GACaldwell

The goal weight/April expectation was set by the Dr & Nutritionist.

*nods* Im going to talk to the Dietitian about upping my calories..see if it helps. I haven't figured my calories for my goal weight but Illl look into that.

I truly am happy with what I've done so far..just discouraged for the most part and confused when ive been doing what I was told to do.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Hiya..So here's the deal..

I'm 8 months post op tomorrow. I was self pay in Mexico, so while I understand, the whole "talk to your Dr" thing isn't going to help me since he's 1000+ miles away and there are ZERO Bariatric Drs in my area.

HW: 226 CW:170(ish) GW:135 And I'm 5'1" because hey..it matters! I've lost 55(again..-ish) lbs. I was supposed to hit 135lbs by April of this year. That's not happening.

I'm really really discouraged with the whole thing right now. I'm struggling every day with hunger & headaches from it. I TRY to stay between 800-1100 calories a day, I always eat my Protein first and I have no issues getting my liquids in. I still crave sweets but even with that, I eat VERY small amounts or just a Protein shake. I track daily, i exercise 3-4 times per week (Yoga, dancing & cardio).

I've been gaining and losing the same damn 5 lbs for 3 months! UGGGHHH!! It doesn't matter what I do, it's the same. I exercise more, I eat no carbs or more carbs, I up the Water..Nothing! I've gotten really really down about it and i find myself sinking back into bad habits...especially the thinking of "This isnt working so why bother?"

This is, quite honestly, my ultimate fear ever since I decided to have surgery. I KNOW there are people that don't lose weight or gain it all back after the sleeve. I'm terrified that I went through all of that, not to mention PAID all of that money...and I'm still considered obese. I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and my "tool" is not working. and i just want to cry. At 8months in, I thought I'd still be having the weight loss.

I weigh my food but I still feel like I can eat more than most people. I don't think it's head hunger but what do I know? Maybe I'm wrong about that. I'm so very lost in this.

I found a dietician here who I'm seeing but she has limited experience with bariatrics. She's trying to help but to her, my 800-1100 per day and eating logs makes sense. But she also says that 135 is going to be difficult for me to achieve and that stings. Heck, 135 is STILL considered overweight for me!! UGH. :-(

Support & suggestions welcome. TYIA

On 3/3/2017 at 11:46 AM, Deactivatedfatgal said:

Have you been sticking to the diet? My dr told me we would have stalls...you are doing good!

For the most part, yes. I went to mexico on self pay, so the most info you get is some papers & an email address. I hit a lot of stalls along the way and adjusted my calories a bit (with the nut via email) to get out of it, but it's frustrating and lawd knows Im impatient! LOL My dr set me at 135 by april of this year...i'm 170 currently and i dont see that happening but that's ok.

I still eat low/almost no carbs and high Protein but I can eat more than I would have thought & definitely more than most other people I know who have had the surgery. I never had any issues eating or drinking after the surgery but it's still less than before! I'm trying to get back into smaller and smaller meals/snacks at the moment.

Thank you! I'm 7 months out & struggling to stay on track. Reading your post at 1 yr out motivates me!

My Dad had his first heart attack at 40 years old & i have a history of heart disease and obesity on both sides of the family. I was 38, had been on Blood pressure meds for 8 years, was pre-diabetic, battling my cholesterol & weight, even though I was active (Yoga 2-3 times per week, Dance 2 times per week) and terrified.

My Dad is 54 now..he's had a few heart attacks since then and they want to put a pace maker in. I know genetically, I may still have heart trouble...but i don't have to HELP it along in killing me!

I'm 5'1" and had surgery on 7/22/17. My starting weight was 226 & I'm currently at 170, battling a stall for the past 6 weeks. At 7 months out, I really thought it would be easier still, but I'm starting to see how hard it's going to be for me.

I take in what I can since I can sew...I give what I can't wear anymore to family members or donate them. I generally only shop at thrift stores but I did that before too. I've been lucky that my mom hordes clothes so she has given me a bunch of things to wear. I'll be selling the more expensive items (corsets, formal dresses etc) when I get to that point.

My main issue has been shoes..I've shrunk a full shoe size and there is no way I can replace all my shoes until I hit my goal and I know I'm not shrinking my feet any more. For now I have a cheap pair of keds I wear just about all the time.

I'm at 7 months today and I don't have an issue eating a small burger...i usually take the top of the bun off just because i don't want the carbs and I can't eat the fries.

I don't have any advice for breaking it as I'm right there with you...including the scared part!

I'm trying to just keep working the way I'm supposed to and looking at the overall, not just the right now. It doesn't always work, but it's keeping me from driving myself into fits.

Big hugs.

First, I agree with the above statements...you look great as is but I know you won't be happy if YOU can't see that.

I've taped before but mostly my chest for the purpose of doing Drag. Lol Even with the tape. It's hot as HELL & not in that ooo-la-la kind of way. So my suggestion would be to buy a panty girdle that you like & have someone alter it in the back so your dress doesn't show it. If you buy one high enough for the front of you then they can cut it at angle in line with your dress as it dips in the back providing you support & comfort.

Congrats on the wedding & the weight loss!

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I'm having similar grazing problems...so I've been upping my Protein & my H20 to start. It's HARD when the only support you really have is online. For me it was because I went to Mexico for Surgery...and I'm on the other side of the US!

Also, try to reset your thinking on "failing". For me, not losing the way I "thought" i should have been set me up for the spiral of "Oh well, im not losing..might as well eat X Y &Z!" Healthy? Nope...therapy isnt an option about it right now for me. So I'm having to refocus on the positives..on what IS working and what the overall picture looks like, not just the 1lbs I'm fighting with right now.

@GACaldwell I started out at 220. I lost 20 pounds the first month (I had my surgery in December 2016) but now it's slowed to a crawl. It is frustrating!!! I'm also in Alabama too!

You'll get there! We both will...even if it's at a crawl. *waves to the neighbor*

Every time I read these posts I wonder if I will feel the same. My weight and goals are identical and while surgery is still 3 months out, I feel like I would be thrilled with that rate of loss.

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I am thrilled! It's made HUGE changes in my life already...some shockingly so! Please feel free to friend me & keep up as/after you go through the process.

@@anonmom

Are you following all the rules? From My Dr, yes.

Not grazing? Nope. Ive never been a snacker

Not drinking 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after meals? I'm allowed to drink before but not 30 after. I stick to this.

When you say you are hitting your Protein goals and Water goals "most days" does that mean you're missing them once a week, twice a week, once every two weeks? Once per week at most. I track during the week but not so much on weekends. I eat the same things day in and out though so there isn't much change.

What are your Protein and Water goals? Protein 65 grams (easy for me, Im a carnivore even before!) Water 8 glasses per day. I usually exceed that.

How about carbs? No more than 15 grams per meal

Have you tried adding a little more fat to your diet? Nope, but I might look into it.

@@Travelher Thanks for that! It's helpful to see other long-term weight loss that's not OMG fast.

To everyone...the journey has absolutely been worth it. Thank you for your responses & support!

This is my fear. I am starting at the same weight as you, and I worry I won't lose enough because I'll just plateau. I'm also hoping to lose about 90 pounds, but even 80 would be fine.

Have you consulted your primary care doctor? Or a registered dietician? Have you had bloodwork to make sure your thyroid, etc. are working OK?

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Please don't get me wrong..I'm THRILLED with the weight I have lost. It's just slower than I thought it would have been/the drs. expected it to be (patience is NOT my virtue! LOL). I see my Primary care dr this Friday and while he is very supportive, I doubt he will have much input past "you're doing great!" LOL snce he has limited knowledge of bariatric patients. My blood pressure is down and that was his (& my!) main concern. My thyroid has been checked and my Gen Practitioner keeps up with all my Vitamins for me. Everything is good thus far.

I haven't seen a dietician other than the one I saw in Mexico before my surgery but I may if things keep going as they are. My issue is that there are NO gastric drs or anything similar in my area. I'll have to research drs 1-2 hours away and even then, Ill be paying out of pocket since it's Gastric related and my insurance won't cover it. UGH.

I'm like you..even just 80 would be ok with me but I'm hoping/working towards more!

Hi All!

I'm 7+ Months post op. Ive been doing fairly well with my diet & I exercise a good bit (yoga, dance, elliptical) I've had to adjust my calorie intake. I've adjusted my exercise, meet my Protein goals and my Water goals (most days!)

But it seems no matter what I do, the weight is slow as molasses (I'm southern, can ya tell? LOL) Granted, I didn't start at a higher weight..I was 226 & my goal was to lose 91lbs. I've lost 49 & have 42 still to go. But I feel like I'm "failing" or at least flailing lol at this point.

Here's the way it's worked thus far:

Month 1: -18lbs

Month 2: -10lbs

Month 3: -5.7lbs

Month 4: -3.3lbs

Month 5: -4lbs

Month 6: -3.2lbs

Month 7: -4.8lbs (so far)

I really, truly, don't expect to lose 10bs per month! LOL My drs are in Mexico so the only contact I have from them is through emails and they are fine with the weight loss as it is. We originally set it that I would meet my goal weight by April of this year. I don't see that happening. It will be ok, but still a bummer. I don't guess I'm one of those people who will lose more than my goal.

So here's my question...is anyone that started with less than 100lbs to lose experiencing(or experienced) similar? For those who have done it, As you got closer to your goal weight, how hard was it to take the rest off?

Thanks!

I haven't changed my goal weight but I've changed the timeline. Originally it was set as me getting to GW by april & my drs thought that was totally possible. But due to life & my weight loss being slower, I probably won't make that. I'm ok with it...just moved it to the 1 yr mark instead.

Yep! I work 10 hours days & often more behind a desk. I went back to work 1 week after surgery (yeah yeah..I know! But it was necessary) and I was fine. I took breaks and went out side and walked when I could. If I got to the point where I couldn't handle it, I went home early but that was better for me than missing the whole day.

The biggest thing was making sure I packed enough of the foods I could have during that time. Luckily we have a fridges here so there was room for Protein drinks and waters.

I haven't really thought about this but I think it's a fabulous idea!

I think as my reward for my goal weight I'll buy a new corset. I have a collection of them now that I can no longer wear (but I cant emotionally part with yet).

I'm 1lb away from 50lbs lost...Ill have to think of a mini reward for that one...hopefully soon!

I had the same experince and to be honest at 6+ mo out I'm struggling to stay away from the bad for me foods. I do ok without carbs but Chocolat is still an issue. Don't get me wrong, I'm still losing but it's definitely not something I can ignore anymore. Just stick with it, and keep working!

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I've debated this same thing, more for the work day than home though. I haven't found any that are worth the trade off though. I did try those delivery meals for home though. It made cooking at home with fresh ingredients so much easier!

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Hi! We're almost the same with this..I had my surgery July 22nd and was around 226 when I started. I'm at 180 now and I'm struggling to break out of it. The holidays didn't help, of course!

I was told I'd lose slower, but one thing I've noticed is the inches are still coming off even if the weight does not. I measure myself once a month and record it (I use Spark People) and I've been AMAZED at the changes. I do lift weights but I do small amounts (5lbs for now) and lots of reps. I try to do the elliptical but I have a hate/hate relationship with it. I get a lot of yoga and dancing in though.

Keep at it!! You'll get there but it's going to take time and work. That's ok because anything that comes easy, goes easy (at least for me it does!)

I had surgery in Tijuana by Dr Lopez Corvala. Everything was included except for the flights & the experience was great! They picked us up in San Diego, drove us straight to the hospital & I met the concierge who walked me through all the tests until I met with the Drs team in my room. I was in the operating room in less than 2 hours upon arriving and I was totally happy with that as I had done a lot of emailing and questions before. They kept me there and my partner was able to go out and get food with very little issues (google translator was a big help, Im told!) Everything was incredibly clean and the staff was better than any experience Ive had here in the states. My price was $6500 but I did have to buy my meds to take back home...that was around $100.

One draw back...you're on your own once you leave other than emails and phone calls. I don't have a gastric dr here so Ive been lucky to have my gen Practitioner check my Vitamins and keep an eye on me. There are no after care visits and check ins and there are no in person support groups here. I've been lucky to find this and other websites with support groups to ask my 11ty billion questions and share frustrations with. I think for surgical tourism you have to be super self aware and committed to following your plans to make it work. If you need accountability, find a way to make it possible because there will be no dr check ins and nutritionist appointments as compared with most surgeries in the US.

Hi all! I wanted to give a quick update since you were all so supportive and helpful.

First, My dr was able to get me in early and prescribe my meds. Woohoo!! Even better, she was previously an OBGYN and has experience with gastric patients. I really like her and I think it's going to be great. Granted, I have to drive an hour to see her..but that's ok.

Secondly, I broke my 2.5month stall! Woohoo! Upping the calories has definitely helped. I still need to get a scale but, well, times is hard and I'm a broke chick till after the holidays and the upteen Birthdays I have between now and then.

Anyway...I'm better than I was. Still battling but that's a life long journey. Thank you for your support!

How did your holidays go? Happy New Year! I struggle with very similar mh issues--high functioning but CRUSHING anxiety, depression, OCD, bi-polar 2. This & meds have definitely had an affect on my weight loss. I stalled for almost 12 months! Then I started running and doing good strength training with heavier weights and almost overnight it seems, I lost 25 lbs. now I'm 35 away from goal. It's taken me almost 2.5 years to lose 90 lbs but my doc says slow and steady. I use the 10% rule because I find it helps reset my base weight to lower pounds making it easier to keep off.

Now if I could only get rid of my mh struggles......lol

I haven't stressed the stalls much. It moving slowly these days but still moving down, so I'll take that. I definitely need to get better at focusing on my exercise but between the madness of the Holly Daze & being sick, it hasn't been a focus this past month.

New year, New Month, new week, new day....so refocusing is top priority today!

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My partner had her pierced in two places before going in for surgery...she wasn't allowed to keep it in and like you, hers closes quickly. So I was in charge of making sure she got them back in as soon as possible. We practiced a few times before hand because it's not an easy task, but I was able to get them back through. There was a little resistance but lol she was still loopy so I don't think she noticed anyway. If you don't have anyone who can do it for you after surgery, see if one of the nurses will. They sometime have experince with things like this. Good luck!

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