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SteveT74

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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    SteveT74 got a reaction from jms734 in Not loose Weight pre op   
    OP, I don't know your stats, but unless you have a thyroid condition or other serious metabolic issue (like taking high doses of insulin for type 2 diabetes), you should be able to drop 10 pounds in a month. It sounds like the problem here is that the amount you are being asked to lose is small enough that you might have blown off the diet until the last minute (sort of like cramming for an exam back in high school). I know you can lose the weight in time. Hell, I can lose 20 pounds in a month in I have to (although I also know I would gain 25 back afterwards). In the end, the surgery is just a tool and you're going to have to make some major lifestyle changes anyway if you are going to keep all weight off even after surgery. Now is a good time to start as any,
    Think positively and start practicing for you post-op diet now. Try cutting your portions down. Use bread plates instead of big plates for your meals. After you're done with your meal (normal size portions on a small plate, which is at least half veggies)---wait 20 minutes before you you give yourself seconds. I am not telling you not to eat more, but think about whether you are really hungry and whether you really need to have that extra portion. Is that extra portion really going to be worth it when it comes time for your weigh in. It's all about mindful eating. If you need to snack, make sure you have healthy Snacks available--fruit and veggies without fattening dressings. Cut your food into small pieces (don't wolf it down). Put your fork down after every bite and chew each bite 15 times. It's annoying at first, but you get used to it (and you're going to need to do it anyway post-op). Also, the key to losing weight is drinking lots of Water over the course of a day (at least 64oz) [that's always a hard one for me, but if you just sip on a water bottle a every few minutes you can do it).
    I am not on my high horse or anything---I admit to being a food addict, binge eater and sneak eater. So, no judgments from me, but if you want this surgery that badly, you will commit 100% to losing 10 pounds in 4 weeks and you will make it happen!!





  4. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  6. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from chloeharper in lapband to sleeve   
    I don't think you should be anymore worried about the sleeve than you were with the band. Even though the sleeve seems more radical, from a surgery and risk standpoint, the sleeve is probably safer. You're not installing a foreign body that could slip, dislodge or cause significant injury. For me, the recovery from surgery has been a relative breeze (not the case for everyone), but I honestly had very little pain after surgery and no nausea. I was drinking normally (without restricting) after 3 days and I haven't had an issue with eating at all. Obviously, there is an adjustment to the new restriction, but that's probably something you're already familiar with after the sleeve. After any surgery, there's always going to be something.
    My aunt has a band and, frankly, I think my recovery from the sleeve was easier than hers. I was expecting to be in a lot of pain, with terrible gas issues etc. I know everyone's experience is different, but I recall having a little pain and nausea when I first came out of anesthesia (which you can barely remember anyway). I know I told them I had pain and nausea when the attending nurse was talking to me--but I also recall thinking, give me the good stuff now because I don't want to feel pain and nausea (if it does happen). They gave me a little something and I went back to sleep. I woke up a few hours later and all I could think about was how badly I needed to pee--which isn't easy after being under general anesthesia. Aside from needing to pee, I had no nausea and no pain. I had some gas and bloating (to be expected), but it wasn't terrible at all!!! I was on the floor with a women who got a lap band the same day I was sleeved. She had the same gas etc that I had. I don't think that part of the experience really differs much between the procedures. I had gas-ex chewables that I brought to hospital with me and that really helped. I slept sitting up the first couple of nights (get a good travel/neck pillow), which was more comfortable for me. Keep walking--it helps.
    Longer term, I really snapped back quickly. I could drink normally after a couple of days. My program had me start on the puree/soft food stage right after I was released from the hospital (which is different from most). After a couple of days, I could eat relatively normally as well. Obviously, I can't eat large quantities any more, but I can definitely eat a 4-6oz piece of tilapia (stuffed with lump crab meat and a little ricotta) and I feel very satisfied. In the beginning you can feel everything you swallow all the way down into your stomach. I haven't felt that in a week or two. I was frankly worried that my doctor didn't make my sleeve small enough or that the surgery isn't working right--since I was able to drink so easily and eat without feeling pain or discomfort--but I think I am just lucky. I have had issues with Constipation and GERD, but these are all manageable.
    Most importantly, the weight is coming off!!! I have lost 18 pounds since surgery (and 30 since I started my pre-op diet). I have dropped 6.5 inches off my waistline since the day of surgery. As of this week, I have been taken off all my diabetes medications. Obviously, my initial concern that the surgery wasn't going to work for me, was misplaced!!! That said, I am highly motivated to loose this weight and live a healthy lifestyle. This is the first time in 15 years that I actually believe and know that I can have the body and good health I deserve. I am also not relying on the surgery to do all the work for me. I am sticking very closely to my doctor's post-op diet guidelines. The only modification that I made was to cut carbs down to 20g net carbs per day and to focus on eating my Protein first and then good fats along with it (like avocado). I have also been hitting the gym--treadmill, elliptical and spin classes (I haven't been cleared for weight training yet).
    In short, having this operation was one of the best decisions of my life. I have no regrets (other than not doing it sooner)!!!! Don't be nervous!!! It's going to be worth it!!!!!
  7. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from november11 in How did your family and friends react?   
    I guess I have been very lucky because everyone that I have told has been very supportive, family, friends, employer etc. My dad had some concerns at first, but it wasn't the "why can't you just stick to a diet!" type of BS. It was just concerns about the risks of surgery--which is understandable. I think the reaction you get from people is related in part to how you explain the surgery and your reason for getting the surgery.
    In my case, I told people that "I had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I have a family history of heart disease. I having 'metabolic' surgery at the recommendation of my cardiologist because he thinks it will significantly improve my diabetes and reduce my risk of heart disease etc. The fact that I will lose a substantial amount of weight is great, but the real goal here is to become much healthier, live longer and have more time with my kids." First, I am calling it metabolic surgery, not weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery makes it sound like this is just another form of cosmetic surgery, like lipo---and it's definitely NOT cosmetic surgery (not that I have a problem with cosmetic surgery). No one is going to be judgmental when you say you're having surgery to treat diabetes or some other co-morbidity (just like they wouldn't question someone having surgery to remove a tumor--who the hell would leave a tumor in place if they could have it safely removed??). Even if you don't have any co-morbidities, that only means you probably have a BMI over 40 which also puts you at risk for heart disease and orthopedic issues. In that case, I would still tell people that you are having the surgery at the recommendation of your cardiologist and/or orthopedist (since weight and joint issues go hand in hand) etc. Not many people are going to question you for following your doctor's advice.
    Again, the less you make this about appearance the less likely people are going to judge you negatively. More importantly, I am not suggesting anyone lie--only that they share information in a way that makes it easier for people that don't have understand this surgery to appreciate why you would choose those over just going on another pointless round of weight watchers or jenny craig.
  8. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from GB in CA in Apple Cider Vinegar Discussion   
    Good advice, but the idea of spreading meals out is kind of outdated. It's based on studies done with athletes and bodybuilders (which most of us are not). Having 5 or six meals a day causes you're body to increase and maintain high levels of insulin throughout the day. This is a recipe for insulin resistance, which leads to more weight gain. The current science seems to support the opposite, which intermittent fasting. Most people seem to do very well going with a 16:8 fast, with a 16 hour fast a week (no calorie consumption at all after 8pm and then next meal/calorie would be lunch at 1pm). This can be done three times a week, with the other days have three meals a day spaced at least 5 hours apart. Most people tolerate it really well and even if the calorie consumption is the same, weight loss numbers increase because of the increase in insulin sensitivity.
  9. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  10. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  11. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  12. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  13. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  14. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  15. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from Cheeseburgh in VSG with a lower BMI   
    Insurance companies generally make their assessment based on your weight at the initial consultation. If you have been approved for surgery, the weight you lose pre-surgery is fine and expected when you go on the pre-op liquid diet!
    I am in the same boat as you. I had my surgery on 12/17 with a BMI around 34. Generally, people with lower BMI's tend to do better than average with the VSG. In a number of studies, they found that a 95% of people with a BMI below 40 reached a BMI under 30 within 12 months of surgery. They were also far more likely to lose 70-80% of their excess weight something in the order of 60% of people receiving a VSG with a BMI under 40 were likely to loose 75% of their excess body weight (with many losing 100% or more of their excess body weight). I don't know of any studies of people with BMI's under 35 at the time of surgery, but I would expect the likelihood of a happy outcome to be very high.
    Personally, my highest recorded weight was 256. I was 243 when I started my pre-op diet on 12/3. I was 231 on my day of surgery (12/17). And 22 days post-op, I am down to 216 with a BMI of ~32. I am only 16 pounds away from a BMI of 29.8 (officially not obese!). This is the lightest I have been in over 10 years (I got very close to 216 close on two diets, but with lots of suffering and a huge and fast rebound). I have no idea what I'll weight when this weight loss phase of this journey reaches its bottom, but I am just focusing on eating a healthy diet (following my group's plan to the letter) and getting lots of exercise (which is easier when you start the journey at a lower BMI).
  16. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from Cheeseburgh in VSG with a lower BMI   
    Insurance companies generally make their assessment based on your weight at the initial consultation. If you have been approved for surgery, the weight you lose pre-surgery is fine and expected when you go on the pre-op liquid diet!
    I am in the same boat as you. I had my surgery on 12/17 with a BMI around 34. Generally, people with lower BMI's tend to do better than average with the VSG. In a number of studies, they found that a 95% of people with a BMI below 40 reached a BMI under 30 within 12 months of surgery. They were also far more likely to lose 70-80% of their excess weight something in the order of 60% of people receiving a VSG with a BMI under 40 were likely to loose 75% of their excess body weight (with many losing 100% or more of their excess body weight). I don't know of any studies of people with BMI's under 35 at the time of surgery, but I would expect the likelihood of a happy outcome to be very high.
    Personally, my highest recorded weight was 256. I was 243 when I started my pre-op diet on 12/3. I was 231 on my day of surgery (12/17). And 22 days post-op, I am down to 216 with a BMI of ~32. I am only 16 pounds away from a BMI of 29.8 (officially not obese!). This is the lightest I have been in over 10 years (I got very close to 216 close on two diets, but with lots of suffering and a huge and fast rebound). I have no idea what I'll weight when this weight loss phase of this journey reaches its bottom, but I am just focusing on eating a healthy diet (following my group's plan to the letter) and getting lots of exercise (which is easier when you start the journey at a lower BMI).
  17. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  19. Congrats!
    SteveT74 got a reaction from Sandra Nuelken in Stomach doesn’t feel smaller   
    Liquid is suppose to pass through or you wouldn't get hydrated properly. If you're able to drink without discomfort, that's a good thing. You'll see the difference once you start eating solid foods. I sometimes wonder whether my stomach was made small enough since I feel like I still can eat a lot---but then I try to east a burger and I am full after 6oz (I am 7 months post-op). I can still eat plenty, which is a good thing to be honest. You want to be able to eat healthy foods and have a healthy lifestyle. The biggest changes are hormonal and that's what really drives weight loss. The mechanical restriction is only a part of the process. In the end, I can't argue with the results. I am down almost 80 pounds in seven months and I am in the best shape of my life! No regrets here!!
  20. Like
    SteveT74 got a reaction from belikewater in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
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  21. Like
    SteveT74 reacted to ace090 in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
    How hard is it to make muscle gains?

    Sent from my SM-N960F using BariatricPal mobile app

  22. Like
    SteveT74 reacted to JerseyJules in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
    Well over 2 and 1/2 years post op and I'm doing things I never dreamed possible. I got back into mountain biking and never thought I would be doing a downhill bike park, bit here I am doing it!! I joined the bike patrol unit in work and ride 15 to 20 miles a day in work. I travel, I eat food, I drink alcohol, I'm really living my best life as cliche as it sounds.





  23. Like
    SteveT74 reacted to Tippytoes240 in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
    Still working but I see a difference

  24. Like
    SteveT74 reacted to Sami Al Masri in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
    I have done my Surgery back on 24th February 2019, my maximum weight was 160.3 KGs (352 lbs), since then I have lost around 46 KGs (100 lbs) and now weigh 114 KGs (252 lbs)
    This was by far the best decision i have done in my life.
    Below are my before and (so far) after photos




  25. Thanks
    SteveT74 got a reaction from Daftgirl in Time it takes to eat food   
    Uhhhh... I know I am doing this wrong, because I am still kinda wolfing down my food. I can eat 4oz of roast been in about 5-8 minutes. I also don't feel an worse for the wear afterwards. If I don't measure out my food though and I eat fast, I can out pace my sleeve and then I am not a happy campy and its vomit city. There's no way I am going to eat one bite every one or two minutes. I don't have the time when I am busy feeding the kids, getting them ready for school, working etc. Everything is always a rush. I just have to find a happy compromise.

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