NewMe_2021

Man, I remember my 2 weeks pre-op liquid diet. It was ROUGH. My program had me on 5 shakes a day and I could supplement with 1 single serving of sugar free Jello and broth. I would hold onto the broth for dinner so it would feel more comforting and give me something to look forward to after drinking all the shakes. By the time I got to my second week I started blending my shakes with some ice and eat it with a spoon. I kept a countdown on post its and tried to stay really busy. I also tried really hard to focus on the ultimate goal of surgery, which, helped a lot.
Life will be different after surgery and some things will be easier, but, others harder. As much as it is a physical journey it is a mental journey even more.
Keep plugging away! Every day is one day closer!

Man, I remember my 2 weeks pre-op liquid diet. It was ROUGH. My program had me on 5 shakes a day and I could supplement with 1 single serving of sugar free Jello and broth. I would hold onto the broth for dinner so it would feel more comforting and give me something to look forward to after drinking all the shakes. By the time I got to my second week I started blending my shakes with some ice and eat it with a spoon. I kept a countdown on post its and tried to stay really busy. I also tried really hard to focus on the ultimate goal of surgery, which, helped a lot.
Life will be different after surgery and some things will be easier, but, others harder. As much as it is a physical journey it is a mental journey even more.
Keep plugging away! Every day is one day closer!

Hi all! So great to see so many successes! I had my surgery 6/11 and am down 61 pounds so far. I have shrunk out of a lot of my clothes at this point and have lots of overflowing bins to donate. The challenge is really trying to find clothes that do fit! I go into stores and feel like I don't know how to shop and I don't want to spend too much on clothes that won't fit for very long. I've also been experiencing Hair loss for the last month. I'm hoping it either slows down or stops soon as it gets kind of annoying to be shedding so much hair everywhere not to mention I'm not sure how much more covering up I can do. I am so incredibly pleased with my weight loss so far. Being able to fit in smaller spaces, sit in chairs without worrying about if I will fit or hitting my hips on the arm rests, being more active, being able to bend over easily...there are just so many things that are better!

Hi all! I had my surgery 6/11, so, just over 4 months post op. I'm down 64 pounds so far and the difference is amazing. I've been doing before and after pics every month and am so pleased with my progress. I've officially shrunk through my whole back log of clothes that were too small in my closet and have had to venture out to do minimal shopping. I'm trying not to invest a lot in clothes right now because I know they won't fit in a few months.
I second what ShoppGirl said - I have alarms set up on my phone at specific times that go off every day to remind me to eat. My plan has me eating 3 small meals and 2 Snacks, so, just like ShoppGirl, I'm eating about every 3 hours as well. I had gotten to the point with shakes that I literally just can't drink them. They upset my stomach and are just kind of revolting by the end. I think it's because I was on them for 6 solid weeks between my pre-op and post-op diet. I have worked really hard to ensure I am getting 60-80g of Protein a day without them and am able to do that consistently.
How's everyone doing on vegetables? I feel like by the time I get through my protein I only have room for maybe a couple bites of any vegetables I may have on my plate. This makes me a little sad as I've always loved veggies. Just curious how everyone else was doing in this area.

I’ve bought from Factor 75. They are pre made meals you microwave for 2 minutes. They are sent directly to your home. And they’re actually very tasty. There was another company I bought from (I can’t remember the name off the top of my head) and their meals were horrid. I don’t cook either so I totally understand where you’re coming from. I haven’t had surgery yet so I was wondering the same thing and didn’t even think of factor 75 until I saw someone else comment on buying those type of meals and I remembered I had used them before. Good luck in your journey.

Sorry, I cant imagine getting any type of surgery done without knowing what I would need to do afterwards. I used to read these boards a lot when preparing, but post surgery and at goal now, its disheartening to read some posts on here so I'm here a lot less. People not doing what they were advised to do but rant and rave anger here. Seems so silly. Surgery is a tool. That's it. I knew that going in and I knew it during. And, if the surgery team is not giving you enough info, sorry, but there are tons of places online to get it. I never research just using one source. Nor, did I just meet with one surgeon. I get it that some folks have challenges after surgery. No problem. Our bodies are different and react different. But, if someone is not willing to make lifestyle changes, this is not the surgery for them. I'm off to take a break from this site again. Stuff like this is annoying. I dont take it personal, but it just feeds into the negativity out there about having WLS. All the best everyone!

Before surgery, I had been obese since the age of 8. I was 54 when I had the sleeve done. In all those intervening years (decades), I was never able to lose significant weight and keep it off for more than a year (usually 6 months). After surgery, I lost 130 pounds and reached a normal BMI for the first time since I was a little girl. I'm coming up on 3 years since my sleeve and my weight is within 4 pounds of my lowest weight. I had 45 years of trying to lose weight and maintain the loss. If I could have done it on my own, I would have.
To a certain extent, you're right. No surgery will allow you to eat unhealthy food on a regular basis and maintain the weight loss. The part you are missing is that for some of us, the surgery alters our appetite and reduces cravings. That makes it much easier to stick to a desired eating plan. Prior to surgery, my appetite beat me up like it was Mike Tyson. Now, it's more like a toddler. It can make a lot of noise, but it doesn't overpower me anymore. I'm not consistently relying on raw will-power, where I'm constantly struggling not to eat. That wouldn't be at all sustainable (as my 45 years of diets demonstrated). Sure, sometimes I want something bad and I have to tell myself "Not right now". But it's a heck of a lot easier to do that now than it was before surgery.
It's really unfortunate that you were told you would be able to eat as you did pre-surgery. I honestly don't know ANYONE who completely went back to their old diet and maintained their weight loss. Now that I am in maintenance, I'm not as strict as I was during the weight loss phase. I eat more carbs (in the form of fruit mostly) and I allow myself a treat now and then (Thanksgiving, Christmas, my birthday, Passover, etc.) But day to day, I eat a maintenance diet that is very different from how I ate pre-surgery.
Your surgeon is simply wrong. 2 years and 9 months after surgery, I still have significant restriction and my appetite is still about two-thirds of what it was before. The restriction is not as intense as it was in the early days/weeks/months after surgery, but it's there. I am satisfied with a fraction of the food I used to eat at one meal. It will always be possible to "eat around your sleeve" by eating unhealthy food in small portions, but all day long. No surgery can stop you if you are really determined to over-eat. That's why it's important to get to the root of the psychological reasons you depend on food to help you cope. Because surgery doesn't eliminate those issues. It's very unfortunate that your bariatric team didn't prepare you for that aspect of things.
Different people have different experiences of what post-surgical life is like. Not everyone gets the long-term appetite reduction that I enjoy. I'm aware that it may not last forever. But almost 3 years later, the sleeve is still helping me maintain my weight loss, WITHOUT a constant will-power battle. It takes commitment sure - I can't eat everything that comes to mind, whenever I want. But for the first time ever, I feel like on any given day, I can CHOOSE how and what I eat, rather than being a prisoner of my appetite.

I'm also really not into logging food and hate doing it. I still force myself to do it even if it's a struggle.
I think if you go into this with a "I'm not this kind of person so I won't do that" then you're not in the right mindset for surgery. If you always do what you have always done then you always get what you always got, which is obesity. For most of us success with this surgery means changing a lot of things to our lifestyles and adjusting to a new mindset. You can't go in just saying I don't log food, I don't cook, I don't exercise, etc. and then think anything will change for you.

I still eat from a side plate but have graduated to dessert forks now. 😉 I try to distract myself between bites: read, watch tv, play a game on a device, check social media, etc. I even fold my laundry between bites. I know on the surface that seems to defeat the mindful eating recommendations but for me it takes my mind off eating & just shovelling the food in. Bout then when I go to have the next bite I think about why I’m having it. I’ve said this a lot but ask yourself do I need this bite or just want it? If it’s ‘want’ put the fork/spoon down. You don’t ‘have’ to eat that bite. You may eat it in another couple of minutes or you may have had enough to eat. I also check the time I have my first bite & randomly check as I eat to make sure I’m not eating too fast. It takes time for new habits to become established & just your everyday. You’ll get there.

I’m sorry but this negativity is so off putting to your success. You need to do the work and surgery is only ever a TOOL. You should not be assuming it’ll magically work for you but also this should have been explicitly told to you by your care team prior to surgery. I haven’t gotten my surgery yet but I’ve already had every care practitioner emphasize that it’s a tool and I have to actually work for results. The way it’s different than just calorie restriction/exercise is that the surgery limits the amount you can eat and it also removes the part of the stomach that has the hunger hormones. This makes it actually possible to calorie restrict and exercise without the ability to binge or feel super hungry. If someone tried to do 800 calories a day without surgery they would feel like they are completely starving. Listen to your doctor. Seek a therapist. This is a safe space but also the negativity in your comments has been awful. You need to work on yourself and how you treat others too. Healing and weight loss are best friends, it takes a LOT of work.

You may be one of the unlucky ones whose hunger doesn't go away with surgery.
And I will say that your surgeon's idea that you must stay on 800 cal a day to lose weight flies in the face of scienc. Stand back, I'm going to use MATH!
If you were maintaining your (heavy) weight by eating, say, 3500 calories a day, then that's your maintenance for that weight. So now, if you are eating 800 calories, you are in a deficit of 2700 calories a day, which means you'd lose three quarters of a pound per day on average. If you're eating 1200 calories, you're in a deficit of 2300 calories a day, which means you'd lose two thirds of a pound per day on average.
Yes, different macros (protein, carbs, fat, alcohol) do work differently in your body, but ultimately your body is bound, like everyone's, to the calories in-calories out equation.
I suspect what happened to you is twofold:
1. You're in a lengthy stall (search up "three-week stall", it happens to almost all of us, it's incredibly frustrating, it's not always at 3 weeks, and it can last a month for some people). It's because your body has depleted its glycogen and is probably somewhat dehydrated (it's hard to drink enough right after surgery), and your Fluid balance is adjusting itself.
2. You're frustrated and not tracking what you eat. Unfortunately, this is something that has to be done. You can't fix your diet if you don't know what your diet is. And that means, at least for me, pre-prepping meals and weighing things out. I just pop a tray in the microwave a few times a day and have it all specced out. I use MyMacros+ for tracking. One of the big culprits is cooking oil/fat. How many people measure the oil they put in a pan to cook their, say, chicken breast? Nobody except bariatric patients—everyone else just sploops some oil in a pan until it looks right. I actually have a bar jigger on the counter so I can measure in 1/2 ounces and full ounces.
Track your food. Literally track your food. If you find you're not losing weight on 800 cal a day, spend a week eating 1000 cal a day to see if it'll shock your system. I am at about 1400-1500 cal a day a little short of three months post-op, because I work physical work and am very active (gym, running, hiking, etc.) and need the calories to be able to function. But I still track each and every day.
The surgery isn't bullshit. If it were possible to just severely restrict calories without it, nobody would get the surgery. But there are thousands of people here, myself included, who found success with the surgery that wouldn't have been possible without it.

I created a blog entry with the same content below here, but I feel like no one ever reads BP blogs, so am posting in the forums for good measure. Sorry for the dupes! Also sorry this is so long!
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It's been 3 years, y’all.
I’m a 5’2” female and was 235 lbs & 45 yrs old at the start of the 2 wk liquid diet.< br /> Didn’t lose any weight prior. I was on high cholesterol and blood pressure meds, diagnosed with fatty liver, pre-diabetic, peed every 20-30 mins, and snored like a freight train (so said Mr.)
Day of sleeve surgery: 223.2 lbs
No recovery issues, but I became dumper on sugar (still am). I got off my meds, eliminated liver and diabetic diagnoses within a month. I can hold my pee like a superhero (including not having to go once during a 9 hr flight pre-covid!), and I sleep so silently that Mr. admitted to checking on me during the night in the beginning to check if I was even alive.
I ate VERY little during weight loss phase compared to most, but it worked for ME…I didn’t suffer any medical/nutritional issues nor any angst throughout.
I tracked everything I ate/drank, weighed myself every morning and took my measurements every Wednesday (I STILL track and weigh daily - its just habit now -, but no longer take my measurements regularly)
Reached goal of 127 lbs 7 months after surgery. I had zero stalls.
I had a Tummy Tuck, arm lift and breast lift at 14 months post op.
Lowest weight: 109 lbs (this was a month or so after plastics, but quickly gained back to 115-ish)
I’ve basically been 115-ish +/- 5 lbs since a couple months into maintenance.
Weight this morning: 116.0 lbs even.
Happy place is below 120 and/or that my clothes still fit, LOL.
These days I exercise semi-regularly, running minimum 5km 2-3 times a week supplemented with the occasional 20-30 min strength training sessions at home (I continue to hate strength training exercises but consider it a necessary evil), and various other for-fun cardio activities. Part of me wanted to get back to higher exercise levels so I can get the “fitter” look I had back then, but I long ago reconciled myself with the fact that I don’t want it THAT badly. Maybe someday I may change my mind, but I’m cool with it for now.
I average 1800-2000 cals a day. I drink alcohol and carbonated Water on the regular, use straws, chew gum, drink coffee, and eat popcorn, fried foods and carbs. I love Desserts. At 3 years out, my restriction is still in effect and could probably eat about 1-1.5 cups of food in volume at one sitting before I need to tap out: some things I can eat more of (salads) than others (dense Protein & fluffy bread). I will barf if I eat too much or too fast.
I have energy for days, and am more than satisfied with how I look and feel. Life is good.
Had my 3 year follow up last week and I continue to be the picture of health, and my surgeon asked again if I wanted to be on a poster. Ummmm, no thanks.
Regrets? ABSOLUTELY ZERO. Well, except maybe that I didn’t get a v-shaped tummy tuck incision vs the straight line one that I got. Just means that I can’t wear higher cut bikini bottoms without my scar showing (see the last pic in the collage below). But I mean, really, I’m just nit-picking at this point.
This forum has been a constant in my life for the past 3 years, and I’ve made some great connections and some actual REAL friends. Its really nice to engage with others who know what the eff you are talking about, even if its just about food porn and clothes sometimes, lol.
Hugs and Congrats to those who made it to the other side with me, and Hugs and Good Luck to those on their way.

Oh my gosh, yes! I've definitely dealt with that as well on two separate occasions. I would have a moment where I would look at the delicious food on my plate and think "just one more bite" and was in complete and total misery afterwards. The way our bodies react to that definitely make it something I want to avoid. I remember being up and walking around the last time with my eyes to the sky saying "please let this pass quickly...I swear I will NOT do this again" LOL It is DEFINITELY a celebration when you recognize when to stop and actually do it! Remembering that just because is is "our portion" doesn't mean we have to eat it all. Such incredibly valuable lessons we are all learning. I really feel like mastering all of this and really listening to our bodies is going to lead to success in the long term!

Before I had surgery I heard about so many people not being hungry and was fully expecting that to be the case for me. Imagine my surprise when I started hearing my belly growl and start to feel light headed because I WAS hungry within a couple weeks of surgery! I have found that my hunger is much more manageable now. I do start to feel hungry about 3 hours after I eat, but, find that if I get distracted or busy by something it's very easy to put off eating. I try to be very diligent about ensuring I eat every 3-4 hours/5 meals a day (per my program) because I eat so little at each meal it's hard to hit my Protein goals if I don't eat when I'm supposed to. I think it's different for everyone, so, don't be worried if your experience isn't exactly the same as others.

Before I had surgery I heard about so many people not being hungry and was fully expecting that to be the case for me. Imagine my surprise when I started hearing my belly growl and start to feel light headed because I WAS hungry within a couple weeks of surgery! I have found that my hunger is much more manageable now. I do start to feel hungry about 3 hours after I eat, but, find that if I get distracted or busy by something it's very easy to put off eating. I try to be very diligent about ensuring I eat every 3-4 hours/5 meals a day (per my program) because I eat so little at each meal it's hard to hit my Protein goals if I don't eat when I'm supposed to. I think it's different for everyone, so, don't be worried if your experience isn't exactly the same as others.

Before I had surgery I heard about so many people not being hungry and was fully expecting that to be the case for me. Imagine my surprise when I started hearing my belly growl and start to feel light headed because I WAS hungry within a couple weeks of surgery! I have found that my hunger is much more manageable now. I do start to feel hungry about 3 hours after I eat, but, find that if I get distracted or busy by something it's very easy to put off eating. I try to be very diligent about ensuring I eat every 3-4 hours/5 meals a day (per my program) because I eat so little at each meal it's hard to hit my Protein goals if I don't eat when I'm supposed to. I think it's different for everyone, so, don't be worried if your experience isn't exactly the same as others.

Starting day 5 of my 14 day liquid pre-op. So far so good! There have been a few times where the smell of food around me was pretty overwhelming, but, there is no temptation to go off plan. I started this process nearly 18 months ago and I don't want to do a single thing that could jeopardize the surgery. I feel very fortunate that I haven't really had any side effects other than being hungry, but, it's manageable. I never thought I would look forward to a cup of chicken broth at the end of the day like I do now. LOL I've been staying super busy and have been focusing on finishing some home projects so I am not just sitting around listening to my belly growl.
Today was my pre-op appointment with the Anesthesiologist, which, went really well. I received some liquid surgical scrub, a Glycemic Endothelial Drink packet and prescriptions for Celebrex and Gabapentin. Next Tuesday I go in for my Covid test. Hard to believe surgery is next week.
Best of luck to those with surgeries this week! Sending many healing vibes to all!

So a chipotle just opened up near me and I used to love their food (whatever… it’s a personal preference like favorite color) and thought “why not.” Eating off of it two meals a day I got to day four and still had some left. By that point the guac was looking a little scary so I chucked it. Just found it amazing that there was a time not too long ago where I could down that tortilla swaddled baby in one sitting and still have room for chips and a drink. It was less than 200 calories (when divided by 8) but it was really dense so I couldn’t eat much at each “meal.” Makes it pretty reasonable from a price/meal standpoint too. Like I said… the only point I have here is it’s shocking how much food I used to be able to eat… stay on your plan. My plan is “figure it out as I go along.”

Oh my gosh, yes! I've definitely dealt with that as well on two separate occasions. I would have a moment where I would look at the delicious food on my plate and think "just one more bite" and was in complete and total misery afterwards. The way our bodies react to that definitely make it something I want to avoid. I remember being up and walking around the last time with my eyes to the sky saying "please let this pass quickly...I swear I will NOT do this again" LOL It is DEFINITELY a celebration when you recognize when to stop and actually do it! Remembering that just because is is "our portion" doesn't mean we have to eat it all. Such incredibly valuable lessons we are all learning. I really feel like mastering all of this and really listening to our bodies is going to lead to success in the long term!

Holy moly....I have been learning some valuable lessons about eating too fast this week. It's been a really busy couple of weeks with lots of highly emotional things happening. This has resulted in quick meals and I found myself eating quickly and not pausing enough between bites. I was starting to feel these waves of discomfort in my chest just below my sternum for 30-45 minutes after eating. I was starting to get concerned and reached out to my nutritionist and she explained what I was feeling was my esophagus working to squeeze my food down into my small stomach. Basically I was eating too fast causing things to "back up" and making my esophagus work harder which was causing the discomfort. Lesson learned. I've been very committed to setting the timer on my watch and pausing between bites. Since doing that, no discomfort at all. Eating slowly is definitely something that I have to really put forth a very focused effort on. It is amazing to watch people during meals when I do this. I never realized just how FAST everyone eats. It's like a whirlwind and they are done. Meanwhile there I am, putting my fork down for what feels like eternity. I am looking forward to this habit feeling like second nature and now FULLY understand why it's so important on making it happen.

Holy moly....I have been learning some valuable lessons about eating too fast this week. It's been a really busy couple of weeks with lots of highly emotional things happening. This has resulted in quick meals and I found myself eating quickly and not pausing enough between bites. I was starting to feel these waves of discomfort in my chest just below my sternum for 30-45 minutes after eating. I was starting to get concerned and reached out to my nutritionist and she explained what I was feeling was my esophagus working to squeeze my food down into my small stomach. Basically I was eating too fast causing things to "back up" and making my esophagus work harder which was causing the discomfort. Lesson learned. I've been very committed to setting the timer on my watch and pausing between bites. Since doing that, no discomfort at all. Eating slowly is definitely something that I have to really put forth a very focused effort on. It is amazing to watch people during meals when I do this. I never realized just how FAST everyone eats. It's like a whirlwind and they are done. Meanwhile there I am, putting my fork down for what feels like eternity. I am looking forward to this habit feeling like second nature and now FULLY understand why it's so important on making it happen.

So exciting to see so many getting so close to the big day!! I had my groceries delivered today for my liquid diet and was both laughing at the pile of Protein Shakes piled outside my door and felt my nerves go up a bit. Getting so close! I go in for my preop visit on 6/1 followed up by a Covid test on 6/8. I'm already figuring out lots of way to stay busy over the next two weeks! I've been putting together an Amazon order with some small plates/forks, a Vitamin organizer, all my Vitamins and some Gatorade Protein Water and some Protein2O. What's everyone else doing to get ready?

Hey all! Just offering some hope to anyone struggling… I’m 3 weeks post op today and sitting pool side at our very large local Water park while the kids play. I have ventured into the wave pool and lazy river since my incisions are healed. Just no water slides yet lol. Brought my shakes and meals with me. Oh and I’m wearing a tangkini… left my usual tshirt snd shorts home. Good excuse to sit around and relax.
Wishing you all beautiful water park days ahead! ☀️

17 days post op. Everything seems to be going well. I certainly have a very simple routine of eating. Between the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and the 4 week post op liquid diet I am definitely finding myself longing for "real" food. I think I currently have every variety of low fat Soup that can be strained at this point. Popsicles help some, but, I look at what people post about what they are eating and am slightly envious. To say I'm looking forward to finally eating pureed food on 7/12 would be an understatement. I know it's temporary, but, lately, it's been hard. I finally put my scale away after no loss last week. I'm just going to keep focusing on the day to day and keep the faith that it will all work itself out. It definitely adds to the frustration of still doing liquids.