hope4momof4

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

Sounds like you have a nice food plan in place! If you have a Fitbit and want to be friends let me know. The accountability to make me move would be good. That goes for anyone out there looking for a fitness bud..

I absolutely agree with Melesg. It is very smart that you are looking into all of your options. Choose the one that you feel will give you the optimal results you desire. In the end I have learned that any procedure or surgery is just a tool and it is how much work you are willing to do that will make it more or less successful. The difference I think is the strength or magnitude of the tool. The laparoscopic sleeve has proven to yield more weight loss than the endoscopic one but it does mean more down time, an overnight stay, etc. Only you my dear can decide which is best for you and absolutely look into all the possibilities out there. Of course we’ll be here for you whichever you choose. We’ll support and encourage any decision you make. Please let us know.

Thanks Bubbles. I’m nervous and excited at the same time. I’m trying to use the time I have from now until my procedure to change my habits. In a few weeks I will take the bold step that you’ve taken and wean myself off of phentermine. That will be the hardest part of this journey. That blasted medication has been my crutch to lean on and I need to get rid of it completely. Thanks for the support and let us know which procedure you decide on.

Thank you AmyA! It’s very helpful to see what those who have had esg are eating post op. It is especially helpful to see what people who have lost 18 pounds in two weeks are eating!!😜😜 Wishing you continued success!!

I totally agree with Bubbles. This forum has been a great inspiration for us all who are pre esg or whatever procedure. I also agree with Bubbles about how reading all your posts puts me in higher spirits. That is interesting how Tex after having esg is now able to take a step back and think about his food choices and not just automatically put things in his mouth. Yes, Bubbles I do exactly the same thing as you, it is really an automatic action that we never stop to think why? My kids are eating so I eat. My kids are snacking so I snack. Great that this procedure gives you the power to break that habit. Tex I’m sure you will get over your stall. Many have reported a stall after only two weeks. But all who have stalled have pushed through to lose weight again. You will get through this as well I’m sure. Make sure to get enough Protein (all who have reported a stall got through it, it seems after increasing their protein) and I’m not sure if you mentioned if you started exercising again. I hope others who have experienced stalls can chime in here and give you better advice than me. The main thing is that you’ll get over this small bump in your journey.

Hey Hope! 18lbs makes me very happy- but Just to keep it real, It's been four weeks - entering my fifth today!
18lbs in 2 weeks would be crazy!

Hi Bubbles,
I thought I responded to this last night via my phone but guess it didn't take.
Here's a snapshot of a recent day of food:
Bfast: 4oz Fage Greek Yogurt with 1oz blueberries. I add a bit of real vanilla and stevia.
Snack- Protein Shake (Atkins. 15gms protein)
Lunch: 4oz 1% Friendship cottage cheese.
Snack: 1 tbsp cashew butter
Dinner: 1 turkey burger patty (around 2.5oz cooked). I like Shady Brook Farms but Trader Joes frozen burgers are pretty good.
1/4 cup spinach or 2oz brussel sprouts
Snack: Protein shake
Total cals are usually around 800/day.
I am walking on Treadmill but not enough- must. get. on. today. Waiting to go back to boxing 2x week after I have my one month followup with doc next week. She has to give the go ahead.

My sister and many others I know paved the path for me. However, I was very vocal with everyone about having the surgery. I would do it all over again. It's dramatically improved my health and wellbeing and I have my confidence back!

Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

I totally agree with Bubbles. This forum has been a great inspiration for us all who are pre esg or whatever procedure. I also agree with Bubbles about how reading all your posts puts me in higher spirits. That is interesting how Tex after having esg is now able to take a step back and think about his food choices and not just automatically put things in his mouth. Yes, Bubbles I do exactly the same thing as you, it is really an automatic action that we never stop to think why? My kids are eating so I eat. My kids are snacking so I snack. Great that this procedure gives you the power to break that habit. Tex I’m sure you will get over your stall. Many have reported a stall after only two weeks. But all who have stalled have pushed through to lose weight again. You will get through this as well I’m sure. Make sure to get enough Protein (all who have reported a stall got through it, it seems after increasing their protein) and I’m not sure if you mentioned if you started exercising again. I hope others who have experienced stalls can chime in here and give you better advice than me. The main thing is that you’ll get over this small bump in your journey.

Wow that is so interesting how when you are not "In the Food" you have clarity as to the connection between self and food. That is really cool. It sounds like you have a breathe, a pause between you and the food, to make a better choice. Currently being "in the food" I do not have that separation between my emotions and behavior. The impulse and compulsion is so automatic.
It sounds like many people stall after a few weeks and then have a big drop. It must be the body holding on. Gosh the human body is so impressive. Hang in there, your body will let go of that weight, and BAM.. you will drop yet another size!
Thanks for the encouragement, I feel like you all are my second family. We all really get one another which is so helpful.
Sending you good vibes!

YAY AmyA! I'm so happy for you. I like the removal of the negative, I'm a believer in the law of attraction. No need to call in any negative energy. First we think it, then believe it, then become it, so what we think should be as positive as possible.
I love hearing that you are not feeling hungry. 18 pounds down...Whoop Whoop! You guys are my inspiration. Thanks for always being there to share and support!
Feeling good after reading these posts!

Hi bubbles. It’s going really well. Last checked down 18lbs.
I know a lot of people here call it ‘feeling restriction’ but to me that feel like a negative. No one wants to feel restricted. But what I do feel is ‘full’ when I have eaten enough.
I used to feel full only when I had eaten way too much.
This was my goal, so I’m happy so far. Plus I have yet to feel hunger - another plus.
AmyA

Bubbles, great post, don't get stressed too much. We have all yo-yo dieted for decades and it is extremely frustrating and demotivating. There is a path out of this to a healthier and happier life. Keep looking at different alternatives and stay positive that you can change your future. Regardless of Vertical sleeve or ESG the procedure's impact of reducing your stomach size is going to help you get to a more disciplined and healthy eating/lifestyle. We will still support you regardless of which procedure and path forward you choose, in the end you need to select one that you believe in the most. AmyAlexis, great advice as always, your such a great influence on this forum.
For me, after a great first two weeks post ESG, I'm in a bit of a stall this week only lost one pound. I'm not changing my eating discipline and still don't "feel hungry" like I used to. I'm recognizing that my snacking and grazing was focused on different issues and the feeling that I can manage this now is much stronger following my procedure. Gonna keep on the right path and I will lose more in the weeks to come!

Most definitely Bubbles. We can do this together regardless of what procedure you choose. Support for me would be critical as I’m a very private person and no one will know about this besides my husband, not even my 4 boys! I’ll need you more than you know. I’m sure you’ve read how invaluable the support has been from the other members— in particular Melesg, Tex Slim, and AmyAlexis. I wouldn’t have ventured forward without them.

Thank you AmyAlexis for your support. I will take my time, and make sure I make the best decision for me. How's your recovery going? Are you still feeling restriction when you eat? I'm happy that you are safely on the other side of the fence.

Hi Bubbles--
I so understand what you're feeling right now. Been there so many times, and of course it's a viscous circle - we overeat, and gain weight and feel like crap about ourselves and guilty and all the rest, so we eat more and on and on and on.
It took me a long time to decide whether I was going to do ESG. It's a big move! This isn't just another diet, or drug that you can just stop. It's a physical change that is going to force you to eat less.
I can only speak for myself - but I was at a point where I was so sick of being out of control and not being able to eat normally, that I took the plunge. I just made the leap. I could have overthought it and probably would have stopped myself. Especially if I started to lose weight again on my own- but I knew that it would be temporary.
Take your time. Talk to the nutritionist. Tell her about the phen issue.
It's an important decision. You'll do it - or not - in a time that's right for you.
AmyA

You are the best hope4momof4, you are so supportive. It's great having such an intelligent, informed and supportive friend like you in our forum. I will take my time and join the groups like you suggested. The decision is a big and scary one for me so I want to feel comfortable. Thanks for the information.

Thanks again Tex. My surgeon has the same mentality about the meds. He wants me to continue to take them a week after. He does not want me to feel discomfort and sees no need for it so he requires a nausea patch also. As for the procedure being a blessing, I’m praying that it will be a blessing just as much as your support has been. 💝 You’re the best Tex!!

Most definitely Bubbles. We can do this together regardless of what procedure you choose. Support for me would be critical as I’m a very private person and no one will know about this besides my husband, not even my 4 boys! I’ll need you more than you know. I’m sure you’ve read how invaluable the support has been from the other members— in particular Melesg, Tex Slim, and AmyAlexis. I wouldn’t have ventured forward without them.

I’m sorry to hear that Bubbles. 😔 This is exactly why I am afraid to come off phentermine. You decide what is best for you. You have some time to make this decision so don’t rush and make sure you are absolutely ready to move forward. This is no harm in postponing even more if necessary. If you want more real life accounts of both ESG and LSG you should join the Facebook groups for each. There are two Facebook groups for ESG that I am a member of, one is a USA group and the other is out of Australia. Both have hundreds of members who will give you honest accounts of their experience. As Melesg has mentioned ,the Australian one is sometimes brutally honest about their successes or lack of. This is what you need. You need truth and honesty and not a fantasy idea of the success rate. But the stories there are touching and there are several who are successful on both groups. There is also a group called low BMI sleevers who are people who have had the gastric sleeve done with a BMI of less than 35. This may interest you as they post several times a day. Try both types of groups out and gain whatever knowledge you can to make an informed decision.
One common theme throughout every and any weight loss surgery or procedure is that it will only work if you do your part. Even those who’ve had a gastric bypass considered the gold standard can eat out their surgery. There are no guarantees. However, you can choose the best procedure that will give you the best chances of success. As always best of luck on your decision. Keep posting my dear.

Progress: Still no carbs/sugar. I scheduled an appointment with gastric sleeve doctor for January 10th and I meet with his nutritionist on December 18th. I'm still going through the process for ESG procedure, I meet with their nutritionist this Friday.
Challenges: I'm struggling with the amount of food I'm eating. I'm always hungry, coming off the phen has increased my appetite.
Setbacks: I'm up 5 pounds since stopping the Phen and I feel defeated and depressed. I'm not sure if the ESG will be most beneficial for me long term. Feeling stuck.

Congratulations on your progress toward your procedure. I understand the behavior you describe as I have done that many of times. Maybe look at it this way...the weight you loose before your surgery will contribute to your goal weight post surgery. You have 8 weeks before your procedure, even the smallest weight loss would be a head start. If you want a weight loss pal I'm here for ya. I know you are not required to have a nutritionist but maybe the support of one would't be such a bad thing.

Well guys it’s Monday and I want to continue to post my progress, challenges, and setbacks for the sake of accountability.
Progress: This week I had my ESG consultation on 12/7 and was scheduled for the procedure on 2/7. I don’t need any blood tests or clearances so I’m all ready to go physically but mentally I’ll have to work on it.
Challenges: understanding that I have to change my habits and quickly because the procedure will fail if I revert back to old habits.
Setbacks: I have noticed that since I began this journey and decided I would get this procedure I have done what I always did before starting a radical or extreme diet. That is, eating what I want and making unhealthy choices because I’m thinking that I will start losing weight and I might as well enjoy overeating while I can. This is the reason why I’m obese right now. I’m sure many of you can relate. I’ve done this all throughout these years of yo yo dieting. I’d constantly say to myself that I’m starting a very restrictive diet tomorrow so I’m going to eat whatever I want to know to sort of get that out of my system. The next day I would start the extreme diet and last for a short time (sometimes not even one day 😣😣) because it was obviously not sustainable and I’d cheat and start that ridiculous cycle again. In the meantime I would pack on pounds throughout the process making my goal harder and harder to reach. I have to stop this! With my esg procedure coming up I’m finding myself doing worse and I am making a promise to correct this now before I set myself up for failure again. Wish me luck. 🤞🏻🤞🏻