PorkChopExpress

VSG helped me, but changing how I deal with food was the real shift. Start tracking now, what you eat and why. That mental prep pays off later.

Yeah, the wine’s likely the issue. Alcohol messes with your sleep, especially if you drink late. At 10 pm, your body’s still processing it hours later. Get out of bed for a bit, keep lights low, do something boring. Try again when you feel sleepy. Skip the wine next time and see if that helps.

I’ve been in a similar spot where I kept catching colds and felt like I never fully recovered. What helped me most was getting better sleep and cutting out late-night screens, it made a big difference. I also started doing short daily walks and cut back on processed food, and over time I noticed fewer sick days. Lately I’ve been trying out different things to support my immune system, just experimenting with stuff that might help beyond the usual vitamins. I came across a Qi Coil review while looking into energy healing and alternative wellness stuff. It might be worth a look if you’re open to more natural approaches.

I get the caution after your Lap Band experience. If this new device works in trials, it could be a good less-invasive option. Worth watching how it performs long-term.

I felt the same after my breakup, no appetite, no energy. Just took it day by day, small meals, short walks. It gets easier. Hang in there ❤️

I’ve run into similar issues with ambiguous insurance code stuff, especially when it comes to newer or non-traditional procedures like ESG. It’s super frustrating calling and getting different answers each time. I had to push a lot for coverage on something once, and only got traction when the billing office from the provider contacted the insurer directly with suggested codes. If you're planning more procedures or looking into broader health coverage in the future, especially for your family, I found this info on https://premierpmi.co.uk/health-insurance/health-insurance-for-a-family-of-4/ pretty helpful when we were comparing options. It gave me a clearer picture of what to expect.

Getting some fluid removed from your band is a good first step. In the meantime, try sleeping with your head elevated and avoiding trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy stuff. If the Prilosec isn't cutting it, maybe talk to your doctor about a stronger medication.

I think a lot of us have that number in the back of our minds. If you're feeling good and healthy, that's what really matters. But if you want to push for that healthy BMI, go for it

Costa Rica sounds like a beautiful place to start this journey. You've got a lot of life experience and passions, and it sounds like you're mentally ready for this, which is huge.

I totally get the dilemma of needing presentable clothes for work events while knowing your size will change dramatically soon. Before my own weight loss journey, I stuck to versatile, forgiving pieces like stretchy trousers and flowy tops to accommodate size changes. For events, I’d often invest in just one or two classic items from affordable stores or clearance racks. It helped me feel polished without breaking the bank. If you’re into bags and accessories, though, they’re a great way to elevate any outfit, regardless of size changes. I’ve always loved browsing product roundups for timeless options like Coach bags and accessories. They make even simple outfits feel more put-together.

I love weekends because I know we're going to watch movies with my husband) a beer and a chip go perfectly. We choose something on 123 Movies and we rest after a hard week of work.

What vitamins do you use? and do you need it from a specific store? I use the German ones, I think they are the most effective and good at the price. So discovered promo codes for premium German vitamins and supplements here.

Good on you for taking that first step, it’s not easy to admit when something’s become a problem. It sounds like you’re really determined to turn things around, and joining AA is a solid move.

Congrats on the hoodie.

Medicare costs and requirements can vary depending on your specific plan (Part A, B, C, or D) and your income level. Part A is premium-free if you’ve paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, while Part B has a monthly premium and deductible. Eligibility generally requires being 65 or older or qualifying through disability or specific medical conditions.

I don't believe that Vaping will somehow influence your health before and after surgeon. In your case scenario you should better speak with a doctor.

The honeymoon seems to be nearing its end. I am at a point now where I feel like my portion sizes are satisfying both physically and mentally, even though people still ask if I'm getting enough to eat (when they don't know I have had surgery), or if something is wrong. I don't need to follow the rule of not drinking before I eat, however I do still have to refrain during and after, for about 30-40 minutes. My average calorie intake now is probably around 1,800...and my TDEE is somewhere around 2,800 without extra exercise. So I'm generally in a 7,000 calorie deficit every week, which manifests in an average of 2 pounds lost per week...however I do experience plateaus that last a couple weeks. Now I'm interested in gradually increasing my caloric intake as I lift weights, to support regaining my lost muscle mass. I've lost a TON of muscle, through this process. However, having taken off around 135lbs so far, exercise is WORLDS easier now. Overall, I'm feeling very positive about being able to take it the rest of the way, on my own steam. The surgery has enabled me to get within spitting distance of my goals and it no longer feels like a giant mountain to climb, but a reasonable hill. On a side note, my wife just came home yesterday after having followed in my footsteps, by getting the gastric bypass. So she's about to experience the process, as well. I'm glad I went first, so give her support and advice while speaking from experience.

I am about nine months post-op now and if I really wanted to, I could probably get over 2,000+ calories a day if I really wanted to, but that's really down to food choices and not volume. The good thing is, I'm now only about 55 pounds away from my goal weight and I find controlling my intake FAR easier now...and 55 pounds seems so do-able on my own steam, that I don't care if my "honeymoon period" is about to come to a close. I can take it from here, for sure.

It's been a couple months since I posted, life has been really hectic. I'm in the midst of studying to change careers, since moving back to my home state of Colorado...started becoming evident that I wasn't going to have much luck finding work in my field (video editing), after having spent 17-18 years growing a career in Los Angeles. Not exactly sure why, but it does appear that my amount of experience combined with having spent my career in LA is working against my finding work. So I'm studying for my real estate license. I've continued the weight loss, although I did hit a nasty plateau that lasted for about three weeks. Pretty frustrating, but it eventually broke about a week ago and I dropped three pounds that week. So I'm now down to 258lbs, which I haven't been since I can't even remember...probably the early 1990s, I would guess. I'm developing that loose skin "apron" at the bottom of my belly now, and my muscle mass has been annihilated by the restriction. That's probably part of why the plateaus happen...the body just isn't burning the way it used to. It's almost time to start hitting the weights, I think. One really fun experience was when my three young nephews came over for my daughter's birthday. We all went out and played basketball in my parents' driveway, and I was running, shooting and playing like I hadn't done since I was young. My stamina was great...probably played for at least an hour. Of course, my muscles were incredibly sore the next couple of days, but I had all kinds of motor. It was a really fun feeling. My food consumption is sitting at somewhere in the neighborhood of 1600-1800 calories a day now, I think. Still trying to keep the focus on protein, but I've incorporated a variety of other stuff and am having no problems with anything, anymore. I can eat a 6" flatbread turkey sandwich at Subway now...but that's the whole meal. I can also chug fluids again pretty well, on an empty stomach...which is a nice thing to be able to do again, since sipping got real old!

Small update...my plateau finally broke, and it was the result of actually increasing my calorie intake a little bit. I am now sitting at around 1,200-1,300 calories a day and the weight loss has picked back up again. I've started back at the gym again, just adding cardio. Over the past couple of months, my endurance and general condition has improved so much. When I first moved back to Colorado from California in mid-November and started delivering parcels for Amazon Flex, it was exhausting. Now, I barely break a sweat...so it was time to get back to daily cardio workouts. A great NSV is the fact that I've gone from a 52 waist pant worn below my waistline (and gut) to a 46 waist at my ACTUAL waist. I made the mistake of not measuring my waist before I started this process, so I'm not sure what it actually was...but I'm betting I started around 56" or so. So probably 10" off my waist to this point. I'm also fitting into 2x clothing now, down from 4x. My wife just had her first appointment with a surgeon, she's planning on getting the RNY during her summer break (she's a teacher). She's been impressed with the weight loss I've achieved thus far and is excited (and nervous) about following in my footsteps. It's the been the best decision I've made though, I wish I'd done it 10 years ago. Still got a ways to go, but it's coming!

Enduring a bit of a plateau right now, which is frustrating but to be expected. I am still in a large calorie deficit, so it seems my body is just rebelling a little bit right now. I also think my blood pressure medication is causing water retention, and I hesitate to take a water pill because of the diuretic effect...it's already hard enough to get my water in for the day, I don't want a water pill making me dump all of it. I tried taking it for a week and was getting pretty dehydrated. I may just switch to doing it every few days and see how that works. Otherwise, things are pretty good. I am wearing a 2x hoodie for the first time in...I don't even know how many years. It feels a little snug but everyone says it looks perfect. I think I'm just not used to wearing clothes that fit that way. I've gravitated toward loose clothing for so long now, it's a real change.

I've been in the habit of weighing on the weekend (either Saturday or Sunday), but I've been so eager to see myself cross over the 100lbs lost mark that I've been doing it every couple of days for the last week. The weight seemed to be totally unwilling to change! I was stuck at the same weight for a week and it seemed that my body just didn't want to give me the satisfaction. Until this morning! I'm officially past the 100lb mark, and halfway to my weight loss goal. I'm wearing clothes right now that I was wearing at my high weight of 385 and they look gigantic on me. Feels real good. Now, to get the NEXT 100lbs off!