J_Lynn77

I am a sleever. I did a lot of research before I committed. I was so disappointed in myself for not being able to keep weight off on my own. So this choice was crucial. I wanted as little change to my anatomy as possible. I had that with the sleeve. I had horrible GERD before my sleeve. I took daily meds for it. I take nothing now and I have no issues unless I eat something that is very acidic. Lots of tomatoes or citrus juice. I am glad I chose the sleeve.
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

I am a sleever. I did a lot of research before I committed. I was so disappointed in myself for not being able to keep weight off on my own. So this choice was crucial. I wanted as little change to my anatomy as possible. I had that with the sleeve. I had horrible GERD before my sleeve. I took daily meds for it. I take nothing now and I have no issues unless I eat something that is very acidic. Lots of tomatoes or citrus juice. I am glad I chose the sleeve.
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

Thanks for the overwhelming responses! A lot has changed. I met someone, and I find myself to be more relaxed. He understands what I have done, but I fall into some of his snacking habits. I stress eat, and I guess I worry about everyone else so much, I don't take time for myself. I need to be more cautious of what I am consuming and I know I need to eat better.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am a sleever. I did a lot of research before I committed. I was so disappointed in myself for not being able to keep weight off on my own. So this choice was crucial. I wanted as little change to my anatomy as possible. I had that with the sleeve. I had horrible GERD before my sleeve. I took daily meds for it. I take nothing now and I have no issues unless I eat something that is very acidic. Lots of tomatoes or citrus juice. I am glad I chose the sleeve.
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

My doc said no for a year. I did break that rule at 6 mos with a vodka and cranberry. Like someone else said, it burned like the fires of hell. I waited for a while before I tried again. I am a lightweight these days. I cannot drink like I could previously. So use caution. Please have a DD. Most importantly, have fun, be careful, and listen to your stomach and not your head.
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

I grew up not drinking with my meals, so it wasn't that big of a deal early on.
I mean if you really don't understand why eat and drink at the same time while on soft foods. The pain and discomfort will stop you from ever wanting to do it again.
At a year plus out I do take a sip with something that turns out to be dry like chicken because taking a sip is better than choking on dry meat
I think practicing before surgery is almost impossible and a waste of time. Life post op is so different at first, it will teach you.

I was sleeved and drink right up to the time I eat. I generally wait a little while after eating to drink just because it can be uncomfortable.
But, Sleevers have a pyloric valve so we don't have the same issues that bypass people have.

So going to the store today was a mixture of emotion. Realizing what bad habits came into play, that I chose to go back to, that put weight back on. It was hard passing up things I enjoy to buy things that are right. People get annoyed when you stand in the aisle reading labels. I was annoyed at their annoyance. But leaving, I felt good. I remembered how much I wanted my success before and I know I still love myself that much to do it again. I was excited about the fresh veggies and fish, excited about new recipes that will be gracing our dinner table!
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

I dropped a bit of weight during the months leading up to surgery. Felt good during that process. Felt like I was establishing control of finding comfort from food.
The 14 day liquid diet and the month I stayed on it post-op really were what unlocked this feel at a much deeper level.
Weight was falling off me and I was feeling the relief in my back and was able to drop all the steroids, pain meds and muscle relaxers. My thoughts were clear and my mind was focused.
The extended period on liquid only helped me break away from food and I've not viewed it the same since.....and am grateful for it.
I find comfort in smaller clothes, walking without intense pain, lifting weights and feeling that nice soreness in the days afterwards, interacting with others, doing public speaking to groups every day on my job and feeling great standing in front of them.
I finally.....after all these years.....realized that finding comfort in food was simply a lie. The food was poisoning me and making me dangerously heavy.

Ain't that the truth!
I would like to just say, this is my second time being a member here. I am 5 years post op. I was a raging success having gone from 321 lbs to 182. However, we are all here for the same reason. We have a lifelong struggle with food. Some days are better than others. Some months are better than others. Everyone has a different experience or story to tell, or we have all learned things that may be helpful to the next newbie. By no means should we be looking down our noses and verbally slapping anyone. This was a horribly difficult choice for some people to make. Some of us have family members who act like we are cheating. This makes the journey so much more difficult. And even though we are different, we still long to be somewhat like everyone else. Sometimes the difference is hard to show to others for fear of judgement. As hard as it is, let's be honest, not everyone here is going to keep all their weight off. I being one. I put some back on. Mainly because I didn't keep up with a good support system and I bought into bad habits. I came back here because I love the people here. They will always support everyone in their journey. I needed that. I am so thankful. We all should be that there is a place like this to go to. If you don't like the posts, then maybe this isn't the place for you. But for the rest of us who second guess ourselves from time to time, we rely on experience to help keep us going on the right track. As for me, I will always be there to help anyone with any question at any time.
Lots of love to everyone out here tonight! We got this!❤️
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

It's not an easy decision that we've made. Most of here have dropped loads of pounds, tried every weight loss pill and/or program/regimen & still gained it all came back with new friends (more pounds).
Stand strong in your decision regardless of what. There will always be nay sayers but ultimately it your life, your decision & you are better off because of it. We all are! Our body & Our health thanks us for it.
Be encouraged and congrats on changing your life for the best! Continue to write your own story
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Add some cocoa powder to your oatmeal!
For Breakfast today, I added WonderSlim dark chocolate Protein pudding powder and PB2 to my oatmeal to up the Protein. Yum.

Ain't that the truth!
I would like to just say, this is my second time being a member here. I am 5 years post op. I was a raging success having gone from 321 lbs to 182. However, we are all here for the same reason. We have a lifelong struggle with food. Some days are better than others. Some months are better than others. Everyone has a different experience or story to tell, or we have all learned things that may be helpful to the next newbie. By no means should we be looking down our noses and verbally slapping anyone. This was a horribly difficult choice for some people to make. Some of us have family members who act like we are cheating. This makes the journey so much more difficult. And even though we are different, we still long to be somewhat like everyone else. Sometimes the difference is hard to show to others for fear of judgement. As hard as it is, let's be honest, not everyone here is going to keep all their weight off. I being one. I put some back on. Mainly because I didn't keep up with a good support system and I bought into bad habits. I came back here because I love the people here. They will always support everyone in their journey. I needed that. I am so thankful. We all should be that there is a place like this to go to. If you don't like the posts, then maybe this isn't the place for you. But for the rest of us who second guess ourselves from time to time, we rely on experience to help keep us going on the right track. As for me, I will always be there to help anyone with any question at any time.
Lots of love to everyone out here tonight! We got this!❤️
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

I had my mom tell me at a family gathering shortly after my VSG that sure it's easy to lose weight when you cheat and have your stomach shrunk. The thinner I became, I was down to 182 lbs, she would tell me how sick I looked. It's no wonder I put some back on. But no one, except those who know the struggle, will understand why we did this. There is no "easy way out". Every day is a struggle. The same as it was when we would try to lose weight before our surgery. We will never be able to let our guard down, or have a normal relationship with food. I bite my tongue almost clean off when I hear people refer to WLS as "cheating" or a "cop out". Keep your head up! You have made a great decision to improve your life. Be proud of that! We are all in this together here!
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

No offence but if you are this easily influenced by the choices that others make about their own lives, you should stop stepping outside of your house. There are fast food restaurants and people who could be eating something that your doctor would not allow you to have.. Imagine the horror..
Let's be nice to each other. At the end of the day, it's a personal choice.

Hear, hear @@ShelterDog64
And trust me, the second I stop losing weight the tequila is the first to go ???? But mainly because I don't have cheez its to eliminate instead.

I did Colace too post op. Almost 6 weeks post op. It really helped me too. I agree with the Water, it's vital to many aspects of your success. Get up and move! The tummy likes that too!
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

Ain't that the truth!
I would like to just say, this is my second time being a member here. I am 5 years post op. I was a raging success having gone from 321 lbs to 182. However, we are all here for the same reason. We have a lifelong struggle with food. Some days are better than others. Some months are better than others. Everyone has a different experience or story to tell, or we have all learned things that may be helpful to the next newbie. By no means should we be looking down our noses and verbally slapping anyone. This was a horribly difficult choice for some people to make. Some of us have family members who act like we are cheating. This makes the journey so much more difficult. And even though we are different, we still long to be somewhat like everyone else. Sometimes the difference is hard to show to others for fear of judgement. As hard as it is, let's be honest, not everyone here is going to keep all their weight off. I being one. I put some back on. Mainly because I didn't keep up with a good support system and I bought into bad habits. I came back here because I love the people here. They will always support everyone in their journey. I needed that. I am so thankful. We all should be that there is a place like this to go to. If you don't like the posts, then maybe this isn't the place for you. But for the rest of us who second guess ourselves from time to time, we rely on experience to help keep us going on the right track. As for me, I will always be there to help anyone with any question at any time.
Lots of love to everyone out here tonight! We got this!❤️
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

To be fair, I lost the bulk of my weight mostly avoiding alcohol (maybe 1 or 2 times a month after the first month) but now, when, I can't stomach the idea of eating any more food, I find that a couple of glasses of wine is a good way to get me close to maintenance. My labs are still stellar and my body composition is still improving, but if that changes maybe I'll re-evaluate. I follow mostly a Mediterranean style diet and I don't think you can disassociate wine (yes, even every day) from the well documented health and weight benefits of the diet.

@@suzzzzz I think that's an important point - not everyone has the same triggers. I didn't get fat by drinking alcohol. I don't plan to give it up completely. Now if we are talking bread and pasta...that's another story. ????

How much Water are you getting in daily?
J
SW-321
CW-210
WL-111
Goal Weight--180

This is always an entertaining topic. I have no issues with someone drinking a glass of wine, drink, etc. It's a little scary to me how very soon post-op folks are slamming down shots. It's very easy to trade one addiction for another. Not to mention the complications you could have with alcohol causing bleeding and problems with healing. Although - I don't think, as adults, anyone should be scolded. It's their choice. If I decide to have a drink before my plan allows - I will not try to seek validation from a forum. Just as I won't ask if I can have pizza a week post-op. You know the answer!
Oh...and I rescue dogs too! ????

I don't think anyone here said this is okay for YOU. We're sharing our personal experiences. MY PROGRAM and MY DOCTOR allow reintroduction of alcohol at 4 weeks. I'm very gingerly dipping my toes in. I'm not 'cheating' MY PROGRAM.
If we sat down and compared programs side-by-side, I'd find things you're allowed that I'm not, but I'm not having a hissy fit about the fact that you're going to eat or drink those things. I'm 51 damned years old (my son always says 'you're a grown-ass woman'!) and if I, with the support and 'permission' of my surgical team, want to have a couple ounces of wine, I will. YOU clearly should not. We are not the same person. We do not have the same program. We do not have the same restrictions, guidelines, requirements, doctors... Do you get that?
You're very, very insulting when you compare a rational, adult conversation about how to manage an APPROVED real-life situation to moronic behavior like mainlining pop-rocks and coke.
Everyone here is an adult, and I don't think it's outside of the bounds of decency to expect to be treated like the adults we are.

Thanks for the overwhelming responses! A lot has changed. I met someone, and I find myself to be more relaxed. He understands what I have done, but I fall into some of his snacking habits. I stress eat, and I guess I worry about everyone else so much, I don't take time for myself. I need to be more cautious of what I am consuming and I know I need to eat better.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Colace works try an Exlax at nite, but increase your water/liquid intake and make sure your exercising. The Water and movement really helps me.