JAM72

@ - thank you so much for your honest and eye-opening post. I absolutely love the surgical team I'm working with (I am finishing up the last pre-op tests) and they are very quick to answer questions I pose to them, but I didn't know about about many of these things, including the hormone dump. I'm so thankful for this group! Thank you all so much for sharing your stories!

My intuitive appetite wanted bacon cheeseburgers and fries. I don't trust it. Maybe some day. Doubtful.

If anything she wrote is true, which is unlikely. It is probably a tactic they taught her when she went in-patient for her anorexia (if that was true).
Intuitive eating is why almost everyone is over weight.
An anorexic suggesting intuitive eating to people that are probably compulsive over eaters as a solution to their problems is so misguided it borders on unethical and immoral.
Why she is allowed to continue to troll these forums with her fantastical lies is a mystery.

Hey All, So today is a very special day... 1 year ago today my life changed forever. Yes... It is officially my Surgery Anniversary, and with a last push over the past few days I achieved what i thought was not possible. I lost 201 lbs in 1 year! My doctor was amazed at my visit, and they are going to do an article on me Although i am extremely proud of the weight loss, the more important lesson that i learned is that... Anything is possible! This year, i am going to make bigger changes, and just remember when i thought that being thin was not a possibility!  

It's very unlikely you stretched your sleeve. Most people experience a "relaxation" of their sleeve around 9-12 months post-op where you start to reach what is going to be your permanent capacity. That's why a lot of people refer to the first 9-12 months as the "honeymoon period", because that is when you have the maximum restriction. I don't think anything is wrong with your sleeve. I think you are just fully recovered from the surgery and adapted to your new stomach. So, moving forward, what should you do? You should go back to the basics. Put Protein first. Make sure you are getting about 100 grams a day. Make sure you are drinking all of your Water and not drinking your calories. Make sure you are taking your Vitamins. Limit yourself to five scheduled meals/snacks per day and don't eat in between. And do some sort of physical activity or exercise every day.

10 months out, back to back and face to face comparison. 116 lbs down.

I abstained from alcohol for a total of 9 months (my entire six month pre-op diet program and the first 3 months post-op). I had some drinks during a 3.5 week trip to SE Asia in late December (3 months post-op for me). I, of course, stayed away from anything with sugar. I mostly had a few whiskey and Water drinks and some red wine. On those days, I had mostly Protein shakes to minimize calories and carbs but to still meet my Protein goals.
It certainly isn't going to be a regular thing for me, but from time to time, it isn't going to hurt my progress. I lost 13 pounds on that trip, even with the drinks. (Just drinking Protein Shakes all day on days that I will have some alcohol sucks, but I definitely think that plays a role in making the whole thing work.)
You'll get a lot of different replies to this question quite likely. Many people think you should abstain until maintenance. My advice is to talk to your medical team, get their advice, and make a well-informed decision. That's what I did.
Good luck.

I haven't posted here! I figured I might; I'm still only a couple months in, but I finally am starting to see some change, so...

My before pic, around ~317 pounds, last spring.

New years eve! Down 50 pounds~
And then because this pleases me mightily, two pics in the same dress:

First one was about the 2nd day of purees, I think, so probably down about 35 pounds total? And the second, just yesterday, at almost 60~

Face update on progress, a year and a half out and I'm still losing weight, albeit a lot slower but still losing!!!!!
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Six months ago my husband was prepping to have his gastric sleave surgery. He has since lost 53 lbs. But that is his story not mine.
I thought I had the power to loose the weight with him without the surgery. I was wrong. I lost a couple of pounds but then started to gain (again)! I didn't feel surgery was for me. I was BMI of 35 with several health issues (high cholesterol, Migraines, and constant knee, hip, feet and back pain). After his second week post op, I changed my mind. I saw how well he was doing with recovery and decided to give it a go. I started at 220 lbs 5'6.5", presurg weight of 207.4 lbs. I am now 169.8 lbs. I can't beging to count how many plateaus I have had but going to the gym and walking often has helped immensely. I am going to Jamaica in 11 days and am so excited to be able to wear a bikini that I finally don't fall out of. When I get back my knee surgery will hopefully help me finally get rid of the last of the pain and into a more rigorous workout routine. My back, hip, migraines, and cholesterol issues have all been fixed.
OK so I am going to post a pic I am not proud of and one that I am. The first collage is just after I decided to go through with the surgery and had already started my 2 week presurgery diet. I was down almost 6.6 lbs already. The second was taken two days ago when I was down a whopping 49.7 lbs. Today I am down 50.2 lbs since Aug 29.

Hi all,
As someone who gave up meat (apart from fish) pre surgery, I've found it tricky to sometimes find the most Protein rich foods. I found this link which I thought I'd pass on as it not only gives examples, it goes through in detail what is also important and why.
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegetarian-protein/
Hope this helps anyone else in the same boat. Now all I need to do is find recipes that use these foods as I am incredibly boring in my cooking!
X

As of this post, I've lost 50 pounds! 25 of that was pre-surgery, and 25 is since surgery on Nov 14.
Last night I went to a really fancy party in a really fancy dress. Other people say they see the loss, but for me, I really don't -- but I do feel it. I can walk so much more now. I don't get tired. And I'm definitely eating a ton less.

I think I'll need to lose another 50 before I can actually recognize any change...we'll see!

@@nburton5
We are just worried about your safety!
Im.2.5 years out, and I've managed to gain a pound or so due to binging on chocolate these last few days. That's how it goes sometimes, and the only thing hurting me is my pride and waistline. Otherwise, it's on me.
With you not being fully healed, people have a tendency to get a bit stern because of the safety factor. I feel the need to let you know how dangerous it can be, and not to screw around with it. It would be like you trying to run on a broken leg.
After you're healed? None of our beeswax what you're eating. But you want support from us? You got it!

Don't be in too much of a hurry I found the counseling and guidance I received before the surgery extremely helpful. I know you can be impatient but I've had several medical complications since then an unexpected things like losing my taste for most Foods and I mean I can't taste them anymore , I'm only 10 weeks out and I'm dealing with an ulcer right now.
In my state the University of Washington doesn't even perform Lap Band anymore they said it's not effective as you can guess. You want to do this but you want to do it the right and the safe way.
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Can you post a URL? Not getting anything on the mobile version when clicking the embedded link. Thanks

Hi everyone!
@@Angelica Marti, sorry for the belated response -- holidays & I'm not around here much anymore.
I'm doing well! The one area I really haven't stepped up my game on is exercise -- that's (obviously) totally on me, and I hope that I'm able to restructure my days and approach things differently in this next phase because I know it'll make all the difference, in so many ways. I am in sort of the final major stretch of losing, and I know that exercise will be a crucial part of that -- as well as a key part of maintaining.
I weighed 183 at my consult on July 28 (surgery was August 11; my surgery day weigh-in was artificially low on a hospital scale that was, I believe, poorly calibrated, so I don't count it). I weigh 130 now, so I've lost 53 pounds. I saw a 129 on Christmas morning and was over the moon, but I indulged a LOT in the last few days and it popped back up. It's silly, but back in November I set a mini-goal of getting into the 120s by Jan 1. I hope I didn't do too much damage over the last few days and that I'm able to get back there -- again, I know it's arbitrary but it makes a mental difference to me, and each set of ten that I enter gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Right now I am 5 pounds above my original goal weight of 125. I set that goal weight about 7 pounds higher than my actual goal weight -- that is, the weight that I was for many years before this gain started. I was worried at the beginning that if I set a goal of getting back to that weight (118ish), I might be setting myself up for failure and disappointment. I'm older now, I don't know how my body has changed...so I set a goal that I knew I'd feel okay at, if not totally "the old me." Now that most of the weight has come off, and I feel in control -- even when I slip up, like over Christmas, I still feel like it's my decision, and one I can back off from -- I feel like of course I can lose 10 or 12 more pounds if I put my mind and body to it. (BIG IF!!!). I have a small frame, and small increments on the scale mean major differences in my size -- I can't get into any of my "old weight" clothes yet, including those I could get into easily when I was 10 pounds lighter. Everyone's body is different. I'd love to get back into some of those, especially my work clothes.
A good friend of mine is going to be sleeved on Jan 5; she has about 90-100 lbs to lose, and we've been talking a lot about pre-op and post-op. I've been surprised to realize how far away that feels to me now, and how I really rarely think about my sleeve anymore. There are things I do differently now, like take smaller portions and try to aim for Protein. In my experience, the bad-for-me choices I've made have always, without exception, been on days when I failed to obey the "protein first; stay hydrated" rule(s). Always. If I focus on Protein, which is not hard to do, and I keep drinking that Water or Powerade zero or whatever it is, I'm not going to be interested in overeating later. But if I forget to eat or drink during the day, my body goes into an unhealthy craving mode later. So I definitely recommend sticking to the basic principles about protein. But those general limitations that are such a big deal in the beginning -- things you can't eat at all, things you can't eat comfortably, etc etc etc...that's just gone, and I don't think about it. I had these big worries about how I would have to think so much about food all the time for the rest of my life and worry about what would work and what wouldnt...it just hasn't been the case for me.
The two most dramatic changes for me, post-sleeve, have been
1) a sense of control over what I put in my body and, therefore, whether I lose or maintain or gain back some weight. Before my surgery I just felt...like I was on this runaway train and was hopeless about it. I now feel like sure, I'm far from perfect, but it's within my control and when I make silly food choices, it doesn't mean The End.
2) My approach to the world around me. For so long, when I was gaining and when I was at my heaviest, I just didn't see anyone I didn't have to see. I was uncomfortable, physically, moving around, and I also hated the reactions I got from people who hadn't seen me awhile. Many people asked if I was sick, if I had been tested for serious diseases (bc I'd gained so much), and others just looked at me with shock. I realize that's on them, not on me, but I HATED it. Combined with my physical discomfort, it led to extreme isolation, both personally and professionally, and that was terrible. THAT has completely gone away. Sure I'm not at my ideal weight, but obviously at this weight I have no problem being seen, interacting professionally, going to social things when I feel like it (I am not terribly social to begin with, but it was a drastic, drastic difference, those years I was socially avoidant).
For those reasons, for me the sleeve has been a miracle. I absolutely see how people "cheat the sleeve" by grazing, which will allow you to eat as many calories as you want over the course of the day. It's not magic. But as people here say all the time, it's such a powerful tool. There is *no way* I otherwise would have lost 50+ pounds in 4.5 months (since surgery date) or 5 months (to the day! since my consult date). I'm eager to focus again after a few silly holiday eating days, and to push through these 10-12 pounds. Then, the real project will begin: maintaining. That's the long haul, and that's something I can't speak to yet. But since it's such a strong weight loss tool, I'm hopeful that it will provide the same kind of strength in the maintenance phases. I know there will be ups and downs -- but I just don't know yet what those will be.
About judgment and criticism: I just deleted a VERY long section on this issue. But really, it's been said many times before and I'll say it again -- I really dislike the judgment people get about their weight and how to handle it, especially on a site like this, where we all have struggles and where our weight has affected our lives to a degree where we are either contemplating or have had surgery to help deal with it. I don't like trendy phrases like "safe space," but really, this should be one. I wish people wouldn't criticize people's reasons for wanting or needing these surgeries. And that for people who DO judge, when they see threads that clearly state "for low BMI" or "for those with 50 pounds to lose" or whatever, they just stay away and let the people who can support each other continue to do so -- regardless of the size or BMI or stage of the journey those supportive posters may be on at that time.
Good luck to everyone here!

No lotions, potions, wraps, or any of that stuff will firm skin that has been stretched out due to being obese and losing large amounts of weight. Some will give the appearance of it temporarily, but nothing permanent. Surgery is really the only option for those really bad areas.
Strength and resistance training can definitely help in areas where you can fill out the skin with some muscle, giving it a firmer appearance, but some just won't snap back. I am a good example. I've done okay with my arms using strength training, but my pannus area will definitely need surgery to remove. I'm on the fence about it right now. Good shape wear can do wonders

My surgery weight was 235 and my goal weight was 150. I surpassed that and got down to 143 where I've been maintaining within a few pounds for over a year now. My surgery was in August of 2014.

I agree with the two posts above. I am sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. For what it's worth, when I have gone through a very stressful time, I try to pamper myself a little more to de stress. Have a facial, massage, mani/pedi. Just to relax and refocus. The weight will come off. Just follow the rules. I just had a 3 week stall, then 4 lbs in 2 days. I've said this before, but sometimes I feel like it is a stare off between me sticking to the rules and my endocrine system giving up a lb or two. Stay the course. I and a lot of people also did the 3 week stall. While eating 800 or less calories I did not loose a single pound for 20 days. Be patient. If you follow the rules and create healthy habits, you will do great! Don't forget that a nutritionist can be very helpful. I still see mine every month or two just to stay on track. You can do this!

Try to relax.
Every time I stalled out, I was convinced my weight loss was over, and I was screwed. That I was the ONE person this surgery wasn't going to work for.
If you can, stay off the scale. If you can't try to relax and remember that it really does work if you follow the plan. Frankly, for the first 9 months or so, it works even if you don't follow the plan. That's what a lot of people call the "honeymoon period".
According to all the WLS vets I've talked to, virtually anything you do for the first 9-12 months, the weight will come off. That time is when you need to cement your best habits for eating and exercise in place so you can maintain and not re-gain. Weight loss is not the challenge. Maintenance is.
My weight loss goes in a pattern. I'll stay the same or even appear to have gained a pound for several days, then I'll drop 2-4 pounds in a 2 day period. I've quit stressing over the mini-stalls, and just go with it.

Sounding like a hot mess is not such a bad thing. It says that you're living in a state of reality. For now stop thinking about weight loss. You will be a star. Your mother died not quite three days ago. The world is out of order. Having people swarming around is in part keeping your mind occupied. When things quiet down in a few more days, you'll face what it really means not to have your mother within reach. This is a time for you to calm yourself as best as you can while you feel your feelings and think your thoughts. Give yourself a break. Great that you haven't touched the junk food. Stay away from the coffee for now. You may want to call your surgery practice for a recommendation for an o-t-c product for the Constipation. You will lose weight, I promise with a hug.

When I saw your post and that it was in the trending section I had an idea of how it was going to go and I thought...ahh poor person who thought it was a good idea to post here about blowing their post-op liquid diet. I hope you have thick skin.
I like to comment on all of the posts about screwing up the diets that everyone else followed religiously and never messed up, because I am generally a big proponent of doing what works for you, which is often directly against what the literature says you should be doing. My stipulation though is that rules can be bent a smidge at the phase when you're almost done with soft foods, and flat out broken at some point beyond the two month mark where you can't actually hurt yourself by eating anything, but just won't really do yourself any favors. In the first weeks after surgery, even I, the person who most heavily advocates for making informed decisions that don't always align with doctor's orders, tend to say to stick with the plan you are given because it does actually impact your health and safety.
That being said...clearly you know you made a mistake and since you've been commenting in here, you're doing just fine. Your mistake didn't hurt you this time, and so use this as a learning experience and move forward. We all screw up, but those of us who have maintained weight loss successfully know that when you fall off the wagon, you just have to get right back up. For the next few weeks, you aren't going to feel great, you will want normal food, and you are going to be cranky. It really does get better from here though and soon enough you will be back at a point where you can eat whatever you want (in small portions) and if your experience is like mine, you really won't have any great desire for food you shouldn't be eating.
The sleeve is a long and periodically miserable journey. I am now 38 months post-op and I have maintained within 3 pounds of goal (above and below) for about 20 months, and within 3-4 pounds of goal for about 2 years now. There are days I eat things I shouldn't, but for the most part I don't care a whole lot about food anymore. I weigh myself everyday and when I find that my weight is creeping up again, I go back to being more strict with my diet. Right now you don't have the value of hindsight, so I'll give you mine. For every bit of misery that the first few weeks- months caused, every single second was worth it. I remember sobbing to my best friend the first week that I had ruined my life. I spent most of years 2-3 puking everytime I tried to eat anything that wasn't a dry carb, and I still can't eat a bunch of stuff without getting sick. I look at my scars from plastic surgery and sometimes I feel ashamed. I look at cake and Cookies and sometimes miss my old friends. I then go put on my size 2 jeans and my xs shirt and I smile....because in the end, all of the feeling of missing out on something and being sick and tired and hungry, it all pays off.
You can do this. Time passes no matter what you do, so as long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other, handle every day as it comes, and use your past mistakes as ways to learn and do better in the future, soon enough you will realize that your life goes back to normal, except it's a new normal where you are healthy, happy, and when you can look back on this point and realize that all of the misery now was worth the future, which at some point will be your present.

i've not liked any of the premade Protein shakes -- so I've started making my own. i use Vega chocolate Protein powder (20g of protein) plus Orgain Almond Milk (10g of protein). If I add in 2tbsp of PB2, that brings the total Protein content up to 37g. Blend with some ice and the occasional shot of espresso and/or a half banana or bunch of spinach.

1. Weight loss phase: I stayed under 800 calories for the first six months, then under 1100 calories from six months to goal.
During weight loss, I was not permitted grains, starchy veggies, tropical fruits, sweets, or liquids with calories other than Protein Shakes. My meals were 3 small meals per day plus only Protein shakes for Snacks. A sample menu might be: breakfast: steak and pickle relish wrapped in romaine lettuce. Lunch: tuna salad and a couple of prunes. Dinner: scrambled egg with avocado and melted cheese. Snacks: 2-3 protein shakes.
2. Maintenance phase: I typically stay under 1600 calories. My meals are a little bigger and I do have "real" snacks. I also allow myself one serving of whole grains daily, but I still avoid starchy veggies, tropical fruits, sweets, and liquid calories -- except on very special occasions, such as Christmas. Then, all bets are off!
Sample menu: breakfast: hot oat bran Cereal with toasted almonds, almond butter, and cashew milk. Lunch: chicken breast and grilled asparagus salad with light champagne vinaigrette dressing. Dinner: baked salmon topped with an egg, roast cauliflower. Snacks: low cal hot cocoa, Greek yogurt, small apple, dried apricots, turkey Jerky.< /p>
I have lost over 200 lbs and am maintaining at a healthy weight. I continue to watch what I eat very carefully.
PS this is just an aside and it is a small matter, but none of us sleevers have "pouches." That's what RNY people have. You can accurately call your stomach a stomach, or a sleeve, or a sleeved stomach, but not a pouch.
Good luck to you!

Thanks you for passing along the correct information here!
Be careful when consulting on medical issues in this group. Always best to call your doctor!
I too take imitrex and have taken since surgery.
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