SteveT74

The answer is both! First off, you don't count total carbs because the carbs that you eat in the form of Fiber and sugar alcohols generally pass through undigested and don't contributed to weight gain or energy productiion. You have to deduct them from your total carb intake--so the focus is on net carbs. I am personally follow an ultra-low carb diet and try to keep my total carb intake under 30 net grams (usually under 20). I also count calories and track what I eat. I budget 1500 calories a day, with 45 percent come from Protein, 45 percent from fat (healthy fats) andn 10% from carbs. It's working for me.

I started the process with a BMI of 37.5 last April and I weighed in at 256 during my first bariatric consult. On the day of surgery (12/17/18), I weighed 234 and I had a BMI of 34.5. By New Years Eve, I was down to 224. On January 15, I was down to 212. By January 30, I was down to 204. On February 15, I was down to 197. On March 1, I weighed 196.7. March 15, I weighed 196.1. Today I weighed 193.2. So you can see that it came off fast and has leveled off. I have lost 2 inches off my waist since March 1, so the inches are coming off if the weight isn't. I follow a strict diet and exercise program--which is pretty intense, but I am really enjoying it. I feel awesome. Here's some photos documenting the journey.
Last Summer this is me at 255 or so:

This is me on Surgery Day (12/17/18) (weight: 234):

This is me on January 17, 2019 (Weight: 210)

This is me on February 28, 2019 (weight: 197.8)


This is me on March 23, 2019 (Weight: 192.1):


So, the weight loss has slowed up, but that's ok. I want to lose another 10-15 pounds, but I don't "need" to lose that weight. I am more concerned at this point with improving my physical conditioning and strength. The weight came off so fast that I didn't really "see" the difference in the mirror, but the photos show a dramatic change. I still hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's kind of like winning the health lottery. I am look healthy and fit. I am no longer diabetic according to my doctors. My BP is normal and my blood tests look great 3 months post op. Huge improvements. Honestly, having this surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself. I wish I had done this sooner--but better late than never. Obviously, the surgery helps get the ball rolling and gives you the tool so that the rest of the changes you make in your lifestyle will actually work for you. I have tried to do this before with hardcore dieting and exercise and I would just hit a wall and then lose ground. Not anymore!! If 191 is my wall, that's ok for me--but I think I'll still lose some more weight over the next few months, but the changes won't be as dramatic or noticeable (on the scale or otherwise).

The answer is both! First off, you don't count total carbs because the carbs that you eat in the form of Fiber and sugar alcohols generally pass through undigested and don't contributed to weight gain or energy productiion. You have to deduct them from your total carb intake--so the focus is on net carbs. I am personally follow an ultra-low carb diet and try to keep my total carb intake under 30 net grams (usually under 20). I also count calories and track what I eat. I budget 1500 calories a day, with 45 percent come from Protein, 45 percent from fat (healthy fats) andn 10% from carbs. It's working for me.

Sounds like good advice to me, but I just don't know how to put this on auto-pilot. I am conscious of everything I eat, drink and the physical activity I need to do to get and stay in shape. I still only 3.5 months out from surgery, this healthy lifestyle and change in my body is very new. I guess I worry about slipping back into bad habits and I don't really trust myself unless I am being strict in following my rules (which are not entirely the same as my doctor's rules).

I was blessed to not suffer from obesity as a kid or even as an adult in my 20's. In fact, I worked as a personal trainer through college and part of law school and was in great shape in my early to mid twenties. I had a few mild ups and downs with the scale (gained 15-20 extra pounds) in my late twenties, but got back into shape and kept the weight off for a few years. It wasn't until I reach my early thirties (after I got married) that the weight started to accumulate. I didn't notice it in the mirror. I would gain 10 pounds take it off, regain 12 pounds take ten off, regain 14 pounds take 5 off---you know the pattern. The swings got to the point where I would drop 30 and regain 45. Low and behold, I got up to probably got up to around 270 (don't really know my true HW). Regardless of what the numbers on the scale said, I never saw myself as "obese"--not the guy in the mirror or the guy. In my dreams, I was always I my 20's, in great shape and super healthy. Waking up was always a big disappointment.
I had my VSG in December 2018 and I have dropped about 75 pounds since my highest "measured" weight. Although I am now 45, I am almost back to the weight I was 20 years ago and the shape I was in too. Ironically, when I dream at night, I am now the fat version of me from the past 5 or so years. I actually have this reoccurring dream where I am standing next to my refrigerator stuffing my face as quickly as I can, when I hear my wife coming down the stairs. I start to panic to get the food back in the fridge to hide my binge eating from her. I am embarrassed by my behavior and disgusted with myself in these dreams. They cause me to wake up in a panic only to realize it's just a dream and I didn't gain the weight or start binge eating again. It's an awful feeling--almost as awful as waking up from a dream where I am thin only to find that the real me is morbidly obese.
Maybe when I had dreams when I was fat about being skinny, it was my subconscious trying to remind me of the guy I was and am still meant to be. Maybe these new dreams are are my subconscious warning to myself about the possibility of what could happen to me if I don't stick to the plan. I would like to think these dreams are more than just an example of how I can torture myself and induce anxiety. Has anyone else had these types of dreams and experiences???

I have so many non-scale victories--which is fortunate since I only lost 3.5 pounds in the past month. I am, however, only 17 pounds from my goal weight (maybe I should just change my goal??). So, my non scale victories are as follows:
1. I went from wearing size 44 pants on December 1 to now wearing 32 pants!
2. One of the other kid's mom at my daughter's nursery that I used to talk to all the time saw me this past weekend and introduced herself as if she had never talked to me before. She didn't recognize me!!
4. I had to buy slim fit shirts and suits because standard fit is too loose around my waist.
5. My wife says I am not snoring anymore!!
6. I am no longer taking medication for T2DM, high blood pressure or high triglycerides,
7. My surgeon asked me if I would be willing to be in advertisement where I show my before and after and talk about how bariatric surgery changed my life (haven't decided if I want to do that though).
8. Most importantly, I feel great. I have loads of energy and I am not embarrassed of my appearance or being the fat guy in the room. I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit this summer!! I feel like i didn't just lose weight, but like I turned the clock back 15 years.
Even if I don't lose another pound, I am thrilled with the results. My only regret is not having had the surgery sooner.

Thank you for sharing your story SteveT74! You’ve done a great job! Kudos!

I started the process with a BMI of 37.5 last April and I weighed in at 256 during my first bariatric consult. On the day of surgery (12/17/18), I weighed 234 and I had a BMI of 34.5. By New Years Eve, I was down to 224. On January 15, I was down to 212. By January 30, I was down to 204. On February 15, I was down to 197. On March 1, I weighed 196.7. March 15, I weighed 196.1. Today I weighed 193.2. So you can see that it came off fast and has leveled off. I have lost 2 inches off my waist since March 1, so the inches are coming off if the weight isn't. I follow a strict diet and exercise program--which is pretty intense, but I am really enjoying it. I feel awesome. Here's some photos documenting the journey.
Last Summer this is me at 255 or so:

This is me on Surgery Day (12/17/18) (weight: 234):

This is me on January 17, 2019 (Weight: 210)

This is me on February 28, 2019 (weight: 197.8)


This is me on March 23, 2019 (Weight: 192.1):


So, the weight loss has slowed up, but that's ok. I want to lose another 10-15 pounds, but I don't "need" to lose that weight. I am more concerned at this point with improving my physical conditioning and strength. The weight came off so fast that I didn't really "see" the difference in the mirror, but the photos show a dramatic change. I still hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's kind of like winning the health lottery. I am look healthy and fit. I am no longer diabetic according to my doctors. My BP is normal and my blood tests look great 3 months post op. Huge improvements. Honestly, having this surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself. I wish I had done this sooner--but better late than never. Obviously, the surgery helps get the ball rolling and gives you the tool so that the rest of the changes you make in your lifestyle will actually work for you. I have tried to do this before with hardcore dieting and exercise and I would just hit a wall and then lose ground. Not anymore!! If 191 is my wall, that's ok for me--but I think I'll still lose some more weight over the next few months, but the changes won't be as dramatic or noticeable (on the scale or otherwise).

I have so many non-scale victories--which is fortunate since I only lost 3.5 pounds in the past month. I am, however, only 17 pounds from my goal weight (maybe I should just change my goal??). So, my non scale victories are as follows:
1. I went from wearing size 44 pants on December 1 to now wearing 32 pants!
2. One of the other kid's mom at my daughter's nursery that I used to talk to all the time saw me this past weekend and introduced herself as if she had never talked to me before. She didn't recognize me!!
4. I had to buy slim fit shirts and suits because standard fit is too loose around my waist.
5. My wife says I am not snoring anymore!!
6. I am no longer taking medication for T2DM, high blood pressure or high triglycerides,
7. My surgeon asked me if I would be willing to be in advertisement where I show my before and after and talk about how bariatric surgery changed my life (haven't decided if I want to do that though).
8. Most importantly, I feel great. I have loads of energy and I am not embarrassed of my appearance or being the fat guy in the room. I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit this summer!! I feel like i didn't just lose weight, but like I turned the clock back 15 years.
Even if I don't lose another pound, I am thrilled with the results. My only regret is not having had the surgery sooner.

You can do it in the US with a 30 BMI no comorbidities as self pay. I am pretty certain for insurance to even consider it you have to be 35

i was low BMI and i lost 50lbs within a month then it slowed it way down im 3 months out and i am losing 1 to 2lbs a week. I haven't had any issues other than battling Constipation.

Sounds like good advice to me, but I just don't know how to put this on auto-pilot. I am conscious of everything I eat, drink and the physical activity I need to do to get and stay in shape. I still only 3.5 months out from surgery, this healthy lifestyle and change in my body is very new. I guess I worry about slipping back into bad habits and I don't really trust myself unless I am being strict in following my rules (which are not entirely the same as my doctor's rules).

I was blessed to not suffer from obesity as a kid or even as an adult in my 20's. In fact, I worked as a personal trainer through college and part of law school and was in great shape in my early to mid twenties. I had a few mild ups and downs with the scale (gained 15-20 extra pounds) in my late twenties, but got back into shape and kept the weight off for a few years. It wasn't until I reach my early thirties (after I got married) that the weight started to accumulate. I didn't notice it in the mirror. I would gain 10 pounds take it off, regain 12 pounds take ten off, regain 14 pounds take 5 off---you know the pattern. The swings got to the point where I would drop 30 and regain 45. Low and behold, I got up to probably got up to around 270 (don't really know my true HW). Regardless of what the numbers on the scale said, I never saw myself as "obese"--not the guy in the mirror or the guy. In my dreams, I was always I my 20's, in great shape and super healthy. Waking up was always a big disappointment.
I had my VSG in December 2018 and I have dropped about 75 pounds since my highest "measured" weight. Although I am now 45, I am almost back to the weight I was 20 years ago and the shape I was in too. Ironically, when I dream at night, I am now the fat version of me from the past 5 or so years. I actually have this reoccurring dream where I am standing next to my refrigerator stuffing my face as quickly as I can, when I hear my wife coming down the stairs. I start to panic to get the food back in the fridge to hide my binge eating from her. I am embarrassed by my behavior and disgusted with myself in these dreams. They cause me to wake up in a panic only to realize it's just a dream and I didn't gain the weight or start binge eating again. It's an awful feeling--almost as awful as waking up from a dream where I am thin only to find that the real me is morbidly obese.
Maybe when I had dreams when I was fat about being skinny, it was my subconscious trying to remind me of the guy I was and am still meant to be. Maybe these new dreams are are my subconscious warning to myself about the possibility of what could happen to me if I don't stick to the plan. I would like to think these dreams are more than just an example of how I can torture myself and induce anxiety. Has anyone else had these types of dreams and experiences???

I have no problem with bubbles in any form.

Yeah, that's not true. It is processed through our stomach and intestines, not straight to the blood stream.
IME, alcohol does now affect me more, but I attribute it to being nearly half my previous weight, and not being able to pad my stomach with food before/while I drink.
I drank very rarely during most of my weight loss phase. I was working hard to get to goal, and didn't want to add additional empty calories.

Hi there,
Congrats on doing a great job losing that weight. That's outstanding work. None of us are in a position to really know how much you're still capable of losing. However, given that you have already lost more than 70% of your excess pre-op body weight, it's fair to say that the days of rapid, seemingly effortless weight loss is over. You can still lose more and reach your goal weight, but it may take longer to lose the weight than in the beginning and it will probably require a lot more work on your part. The last 20 pounds is always the toughest. I am at that point too (although I am only 3.5 months out--but different situation). I am only 15 pounds away from my goal weight, but I only lost 3.5 pounds over the past month. It's better than nothing, but even losing that 3.5 pounds required hard work on my part (strictly following my diet and hitting the gym daily). You may need to go over your diet with your nutritionist to see if there is areas where you can improve. How much exercise are you getting each week?

Hi there,
Congrats on doing a great job losing that weight. That's outstanding work. None of us are in a position to really know how much you're still capable of losing. However, given that you have already lost more than 70% of your excess pre-op body weight, it's fair to say that the days of rapid, seemingly effortless weight loss is over. You can still lose more and reach your goal weight, but it may take longer to lose the weight than in the beginning and it will probably require a lot more work on your part. The last 20 pounds is always the toughest. I am at that point too (although I am only 3.5 months out--but different situation). I am only 15 pounds away from my goal weight, but I only lost 3.5 pounds over the past month. It's better than nothing, but even losing that 3.5 pounds required hard work on my part (strictly following my diet and hitting the gym daily). You may need to go over your diet with your nutritionist to see if there is areas where you can improve. How much exercise are you getting each week?

I have so many non-scale victories--which is fortunate since I only lost 3.5 pounds in the past month. I am, however, only 17 pounds from my goal weight (maybe I should just change my goal??). So, my non scale victories are as follows:
1. I went from wearing size 44 pants on December 1 to now wearing 32 pants!
2. One of the other kid's mom at my daughter's nursery that I used to talk to all the time saw me this past weekend and introduced herself as if she had never talked to me before. She didn't recognize me!!
4. I had to buy slim fit shirts and suits because standard fit is too loose around my waist.
5. My wife says I am not snoring anymore!!
6. I am no longer taking medication for T2DM, high blood pressure or high triglycerides,
7. My surgeon asked me if I would be willing to be in advertisement where I show my before and after and talk about how bariatric surgery changed my life (haven't decided if I want to do that though).
8. Most importantly, I feel great. I have loads of energy and I am not embarrassed of my appearance or being the fat guy in the room. I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit this summer!! I feel like i didn't just lose weight, but like I turned the clock back 15 years.
Even if I don't lose another pound, I am thrilled with the results. My only regret is not having had the surgery sooner.

I have so many non-scale victories--which is fortunate since I only lost 3.5 pounds in the past month. I am, however, only 17 pounds from my goal weight (maybe I should just change my goal??). So, my non scale victories are as follows:
1. I went from wearing size 44 pants on December 1 to now wearing 32 pants!
2. One of the other kid's mom at my daughter's nursery that I used to talk to all the time saw me this past weekend and introduced herself as if she had never talked to me before. She didn't recognize me!!
4. I had to buy slim fit shirts and suits because standard fit is too loose around my waist.
5. My wife says I am not snoring anymore!!
6. I am no longer taking medication for T2DM, high blood pressure or high triglycerides,
7. My surgeon asked me if I would be willing to be in advertisement where I show my before and after and talk about how bariatric surgery changed my life (haven't decided if I want to do that though).
8. Most importantly, I feel great. I have loads of energy and I am not embarrassed of my appearance or being the fat guy in the room. I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit this summer!! I feel like i didn't just lose weight, but like I turned the clock back 15 years.
Even if I don't lose another pound, I am thrilled with the results. My only regret is not having had the surgery sooner.

I have so many non-scale victories--which is fortunate since I only lost 3.5 pounds in the past month. I am, however, only 17 pounds from my goal weight (maybe I should just change my goal??). So, my non scale victories are as follows:
1. I went from wearing size 44 pants on December 1 to now wearing 32 pants!
2. One of the other kid's mom at my daughter's nursery that I used to talk to all the time saw me this past weekend and introduced herself as if she had never talked to me before. She didn't recognize me!!
4. I had to buy slim fit shirts and suits because standard fit is too loose around my waist.
5. My wife says I am not snoring anymore!!
6. I am no longer taking medication for T2DM, high blood pressure or high triglycerides,
7. My surgeon asked me if I would be willing to be in advertisement where I show my before and after and talk about how bariatric surgery changed my life (haven't decided if I want to do that though).
8. Most importantly, I feel great. I have loads of energy and I am not embarrassed of my appearance or being the fat guy in the room. I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit this summer!! I feel like i didn't just lose weight, but like I turned the clock back 15 years.
Even if I don't lose another pound, I am thrilled with the results. My only regret is not having had the surgery sooner.

I have so many non-scale victories--which is fortunate since I only lost 3.5 pounds in the past month. I am, however, only 17 pounds from my goal weight (maybe I should just change my goal??). So, my non scale victories are as follows:
1. I went from wearing size 44 pants on December 1 to now wearing 32 pants!
2. One of the other kid's mom at my daughter's nursery that I used to talk to all the time saw me this past weekend and introduced herself as if she had never talked to me before. She didn't recognize me!!
4. I had to buy slim fit shirts and suits because standard fit is too loose around my waist.
5. My wife says I am not snoring anymore!!
6. I am no longer taking medication for T2DM, high blood pressure or high triglycerides,
7. My surgeon asked me if I would be willing to be in advertisement where I show my before and after and talk about how bariatric surgery changed my life (haven't decided if I want to do that though).
8. Most importantly, I feel great. I have loads of energy and I am not embarrassed of my appearance or being the fat guy in the room. I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit this summer!! I feel like i didn't just lose weight, but like I turned the clock back 15 years.
Even if I don't lose another pound, I am thrilled with the results. My only regret is not having had the surgery sooner.

I have so many non-scale victories--which is fortunate since I only lost 3.5 pounds in the past month. I am, however, only 17 pounds from my goal weight (maybe I should just change my goal??). So, my non scale victories are as follows:
1. I went from wearing size 44 pants on December 1 to now wearing 32 pants!
2. One of the other kid's mom at my daughter's nursery that I used to talk to all the time saw me this past weekend and introduced herself as if she had never talked to me before. She didn't recognize me!!
4. I had to buy slim fit shirts and suits because standard fit is too loose around my waist.
5. My wife says I am not snoring anymore!!
6. I am no longer taking medication for T2DM, high blood pressure or high triglycerides,
7. My surgeon asked me if I would be willing to be in advertisement where I show my before and after and talk about how bariatric surgery changed my life (haven't decided if I want to do that though).
8. Most importantly, I feel great. I have loads of energy and I am not embarrassed of my appearance or being the fat guy in the room. I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit this summer!! I feel like i didn't just lose weight, but like I turned the clock back 15 years.
Even if I don't lose another pound, I am thrilled with the results. My only regret is not having had the surgery sooner.

Hi there,
Congrats on doing a great job losing that weight. That's outstanding work. None of us are in a position to really know how much you're still capable of losing. However, given that you have already lost more than 70% of your excess pre-op body weight, it's fair to say that the days of rapid, seemingly effortless weight loss is over. You can still lose more and reach your goal weight, but it may take longer to lose the weight than in the beginning and it will probably require a lot more work on your part. The last 20 pounds is always the toughest. I am at that point too (although I am only 3.5 months out--but different situation). I am only 15 pounds away from my goal weight, but I only lost 3.5 pounds over the past month. It's better than nothing, but even losing that 3.5 pounds required hard work on my part (strictly following my diet and hitting the gym daily). You may need to go over your diet with your nutritionist to see if there is areas where you can improve. How much exercise are you getting each week?

Lolo, I know I am preaching to the converted, but you know when you loose a lot of weight quickly you inevitably loose muscle along with the fat. The only way to counter that is strength training. I know you have been working out a lot, but if you're finding that you're really losing a lot of upper body strength you may need to reallocate your gym time to strength training even if it means less time on cardio--although when strength training is done right, it's a cardio workout too.

Hi there,
Congrats on doing a great job losing that weight. That's outstanding work. None of us are in a position to really know how much you're still capable of losing. However, given that you have already lost more than 70% of your excess pre-op body weight, it's fair to say that the days of rapid, seemingly effortless weight loss is over. You can still lose more and reach your goal weight, but it may take longer to lose the weight than in the beginning and it will probably require a lot more work on your part. The last 20 pounds is always the toughest. I am at that point too (although I am only 3.5 months out--but different situation). I am only 15 pounds away from my goal weight, but I only lost 3.5 pounds over the past month. It's better than nothing, but even losing that 3.5 pounds required hard work on my part (strictly following my diet and hitting the gym daily). You may need to go over your diet with your nutritionist to see if there is areas where you can improve. How much exercise are you getting each week?