinkles on my face...?) It's just me and my moods can affect how I feel and look at myself no matter if it's a photo or a mirror.
I am my own worst critic, and my biggest fan. So when I have bad days I try to find another surface to find something positive to tell myself. I might just look at my nails and think they look great, or put on a fancy piece of jewelry and admire the shine.
Then there are those who cares what I look like...I'm comfortable with me and that's all that matters
For me it wasn't WLS that made me think this way, it's always been me. I do the same for being at a stall, and I'll see the pattern to my life..and when your in a "pattern" your doing things predictably and repeatedly and you could be showing bad form, so maybe it's time to shake it up and break out of that pattern. Could be thinking could be a color I wear too often (like black) could be the same lip shade or the same ring..the same foods I'm eating..and then I'll wake up and say OK time for a change and I shake it up.
I always feel better when it's "fresh" and I forget how easy it is to make each day a NEW day. Each moment is another breath of fresh air and I have the power to make it good or bad.

Welcome welcome welcome!! Feel free to ask q's! That's what this page it for!! && Congrats on a new step forward into your healthy life!

Good job! Keep it up!!I I was Sleeved on September 26, 2014. I was 405 at the time. Im 6'5 and 35 years old. I weigh 244 today. I feel great. Some days Im hungry and some days I am not. I try to eat around 12-1300 cals a day. I am back to my teenage self, playing sports, doing chores, and playing with my kids. It is great. I walk between 2-6 miles a day depending on the day. I was in Vegas last week and walked over 8 miles a day with no problem. PJO, you are not an expert, everyone is different and so are their surgeons' opinoins, so unless your are being positive to people on here, hush it. My surgeon is a center of excellence bariatric surgeon and is on the national bariatric board. He is very happy with my progress. I have followed his manual to a T. You don't have to lose weight every week. Its a journey. Congrats for what you have done.

I lost 26lbs on my 2 week pre-op diet and the rest since. I now loose around 10-14lbs a month. I eat 3 meals and 2 healthy Snacks a day as that's what my stomach allows. I get in 60g of Protein most the time but obviously days it can be hard and I'm drinking plenty especially when I'm working out.. I think everyone is different and my nutritionist said I'm doing great so I don't think it'll cause a weight re-gain in the future as I had countless classes years leading up to the operation and I've done well learning how my body is reacting to everything. This may not have been a negative comment but I just thought I'd be clear that I done my research way before the operation and I'm still learning so it's all good oh and I'm the same with sweet things, can't tolerate it at all! Worth it though.

And now, my friend, it is time to make friends with...YOU! See you from the OUTSIDE looking in...what I mean is this: Imagine you are looking at yourself, as if in a dream. You can see yourself moving about, doing things..... Now see the INNER you. The REAL you! For the REAL you is NOT your body, it is your heart, your soul! And it is a beautiful thing! Separate the two, body...soul. Love the soul, work on the body.
The surgery on the 16th is just the beginning of your new life! Your family loves you, the real you. The surgery will help your body "bloom"! With tender loving care, it will become what you have only dreamed about before. Like any garden, it will need tending; pruning, weeding out of bad thoughts AND bad habits. It will need LOTS of watering, it will need proper nourishment. It will need you to get rid of the "pests" that will devour it and destroy it (bad thoughts, nasty people). With hard work and diligence, you will get rid of the thorns that have made your life miserable to this point. And like any vine, it will need SUPPORT! You have come to the right place! Good luck to you friend, and all the best.....

Hey all! I haven't posted since the very early days out...I was sleeved on 10/2/13 at 273 pounds. I reached goal in 9.5 months which was 159 pounds which would put me at a normal bmi. At about 8 months post op I started running. That was a game changer! I have since completed a triathlon, a 5k, 2 10ks, 4 half marathons, and on January 25th, 2015 I became a marathoner! I went on to lose and additional 20 pounds and I've been maintaining 20 pounds below goal ever since. From a size 22/24 to a size 2/4. I eat clean and train hard! I am really living my best life now!

I've never been happier or healthier. Recently, I wrote down the changes I made and was surprised at how many there were. Before I made my list, I would have said I hadn't made many. My guiding food principle is that I have a limited amount of space so whatever I put in that space has to count nutritionally. So here's my list:
1. I can eat anything, except bubbles, of course. No fear.
2. If I want a cookie, I can have a cookie but no boxes or bags. I have to go buy a good one, just one.
3. As a rule, I stay away from all types of Pasta, even the "good" kind. I can have it, I just prefer not to.
4. I avoid bread unless it's fabulous or unavoidable. I have a sandwich with the equivalent of one piece of bread about once every three weeks.
5. Never say yes to a bread basket. Why fill up on nutritionally empty food and have no room for the meal?
6. I exercise. Quite a novelty for me compared to my past life. I now go to the gym 4 days a week and don't feel right if I skip.
7. I can have crunchy Cheetos if they come from a vending machine, usually when I get my car serviced.
8. Ice cream is ok, it's just not allowed in the house.
9. I don't count calories or journal my food. I feel oppressed by both.
10. Be grateful every day for the miracle that's been given to me.
Hope these help you