Mrs. Mercedes

I splurged this week on new underwear, the first since surgery. I was careful to use my measurements to buy them and brought them home and washed them, as I always do before wearing them. I took the panties out and immediately said to myself, no way my big a** will fit these, to my surprise they fit. I did and said the same for the first lacey bra I've had in decades. It fit too. I need to be kinder to myself and not allow my head to talk to me like this. An exciting day and a big victory that I can't share with anyone but my husband, he's thrilled BTW. I suspect it will take some time for the head to catch up with the body. Now if I'm in an accident and rushed to the ER I will be known as the granny in sexy undies, and not granny panties!

I’ll start!

I’m channeling my inner Elle Woods today 😂

I know exactly what you are going through. 6 years out I had regained nearly 60 pounds. I was so unhappy with myself. I let life struggles, and being busy affect how I ate. About a year ago I started watching what I ate, not yet logging food again, but just making better choices. On June 18th I was back down to 168 but still so upset I was still 20 pounds from the goal I originally set out to be at, and wanted to be there so bad.

Here is what I did. I did a total reset to when I started on real food after the puréed stage. I started logging everything, anything that goes into my mouth gets logged. I concreted on Protein and veggies, and started my Vitamins again. I made protein my priority again, made sure I got at least 60 grams a day. I also stared drinking a gallon of Water a day. Also one of my meals a day, everyday is a Protein Shake. I am now below the 145 that was always my main goal. I am now at 143.6 and couldn’t feel better. I know it has to do with the protein I get in everyday now. No carbs go into my body. My vitamins , help me feel healthy. I don’t get dehydrated. The girls at work are so used to my gallon water jug I bring into work with me, and my daily lunch protein shake mixing. Even my CEO and CMO mentioned in a meeting this week about my water jug, and had only great things to say about it.

The thing is, we may have regained, but we still have this amazing tool that can work for us if we want it to. I mean if I tried to lose over 20 pounds in 2.5 months before WLS, it never would have happened.

Good luck with everything. I know life has stresses in it. We all have them. I changed my obsession with stress eating to obsessive food logging, and healthy eating. I also try to walk on my lunch. That one hour a day is my only me time when I’m not a mom, a wife, a professional, a daughter. You’ve got this, you just have to grab it. It’s great to have the support here, and keeps us in the right head space.

This post is really for the folks who are considering the sleeve, wondering if it will "work" for them, if they should take the leap...
This post is for the folks who just returned home from surgery or are several weeks out..the people who are starting to feel discouraged...didn't realize it would be so "hard".
And, this post is for the folks that have a bit to go before they reach that goal they set thinking the weight they REALLY want to be is unattainable!
First, the sleeve alone will not "work" for you unless you are willing to WORK with it! It's a tool not a cure. And, yes, it is often hard, especially in the beginning when you are creating new, successful solutions to combat old habits that got you where you used to be stuck. But, the very best things in life come from pushing through the hard moments. If you give up before you get to the top of the mountain, you don't get to enjoy the beautiful view. Trust me, it's spectacular when you get here. DO NOT GIVE UP!
Now, about that goal weight...if you are anything like me, you've lost and gained so many times you've become used to failure. You almost expect it. So maybe you set your goal weight at a number that seemed pretty reasonable. Attainable, even, right? And, perhaps, you told yourself that if you got anywhere near it, you'd be happy because, for goodness sake, it's soooo much better than where you started! It's a definite win! I did that. I let my pre-sleeve experience shape my goal. But that wasn't the number I truly wanted. Initially, I just didn't believe that I could ever get back to my teenage and 20's modeling weight. I mean, I'm a woman in my 50's! That could never happen, right?! So, I shot for 5 pounds over the top of the weight chart for my height.
Guess what happened as I was working my way down the scale, working my program, building strong/healthy eating habits, changing my relationship with food? I hit that goal! Then I shattered it! Then I continued on, logging every morsel of food I put in my body, every darn day!
I'm not even a full year out of surgery. But by working with my sleeve and using this tool to it's fullest potential, I weigh LESS than I did as a slim teenager! I'm 2 sizes smaller than my busiest period as a model in my 20's!
This tool requires sacrifice. But, you are only sacrificing the things that were dragging your body down in the first place. In fact, I look at it as finally showing ourselves the respect we've deserved all along.
You are so worth it. You absolutely deserve be healthy. Life is so much easier mentally and physically when you shed the weight that you are carrying.
It becomes easier every single day! Then the months fly by and it becomes routine. All of a sudden you realize your whole life is brighter, healthier, EASIER!
I put everything into getting where I am right now. I truly believe if you give it everything, the sleeve will give you your life back!
You absolutely deserve this! You are absolutely worth this! Don't let anyone make you feel/think differently!!!!
PS....Log everything every day! That's a game changer. Load an app (I use LOSEIT). Log everything. Never stop logging!
Love to all!

Hi! If you search this topic on the message Boards there are some PRior threadS that I found really helpful when considering this question myself It seems that some people feel safely able to use ‘herbs’ after surgery.

That is one of the best NSV out there. I went to Six Flags a few months ago and rode Batman. I had not been on that for over 20 years because I would not fit. I literally teared up when the ride started.

I had a HUGE NSV this weekend, I rode roller coasters without having to get off due to my size and without be smooshed into the restraints. I have worked at this park for several years and have only been able to ride a couple of the big coasters due to my size so I finally got to enjoy them for the first time since high school! Also, a fun perk of having gastric bypass, I don't get that stomach dropping feeling going down the big drops like before surgery! My daughter and I were running from coaster to coaster trying to get on as many as possible, I had so much fun!

Booooooo AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN -
nothing more! Cant wait to sit and give out sugar filled, chocolate Snacks, Carbs and all the sh$t that got us into this forum!
Would making chocolate covered Brussels sprouts be wrong to give to the kids? Ok Im being a ass and kidding enjoy the day!

@BetterBelizeIt Thanks for your post. I agree with the posters above that this is something not talked about enough. While I am happy for all of the people here who are doing great and adjusting well to their new lives, I sometimes feel alienated by my own feelings of frustration. Your post was some welcome realtalk.

I don’t regret my decision and I believe things will get better in the months that follow. But for now, I’m so frustrated and unsatisfied all the time. I go from feeling ‘hungry’/empty stomach to a feeling of pain (aka the new ‘fullness’) within about 5 bites. There is never any feeling of satiety. Like you, I miss that so much. I especially get frustrated when I take the time to actually make a meal. I’m 32 days out and finally made a meatloaf last night. it was a recipe from my nutritionist. It took 90 minutes to prepare after a long day of work and when I sat down to eat it, I took a few bites and the pain hit. I got so upset. It feels like a pointless waste of time to bother cooking anything. Maybe this is the effect of an unhealthy relationship with food but i don’t necessarily think it’s unhealthy to want to feel satisfied after eating Or be able to enjoy a meal. It’s not healthy, I guess, to feel excited about food, but now I almost dread eating.

I saw someone else on these boards comment recently that they think about food now more than they ever did before surgery. i feel that way too. When to eat, how much to eat, how slow to eat, how Long to chew, counting minutes between bites so i don’t eat too fast. It’s A lot and i was not prepared, despite 6 months of pre-op counseling, reading books, internet research, talking to friends. Etc.
anyway, thanks for sharing your frustrations and allowing The rest of us to vent, as well. i Know it will get better and I am lucky to have supportive friends and family. can’t imagine the added stress you are feeling without that ❤️ Please take care and remember it’s ok to put yourself first and cut toxic relationships if you need to.

@BetterBelizeIt Thanks for your post. I agree with the posters above that this is something not talked about enough. While I am happy for all of the people here who are doing great and adjusting well to their new lives, I sometimes feel alienated by my own feelings of frustration. Your post was some welcome realtalk.

I don’t regret my decision and I believe things will get better in the months that follow. But for now, I’m so frustrated and unsatisfied all the time. I go from feeling ‘hungry’/empty stomach to a feeling of pain (aka the new ‘fullness’) within about 5 bites. There is never any feeling of satiety. Like you, I miss that so much. I especially get frustrated when I take the time to actually make a meal. I’m 32 days out and finally made a meatloaf last night. it was a recipe from my nutritionist. It took 90 minutes to prepare after a long day of work and when I sat down to eat it, I took a few bites and the pain hit. I got so upset. It feels like a pointless waste of time to bother cooking anything. Maybe this is the effect of an unhealthy relationship with food but i don’t necessarily think it’s unhealthy to want to feel satisfied after eating Or be able to enjoy a meal. It’s not healthy, I guess, to feel excited about food, but now I almost dread eating.

I saw someone else on these boards comment recently that they think about food now more than they ever did before surgery. i feel that way too. When to eat, how much to eat, how slow to eat, how Long to chew, counting minutes between bites so i don’t eat too fast. It’s A lot and i was not prepared, despite 6 months of pre-op counseling, reading books, internet research, talking to friends. Etc.
anyway, thanks for sharing your frustrations and allowing The rest of us to vent, as well. i Know it will get better and I am lucky to have supportive friends and family. can’t imagine the added stress you are feeling without that ❤️ Please take care and remember it’s ok to put yourself first and cut toxic relationships if you need to.

@BetterBelizeIt Thanks for your post. I agree with the posters above that this is something not talked about enough. While I am happy for all of the people here who are doing great and adjusting well to their new lives, I sometimes feel alienated by my own feelings of frustration. Your post was some welcome realtalk.

I don’t regret my decision and I believe things will get better in the months that follow. But for now, I’m so frustrated and unsatisfied all the time. I go from feeling ‘hungry’/empty stomach to a feeling of pain (aka the new ‘fullness’) within about 5 bites. There is never any feeling of satiety. Like you, I miss that so much. I especially get frustrated when I take the time to actually make a meal. I’m 32 days out and finally made a meatloaf last night. it was a recipe from my nutritionist. It took 90 minutes to prepare after a long day of work and when I sat down to eat it, I took a few bites and the pain hit. I got so upset. It feels like a pointless waste of time to bother cooking anything. Maybe this is the effect of an unhealthy relationship with food but i don’t necessarily think it’s unhealthy to want to feel satisfied after eating Or be able to enjoy a meal. It’s not healthy, I guess, to feel excited about food, but now I almost dread eating.

I saw someone else on these boards comment recently that they think about food now more than they ever did before surgery. i feel that way too. When to eat, how much to eat, how slow to eat, how Long to chew, counting minutes between bites so i don’t eat too fast. It’s A lot and i was not prepared, despite 6 months of pre-op counseling, reading books, internet research, talking to friends. Etc.
anyway, thanks for sharing your frustrations and allowing The rest of us to vent, as well. i Know it will get better and I am lucky to have supportive friends and family. can’t imagine the added stress you are feeling without that ❤️ Please take care and remember it’s ok to put yourself first and cut toxic relationships if you need to.

@BetterBelizeIt Thanks for your post. I agree with the posters above that this is something not talked about enough. While I am happy for all of the people here who are doing great and adjusting well to their new lives, I sometimes feel alienated by my own feelings of frustration. Your post was some welcome realtalk.

I don’t regret my decision and I believe things will get better in the months that follow. But for now, I’m so frustrated and unsatisfied all the time. I go from feeling ‘hungry’/empty stomach to a feeling of pain (aka the new ‘fullness’) within about 5 bites. There is never any feeling of satiety. Like you, I miss that so much. I especially get frustrated when I take the time to actually make a meal. I’m 32 days out and finally made a meatloaf last night. it was a recipe from my nutritionist. It took 90 minutes to prepare after a long day of work and when I sat down to eat it, I took a few bites and the pain hit. I got so upset. It feels like a pointless waste of time to bother cooking anything. Maybe this is the effect of an unhealthy relationship with food but i don’t necessarily think it’s unhealthy to want to feel satisfied after eating Or be able to enjoy a meal. It’s not healthy, I guess, to feel excited about food, but now I almost dread eating.

I saw someone else on these boards comment recently that they think about food now more than they ever did before surgery. i feel that way too. When to eat, how much to eat, how slow to eat, how Long to chew, counting minutes between bites so i don’t eat too fast. It’s A lot and i was not prepared, despite 6 months of pre-op counseling, reading books, internet research, talking to friends. Etc.
anyway, thanks for sharing your frustrations and allowing The rest of us to vent, as well. i Know it will get better and I am lucky to have supportive friends and family. can’t imagine the added stress you are feeling without that ❤️ Please take care and remember it’s ok to put yourself first and cut toxic relationships if you need to.

Yes to all of this!
even now (I hit GW 2 weeks ago) I’m very leery of buying too much.
I’ve got a job where I must dress in professional attire so I’ve used a combo of consignment store/eBay/FB market place to get most of my stuff.
I literally keep an inventory of basics and exchange as I size out of them:
* 1 each black,grey, blue, khaki,olive green pants-I actually have 2 pair grey pants, because I found such a good deal on them.
* 2-3 dresses that are cut in a way where I can lose 2 sizes before exchanging. - actually I just purchased a 4th dress— a cute knit wrap dress that I’m going to wear with pumpkin tights on Halloween, but who can pass up a versatile black dress in their wardrobe? I’ll wear it all winter with different tights.
* 1-2 pairs jeans- just purchased some LL bean fleece-lined jeans for winter in addition to my “ usual” pair. Got it off of eBay for under $20.
* a total of 8-12 tops in variety of colors for work —I’ve had to get more lately to add in some sweaters and warmer clothes.

* approximately 1 billion yoga pants/workout tops— Give or take a few.

even though I’ve gone from size xxl/22 to medium/8, I’ve still got a few old sweatshirts and even one old sweater that I plan on wearing this winter.
sadly all the professional clothes had to be sold/donated.

It’s been a struggle, especially in the beginning. I invested in belts, but that only goes so far. I keep a minimum of a few basics that I fit at all times: one pair of jeans, one pair of black pants, a black skirt, a pair of white pants, and then whatever tops are seasonal. I can mix and match things easily. I also have blazers, because these can be worn open when they are a bit on the small side, so they last a while. Dresses that can be cinched with a belt when they get big are great.
I shop second hand for the most part, either thrift stores or Poshmark, but stick to those basic pieces. I consider it more that I’m renting clothes rather than buying them at this point.
I have somehow maintained a business casual look with just a very basic wardrobe. It’s tempting to buy a ton now that I fit in regular sizes and the world has opened up, but until I stabilize I’m keeping it under control (mostly).
Sometimes I wish I could just wear baggy sweats and t-shirts and save the money, but somehow I think it would be frowned upon at my job 😂 Besides, loose baggy clothes billowing around me drives me nuts! Thrift stores have been my saving grace.

Lol @mdhender87 don’t read the post-op boards before your surgery 😂 At least, I’m glad I didn’t or I would’ve questioned the choice. Despite the struggles, I definitely don’t regret it. As hard as it is, it’s better than the path we were doing down. Good luck with your surgery and recovery!

@BetterBelizeIt Thanks for your post. I agree with the posters above that this is something not talked about enough. While I am happy for all of the people here who are doing great and adjusting well to their new lives, I sometimes feel alienated by my own feelings of frustration. Your post was some welcome realtalk.

I don’t regret my decision and I believe things will get better in the months that follow. But for now, I’m so frustrated and unsatisfied all the time. I go from feeling ‘hungry’/empty stomach to a feeling of pain (aka the new ‘fullness’) within about 5 bites. There is never any feeling of satiety. Like you, I miss that so much. I especially get frustrated when I take the time to actually make a meal. I’m 32 days out and finally made a meatloaf last night. it was a recipe from my nutritionist. It took 90 minutes to prepare after a long day of work and when I sat down to eat it, I took a few bites and the pain hit. I got so upset. It feels like a pointless waste of time to bother cooking anything. Maybe this is the effect of an unhealthy relationship with food but i don’t necessarily think it’s unhealthy to want to feel satisfied after eating Or be able to enjoy a meal. It’s not healthy, I guess, to feel excited about food, but now I almost dread eating.

I saw someone else on these boards comment recently that they think about food now more than they ever did before surgery. i feel that way too. When to eat, how much to eat, how slow to eat, how Long to chew, counting minutes between bites so i don’t eat too fast. It’s A lot and i was not prepared, despite 6 months of pre-op counseling, reading books, internet research, talking to friends. Etc.
anyway, thanks for sharing your frustrations and allowing The rest of us to vent, as well. i Know it will get better and I am lucky to have supportive friends and family. can’t imagine the added stress you are feeling without that ❤️ Please take care and remember it’s ok to put yourself first and cut toxic relationships if you need to.

You are absolutely correct in how bariatric surgery not only changes your eating, digestive habits forever, but there is also a huge mental impact as well. I do think we all suffer some form of regret and remorse.
Everyones experience is different. I am 18 months out from gastric sleeve. I have lost 75lb, but goal is another twenty pounds and I have been stalled now for 3 months. Frustrating.
Everyone tells me that I shouldn't get dumping syndrome, as "people who have sleeves don't suffer dumping". Well I definitely do and it's miserable. My husband and I are medical, so we know the condition. Seems to happen mostly when I eat Protein (red meat, chicken, less so with eggs and fish). I become extremely sweaty, pale, dizzy and nauseous. I feel like I could lay down on the floor and pass out. It lasts about 30-45 minutes which feels like forever.
One of the strategies my husband proposed was to view these episodes as similar to a "ice cream headache".. Only longer. If I stick it out, I will feel better soon. I am not dying, and this too will pass.
We loved eating out at restaurants, having brunch, eating with friends. I am quite scared of food because I don't know how my stomach is going to react. So, now we don't do as much of that. And because we chose not to tell anyone (my decision), I do worry about whether people will notice that I have hardly eaten anything.. Especially if we are guests of friends. I hate thinking "what if they think I funny like their food?!"
I wish some days I could be reconnected as well, but as I have dropped 5 dress sizes, have no loose skin (amazing but probably genetic elastic skin.. but I am thankful for that) my knees don't hurt anymore, I can wrap a standard size bath towel around me, climb stairs without huffing, cross my legs very comfortably etc etc.. It has been worth it. Just keep reminding yourself. Enjoy all the benefits, and try not to focus on the bad.
Best wishes.

@Mrs. Mercedes
B12 chewables ARE YOUR ARE YOUR FRIENDS AS FAR AS ENERGY THEY HAVE HELPED ME ALOT

My energy increased at 6 weeks, so you are almost there! Don't get me wrong... I still get wiped out if I overdo it, but I have more energy than I have had for years.

i have vowed to look like a homeless guy till i hit my goal weight - clothes are baggy and huge and Havin fun doing it - Driving my two kids nuts - Its fun to put on a 4x shirt now. I use a belt to try and hold on my shorts down from a 50 to a 42 so that is fun also/
Also in the spirit have decided to not get a haircut till i hit the goal weight. So you guys like to shop I am doing the opposite and having a good time at it

Enjoying shopping again will definitely be one of my favorite things about this journey!! 😊😊 Depending how Strict your work dress code is, I suggest black stretch pants and long tunic tops. Stretch pants are practically one size fits all Cuz they stretch to fit and then go back to being tiny when you wash them. Dress Barn has lots of clothing like this and you can usually find a store in the outlets. Have fun!

Enjoying shopping again will definitely be one of my favorite things about this journey!! 😊😊 Depending how Strict your work dress code is, I suggest black stretch pants and long tunic tops. Stretch pants are practically one size fits all Cuz they stretch to fit and then go back to being tiny when you wash them. Dress Barn has lots of clothing like this and you can usually find a store in the outlets. Have fun!

Hi! If you search this topic on the message Boards there are some PRior threadS that I found really helpful when considering this question myself It seems that some people feel safely able to use ‘herbs’ after surgery.

i promise it does get better guys the first 3 months where a b***h after that it does get better keep up the good work everyone its a great big life change for us all stick to it it does work and yes it does hurt sometimes learning to eat is fun as well

Enjoying shopping again will definitely be one of my favorite things about this journey!! 😊😊 Depending how Strict your work dress code is, I suggest black stretch pants and long tunic tops. Stretch pants are practically one size fits all Cuz they stretch to fit and then go back to being tiny when you wash them. Dress Barn has lots of clothing like this and you can usually find a store in the outlets. Have fun!