Healthy_life

38 minutes ago, I AM NOT MY SIZE said:

Thank you everyone. To answer the questions about my diet. I try to make healthy food choices, I might slip every now and then. I know my main problem is the amount of wine I drink every night. Since my mom and two sisters passed, wine has been my coping mechanism. I drink plenty of Water. Wine and Water are the only things I drink. I have two glasses of wine per night. I have vowed to stop. Didn't have any last night and the bottles I had I gave them to my sister and cousin yesterday. My sleeve have never stopped me from eating a full meal, never! I would stop myself, because I know I should. My doctor has never checked my blood, never checked for leaks or suggested I have any type of test to see if there's a problem. I pray my insurance will pay for a revision and allow me to see another doctor. I admit I didn't do all I could have done, but my sleeve seem nonexistent. I'm about to make some calls now.

Your priority is your health and mental well being. Absolutely change physicians. You are grieving and know wine and food are an issue when dealing with stress/emotions. Treating the mental health side of surgery is just as important as the surgery itself.

Glad you are making your calls. Wishing you the best.

29 minutes ago, AshMarie794 said:

It was suggested that I start a thread on this topic seeing as I do have first hand experience.

This is the founder of The Pound of Cure, Dr. Matthew Weiner. The link is to his Youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/user/DrMatthewWeiner

My story started about 4 years ago I would say when I chose to seek out BS (Bariatric Surgery). I first reached out to a different clinic in my state. But I ended up never scheduling my surgery through them. THANK GOD! Ok now fast forward to January 2018. I got on Youtube and started watching videos and doing more research. That is where I found my saving grace! LITERALLY! I reached out to his office and scheduled my consultation. From my very first phone call into the office its been nothing but a positive learning motivating life changing experience. Every person I came into contact with made an impact. They are so helpful.

My first time meeting Dr. Weiner I really didn't know what to expect with only seeing him on Youtube. But I will tell you that he is the same exact person you see in the videos. It is very easy to talk to him and open up to him about questions or concerns. I had to do 6 months of a pre op diet required by my insurance, so we started right off with ways to start changing my diet and how I really look at food. He is very encouraging and prints out step by step suggestions for your entire process. His idea behind Pound of cure really helped me loose 20 lbs before my surgery. If I was struggling with areas of my diet he had many different suggestions on things I can try. You can tell he really speaks from experience. He would ask me what my trouble areas were and gave me different options to try which I wouldn't have tried before. When eating a pound of veggies a day was first put in play it was quite daunting. I enjoy veggies and I thought I ate enough of them but quickly realized that I just needed to tweak a couple things. I feel like my taste buds have changed a few different times along my journey. Even this past week I have noticed changes.

For my surgery with Dr. Weiner. That took place at Oakland Regional Hospital in Southfield MI. Dr. Weiner is part owner of the hospital. EVERYONE there was great. I went home the next day and did great until about 4 days out. My taste buds changed and couldn't take in ANY Protein. So he told me about his smoothies and I was able to do that for a while until I could take in more food. I also had problems with my Vitamins. The taste was absolutely horrible. So he switched me to the capsules. He listened to my struggles and made one suggestion that helped drastically. He really knows and understands what bariatric patients are going through. This program has changed my mindset on food. I now eat for necessity and fuel for the day. I know everyone has different results from the surgery and their program but I do not feel hunger. I most definitely feel when I am full.

I've seen posts that his program leads more towards a vegan lifestyle but not completely. I will say that is true. I had a horrible time with cheese for instance. The crack of all foods right. Well now I no longer eat cheese and if I do I use vegan cheese. He even suggested recipes to make our own. I would never have started eating Beans if it wasn't for him. And my new tummy LOVES Beans. Those around me don't but hey I have to eat what I can eat. I can most certainly get by with out eating animal Protein and I think anyone after surgery could. I know for me I have chosen to not eat animal protein if I don't have to. I've had chicken for dinner for example and that next morning I felt completely different. I just knew right away what it was. You have to eat what makes you feel good. With his program I get by drinking ZERO artificial protein. No shakes, no powder. I cant stomach the taste. Even the unflavored is a lie. It is flavored. Greens and beans give me life

I know every program is different and there are those people that strictly abide by their surgeons word and that is fine. That is clearly also what I do. I am not suggesting you do anything different unless your body is telling you that you need to change something. If something isn't working for you WHY NOT seek out alternative options. Only you know your body. Only you know how you feel and what things feel like in your new tummy. Go with your gut. No pun intended I am only speaking my experience and what I went through. If you are in the Michigan area and are looking or someone you know is looking into BS I would say for sure reach out to his office. If you've had complications from a previous BS again I would for sure reach out to his office. He also fixes previous botched surgeries or those with complications.

Many plans are represented and appreciated. We are adults. Do your research of all plans and Value your medical professionals advice. Make your own educated decisions. Be your own amazing!

I'm good with my family physician. Can you shop for another that you feel more comfortable with?

2 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

What I think is awful....is how people here are continually encouraged to do what doesn't work.

How many hundreds of posts have we read that go like this:

"I lost all this weight by self denial and will power and eating a very restricted diet....and I'm so sad and disgusted with myself that I put half of it back on. HELP!"

And what do these people routinely get told here?

Go back on your diet that was unsustainable...and didn't work. Try harder. Deny more.

It's crazy. And it's unhealthy to yo-yo.

There is no harm in illustrating a DIFFERENT path supported by science. No one is forcing anyone to do anything.

There are and always will be a variety of options and opinions.

I have no problem illustrating a different path. All opinions are valued. Diets and plans are not a one size fits all. No need preach negativity and judgment just because you don't like the other plans represented. You want people to be respectful of your carb plan. You might want to also be respectful of other people's plans in return.

Who cares if we don't take the same route or make the same choices? We are adults (or at least I like to think) Make your own educated decisions. Be your own amazing!

2 hours ago, I AM NOT MY SIZE said:

How often do you see your surgeon since having your surgery? Is it suppose to be an ongoing thing or just as needed if you are a year out or more?

I'm four years out.

My office provides check ups every three months for the first year, Yearly checkups for five years, Honestly, After my first year, I get my checkups and blood work done by my family physician.

2 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

Yep, I eat them all. Love them. They're a daily part of my diet. Sometimes multiple times a day.

OMG, they're carbs!

Yep, they are. But they're not refined, over-processed, or bad.

And you know what else they are?

Excellent sources of plant based Protein and Fiber.

A baked potato has 160 calories. By itself, it has 4g of Protein. Throw some vegetarian chili on there and you're in the high teens. Awesome lunch!

Brown rice...half a cup has around 100 calories and 3g of protein. Add some bean or peas and you've got complete amino acids...tons of protein... and a crazy awesome amount of fiber.

Why is dietary fiber important? To grow good gut bugs. Your microbiota and the health of your gut (and metabolism) depend on happy little bacteria. The strains of gut bugs that live in the guts of skinny people....have a favorite food: dietary fiber. Feed your good bugs good things and they'll be good to you.

They like to eat fruit, veggies, Beans, whole wheat bread...

Whole wheat bread? I eat this A LOT:)

For instance.....A lite Thomas English wheat muffin has 5g of protein for 100 calories. This dietary powerhouse has 8g of dietary fiber! Smear that sucker with your favorite nut butter or fruit preserves, and you're in business.

One of my favorite go-to dinners these days...... is fresh homemade wheat bread with 16 veggie soup...and fruit for dessert.

I eat about four servings of fruit a day...and that's not even counting the watermelon I huddle over in the car while hissing "My Precious...." LOL:)

A banana is not "a candy bar" A banana is a wonderful healthy food. I eat lots of them. Hell, I have a Yonanas that makes them into ice cream. They're terrific.

Normal weight does not HAVE to mean giving up carbs. It means being carb smart, balancing, and making mindful choices.

More than one way to do this whole thing.

Weight loss success does not mean ONLY eating meat for the rest of your life with broccoli on the side. That's great once in a while, though!

Not trying to tell anyone they're doing it wrong.....just sayin'....there's more than one way to do it right:)

Extreme thinking,
extreme dieting, extreme self denial....is not sustainable.Work on a forever diet you can live with.

Be mindful, be accountable....but be kind to yourself.

It's fantastic that you are enthusiastic about your new way of eating. Glad carbs work for you. You also need to understand that your plan may not work for other people's body physiology. I'm sure you don't appreciate when people to judge your plan. There is no need for you to judge other people's plan. Just sayin'.

Not sure what extreme dieting, Extreme thinking and extreme self denial.?? Not sure what that is in reference to. What you view as extreme may not be extreme to others. We all have are own path.

All opinions are welcome. My plan is also different. I just feel no need to preach it.

8 hours ago, kandywolf said:

1 year ago today, I made a decision to change my life. And what a life changer or has been! I was diabetic on 2 different Mixed diabetic meds, so basically 4. Have gotten my A1C to 5.0 from 7.2. And no longer need any diabetes medication. Down to 1 high blood pressure pill instead of 2. 1 cholesterol pill instead of 2. And my triglycerides were over 600 are now 95. I did not do this for vanity, I did it for me, my health and my family. I want to live to watch my nieces and nephews grow up. I was in a bad place for a long time, and food was my outlet, my comforter. My shattered world is still wounded (and always will be) but not broken!
The pics are on top, the left, me at my highest, me before my surgery, me at the beginning of the year and the pic below them was taken a few weeks ago. It’s a daily struggle, but it was worth it! Thank you for all of your love and support and ty to my cheerleaders, who have been with me every step of the way.

Amazing story! thanks for your post. Keep inspiring others.

22 minutes ago, Granmasleeve said:

Its been 1 week since yesterday and I just started having BM's. Why does it smell so bad when I only drink the same thing day after day? And when will it go away? It's a good thing I live alone...this is embarrassing!

In a pinch pack poo-pourri click for details --> poopourri.com

6 minutes ago, MarinaGirl said:

I love eating fruit and nuts and Beans - yum, yum! I also like making smoothies or overnight oats for Breakfast as I’m often in a hurry in the morning. These things in small portions sizes do not cause me to gain weight, but this may not be the case for everyone. I think what’s important is to figure out what food properly nourishes YOU and doesn’t make you feel like you’re on a diet forever, which will be different for everyone. If there are foods that trigger you to overeat then cut those out, and if you struggle with food addiction or making poor food choices then you should strongly consider therapy and other approaches to get your head right. Bariatric surgery is great for resetting your metabolism and providing an opportunity to maintain long term weight loss, but it won’t prevent you from eating around your new tool.

Well said.

2 hours ago, Medowsweet said:

Lots of people! Lots of people's forever diet is "keto" or "Atkins-like" meaning protine and some green, low carb veg, but avoid carbs such as:

fruit, Beans, whole grains, corn, peas, lentils, peanuts, berries, squash, yams, potatoes, etc

They WILL however eat fake food, such as low fat margarine, artificially flavored sugar free treats, Atkins brand low carb pancake with Atkins brand artificially flavored aspertame Syrup etc

I am wondering if people are having success when they avoid grains, sugar, and processed food, but eat a veriety of whole natural foods, including berries, squash, fruit, nuts, and beans

(But not chips, Cookies, bread, soda, Pasta, crackers, candy, fake, or highly processed food etc)

(Kinda paleo-like, but with beans and maybe milk if you tolerate it)

I was just wondering who's bariatric (real food stage) instructions were to avoid fruits and beans?

I get the people that choose atkins and Keto avoid Fruit, beans, whole grains, corn, peas, lentils, peanuts, berries, squash, yams, potatoes, etc

[I am wondering if people are having success when they avoid grains, sugar, and processed food, but eat a variety of whole natural foods, including berries, squash, fruit, nuts, and beans?]

Four years out - My diet is mostly clean whole foods - Proteins, veggies, fruits, nuts, sweet potato, lentils/beans, squash, nuts, dairy. I am not 100% clean. I balance all my foods to fit my calories and macros for the day.

1 hour ago, CrankyMagpie said:

I've definitely seen people say they don't eat fruit. Even in this thread, people seemed surprised that anyone might eat 3 whole servings of fruit in a day, like that is wild and mind-blowing. I probably will, some days, when I'm not so restricted?

My throwing in Beans might just be leftover annoyance at Paleo. I don't know if there are that many people who go out of their way to avoid beans, post-WLS. I hope not! They're amazing, nutritionally!

I guess my surgeons office must be progressive. We are allowed fruit. They are high in carbs and have to fit my macros for the day.

36 minutes ago, Paul Clarke said:

At the end of the day all the surgery does for you is give you the superpower of eating less, the rest is up to you.

Wow, well said.

1 hour ago, FaithandHope said:

I know everyone is different. But I would like to compare. I had RNY on Sept 24. I lost 9lbs the first week, 3.4lbs the 2nd week and 3.2lbs the 3rd week.

Someone I work with had RNY 6 days before me he lost 35lbs the first week. I haven't asked him what he has lost since. I don't want to get down on myself because of it. I know he was somewhere in the 350-400lb range. So of course he will lose more but what is the norm for everyone?

Is 3lbs a week average? So please everyone send me your stats.

You are doing fine,

I suggest stop comparing if it's making you feel down. You should be doing a happy dance. approximately 15+ pounds so far...When was the last time weight came off at this rate for you? It's fantastic.

Many charts and statistics everywhere, I'm sure someone will be post some for you on this thread. You are more than the charts and statistics. There is no norm. It's not how fast you lose weight it's the fact you are losing weight.

Congrats on your surgery

1 hour ago, CrankyMagpie said:

It makes me sad to think there are people avoiding fruit and Beans for the rest of their lives. I won't do that. (Heck, I'm two weeks post-op, and fat-free refried Beans are the next puree/soft food on my list to try!) Both are a major part of the diets of some of the healthiest groups of people in the world.

We know processed foods with simple carbohydrates are what make us (society as a whole) fat and unhealthy. Fruits come with Fiber and Vitamins packaged in, so they're pretty great. They're a lower priority than protein-containing foods (like beans), while we're severely restricted in what we can eat, but after that, they're great!

I'm still treating 60 grams of Protein as a minimum, and I'm still going to get some animal Protein most days, but his "veggie first" approach seems like a good way to live, long-term.

I must be missing something,

The protein first mantra - Correct me if I'm wrong, This is because you can barely eat enough calories to to get your protein goal right after surgery. Don't all of us progress to real foods with veggies and fruit? Who are the people that are restricted from beans and fruit?

23 minutes ago, bamby021 said:

Love it!! Thank you! So helpful.

My overrating is continuing to eat when I'm already full and eating/snacking when I'm not truly hungry.. And it's mainly junk. I feel like I'm doing exactly what got me to be over weight to begin with.

Sent from my LGMP450 using BariatricPal mobile app

I say this repeatedly. Sometimes its not motivation it's having perspective. A person in hospice with three months to live would gladly trade places for our weight loss struggles. Getting back on plan can be done. Once you start eating carbs, sugar and extra calories you crave them more. Will it be fun to detox off the junk and extra calories, No.

Behavior change is the sum of small efforts day in and day out. What you do in 24 hours will make a difference. Go back to basics. Log food, Hit your calories and macros, Hydrate, get in more activity. Nine months out I was at 1000 to 1100 calories. Check your plan.

This is not the easy way out. This is the work all of us put in.

38 minutes ago, bamby021 said:

I'm almost 9 months out. I haven't been the best lately with food. I'm afraid my overrating might have caused some stretching. But I'm curious, do you think 2 eggs and a piece of toast is a lot for one meal? Are you able to eat that in one sitting 9 months out?

Sent from my LGMP450 using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats on nine months out!

Not sure what over eating is to you. You would seriously have to pack in food over and over to stretch your sleeve. If you are binge eating, you might want to look into a seeing counselor.

If you think you have stretched it. call your Surgeon office. They will be able to diagnose it. (I have compassion for people that have stretched their surgery. Just know It's rare)

Its common to consume more food as you progress out from sleeve surgery. Your stomach is not back to the original size but it is noticeable that you can hold more food. It has not stretched. This is where having the sleeve gets tricky. With the extra room in your sleeve it's easy to get in extra calories and gain weight.

Strategies for the extra room in your stomach

• Keep calories and macros in range. (log if you don't know how much you are eating)
• Add lots of veggies with your Protein to fill the extra space to keep hunger down and calories low
• keep healthy salty sweet options for food cravings
• Watch carbs and sugar. Calories and cravings can catch up to you.
• Dense protein will fill you up better than soft stage foods.
• Catch yourself when you graze. Like said above . Grazing can be a combination of healthy and unhealthy foods in many small meals that total over your calories. It's as if you never had surgery.

13 hours ago, Granmasleeve said:

I hate when I try to confide in someone and they say "You don't need surgery" … 🤬 I say " Oh yeah...tell that to my bad knees and achy back..You try carrying a 70lb child around everyday" this was how I felt.. Do they really think I haven't tried other ways. Maybe they think WLS is the easy way out. This is why I only told a few selected people. I have enough battles to fight.

You don't "need" anyone's approval of your decision. No need to defend it to people that don't get it. Understand that the rapid weight loss is hard to hide. People will talk and speculate you had WLS. Ignore the haters and press on with your life. Once your weight loss settles it will no longer be a topic in conversations. Life becomes normal.

4 hours ago, Lola4rmKona said:

Hey guys, haven't been here for a while and thought I'd check in. Still losing slowly but surely. Ladies, stay away from wine and other new addictions that might take over where food once reigned! Lol. Keep to your goals and do you. Every journey is different so never compare yourself to others. At 18 months postoperative I thought I would have figured it all out by now. That is not the case. I still am mindful of my Protein and calories intake as well as liquids. Still on my Quest for Vitamins that I can settle on (have tried gummies, pills, patches). Still eat with my eyes and have to remind myself food is simply fuel and not a party. Still have to remind myself I have lost the weight and to stop ordering 3 sizes too big because it might not fit. The list goes on but wherever you are in your journey, you are doing great and you will reach your goal. Might not be tomorrow but keep working at it and you will get there. Most importantly, if you have an off day, dont beat yourself up about it and continue forward. For those of you dealing with naysayers of all sorts, I say do you. Your future self will thank you for it. Who I am now am very thankful for the me 18 months ago. My pictures below say it all. I got to a point where I was so miserable, I rarely took pictures and continued eating myself to death because it was my escape. I posted preop pic, one year anniversary, and most recent. Good luck everyone.Take care and Aloha!
Flo
Surgery Day: 4/11/17
HW: 312
PreOp after 2 week liquid diet: 302
PostOp at 18 mths: 219  
Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Fantastic loss! Your smile says it all!

7 hours ago, smm86 said:

I’m ab three weeks out and I’m having a hard time. I’m tired all the time, it’s hard to eat anything! I feel like most things sit in my tummy for hours ! I randomly woke up Sunday and couldn’t keep a thing down not even Water. Speaking of water... I’m SO THIRSTY!!! The small sips aren’t doing anything and after a few sips I’m feeling a “sick feeling”. Before surgery I drank a lot of sparkling Water which I know I can’t have. All I wanna do is use a straw and guzzle down some ice cold water but I can’t and I’m so frustrated! Regretting this at this point.. even though I’m 37!lbs. is it worth it if I’m feeling like the walking dead? Sorry for the rant I’ve just had it

Rant away,

Feeling regret or buys remorse can be a normal emotion. Take things slow and give yourself time to heal. Know that things will not be like this forever. Congratulations on 37 down.

Fantastic weight loss. Happy second year anniversary!

This is an old thread but it may help. Embrace the stall.

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/351046-embrace-the-stall/

4 hours ago, Lovin2lose said:

Just curious for those of you who have already had the surgery, did any of you join weight watchers to keep you on track? Or for accountability? Or anything of that sort? I'm 2 years/4 months out and originally lost 100 lbs in the first 7 months, then stalled for over a year, then gained back 30 of those pounds. I know that I let bad habits creep back in and it's totally my fault. But I'd like to get back on track and feel that maybe WW will keep me on my toes. I'm just curious how the plan actually works for someone who already has had the surgery? I just feel like I need that weekly meeting and some accountability.

Anyone?

Many of us have regain after year(s) out from surgery. Nothing wrong with experimenting with options that help you find your weight loss mojo again.(examples Weight watchers, Going back to basics, Keto, pouch rest Ect) Whatever helps to get to a comfortable weight range.

4 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Out of curiosity, what exactly lead to the regain? Can you be as specific as possible? TIA

I indulged and maintained fine for the first few years. My weight gain was in my third year. I became accustomed to higher calories and carbs while distance running. Life also carries on after you get in maintenance mode all my tried and true ways to get my weight down stopped working (yes, I tracked food and worked out two hours five days a week) Fourth year magically basics started working again. I'm back to my maintenance weight.

Even when you explain, Some people will still have negative opinions of people that are obese. These are the same type of people that will find other things to say or place judgment to tear people down.

Keep the positive people that have your back around you.

This thread is for anyone who has had complications after any type of bariatric surgery. I think most hope and experience a good outcome from surgery but, we also know the risks going into this. Any first hand experiences would be appreciated.

1. What type of surgery did you have?
2. What is your medical complication(s) that you are diagnosed with?
3. What are your treatment options and what did you choose.
4. Any medical referrals or resources in your area that you would recommend?
5. your experience/story if you feel comfortable sharing

18 minutes ago, MG1776 said:

I was sleeved 10/16/17 with a highest weight of 347, surgery weight of 283. This morning I weighed 174.2! What a year it has been. Ups and downs, struggles and successes, and figuring out the new me. I was a 3xl shirt and 44" waist, and am now wearing a Large slim fit shirt and 32" pants. Life is much more enjoyable with my new found energy, ability to move around, and to squeeze through places I never thought of before. The year has flown by pretty quickly, and I am so happy to have made the decision to go forward with surgery.

Congratulations on your first year anniversary. Do you have any plans to Celebrate it?