Melesg

Ok it’s update Monday. I’m going to continue to post here regardless of whether or not anyone else is reading it, lol 😂. I need to do this and am grateful for anyone who joins in.
My biggest accomplishment this week: (not really weight related but nonetheless): Realizing that my husband still thinks I’m attractive even though I’ve gained 15-20 pounds in the past few months. I’ve been so self conscious and only worn baggy loose fitting clothes to cover up my weight gain but he really doesn’t seem to be bothered by my extra weight. This is very good for my self image but is not going to stop me from moving forward with the esg. It is because of his nonjudgmental attitude that I want to be the healthiest I can be for him and for myself.
On a side note— someone else in this forum mentioned that their husband has always been fit and lean and that bothered her, I think it was Mel?, in any case my husband is exactly the same. He’s been the same size for the past twenty years without ever “dieting”. It annoys the sh.. out of me but it’s true. However, he recently quit smoking and I’m so proud of him but he has put on like 10-15 pounds because of this. I could care less about those pounds. I’m so happy he’s quit. 🎉🎉🎊🎊
My biggest challenge: Realizing that I am getting closer to my procedure date and I haven’t changed my eating habits at all. ☹️ I have to start making an effort towards this. When do you guys think is the best time preop to really clean up your act? I have seven weeks left to go.

Absolutely, more than happy to answer any questions.

1. Yes I do feel hungry but it's still mostly head hunger. I think it will take me a long time before this changes. This is one of the biggest points the dietician and I discuss - strategies to ensure I am tuning into real hunger verses head hunger.

2. I don't have strict rules apart from fruit veg and Protein. General advice is to minimise unhealthy snacking but nothing is off limits at all.

3. I try stuck to under 1200 cal per day. I wasn't set a strict calorie amount after my esg.

4. Yep - still like the sound of bad foods but I find it easier to not have them. If I really want something I can usually wait a day or two and decide if I want it. I typically would then share it and make sure the rest of my day is healthy. If I really want chocolate I would now eat a small bar rather than a whole block. The old me would have gone on an eating bonanza, eating from dusk till dawn and still wanting more.

5. Definitely an emotional eater. I have to say I felt a little lost at the start and sad that I couldn't eat the way I did. I now feel much stronger in general when it comes to emotional eating. The esg definitely slows you down but you have to still stay strong. As there is no immediate barrier to how much you eat, you need to eat slower and enjoy the food now - not just inhale it . I was an inhaler unfortunately but those days are gone.

6. Yes! I could eat less now to really shed the pounds but I really think this is sustainable for me. The weeks where my weight has stayed the same I think have taught me what my maintained diet may look like. Adding a bit of bread here and a snack there pushes me into sustaining my weight rather than losing. But I honestly think it's sustainable. I no longer feel controlled by food the way I was before esg.

7. I think it's mostly still quite positive. I do find it hard at times to "see" my weight loss. Even though I am now buying size 14 clothes, I still take an 18 into the change rooms just in case. It can be frustrating not having the big numbers come off like at the start but I just think that that I was so lucky to lose 1/3 of my weight in the first weeks. It was a real kickstart.

There is certainly a mental edge to weight loss and I think most overweight people are pretty hard on themselves. We see every flaw in ourselves when I'm not sure the rest of the world sees us that way. We all need to peel away the layers that our obesity has covered and it can leave you feeling a bit exposed perhaps.

Overall, I would say I am eating about half what I was pre esg. My calories now come from mostly nutritious foods and I am more active. I don't think maintenance will be easy but I am told that rewriting your eating behaviour and sticking to it is the best way to make this work forever.

I don't see myself getting super slim but rather healthy. Not so much bikini ready, more like one piece tummy control swimsuit ready x

Hey Mel, it’s great to hear from you. I was going to post a “Hey Mel, let us know how you’re doing” post but I’m thankful that you filled us in on how you’re doing before I had the chance to ask. Being more than 3 months out losing any amount of weight is great for sure!! Your meals sound very healthy and balanced. I’m sure that now with your added exercise program more weight will come off. Speaking of which, congratulations on the gym membership! A very wise choice and in all honesty the only thing I’ve purchased up to this point for weight loss that was money well spent.
I do have some questions about your meals for the day and your life now 3 months post esg— I hope I’m not being too annoying or intrusive.
1- Do you feel hungry at all eating what you’ve listed?
2- Are you eating those particular foods on the advice of your doctor/nutritionist?
3- How many calories is that per day?
4- Do you still crave any bad foods you used to crave pre esg?
5- If emotional eating was an issue for you pre esg (a major issue for me) has this procedure helped you with this or at least control it more?
6- Do you feel you can maintain this healthy eating in the long term? Can you see yourself eating like this in future years not just weeks or months?
7- How has your life changed now that your honeymoon phase is over?
Thanks Mel for any guidance you can provide me.
Wishing you love, health, and happiness!!

Hi Everyone,

Down .6kg this week.
Biggest challenge - Christmas treats everywhere!! Have enjoyed a little here and there but no blow out or binge which I am happy with.
Biggest success - joining a gym. I am doing the c25k app program and have my session with the personal trainer this week to start resistance and strength training. I actually feel great during and after the interval running which is a total surprise to me.

Thought it might be helpful to document my day on a plate. Keep in mind I am over 3 months post esg;

Breakfast - 100g Greek yogurt, oats, walnuts and blueberries.

Snack - 1/2 cup white grapes

Lunch - rotisserie chicken (80g) and green salad

Snack - apple, 15 almonds, 1 square of dark chocolate

Dinner - vegetable Soup, 1 slice homemade pizza with thin base.

I try to drink 1.5 lt of Water and drink coffee, lots of coffee during the day. Occasionally a glass of wine or 200ml Diet Coke or mineral water as a treat.

I am trying to approach my food intake as "nutrition over no carb". I know that low carb gets results but I want to be healthy and fighting fit. My dietician reassures me that the fibre content in the fruit balances out the sugar and that the nutrients are worth the carbs.

I often eat eggs or have a Protein Shake for Breakfast, and meat and veg for dinner but the above plan is today's intake.

I am trying to stop eating after dinner for the night as this is a time I have always snacked in the past.

I hope to do 3-4 sessions per week at the gym and meet my 10000 steps everyday.

I am preparing mentally now for Christmas as there will be so much eating. I will try limit the holiday food fiesta to just Xmas eve and Xmas day and certainly enjoy the food in smaller portions. My strategy is to go to the gym each day (except Xmas day) over the next week to try counteract extra eating. I don't want to feel "on a diet" during the holidays but also don't want to unrail my progress.

For me, I was always the kind of dieter who fell off the wagon and then would say to myself - I will just eat what I want then start this new diet next week. It's exactly how I got so overweight. So I'm trying to avoid that way of thinking and just say - yep I really enjoyed my Christmas lunch and the Desserts but now it's time to get back to the plan. The old saying, don't make a bad day, a bad week, or a bad month.

I wish you all lots of luck over the next week at staying on track with reaching your nutrition and exercise goals. Remember - don't beat yourself up if you find this difficult. You just have to admit that you ate what you ate and have the mindset to ensure you get back to the behaviour that's going to get you healthy.

Mel xo

That's the best news!! I'm so glad that the consult went so well, you sound very at peace with your decision. You are going into this with your eyes wide open and will do amazingly well. You know exactly what to expect and that preparation will enable you to reach your goals. I'm so proud of you and so, so excited to be joining you on this journey.

That's the best news!! I'm so glad that the consult went so well, you sound very at peace with your decision. You are going into this with your eyes wide open and will do amazingly well. You know exactly what to expect and that preparation will enable you to reach your goals. I'm so proud of you and so, so excited to be joining you on this journey.

Absolutely BubblesCT. You definitely want whatever procedure you choose to be the right one for you and your goals. I hope you find the answers you need. None of us go into this with a back up plan in case the wls does not work so I think it's very smart to seek these answers before deciding which way to go.

Good luck, we are all here for you.

Absolutely BubblesCT. You definitely want whatever procedure you choose to be the right one for you and your goals. I hope you find the answers you need. None of us go into this with a back up plan in case the wls does not work so I think it's very smart to seek these answers before deciding which way to go.

Good luck, we are all here for you.

Coming off the carbs and sugar is huge, well done. What changes are you noticing without the phen?
My wt loss has slowed and I think it's time to build up some muscle mass to rev up my metabolism. I have been snacking more of late and a chat with the dietician was great to discuss how to move forward. She said that my choices of food was fine and the nutrients are worth the calories but that snacking can really slow weight loss, so the pay off is more activity. I want to start to tone up too so I am a little excited to attend my first session at the gym in many years

That's the best news!! I'm so glad that the consult went so well, you sound very at peace with your decision. You are going into this with your eyes wide open and will do amazingly well. You know exactly what to expect and that preparation will enable you to reach your goals. I'm so proud of you and so, so excited to be joining you on this journey.

Let us know how your consult went, thinking of you x Mel

Hi BubblesCT, how are you? How have the past few days been for you? Mel

You are doing great AmyAlexis. In my experience, a fantastic part of having am esg is that you will be able to enjoy a meal out that can be almost anything. You will just be happy sharing it or leaving half on your plate. I have seen a friend struggle to eat so many foods post lap band and knew I didn't want to go down that path.

Some sort of marinated chicken and veg was my initial go to order. As I have got further out from my procedure, I can choose anything. My way of disguising that I can only eat a small amount is to declare how amazing it is and that my family really have to try it. Works a treat. Otherwise an starter meal is a good option as an entree/main meal.

Know that this phase will soon pass and you will be enjoying a huge variety of nutritious food and feel amazing for it 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

That is awesome!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻You have had a very, very busy week. Great work. You are taking care of these issues pre esg. I just know you will be a complete success after your procedure. Looking forward to next weeks post.

Hi Mel,
I find meal prep to be HUGE in keeping me on track as well. I'm sorry to hear about your sick relative. Glad to hear you are back at home and can resume your routine. You just endured a really stressful event and did not use food to comfort you. That's a huge accomplishment and shift in how your relate to food. Well done!

First off, so sorry to hear about your relative in the hospital. I wish them a speed recovery. Secondly, what a major accomplishment! These are the exact situations that test our will and resolve and I would say you passed with flying colors! Stress is the main reason that causes us to revert back to our old habits. Kudos to you for this victory!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This is exactly why I started this thread. Thanks again Mel for sharing your experience. Look forward to next week’s post. I’m sure the 2 kg. will come off now that you have gone back to your routine.

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

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 BubblesCT, I hope your pre procedure preparations continue to go well. We are all here to support you, every step of the way. I love your honesty and willingness to share. None of us get to the point of needing an esg unless we have some sort of issue with food so I wouldn't worry about this preventing you moving forward. Knowing what support you will need to make this work is really important to your success. It's the willingness to change that makes the difference. Stay positive and enjoy the beginning of your new life xo

Hi BubblesCT, I hope your pre procedure preparations continue to go well. We are all here to support you, every step of the way. I love your honesty and willingness to share. None of us get to the point of needing an esg unless we have some sort of issue with food so I wouldn't worry about this preventing you moving forward. Knowing what support you will need to make this work is really important to your success. It's the willingness to change that makes the difference. Stay positive and enjoy the beginning of your new life xo

Well done Tex Slim 66. That right there is how we get our health back. The health benefits of a reducing waist size is huge. You are killing it Tex, we are so happy for you. Keep up the great work

Definately ask what your Dr's patients average weight loss is and follow up support with a dietician. I have similar Dr follow up to you buts it's the rest of his team that you will deal with more frequently after the procedure.

Also, don't be shy in discussing all your fears about the procedure, such as revision rates and post op care. The only way to move forward is to feel very reassured that you will get where you need to be. Even if his bedside manner isn't fantastic, it's so important to know that as a clinician - his work is impeccable. There are no silly questions and nothing you should be concerned about asking.

You have fantastic insight and have done your homework so the time will come to make your decision and then it's time to research less and get your head in the "this is happening" game. I also double read every study I could get my hands on but then knew I had to stop and trust my team and my decision. Otherwise I would have found some information that made me question my decision and escalated my anxiety about having the procedure.

You've got this

Thanks Tex Slim 66. I'm glad we all have each other to talk to about our experiences. It feels somewhat like uncharted territory and it could be quite an isolating experience having an esg due to the recency of the procedure. I imagine it will be sometime before we cross paths in our daily lives with someone else who has had an esg.

I think that's why this community is so important to us all.

I hope you are still recovering well?

Mel

Definately ask what your Dr's patients average weight loss is and follow up support with a dietician. I have similar Dr follow up to you buts it's the rest of his team that you will deal with more frequently after the procedure.

Also, don't be shy in discussing all your fears about the procedure, such as revision rates and post op care. The only way to move forward is to feel very reassured that you will get where you need to be. Even if his bedside manner isn't fantastic, it's so important to know that as a clinician - his work is impeccable. There are no silly questions and nothing you should be concerned about asking.

You have fantastic insight and have done your homework so the time will come to make your decision and then it's time to research less and get your head in the "this is happening" game. I also double read every study I could get my hands on but then knew I had to stop and trust my team and my decision. Otherwise I would have found some information that made me question my decision and escalated my anxiety about having the procedure.

You've got this