MSinger

My losses have been slower than what I've seen with most other people, and it has not been consistent. I lost 17lbs the first month and every month after that has been 4-8lbs/month. It's frustrating, but I decided I'm just going to work past the frustration and celebrate anything that isn't a gain, because it's a step towards better health. It's not easy, but every lb counts and they do add up. Stay focused on your journey and celebrate the small wins!

Feeling full is different post op and it definitely takes some getting used to. The nerves in your stomach are also cut and regenerating, so you don't feel the same fullness you did pre op. I realized I was full when I felt pressure everywhere AROUND my stomach. I would feel pressure around my upper chest, my left shoulder, my lower abdomen, and the sides. It's subtle compared to how fullness used to feel. Also, as far as satisfying head hunger, that was a huge challenge for me for the first month or so since I wasn't eating solid foods. Liquids and soft foods are not as satisfying mentally as dense meat. Unfortunately, it's something we all have to learn is different from physical hunger and learn how to cope with it. As you go further, your food choices will expand to more solid and satisfying foods which should help more. Hang in there!

One month in I started feeling hungry again. At 4 months I started feeling tiny little stomach grumbles. I can feel how small my sleeve is because I can physically feel the size of it when it grumbles. Granted, my hunger is nowhere near where it was pre-op, but it's just enough to keep me from gaining weight. I have to fight against my hunger to actually lose weight.

Yes I've heard of people needing to get their ID's updated, and personally I'm looking forward to it. I just got my DL and HATE the pic they took of me. It's now a strange source of weight loss motivation. Whatever works, right?

Yes, absolutely! I did not have this requirement, but I see so many people posting frustration, impatience, disappointment because of their 6mo requirements. I think they are incredibly useful as you get to learn more about your post-op diet, gives time to practice and learn how to eat before "showtime", and start your weight loss journey before surgery. You have proven how essential it is to use that time to your advantage. Congratulations on meeting goal. As another poster stated I hope to continue seeing you around as I learn so much from your posts.

Damn girl, congrats! I am so happy to see ladies with a similar body to mine (I usually have to compare to men because of our height). You look so fantastic!

Deep fried foods. I may have to switch to air frying.

This may not qualify as natural, but buy a bunch of rubbing alcohol pads and sniff them when you feel nauseous. I was severely nauseous after surgery and those puppies helped. It doesn't last long, but it helps.

Don't weigh yourself for the first month post-op. Too much water retention/fluid shifting going on to get an accurate read. If you do weigh, don't take the number on the scale too seriously. Just focus on meeting your protein and fluid goals. The scale should normalize a bit by the end of the month.

I'm eating around 1000 cals per day give or take 50. I bumped it up to 1200cals for some time when I was 2 months post op, but I switched back to a low-carb diet 2 weeks ago and find that I don't need 1200. Right now I'm satisfied with 1000.

You look fantastic!!!

First of all, welcome to the boards here. I'm 4 months out now but surgery still feels like yesterday. It must be difficult to do this on your own, but when you get to the other side of the difficulties you are currently experiencing you will be all the stronger for it. The first week is so rough, and many people have said they started feeling better around day 5. Hang in there! Focus on the small improvements as they build up day by day, take this one day at a time, and have your surgeon's office # on speed dial if you are experiencing any symptoms you want to run by them. The boards here are a great source of support and information. Sometimes there's some friction and negativity, but the best thing to do is ignore those moments and focus on your journey. There are plenty of kind and knowledgeable people willing to help

I take a 250mg magnesium supplement every day. It keeps me regular without going overboard, but be warned - if you take too much it will give you diarrhea.

I'm 3+ months post op and don't like to eat breakfast first thing. I've never been a big breakfast person and I still feel a little icky when I wake up first thing. I start my days with a premier protein shake, then eat some eggs at about 10am.

That makes me feel better as I've only been losing roughly 5lbs a month. I was hoping for more so it's a bit frustrating, but on the plus side my losses have been consistent and I am very satisfied with my food plan right now. At this point, I'm just happy to see the scale moving in the right direction