moondoggie1983

Thank you guys! It’s an up and down process for me apparently. Now I can’t keep down meats. Ugh! One step forward and 2 steps back! So I’m going back to soft foods.
Just bought a business, so I’m waiting on the gym. Probably going two weeks from now. I’d like to be getting more Protein and calories before I go. I was doing so well and then back to trouble. Not depressed about it, but it’s definitely frickin frustrating.

On 06/20/2018 at 14:14, BajanSleeve said:

@moondoggie1983 Thanks I woke up today 3 lbs lighter so my stall has broken. I am celebrating being in the 260's! It seems unreal that only 3 1/2 weeks ago I was 298 lbs.

I am working on upping my liquids, I know it helps with the weight loss. There is where I put all my Protein too. 3 scoops of Protein at 30G per scoop so I HAVE to drink it and not waste the expensive Protein Powder.

No problem! I stalled for 10 days and was really down/frustrated about it. Now I’m 5 down in a week. Nuts! I’m between my 800-1000 calories a day now and I’m getting my protein from food as a whole. My program doesn’t want us using very much Protein Powder or shakes long term. I still put a shake in my diet once in a while, but I’m hardly using my powder. The best thing I’ve found so far are these turkey burgers that have 35g of protein in each one! One lasts about a meal and then a snack. Or 2 meals depending on how I’m eating that day. Add 2 pieces of cheese and there’s another 10 more grams of protein. Good stuff! I never get anywhere near the 90g but I usually get about 70-75. Most days I get at least 50 oz of fluids, but I too still struggle there. I think it’s because I was diabetic and always thirsty before, but now I’m not. I have to make a conscious effort to remind myself to take a drink.
As for celebrating, I’m right there with you! I mean I was 311 lbs 14 months ago! I can’t believe I’m in the 220’s and so close to being a full 100 lbs lighter!!! Insane! I know I’m going to totally lose my sh*t when I hit 211. 😂
I can hardly believe we’re doing so great!! Keep me posted on how you’re doing! I really look forward to seeing your successes and celebrating with you!

On 06/19/2018 at 23:35, BajanSleeve said:

I am definitely not hitting my liquid target. I drink between 20 oz to 45 oz on a very good day. I definitely eat more calories than I should too. I am almost 3 weeks post op and I likely eat about 700 to 900 cals per day. On top of my Vitamins but right now only doing about 65 g of Protein Powder

Hey! Other than the fluids, you’re doing ok. 3 weeks is early to be able to get that many calories in, but according to my plan, I’m supposed to get 700-900 calories a day, at least 64 oz of Fluid a day (which is HARD and has only happened to me a couple times) and 70-90 grams of Protein with under 100g of carbs. My NUT would probably tell you to work on fluid before food though. And just from personal experience, the days I drink more fluid, the greater my weight loss is later in the week. Could just be coincidence, but I’m just throwing it out there. :) Is just say get to sipping and make sure you don’t go over 900 calories and you should be ok.
I should mention I had the sleeve so if you had bypass or switch your plan could be way different.

VSG 5/10/18
HW:311
SW:256
CW:224

I know it might be weird to be this excited about this, but FINALLY, 39 days after VSG I am going to hit my 70-90g Protein goal (72g), my Fluid intake of at least 64oz (probably going to be around 85-105oz), my calories goal of 800-1000 (912) and keep my carbs under 100g (75 carbs, 70 net carbs)!!!! I’m so so so happy!!! After all the horrible stuff I went through post surgery (I’m talking like 4 and 1/2 weeks of misery) I’m FINALLY feeling like I’m getting there!
Up until now I’ve been soooo tired from being sick, but I’m determined to get outside tonight when it cools down for an hour power walk with one of the doggos. That will burn 309 calories right there. I AM cleared to go to the gym, but I’m think about waiting until I can keep this level of protein going. I know I’ve lost lean muscle since I wasn’t able to keep anything down, so I think walking at a good clip will be a decent start. I’m planning on checking out gyms in two weeks.
On the subject of gyms, I’ve never been to one. Hey, I was fat ok? 😂 So how do you start? All I know is that’s a treadmill and those are free weights. I have no idea what any of the other stuff is. Do you get a trainer? I’m very intimidated by this whole thing.
And just in case you’re interested, I’m still stalled out. I’m hoping now that I’m getting protein and fluid in and have the energy to at least walk I’ll be able to start losing again. I wasn’t discouraged at first, but now I am. I know it’s a tool, but 25lbs in 39 days seems so small compared to what others are posting. I know I’m losing inches, and I know I’ve lost 85lbs in a year (since I started my NUT visits) but it’s kind of like, is this working? Should I have done this? Should I have just kept following the NUT plans and rules?
I know everyone stalls while their bodies go into reboot mode, but is there anything that helps kick start the losing? More Water? More protein? Less protein?
One last thing, my NUT didn’t give me any carb instructing , so I’ve been following with people on here who say 100. Is that everyone?

Hope you guys are all doing well! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions!

Am also sending pics of my journey so far!

On 06/13/2018 at 14:46, HopefullXOXOXO said:

Taoz or anyone else,

My nutritionist keeps telling me I don't have to count Protein grams or calories. I'm 6 weeks out tomorrow. This just doesn't seem right to me. Can you please tell me what you've been told about minimum Protein grams per day and calories? I'm lucky to get 500-600 calories a day and I'm concerned that this will put my metabolism into reverse if I keep it up. I also can't have any starches for another 2 months at least. I just remember when Oprah pulled the wagon of fat out on her show years ago after losing a lot of weight on Optifast only. Since then she's said many times it was a huge mistake because it changed her metabolism forever and not in a good way. That's the last thing I want to happen to me.

I'm feeling ok but still not eating much. I have to drink Isopure Zero Carb (20 oz. has 40 grams of protein and goes down like water) in order to even come close to 60 grams of protein each day. I also don't want to lose muscle, especially since I have so little of it! LOL!

I'd love to know what others have been told about amount of protein and/or calories we should be consuming each day. Please.

I was told to aim for 800-1000 calories a day and 75-90g of protein plus 64oz of Water. I’m a month out from VSG and I’m not close to hitting any of this lol. I DID hit my Fluid intake today so that’s something. I saw my surgeon today and he said to just listen to your body. Some people can get those goals in quickly, and others (like myself) take more time. I’m not stressing about it. I do what I can, but if it takes me longer, so be it. I still can’t do very much soft food, let alone solids. As long as I stay hydrated, I consider it a win. I tried pushing myself too hard earlier and ended up not being able to keep anything down. Not even water. After 3 bags of IV fluids in the hospital, I learned my lesson. I’m just taking my time getting there.

My stall is over! *knock on wood* Went to my third follow up and down 3 lbs since yesterday! I am almost 100lbs down since I started this process!!!

Nicotine free vape all the way. It’s all about the gesture for me. My team said it’s fine. A month out of surgery I’m still using it.

You can always ask a manager or supervisor if she actually has been approved for all those days off. Sounds like a lot of time to me unless she’s been there for a looooong time. But also, I wouldn’t really care. I’d take the first date available and that’s that. I’m not sure you’ll get far with HR since you volunteered the information with her. But I sure as sh*t wouldn’t even talk to her anymore unless it’s related to work. I’d completely cut her off. Some places do consider this an elective surgery, but a lot of places don’t. Surgery for your health is often considered just that. Kind of like the same idea as needing a hip replacement. This isn’t getting new boobs, this is for a longer life. As a business owner, I know that if one of my employees came to me asking for a vacation to the Bahamas and another came asking for WLS, I’d approve the WLS and the islands would just have to wait.

I too had unrealistic thoughts because of some of the posts about losing 100 lbs in 3-4 months. But I realized those aren’t the norm. Especially for me. Bypass patients seem to lose a lot more weight much more quickly than sleeve patients. And I had the sleeve. It was what I decided was the better option for me in the long term. So, I’ve lost 26.4 lbs since surgery on 5/10 and I’ve gone through a 1 week stall already. It IS still frustrating at times, but I’m still thankful for what I have lost.
I’ve lost 3 clothing sizes, I’ve lost the issue of struggling to fasten my seatbelt, I’ve lost a lot of my back pain, I’ve lost all the knee pain from my osteoarthritis and I’ve lost all my diabetes medications! That’s a lot of losses!
I’ve gained more energy, I have a neck now, I can run around work in high heels and heeled boots. I’ve gained the ability to no longer be scared of breaking a chair if I sit in it. I’ve gained enough joy that I’m off one of my bipolar meds. And I’ve gained all the love and support and wows from my employees and others that I told. I fit in theater seats comfortably.
So my losses aren’t all about weight, and the gains are amazing already. When I stall or get down about losing slower than others, I try to use the perspective of TRUE gains and losses. Not what the scale says, but how my health and life are better.

On 06/12/2018 at 17:52, Sleeved36 said:

Surgery 5/9 and I have lost 22 pounds and total 16 inches.

Not sure what to call a "stall", but my losses are all in little jumps. The scale won't move for a few days, then I will be down 3 pounds. Then same for a little while again.

The logical part of my brain recognizes the steady downward trend, but the emotional part of my brain goes a little crazy. I start thinking things like this:

I am working hard and want to see results dang it!

Am I going to be one of those people who doesn't lose? Or worse regains it all?

This. This is what my brain does too! I’m still struggling with the liquid. And the Protein as well. Since I spent so long on only Clear Liquids, when I moved into soft foods, I’m having a real issue with liquid. 90 minutes of not drinking anything 3-5 times a day is rough. If I hit 40-50oz, I’m happy. I’m still way under the 800-1000 calories too. If I somehow get to 400, I’m pleased as punch. I think this is just going to be a slower process for me than for others. I know my surgeon used the camera instead of a bougie (which is about the size of a 32 French) and that he does VSG stomachs quite a bit smaller than the majority of surgeons, so I figure if I can get anything in, I’m doing ok. I looked at a pen the size of a 32F and could not believe how effing small it is! I was shook!
I have a follow up appointment with him tomorrow so we’ll see how it goes.
I did lose a pound and a half between yesterday and today, so hopefully my stall is over. I’m hoping I’ll get clearance to start going to a gym tomorrow as well.
Even with the stall, it’s hard to believe that since I started my pre-reqs with my NUT a year before surgery I’ve lost a total of 81.4 lbs! I find strangely that I keep thinking I’m bigger than I am. I’ll be walking around thinking, I can’t get through that gap, when in actuality I don’t even have to squeeze through sideways. Or that I’m looking at clothes that are 2-3 sizes too big. It’s weird!
I’ve got to do all my measurements tonight to be prepared for my appointment tomorrow. I’m down 26.4 pounds since surgery on 5/20, which isn’t spectacular, but also isn’t terrible.
One thing, I’m sick to death of the Optifast shakes!!! I have GOT to find a recipe for a Protein Shake that I’m actually going to like!

On 06/05/2018 at 14:18, sillykitty said:

I went into WLS surgery knowing I would have plastics. I want a flat tummy and know that there is no way mine will get there naturally.

Same. I’m 34 and I started my journey at 311 lbs. I had surgery 5/10 combined I’ve already lost 81 lbs. my tummy and inner thighs are already crumpled bag skin. My arms look pretty crazy too. But I can hide them with sleeves so I’m not worried about that. But there is definitely a Tummy Tuck and boob job in my future. I mean I still have over 100 lbs to lose!

I did 100% Optifast only for 13 days prior to surgery. 3 shakes a day and 2 other items (either bars, Soups, or more shakes.) First three days SUCKED. Day 4 on, totally fine. I actually got to a point where I wasn’t hungry and didn’t even want all the items in a day. I also got at least 96 oz of Water a day. Day three was a terrible headache, but like I said, after that I was fine. I still drink the shakes. The only items that were intolerable for me were the Tomato Soup and strawberry shake.

On 06/10/2018 at 18:26, Bryn910 said:

I did nothing to break it. I actually expected it cause it was my third week and there’s always the infamous three week stall. I just rode it out.

i lost 22 lbs. from my highest in 3 weeks prior to my surgery date (includes 2 week liquid diet)

I lost 19 lbs. from surgery day.

I have not gone to gym yet, plan on starting tomorrow. I know the scale will jump a bit due to working out as well

Oh shoot! I thought I saw you had gone to the gym already! I’m sorry! But thank you for the response. Looks like I’m pretty on track. Makes me feel way better.
You are doing AWESOME!!! 👏 👏 👏

It’s not fun. For me, day 3 was the worst. No idea why. After that, the next 11 days were easy. I actually wasn’t hungry and didn’t want to eat all my Optifast products each day.

I lost like 8-10 pounds preop on the Optifast diet. 30 days post op I’m down about 30 lbs

On 06/10/2018 at 17:01, Bryn910 said:

I too had surgery on 5/10. My stall was all of last week and I had my period which really got to my head.

Stall finally broke yesterday and I am so happy

Did you do anything special to break it? I can’t even go to the gym yet. 😭 And if you don’t mind me asking, what have you lost so far? I’m asking because I had that really rocky patch where I couldn’t keep anything down so I want to make sure I’m still at least a little on track. Not too much, not too little.

You guys were right. I tried EVERY FLAVOR and they were all disgusting. What a waste of money! But you live and learn right?

I checked with my team, and at 4 weeks out they said straws are ok. 🤷‍♀️ I’m trying it for the first time today, and it’s going ok. I was also really nauseous today, so I’ve been allowed some watered down diet ginger ale. It’s crazy how different each program can be.

I have bipolar and I’m on trazadone, lunesta, trileptal, klonopin and seroquel. Seroquel is known to increase appetite and cause weight gain. No problems here! VSG on 5/10, don 25 lbs

I was sleeved 5/10 and I’ve lost 25 lbs since surgery. But the last week? Nada. No gain, but no loss either. I’m just wondering how you guys are doing weight loss/stall wise.

On 06/06/2018 at 15:17, Arizona25 said:

Hello (for some reason my profile won't allow me to edit some info) but I am post op, had my sleeve done 4/7/18. I'm 25 yrs old, 5'6 and my current weight is 197. I started at 241. I am miserable and seriously regretting that I even had this surgery done.

I have not had a solid meal in the last 3 weeks and am losing weight entirely too fast. I am constantly, severely nauseated 24/7. It prevents me from sleeping, eating and doing the basic things I need to do to care for myself. I realize on this forum that there are others with this issue but it seems like their nausea and vomiting is after eating and perhaps they have an underlying surgery issue, I can assure you I do not. Here's why. In the last three weeks, I have visited 3 doctors, the ER had a barium swallow, CT scan and upper GI endoscopy, plus a full blood panel and liters of fluids. ALL of those tests came back showing everything was completely normal. No stricture, sleeve not too tight, gall bladder perfect, no ulcer, no hernia, nothing. The pictures and reports made my insides look like they were show room new.

I am still sick however. I vomit every day, every morning, every night, sometimes the middle of the night, and usually it's these globs of saliva/spit. Sometimes it's medications I've taken, other times it's greenish yellow bile since my stomach is empty. My stomach is always relentlessly queasy and I seriously have no idea what to do. I have been on and tried SEVERAL different nausea meds (zofran, scopolomine Patches, compacine, reglan, phenergan) nothing works. I've been put on carafate (which makes me nauseated and comes back up sometimes) and doesn't seem to be working to "coat my stomach" to help it heal. I was put on prilosec (omeprazole) and had stopped taking it for a while. I read somewhere about 3 days ago that sometimes over production of stomach acids can make you really sick and nauseated so I immediately started taking it again. It just doesn't seem to be working. I am able to sip on Water, so I don't get dehydrated, which sometimes comes back up too.

It feels like I'm all alone...I wish I could go back in time to 4/7/18 and run out of the OR. I would much rather be fat than sick and slowly wasting away. Is there anybody out there with any insight, or who has experienced the same thing? I was told, your body just needs time to adjust to the surgery and some people are nauseated for months. MONTHS?! So I'm not gonna be able to eat for months?!

Any help or insight is appreciated as I am at my wits end.

Hi there! I had problems similar to yours. I had all those tests too, and everything came back normal. I actually had to go to the ER for IV fluids because NOTHING would stay down. Nothing. Water, Soup, Jello, nope! I was also sliming just like you. And I had foamies more than a couple times as well.
I went on the carafate and I just vomited it right back up.
I had my VSG on 5/10 and people on here can tell you I felt just as bad as you. I was way past the buyers remorse period and pretty much in the I wish I’d just die sector.
I stopped the carafate, and I started protonix in the morning, 1 Prilosec and 1 nexium each night. I also went back on clear Fluid only for 10 days when I started this regime.
Is your stomach making noises? Do you actually vomit (when your stomach clenches) or just regurgitate (pops right back out with no stomach muscles involved)?

On 06/10/2018 at 14:14, Darci kendall said:

I had 2 Days prior mush next Day was liquid then of course NPO .Im going on my 4 Week post Tomorrow I feel awesome.I bought a Baby Spoon and small 4 oz container.I set my Phone 30 min chew at least 30 times then Waite 30 sec .Reset Phone another 30 Min till I’m able to Drink .

That’s exactly what I do! :)

On 06/07/2018 at 18:59, Sosewsue61 said:

Soo glad you got help and doing better. Nix eggs for awhile, some people have to wait months to be able to tolerate them. You may have to ease ito foods super slow until you heal and your tummy gets used to textures.

Oh yeah! I’ve nixed everything other than slow cooked pulled chicken. No other meats are working for me now. I’m just sticking to very soft vegetables right now. And some milk products. So far so good.
I’m in a stall, but since I lost over 30 lbs in 2 and 1/2 weeks, I’m more than good with it, even if it is a wee bit frustrating.

My NUT was great. I know everyone has different experiences though. I had to do a year of NUT visits as a pre req. I lost almost 60 lbs. She helped me really get ready for what to expect after surgery and to cut out of foods and drinks that I wouldn’t be able to have any more.
Just tell your NUT about your fears right at the beginning. Mine didn’t give me much sympathy, which I actually really appreciate since this is a huge life change. I’m glad she really prepared me for what was coming.

Hi again guys! I’m able to get down some soft foods. Not meat sits well other than slow cooked shredded chicken. I’m sticking to veggies for now. And cheese and yogurt. That’s been all good!
Because of my complications, I lost a little over 30 lbs between May 10 and a week ago. Now I’m stalled. Ah the good old 3 week stall! But I’m not freaking out since i lost so much initially from basically starving. As long as I stopped being stalled in the next 2 weeks, I’m ok with it.
I’ve dropped from a morbidly obese BMI to obese BMI. Who would have thought I’d be so happy to just be obese 😂
I’m going to do the measuring tonight because all my clothes are falling off.
I hope everyone is doing great!