Kat410

I am in my 14th week and never had issue with liquids or soups. I could eat a whole container of yogurt as soon as I was on that stage. I could drink a whole mug of soup (I wasn't necessarily interested in it, but physically could do it). I also drank 8 oz of protein shakes as soon as I started on them. I experience the sense of restriction primarily on dense proteins and to some degree veg although the sensation of fullness is really different on veg. When I am full on an animal protein it is an immediate and sudden sense of discomfort. With veggies and denser carbs (beans, whole grains) it is a more gradual sense of being sated and I can eat more ounces. My sense is this is pretty common and I would not be too concerned.

Have a plan for your nutrition. I travel for work and the travel is not the issue. The planning for handling my nutrition was what I needed to work through. Will you be at business lunches or dinners? Will you expected to order off a menu? Will there be social drinking and how will you deal with that ? What stage will you be on for your food plan?

You look gorgeous!!!! Congratulations on the hard work. It sure has paid off

you are keeping us in suspense! that looks delish!

If you're quick to heal and rebound (like I am), you will probably be fine physically, but you will need to plan your meals. You will most likely be on liquids (maybe pureed at that time depending on your plan) which can be challenging in certain environments. If you will be staying in a home - no problem, if you are staying in a hotel you'll need to think through how to manage your nutrition. Also, most people find that while they are physically fine, there are repercussions that they are dealing with (less stamina as your body adjusts to a longer term calorie deficit), soreness, mental and emotional fatigue, irritability, etc.) Also you may want to consider how "food centric" your vacation will be. Some things (and some people) are heavily oriented around food/eating. It really supported me in the first 6 weeks not to be around what I considered food oriented activities. While on liquids I just MISSED EATING. I missed the taste of food, I missed chewing, I just missed it. That did pass after the first two months, but I also had very little of those kinds of activities in my environment and that really worked for me and let me keep my mind focused on other things.

If you're quick to heal and rebound (like I am), you will probably be fine physically, but you will need to plan your meals. You will most likely be on liquids (maybe pureed at that time depending on your plan) which can be challenging in certain environments. If you will be staying in a home - no problem, if you are staying in a hotel you'll need to think through how to manage your nutrition. Also, most people find that while they are physically fine, there are repercussions that they are dealing with (less stamina as your body adjusts to a longer term calorie deficit), soreness, mental and emotional fatigue, irritability, etc.) Also you may want to consider how "food centric" your vacation will be. Some things (and some people) are heavily oriented around food/eating. It really supported me in the first 6 weeks not to be around what I considered food oriented activities. While on liquids I just MISSED EATING. I missed the taste of food, I missed chewing, I just missed it. That did pass after the first two months, but I also had very little of those kinds of activities in my environment and that really worked for me and let me keep my mind focused on other things.

Last night after work I went home and did what has now become a ritual. I made a cracker with chunky peanut butter and strawberry preserves. I know I am not supposed to do this - but this one thing feels like something I am going to hold on to, to keep, like a little prize for all the other things I didn't do earlier in the day and the other things I did do that I am supposed to do. Now, there have been some changes - instead of a full sandwich I use a very low carb wafer. And I measure the peanut butter out at 20 grams and I now splurge on this very high preserves that are made from these very tiny strawberries in the pacific northwest, etc. But it got me wondering - what are others holding on to and why do we hold on to it? Truthfully I have the same physical satiety if I ate some carrots or had a protein shake or a couple slices of chicken. And I have to admit, I am torn over this PBJ cracker!

One other thing I haven't given up yet - I have gotten rid of MOST processed foods from my diet. However, AMERICAN CHEESE slices are still in. This weekend I had grass fed, organic 90% lean ground beef. I weighed it into 3 oz patties and made 5 for the week. The quality of the beef was fantastic - and what did I top it with? Half a slice of American cheese :-) But it's really amazing to think about what I have given up - bread (MAJOR TRIGGER FOOD), rice, pasta, sweets, chips - no problem. I don't have an issue with it - I just think it's kind of comical what has stayed in the diet.

I am 13 weeks out and have only been to a restaurant for a meal twice - why? Because it's a waste of my time and money. Both were special occasions for other people. The first time I didn't order and asked my friend if I could share her meal (she is skinny and never finishes anything). The second time was at a tapas style place, so it's almost impossible to track who's eating what. I would never have an issue with a server being attentive - in fact, I would thank and appreciate that person for doing a great job given not eating usually signals dissatisfaction. You don't have to talk about your personal business nor does anyone care about your personal business to let the person know your food is great and you're not eating it. That said, my friends all know that I had surgery so we do a lot less eating-out type of activities anyway.

I did my surgery in Cancun with Dr. Hector Perez. The surgery was coordinated through Ready4aChange. A couple of things - I chose Cancun because I live in NYC and the flight/travel was just a lot easier and I wanted to ensure I had an easy trip home. I paid a deposit through the coordinator. The full payment was due at check in in the clinic, but I chose to pay in advance. Also, I did all the bloodwork/screening with my local PCP before travel to ensure there were no surprises (and I did it before starting my 10 day liquid diet). I then did follow up blood work 6 weeks after surgery - mostly to check my A1C and Vitamin D which were the only 2 issues that showed up pre-surgery. The coordination provided by Ready4aChange was mostly seamless, however the quality of hotels was just terrible. My dad came with me and (god bless him) he ended up getting us rooms at the Ritz Carlton instead. I stayed an extra day, which was nice just to rest and nap (I did a lot of napping - my energy was very low.) The clinic in Cancun was clean, the staff were friendly, Dr Perez was great and the Anesthesiologist was also great. The nurses and support staff did not speak much English and we had a good time with my horrible Spanglish. There was a coordinator on site for English speaking patients in case I needed anything, but I was able to communicate my most important needs ("Dolor!") I stayed overnight after the surgery and was discharged the next day. Surgery went well, they also cleaned up some scar tissue from an open surgery to remove my gallbladder that was done 3 years prior. There are two things I did that I was glad about - coordinating this with my local PCP who was very supportive and bringing someone with me. While I didn't NEED to bring someone with me, it gave me tremendous peace of mind to know my dad was there if anything went wrong. I would recommend Mexico to anyone for whom insurance doesn't cover this. The total cost of my surgery (not including airfare and the Ritz upgrade) was $5400.

I am looking for recommendations for shapewear. I am not new to shapewear, but I am having difficulty finding what I need that will work, and given good shapewear is very expensive, I am hoping some of the ladies here can give some good recommendations. I am 5'8", have lost 75 lbs, but am carrying most of my weight right now in my thighs, hips and lower belly. I would like to wear more dresses and skirts, but need to handle the thigh chub rub - for everything I am buying (which goes to mid thigh), the thigh parts are rolling up. I have tried Thighstincts (which is not shapewear), Spanx mid thigh body suits and other brands - but they all roll up. The only thing I have that does not roll up are shapers I got from Ulla Popken two years ago, but they are now too big (and they don't roll up because they cover the full thigh, down to just above the knees). I seem to have the upper part of my body covered for when I wear slacks - but any insight into the troublesome lower bits?

I have an intense desk job in a fast paced environment with 15 direct reports who manage large teams. I have to be mentally on point 60-70 hours a week. I took 6 days off and was fine physically but mentally and emotionally I did not have the same stamina. I had to deal with irritability (I am usually very even keeled), mental fog and fatigue and a whole lot of emotional stuff that is not normal to me. I think the rapid weight loss temporarily changed my hormones and my body took time to adjust to the calorie deficit. On the flip side there were tremendous benefits to not being home and bored with nothing to do but think about what I couldn't eat. I did tell my boss and some of my senior direct reports. I am glad that I did so when the going got tough I had the room to be transparent about what I was dealing with and they were very supportive. Even if people haven't gone through this I find that there is a tremendous appreciation for what it takes to deal with a lot of change in a short period of time. Others on this board have shared about the difference it made for them to take an extended period of time off to handle their headspace. As with anything, have it work for you.

No problems here with spicy food! Was adding massive quantities of ginger, garlic and sriacha to my bone broth. I think if you're someone who had digestive issues or issues with spicy food prior to surgery, that's a different matter. But if you were a lover of casein, garlic and ginger - you will most likely be ok. Like all things post-surgery, start slow with what you are introducing to your diet and see how it goes. I find, however, that I don't crave spicy food as much as I used to and food tastes different (more flavorful). I also had a very salty palate pre-surgery and now use little to no salt.

You will be in New York. Anything your heart desires healthy or otherwise is a phone call, seamless order, or short cab ride away.

I am not sure what you mean by "big meal." My preop diet was 10 days with 2 shakes and one meal of veg and lean protein. I had a couple of slips and the last 3 days prior went full liquid. I lost 16 lbs in those two days and the liver was in good shape. Are you loosing weight?

Thanks for your honesty and I suspect a lot of us can relate to what you have shared. After surgery I almost compulsively watched cooking shows and read through menus on seamless. The preop diet really supported my mindset because believe me that was waaay harder pre surgery than post surgery. One of the most shocking experiences post surgery has been the total disconnect between my brain and my my body. Yesterday I was at a work conference and for the lunch buffet served myself two slices of roasted chicken breast, a tablespoon full of quinoa and some cucumbers. My brain was very saddened by this pathetic plate. My body however could not complete the meal and was very happy. The other thing that has made a difference for me is shifting the context I have for eating. I relate to my obesity as a chronic disease that can be managed.

Sometimes I feel like I am the exception here. I have not stalled for more than 3 days in the first three months. I have had one week where I lost just over a pound, but that's it. I am averaging a 3-4 lb weight loss each week (not including the fast drop after the first two weeks on liquids). When I calculate my estimated calories needed and my calories consumed the calorie deficit matches the average weight loss almost exactly. In addition the pattern has not changed. No weight change for two to three days then a drop between 1-2 lbs. Except for the one week where I lost only 1.2 lbs. I am not complaining or worried but wonder if I am the exception here. Every 4-5 days I spike my calories up by adding carbs (to approx 1000) and on other days eat 700-800 calories. Any others not stalling in the first 6 months?

Exercise does not make you lose fat. If you exercise, you may be able to increase muscle in the targeted area, but it has no impact on the fat being stored in that area.

I also need to dress professionally for work. Prior to surgery my standard uniform was black trousers (from Talbots typically - some of those pants lasted me 8-10 years!), a blazer/jacket and a blouse or shell. I almost never wore dresses or skirts. Now I am wearing more dresses and skirts because there are more forgiving to size changes. I have a pleated midi skirt from Eloquii that is too big, but I wear a blouse and a wide belt and I can't tell the difference because the belt further cinches the skirt. I am also finding surplice/wrap tops to be great - besides being very flattering, they are also more forgiving to size changes. Right now I have 10 bags of clothing (mostly professional) for donation and am about to do another purge. I keep 2-3 pairs of great trousers in my wardrobe that I buy on sale, 2-3 blouses and 2-3 dresses/skirts for workwear. I have not bought any new blazers yet - mostly because it is summer, not to mention they are more expensive. I have gone from a 24 to an 18 and seem to be changing sizes every 2-3 weeks. Truthfully, when I was at my highest weight I was spending just as much money on clothes in a quest to find something that I thought "looked good" on me instead of dealing with that what I was dissatisfied about had nothing to do with the clothes and everything to do with my body.

Thanks to everyone, especially the frequent posters and vets who make such a difference - more than you know! I am 11 weeks out from surgery and am so grateful that I am on this journey to reclaim my health for decades to come. A little background - my highest weight was pre-surgery at 335. I lost 16 lbs in the two week pre surgery diet and since surgery have lost 53 pounds. In the first month I lost 29, 2nd month I lost 12.6 and this month I will loose around 10-11 lbs. I was a snug size 24 and am now wearing an 18 in most plus size brands. I flew for a work conference last week and had plenty of room in the seat and inches to spare in the seatbelt (no extender!) I am now working out, building my strength up, walking, active and energetic. I naturally wake up early in the morning rested. I have lost 39% of my excess weight in 3 months based on a target weight of 165. While my MIND does not have an aversion to over(eating), my sleeve sure does. I have had a few slips - eating chips, bread, etc and have begun to get what a dangerous slope that is because I don't experience any restriction on the crappy foods. I sometimes find myself impatient for instant gratification, wishing I were at goal, wishing the pounds would come off faster, but I figure that is the mentality that got me here to begin with. I have changed the way I think about my weight, food, and my body. I have gone from ordering delivery daily to cooking and prepping most of my food from home. Each day is a learning experience and a gift. Thank you everyone for your sharing, coaching and participation, it's great to be here learning and on this road with you.

Congratulations!!! You look ahhhmazing!

I now tell anyone who asks me what am I doing or how am I doing it. If they don't ask I assume they don't care. For the ones that do ask ... The reactions are mixed but I have now talked to dozens of people who have literally ruled out surgery with no research or education because of the stigma of surgery. I didn't really care about what people thought about me being fat and I don't really care about what they think of me getting healthy. I am hoping that my sharing will make a difference and contribute to other people dealing with obesity having the space to educate and chose for themselves.

I paid in full ahead, although payment was due at the time of check in. It was just easier for me and I paid through credit card.

I am on my way home after being at a work conference for five days. The conference was held at a hotel and all food was catered at a hotel. While I've gone to restaurants a few times with friends since surgery this was my first time being away from my kitchen and independently managing, cooking, and weighing my food for such a long period of time. A couple of things jumped out and just seemed so disconnected from what I am now accustomed to Huge plates. I mean huge. People filling their plates. I could not eat what I served myself that maybe took up 1/6th of the plate. 10 different selections. Two to three proteins, 2 veg, 2 salads and 2-3 starches not including the desert table. All of the selections pulling for someone to fill that plate. Not to mention the huge soup bowls with two ladles of soup. The experience was so shocking and jarring. It was hard to believe I ate that much at one point, went back for seconds and I as hungry 2 hours later This felt like a milestone. Like my interest in food was gone. And I was able to manage myself to the correct portions and foods.

I think this can vary a lot, depending on how people "carry their weight" (what an odd expression!). Pre surgery I was 334 and wore a 3x/24 in both tops and bottoms. Some brands were snug - but this was the size I wore for Eloquii, Lane Bryant, Talbots, Eileen Fisher, etc. I wore these clothes until I lost 40 lbs, then alot of the clothes became unworkable, especially pants (I wear a lot of career/fitted pants). I have lost 65 lbs, I am 270 and 5'8" and am wearing a size 20 in most pants, 18 in skirts/dresses and 18 in tops. I am wearing more dresses and skirts because they are more forgiving to size changes than trousers are. I am not losing as quickly around my hips/thighs as much as I am in my upper body and belly.