Sandra Nuelken

The only one that counts here is yourself. You are doing this for yourself. I had the lapband on first and it failed miserably. Then when I said I'm doing the sleeve because I didn't want to die over 300 pounds, everyone was supportive. It is a journey, a hard one, but your strength has to come from you. Keep in touch with us as we are always here, and this board has been such a support to me and my journey!

My WLS was very helpful and he sent me to the right doctors. I had worked with him before what you may want to do is find a good qualified WLS and work through him.

When you're overweight a great deal you almost always have sleep apnea it goes hand in hand. I told my doctor that I was always tired, getting up often to pee, and falling asleep during the day. Then I insisted on a referral for a sleep study. First, they did a home one, which showed I had issues, then I did one in office. My issues were such that it was border-line and so I insisted on a machine. If your current PCP is not willing to work with you change. Mine saw the difference that it could make as his MIL had the surgery. Just keep trying if one door closes then go to another. The doctor that did my WLS was the one that put the lap band in and took it out. He also was a big help. Don't give up! The world is full of doctors who are more knowledgeable and helpful than the one you are seeing now.

I was at the same point last year and went in for a sleep study. I barely qualified for a CPAP but insisted they put me on one. That was all I needed. I had weight and breathing. Medicare covered the surgery and the sleep issues. Now I'm off the machine.

It has been a journey, the last several months the hardest! The down 2 up 1 is driving me crazy after the dropping easier for the first 6 months. Now I struggle for 5 pounds a month. But today I'm going to sit back and enjoy the loss and feel very proud of myself. I never thought I'd be here a year ago. I was still trying to qualify for the surgery and gaining weight each day. Today is the start of my new me and new life. I can walk every day without knee pain and look forward to it too. For those of you thinking about it just do it. For those who think you are too old, I'm 73 and did it. Good luck to everyone out there and please stay healthy!

Have you shredded your meat? I ordered children's stainless utensils from Amazon and I shred my meat eat it from a small bowl as it is so shredded. I then eat my meals by myself while doing something else so I eat very slowly taking 30 minutes to eat and very small bites with my very small fork. I also put some olive oil on it to keep my cholesterol down. If I don't follow this I have been known to feel awful. I only eat until I'm not hungry, not full. I'm still on about 3 - 4 oz. If you have seen your doctor and he doesn't find anything try shredding your meat. Small cuts don't seem to work and chew until it is a liquid.

I didn't want the "dumping" syndrome so after having a failed band I had a sleeve. My surgery was the end of July and I'm down 95 pounds. I have no regrets.

On 9/2/2019 at 9:35 PM, kerrik54304 said:

This is true. I was banded in 2009. This past summer I had many tests done and have found that my esophagus has suffered because of the band. Every time I swallow food it is forced back into my esophagus. My band is not even filled tight. I suffer from pretty severe reflux which has damaged my esophagus. As far as making healthy food choices, it is far easier for me to eat unhealthy than the healthier choices. I was told that I need to get my band removed. I am far too young to be doing so much damage.

I had my band removed 3 years ago as it caused heart problems. Then a year later I had the sleeve done. Now I'm down 90 pounds. The band is no longer done here as it causes so very many issues. You need to listen to your doctor. Then decide what is next. Quit blaming yourself.

I have one Ensure Max on ice every morning. It is chocolate and I shake it well. Right after surgery, it was not my favorite drink, but later it was fine. It is low in calories, sugar and high in Protein 30g. I don't like any of the powders and found I could only use the vegan powder, very expensive, then after adding the fruits and stuff the calories were high and sugar was high. It is an acquired taste, but so is my new way of eating. Good luck.

I hit the hundred land goal and now none of my clothes have the "X" in them or a 2... in them. Prayers for all of you out there facing the challenges that face us in this time of stress. My son just lost his job, remember nothing is solved with comfort food and comfort eating. Hang in there and hang tough.

I have a bit of caffeine free coffee occasionally, and caffeine free ice tea with lemon daily.

Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I eat one 4oz meal per day, meat only. Breakfast is Ensure high Protein, lunch 4oz cottage cheese, dinner 4 oz meat. Snacks several grapes or 100 cal. Almond pack. Over 60 g. Protein daily no more than 600 calories. Lots of Water with lemon. I went from 291 the end of July to 200 now. Count protein and record calories. I walk 25 minutes a day. I'm old with bad knees.

Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes, last yeat

Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

On 3/1/2020 at 12:15 AM, Sammi_Katt said:

So! I am almost 8 weeks out, and eating pretty well. I have a boost glucose control with Protein Shake 4-5 times a week, and hit my Protein goals almost every day.

However, I am having trouble finding Snacks that I can have in between. Normally, I will do some peeled cucumber with laughing cow cheese or string cheese. I did find Ostrim turkey sticks that are pretty tasty and healthy, too, but that's pretty limiting.

I was wondering what other people do for Snacks. I still can't eat beef (and no tuna- my stomach says NO!), but I was looking for good alternatives other than cheese that would be suitable for in between meal snacks. I have 1-2 a day so I can stay at 600 calories minimum.

Thanks! ❤️

My first thought is are you logging your calorie intake daily? I have a grape, and as my chewable vitamins I take 3 times a day and they are fruit flavored I count that as a "treat". I take an Ensure plus for Protein, low sugar high protein, 4oz cottage cheese for lunch and 4oz of meat for dinner. Other than an occasional grape, a few almonds, Outshine bars, no sugar added, I do not eat between meals. I do have some caffeine-free coffee. If you're drinking 60 oz of liquids I don't think snacks are really needed. Usually one feels head hungry if you're thirsty. This is your "honeymoon" phase when hunger is at a minimum and weight loss at its best. Good luck with your journey.

On 2/28/2020 at 1:50 PM, luvpenguins said:

Hi...I was pretty much set-up for the sleeve however now I'm scared about having most of my stomach removed so now I'm once again back to wanting the band instead. However, I've heard horror stories about the band, ie. slipping, erosion, etc...would love to hear the positive stories instead!! Thanks for sharing.

I had a lap band in 2009, and it went well for a while, minimum vomiting. Then the problems set in the tubing was hitting my vegas nerve to the heart and caused issues. I had it out a year ago and had the sleeve done. I too didn't want part of my stomach removed, but this is the best decision ever. in 7 months I've lost 90 pounds and I'm as low as I got with the band and I'm still losing. No discomfort from my port, it was placed at my waist and often my pants hit it. No going in for fills or adjustments which happen once a month. I feel great, follow the same menu as I did with the band and love my decision. The band is a constant reminder, and needs to be attended to this is one and done. Good luck with your decision, but I don't miss my stomach at all.

1 hour ago, Xx1jpt5xx said:

Surgery went well. Came home this past friday. Haven't been feeling too great since then. Constant pain in my chest when I sip something. One incision on my right side hurts like hell. So I cant really bend.

I feel bad because I told her I would bounce back quickly when I got home.

Get up and walk walk walk, that is the gas that they put into you to lift everything so they could do surgery. You need to move to break it down. If you move a lot it will be gone tomorrow. Keep moving and you will feel better soon!

Lexington South Carolina. For a year I have had to see my doctor every two months after surgery for followups and labs after 6 months. If you go to Mexico I'm not sure how that will work out for you. Many have done it, but I'd be concerned about aftercare.

20 minutes ago, epicdreams2020 said:

I would reiterate what everyone has said about sticking to your doctor's plan. I am almost 3 months out and what I think I can eat and am actually able to handle are two different things. Everyone heals differently and I am still struggling with Stage 3. Even the foods that you think are soft enough do not work well. I used to love eggs but still have a hard time with them and most meat.

My stage 3 was a lot like stage 2 as I absolutely didn't want to get sick. A lot of people have issues with eggs, still, after 6 months I haven't had them. I did 2 containers of Ensure Max one am and one pm. I also did tuna in the packet 2.5oz and added olive oil and Italian seasonings. Also the 4 oz cup of cottage cheese with olive oil and Italian seasonings. I was very slow to add soft foods and was still adding at 8 weeks. Cream of chicken Soup a fav. If you do the Protein Drinks you have your 60 g of Protein. Just take it slow and go at your pace. Outshine no sugar added pop cycles were the best treats. listen to your body and take it at a speed that you are comfortable. If it takes you longer that is ok.

When I got to full liquids week 2, I put cream of chicken Soup in a blender and had it. Actually the chicken pieces are so small I'm not sure I had to blend it, but the creamy chicken was so wonderful. That was my drink of choice for a week. It was warm and chickeny. After a week of clear liquids then 2 weeks of full liquids, I was on to softs for 3 weeks. Cottage cheese cups, mash potato cups, and Protein Drinks at this point made up my food.

I am terribly shy so my mantra is fake it until you make it. Be a good listener and friend to everyone, smile, be interested and as you get positive feedback you will become braver. Don't put off life until everything is perfect. I don't drink either so a glass of Water with lemon goes a long way. You are a good person and worthy of a good life. If you put out kindness you will get kindness back. When in a social setting I say just go out and be kind. Go and have fun.

8 minutes ago, WinterFish said:

@arrivan Thank you for sharing with me. I really identify with muscling through the mental stuff. The worst part is that this is so not me. I was always the outgoing and spontaneous adventurer. I know I’ll get back to that place because that’s the real me. I just don’t feel I’m there yet. My friends are good people and you’re right, I have faith that the patient ones will be waiting on the other side of this hill for me.

Unfortunately, you may lose some of your friends. I don't know why they go away but they do. I'm still looked at like a freak as we have a small community and they have a real interest in what I eat. I've lost 90 pounds in 7 months so it is noticeable. They are supportive, but eventually, they will get bored with it all. No one mentioned the weight when I was gaining. Good luck on your journey.

I understand. I gained 60 pounds in almost 6 years. We have a pontoon boat and last year I couldn't go swimming off it as I couldn't get back on it. I canceled family trips because I couldn't walk that far. Now I'm working my butt off and walking when the weather allows. Life is new and different and I'm all about joining it again. No more hiding behind the fat, I want to live life and food is not my friend. Good luck to you and now you will be getting your life back!

The first week is about healing. I sipped Water and my Ensure Max. I believe I only did one a day, so you're doing great! Don't push it focus on moving, sipping and feeling better. Good luck with your journey. I'm 7 months into it now and I'm thrilled with the results. Keep in touch as you'll have questions!

On 2/9/2020 at 12:48 PM, Girlwithadream said:

GUYS HELP. Im one week out of surgery. My stomach is doing well i can do 2 sips of Water in a row and im fine. Im so so tired if liquids . I know i have to stay on liquids for another week. But im dying. Can i move earlier to stage 3? Like mashed foods? Scrambled eggs or cream cheese anything! Im depressed here. I really need help. I cant go on like that for another week !! :’(

I had Clear Liquids for one week and full liquids week 2. I was drinking Protein Drinks week 2, Ensure Plus and it took most of the morning. Then I went to cream of chicken Soup, just heaven. You need to follow your doctors' plan and remember this is practice for weight loss. Yea I got tired of fluids and even full fluids got old as I did them for 2 weeks then 3 weeks of soft foods. Because I did what I was told I never got sick or had issues. Just plow through it and you'll love the outcome.

You've done great. Remember you didn't gain it all overnight, it won't come off overnight. I do a Protein Drink for Breakfast, Ensure plus, 30 g. Protein and 150 calories. A 4 oz cottage cheese for lunch and 4 oz of protein for dinner. I have a couple Outshine no sugar added pop cycles for treats and 100 cal of almonds for roughage. I add cold-pressed virgin olive oil to my food with a shake of Italian seasonings to add taste and moisture. It also keeps the cholesterol down. About 600 cal. per day. I am constantly drinking caffeine-free ice tea with lemon. You will experience several stalls. The 4 month was the hardest as it was the longest and first. Since then I tend to lose 3 weeks, pause a week and I don't lose as much as I did the first 4 months. Your body just has to adjust so be patient. You are doing a great job.