PatsyKinOH

I was blessed to have a hospital sponsored weight loss group that I attended for 10 months prior to surgery.

Originally I was not going to get surgery so I attended this group and learned so much!

Each week, with a 12-week rotation based on a manual, they presented everything from food groups and nutrition to the behaviors that got used in trouble. They educate about how to be your "own best friend".

The manual was created and written by a multidisciplinary team at the medical facility's weight loss and bariatric program.

With that being said, I am a big proponent of education, not just on food and dietary requirements, but the physical, psychology and emotional tried related to obesity.

I know, I'm long winded (I'm that way IRL as well!) It's just I'm very passionate about my journey and hope that by sharing my experience will help others in their journey, whether at the starting gate or somewhere in between.

Educate yourself, either by self study or in a weight-loss group through either a medical center or your local YMCA if the have a group.

Another excellent resource is the American Diabetes Association; they have educational info about everything from prevention to treatment of diabetes.

The nutritionist can only do so much in the short amount of time in the span of an appointment. So, educating yourself is key.

I highly recommend you walk the walk now, put the education into practice before surgery so it won't be such a shocker post op. I've heard too many stories of people eating as they normally did preop and then after surgery have family purchase fast food to put through the blender and DRINK their McDonald's fix! Yuck!

Logging. Logging your food is instrumental in keeping it true! If it goes through the lips it goes on the list! Measure/weigh your every morsel.

And, last but not least, make changes over time! It is impossible to implement everything all at once. That sets people up for failure. I had 10 months to adjust before surgery and in that time I was able to lose 118 lbs. My surgery was this past March and overall I have lost 222 lbs. Considering I started this journey at just shy of 470 lbs, that's a lot of work! Now, I do some type of cardio everyday, work with weights three days a week for upper, mid, and lower body, plus I have energy to do things I haven't done in YEARS!

Educate yourself, either by self study or in a weight-loss group through either a medical center or your local YMCA if the have a group.

Another excellent resource is the American Diabetes Association; they have educational info about everything from prevention to treatment of diabetes.

The nutritionist can only do so much in the short amount of time in the span of an appointment. So, educating yourself is key.

I highly recommend you walk the walk now, put the education into practice before surgery so it won't be such a shocker post op. I've heard too many stories of people eating as they normally did preop and then after surgery have family purchase fast food to put through the blender and DRINK their McDonald's fix! Yuck!

Logging. Logging your food is instrumental in keeping it true! If it goes through the lips it goes on the list! Measure/weigh your every morsel.

And, last but not least, make changes over time! It is impossible to implement everything all at once. That sets people up for failure. I had 10 months to adjust before surgery and in that time I was able to lose 118 lbs. My surgery was this past March and overall I have lost 222 lbs. Considering I started this journey at just shy of 470 lbs, that's a lot of work! Now, I do some type of cardio everyday, work with weights three days a week for upper, mid, and lower body, plus I have energy to do things I haven't done in YEARS!

I lost weight first but then during stalls inches. I am so glad I measured both, it helped when I hit those stalls to see the other numbers going down.

Hi there! So I've only just started my vsg journey and I was just curious if any one has some general little nuggets of advice? What do you wish you realized before (post or pre op)? Any tips or tricks you've found to be invaluable (post or pre op)? I've been scouting the forums so far and have picked up some awesome info so far, so super excited to see what everyone has to say.
Little bit about me:
25 yrs old, gal, out of RI
HW/current: 356 lbs
So far I've had my surgical consultation & psych eval, my first appointment with the nutritionist is 9/25, sleep study appointment on 10/10. I have BCSC for insurance, so far so good in that department! I've also started a diet to help get my mind set for this new lifestyle and, hopefully, lose weight for surgery. Figured a jump start never hurts, even if it might change up after I see the nutritionist.
So yeah, look forward to hearing from everyone/anyone...

I find different styles sometimes means different size. I started out 290 lbs size 24w, 3x and am now 190 and fit 18, and xlarge, went to buy nursing Uniform for work and was size large. I'm 5'5. It's just a blessing not to shop in the plus size section, even bras went from 48DD to 44DD and we won't even get into underwear sizes, which was a trial and error with sizes.

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I think it depends on where someone carries the weight on their body and their height. I went from 289 wearing almost 24/26 to 209 wearing 16/18 and I'm 5' 5 1/2.

I eat small amounts of carbs once or twice per week in the form of whole wheat Pasta (1/4 cup) and FlatOut wraps. They have one with added Protein. I use 1/2 of one with my tuna salad (yum!) I do have fruit everyday and occasionally I'll steal a small bite of potato from my husband's dinner plate. So far I've had no problems doing this. I've also noticed that when I'm in a stall if I add just a small serving of a carb per day breaks me through it. It's amazing how just a small change in diet can get things going again!

My dr says you can have Decaf coffee. Just no caffeine whatsoever.

I usually eat from 600 to 700 Cals per day. Protein is 80 and above. I drink on average 120 oz of fluids per day. My food choices may seem bland to many but a wee bit of spices takes care of that! I eat a well rounded assortment of foods, including fruit. All foods are weighed. Plus, I exercise a total of 750+ minutes per week at the gym. I am very determined to take back my life! Before surgery was able to lose 120 lbs with mainly food choices and reduction in portion sizes so postop crumb-sized portions weren't such a major mind blowing event. Since surgery in March 2017 I have lost 101 lbs. I never thought I would get to this point so fast!

That is my goal! I can't wait to learn and go kayaking around the waterways of Cleveland's Emerald Necklace!

My weight loss doc advised me on my first visit to him to "eat like when you were a child". If course, this works best for those of us who grew up pre 1980, but it is actually pretty simple really.
Purchase from the outside perimeter of the grocery store, with the exception of processed items in the dairy/deli and frozen sections (corn dogs, hot dogs, balogna, battered fish products... The list goes on!)
Only go into the aisles of the store for olive oil, spices, tuna, quinoa, whole grain rice, and Beans.< /p>
Avoid fried foods at all costs. Bake, broil, grill, boil, or steam.
Try to avoid frozen meals due mainly to the excessive sodium and carbs most products contain. However, if you absolutely must purchase these items for use as lunch while at work try to limit to twice per week.
Fresh is best, frozen is fine, but watch for added sodium in canned vegetables but they are fine.
Fresh or flash frozen fruits are best, fruit packed in natural juice is okay when rinsed, but avoid fruit packed in syrup; too much added sugar.
I've adopted these recommendations over the past 14 months (preop and have continued postop). I am 200 pounds lighter for it. I still have 100 pounds to go, but I am confident that I will get to my goal and I should do well in the long term following these rules to live by.
And, yes, I do miss fast food, but I don't miss the expense, both financially and health-wise!

My weight loss doc advised me on my first visit to him to "eat like when you were a child". If course, this works best for those of us who grew up pre 1980, but it is actually pretty simple really.
Purchase from the outside perimeter of the grocery store, with the exception of processed items in the dairy/deli and frozen sections (corn dogs, hot dogs, balogna, battered fish products... The list goes on!)
Only go into the aisles of the store for olive oil, spices, tuna, quinoa, whole grain rice, and Beans.< /p>
Avoid fried foods at all costs. Bake, broil, grill, boil, or steam.
Try to avoid frozen meals due mainly to the excessive sodium and carbs most products contain. However, if you absolutely must purchase these items for use as lunch while at work try to limit to twice per week.
Fresh is best, frozen is fine, but watch for added sodium in canned vegetables but they are fine.
Fresh or flash frozen fruits are best, fruit packed in natural juice is okay when rinsed, but avoid fruit packed in syrup; too much added sugar.
I've adopted these recommendations over the past 14 months (preop and have continued postop). I am 200 pounds lighter for it. I still have 100 pounds to go, but I am confident that I will get to my goal and I should do well in the long term following these rules to live by.
And, yes, I do miss fast food, but I don't miss the expense, both financially and health-wise!

I consign mine so I can buy more clothes as I shrink. I've gone from a 34/36 to a 22/24 in the past 10 months so it's getting real! Thank God for Salvation Army! I look for the most gently worn stuff so I CAN consign them. For me it's win-win.

I consign mine so I can buy more clothes as I shrink. I've gone from a 34/36 to a 22/24 in the past 10 months so it's getting real! Thank God for Salvation Army! I look for the most gently worn stuff so I CAN consign them. For me it's win-win.

I had to do six months of medically supervised weight management before being seen by a surgeon. And then, only then, was I able to get an appointment with the surgeon. It had nothing to do with insurance protocols, it was what the weight loss program at the medical center requires.

I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area. There are three major medical centers here and each one seems to have a different set of protocols.

In the long run in my mind it came to follow-up care. I chose the one with not only the strictest preop but the best overall preop and postop support system. I couldn't ask for better!

I was blessed to have a hospital sponsored weight loss group that I attended for 10 months prior to surgery.

Originally I was not going to get surgery so I attended this group and learned so much!

Each week, with a 12-week rotation based on a manual, they presented everything from food groups and nutrition to the behaviors that got used in trouble. They educate about how to be your "own best friend".

The manual was created and written by a multidisciplinary team at the medical facility's weight loss and bariatric program.

With that being said, I am a big proponent of education, not just on food and dietary requirements, but the physical, psychology and emotional tried related to obesity.

I know, I'm long winded (I'm that way IRL as well!) It's just I'm very passionate about my journey and hope that by sharing my experience will help others in their journey, whether at the starting gate or somewhere in between.

My weight loss doc advised me on my first visit to him to "eat like when you were a child". If course, this works best for those of us who grew up pre 1980, but it is actually pretty simple really.
Purchase from the outside perimeter of the grocery store, with the exception of processed items in the dairy/deli and frozen sections (corn dogs, hot dogs, balogna, battered fish products... The list goes on!)
Only go into the aisles of the store for olive oil, spices, tuna, quinoa, whole grain rice, and Beans.< /p>
Avoid fried foods at all costs. Bake, broil, grill, boil, or steam.
Try to avoid frozen meals due mainly to the excessive sodium and carbs most products contain. However, if you absolutely must purchase these items for use as lunch while at work try to limit to twice per week.
Fresh is best, frozen is fine, but watch for added sodium in canned vegetables but they are fine.
Fresh or flash frozen fruits are best, fruit packed in natural juice is okay when rinsed, but avoid fruit packed in syrup; too much added sugar.
I've adopted these recommendations over the past 14 months (preop and have continued postop). I am 200 pounds lighter for it. I still have 100 pounds to go, but I am confident that I will get to my goal and I should do well in the long term following these rules to live by.
And, yes, I do miss fast food, but I don't miss the expense, both financially and health-wise!

This!!! This was beautifully said. What works for her is great. What works for you is great! I agree, starting out, we should all adhere to the doc/nut rules and sound nutritional advice till maintenance. Her way, your way, my way does not mean it's the ONLY way. I want everyone to understand that. There are many ways...if you're KEEPING IT OFF, then stick to YOUR way. Don't push and shove someone else because it's not what you're doing. It is truly each to his/her own!!!

My weight loss doc advised me on my first visit to him to "eat like when you were a child". If course, this works best for those of us who grew up pre 1980, but it is actually pretty simple really.
Purchase from the outside perimeter of the grocery store, with the exception of processed items in the dairy/deli and frozen sections (corn dogs, hot dogs, balogna, battered fish products... The list goes on!)
Only go into the aisles of the store for olive oil, spices, tuna, quinoa, whole grain rice, and Beans.< /p>
Avoid fried foods at all costs. Bake, broil, grill, boil, or steam.
Try to avoid frozen meals due mainly to the excessive sodium and carbs most products contain. However, if you absolutely must purchase these items for use as lunch while at work try to limit to twice per week.
Fresh is best, frozen is fine, but watch for added sodium in canned vegetables but they are fine.
Fresh or flash frozen fruits are best, fruit packed in natural juice is okay when rinsed, but avoid fruit packed in syrup; too much added sugar.
I've adopted these recommendations over the past 14 months (preop and have continued postop). I am 200 pounds lighter for it. I still have 100 pounds to go, but I am confident that I will get to my goal and I should do well in the long term following these rules to live by.
And, yes, I do miss fast food, but I don't miss the expense, both financially and health-wise!

My weight loss doc advised me on my first visit to him to "eat like when you were a child". If course, this works best for those of us who grew up pre 1980, but it is actually pretty simple really.
Purchase from the outside perimeter of the grocery store, with the exception of processed items in the dairy/deli and frozen sections (corn dogs, hot dogs, balogna, battered fish products... The list goes on!)
Only go into the aisles of the store for olive oil, spices, tuna, quinoa, whole grain rice, and Beans.< /p>
Avoid fried foods at all costs. Bake, broil, grill, boil, or steam.
Try to avoid frozen meals due mainly to the excessive sodium and carbs most products contain. However, if you absolutely must purchase these items for use as lunch while at work try to limit to twice per week.
Fresh is best, frozen is fine, but watch for added sodium in canned vegetables but they are fine.
Fresh or flash frozen fruits are best, fruit packed in natural juice is okay when rinsed, but avoid fruit packed in syrup; too much added sugar.
I've adopted these recommendations over the past 14 months (preop and have continued postop). I am 200 pounds lighter for it. I still have 100 pounds to go, but I am confident that I will get to my goal and I should do well in the long term following these rules to live by.
And, yes, I do miss fast food, but I don't miss the expense, both financially and health-wise!

I totally agree eating like that is what got me so fat in the first place I cannot afford to be non chalant with my eating habits because I have my surgery on June 21st and I don't think I'm ever going to miss bad foods or unhealthy food choices ever. I've worked too hard to get this surgery to have it all go to hell because of my unhealthy eating habits. I hope you do well.

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I seriously doubt this would work for everyone. If I ate anything I wanted whenever I wanted it I would weigh more than I did before I got WLS.
i don't consider choosing healthy foods and portions dieting. It is a lifestyle and is simply how eat now.

I had RNY June 23,2017....my experience is: gained 5 to 7 pounds day of surgery....then lost 15 pounds 1st week after surgery, then nothing since....so far. I figure most is surgery Fluid and some weight loss from less than normal eating. Waiting patiently and following guidelines ..except need more Water, working in that.

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Yes. It's due to the IV fluids and swelling. Just stay off the scale for the first couple weeks to a month. Focus on healing. It happened to lots of us