EndlessGoals#2018

Hi everyone. Thought I’d comment since I actually have had some experience with this...unfortunately!! I am about 13 months post-vsg (have lost about 100lbs) and traveled a few times out of the country, starting in June 2018. I had LOTS of problems with my passport. I didn’t think I looked that different, or that at least I wasn’t unrecognizable but it was a pain. They stopped me, asked me questions, and during one trip, I almost missed my flight. Was just overseas in December and coming back and going through customs, I was asked a bunch of questions, they took my passport, asked me to go to another section, took a picture, asked for another ID....it was a pain. And it took so long that I ended up having to look for my luggage because they had already taken it off the conveyor. Even with all that I was debating whether to update my passport since unfortunately, I updated a year before surgery (it was about to expire) and now doesn’t expire until 2027. And I called and asked and they basically told me I would need to follow the steps of renewing it if I want a new picture and pay the $110 fee. There is no special fee for “I lost a bunch of weight and look great!” My next trip is in May so I need to make a decision this week whether to chance it...again or just get a new one. I think I will since i don’t want to run the risk of having to convince people and miss my flights!

Been feeling some kind of way lately and I believe it’s starting to affect me. I’m currently a week away from being 5 months post-op and for some reason, I’ve been getting A LOT of notice lately about my weight and as uncomfortable as it might be sometimes because people ask you what you’re doing, what you’re eating, etc. (Most people don’t know I’ve had VSG), what has been bothering me the most is that I am now having a lot of people tell me I need to stop losing bc I’m looking sickly or not good. It’s so confusing and discouraging bc it’s making me wonder if I should stop or if I don’t look good. However, when I look in the mirror, I still see someone that needs to lose some weight so it’s so confusing!!!! I am currently 6 pounds away from my first goal but I was hoping to lose that plus maybe another 10-15 lbs. my first goal is based on the BMI scale and being in the last possible number to be under healthy weight but the second goal was more of what I think I should be based on my height and maybe giving myself a little wiggle room. Plus getting more in the middle of that healthy weight range. Part of my issue is that I do have some loose skin on my arms, belly, and legs, which is from years of yo-yo dieting and going up and down. I haven’t gone for a plastics consultation because I thought it might be too soon but I think at this point, that might only go away with surgery and maybe that’s what’s making me feel that I’m not there yet. I don’t know-all these comments are stressing me out and making me sad at the same time. I don’t want to look bad and I never wanted to be rail-thin but now I’m questioning all my goals and I’m the kind of person that needs goals to succeed. Please help!! So discouraged. ☹️

Hi everyone. Posted about a week ago about wanting to do a pouch reset after being in a stall for almost 3 weeks and because I had started to fall back into my old eating habits (not counting calories, not eating protein first, eating junk food, eating as soon as I felt “hungry”, etc). Looked it up online and the first day I did clear liquids only, followed by a few days of protein shakes. Here are some realizations, good and bad, which I hope help anyone that is thinking about doing this: 1. It was ALOT easier this time around!! Lol. Had two do a 2-week pre-op diet when I started this back in January and that was SUPER hard. I suffer from migraines and got one almost everyday. This time around, it was SO much easier and no migraines!! 🙂 I’m assuming it’s bc of our small stomachs that don’t need as much food so my little sleeve was mostly content. So that was nice to experience. 2. I realized that most of the “hunger” I had been feeling was mostly head hunger and not real hunger. I still can’t seem to tell the difference and it gets me in trouble sometimes. Before I did this, I had started to experience a lot of hunger, which also made me eat crappy and I thought I had broken my pouch or something was wrong. I think it was just really head hunger and I was giving in to temptation. It’s taught me a lot. 3. It was nice to take a break from cooking and thinking about what to eat. At least for me. It was nice that I knew I would be having a protein shake and that I was all set. Even though I am almost 5 months out, I still worry about eating out or what my meal will be if I am out. Definitely gave me a break from that but it also made me realize that it’s not a big deal and that I shouldn’t worry so much. 4. I broke my stall!! I obviously know that it’s because I was in liquids but after the scale not moving, it was nice to see a change. I am still a slave to the scale and worry about the number WAY too much! But I’m working on it lol. Rome wasn’t built in a day 🤪 5. Of course it’s harder on the weekend, especially if you have family or commitments. I turned down an invitation to go out with friends on Saturday because I thought it would be best for me. And of course my family was already used to me eating regular foods so it was harder for them when they were trying to eat and I was having my shakes. 6. The biggest issue, for me at least, was how easy it was to keep going and how obsessed you can get with the regimen and the scale, if it’s going down. My personality is one that if I commit to something I will do it 110%, which can be bad at times. I ended up being on shakes longer than I wanted to because I was feeling ok, was seeing results, and because it was easy overall. I ended up doing it for 6 days instead of 3 and truthfully, could’ve kept going. But as we all know, I’m sure it’s not the best and no one can live off shakes forever and we all need to learn how to eat healthy and in moderation. So definitely can be a slippery slope depending on the results and your personality. So I hope this helps anyone thinking about doing this or anyone that has been struggling lately with overeating or not eating well. You can definitely “reset,” you can definitely hit pause and re-evaluate things, and your pouch will be ok 😊

Yes. January 15th. Has been great overall, except lately with my stall. But hoping to get out of it soon!

Need some words of encouragement or to at least know that I’m not alone in this. I’m about 4 1/2 months post-op (had vsg mid-January) and was doing great. Have lost about 70 lbs, feeling fabulous, and following a good diet (low carb/sugar and high protein) and exercising. However, in the past week or so the scale hadn’t moved, which I think started the downward spiral. Also, last weekend we went away and decided to eat what I wanted in moderation. However, when I got back I just continued to feel hungry and started snacking on things I shouldn’t (chips, cookies, etc.). I think it’s mostly head hunger but still did it. I’ve now been like this for a week and eating whatever whenever and I feel like my old self, the one that would binge eat and tell myself it was the last time. Now, what’s great now is that I can’t eat anywhere near as much as I used to but I’m still in this downward spiral and it’s scary. I’m also scared I’ve done damage to my pouch. I plan to go back to protein drinks tomorrow for a few days, which I guess is doing the reset pouch? Tried to find info on it but pleas let me know if it works and if I’ve really done any damage. I’m so scared and upset. I haven’t even weighed myself either because I’m scared of the number that might stare back at me. I know I shouldn’t worry about the number of the scale but stalls suck and I’m afraid that’s what started this whole mess and I I can’t go through this every time one happens. I hope someone else has gone through this. I’m really trying to get the hunger thing in control and even though I think it’s head hunger it’s hard to stop from eating. I am so disappointed and I can now see how people can fail from this. 😢

LOL. So true!!! It’s amazing how our minds work! I look in the mirror and still see the old self and feel I need to keep pushing but then I get all these compliments about how great I look and see the small sizes I’m wearing and somehow convince myself that I’m good! It’s 😜! I’m 14 lbs away from my first goal weight and I’m going away on vacation at the end of June so those will be my new motivations!! Thank you!!

No, no counseling but I think I’m going to look into it. Deep down I know I have a problem with food too since I have been on this yo-to train for many years and have gone up and down way too much (only plus side of that is that I haven’t really had to buy a log of clothes bc I have sizes from 2 to 14!) thanks for the suggestion. I think it will be great to talk to someone about it

Thank you! Definitely wouldn’t want anyone else to go through this crazy mental and food game but glad to know I’m not alone and that other people have slipped up. I think I also have to try to not let the scale dictate how I’m doing. I tried on a pair of pants that didn’t fit me last month and they fit now so clearly things are going in the right direction but it’s hard to get out of your head. Great job on that 6 lbs weight loss!!

It’s so true! I know that when it feels like a diet you get to the point that you want to stop because you get bored or tired of it. Definitely thinking about the types of foods I plan to eat once I’m done with this pouch reset. Thank you!!!!

@josephsmom - thank you. I called and they didn’t seem to be too worried about it, although they did tell me to get back on track with my food. However, I don’t feel like I got a great answer. I’m going to see if I can actually speak with my doctor since I only got to speak to one of the nurses. I don’t have my next appt until July so I don’t want to wait until then.

@allwet- that definitely makes sense! Thank you! It is definitely a cycle that is hard to stop. Started on liquids today and definitely feel a little better. Mind over matter! 🙂

@lex2287 - I started the pouch reset today and can say it’s not too bad (so far! Lol) started with clear liquids today and then plan to do protein shakes for next few days and then go into puréed foods again. At least that’s what I was able to look up. If anything, I think it will clean out my system. I know it’s only been one day but it’s definitely helped me to see that most of it has been head hunger and not true hunger. Hope you were able to get back o track to. We got this! 👍🏼

Hi. Pretty much the same. 5’4 and started at 230. Had my surgery January 15th. Currently down 71 lbs but have been on a stall for the past couple of weeks and really hoping it breaks this week! I try not to look at the scale but I can’t help it and those numbers really mess with me lol.

Hi. Wanted to respond and let you know you’re not alone. I’m pretty much around the same time as you. Mine was 01/15/18. I’ve been stalled for a little over a week now and I don’t know if it’s that or the fact that I’ve been feeling hungry but I also can’t seem to stop snacking or eating crappy foods. I’m also not sure what’s going on and fear that this is it for me, that I’m not gonna lose more and that I’ll start gaining it all back. I’m afraid I’ve stretched my pouch! I think we just need to keep going and start fresh the next day and remember that this is not a solution but a tool. I need to remember that too! We will get it together!! 😉

Wanted to share since I’m hoping other people have gone through this or to encourage and show others what a great decision this was. Went away for the week with the family and I lost 3 pounds!!!! [emoji50][emoji50] that has NEVER happened to me before, even when I was on a “diet.” I’m about 3 months post-op and although I tried to eat healthy and brought protein shakes, there were of course many times when I ate other things like pizza, ice cream, etc. My new little pouch is amazing because it helped me to eat a lot less and not over-indulge in food that I would’ve in the past. I won’t lie, it has been a struggle - from making the decision to have this surgery, getting used to not drinking before and after meals, eating a little bit of food and so on and so on. But times like this makes me realize what a great decision I made for myself and that I can still have a good time and eat right. So definitely a win win!!!

Hi. How do you calculate your macros? Have thinking about doing this but haven’t been able to get around how much it potentially tell me to eat va what I can eat. I’m about to get about 500 calories in right now.

2 Months post-op and still getting used to this whole process. But what I’ve realized is that I am slowly learning that food and calories do not own me and it’s a great feeling!! I have been on diets for many years and for a looong time, I refused to make dinner or cook anything for my family. I look cooking and learning new recipes but I would put myself on such strict diets and the need to count everything that was going in, that the thought of cooking and having to taste the food to make sure it was good would send me into an anxiety tailspin. I would either not taste it and sometimes the food would not be great or I would obsess and end up eating half of it. So because of that, I just refused to cook and would argue with my husband at times about it. Well, since getting sleeved I have been cooking pretty much everyday or every week [emoji16]I’m sure it’s more mental than anything but bc I know I have the restriction I don’t fear the thought of tasting my food and trying to make sure it tastes the best for my family. And if I want some (now that I can have most foods) I eat a bit and I’m satisfied. For me definitely a victory since I feel more and more in control and that is a fabulous feeling!!!

Hi everyone. My plan is to track macros when i reach 3-4 months post-op (currently at almost 2 months). Not sure how to do this since we can eat so little and when you use the macro calculator, it gives very high numbers for calories, fat, protein, etc. Trying to figure out how I can adjust it. I am currently getting about 400-450 calories in. I know it should be more but I’m still trying to figure out how to eat healthy and get the calories in. And frankly, it’s hard to eat a lot. And I was also told that constantly eating is bad so I try to have my 3 meals and one snack. I know everyone is told something different by their doctors so not really sure what is the best at this point. I do want to get to the point where I a eating healthy but able to eat what I want and not feel deprived, which I feel is one of the many reasons I would sabotage my diets in the past and overeat. Thank you in advance for any words of advice!!!

I am about a month and a half post-surgery and things have been going well...have had energy, losing weight at a decent pace and seeing a difference but literally all my happiness went away yesterday and struggling to find it again. Just like many of us, my weight has been up and down for many, many years and I actually have a lot of clothes (some even new) that I haven’t been able to wear in the past 2 years or so bc of weight gain (again). I’ve been as small as a size 4 in the past and I have all those clothes, plus some other sizes Even though I told myself I wouldn’t do it just yet until I lost a little more, I decided to go through my closet. I know I am not a size 4 so I didn’t touch those clothes and felt ok waiting for the near future to even look at them. But what really bothered me is that I tried on a shirt I wore in 2015 when I was literally the same weight i am today (I know bc i kept track on my Fitbit the last time I went through a major exercise and diet plan and lost a whole bunch)....and it didn’t fit!!! [emoji20][emoji20] i even went back to find a picture Back in 2015 when I had the shirt on and it looks good! I am so confused. I know bodies change and all but I really thought it would and it completely crushed me. I know it shouldn’t and I should be happy with where I am at but now I am super depressed and trying to understand why. You would think that if it fit then it should fit now right? Just needed to vent bc I hope some of you understand how I’m feeling. It’s amazing how one little thing can completely take away all the positive thoughts I had about this journey and my way forward. Btw, I have lost a total of 43 lbs.

I ended up only getting 3 incisions and my doctor said it was great because he was able to do what he needed with just those. I think the doctor, if they’re good, will assess and make the best decision for you. My incisions are tiny and you can barely see them....and I appreciated the fact that he made one of them pretty much on top of the little scar I have from when I got my gallbladder removed like 10 years ago so you can’t even see it

Hi everyone. Currently at week 3 post-op and struggling. I am now feeling what I think are hunger pains, which I was not experiencing before. But more than that, I am starting to crave the foods I used to and I am finding it hard to resist temptation. Unfortunately, it seems I still like the same foods and haven’t yet that I don’t like something I used to (too bad!). Yesterday, I ended up eating some spaghetti and some chocolate chips ( not together! Lol) My stomach hurt afterwards and I had a feeling it would but I did it. I am technically still in the puréed stage too. I think I’m missing the way I used to eat, the quantity I guess. Not sure what is going on. When I went to my first post-op follow up, my doctor was happy with my progress and didn’t care about my weight loss or what I was eating, as long as it was mushy and trying to stay hydrated. I am really struggling with eating as if I’m on a diet vs. eating anything but of course in very small quantities. I have a friend that had vsg last April and looks great now and she told me she eats what she wants just a little since that’s all we can do. I know I can’t compare but Its hard not to. Today my family had the leftover spaghetti and meatballs and I technically could’ve had the meatball but didn’t bc I thought it wasn’t “healthy” enough. It’s all very confusing and I hope I’m not the only one struggling. On a side note, I can’t seem to have a bm and I’ve tried everything-smooth tea, crushed dulcolax (that made me throw up), and milk of magnesia. Nothing is working. Please let me know if you al have any other recommendations. Thank you!!!

Hi everyone. I’m currently 11 days post-op and feeling pretty good, although I can’t wait for puréed foods!! Lol Wanted to see if anyone else has experienced what I’m going through. I was diagnosed with migraines in High School and have had them ever since. I wasn’t always obese, was average in high school and in great health, sports,etc. So migraines were never attributed to weight. Even as I got older I had periods of time when I was an ok weight. All I was able to pinpoint was that if I got too overheated I would get a migraine but really they would come anytime, especially during my period and a drop in barometric pressure. Truthfully, one of the things I was mostly scared of during this whole process was being able to take my migraine medicine if I got one. I must have asked my primary care and any other doctor about this like a million times and even though they told me it would be fine to take (during pre-liquid diet,post-op,etc) I was waiting with anxiety. I got a few during my pre-op liquid stage and it was horrible. So here I am, 11 days post-op, barely taking anything in because I’m on full liquids still and not very hungry......and no migraines!!!! I’m afraid to say it aloud for fear they’ll come back but I’m so surprised!!! I even started my period and nothing!!! Has anyone experienced this? Could my migraines have gone away forever????!!!! If they did it would be the best thing ever [emoji1] let me know if anyone else has gone through this....does anyone know of a correlation between your stomach and migraines?? So curious. Thank you!!!

Please don’t beat yourself up. It’s hard and I think it’s all mental more than anything. I’m 10 days post-op and in full liquids and at first found that I was wanting to eat certain foods but not because I was hungry but because I was used to it. I’m still trying to figure out what Hunger feels like Today I was making dinner for my family and making meatballs and they smelled delicious! I ended up taking a bite, chewed it really well, but right before swallowing, I thought about it and decided to spit it out. No one saw me but felt a little embarrassed bc I felt like those people that don’t eat and instead buy and eat all this food but don’t swallow and spit it out. It’s actually an eating disorder so I felt some kind of way about it. Wasn’t sure what bothered me most, that I was “cheating” on this full liquid phase before the dr clears me for puréed foods or that I enjoyed it so much and wanted more. Just gotta take it day by day!

So glad you posted this! I’m 8 days post-op and I’m feeling exactly the same way! I’ve always been one to feel more cold anyways so I thought it was just me but since the surgery, it’s been a little worse. I’ve been wearing thick pjs to bed and an extra blanket. Has slightly gotten better but man, I didn’t know it was gonna be like this!

Hi everyone. Have been taking forever to choose an unflavored protein powder since I feel this will give me the best chance to get my protein in. After much searching and getting a little overwhelmed, I gave in and purchased genepro on amazon. Mainly bought it bc of the amount of protein you get per scoop and a lot of comments saying it doesn’t alter the taste of food and can pretty much add it to everything. Should have posted before to ask everyone here. Has anyone heard of it or used it? Do you have anything positive or negative to say about it? I welcome all feedback! Should be arriving in the mail today so potentially have a chance to return it if needed! Lol. Thanks everyone!!