Lily461

My surgeon and nutritionist were firm about getting a minimum of 64 grams of protein and 64 ounces of fluids every day. That is the minimum. Protein first, then vegetables, then fruits. Skip all processed carbs. Bread, pasta, cereals - all will slow weight loss and cause you to retain fluids. I am coming up on the one year anniversary of my surgery and have lost 130 pounds. I still have a Premier Protein shake every morning for breakfast to get my day started right and get in 30 grams of low-carb whey protein.

My esophagus swelled the morning after my surgery. I had dry heaves and it was very painful. My surgeon ordered a swallow study, which found the swelling. A very common complication, and easily treated. I ended up spending three nights in the hospital instead of just one. They treated it with steroids and it resolved pretty quickly.

You can do it! I was a competitive swimmer from age 13 through college. Swimming is great exercise. I am 55, will be 56 next month. I keep my carb intake low, stick to lean protein, green veggies, small amounts of fruit. No sugar, no "white foods." That has been incredibly helpful in my weight loss. Nothing processed. I track my food and liquid intake on an app on my phone, so I can always keep track. It also tracks my exercise. I thought I would lose slower, but keeping carbs low really ramped up my weight loss.

Deciding to have gastric sleeve surgery has been a total godsend. It has reset my relationship with food. I now view food as fuel for my body, and nothing more. I don't have cravings. The "before" photo was right before my surgery last June. I weighed 330 pounds. I had sleep apnea, hypertension, advancing arthritis in both knees, asthma, and every day was painful and difficult. The after photo is me at 212 pounds, taken just recently. I still have about 50 pounds to go, but losing 123 pounds has been a true blessing. My blood pressure is normal without meds, sleep apnea greatly reduced, knees are feeling good. I am working out regularly - cardio, weights, and Pilates.

I would not wait to seek help. You are already aware that your drinking is a problem. It's not uncommon for people to swap one addiction for another. So I would encourage to trust your instincts on this and not listen to anyone telling you this is not serious. It's clear that you already know it is. Wishing you all the best!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I started with cardio. The recumbent bike works well for me because I have arthritic knees. But now I have lost 61 pounds and am trying out the treadmill to mix it up a bit. Weights are important when you get cleared. You want to build muscle to keep your metabolism strong and get lean. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have the toughest time when I am eating with other people and having conversation. I lose my concentration and end up eating too fast. And then comes the inevitable vomiting. It's SO miserable!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went through a stall around that same time. Keep doing what you are doing and increase your Water intake. I started losing a pound a day right after that. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery on June 6 (8 weeks ago today). I started the two week pre-op diet on May 22. Since May 22, I have lost a total of 61 pounds. My starting weight was 335. I am currently at 274. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I understand being nervous. I had my surgery on June 6. It was the best decision I could have made. Since beginning my pre-op diet on May 22, I have lost 55 pounds. I am off blood pressure meds, my knees feel SO much better, I'm not out of breath every time I move, and I am happier than I have been in a long time. I still have another hundred pounds to lose, but I am thrilled with how I am progressing. I only wish I had done this sooner!

I would seek out some counseling. I am one month out, no cravings, following my plan strictly. I'm down 42 pounds since I started the pre-op diet on 5/22 (surgery was 6/6). I want this to work more than I want anything I could put in my mouth. I would really strongly encourage you to get some counseling. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am down 39 pounds (including my two-week pre-op diet). I am off my blood pressure meds, much less pain in my knees, and people are starting to notice the weight loss. I feel good! I put on a pair of dress pants today that I haven't worn in a few years, and they were a little baggy! I've followed my surgeon's and dietician's instructions to the letter. That really is the key. I have had few problems since leaving the hospital. This is the best decision I could have made for my health. I only wish I had done it sooner! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had a Mirena IUD for several years and it was fantastic. The current IUDs are NOT like the old scary kind. The Mirena is a tiny piece of soft plastic which releases a small amount of progestin. Even better, your periods will get lighter and possibly disappear. Nothing but good things to say about the IUD. I was also on birth control pills for many years and had no trouble with them. In fact, I was in the best shape of my life while on the pill. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had the sleeve on 6/6. Was supposed to stay one night, but ended up staying three due to a small complication. My esophagus swelled up and I was having trouble getting liquids down and gas out. Very painful, and I was also having dry heaves. They did a swallow study the day after my surgery and found the problem. Treatment was simple with steroids, but my surgeon wanted to be sure I was well past the vomiting and pain before sending me home. I've been doing fine since then. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes, I had my sleeve surgery on 6/6 and was still having severe pain in my left shoulder up until two days ago. It's mostly gone now. And my right incision has always hurt the most. I believe that's the one they use to remove the section of your stomach that was cut out. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App