Lanie992

11 hours ago, Lici said:

Still struggling with Water and Protein, two trips to the emergency room and a hospital stay later and I’m working harder on my Water. 😀

Glad to see so many of you doing great!

Yikes @ 2 trips to the ER... I am having issues with getting my water in, not protein.. but that scares me so much. Don't want to have to go to the ER.

On 8/12/2020 at 9:08 PM, WishMeSmaller said:

I do miss big meals and eating whatever sounded good (I am a major foodie with a bread addiction), but I just ate an amazingly satisfying salad with chicken. I want more because it tastes good, but I have that tell tale pressure at the back of my throat that says no more. If I get that “rock in the chest” feeling, I will be miserable until I puke it up. Yay me 🙄

Let’s just keep on keeping on, bypass buddies!

Have you tried Aldi's 1 net carb bread? I felt it was very bland at first, but I am getting acclimated to it and actually enjoy it now. It is nowhere near good as regular bread but it does sate my craving for bread.

I use one slice and have an egg with cheese. There are two varieties: wheat and multiseed. I bought both and prefer the wheat.

16 hours ago, 613cnn said:

I was progressed to solid foods today - though I admit I’ve been eating some solids prior to today. I’m always surprised by what I can eat and how much - surprised and freaked out sometimes. chicken breast comes right back up, but tacos? Totally fine.

Taco meat has been super easy for me since week 3... (I was still in the puree stage so I pureed it a bit but not enough to look like dog food). I made tacos last night -- I use half of a low-carb Mission tortilla or the Ole Xtreme Wellness High Fiber Low Carb Tortilla Wraps. I used to eat chicken like 5 times a week before the sleeve.. and I've had a tougher time with it too. It doesn't come up, but it just sort of sits there.. I barely eat it now. I actually do better with sirloin steaks than chicken... which I know some people have issues with steak but I do well with it, but not chicken.... strange.

If you shred the chicken -- it does make it easier to get down.

11 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

some people would say that people who are really tied into the bariatric community - like participating on these boards and/or active in support groups - tend to do better than average, so that might be part of it. I'm still active in the community at five years out because it keeps my head in the game and keeps me (mostly) on track, and I'm sure that's the case with a lot of people who are regulars on here. That kind of thing can make a difference.

I was thinking about that earlier. It probably does really help you stay centered... and if you do get it off track, it will help to get back on target. I definitely plan to continue on this website like you do. My plan is once I get to my goal - I will have a certain weight limit to not creep up to again. And will start working to lose again. Maybe 5-10 lbs above my goal weight? That is how I am planning it now. One step at a time though. I got to get to my goal first.

I am almost 3 months out and still struggle to get my liquids in, which is weird because I used to drink Water ALL day long before surgery... but now I am rarely thirsty and rarely have room in my tummy.. Just try to keep sipping through the day. That's what I do.

Interesting using that calculator and everyone responses to what it says you should have weighed 1 year out. Seems like everyone did way better than it calculated.. that is optimistic.

It says I will reach my goal (135 lbs) after 1 year.. I am almost 3 months out and I have 23 lbs to go. I am losing pretty slowly... 2 lbs a week'ish, so I was hoping I'd be at my goal by December... but I think it is feasible.

18 hours ago, Lily66 said:

Well, one thing that will be different and should help is that you will only be taking in anywhere from 600-1,000 calories max during the weight loss phase. After that, maintenance phase will get up to 1,200-1,400 calories daily range, depending upon where you find your body begins putting weight on and is no longer losing is what will determine the magic number for you to maintain.

I know, this 600-1,000 cal daily sounds impossible, and prior to WLS it would have been for me. Your smaller pouch helps restrict you, as well as fewer hunger pangs.

Congratulations on your 24lb weight loss! We’re same height and that’s better than I did pre-op. You can do this!!

Yes, I usually eat around 600 calories per day... no more than 800 calories and that's if I eat A LOT...

@kellieym --You will not be hungry after surgery. Trust me. In the beginning, I struggled to even get 600 calories in.

And your body doesn't need more than that, if you research. You will do great, especially if you are that disciplined.

My GERD got better with the sleeve, but I had a hiatal hernia repair ---which I think was the cause of my pre-surgery GERD. But just from reading here - seems like a lot of sleevers do develop GERD after surgery and some subsequently get bypass to help relieve it.

I'd be careful with Apple Juice... even if it is "no sugar added" -- it will have sugar in it from the apples.

I just looked up the nutritional facts for Great Value No Sugar Added Apple Juice.. and it has 28g's of carbs for one serving.. and that is net carbs as there is no Fiber in it. I don't eat 28g's of net carbs in a day -- much less in one serving... 28g's of sugar too.

Remember: low carb and low sugar are VERY important to your weight loss journey.

EDIT: I was told no fruit juices in my liquid diet, even if they have "no sugar added".. That label is very deceptive.

5 hours ago, ResaRoo said:

Try drinking some Water (as much as you can handle) every time you feel hungry instead of reaching for a snack, and then go for a short walk or find something to keep yourself busy. It will help keep your mind off of it. I feel the same way sometimes, and it typically isn’t real hunger but head hunger.

Definitely agree that it is probably "head hunger". I had that BAD during my first 2-3 weeks. Now it is gone completely (at coming up on 3 month).

20 minutes ago, ChubRub said:

You can do this!!! Whenever people talk about "food funerals" I just reminded myself that the last 5 years of my life was a food funeral. I ate so much crap that I was finally sick of it.

Good luck!!!

So true.

1 minute ago, bufbills said:

So I'm told no 6 month requirement. I have appointments with the nutritionist and behavioral person on the 25th. The clock is now ticking, and I could have surgery in as soon as two months.

I'll continue to update.

Awesome news! All the requirements went much faster than I thought and I had the surgery soon after - I had to wait a month longer because of Covid though. Congratulations!

Also, do you guys count your carbs by the full amount on the ingredients list, or do you deduct the Fiber & sugar alcohol content, like people do who do Keto (counting macros)... When I say I eat less than 20 carbs - I am calculating it with the fiber & sugar alcohol subtracted.

Is the carb limit different for bypass patients and sleevers? Just curious. I stay under 20 carbs per day but that is just how my diet works out -- I don't plan it.. I am a very picky eater and usually rotate what I eat each week & I am determined to reach my goal weight by December (at least 25 more lbs - don't know if it is possible though), so I am being pretty strict with myself..

I would be happy with up to 30 grams though - just the foods I gravitate towards right now keep me at a lower scale.

I have read that some people develop an intolerance to dairy after surgery. That might be the problem, but I agree with catwoman - I would definitely call the surgeon's office and get professional advice.

I think if they already approved you - you should be fine. I wouldn't worry about it.

Four days away from surgery! Congratulations! That's so exciting!

12 minutes ago, BriarRose said:

I am 10 years out. Gained some back but maintained a 100 pound weight loss.... now have tackled the re-gain and have lost 41 pounds of 40 regain. AND SOMEONE COMMENTED HERE THAT I SHOULD WEIGH LESS.

I had to laugh. I mean really laugh. He is young, male, and has NO clue what anyone else deals with.

Take away information that is helpful, add to other's journey with concern and maybe a suggestion about what works for you.

Try not to compare yourself with anyone except to your "old self"

Celebrate EVERY Victory

Be Yourself and DO YOU.

BTW - TODAY - I am celebrating by taking Three HUGE bags of PLUS SIZE clothing to the Women's Shelter. GONE AND DONE. NO MORE SIZE 20/22. Back to ladies petite size 16 - or regular ladies size 14.

I only look at 5 pounds at a time. Sometimes less. And I Celebrate every 1/2 pound now !!!

Awesome advice! And you've done GREAT, even with the re-gain issue. Congratulations on your journey!

16 hours ago, Pandemonium said:

Hey New & Improved...did you realize that it's against forum rules to shame people for their choice of surgery? Now why don't you bugger off with your constant hot takes, lousy opinions, and egotistical attention seeking?

Thank you! I've been reading the person you are responding to -- and I scroll by and I can't take it anymore. The negativity and boasting is just too much. Almost like they feel better about themselves by shaming others. It is so disappointing, because I truly feel like you guys are my support group and if anyone would be understanding about food addiction... and WLS speed bumps -- it would be fellow WLS patients.

To avoid this post being negative. I just want everyone here to know that I support you. We will all have struggles during this process and this should be a safe, non-judgment zone to help one another.

I believe in all of you and we will get through this together!

And to the OP -- yes, I get frustrated too. I am trying hard not to compare myself to others who have quicker results. I do feel a lot better and I am happy I did the surgery regardless though.

Big hugs and love to you all.

24 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

that's really common with both surgeries. Rapid weight loss is really tough on livers. Your ALT number should go back down once you're at or near goal and the weight loss slows down.

Thanks. Hopefully it won't take too long to level out. I am glad all my other numbers are in range... besides the "good cholesterol" -- which I don't think I've ever had in range... I doubt I ever will. I did eat some avocado 🥑 today though.

2 minutes ago, Sassafras1 said:

Yes!! I’ve been wondering how you are sleever twin! I haven’t had much reflux, luckily but I do burp when I’m full all the time (very lady like 😂) I still have a long way to go to goal but I’m trying not to think too far ahead. Just did a big wardrobe clean out of clothes I’ll never wear again. Gets addictive, soon I’ll have nothing to wear 😂🤣

Good to see you! I got rid of the burping about one month out. Maybe it will go away for you - in time? I need to do a clothing purge too! I might do that this weekend!! I've been told to not buy clothing during this time since I will be constantly changing sizes. I just want all the weight gone so I can shopping and buy new clothes!🤣

On 8/6/2020 at 8:12 PM, Sassafras1 said:

mine is coming along, my surgery was 21 may and so far am down 53 lbs (I'm in Aus so work in Kg, had to google :))

That is amazing! My surgery was May 21st too. I am only down 31 lbs. It is coming off slooooowly for me. But I hope to be under 160 lbs next week...we'll see.

I feel great. I've read a lot of sleevers have acid reflux after the surgery, but mine is gone... I didn't realize how bad I had acid reflux until after the surgery and hiatal hernia repair.

I got my blood work done and everything is normal besides low HDL ("good cholesterol") and I had elevated ALT levels ---which are enzymes in the liver. I googled around and saw that an elevated ALT number in sleevers is common though. I have my 3 month post-op appointment in 2 weeks. I will see what the Doc says about that ALT number, but I am not concerned about it right now.

I have BCBSTX .... a BMI of 31.9 ( 5'5" and 192 lbs)... I got approved within 4 days.. With that said, I had other ailments -- high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and sleep apnea....(also on the verge of being diabetic)...

My doc had told me not to expect to get an approval/denial for another 30 days... but it only took them 4 days.

My doctor did not even require a pre-op diet. I was eating normally up to the day before... however, I was on the "smaller" side, so I am not sure if that is his plan with every patient ... or just the ones with less fat to lose.

I think you will be fine, but I would suggest NOT eating any more fast food... and going back to the regimen your surgeon prescribed for you. You can do it! Dig deep inside you and resist the urge to cheat...Don't continue to sabotage yourself.

You look fantastic. Congratulations!

I was the same way.. So comfortable and pain-free in the hospital getting morphine every 2 hours... Then I got home and once the last dose of morphine wore off -- I was in a lot of pain, but it only lasted a few days. Days 3 and 4 were the worst for me. I also regretted it on day 3 & 4... but every day - my pain lessened. Just trust the process -- everything will get easier with time. Just take things slow and be gentle with your body... it is mad at you right now for putting it through this... but things will calm down. I promise!

Keep us updated and good luck! You got this!

I did too for at least 3 weeks AFTER surgery, then I got used to it.

If you want a good alternative to chips - get Quest Protein chips. They are a great protein source (19g) with low net carbs (4g) and only 1g of sugar. The Ranch flavor tastes just like Cool Ranch Doritos. They are kind of pricey though.. but Sam's Club and Target carry them.

8 hours ago, New&Improved said:

Find a gym or exercise buddy or get like a Wii fit setup...

Gyms aren't open in a lot of places. They're not open in my city due to Covid.. and it is hot as hell here, so I walk when it gets dark and cooler. I wish gyms were open, but I probably wouldn't go anyway -- too much risk factor for the Covid.

1 hour ago, Luv2cruz said:

Wow, I thought I was discouraged when I got up this morning, but now, after seeing the chart above, I am even more discouraged with my weight loss. I’m doing everything right so I don’t know what’s going wrong. I am 7 weeks postop and have only lost 24 pounds. The odd thing is my weight loss really slowed down once I started exercising a couple of weeks ago.

😢😔

I am 8 weeks and have lost 26 lbs, so we're about even on how much we have lost in almost the same time period! I get discouraged too, but now I realize that it is normal. We just have to be patient.