dobert

I don't think that I could have put it in words any better. You described my post op experience to a T. I was sleeved 10/12. I am JUST now starting to feel like a real person again. Today is the first day that I haven't cried. I even went outside with my toddlers for a while. This time last week I was convinced that it would be easier if I just rolled over and never got back up.
I absolutely promise you that it does get better. You WILL start feeling human again. Push through, go find a support group (I went to an over eaters anonymous group last night for the first time and loved it), tell your family that you are not ok right now and let them help you.
This will all be worth it. For now, find something small to Celebrate every day and remember that you're not alone.
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

I don't think that I could have put it in words any better. You described my post op experience to a T. I was sleeved 10/12. I am JUST now starting to feel like a real person again. Today is the first day that I haven't cried. I even went outside with my toddlers for a while. This time last week I was convinced that it would be easier if I just rolled over and never got back up.
I absolutely promise you that it does get better. You WILL start feeling human again. Push through, go find a support group (I went to an over eaters anonymous group last night for the first time and loved it), tell your family that you are not ok right now and let them help you.
This will all be worth it. For now, find something small to Celebrate every day and remember that you're not alone.
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

I don't think that I could have put it in words any better. You described my post op experience to a T. I was sleeved 10/12. I am JUST now starting to feel like a real person again. Today is the first day that I haven't cried. I even went outside with my toddlers for a while. This time last week I was convinced that it would be easier if I just rolled over and never got back up.
I absolutely promise you that it does get better. You WILL start feeling human again. Push through, go find a support group (I went to an over eaters anonymous group last night for the first time and loved it), tell your family that you are not ok right now and let them help you.
This will all be worth it. For now, find something small to Celebrate every day and remember that you're not alone.
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

I don't think that I could have put it in words any better. You described my post op experience to a T. I was sleeved 10/12. I am JUST now starting to feel like a real person again. Today is the first day that I haven't cried. I even went outside with my toddlers for a while. This time last week I was convinced that it would be easier if I just rolled over and never got back up.
I absolutely promise you that it does get better. You WILL start feeling human again. Push through, go find a support group (I went to an over eaters anonymous group last night for the first time and loved it), tell your family that you are not ok right now and let them help you.
This will all be worth it. For now, find something small to Celebrate every day and remember that you're not alone.
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

I don't think that I could have put it in words any better. You described my post op experience to a T. I was sleeved 10/12. I am JUST now starting to feel like a real person again. Today is the first day that I haven't cried. I even went outside with my toddlers for a while. This time last week I was convinced that it would be easier if I just rolled over and never got back up.
I absolutely promise you that it does get better. You WILL start feeling human again. Push through, go find a support group (I went to an over eaters anonymous group last night for the first time and loved it), tell your family that you are not ok right now and let them help you.
This will all be worth it. For now, find something small to Celebrate every day and remember that you're not alone.
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

We did a version of the ricotta bake tonight. I'm not a big fan of marinara so instead we used classical light Alfredo sauce. We also added imitation crab and portobello mushrooms. Pretty darn good stuff!

First puree meal and it's AWESOME. I feel like a human being again. For anyone who hasn't seen this recipe:
Shelly's Ricotta Bake

8 oz of Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 large Egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly. I usually made it first in the oven and heated the leftovers in the microwave.
Eating it very slow and only having 1/8 of the pan (it's a tiny pan, about 1/4 of a normal glass baking pan) for now, hopefully it goes okay!
For those on liquid, soon you will feel much better, just a few bites and my spirits are way up!

It seems that at least 50% of the posts on BariatriPal are bemoaning a stall. Daily, and sometimes hourly, I am reading about how someone ONLY lost x number of pounds and now the scale hasn't moved in ___ [fill in the blank] days/months, etc. Oh no, they write, I am a failure/unique/my surgery didn't work/life is not fair, ... Why am I in a stall?
I know I am exaggerating but I think you get the idea.
Guess what? STALLS are a NORMAL part of the PROCESS of losing weight. If you want to lose weight, you will stall. Not just once, but over and over. And, guess what? A stall is where your body actually does the hard work of becoming smaller. It takes a lot of work and energy to dismantle a structure that has been holding up, in some cases, hundreds of pounds.
For those who think they have to DO something to somehow "break a stall" (in my opinion, you do not break a stall, you just ride them out), here is my response:
What can you do to "break" a stall?
1) STAY OFF THE SCALE
Relax and stay off the scale if it bothers you so much. Weigh no more than once a week, or even less often. Weighing only at your doctor's appointments early in the process is a good strategy if your mood and self-worth are dictated by the numbers on the scale.
2) PICK UP A TAPE MEASURE
In addition to using the numbers on the scale to measure your progress, take your measurements. Inches lost are also a great way to see physical progress when the scale isn't moving. Most people see the biggest physical changes in their body when the scale seems stuck.
3) TRACK YOUR Protein AND Water AND MEET OR EXCEED YOUR PROTEIN AND WATER GOAL EVERY DAY
As long as you are getting in all your protein and water and following your NUT and surgeon's instructions, you are doing what you are supposed to do.
If you aren't getting in all your protein and water, then increasing your protein and water is something you can do (and should be doing anyway whether or not you are in a stall).
4) EXERCISE
If you aren't exercising, then you can exercise (and should be whether or not you are in a stall). You can start slowly by walking or even moving more around the house. Exercising will help you feel better, tone your skin and build fat-burning muscle.
5) MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR NUT
If you are unsure or unclear about what you are supposed to be, or should not be eating, then make an appointment with your NUT (which you should be doing whether or not you are in a stall).
6) REASSESS AND REEVALUATE
About the only good result I see that comes from complaining about a stall is when you take an honest look at what you are doing and realign with the program recommended by your NUT and surgeon. Have you started eating more outside of your plan? Are you restricting calories? Are you eating enough carbs and protein for your exercise? Are you taking your Vitamins? Are you eating often enough? Are you eating slowly with protein first? Sometimes, all you need to DO is go back to basics.
7) JOURNAL
One of the biggest things I have noticed from the various posts is how anxious and out-of-control some people feel when they notice a stall. Journaling can help you gain some perspective and deal with some of the emotional turmoil.
-- Write about how you are feeling about the stall and your weight loss, and surgery in general.
-- Write about why you had the surgery in the first place.
-- Write about what life was like before surgery.
-- Write about what you hope and dream about accomplishing in the future.
-- Write about your fears.
-- Write about your NSVs.
-- Make a gratitude list.
-- Make a bucket list.
-- Write a letter to your old self; write a letter to your new self.
Just write.
8) SEEK HELP
Stalls are when too many people seem to revert to old, counterproductive dieting behaviors (restricting calories, over exercising, bingeing, etc.). If this is you, then another thing you can DO is to talk to a counselor or therapist or consider joining a bariatric support group or a twelve-step group like Overeater's Anonymous.
The discomfort of being in a stall can also drive people to develop new, unhealthy coping habits or even transfer addictions. This is where you want to marshall all the resources you have available to you and use them.
The last, and most important thing you can DO is:
9) EMBRACE THE STALL
Stalls are a normal and natural part of the process.
Our bodies are complex systems and not simple machines.
Stalls go hand-in-hand with weight loss.
If you had Weight Loss Surgery, then you probably want to lose a significant amount of weight. So, get ready to embrace the many stalls you will experience as your body is transformed. It will be worth it.

My husband is already trying to limit my weight loss and is obsessing about my losing to much. For my height i can literally weigh 88lbs-124lbs. I have a heavy type bone structure. Not bird like at all. When i was 18 i weighed 104 and you could see my clavicle. So I know i am never going go win. Either people will say I am too heavy or too thin. Just how it is. I have wide hips so for a reward I am going to even out my bottom half with some a new tatas. Lol. And then i know I am going to get even more negativity. Find the balance that works for you. But most of all love your inner self and focus on feeding your soul. We aren't just about weight loss after the surgery. Although I fear that is an obsession I am going to have.
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Thank you so much, everyone! I do three small meals a day with one Fiber one snack (on occasion) . I don't eat any bread or fried foods. I only drink Water, skim milk and Decaf coffee. I try to watch my fat grams in everything I eat. I was a huge soda drinker before and I haven't had a soda (or caffeine) in 4 months. I definitely think that helped jump start my weight loss. I eat lots of turkey, grilled chicken and fish, veggies, cheese, Beans etc.
I feel like a new person and I am regaining happiness that I lost years ago.
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I'm not Indian, but just had one of those drooling Homer Simpson moments. Mmmm... rice... mmmmmm... roti...
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Today I officially hit my 1/2 way to goal weight-loss. 53lbs down 53lbs to go....that will put me in the high end of the healthy BMI range. It isn't about the scale number and it isn't about a pant size (although those are bonuses on my journey to a healthy BMI).
Just thought I would share my excitement.

Hang in there. I'm about 5 weeks out. I ran the whole gamut of emotions for pretty much the first 2.5 weeks. From excited to pissed off to upset to questioning everything. This first part can suck. Just go day by day. Get in a routine on when to eat and drink. If you aren't up to your plans protein/ Water guidelines, keep adding to your routine slow and steady. You will get to better days.
On lifting your spirits? Do something special for your self, get a manicure or pedicure, buy a new pair of shoes sit in the sun shine take a walk, color in a book, mediation get you hair cut, massage ( professional or by your SO) soak in a tub if you are allowed. Pick some flowers or buy a bouquet of flowers, take a drive. Play some slots, take some citrus type fruit , cinnamon and slow cooker it on the stove to make the house smell good. Citrus can be up lifting.
Just find an activity that you enjoy and do it even if you feel crappie. Get out of the house it can really change your mood.

I quit smoking, at least a pot of coffee a day, and my addiction to fast food 6 days before surgery. I completely understand where you're coming from. I feel like I'm losing my mind. Day 3 post op, I completely unleashed on my poor husband like a crazy maniacal banshee.
It is completely normal. My doc told me to try Decaf coffee drinks. So I picked up decaf instant Cappuccino and I allow myself a half cup daily to sip on. Just to tame the beast. Then, I chew on cinnamon toothpicks or suck on cinnamon altoids for the cigarettes. I promise that it gets so much better once you get past the liquid phase.
My best advice to you is find a professional or group to talk to asap. I am doing over eaters anonymous. You need a way to express and work through your addictions. It will help so very much!!!
Good luck. You can do it!!!!
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

I swear by Syntrax nectar. I don't know how I'd survive without them.
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16

I quit smoking, at least a pot of coffee a day, and my addiction to fast food 6 days before surgery. I completely understand where you're coming from. I feel like I'm losing my mind. Day 3 post op, I completely unleashed on my poor husband like a crazy maniacal banshee.
It is completely normal. My doc told me to try Decaf coffee drinks. So I picked up decaf instant Cappuccino and I allow myself a half cup daily to sip on. Just to tame the beast. Then, I chew on cinnamon toothpicks or suck on cinnamon altoids for the cigarettes. I promise that it gets so much better once you get past the liquid phase.
My best advice to you is find a professional or group to talk to asap. I am doing over eaters anonymous. You need a way to express and work through your addictions. It will help so very much!!!
Good luck. You can do it!!!!
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

There's a huge difference. You look great!
HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

You look great! I dont have a side by side body shot yet but here is my FACE!!! 10 weeks

I had my surgery less than a year ago. And it has changed everything. When I made the life altering decision to have the surgery, I gained the courage by imagining what life I might live if I were healthier.
A few months after my surgery I bought an RV, and moved into it full-time in June. This gives me so much freedom, and the ability to travel full-time. It is an amazing gift, that I would be physically incapable of enjoying at my previous high weight of over 300 pounds!
I am so grateful that I was able to get the surgery. It has truly changed my life. I know I will always have to be careful about my relationship with food, but this surgery has truly given me a chance to live the life that I've been dreaming of.
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Mine said I could at 3 weeks out on the soft foods portion. HW 427 SW 358
sleeved 10/12/16
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

What about after 2 weeks having puréed chicken with chicken bouillon?
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I got to add well-cooked green Beans, string cheese, and cottage cheese this week. All have been such a welcome addition. I get to add scrambled eggs in on Sunday and salmon in the following Sunday. The eggs and salmon will normalize my eating just a little bit more, so I am super excited about that!
Keep enjoying the journey. It looks like we are getting to some better days. (And I had 21 days of liquids myself. I never was more proud to see a spoonful of green Beans as I was last Sunday!!)

I saw my surgeon and my NUT today, 16 days post op. I was thrilled to graduate to soft foods! On my way home, I stopped at Whole Foods.
For my first meal after a full month of liquids, I had two of my favorite things: Ahi tuna Sashimi (I had three little slices, about 2 oz total) and tonight for dinner I had about two bites of salmon and the "meat" of very soft steamed artichoke, about 3 leaves. It was so funny to look down at my plate and see my teeny tiny dinner! And I was full soooo fast.
I'm very happy to be open soft foods. I love to cook and experiment, and I love fish, so...yay!

I've posted my story in several threads here. Here's a short version written several months ago.
To make the long story short(er), I had my sleeve 8/22/2013 & then on 12/29/2015 a revision of the (dilated) sleeve & the single-anastomosis duodenal switch. I also had my hiatal hernia repaired at the second surgery. A hiatal hernia can certainly be a cause of reflux symptoms.

Personally, I would not have a gastric bypass. I don't like the artificial opening from the stomach pouch to the intestine. The duodenal switch (classic or SA-DS) has the sleeve gastrectomy that leaves you with a fully-functional stomach, just much smaller.

I chose not to have a DS at the time of my original sleeve because the amount of malabsorption scared me. But 2 years later I was still at a BMI of just over 35, on 4 insulin injections a day, Metformin, atorvastatin (Lipitor) & 3 blood pressure meds so I decided something more had to be done. I am now 2½ months post-op & am off all insulin & the atorvastatin. One blood pressure med is discontinued & the other (a combo) is half what it was & I will probably be off of it by the end of the month. We did try decreasing the Metformin, but that didn't work - yet.
Now, nearly 10 months post-op, I am off all medications for diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol. As a matter of fact, my PCP has removed those diagnoses from my problem list.
This one is a long version & here's another.