AdiosAnnie300

I’m 46 and was sleeved on May 28. I have more energy with just 48 pounds lost so I can’t wait to see what I will feel like when I’m down more. I get frustrated sometimes that it isn’t faster weight loss. I wish I would have done it years ago.

I am 46 and can relate to the slow weight loss. I average 6 pounds a month and this week I gained 2 pounds! I am a surgical induced menopause patient since age 36 so I do think age and meno can slow the process. With my experience in endocrinology/gynecology I would say your period has suspended due to the very low calorie diet and post op healing. It’s good that you will be meeting with your physician. I found soy based supplements to be helpful for menopause symptoms.

3 hours ago, BandToSleeve231 said:

I was sleeved May 2nd after having the lap band. Weight loss VERY slow....only lost only 23 pounds. Bad eating habits sometimes get the best of me. How is everyone else doing?

I relate. My surgery was May 28 and I also have lost just 23 pounds. I am able to eat most foods without issue and eat anywhere from 800-1200 calories per day. I’m still burning more calories than I take in. I feel frustrated and disappointed I’m not one of those people that loses 3-4 pounds a week.

11 hours ago, chelsey211 said:

I chose to say gallbladder because I have already had that removed lol. The hernia is a good idea too. The only reason I would make something up is because I know my supervisor will want an explanation. I know that is not professional, but my supervisor isn't professional lol. She is very nosy, negative, and judgmental. I feel like if I give a reason besides just saying surgery, it might stop some rumors that I know will start spreading through my office full of gossiping people. After surgery, I do plan on just saying that I am working hard to loose weight buy eating better and exercise. Which is totally true!

I did something very similar. I have not told anyone but my husband and best friend. I have been very public about my meal planning and doing modified Keto. I post my weight loss milestones. No needs to know that I had surgery to give me a better tool. I know some people would say I took the easy way out. I told my work I needed to have. Minor surgery for a reoccurring medical condition. For all they know it was to fix a Hemmeroid.

It’s so true. When you politely decline dessert or other food item people get very defensive. I have had people say that I’m obsessed about my diet and that I am not fun. Turning down alcohol gets the same reaction as turning down cake and ice cream.

10 hours ago, allwet said:

as you said its a zero sum game when it comes to sweets. some people cant have even a little and it appears you are one of that group. Its bread for me if i have a little i get so hungry its crazy. the only way is to cut them out. no little bit here little bit there. Others may be able to have small amounts but for some it all or nothing.

accept this and move on with your life. No piece of candy is worth the mental anguish you are putting yourself thru right now or the damage to your progress cause by a candy binge.

good luck and put this behind you but don't forget.

My Monday morning weigh confirms I am a person who needs to break away from sugar completely. Having just a little opened a flood gate. Thank you for the insight.

1 hour ago, James Marusek said:

This is the approach that I use:

I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I had diabetes. That went into remission when I left the hospital two days after surgery and I have not taken any diabetic medicine ever since and my blood sugar levels are good. I test my blood sugar levels periodically. [Currently over 5 years post-op] I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague.

I also restrict myself to about one meal per day containing complex carbohydrates (such as Pasta and bread). I also avoid all carbonated beverages. I lost 20 pounds pre-op solely on eliminating carbonated beverages from my diet and I will not go back.

This is a helpful strategy, thank you.

9 hours ago, allwet said:

as you said its a zero sum game when it comes to sweets. some people cant have even a little and it appears you are one of that group. Its bread for me if i have a little i get so hungry its crazy. the only way is to cut them out. no little bit here little bit there. Others may be able to have small amounts but for some it all or nothing.

accept this and move on with your life. No piece of candy is worth the mental anguish you are putting yourself thru right now or the damage to your progress cause by a candy binge.

good luck and put this behind you but don't forget.

This is very helpful. Thank you.

I understand exactly what you are saying. I am falling back into bad habits as well. I like the idea of going back to the liquid diet to try and get back on track.

I am a month post op and had been doing really well. This weekend we went to a friends place and I brought a variety of foods to get me through the two days. There were treats there and I tried one. I didn’t have any kind of adverse reaction. One small bite would lead to another and tonight I am completely off track. I am so disappointed in myself and I am quite nervous for my weigh in Monday morning. Looking for some encouragement. I know tomorrow is a new day but want to make sure I stay away from carbs and specifically sugar.

4 hours ago, nenes78 said:

Its totally normal. Our bodies are very efficient and don't waste. What happens is when the cells holding fat are depleted they fill with Water. Our bodies do this because it would be inefficient to destroy a fat cell immediately, in case we need fat storage at a later time so Water is stored in the cell until the body realizes that the cells are truly no longer needed. Then all the water and cells are let go. Its known as the whoosh effect, there are many articles online about it. here is a link for you to read up on http://100down.org/the-whoosh-effect/

Just stick to your plan and ride the wave

Thank you. This is very informative

I am coming up on completing 3 weeks post op. I have lost 14 pounds since surgery. My biggest drop was week one and it has slowed to a stop this week. I have not increased my calories. I really don't want to be that 1 pound a week person when I was hoping for 3-4.

2 hours ago, YeahOkay31 said:

They should be scheduling a follow-up visit after your surgery. Mine was at 2 weeks post-op. We also had a nutrition seminar before surgery on eating for the first 5 weeks then, another seminar at 5 weeks about how to eat afterwards. Do you have a nutritionist you can turn to?

I am not able to get in to my local providers because I had my surgery in Mexico.

I had my surgery on May 28 with Dr. Lisa Pompa. She was very nice and my stay at the center was very nice. However, since release I have not heard from anyone. I thought staff would reach out to see if I was healing properly or having complications. They sent me home with a meal plan for 2 weeks but no other guidance for the next stages. I’m starting week 3 post op and relying on forums to know what to do. Sadly they all are a little different. Is this normal to not hear from your surgeon or staff following VSG?

8 hours ago, Screwballski said:

Nope. You didn’t ruin a thing.
I have a super conservative Doctor. I wasn’t supposed to begin chewing food until June 20th (sleeved 5/17) but had to go out of town June 14. I packed shakes to meet all Protein goals but it has been so hectic, I’ve had to use food after the 40g Protein morning shake. I’m chewing to purée. Eating 1-2 oz (cannot get more than that in at one time) of only highest/best protein option and getting my supplements in. My Doctors says if my stomach is happy then everything is fabulous!!!! I feel awesome. Still never hungry. But the body needs great nutrition to look and feel great!

Thank you for the perspective. I really appreciate it

I’m 2 days away from 3 weeks post op. I have been following a plan of Protein Shakes, Jello, purée veggie Soups with Greek yogurt and Water. Today I made the mistake of indulging in more solid food. I chewed to a purée consistency and made sure to not eat more than 4 oz. I had no issues other than the crazy guilt and worry I’m now experiencing. Did I ruin my sleeve?

On 6/13/2018 at 6:48 PM, Brassapple said:

I had my sleeve on June 1st and have only lost 10 pounds since then. I lost 8 pounds on the pre op diet for a total loss of 18 pounds. I am 48 years old. I read all the time about how the weight is just falling off other people but it’s not for me. I am always hungry. I can eat about 3/4 cup of Soup with no problem. I drink my Water and Protein. I’m starting to think that my surgeon didn’t cut enough of my stomach. I feel like I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life.

I am exactly where you are. Every time I eat 4 oz of puréed food without issue I think. “Oh no this isn’t working for me”. I had my surgery May 28 and I have lost only 12 pounds since surgery day. I’m trying to stay positive and make smart choices. It’s 12 more pounds than I lost last year!

Honestly, yes. I was 15 days post op and still doing Premier Protein or broth. I have a physical job nd was feeling sick not getting something solid. I started to add 4 oz of puréed Soups with a tbsp. Of Greek yogurt. I tolerated it well and if anything noticed that I need to slow down when I eat. I stayed full longer and had more energy. Today I’m 18 days post op and I have introduced Cottage cheese and egg.

2 hours ago, Meggs11 said:

Did anyone get acid reflux so soon after surgery? What did you take for it?

Yes and I have a prescription for Omeprazol.

On 6/11/2018 at 1:42 PM, EsoKev said:

Annie - Wisconsin here (western side of the state). From the looks of your profile you're in Minnesota? Park Nicollet and Fairview have excellent support groups if you are in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul vicinity. I checked them both out prior to deciding on a surgeon/facility. Support after is sooooooo important, and I found both of those groups to be great. I come in from Hudson, which isn't horrible.

I live closer to Rochester and mayo isn’t as forgiving with the fact that I went to Mexico. I would like to be closer to Park Nic or Fairview. Thank you for the insight though.

On 6/11/2018 at 1:30 PM, J@Alabama said:

I had surgery on April 12th. I could tolerate a Protein Shake like that as well. However, I recognized a huge difference when migrating to food. I have tolerated all food very well but I am satisfied with a small amount. I still drink a shake on the way to work every morning. (commute is 40 minutes)

Thank you, this is good to know.

1 hour ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

That's perfectly fine to drink the shake in 30 minutes. The swelling in your stomach has gone down and allows the liquid to pass right through. However, you now have absolutely no excuse not to get your Water in every day! You won't really start feeling restriction until you start eating soft foods That's also when you start being able to feel "full".

One tip for the hunger: sugar-free Jello, DON'T CHEW IT WELL! It will be slippery enough to get into your stomach all right, but it will take your stomach a while to break it down, so you feel full for a while. The little ready-to-eat cup is the perfect size!

Good luck!

p.s. In my area, bariatric support meetings are open to everyone, even if you didn't have surgery at their facility. Maybe you can find one near you?

Thank you very much. This is very helpful advice.

I had my surgery in Mexico so I don't feel like I am getting a lot of Post Op information. I don't have a local nutritionist. I am feeling a little concerned that I can drink 11 oz. of a Protein Shake in 30 minutes. During the first week it took me almost an honor. Now, I can just sip and before I know it, my shake is gone. Plus, I am defiantly feeling hunger.

Looking for reassurance that my 3 pound gain this week is normal. I don’t seem to be getting full on the broth and Protein Shakes. I drink them and not long after I’m hungry. Worried I have had too many.

On 4/28/2018 at 1:59 PM, lobreezley said:

So I had surgery 4 days ago at Limarp with Dr Liza Marie Pompa. Everyone on her staff was amazing and so kind. There were three surgeries the day I had mine but we all had plenty of attention after. They have lots of medical staff there 24/7 both nurses and doctors! I slept the last three days away, and today is my first real day up and I’m on my way home. Little bloated from the gas still but hot showers and Gas X are huge help! I don’t have a single complaint or concern about the entire thing!

I had my surgery on May 28 with Dr. Pompa and agree it was a way better experience than I imagined.