Melesg

It's been very quiet here - I will break the ice by saying that I gained over over the Christmas week but have lost that plus another .5kg. I have been following a Keto diet since Jan 1st to get into ketosis ASAP to start getting some weight off again. I am now in ketosis thankfully and while it's Water weight that has been lost, knowing I am running on fat now is a great feeling. I loved the ketosis zone during pre and post esg - I think it has made the biggest difference in my weight loss. It's to thank for the quick weight loss at the start.
I will add a piece of fruit a day down the track but will try stay on very low carb for as long as possible. The dietician has worded me up in the past regarding how fibre cancels out carbs and has a more moderate approach to carbs. I am looking forward to checking in with her again next week.

Ok - now it's time for your accountability update. Remember, we are all friends here and will offer nothing but support if you have gained over the past few weeks.
Mel

Your going to love the otherside!!
When I think about my motivation to have the esg it really was all about health. Being healthy so that I could really LIVE this incredible life I have with my family. I have probably lost site of that during the first few months post esg as I really was judging my progress by weightloss alone. But I'm changing that thinking now as it really isn't the measure that's most important.
I told my kids that when we go on vacation in march that we are going to a waterpark and I am going on all the rides too. They thought it was the best thing ever and keep talking about who is going to come on each slide with me. My son said he has never seen me swim, or wear shorts in summertime lol 😂. That's about the change!! It's about time I jump into photos with my kiddos and be fit and active in their lives. And it's awesome to have the energy to know I mean it this time 😊

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please take care and know that we are all thinking of you at this devastating time xo

Such a funny post, and totally true! I still take a size 18 into the change room in case the 14 doesn't fit. I have been asked if I have done something to my face as I look younger - um no, but 14 kg less of me probably gives me a spring in my step.
Mel

It's been very quiet here - I will break the ice by saying that I gained over over the Christmas week but have lost that plus another .5kg. I have been following a Keto diet since Jan 1st to get into ketosis ASAP to start getting some weight off again. I am now in ketosis thankfully and while it's Water weight that has been lost, knowing I am running on fat now is a great feeling. I loved the ketosis zone during pre and post esg - I think it has made the biggest difference in my weight loss. It's to thank for the quick weight loss at the start.
I will add a piece of fruit a day down the track but will try stay on very low carb for as long as possible. The dietician has worded me up in the past regarding how fibre cancels out carbs and has a more moderate approach to carbs. I am looking forward to checking in with her again next week.

Ok - now it's time for your accountability update. Remember, we are all friends here and will offer nothing but support if you have gained over the past few weeks.
Mel

Hi smith.99,
I can very much relate to how you are feeling. I am also guilty of having some thoughts that make me wonder if i should have had a vsg over esg as I feel the esg requires you to still fully participate in your weightloss journey and make very good choices rather than being physically unable to over eat. I too feel I can eat more than I expected, I thought that the weight would really fall off by itself over time and that it was just a matter of months until I would be at my goal weight. But heading into month 4 post esg, I am needing to set the goals and work towards them myself, with support but ultimately bne my own catalyst to achieve my goals.
So this is what I tell myself - I'm not going to fail at this. I'm just not. Yes I can also graze most days pretty freely and can eat bigger portions than the mini plates and bowls I was sure was my new forever meal size. I can still eat every bit of glorious junk food I ever have and look to food as my solution to every emotion I have.
But from what I see, so can people who have had bypasses and surgical sleeves if they really want to. Slider foods slide on down and meals can be whatever we want them to be. This tool that we have has to be just a part of our solution. We have to stick with this until proper nutrition is our new habit and be totally honest with what we are eating.
I saw the first 10kg drop off really fast and thought OMG, this is a piece of cake! But then I had stalls and slight gains and some losses. I know I am eating about half of what I used to but that I can unrail my day by just having a big serve of nuts or too many healthy Snacks. So I have to be brutally honest with myself about how I may be sabotaging quicker "success".
i think that what I have been eating is more a "maintenance" diet. But I think it's a really doable maintainence diet for the rest of my life. As I am not ready to maintain my current weight, I need to get cracking on more exercise and less food. I need to recommit to getting back into ketosis to start burning up these fat stores.
i absolutely feel so much better for having lost half my weightloss goal. I am eating cleaner, exercising heaps more and participating more in my life.
I really think that right now, this is a mental challenge for me and I sense right now it is for you too. I am really too hard on myself at this point and have been forgetting to see my successes rather than my overnight quick fix I secretly hoped for.
The gorgeous hope4momof4 is right, you may be looking at your success over this difficult holiday period in a way that is not helpful and is not recognising the success of NOT gaining over Christmas. When is the last time you could say that?
You can tell me to bugger off but perhaps use the new year to plan your way forward and recommit to portion sizes etc. You must feel much better with your initial weightloss and since you have been in a stall, another good loss may not be far away.
Yes It is a lot of money this procedure, so do everything you can right now to make positive changes. You can do this, you really can.
Find that determination that you had when you decided to get this done and go from there. And remember, a meal or day that hasn't been diet perfect is no issue, its what you do the next day that counts.
We are all behind you, good luck 😊.
Mel

Thank you Tex, bubbles and hope4momof4.
Bubbles - so very sorry for your loss at this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Christmas Day is done and dusted in Australia and it was not a dieting disaster. I certainly ate some treat foods but in small amounts.
To round off the day I even, wait for it... went for a bike ride in the evening with my daughter. My head told me to lay down on the sofa but my heart told me to strap on the helmet and go for a half hour bike ride. I've never been on a bike with my kids (not for 30 years probably) and whilst it was wobbly and I looked like a complete dork, I rode none the less. At the end of our ride, I got a squishy hug from my baby who declared it "the best day ever".
mel x

Melesg— That is such a sweet Christmas story. This procedure has not only improved your weight and health but it has given you a closer relationship with your children. They probably don’t understand what has brought about this change in mommy but I’m sure they don’t care either. Their mom has just become the coolest mom ever!! That dork remark was completely uncalled for. You are getting the most out of this procedure. Truly inspirational!
Enjoy the rest of your holidays!

Thank you Tex, bubbles and hope4momof4.
Bubbles - so very sorry for your loss at this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Christmas Day is done and dusted in Australia and it was not a dieting disaster. I certainly ate some treat foods but in small amounts.
To round off the day I even, wait for it... went for a bike ride in the evening with my daughter. My head told me to lay down on the sofa but my heart told me to strap on the helmet and go for a half hour bike ride. I've never been on a bike with my kids (not for 30 years probably) and whilst it was wobbly and I looked like a complete dork, I rode none the less. At the end of our ride, I got a squishy hug from my baby who declared it "the best day ever".
mel x

To Mel— I’m glad that you are measuring your success in other ways which in all honesty is the most important thing you can do. Your children will absolutely cherish those memories of you participating with them in their fun activities. I have the same issues as you did before—I’ve taken them to Water parks and never gone on with them. They used to beg me to go on and now they don’t bother even asking. Maybe this summer I’ll surprise them. I used to love to swim and we belong to a swim club in our neighborhood now for over five years. Can you believe that I’ve never gone into the pool with them! That will be another one of my goals. Thanks for reminding me. My children are growing up so fast. Soon they won’t want me to swim or get on rides with them so I have to make the most of the time I have with them. I’m so happy Mel that you did this for yourself and your children. Their memories you’ll have with them will be priceless!!😍😍
To Bubbles— My sincerest condolences for your friend’s loss. That is certainly heartbreaking. You are doing what a true friend should and standing by her and just being there for her. Situations in life will put our plans on hold but you have to help her through this. Besides as you said you need to work out your thyroid condition before you can proceed anyway. This is only a minor setback and once you’ve worked through your personal and physiological issues you can get back up and move forward. Please post on this forum whenever you can to let us know how you’re doing . We don’t want to lose touch with you Bubbles. Even a small post simply telling us that your life is still “heavy” at the moment is enough. I know you’ll be back as soon as life eases up.
I wish you both a happier and healthier new year. I hope 2018 brings everyone here and around the world more peace, love, health, and happiness!!

Bubbles, so sorry to hear of your friend's tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend in these difficult times. Something none of us as a parent should ever experience. I hope you find spiritual comfort and a way to continue the positive progress in your life. Sometimes (often) we take for granted how finite our lives are and that there may not be a tomorrow. This makes the steps you are taking all the more important. Take care, survive the busy holidays and find your routine to continue to move in such a positive direction. Tex

Melesg and hope4momof4, wow, I have never been so touched as reading your most recent posts about motivations other than weight or clothes size to get our lives in a much healthier state. Very deep and so important to many of us, maybe we're a bit hesitant to be so clear. You were both so eloquent and strong in how you want to experience life to the fullest with your children, it really meant a lot to me.
There's something about us as parents wanting to show our children how they can grow up to be people we admire and respect. We have to model in our behavior and I believe for many of us who struggle (and feel like we're losing the battle with our weight) that this same issue is present. So cool that you both are so open to help us all share in this motivation and realize it applies to many of us, even if we haven't openly acknowledged it.
Thanks for this blessing during the holidays! It makes me even more determined to be successful this time in changing my life to a much healthier and active one and becoming the parent I have aspired to be for a long time.
PS. I stopped coffee three days before my ESG (Nov 21) and haven't had any since. After the first week I was over the headaches and really haven't missed it!

Thanks for the encouragement hope4momof4.
If it helps, my dr was happy if I had 1 coffee a day from early on. I am a massive coffee addict but really didn't feel like I could stomach it for over a week after my esg. I also couldn't drink more than about 150mls at a time so it was a little cup. My advice was to ensure I had 1.5litres of Water a day and that my coffee was to be in addition to that to ensure I was hydrated.
I double checked with the dietician about having occasional carbonated drinks and was given the ok. In small volumes, stretching doesn't seem to be a concern. I used to love Diet Coke but now have maybe 200mls every few weeks as a treat rather than food. I.e at the movies. They sell the mini cans and I get very excited to sit back and enjoy my mini Diet Coke. I also have had a mini can of mineral water When I was feeling quite head hungry twice as this again feels like a no calorie treat. I completely understand if others have been advised to avoid them all together as I know it can be a slippery slope but just giving my experience 😊
Also just need to share - I can run for 10 minutes without stopping now plus do another 40 minutes of cardio and weights. Honestly feeling so energised from the running - my house has never been cleaner!
Mel x

Hi there. I Just wanted to touch base with all my friends here. Reading your successes brings me joy. Congratulations. I"m eating well and trying to stay the course to the best of my ability! I've discovered Premier Protein shakes which I love, so using those to help decrease calories and increase Protein per day. Unfortunately my lab from my Dr. S came back indicating possible hyperparathyroid. Why can't I get a skinny disease? Ugh..I need to follow up with an endocrinologist. In addition, a dear friend of mine son died two days ago. Life is heavy at the moment so just trying to get through one moment at a time. I'm not sure how frequent I will be checking in, but I will when I get some downtime. I have 11 guest coming from out of town to stay with me, so I'm busy, busy. busy... Wishing you all a happy holiday and praying for your continued success.

Your going to love the otherside!!
When I think about my motivation to have the esg it really was all about health. Being healthy so that I could really LIVE this incredible life I have with my family. I have probably lost site of that during the first few months post esg as I really was judging my progress by weightloss alone. But I'm changing that thinking now as it really isn't the measure that's most important.
I told my kids that when we go on vacation in march that we are going to a waterpark and I am going on all the rides too. They thought it was the best thing ever and keep talking about who is going to come on each slide with me. My son said he has never seen me swim, or wear shorts in summertime lol 😂. That's about the change!! It's about time I jump into photos with my kiddos and be fit and active in their lives. And it's awesome to have the energy to know I mean it this time 😊

Your going to love the otherside!!
When I think about my motivation to have the esg it really was all about health. Being healthy so that I could really LIVE this incredible life I have with my family. I have probably lost site of that during the first few months post esg as I really was judging my progress by weightloss alone. But I'm changing that thinking now as it really isn't the measure that's most important.
I told my kids that when we go on vacation in march that we are going to a waterpark and I am going on all the rides too. They thought it was the best thing ever and keep talking about who is going to come on each slide with me. My son said he has never seen me swim, or wear shorts in summertime lol 😂. That's about the change!! It's about time I jump into photos with my kiddos and be fit and active in their lives. And it's awesome to have the energy to know I mean it this time 😊

Hi everyone,
One last update before Christmas. I am down 13.6kg (30lbs) since my procedure about 14 weeks ago. I was nearly 17 kg heavier this time last year and will be nice seeing in a new year lighter than the previous one.
I think I am finding my esg groove. My portion sizes were getting relaxed as was some grazing so I have gone back to tracking what I eat and weighing some foods again.
I have been at the gym most days since I joined even when I had good excuses not to go. I am enjoying the feeling of sore muscles and breaking a sweat. I really don't typically love exercise but I am realising that it's essential for building muscle and keeping my metabolism up.
I did pay dearly this week after drinking a large volume of Water very quickly. I felt awful and it didn't go away for a day. My dr said I wouldn't be restricted with fluids which is normally true, unless your an idiot like me and skull a giant glass of fluids. Oh man, it hurt. Definately won't be doing that again.
Part of me wishes I had achieved a bigger weight loss at this stage but I have to be happy with slow but consistent losses. I guess we all want to wake up skinny but I do see my behaviour changing a lot during this journey.
I really want to achieve a 20kg loss by the time I see my dr for my 6month review. I am still seeing more progress in my clothing sizes than on the scales. Just bought a size 12 dress for Christmas Day which feels great.
Merry Christmas to the wonderful esg community. Here's to a healthy and happy holiday and keeping the weight gain contained!!
Mel x

Thanks for the encouragement hope4momof4.
If it helps, my dr was happy if I had 1 coffee a day from early on. I am a massive coffee addict but really didn't feel like I could stomach it for over a week after my esg. I also couldn't drink more than about 150mls at a time so it was a little cup. My advice was to ensure I had 1.5litres of Water a day and that my coffee was to be in addition to that to ensure I was hydrated.
I double checked with the dietician about having occasional carbonated drinks and was given the ok. In small volumes, stretching doesn't seem to be a concern. I used to love Diet Coke but now have maybe 200mls every few weeks as a treat rather than food. I.e at the movies. They sell the mini cans and I get very excited to sit back and enjoy my mini Diet Coke. I also have had a mini can of mineral water When I was feeling quite head hungry twice as this again feels like a no calorie treat. I completely understand if others have been advised to avoid them all together as I know it can be a slippery slope but just giving my experience 😊
Also just need to share - I can run for 10 minutes without stopping now plus do another 40 minutes of cardio and weights. Honestly feeling so energised from the running - my house has never been cleaner!
Mel x

Thanks for the encouragement hope4momof4.
If it helps, my dr was happy if I had 1 coffee a day from early on. I am a massive coffee addict but really didn't feel like I could stomach it for over a week after my esg. I also couldn't drink more than about 150mls at a time so it was a little cup. My advice was to ensure I had 1.5litres of Water a day and that my coffee was to be in addition to that to ensure I was hydrated.
I double checked with the dietician about having occasional carbonated drinks and was given the ok. In small volumes, stretching doesn't seem to be a concern. I used to love Diet Coke but now have maybe 200mls every few weeks as a treat rather than food. I.e at the movies. They sell the mini cans and I get very excited to sit back and enjoy my mini Diet Coke. I also have had a mini can of mineral water When I was feeling quite head hungry twice as this again feels like a no calorie treat. I completely understand if others have been advised to avoid them all together as I know it can be a slippery slope but just giving my experience 😊
Also just need to share - I can run for 10 minutes without stopping now plus do another 40 minutes of cardio and weights. Honestly feeling so energised from the running - my house has never been cleaner!
Mel x

Love this idea.

The past week has been a challenge for me [emoji853].
I have spent much of the past week at the hospital with a unwell relative. Way to many meals at the hospital cafeteria that included ALL the carbs [emoji51].

I realise that my little routine has been so important in my success so far. It's really hard to control what you eat when you don't prepare the food and haven't planned ahead.

On the upside, I have not "fallen off the wagon" so to speak. I haven't had junk food or desperately sort out unhealthy food to console myself and that certainly feels like progress. Just happy to grab a small size Pasta or sandwich rather than lean meat and veg. So a "carb kg" gained for me that I plan to shove this week [emoji4].

Haven't exercised for the past week and am looking forward to getting back into moving again.

Thankfully, I am now back home and today is day 1 getting back to it.

So for me, just over 13kg down since esg and 16kg down from this time last year.

On a positive note... It's so nice to weigh less than a year ago. It's the first time I can say that in quite some time. I would really like to drop 2 kg before Xmas so wish me luck!

Mel x

Hi everyone,
One last update before Christmas. I am down 13.6kg (30lbs) since my procedure about 14 weeks ago. I was nearly 17 kg heavier this time last year and will be nice seeing in a new year lighter than the previous one.
I think I am finding my esg groove. My portion sizes were getting relaxed as was some grazing so I have gone back to tracking what I eat and weighing some foods again.
I have been at the gym most days since I joined even when I had good excuses not to go. I am enjoying the feeling of sore muscles and breaking a sweat. I really don't typically love exercise but I am realising that it's essential for building muscle and keeping my metabolism up.
I did pay dearly this week after drinking a large volume of Water very quickly. I felt awful and it didn't go away for a day. My dr said I wouldn't be restricted with fluids which is normally true, unless your an idiot like me and skull a giant glass of fluids. Oh man, it hurt. Definately won't be doing that again.
Part of me wishes I had achieved a bigger weight loss at this stage but I have to be happy with slow but consistent losses. I guess we all want to wake up skinny but I do see my behaviour changing a lot during this journey.
I really want to achieve a 20kg loss by the time I see my dr for my 6month review. I am still seeing more progress in my clothing sizes than on the scales. Just bought a size 12 dress for Christmas Day which feels great.
Merry Christmas to the wonderful esg community. Here's to a healthy and happy holiday and keeping the weight gain contained!!
Mel x

Tex - you are doing amazing. The amount of Protein you are taking in is incredible and your self discipline at such a challenging time of the year is beyond fantastic. I think you may be the most perfect esg patient - your esg team must be so happy with your progress. You are clearly very determined - to stay on shakes and such a low carb/strict plan is admirable.
You are really inspiring the whole esg community, including me. I hope you know how powerful your updates are to so many people.
Merry Christmas and keep up the great work,
Mel x

Tex - you are doing amazing. The amount of Protein you are taking in is incredible and your self discipline at such a challenging time of the year is beyond fantastic. I think you may be the most perfect esg patient - your esg team must be so happy with your progress. You are clearly very determined - to stay on shakes and such a low carb/strict plan is admirable.
You are really inspiring the whole esg community, including me. I hope you know how powerful your updates are to so many people.
Merry Christmas and keep up the great work,
Mel x

If it was that easy no one on here would be heavy. If we could change our mind like a switch, don’t you think we allWould??? It’s not as easy as willpower, not even close. Even having the stomach removed isn’t enough for some people.
And now to the op- your body lost a ton of weight from a fast starvation type diet (weight loss surgery is just a forced state of starvation) then you got pregnant with a wrecked metabolism and a starved body- and your body sent your cravings through the roof and slowed your metabolism to a crawl to grow your baby, and heal the damage. When we diet our bodies believe that we are in a famine. And they are smarter than us and built to survive- that is how weight gain from dieting happens.
My advice is to take the opportunity to explore other ways of losing weight /weight maintenance other than surgery. Consider eating disorder therapy and a dietician that specializes in eating therapy to help you rebuild your metabolism.
Being thin isn’t everything. It really isn’t anything. Youre a new mom, you need food and you need health and you need to free your mind from feeling like a failure so you can focus on your baby. You are not a failure in any way and you are beautiful whether you are bigger or smaller. Therapy can really help with these negative self image issues we all have. You are not a criminal for wanting to eat fast food.
There are many ways to be healthy. Eating wholesome food to satisfy yourself, getting exercise every day, treating yourself to a new haircut, new clothes, figuring out what you really enjoy eating without guilt or shame, and loving your body the way it is. That’s health. Self care and self love is health. If you want to be healthy on the outside, you have to get healthy on the inside. Rebuild the trust in yourself.
I highly recommend Intuitive Eating to you as an option.

Haha - My husband is definitely fit and healthy but it doesn't bother me. Thank god my kids got his build and metabolism and not mine!!