Sleeve1stFitNext

Do you have GERD (heartburn)? That is considered a co-morbidity as well. It may help. I had a moderate form of sleep apnea.

I loved Ginger Ale like no one's business. However, since surgery, I have not had the desire to drink soda.

I had it once a month ago because I was carrying the sodas into the theater and accidentally drank from the wrong drink and with a straw no less. I hated the taste and the straw made me bloated.

Isopure is a decent option. I personally did not like them. There is Premier Protein Water and Quest Protein powder. You can use the links below to get an idea of what they look like:

1) Quest - http://www.gnc.com/mass-gainers/476414.html?mrkgcl=1098&mrkgadid=3213986015&rkg_id=h-069e5dcb54c017bdb8aa285560aa27bf_t-1518279260&product_id=476414&flagtype=nonbrand&vendor=none&channel=ppc&adpos=1o2&creative=189757865641&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIru3I-d6b2QIVhCaGCh2b1gBpEAQYAiABEgK-TfD_BwE

2) Premier Protein Water - https://www.samsclub.com/sams/premier-clear-rtd-12ct/prod21030708.ip?&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001268773&pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_1013571991&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=239353267573&wl4=pla-296145862202&wl5=9004367&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=3866&wl13=&wl15=55345805172&wl17=1o1&veh=sem&source=ifpla

I am not skinny but the way my body looks now gets me a lot of attention. People hold doors for me, give up seats on public transportation and they flirt with me. However, it makes me unhappy. The reason is, I wonder in the back of mind, would you had spoken to me when I was heavier. Or, would you date me if you saw my loose skin out of these clothes?

The hardest part of it all is getting use to the attention. When I was heavier, and I dated someone, it was like okay they like me for my personality. Now it is like, "do you like me because of how I look or is it my personality."

Lol. Not all of us becomes Olympic Athletes.

Many of us keep consistent goals so that we do not fall back into old habits. By keeping ourselves busy, we do not become lazy or think about food. Exercising has become our coping mechanism instead of food.

It is hard to change your mindset. You have to find an exercise that you love. I enjoyed HIIT. Once I was able to get over the hurdles after the first 3 weeks, I noticed changes. I could lift the battle ropes easily, I could do box bumps without fear. That ignited a fire in me. Then I got introduced to weightlifting by my trainer.

It was like starting HIIT all over again and discouraging, but I set weekly goals. Either increase the weight each week or increase the Sets per workout. My favorite right now is pull-ups. Before, I couldn't do a pull-up with assistance. Now I can do 8. Every 2 weeks, I decrease the assistance, depending more and more on my arms, shoulders, and willpower. It takes time, we all have to crawl before we walk. Start with increasing your walking. Then try jogging. Each week set a goal. That is the key. Never stop setting goals.

What are you eating and drinking? How is it being prepared?

At that time, Protein Shakes and flavored water made me sick. I stuck with regular lukewarm Water. My food had to be completely tasteless and sugarless for me to eat it. I also had to be hydrated because I had pain in my knees.

Also, you may have to go back a phase on your diet until your stomach settles.

My surgeon suggests that you have Alcohol about 4 - 6 months out of surgery and in smaller concentration.

Eat smaller bites and chew slowly. This will help. Also, increase your Water intake.

I have endometriosis. This caused infertility for me as it was damaging my reproductive system. To add insult to injury I was extremely overweight for my height. I had been suffering from it since I was 14 years old and I found out I had it when I was 24. This caused damage to my ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

After the surgery, I am still having issues with my fertility. (That is a long story on its own)

It sounds like the issue was present before. Have you been checked to see if you have scar tissue on your uterus, blockage in your fallopian tubes or more over, are your ovaries releasing eggs?

Also, it could be that you trying too hard to conceive. I know that sounds silly but my friends who tried really hard for a baby could not get pregnant. However, one drunk night of heated passion and bam! pregnant.

I will pray for you to conceive and wish you the best!!!

I did not have continuous aching in my stomach after my first 1 month. I would suggest reporting this to your surgeon or PCP for further testing.

I did not develop a blood clot after surgery. I walked most of the night after surgery (high off of the painkillers. I was so excited. Asked the nurses if they wanted to play cards). Then I took 250 steps every hour I was up during my post-op week.

As long as you are over a 40+ BMI, you qualify. The co-morbidities are for persons who are under 40 BMI.

Lol we all love it when it happens. When the pressure in the abdomen is released, it is like opening the pearly gates.

I have become more aggressive. I mean my sex life has always been great. The problem was, I was not able to move around a lot. My sex drive has increased. I also can handle sex for longer periods of time without getting winded. lol

Once I started weightlifting, my weight has stayed in the 190's. However, my body has changed a lot. My surgeon and NUT tells me not to stress it. Inches matter more than the scale because that is unhealthy fat that you are burning off. Muscle also weighs more than fat and when you lift or workout.

Do not lose faith and just keep going. You will break your stall soon.

Congrats!! Keep up the good work. I do agree with @kakatlady612, the hardest part is reaching the surgeon's weight loss goal. This is because we tend to stress out. Here are some tips that may help if you aren't already doing these:

1) Monitoring your Macros - Carbs, Fats, and Protein

2) Increase your Water intake

3) Do not stress the scale and losing the weight. When you are having fun, you lose more weight.

Thank you for the information!!

I prefer free weights. I feel like keeping myself stable while trying to hold the weights, leaves me with a better workout feel. I have attached my leg training below. I would say to start off with lighter weights and slowly increase. I started off with these weights because I was doing HIIT prior to this to gain the muscle memory. Each week try increasing the weight by 2.5 - 5 lbs.

I hope this helps and gives you some ideas.

Note the weekly increase for myself:

Week 1 Week 2

Goblet Squats: 25 lbs 30 lbs

Walking Lunges: 10 lbs (5e) 15 lbs (7.5e)

Leg Press: 90 lbs (45e Side) 100 lbs (50e Side)

Reverse Lunges: 10 lbs 15 lbs

Cable Abduction: 5 lbs 10 lbs

Remember to take your time and slowly increase the weights.

Have you both tried checking your temperature? I we sent home with the breathing machine and a thermometer to check my temperature twice a day for the first 2 weeks to ensure that I didn’t get a fever or infection.

Leaks are rare. I have met many people with the sleeve and they have never had a leak. As long as your surgeon has great stats, you will be fine.

I cannot tolerate bread. Past and rice has been to be in small amount (1/4 cup)

Congratulations!!! That is wonderful, keep up the good work.

3 hours ago, 4ukay1 said:

Most of us have experienced these stalls, it will pass. You might be losing inches. Some people increase their exercise. But a stall is a stall IT WILL PASS.

I agree.

13 hours ago, Arabikqueen said:

YOu look beautiful both ways I did too start my journey on my makeup channel. Omg you so funny , I wanted new boobs too I don’t think it will happen either.

Thank you very much. Lol I am still on the fact that I am going to buy more bras. That pain really changed my idea of surgery across the board. I still remember the pain and the sleepless nights. I use that as a reminder every time I might fall off of the wagon. My heart is like, "You better put those donuts down!! Gurl do you not remember the pain you went through? Oh well let me remind you." (cramps in stomach immediately).

I know that it is hard to get through the first month. The first month is always the toughest. I had pain in my stomach, back and legs whenever I walked. The first week out, I almost licked a Donut. I at the following:

1 - Red lobster commercial

2 - Applebees commercials (I LOVE APPLEBEES)

4 - Taco Bell commercials (I used to live for Taco Bell)

8 - Burger King commercials (Let's just say the delivery guy knew me on a first name basis)

The second week, I had to be put on fluids because I was dehydrated. I had to buy baby food (bananas) because I was lacking potassium. I was miserable but looking back at it. I would do it again to have the ability to do what I do now.

I understand the regret stage. I made a video on it. I just had to get how I was feeling out then. Being 8 months out, I would not take it back for anything. I love how active I am now.

Its the first month but it gets easier. Things do get better.