SunnyNights

So I've been stalled for about three months. I need suggestions on how I can break this. Specifically like a meal plan until I can talk to my nutritionist. I work at a desk 12 hours a day and I know that's part of the problem.
Should I try to do a no meat cleanse or a pouch reset.< /p>
I was sleeved March 17th of this year weighed in at 317 now 240
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I was told stay away from ground beef for a bit because of the fat and also “gritty ness” of it. During my puree I did tuna and the ricotta bake as well. Hang in there that was my least favorite stage.

Hi post-op'ers. Is there anything you've learned through this process you wish you knew going into it?
Like, what to bring to the hospital?
How to portion/weigh your foods.
How to stay motivated?
I would love to get some feedback.
liquid diet starts TOMORROW, surgery September 20th.
Thanks!
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I'm bearing my soul and body here. I couldn't be more proud of how my body has changed.
I've lost exactly 70 pounds since my surgery. Today marks exactly 24 weeks ( 6 months ) since my VSG surgery.
There's good, bad and ugly about VSG. A lot of days, I cried and wondered why in the hell I had this surgery, and what in the hell ive done to myself. Throughout this process, I haven't been able to REALLY see the changes. In my mind, I always see a 268 pound fat girl. Granted, I have seen the changes, seen the smaller clothes sizes, but still struggled with my self image in my head. But today that all changed....
I realized today as I was getting dressed that I had on the same exact underwear as the day I took my pre-surgery pictures. Then I realized that today marked 6 months since surgery. So, i decided to take pictures.
I haven't taken pictures in this process because of the absolute shame and disgust I feel towards myself. Shame and disgust are understatement words for how I feel about myself. Until today...
Today, I feel proud. For the first time, I can honestly say that I don't see "that fat girl" in the mirror anymore. It may not be pretty, it will never be perfect, but it's mine, and today I'm owning it, and FINALLY for once in my LIFE, I'm feeling proud.
It's NOT an easy decision to post these photos of me in my underwear. I feel absolutely vulnerable and exposed. Please be kind. It took all the courage I could muster to do this. The current pictures are not the best quality but the best I could take of myself at the moment.
All you new VSG-ers, stay the course and have faith. If you have body image issues as I do, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you are not alone in the dark!
Much love from me to you all! ️️️
 
DOS: 12/13/16
HW: 268
SW: 256.6
CW: 186.4

I understand why you didn't tell, people start making judges, they think this is the easy way and you are doing this because you want to be pretty, skinny to buy nice cloth, they don't understand we do this for our health, the other things are nice side effects, but this is not the easy way I am 12 days post op today I still have tachycardia that is preventing me from start working out, I am eating puree ...yeahhh and life is going back to normal in some ways, ah I drove my daughter to the bus stop today also. As the days pass you will fell better, wipe your tears and think happy thought, see videos of puppies that definitely will make you happy. Enjoy the New life.

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Today is my fourth day post op. This was the first time I felt super sad and alone. I admire you for taking the step to go it alone and do what you need to do for yourself. I hope that you are blessed to find family and friends supportive as you begin to share your decision with them. You are stronger than you know. You've got this. As the highs and lows come, seek opportunities to vent your emotions and be comforted by the supportiveness of others who know where you have been, where you are, and where you are headed!

Macaleigh,
Although you appear to have an adequate amount of Protein and Fiber there, you don't appear to be really eating anything. I think at 2 months out, you should start getting more of your calories from real food. I think this will help you. I would not drop down to 3-400 calories though. That just is not sustainable in the long run.
Maybe you can replace those Quest bars with an adequate amount of protein and vegetables. I didn't see vegetables in your example. At 6 weeks out, I eat 5 small meals daily totaling 800-1000 calories. 2 of those meals are Premier Protein shakes. One is either an ancient grain with a leafy green or all leafy greens. The other 2 are a combination of some lean protein and vegetables. Possibly 2 oz. meat, and 2 oz. vegetables per sitting.
If I don't meet my calorie goals, I might even have a few strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc. for an early evening snack. Seems like a lot, I know.
I weigh and measure all of my food, so I know I am eating no more than 14 ounces per day along with 2 shakes. When and if I am able to eat a bit more, I will replace one of those Protein Shakes with a meal instead.
Anyway, try to get as much real food in as possible. I think it really helps. Not only that, but you will be starting a new habit of eating things the way you were meant to. As little processed junk as possible. More lean meats, leafy greens and even a small amount of fruit and ancient grains.
Remember, this is a marathon and not a sprint. We will all get there at our own pace. Keep taking one step at a time until you reach that finish line.
Good luck!

appreciate the feedback pals!! thankyou!

Thanks LittleLizzieLiliput! I understand what you're saying.
congrats you're almost a year out!

I am not able to till Monday, I was thinking about a walk in but they wont be able to do any tests etc, so I might present to the 'emergency room' we call a and e, its not acid reflux I can be sure of that. I do think I damaged something maybe the acid coming up from puking? but i literaly feel the liquid burning going down then reaching my stomach, that is not possible? i did not think i have no idea but i feel worse, but I will be honest and explain how i am feeling when i see them whenever that will be if i get the courage to go lol . I honestly have to be on my death bed usually to bother the emergency room , I have attended my doctors office once about something ele t that i waited and waited for and they ended up them calling an ambulance , as obviously i was needing to be in hosp, but i hate the thought of wasting peoples time thats my problem

Oh I see. I thought you were fresh out of surgery. Well hopefully you feel better and can avoid going. Good luck!

Update on the Gym Anxiety -
Gym Anxiety No More!
Here's what I did. The best thing I did was hire a great person to train me. There is a small boutique gym about a block from me in NYC that has a devoted neighborhood following. They do a variety of classes based on the instructors area of expertise.
The owners also do personal training. I invested in personal training and I was very honest about my WLS, medical history, weight history, level of activity, etc.

We started very slow - a lot at the beginning was just getting used to moving in ways I hadn't moved in a long time. He gave me simple exercises to do at home.
On Sunday I did a 6 mile hike through a park, including 20 flights of stairs (up) through the park. Not something I could have done 8 weeks ago.

Today we did the first workout where I was able to significantly up the pace. I am 25 lbs lighter than when I started and without question stronger and with more stamina, flexibility and ease of movement.
I am almost certain without the personal training I probably would have ignorantly injured myself because of my cluelessness. It has been the best investment ever, even though it was a financial strain that financial strain would have been nothing compared to screwing up my joints or back.
I know for other people this may not be a big deal, but it was one of those demons and every time I slay a demon more is possible.
Tomorrow is class and Sunday is a 5 mile hike through urban hills and stairs!

Hi Angel11!!

I am having my surgery on the 19th. I have been doing the liver shrink diet for the past three weeks. I am super excited about finally having the surgery. I started the process back in January of this year. It doesn't even seem that long ago. I hope all goes well for you!!!

Hi Angel11!!

I am having my surgery on the 19th. I have been doing the liver shrink diet for the past three weeks. I am super excited about finally having the surgery. I started the process back in January of this year. It doesn't even seem that long ago. I hope all goes well for you!!!

Hi Angel11!!

I am having my surgery on the 19th. I have been doing the liver shrink diet for the past three weeks. I am super excited about finally having the surgery. I started the process back in January of this year. It doesn't even seem that long ago. I hope all goes well for you!!!

Thanks for this post! It gave me some things to think about, especially the release of hormones. That was something that I didn't consider or discuss with my surgeon. My vsg is on 9/19. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

So I thought I'd run it all down. I might add some pictures tomorrow when I take them for my records.

10 days before Surgery two months ago I weighed 346 lbs. Everything made me out of breath. I wasn't exercising nor dieting. In fact had probably spent the last few months leading up to this going to as many restaurants/fast food places as I could, getting my favorites for one last time.

Started the full liquid 10 days before surgery lost about 12lbs and on July 24th, 2017 I was SLEEVED. *insert "Law and Order" chung-chung sound here*
It took a week after that to feel only a mild pain from the incisions, probably 2 weeks after for the pain to be gone entirely.

I was on Clear Liquids for the whole first week after surgery. Walking helped, shuffling around the house in my slippers. I didn't have any gas pains and I'd say my best friend, or the best thing I bought after surgery (at the advice of some angel on the forum) was a stomach support stretchy velcro thingy. It kept me feeling like my guts weren't falling out...gave me stomach support when it was weak.

Noticed the pounds coming off at a steady, very steady, 2lbs per day. That is, until the three week stall which is REAL y'all.

Went through the entire month of August on Full liquid diet. Consisted on two Protein Shakes and a bowl of Soup and of course lots of Water.< br />
Didn't really do a whole lot of exercising all that much, but that has changed since my last Surgeon's appointment when he said I could go to pureed for a week, then solid foods. I've been walking about 2 miles a day and increasing daily and it's making the pounds move. I have 6 - 8 months to maximize this loss and I am going to do it. I'm already addicted to walking everyday and loving it immensely. I don't get out of breath easily at all anymore and I'm pushing myself gently to the point that I actually feel like JOGGING!!!

Cut to today. I am at 290. That is a loss of 56 lbs and I definitely can feel it. This is only two months in.
Problems:
After Surgery and a little recovery I had a hard time figuring out what to do with my life in my leisure time. Everything had always revolved around food and eating and or drinking with friends. Checking out new Restaurants, going to favorite restaurants, drinking at local watering hole - these all had to be requestioned and rethought. I had to figure out what to do to occupy my time better. i think i have since worked it out. I still go to my neighborhood watering hole, but I have that - water and I pay for some of my friends drinks that way I am contributing to the financial necessities of the establishment and not just taking up space. I have bought a pop up camper from 1970 and I am in love with it and spend at least one pretty day a week tinkering with it and getting ready for a big camping trip at the end of the month. Eating in general has slowly become a Non-Pleasure. I use solid food as medicine now. if I am hungry it takes soooooo verrrrrrrrryyyyy littttttlllllee before I just have to stop. it's just a necessity and definitely not a desire. My pleasure sensors or joy sensations when it comes to food have all but burned and fizzled out. Is that really a PROBLEM? I don't know.
It CERTAINLY is confusing. I NEVER know what will work or not in my stomach right now. It's a virtual guessing game. Almost. I say almost because I know there are "guides" and recommendations, but the reality of having to look everything up before you attempt to have a meal is ridiculous. The mood swings, the toxins stored in your fat releasing itself into your system as the fat dissipates causing the mood swings and the bursts of hormones/testosterone are a roller coaster ride and not always a fun one. Sometimes they are not fun at all. The loss of the feeling of "completion" with eating. The loss of the "full and content" feeling has been weird to me...it's just, you're done and your stomach might feel queasy or your stomach might just feel fine, but you're just done and that's it. I don't know, again, if that's a real problem but it's just...different. The way my torso, specifically my stomach and man boobs are going to take the longest to lose fat certainly can make the rest of your body look weird in the mean time.
Good Stuff:
Inches and Pounds, Inches and Pounds! Dropping from a 3xl shirt to now just a 2xl shirt is a wonderful feeling. I have only bought one new pair of pants because I went out of town on an overnight trip and forgot my friggin' clothes so I had to buy some. The jeans I bought were 6 inches below what I had been buying. 6 inches is a lot in jeans. They start looking like regular jeans instead of flared bell bottoms because your goddamned waist is so huge that it continues down the pant leg. I've been tracking the inches lost and that will be measured for the second time post surgery tomorrow. Noticing the fast changes in my body mass. Other people noticing the changes. Looking down when I'm sitting and seeing my lap instead of my stomach? more energy better sleep already 56lbs off your frame makes Sex a wee bit easier and more fun. Skin looks great with so much water and non toxic food going through your system. Dry skin gone. Greasy skin and spots gone. Having a neck with tendons in it and clavicle bones look cool. Putting on a t-shirt and before you get it past your arms, you already know it's gonna fit perfectly. I know you know what I'm talking about. Everyday is a new and interesting day. I am certainly taking it one day at a time and each day I wake up excited about the possibility of walking and getting lesser and lesser.
I'm really confused and still adjusting to what eating has become.
I still enjoy an occasional dance with Mary Jane if I need to get out of my head, but was never a fan of alcohol that much anyway.
I can't imagine what is beyond this....I haven't ever been "normal weight" since I was a child. I am willing to get there though.

I guess overall I am happy that I chose to do this really , really weird thing to my body.
And there you are....

NONE. Thank god I did it and I wish I did it sooner. Your dietician is a nitwit and your parents and friends are extremely unsupportive and NOT living in your body or mind, so screw them! Do what you want for you.
This is your life, take control OR continue to gain weight and get bigger and have WAY worse issues down the line.
F the naysayers and doubting Thomases! Take life by the balls and make it happen for you. Imagine all the good years you will have full of energy and great health. And if your friend falls off the planet because she can't handle the new confidence and energy level, so what! You'll make more [emoji6]
You have my support!

I had my gastrologist and my surgeon confer because I had really bad GERD, had Barrett's, which is pre-cancer cells (which I had been treated for and have been clean of for three years). In addition, I had a hiatal hernia. We weighed all the options and the risks. My surgeon recommended the bypass, which I would not have done. Why? A good friend had a bypass and she constantly dumps, is as pale as a ghost, 80% of her hair has fallen out and she just looks sickly all the time. My gastrologist cleared me for the sleeve. The issue with the sleeve and esophageal cancer is one way to remove the cancer is they have to cut out the cancerous portion and pull up the stomach to meet the healthy esophagus. Since they remove a lot of your stomach, there won't be enough stomach to pull up. Someone may think I'm crazy for having the procedure done, but I have committed to yearly scoping and to stay away from the triggers.
Not everyone develops GERD who has the gastric sleeve. You just have to be diligent and follow your surgeon's plan - most have you taking something for the acid for the first 3-6 month. At my six month check up they told me to stop taking my ppi. I'll admit, I was terrified. Before surgery if I didn't take it I couldn't even drink Water. I weaned myself off of it and I have had zero problems and have never felt better.
I do believe a lot of it had to do with my diet change - no eating until I'm stuffed, minimal alcohol, no diet cokes, no chocolate or sweets, no fried foods, minimal spicy foods. Also, I quit eating after 7:00 p.m. Of course the huge weight loss helps a lot too.
I only told one friend about the surgery. Has my life changed? Absolutely! My entertainment isn't going out eating and drinking anymore. I thought I would be sad about it but I have found other things to do now. Hiking, biking, gym, kayaking, which are way more fun than eating and drinking and you feel good after doing them.
Is this surgery worth it?!?!?!? A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y! My regret, as many others will say, is I didn't do it sooner.

Thanks for sharing!
BENTO BOX! That's a great option.
I would totally eat your lunch!