JustMe1313

Congratulations! Absolutely inspiring!
But who was taking pictures of you from your backside? I hope it was for the right reasons, and that you are proud of your weight loss success, for you!!!

13 days out from my surgery, have had ups and downs with the biggest challenge be 1) energy and 2) hunger at the end of the day. I've fixed the hunger by making sure I'm sticking to high Protein liquids. Here are some tips and tricks I've learned to help me keep moving forward:
Food tips:
Perfect treat: Pre-mixed Premier Protein, vanilla. Warm in microwave then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Such a treat, and fulfilling!
Making sure to get my Protein Drinks in late in the day so I don't have that late night hunger.
I've been using Gatorade Zero to fill in between meals, since plain Water is hard on my stomach.
I tried a recipe from a cookbook, but it really grossed me out - using plain greek yogurt, mixing it up with my chocolate whey protein. Gagged! That memory has kept me going on liquids alone.
Use Bone Broth as a meal, adding my own salt and spices, nice an warm, and comforting.
Exercise Tips:
Set little goals, and then if you can keep going, keep going. If you need to take a break in between, take a small break.
Listen to your body, and if you need to rest, or take a break in between, do it!
For me, I started with walking laps around my pool / patio at night, and use my FitBit to keep me motivated. One day I had 10 laps, then I challenged myself to do 5 more, then 5 more, etc. Started at 5,000 steps then challenged myself each day until I got up to 12,000. However, if I didn't have the energy, I listened to my body and didn't push it.
After I was comfortable walking, I started on my Bowflex Max 5 - not at the interval training level, but just at my own pace. First days were hard. I skipped two days, but then hopped up on it again and found I was able to go several additional minutes without needing a break. Just like any exercise, keep your water or Gatorade Zero or other non-calorie hydration close by, small sips are all you need.
Setbacks:
Some days the hunger was really strong - I found myself tasting Kosher salt & spices in between meals, which kicked any feelings of being deprived to the curb. (I don't know if this is allowed, or healthy - but just a taste did the trick). I've gotten over those cravings from the first week.
After losing 12 pounds the first week, I stalled for about 2 days. I was discouraged, but kept moving and the weight loss kicked in quickly. I am now down 16 pounds since 12 days since my surgery.
Keeping my energy levels high enough to put in the walking and/or Bowflex. I have to push myself at times, but I do it and feel better after knowing that I am increasing my metabolism and strength with each cycle. I also let myself rest when I need.
Hope sharing this helps as you approach your post-surgery healing and journey.

13 days out from my surgery, have had ups and downs with the biggest challenge be 1) energy and 2) hunger at the end of the day. I've fixed the hunger by making sure I'm sticking to high Protein liquids. Here are some tips and tricks I've learned to help me keep moving forward:
Food tips:
Perfect treat: Pre-mixed Premier Protein, vanilla. Warm in microwave then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Such a treat, and fulfilling!
Making sure to get my Protein Drinks in late in the day so I don't have that late night hunger.
I've been using Gatorade Zero to fill in between meals, since plain Water is hard on my stomach.
I tried a recipe from a cookbook, but it really grossed me out - using plain greek yogurt, mixing it up with my chocolate whey protein. Gagged! That memory has kept me going on liquids alone.
Use Bone Broth as a meal, adding my own salt and spices, nice an warm, and comforting.
Exercise Tips:
Set little goals, and then if you can keep going, keep going. If you need to take a break in between, take a small break.
Listen to your body, and if you need to rest, or take a break in between, do it!
For me, I started with walking laps around my pool / patio at night, and use my FitBit to keep me motivated. One day I had 10 laps, then I challenged myself to do 5 more, then 5 more, etc. Started at 5,000 steps then challenged myself each day until I got up to 12,000. However, if I didn't have the energy, I listened to my body and didn't push it.
After I was comfortable walking, I started on my Bowflex Max 5 - not at the interval training level, but just at my own pace. First days were hard. I skipped two days, but then hopped up on it again and found I was able to go several additional minutes without needing a break. Just like any exercise, keep your water or Gatorade Zero or other non-calorie hydration close by, small sips are all you need.
Setbacks:
Some days the hunger was really strong - I found myself tasting Kosher salt & spices in between meals, which kicked any feelings of being deprived to the curb. (I don't know if this is allowed, or healthy - but just a taste did the trick). I've gotten over those cravings from the first week.
After losing 12 pounds the first week, I stalled for about 2 days. I was discouraged, but kept moving and the weight loss kicked in quickly. I am now down 16 pounds since 12 days since my surgery.
Keeping my energy levels high enough to put in the walking and/or Bowflex. I have to push myself at times, but I do it and feel better after knowing that I am increasing my metabolism and strength with each cycle. I also let myself rest when I need.
Hope sharing this helps as you approach your post-surgery healing and journey.

13 days out from my surgery, have had ups and downs with the biggest challenge be 1) energy and 2) hunger at the end of the day. I've fixed the hunger by making sure I'm sticking to high Protein liquids. Here are some tips and tricks I've learned to help me keep moving forward:
Food tips:
Perfect treat: Pre-mixed Premier Protein, vanilla. Warm in microwave then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Such a treat, and fulfilling!
Making sure to get my Protein Drinks in late in the day so I don't have that late night hunger.
I've been using Gatorade Zero to fill in between meals, since plain Water is hard on my stomach.
I tried a recipe from a cookbook, but it really grossed me out - using plain greek yogurt, mixing it up with my chocolate whey protein. Gagged! That memory has kept me going on liquids alone.
Use Bone Broth as a meal, adding my own salt and spices, nice an warm, and comforting.
Exercise Tips:
Set little goals, and then if you can keep going, keep going. If you need to take a break in between, take a small break.
Listen to your body, and if you need to rest, or take a break in between, do it!
For me, I started with walking laps around my pool / patio at night, and use my FitBit to keep me motivated. One day I had 10 laps, then I challenged myself to do 5 more, then 5 more, etc. Started at 5,000 steps then challenged myself each day until I got up to 12,000. However, if I didn't have the energy, I listened to my body and didn't push it.
After I was comfortable walking, I started on my Bowflex Max 5 - not at the interval training level, but just at my own pace. First days were hard. I skipped two days, but then hopped up on it again and found I was able to go several additional minutes without needing a break. Just like any exercise, keep your water or Gatorade Zero or other non-calorie hydration close by, small sips are all you need.
Setbacks:
Some days the hunger was really strong - I found myself tasting Kosher salt & spices in between meals, which kicked any feelings of being deprived to the curb. (I don't know if this is allowed, or healthy - but just a taste did the trick). I've gotten over those cravings from the first week.
After losing 12 pounds the first week, I stalled for about 2 days. I was discouraged, but kept moving and the weight loss kicked in quickly. I am now down 16 pounds since 12 days since my surgery.
Keeping my energy levels high enough to put in the walking and/or Bowflex. I have to push myself at times, but I do it and feel better after knowing that I am increasing my metabolism and strength with each cycle. I also let myself rest when I need.
Hope sharing this helps as you approach your post-surgery healing and journey.

Hi December buddies! I had my gastric sleeve on this past Tuesday, December 15. Everything went really well with the surgery, but I wanted to give you a heads up about recovery. If you have Fibro, or any autoimmune disease, please make sure anesthesiologist takes this into account - so that they can offset any potential flares. I have had several surgeries under general in the past, and never had a reaction like this one. Don't want to scare you - but if I can save someone the agony I went through I'd like to.
The side effects were an extremely painful recovery in the neck & shoulders waking up from surgery, a longer than normal time in post-op to try to calm my spasms, spasms throughout my calves. The day in the hospital was fine, as long as I was on Tramadol, but once I got home, and the meds wore off, the pain became excruciating - all the large muscle groups, extremities, joints both hurt and were on fire. The surgeon's office said since it was extremities it wasn't related to the surgery, and go to the ER, or my doctor who treats my other conditions. I went to my doctor, since he knows my other conditions. He gave me Gabapentin and a cream form of Voltaren; I am also on Flexeril normally. And I started a course of Methylprednisone for the inflammation. Today I woke up feeling better, and have gotten progressively better throughout the day.
The pain was in the back of the thighs, the front of the thighs, the shoulders, forearms and biceps and triceps and shoulder joints and ribs. I couldn't cough the surgery Fluid up, and it was actually terrifying to be in so much pain, I have never experienced like this before. Funny enough, my surgery site, and tummy - they were all great!
Sitting in the shower under the warm Water helped, but only as long as I was there. I needed a stepstool to get into my bed, and had walk excruciatingly slow. When I woke up, the burning would be there and I would have to pull really hard, as I cried, to try to lift a leg, turn over, or push myself up.
Again, I don't want to scare anyone, but if you have any underlying condition where you are prone to inflammation (autoimmune) or fibro (mixed signals and flares), talk to your anethesiologist in advance, and make sure you have the proper meds going home.
That said, I am great 3 days out, have lost 8 pounds, and am so excited to be on this journey to a healthier me, for me. My surgeon was great, and I am so blessed. Good luck to each of you!
#fibromyalgia, #lupus, #autoimmune, #recovery

Hi Meow! Welcome back! Sorry about your struggles. I have been struggling this month with my food addiction as well. I agree with another poster about intuitive eating. Eating intuitively is my end goal when I reach maintenance. Buy the book and read it. It is actually a good read. This is also MY reminder to go back to the principles outlined in the book and to refocus on my surgeon’s plan.

💕💕

13 days out from my surgery, have had ups and downs with the biggest challenge be 1) energy and 2) hunger at the end of the day. I've fixed the hunger by making sure I'm sticking to high Protein liquids. Here are some tips and tricks I've learned to help me keep moving forward:
Food tips:
Perfect treat: Pre-mixed Premier Protein, vanilla. Warm in microwave then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Such a treat, and fulfilling!
Making sure to get my Protein Drinks in late in the day so I don't have that late night hunger.
I've been using Gatorade Zero to fill in between meals, since plain Water is hard on my stomach.
I tried a recipe from a cookbook, but it really grossed me out - using plain greek yogurt, mixing it up with my chocolate whey protein. Gagged! That memory has kept me going on liquids alone.
Use Bone Broth as a meal, adding my own salt and spices, nice an warm, and comforting.
Exercise Tips:
Set little goals, and then if you can keep going, keep going. If you need to take a break in between, take a small break.
Listen to your body, and if you need to rest, or take a break in between, do it!
For me, I started with walking laps around my pool / patio at night, and use my FitBit to keep me motivated. One day I had 10 laps, then I challenged myself to do 5 more, then 5 more, etc. Started at 5,000 steps then challenged myself each day until I got up to 12,000. However, if I didn't have the energy, I listened to my body and didn't push it.
After I was comfortable walking, I started on my Bowflex Max 5 - not at the interval training level, but just at my own pace. First days were hard. I skipped two days, but then hopped up on it again and found I was able to go several additional minutes without needing a break. Just like any exercise, keep your water or Gatorade Zero or other non-calorie hydration close by, small sips are all you need.
Setbacks:
Some days the hunger was really strong - I found myself tasting Kosher salt & spices in between meals, which kicked any feelings of being deprived to the curb. (I don't know if this is allowed, or healthy - but just a taste did the trick). I've gotten over those cravings from the first week.
After losing 12 pounds the first week, I stalled for about 2 days. I was discouraged, but kept moving and the weight loss kicked in quickly. I am now down 16 pounds since 12 days since my surgery.
Keeping my energy levels high enough to put in the walking and/or Bowflex. I have to push myself at times, but I do it and feel better after knowing that I am increasing my metabolism and strength with each cycle. I also let myself rest when I need.
Hope sharing this helps as you approach your post-surgery healing and journey.

Those are good tips. Thanks for sharing. I am trying sugar-free flavored coffee Syrup in a hot coffee when I think I'm "hungry" to stave off eating or grazing

Hi December buddies! I had my gastric sleeve on this past Tuesday, December 15. Everything went really well with the surgery, but I wanted to give you a heads up about recovery. If you have Fibro, or any autoimmune disease, please make sure anesthesiologist takes this into account - so that they can offset any potential flares. I have had several surgeries under general in the past, and never had a reaction like this one. Don't want to scare you - but if I can save someone the agony I went through I'd like to.
The side effects were an extremely painful recovery in the neck & shoulders waking up from surgery, a longer than normal time in post-op to try to calm my spasms, spasms throughout my calves. The day in the hospital was fine, as long as I was on Tramadol, but once I got home, and the meds wore off, the pain became excruciating - all the large muscle groups, extremities, joints both hurt and were on fire. The surgeon's office said since it was extremities it wasn't related to the surgery, and go to the ER, or my doctor who treats my other conditions. I went to my doctor, since he knows my other conditions. He gave me Gabapentin and a cream form of Voltaren; I am also on Flexeril normally. And I started a course of Methylprednisone for the inflammation. Today I woke up feeling better, and have gotten progressively better throughout the day.
The pain was in the back of the thighs, the front of the thighs, the shoulders, forearms and biceps and triceps and shoulder joints and ribs. I couldn't cough the surgery Fluid up, and it was actually terrifying to be in so much pain, I have never experienced like this before. Funny enough, my surgery site, and tummy - they were all great!
Sitting in the shower under the warm Water helped, but only as long as I was there. I needed a stepstool to get into my bed, and had walk excruciatingly slow. When I woke up, the burning would be there and I would have to pull really hard, as I cried, to try to lift a leg, turn over, or push myself up.
Again, I don't want to scare anyone, but if you have any underlying condition where you are prone to inflammation (autoimmune) or fibro (mixed signals and flares), talk to your anethesiologist in advance, and make sure you have the proper meds going home.
That said, I am great 3 days out, have lost 8 pounds, and am so excited to be on this journey to a healthier me, for me. My surgeon was great, and I am so blessed. Good luck to each of you!
#fibromyalgia, #lupus, #autoimmune, #recovery

Hi December buddies! I had my gastric sleeve on this past Tuesday, December 15. Everything went really well with the surgery, but I wanted to give you a heads up about recovery. If you have Fibro, or any autoimmune disease, please make sure anesthesiologist takes this into account - so that they can offset any potential flares. I have had several surgeries under general in the past, and never had a reaction like this one. Don't want to scare you - but if I can save someone the agony I went through I'd like to.
The side effects were an extremely painful recovery in the neck & shoulders waking up from surgery, a longer than normal time in post-op to try to calm my spasms, spasms throughout my calves. The day in the hospital was fine, as long as I was on Tramadol, but once I got home, and the meds wore off, the pain became excruciating - all the large muscle groups, extremities, joints both hurt and were on fire. The surgeon's office said since it was extremities it wasn't related to the surgery, and go to the ER, or my doctor who treats my other conditions. I went to my doctor, since he knows my other conditions. He gave me Gabapentin and a cream form of Voltaren; I am also on Flexeril normally. And I started a course of Methylprednisone for the inflammation. Today I woke up feeling better, and have gotten progressively better throughout the day.
The pain was in the back of the thighs, the front of the thighs, the shoulders, forearms and biceps and triceps and shoulder joints and ribs. I couldn't cough the surgery Fluid up, and it was actually terrifying to be in so much pain, I have never experienced like this before. Funny enough, my surgery site, and tummy - they were all great!
Sitting in the shower under the warm Water helped, but only as long as I was there. I needed a stepstool to get into my bed, and had walk excruciatingly slow. When I woke up, the burning would be there and I would have to pull really hard, as I cried, to try to lift a leg, turn over, or push myself up.
Again, I don't want to scare anyone, but if you have any underlying condition where you are prone to inflammation (autoimmune) or fibro (mixed signals and flares), talk to your anethesiologist in advance, and make sure you have the proper meds going home.
That said, I am great 3 days out, have lost 8 pounds, and am so excited to be on this journey to a healthier me, for me. My surgeon was great, and I am so blessed. Good luck to each of you!
#fibromyalgia, #lupus, #autoimmune, #recovery

Hello! My name is Cynthia and I am 56 years old. I had the Duo Switch surgery on February 14, 2019. My highest weight was 301 lbs. My surgery day weight was 270lbs. My current weight is 175 lbs.
Up until the age of 19, I was slim and in good health. Once I turned 20, the emotional overeating started and I began to pack on the pounds. At the age of 21, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. I became very sick and depressed, leading to even more emotional overeating.

I tried every diet ever invented and even became bulimic for a year. I would lose and gain the same pounds for years. Finally, in 2018, I began researching weight loss surgery. I started the process of approval in November of 2018. My surgery was performed February 14, 2019.

It’s been 15 months of ups and downs, but certainly the best decision I’ve made in a long while!

Hi! Who is Chicago is doing your surgery? That's where I had mine done :). The sameeee thing happened to me, originally I was scheduled 7/20..well on July 9th they called and asked if I wanted to take a 7/13 opening they had...took it! lol. But yes, I felt as if I had no time to prepare either. Did they give a specific reason on why you can't season things? For me, I seasoned broth because I couldn't stomach it. I'm now 28 days out and feeling good. I'm officially down 20, which makes me even happier! Things do get easier, but there will be moments that you say "wtf did i do" lol, for me that was primarily right after surgery (I hated those gas pains). All will be well though!!

The cravings will be blunted and almost nonexistent during the honeymoon period of 6 to 12 months post-op. However, in most people the cravings return. This is especially true for many people who compulsively ate sweets and sugar. There are two types of weight loss surgery patients: moderators and abstainers.
Moderators can moderate their intake of trigger foods and stop before falling off the wagon, whereas abstainers must abstain from their trigger foods because they will definitely fall off the wagon. If you cannot moderate your intake of sweets, you need to abstain or else you will regain your weight.