Healthy_life

2 hours ago, xoxococojay said:

I’m just venting so feel free to ignore me.

I hate when people assume that because i eat less or watch what i eat, therefore i must not be healthy. First off, why would anyone be that interested in what another person eats anyway?

But the reason why it irritates so much isn’t their curiosity or judgement. It’s literally the types of people doing all the judging. It’s never ever my naturally thin friends, oh no they all have lives and things to do, they could care less lol. It’s almost always either the miserable negative nelly morbidly obese person who is also falling part. Or it’s the formerly fat person that lost the weight by doing crazy insane extremely unhealthy measures to lose weight, like carnivoreism or extreme 10 day Water fasts. Like no offense- but that’s not healthy either way so excuse me for not wanting to take advice from you, especially if you’re not an MD or dietician. But apparently telling people this to their face is frowned upon 🤷🏽‍♀️. Like maybe it’s just me but i just want to left alone and continue to do what works for me, and avoid the negativity from others.

I agree, Judgmental people need to shut it.

27 minutes ago, MissLindseyR said:

Ugh, I've been doing so good and then my mind tries to destroy it. On Saturday night, my fiancé and I ordered Mexican. That's not a big deal, I get just chicken and veggies and eat like 1/16th of it. But I was mad that I couldn't eat more. I kept waiting every 30mins and taking more bites. It got ridiculous. I realized it was ridiculous. I know this is all a mind game and my mind is just catching up and realizing my new stomach can't do what it wants. But I fear if I do not get this under control, I may stretch my pouch out. Does anyone have any issues similar with mentally wanting to binge? How do you cope? I wasn't even that hungry, but it was almost like I was sad I couldn't watch tv and binge like in the past. I did it again last night, I kept wanting to eat more food. Thankfully my food choices are not bad, but if I'm already fighting this, I worry about the future.

Those old behavior made you feel better in the moment. May be why you feel a bit sad to let them go.

All of us have behaviors to overcome to be successful long term. The good thing is you recognized you are stress /emotional eating. The next step is finding another way to cope without food. I'm sure there are many here that can give you ideas on what they do to cope. An option is to speak with a counselor/therapist.

Ways I cope:

Keep busy. I know the feelings will pass. It helps keep my mind off food.

Listing to music and going for a walk. I process mystress/ emotions while I exercise. Confronting life's issues has worked better for me than soothing them with food.

Hope you find what works for you.

Some things you may already know

Healthy snacking or more frequent meals that keep your calories and macros in weight loss range is fine.

Be mindful if you see yourself grazing. It's a common reason why people gain after surgery.

"Grazing" is a maladaptive repetitive eating pattern. Eating more frequent/ repetitive meals that put you over your calorie and macro goals. This can be a combination of healthy and unhealthy food choices. It is easy to eat substantial calories and gain weight. It's as if you never had surgery.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5748772/

2 pounds a week = 8 in a month. Sounds great. We all lose a different speeds. It's not a race it's the fact you are losing. Your sleeve restriction will be less as you progress out from surgery. This is normal. As long as you are working your plan you will lose weight.

12 hours ago, Jingle123423 said:

Hi All-

I'm less than two weeks away from surgery, and am already thinking of how to conceal Hair loss. At my 6 month mark I will be at our annual corporate event, so my hair is going to look awful. How did you conceal your Hair loss? Scarf? Hat? Wig? I'd love to hear about your experience. TIA!

Your hair loss may not be as bad as you think. No one knows that result until it happens. I guess all the above are options. Another product for thinning hair is toppik

https://www.amazon.com/TOPPIK-Hair-Building-Fibers-Brown/dp/B000CBVAQ0?th=1

7 hours ago, dlturn said:

I've seen some great posts here, so I'm hoping I'll get a response. Sorry that this is so long.

I was sleeved end of April. My starting weight was 200lbs. I am 5'5, and 55 years old. I was sleeved in Thailand, because this is where I live now. I wasn't given a liquid diet recommendation, just no alcohol, and watch fat and carb intake. I ate normally the night before surgery. I had broth for 2 days, then they had me on scrambled eggs for two days. After that I ate chicken, regular chicken that I needed to chew a lot. Here I am about 5 months out with a weight loss of 30 pounds. I don't do much cardio, because of a bad knee (the reason for my sleeve was to lose weight for a major joint replacement in October). I lift every other day for 1.5 hours and I use 10 to 20 pound weights for arms and shoulders. I've noticed inches lost, but not nearly as much weight lost as I expected. The only advice the doctor gave me is to cut out all grains, rice, potatoes, dairy, sugar and fruit. In other words, just eat Protein and veg. I was told to take a Multi-Vitamin, Iron, and Calcium with a D supplement. And drink lots of Water. I was very strict the 1st two months (and still no major weight loss), started "slipping" at the beginning of July with oatmeal or whole grain bread once a day. Went a little nuts toward the end of the month with the occasional chocolate and chips, and in August really refocused myself. Still nothing. My average calorie intake is between 850 and 950 right now. I woke up today with sore joints (not sore muscles). Please, I know you aren't doctors (mine is inaccessible, due to location), but I'd appreciate your suggestions. Thank you so much!

Also, at times of the day I seriously feel ravenous...not just hungry, but I could seriously eat anything. I'm a lot hungrier during the day than I expected to be.

Yep, I'm not a medical professional. Five months out and 30 pounds is great. Glad you are refocusing. it's not about losing quickly. Its being consistent and the scale will move.

If you are still in thailand can you contact you surgeon's office? Do they have a dietician? Any paperwork on your instructions? You can always contact another bariatric program to get true medical advice on how to work your sleeve.

Some foods you already know will put you in weight gain.Keep them out of the house so you are not tempted. Also stalls happen. You can search this site to find ideas on how to handle stalls.

Are you weighing and logging your food in a food App like myfitnesspal? This will total your calories Protein carbs and fats. It's a great tool. You need to know how you are fueling your body.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myfitnesspal.android&hl=en_US

Food and calories. You are going to receive hundreds of different diet suggestions from forum members. Again no one is a medical professional on Bariatricpal.

Sounds like your instructions were about the same as mine.( High protein low carb from veggies, exercise, no sugar and water) As you progress out with sleeve surgery you can hold more food. A few things that may help with hunger. Make sure you are hitting your protein goal. 60 to 100 grams. You can raise this number. Add more veggies to fill the extra space. Eat frequent small meals a day. Make sure your food increase is healthy foods that fit your macro goals for the day.

Activity level will affect the number of calories you intake. Some times raising calories can jump start your weight loss again. If you notice a gain you can adjust your calories up or down to find where your body starts back into weight loss mode.

Carbs are energy. I got my carbs in with vegetables for weight loss mode.

This is not a part of my plan - Many people here have different instructions and approaches to carbs. Whole wheat sweet potato brown rice..nothing processed or white.

To each their own on instructions and plans. Find what works for you.

On 8/18/2018 at 4:15 PM, Letsgetgoing2018 said:

Hi all. I am in my forties. Wondering who else is on the boards in the same age bracket. Wondering how being sleeved has affected your life at this age. Do you wish you were sleeved sooner?

Same age bracket. It has been nothing but positive change in my life. I can't go back in time. I keep looking forward.

Congrats on your surgery date.

Just for fun, This is another way to look at your weight loss possibilities. virtual weight loss simulator.

https://modelmydiet.com/

1. What made you choose the Sleeve over the Lap Band? My surgeons office no longer does this type of surgery. Google band revisions. I had the sleeve because it was less invasive. My intestines are not altered.

2. Have you had Hair loss with the Sleeve? Yes, its typical and temporary. It will grow back.

3. What can you absolutely NOT eat now with the Sleeve? I can tolerate anything. Sweet, salty, Spicy. To be successful it's healthy eating and behaviors. I choose and enjoy eatting healthy.

4. At what point did you know you made the right decision with the Sleeve surgery? The moment I chose it was the right decision. It's been successful long term.

5. What as been the best tool you've used in keeping your weight loss progressing?. Keeping my weight loss progressing/maintaining has been staying on my Dr's food and exercise plan. Best thing that has assisted me was a food tracking app. It was eye opening to see how you fuel your body.

55 minutes ago, alighterkaan said:

Hi! I'm curious to see how many calories you all consume that are more than 2 years post op?

I currently do weight watchers to help keep me on track, all while sticking to the "rules" of VSG surgery. So far it's been extremely successful!

However, if you guys know about WW, you are tracking points and NOT macros. I recently started tracking my points and also tracking in myfitnesspal, but I'm not sure that my calories are in a good spot.

I have never used WW. Your surgery was 2016. It's great that the point system is working for you.

My calories are low. I'm trying to shed about 6 pounds. My calories are 1000 to 1200. My Protein is 100 grams + carbs are 62 . This is currently working for me. It does not guarantee that these numbers will work for anyone else.

After a year out, it takes some trial and error on calories/macros to see where your body starts losing weight again.

29 minutes ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

And the label in the coat looks a bit like "Barnum . . ."

*Dying laughing* WHo knew... These are also made for men! Oh I can see this french designer now after the ring leader comment. Balmain is off the scale for anything. $495 for a french logo polo shirt.

20 minutes ago, Matt Z said:

The point is... it's **NOT** just women's clothing, it's ALL plus sized clothing. And it's WAY easier to find plus sized women's clothing than it is to find plus sized men's clothing. You all have WAY more options than men in this category.

But... none of this matters to most of us anymore!

Wow!

So here are a few places that have mens sections with larger clothing. Ordering clothing on the internet is also an option.

Walmart has an Mens large dept (go figure)

https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=mens+big+size&adid=22222222220216541480&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=b&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=66242571275&wl4=kwd-682876645&wl5=1016202&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&veh=sem

H&M mens plus size section

http://www2.hm.com/en_us/sale/men/big-tall.html

kohls mens plus size dept

https://www.kohls.com/catalog/mens-big-tall-clothing.jsp?CN=Gender:Mens+SizeRange:Big %26 Tall+Department:Clothing&kwid=p2112849007&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Big and tall mens clothing&utm_campaign=Men's+Clothing&UTM_Adgroupid=58500000002003652&pfx=pfx_google_roi&cid=genericsearch&gclid=CjwKCAjw8O7bBRB0EiwAfbrTh3Thb9TqyJbse4QR-cbCxef6vZyysEDjdfXJhdemZEayNcXX4-YO0BoCLDUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKm-1Iax_twCFXsCrQYdoPAMZA

K-mart

https://www.kmart.com/clothing-men-s-clothing-big-tall-clothing/b-5001153

DXL

http://www.destinationxl.com/mens-big-and-tall-store/?cm_mmc=PaidSearch*Google*DXL*Brand_DXL&Dmonetate=true&adpos=1t1&creative=278490656282&device=c&matchtype=e&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjw8O7bBRB0EiwAfbrThzY02IUrCckaKVmUbohNFaNcA2T8UQOrIjviKbRloeyxAjDrvupu2BoCN_IQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CI3uxrWx_twCFZQQfQod7n0B7Q

Clothing marketers direct most fashion toward women not men. Does not matter about clothing size. Look at magazines and social media. We are usually the fashion spending force that keep money in their pockets. We keep up on trends have shoe and purse collections.

Holy hell a $2650 blazer? are you kidding me. All depends on the designer. https://www.balmain.com/us/women/essentials 

8 hours ago, balrog429 said:

Hi everyone! I’ve posted this in the guys’ section but I’m hoping to get a little more feedback here. Thanks.

Ok everyone, I have a question. I’ve been approved for VSG on September 7th I’ve been reading the forums and have seen a lot of posts about weight regain following VSG over the long term. My doctor (Dr. Keshishian) initially wanted to do the DS but I told him I felt more comfortable with the sleeve. He told me that the DS has a more rapid initial weight loss, but over the long term both surgeries are similar in weight loss according to current data. So I guess my question is, is VSG a surgery that has a higher incidence of weight regain? I realize that everyone is different, and there’s no way to definitively know the eventual success or failure outcome, I’m just trying get real life answer from those who have experience.

Thanks in Advance

Your surgeon knows your medical history. They have read through your psych eval and blood work. The chioce is ultimately up to you. Since you asked about the sleeve I will give you my two cents.

Each of us are more than the statistics. I lost 120 pounds in 6 months with the sleeve. My goal was 140. I am five years out and maintaining in the 130s. Nothing magic about the bariatric process. Follow your plan and behavior changes.

Weight gain can happen to any type of surgery: Small or large amounts of weight.

After a year you may see a ten to twenty pound bounce. It can be lost again. Maintaining is if you have a gain you go back to your bariatric plan and get the weight off.

If you can't change your relationship with food and exercise you will not have long term success with any type of surgery. People with bariatrics have revisions due to different issues. (medical, not following their plan, mobility and eating disorders etc)

Sleeve realities: Things to know.

(1) less chance dumping syndrome if you eat sugar. (some will experience it) If sugar is an issue for you, you might want a different type of surgery.

Lots of debate about stomach stretching. (yes it happens but it's rare) I am going to pass on reading any following angry posts about stomach stretching.

(2a) Your restriction will be less as time passes. This is normal with the sleeve. Your stomach has not grown back or stretched. It's a new feeling of stomach capacity. It's rare to see revision due to stretching. Think of how much food you would have to binge and force down in one sitting to cause stretching to the point of revision.

2b) Many people confuse grazing with stomach stretching. Grazing is eating several meals throughout the day healthy or unhealthy foods. Your calories will seriously increase. It is as if you didn't have surgery at all. (google it) I also see some surgeons take advantage of gain due to grazing. It's a money maker to do another surgery.

This is life long change with any type of surgery. It is still work after you get to gaol.

On 8/18/2018 at 5:21 AM, DeanaNJ said:

I can’t believe the judging going on here! I lived on instant mashed potatoes my first 2 weeks post op! And after 4 1/2 months I will still have some if my stomach is feeling iffy! The quantity is nowhere close enough to do any harm! Do what works for you! Congratulations and continued success!

Many think their plan is the only plan. Many see things very black and white.. Some encourage bad choices. Others are vets that eat totally differently.

We are adults. It's a choice to follow or not follow your Surgeon's instructions. The only one that has to be happy with your surgery outcome is you.

13 hours ago, Kimbero said:

I found that mashed potatoes are my go-to food. I have taken a bite or two of a few different items but it seems like after a long day a nice little bowl mashed potatoes is just perfect. Another thing that I am discovering I really like is hot tea I was a huge sweet tea drinker before my surgery, but now I really enjoy a cup of hot tea one every few days it just seems to make my stomach feel great. Anybody else have any go-to foods or drinks that they want to share?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

My sleeve can tolerate anything. I have choose my foods wisely to make them fit my macro goals. (calories, Protein, carbs,fats)

foods i'm enjoying at the moment:

Ground turkey 99% lean - taco or fajita seasoning and salad

Canned chicken - 50/50 salad mix - blue cheese - strawberries - skinny girl raspberry vinaigrette The salty sweet combination is wonderful

Crab meat, chopped seeded cucumber, celery, carrot and a bit of olive oil mayo. topped with slices of avocado.

drinks:

Love chai tea in/winter fall. Iced tea in the summer

pre workout drink before the gym

crystal light mojito lime

12 hours ago, Kimbero said:

Oh I own it, no where does it say a go to EVERYDAY.... I never thought about putting my Protein Powder in them. But yes I still have yogurt with Protein powder also. I hope yogurt is OK with the food police.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

Take what is useful..ignor the rest.

Most people come from a place of caring when they look at food choices..call it food police if you like.

After goal, all the sex and sizzle of rapid weight loss and comments are gone. Things get normal. My interests change and evolve over the years.

Things that I used to do.

• large amounts of alcohol and food at parties/holidays
• laying around the house
• Watching the food network and my 600 pound life
• going to bariatric group
• negative people in my life - Poof they are gone
• people pleasing

1 hour ago, J San said:

So for those of you that are starting this stage and those of you who have gone through it, What are/were you eating at the beginning of this stage? I am a week in and have not been able to make my Protein goal 85g or my Water goal 80oz. I saw my NUT on Tuesday and she suggested sipping a Protein Shake between meals. I tried this the last two days and it's worse. I'm having Breakfast then making a shake to sip on. Had to skip lunch and had about 1/2oz of chicken for dinner both days. Have not had anything else other than Water and Vitamins. I'm just to full. Before I saw her (my NUT) I was having a shake for breakfast, 2oz of either chicken or lean steak for lunch and a shake for dinner. Was closer to hitting my Protein goal, about 70 to 75g. Closer with water intake as well.

I know in time it will get easier but I was just wondering who was able to meet goals or come close and what they were doing not to get so full?

Thanks for the feed back in advance.

Most of us struggle to meet macro goals in the beginning. My goal was 60 to 80g protein. It was a chore to get food in. Enjoy the great sleeve restriction in your first few months. It's your best weight loss. Your restriction will feel completely different as you progress.

Not everyone's taste but...Isopure zero carb drink. 160 calories 40 grams protein and hydration in one. I added water to it to help the taste.

https://www.bodybuilding.com/store/nb/drink.html?skuId=NB2100028

1 hour ago, Screwballski said:

I am one pound away from my revised final goal.

I thought I wanted to get to 140 but here at 151 I'm getting boney. I'm a farm girl, big boned and curvy so what sounds like a lot of weight never looks like much on me. I'm happy here. I feel good. And, my suspicions were confirmed when I went to see a plastic surgeon about a chin lift I'm having and he told me I really shouldn't lose any more weight. In fact, he said I had a beautiful, youthful look and if I lost more I'd begin to look haggard and older than my almost 54 years.

Problem is, at only three months out, I'm having trouble getting to 700-800 calories a day. I just can't handle a second shake and a second Protein Bar as well as my food (and I'm sure as heck not going to eat crap to load calories). Plus, I am barely allowed to MOVE for the next 6-8 weeks after my neck/facelift!

Any suggestions for maintenance this early on?

Your food capacity is still limited at three months out. What does your dietician/ surgical team suggest to slow or stop weight?

Vent away.

We are adults. We make our own choices. The behavior change and mental battles are hard. None of this is easy.

Sorry the scale is making you crazy.

people choose how to approach their relationship with the scale. Some weigh everyday while others wait longer intervals.

Your body is still healing. Surgery 8/5/18. Your body needs a bit of time. The scale will be moving soon

None of us our medical professionals on this site. I would talk with your surgeon's office to get facts. Your surgeon also has your medical history and will do pre op tests. They will steer you in the right direction of type of surgery.

Pain tolerance and how you feel is different for each of us. Your team will take good care of you to manage it. You will have pain meds at the hospital and when you are sent home. The nursing staff had me walking the hallways the day after surgery. At home I was instructed to continue walk and had lifting restrictions. Walking helps the healing process.

You will be given your specific instructions when you are sent home.

BTW - I bounced back quickly. I expected pain and it goes away with time. You can listen to all our stories/examples but your experience is going to be unique to you.

11 hours ago, Jpsl1028 said:

My nutrishionist told me they recommend counting carbs and fats after a year post op. I am 2 months post. Has anyone else been told this as well? If not what do you do carb wise daily? I am so worried to eat wrong and mess up my progress. I panic evertime I see a seasoning, Tomato sauce or anything with carbs. Also, when did you begin exercising? Thank you all!

You paid for your nutritionist and surgeon. I would call them for clarification on your plan. Find out when you are released for exercise. All surgeons seem to have different instructions . You will get a ton of conflicting plans from members on bariatricpal. follow your own plan

My instructions (only for an example of the many plans you will get on here)

Use a food app on my phone to make it easy to log food. It automatically totals calories and macros for the day. I was given a calorie range, Protein and carb goals to follow. These numbers changed as I progressed out from surgery.

I was told to worry more about carbs down the road but keep them low. Early on it was all I can do to hit my protein goal. My carbs goals were low in weight loss phase. At a year or close to goal, I was told to add more healthy carbs (whole wheat, sweet potato, brown rice nothing white or processed) this was to slow or stop weight loss to maintain my weight.

11 hours ago, Sosewsue61 said:

So @skinnylife, did I ask for your opinion on my opinion! LOL Does the OP need protection from opinions?

All opinions are welcome..Take it or leave it...

51 minutes ago, Sosewsue61 said:

Some issues I see now that I didn't when I was in WW - you don't need and should not rely on making yourself accountable to an entity. I erroneously thought that that accountability factor would make me successful at keeping weight off in WW. I also thought I needed them to tell me what to eat, it made THEM in charge and not me. Also I thought I needed their praise and rewards. Do you see where this is going? WW needs YOU.

I picked surgery to assist me.

What you need is YOU. And you can do this.

I get your point. I'm glad you had experience with WW. I think the original poster is looking for pre op weight loss ideas.

3 hours ago, AllyJonesVSG said:

So I just hit the halfway mark to goal - 51 lbs. down and 3 months out - and mostly I'm thrilled. But yesterday I spent the entire day feeling like a loser because "why did I let myself get that big to begin with????" "How could I have done this to myself???"

I'm trying really hard to focus on how wonderful this journey is, but my messed-up mind keeps wanting to obsess on the mistakes I made in the past that got me to 272 lbs.

I'd really love some advice/tips from those of you who've battled this mind-trap and won.

Tks.

We are all a work in progress. Never stop growing.

Self talk is something to work on. The negative messages that we tell ourselves and have herd from others is damaging. Build yourself up don't beat yourself down. It's ok to let go of the former obese person. There is no shame in having a disease that you are treating. You are overcoming many things in this process. Forgive yourself. Love who you are never apologise for living your fantastic life.