Shakti

Thank you Jenn1 Your suggestions are simple and easy to prepare and I appreciate the support. I think tracking will help too, as unfortunately I am of the mind that calories only count if you write them down (ridiculous, I know!) and I haven't tracked for a very long time. So speaking of the sleeve...you cannot actually stretch it to pre-surgery size? I want to regain that self-control that I was so proud of for awhile (and fit into the new clothes which are tight - ugh!) Thanks

I came across this thread today as I am struggling with regain and desperate for help. Had lost nearly 100 lbs since surgery in October 2015. Nearly a year ago my husband lost his job (actually career - he is very specialized) and had a complete unraveling and nervous breakdown, complete with meds and unreimbursed therapy sessions of all types. I became depleted, angry and exhausted and turned to my old drug food for comfort. Am now up 30 lbs and my self-care, self-esteem, confidence and energy are out the window. I have heard all of the advice about needing to take care of myself - easier said than done however, especially when the source of distress is living with you. With so much going on it is hard for me to get back on track - however knowing myself I would do well on an easy to follow regiment of shakes/bars etc Not having to think about food preparation for few weeks and seeing visible results would be what I need to get back to myself. I actually miss that feeling of fullness from the beginning of the process and fear that I have "wrecked" my sleeve! I have been eating "Pure Protein" bars but they just make me hungrier. Any suggestions for wanting to keep things simple while getting refocused? peace and thanks to all.

thank you so much - coming back to this site I have felt so much less alone in this, and Ive stopped being hard on myself for not losing faster!

Today I hit the 100 lb loss mark - 199 Not since the surgery, but since my highest weight which prior to surgery was 300. I am still in disbelief that there is not a "2" before my weight. I was not one of those fast losers but slow and steady with a few stalls and here I am exactly one year and 4 days out of surgery. I'd wanted to lose the 100 in the first year and here it is!

Brand new to this. I'm a career dieter since age 12 (now 55!) A year and a half ago I attended WL seminar and met with surgeon. I backed out out of fear, but thought about it frequently. By the way I have been on virtually every diet and commercial diet program in existance. Lose a little, gain a lot. That's the story. After cycling once again through the maze of diet programs and pills in the last year and a half, I finally said STOP!! Now I am back to the surgery option and can't decide between lap band (sounds much more benign, fewer risks?) and gastric sleeve. I know about the commitment involved and I realize that these are both hard work and not quick fixes. I am afraid of either surgery but with 100+ to lose and many medical issues, (blood pressure, cholesteral, diabetes) I feel I have no choice. Any replies about how people made their decisions would be appreciated!

Ah - yes good point! I didn't think this through too carefully and I thank all of you for your quick responses and support!! I'll give the protein shakes a good solid few days - it worked well before surgery so why not now?

Yes could do the premier protein shakes. I was hoping that a short juice regime would be healthy and help me to get refocused. But I don't know for sure...

Hi all. I've been at a stall for about 6 weeks. Not always making the best choices either... I am thinking about doing a 4-5 day juice fast to get me back up and running. Anyone try this?

My surgery was 15 weeks and 2 days ago. Sometimes the progress feels sluggish but when I look at the big picture I see that I am down over 50 since I walked into my surgeons office last May, and almost 70 since, my all time high weight. I finally have the courage to get rid of clothes and while I'm not dressing that differently yet, I actually feel that I look cute in jeans or leggings and a sweater, rather than like a sausage. , People are noticing. I don't give an answer when they ask 'how much have you lost' because to me this is very personal. I just say thank you and yes I've lost quite a bit. It's like I don't want to reveal just how out of control I had become. How do others feel about this?

I could not schedule my sleeve surgery until my gallbladder was removed, and then I had it a few weeks later. So glad I did the GB first - very very common and don't have any worries about it!

Many thanks to all of you for your support. It really boosted my resolve! I want to make 2016 the year I become healthy and wish the same for all of you!!

I've been in New Orleans for nearly a week. Love the city and the food is unbelievably fantastic. I am a New Yorker and hands down, this is the best food I've had... EVER!! I was very careful at first but it is getting harder and I had a few slip-ups. Some were big. My resolution is to not sabotage myself. I've been 'dieting' for over 40 years. This surgery was a last resort AND I had to pay every penny myself since my insurance did not have bariatric benefits. I pray that I can do this.

Hi Marcia! yes we do have a lot of similar stats but wow - you lost so much even before the surgery! I've followed your story. I also had a delay I originally was supposed to get sleeved in late August. A few days before I knew I was feeling lousy, but hoped that this would not be an issue. So on the appointed day I checked into the hospital and was getting prepped for surgery. The anesthesiologist came in, checked me over, saw that I had a fever and a red throat and sent me home. It was very hard -everything in the previous 4 months had led up to that first surgery day, and now it wasn't happening. I felt so let down, and I didn't know how to summon up the courage and energy to go through it again - but I did reschedule, I did another 2 week liquid diet, and here I am. So I'm glad you stuck with it! Am now close to 240 lbs People notice but they're not sure what the difference is. I have big curly hair, so most people ask me if I cut, colored, or changed my hair!

I try to stay below 1,000 calories. I write down and track everything or else I am inclined to go over. Seems like a lot of you aren't hungry but that hasn't really been my experience. I feel like I am always hungry! Surgery was October 5. Am now 40 lbs down since beginning pre-surgery liquid diet, 55 since my highest weight.

Thank you! This will be our first trip to NOLA. I've been doing a lot of research, and it seems that for a first timer the French Quarter is a good area to stay in. We got a great rate at the FQ Hyatt. Traveling are my husband, daughter, 20 and son, 15. Arriving late on December 25 for 8 nights. My kids are well traveled and are up for anything - the usual attractions plus anything special for the holiday season. My son wants to visit Tulane, which surprisingly is open for admissions visits later in the week. We collectively play the clarinet, sax, piano, guitars and drums, so of course we're incredibly psyched about all of the music venues! Anything you'd suggest that is seasonal, or off of the beaten track? Are those swamp tours worthwhile? but I must admit I have a fear of reptiles! thanks - must be a very cool place to live!

I made plans for a family vacation to New Orleans from x-mas through New Year's. looking forward to... walking around without getting winded... keeping up with my family's energy level... enjoying 'tasting' the food but not overindulging... all that jazz... and a BIG one for me...riding on a plane without a seat-belt extender!!!

I also had a small bit of burger last week. I didn't get sick but it felt like a greasy rock. I am noticing that there are foods which I liked, but are not so appealing now, post surgery.

I was 4 weeks out as of yesterday. I have been doing great, staying focused, feeling well, lost nearly 30 lbs from pre-surgery weight. Now the bad part - yesterday was my birthday so I was out for lunch at a restaurant and we all were having fun and it turned into a very long lunch. I ate the requisite portion of and omlette and wrapped up the rest, but then I ate the rest of lunch in the car (including bread) and spent the rest of the day picking at unhealthy food. I am feeling bad as these are the old habits I don't want to revisit. In the past it didn't take much to send me off track, but I'm seeing it again - the scale went up a few pounds too. Anyone else have this experience early on?

Probably a combination of both, though as I enter week 4 I am finally feeling the restriction aspect. I am not exercising yet but I know I need to start. I have 1 'bad' knee. I used to enjoy swimming - does anyone else swim and find it an effective calorie/fat burner?

to thisfathasgot2go - thank you for the support. There is so much I try to figure out on my own - this should not be one of those things! I think I am on the right track with everything. Just impatient and a bit hungry - lol!

Hello all - I've posted a few times but mostly have been reading all of your posts and it really helps. I was sleeved on October 5, just 3 weeks yesterday. I am happy, but I am also still obsessed with food. The first 2 weeks were weird because the more I drank the hungrier (at least I thought thats what I thought it was) I became. Finally a few days ago I actually felt the restriction kick in. Meanwhile weight loss has been slower than I would have hoped - still, I never could have done this on my own. Marcia, now that I am on the other side I can honestly say that it seems you are making the best choice and you will be so happy with it! All in all, I am excited for this. Old habits do die hard!

I was sleeved Monday, October 5. It was very hard to eat initially because of the restriction, but I took it very slowly and eventually took in the requisite amount of fluids. Now I am home and having Protein shakes, fluids like Soup, Water, etc. Problem is I am hungry all day! My stomach is growling non-stop, even to the point of hurting - even after I have eaten and feel physically full. The PA said to try some yogurt or sugar-free pudding but there aren't really helping. I am frustrated and didn't expect hunger to follow me out of surgery. Help anyone???

to BCs1000 - I think it's hunger because it does feel like hunger pangs and is very uncomfortable. Maybe the doc will tell me otherwise...

Miss Mac - thank you for your supportive note. After putting so much into this it is so hard to have hunger as a symptom, but I am trying to stay with the process and to be optimistic! If my stomach stops growling it will be a victory!

Surgery was on Monday October 5 early in the am. Released last night. Today I had 2 premiere shakes which equal 60 grams of protein and also water, soup, and other liquids. I eat a little and then am not hungry, but a few minutes later my stomach starts growling and I am really hungry! Anyone else experience hunger pangs?