MandoGetsSleeved

Wow - What a week I've just had! Due to COVID, we haven't had our yearly work conference with customers since 2019. I've been with my company for 20+ years (and overweight the majority of that time) and haven't seen most of our customers post surgery. This past week was the first one and the reactions I had from co-workers (we work remotely so I haven't seen many of them since 2019 either) and customers was fantastic! I had folks who didn't recognize me at first and others who were just amazed at the transformation. I haven't been shy about how I lost the weight. Hell, I'll tell anyone how and why. I'd like to see the stigma of it gone. I waited so many years because intially I also believed I simply needed will-power to lose weight and keep it off. Like most of us here, I'd lost weight and gained it back plus some for a good part of my life. I tried everything and yup, I was still fat. This week I had several folks who were overweight ask me REAL questions about the surgery and life afterwards. It felt great to be able to explain the pros and cons of it all. I used what I've learned from both my experiences and this site (THANK YOU ALL!) to explain what it's like and how it affects you. Here are some of my thoughts and talking points: If you're an emotional eater, stress eater, or triggered eater, then this may not be the right answer for you. You definitely have to get that under control BEFORE surgery, Of 3 people that had surgery at about the same time, 2 of us have been successful (all sleevers). Another has only lost ~50 lbs. He simply wasn't ready for the changes and has managed to out eat the sleeve with junk food. If you're a social eater (that's ME) who has problems with primarily with portion control, you'll probably be more successful. You have to be prepared mentally for the changes (see bullet point 1). It's a roller coaster. The first few months are overwhelming. Hormones are out of control, you find you can do things you haven't done in ages as the weight loss, people are commenting, and sometimes you feel like your life will never be the same again. Many of us CAN eat anything we want after we heal- Just in smaller portions You will always need to be aware of this and try to make smart choices. I try to be smart about it. If I know I'm going to be tempted by junk food, I try and eat some heavy protein (chicken, beef, fish) FIRST so I really don't have any room left over for the temptation. Other times I just say F-it and eat the chips, crackers, dips, etc. I don't make it a habit, nor do I feel guilty when I do. You CAN out eat the sleeve. Yep, I drink. Sometimes to excess. Most of the time I don't. It's a social thing and I enjoy it. If I were doing to escape, I'd be worried. I get on the scale often. As in daily if I have it with me. This keeps me in check. If I don't, I find myself being far less conscience of what I'm eating or drinking. I know me, and if I don't I'll simply convince myself that the dryer must of shrunk my clothes! I have a 5lb threshold that I adhere to. If I get near that, I go back to tracking immediately so I can't lie to myself. If you're mentally and physically prepared for the restrictions and the lifestyle changes then this really can be the "easy way out" (I am fully aware that for many it is NOT easy so please don't take offense if you're stuggling). I'm one of the lucky ones. This surgery is life-changing in so many ways and I'll stress again, you need to be mentally prepared for those changes. If you're married or in a relationship, be prepared for how this affects your significant other (mine has been very supportive). Be prepared to take a good hard look at yourself and what you want out of this. People treat you differently - even ones you've known forever. I did this 100% for me. Frankly, a lot of it was for vanity and comfort. I was tired of being uncomfortable on a plane and not being able to experience things that had weight limits. I wanted to wear clothes that didn't come from Omar's tent factory. I find myself to be more confident and outgoing. This can be a shock to those around you. People may feel that you've changed (you HAVE). Be aware if you're becoming toxic and critical. Surgery is the right thing for some people, and the wrong thing for others. Don't be judgemental.

I was back to work in a week more or less. I will say that the first 2-3 weeks I was REALLY tired and an afternoon nap was very helpful.

First I want to say thank you to so many of the veteran posters on here. I hope you gals and guys know how much your experiences and feedback have helped me and I suspect many others. There's just such a fantastic mix of people and experiences - It's great knowing you aren't alone in this journey. The first few months after surgery were easy. The weight was simply falling off, there wasn't anything I couldn't eat or drink - And better yet, I couldn't overeat because of the restriction. I felt fantastic most of the time, had all sorts of NSV's and loved my new life. From August until January I lost almost 50lbs - I was so close to Wonderland I could taste it. THEN reality struck - Suddenly I was one of those "slow losers" - It took almost 2 months to lose 13lbs. UGH, I WAS going to be one of those slow losers. OK, fine, I'm 52 and it is what it is, right? From January until May, I "only" lost 33lbs. Again, every week/month I told myself that I would lose the weight, I was just in some sort of a stall and things would magically pick up. Well, they didn't, I would lose 2-3 lbs and then I would gain 2-3 lbs. Again, "it's normal" I told myself. Fast forward to a week ago - I jumped on here for some motivation (reading stories, etc.) and I took a hard look at what I was doing. Basically, I was being lazy - I was eating whatever I wanted and justifying it by saying "I only eat small portions" - Well, yeah, that was true...BUT I was grazing, I was drinking too much alcohol, and I wasn't tracking. I honetly have no idea how many calories I was consuming (especially on weekends with family and friends). I played mind games with myself and said "As long as I'm not gaining, I'm doing things right." - Well, that was a giant load of (@*$. This past Tuesday (after a weekend of Mimosa's, Crown Royal, and some really great BBQ), I woke up to a 5lb gain (BTW, yes I realize some of that was water retention). WAKE UP CALL. 5lbs? Seriously - Time to go back to basics before that's a 10lb gain. For the first time in MONTHS, I tracked every thing I tracked everything that went into my mouth (water, food, etc) - I did 3 days of liquid - In two days, those 5lbs were off. Rather than what I've done in the past, I didn't stop there - I continued tracking, I continued being cognizant of what and when I was eating. I said "no" to many things that I thought I wanted. I lost 6.8lbs from Tuesday to Sunday. What? I'm NOT a slow loser - I'm a LAZY loser. Folks, for many of us, it's EASY in the first few months, it's EASY to convince ourselves that we're doing OK, it's EASY to compare ourselves to others, it's EASY to ignore signs that you're falling into bad habits, and it's EASY to get lazy. In reality, it's HARD to stick to your plan when you're feeling fantastic and patting yourself on the back for losing so much weight. I'm choosing to be thankful that this happened now rather than 2-3 years into it. I'm glad that reality smacked me in the face and forced me to face the fact that i wasn't doing what I needed to do. Right now it was EASY to get back on track before I let it get out of control. For those of you experiencing the same - Buckle up buttercup, start tracking, weigh yourself often if you need to, and take a good look and when and why you're losing weight and when and why you aren't. Again, a very special thank you to you old timers for always keeping things real and giving out such fantastic advice.

Weight gain is normal from all the IV fluids. Drink as much water/liquids (as your program advises) and walk walk walk. This will help with any pain and get your body back in whack.

Clothes! I’m currently stalking an Alexander McQueen suit… OMG it’s amazing!

Taking my own advice - Hold myself accountable. Surgery 10/2020, HW somewhere in the 280's. Low weight 165 ... Current weight 175.... Why? Here's why... Last day tracked January 19th Last regular/daily tracking November 2021 Last day registered weighing - January (I still do weigh almost daily though) Eating/drinking (including alcohol) whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted - "Justified" it by telling myself "It's ok, I can't eat that much of whatever... and I'm drinking low calorie alcohol. All of this equals close to 10lb overall gain in a fairly short period of time. Failing to address it now will simply put me back where I started. If you've been at all successful in this journey, you know what works and what doesn't - Don't lie to yourself and pretend everything is fine and end up with a 20lb gain - Mentally 5 was my threshold and we see how that worked out. For me at least, I don't want to feel ashamed that I worked so hard only to fail in the long run. Today, back on track, I have no doubt that I will fall off the wagon again, but hey... it's a marathon, not a sprint. I WILL track food and drink - even if it's not something on my plan. I WON'T lie to myself. I'll set realistic/attainable goals. I WON'T do anything drastic (for me) like liquids only for x number of days - It isn't sustainable and results with me doing stupid things.

As some are saying 2-6 weeks seem to be the standard. I was traveling for work within 2 weeks. Working remotely (e-mails and meetings) sporadically within a couple of days. That being said, I was TIRED... definitely needed a nap a day during the first couple of weeks. Once I went to pureed food and was getting in enough nutrients, that got better quickly.

As in you absolutely dread swallowing? Yep - Pretty normal the first few days. For most of us it goes away pretty quickly. At 2-3 months out, I was able to drink pretty much as I could before surgery, just in smaller amounts - At a year out, if I'm thirsty, I can easily drink a 20oz bottle of water in just a few minute4s.

CONGRATS!!

Not sure I understand what you're saying? I guess my point was that I drink quite a bit of caffeine daily and it's had no negative effect on me.

Sleever here - My surgeon stressed getting fluids in - If I was good with protein and fluids (Gatorade Zero, Water, Crystal Light, etc), then he had no issue with caffeine as soon as I was in the pureed phase. Today I drink at least 4-6 cups a day (in addition to other fluids) and have never had an issue with dehyrdration. I will occasionally have a diet soda, but usually just a few sips because it seems to hit very heavy in my stomach.

Not sure your feelings on therapy, so here's what I do/did when falling of the wagon early on - First, forgive yourself - Each day is a new day and you damn sure can't change the past. Tomorrow morning, get up. weigh, track, measure - Hell, skip the weigh part, it's probably screwing with your head since you're losing weight. Track and measure. Track EVERYTHING. You're going to fail a few more times, make the next day a new day, don't let it last a week or a month. - If it were easy, we wouldn't need the surgery to help us.

As many have said - I'm about 18 months out and I've thrown up once... about 2 months post op and first starting solid food. I ate some pork (less than 3oz) and promptly thought I was going to die - Threw up and I was fine again. Haven't thrown up since. In the early stages I followed the plan pretty closely, can now eat pretty much whatever I want (in small quantities) and the best decision I've ever made for myself.

Pretty much what everyone else has said. Often in the first few weeks you aren't getting nearly enough nutrients to fuel your body as it recovers. I found once I could get in adequate calories (600-800) and all my fluids (64-80oz) I felt MUCH better and had lots of energy.

I would definitely caution against it this early in. That being said, I LOVE me an ice cold beer. I had my first one about 6 months post surgery - It was WONDERFUL.... Now, the downside, I actually could only drink half of a draft beer and then couldn't eat anything because I was so full.... At over a year out, I can drink a whole beer easily but I am still quite full afterwards and certainly couldn't drink 2 back to back. The fullness goes away quickly though (~30 mins) for me and i could have another one then. Typically by then I don't usually want one though.

@Esimaintaining it forever is definitely a concern - Actually one of the reasons I want to get this last 10 in. I keep hearing about the bounce back of 10 or so lbs and want to ensure I stay in a happy zone with my weight. I'm pretty neurotic about weighing quite often (at least 4-5 times per week) and if I'm up 1-2 lbs I make sure I get back to the basics (not crash dieting,) by making sure I get in the fluids first - That keeps me fully and less snacky. @ 5lbs I start freaking out and typically do go back to real basics (tracking and measuring everything I put in my mouth). This usually happens after a vacation when I just throw caution to the wind!

Newest NSV - Carrying concealed all day without it digging into my side!! OMG Awesome!!

"Exact Number" - That is the perfect way of putting it. I realize intellectually that the number really doesn't matter... but it does to ME! It's about having a goal and meeting that goal. Until I do, it feels like unfinished business for lack of a better term. @catwoman7 I can completely relate to eye-rolling in the past when people have bemoaned a 10lb weight loss issue - I just wanted to say "hold my beer and watch this!" Or my favorite... "I've gained 5lbs and I just have to get it off." - My thoughts "You vain *#&$, try losing 100lbs..." Again, now I can totally relate to panic mode if there's that much of a change - Ah... skinny people problems... I consider myself beyond lucky to have them now!

@lizaonaplane I am in the same boat as you - Talbots is my favorite store for business wear and shorts (I might have a shorts fetish!) - I also shop at a lot at Loft and have currently found a love of Neiman Marcus (but $$$) - I've fallen in love with Equipment brand silk blouses recently. I've started using eBay, Poshmark, and ThredUp to get some really nice things at a reasonable price since I hope to continue losing (see most recent rant on that...).

In the beginning.... if it was every couple of days I considered myself LUCKY! Once you get moving again, I've found that helps a lot (in addition to fluids).

Absolutely amazing! Congrats!!

OK, trying to be honest AND hold myself accountable... First Thanksgiving post WLS- I feel like a WLS Pilgrim! So I started the weekend with a 52lb loss since surgery ... YAY! And then.... yeah... then... I gave myself "permission" to indulge - OOOOPS - That was a slippery slope. Now it's Saturday morning and thankfully (it works for me..), I'm a slave to the scale. Up 3.3 lbs in just two days of indulging. I kept telling myself that I wasn't eating and drinking too much (because lets be real.. we CAN'T eat much at one sitting - but we can damn sure graze..) so I ignored the obvious - I WAS EATING AND DRINKING TOO MUCH. Some harsh realities morning: 1. I'm just NOT good at moderation (hence the reason I NEEDED this surgery). 2. I need to learn to give myself "permission" to succeed rather than to FAIL. 3. Holidays will always be food focused at my house (I'm the cook), but I need to find better options for me. 4. Once the meal is over, the food needs to be put away to avoid grazing (but damn was that ham and cheese slider yummy!)... 5. Alcohol - I've just got to say "NO" - Socializing with family on holidays all day around my house generally involves lots of wine and laughter - I need to find a better substitute than Gatorade Zero because somehow it just isn't the same (suggestions welcome!). All in all - I wouldn't trade the time with family for anything. I enjoyed cooking, drinking, laughing, and eating BUT I need to find a way to do that AND keep on track during this journey. Beating myself up a little, but unlike previous WL attempts, I'm determined to make this a success and I'm back to basics now. I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday!

About 6 months ago, I started randomly tripping/falling. I've had knee surgery several times (including total knee replacement) so I really assumed it was related to previous injuries. The falls were being caused by a condition called "foot drop" and I was referred for a nerve conduction study (interesting experience!) to see if the nerve was damaged beyond repair. If you aren't familiar with drop foot, it's basically where your ankle/toes are always pointed down and sometimes drag. The first question the doctor asked me was "Have you recently lost a lot of weight" - First thoughts... RUDE... I figured it was because of my loose skin (which even I don't think is too horrible). When I responded with "YEP, 100lbs" - His next question "Have you been crossing your legs a lot?" - Me: YUP, it's awesome... haven't been able to do that comfortably since I was a little one!" - Doc: "Well, here's your problem: peroneal nerve dysfunction." He then proceeded to let me know that he sees quite a few WLS patients with this issue and wishes that this was something more widely known. Apparently there is a "fat pocket" that protects this nerve. When we lose weight quickly (vs gradually), in some it goes away completely and leaves that nerve more "exposed" to damage. Looks like I'm going to be a lucky one and it's not too far gone to resolve with some physical therapy and some electrical stimulation. So, if you notice that you start to feel some numbness in the top of your foot and have a difficult time raising your ankle and toes after sitting for a bit with your legs crossed, just be aware that it *could* lead to something more serious.

Sleever here - I can eat bacon with no issues (but I limit to 1-2 pieces when I do)

I just thought it was ironic that one of the reasons I had the surgery was to be able to walk more comfortably!