Rosie_flips

Hi @newyorklady20, I don’t have any helpful advice (but I was grateful to read @arabesque’s answer). I just wanted to say *hugs* and I’m sorry it’s hard right now. We had surgery almost at the same time, and I’m in a remarkably similar situation, I’ve got all my crossable parts crossed that things will get easier for you. (And me!)

Thanks Lorey! I’m hoping it gets easier, for both of us. How are things going otherwise?

Thanks @BigSue, I really appreciate your perspective and your kind words. It’s reassuring to hear that it gets better!

I just need a super-quick vent. Nobody IRL knows about my surgery and I’m having a ROUGH day today.

I’m 15 days post op, and while I had a remarkably easy time with surgery and in the first few days, I’ve been stalled since day 5. I even *gained* a lb or two. And while I know that isn’t “real” weight. It’s still incredibly disheartening.
I’ve been so careful to follow my plan. I’m tracking everything, I’m making my Water & Protein goals, and I’ve been avoiding hitting the scales every day.
Yesterday my hunger came roaring back to life.
I feel like I’m working so hard, and getting nowhere. And there’s a mean voice in the back of my head saying “you spent $19,000, and rearranged your guts for THIS?”.
I know this will probably pass, but I’m cranky that I won’t get the epic first month of drastic losing that other folks seem to get.

I’m not really looking for sympathy or advice just letting off some steam!

I just need a super-quick vent. Nobody IRL knows about my surgery and I’m having a ROUGH day today.

I’m 15 days post op, and while I had a remarkably easy time with surgery and in the first few days, I’ve been stalled since day 5. I even *gained* a lb or two. And while I know that isn’t “real” weight. It’s still incredibly disheartening.
I’ve been so careful to follow my plan. I’m tracking everything, I’m making my Water & Protein goals, and I’ve been avoiding hitting the scales every day.
Yesterday my hunger came roaring back to life.
I feel like I’m working so hard, and getting nowhere. And there’s a mean voice in the back of my head saying “you spent $19,000, and rearranged your guts for THIS?”.
I know this will probably pass, but I’m cranky that I won’t get the epic first month of drastic losing that other folks seem to get.

I’m not really looking for sympathy or advice just letting off some steam!

Hello everyone. I had my sleeve done on 3/30 so I’m about 2.5 weeks post op. The first week was all Clear Liquids and I stuck to that fine, I didn’t really have much hunger. I noticed toward the end of that week though that I had no issue meeting and even exceeding my surgeons Water recommendations - I should have 60oz and I can easily take in 80+ oz. I thought this was good for hydration.
Once full liquids and now puréed food has started though I am STARVING. And I never was before. I know the difference between head hunger (which I do have and fight) and actual hunger - this will have me in pain because my stomach is churning. Before surgery I would sometimes not have time to eat during the day and I would be fine - I was a big evening and weekend eater. I get in well over my water and Protein recommendations and am always still so hungry.
That also leads into the restriction. At my follow up appt they said I should be eating 2-3oz, 3x a day. I asked if that was what should be enough, or what I should stick to no matter what. She said stick to it, but I should feel like it’s enough. But it doesn’t! I can easily have 8-10oz of Soup or 3-4oz of purées without taking breaks or waiting - no tightness or discomfort like anyone else describes. I have only done it a few times to test it bc I know it’s bad and I shouldn’t - I need to manage the temptation.
But I’m starting to wonder why I even had this surgery done. So much prep and pain when I can seemingly still eat the same amount that I did before, and I’m actually more hungry now that I ever was. I don’t have any restriction at all.

From someone a little further out... I had similar feelings early on. I lost about 70 pounds in the 5 months before surgery, and then after surgery, I wasn't losing weight much faster. I wondered if I should have just kept doing what I was doing pre-op instead of having the surgery. Meanwhile, in the thread for July 2020 surgeries, there were all these other people who started out with a lower weight and were losing much faster than I was. And then a few months later, there were people who had already reached their goal weight while I still had so far to go. As much as you know you shouldn't compare yourself to others, it's hard not to -- especially on those threads for everyone who had surgery the same month as you!
But I am 9 months out tomorrow and very happy with my results. I can hardly believe how much weight I've lost! I'm less than half the person I used to be. I really don't think I could have gotten here without the surgery. At the very least, it would have been much harder and much slower. It's hard to be patient at the beginning because you've changed so much and have gotten very little in return. The results come slowly, but they're worth the wait. Hang in there!

Hi Rosie,
Was wondering how you are doing. Sorry to hear you are having tough time. I had a little less weight loss than I had the week before only having lost 5lbs this last week. Hang in there - I have had similar thoughts.

I just need a super-quick vent. Nobody IRL knows about my surgery and I’m having a ROUGH day today.

I’m 15 days post op, and while I had a remarkably easy time with surgery and in the first few days, I’ve been stalled since day 5. I even *gained* a lb or two. And while I know that isn’t “real” weight. It’s still incredibly disheartening.
I’ve been so careful to follow my plan. I’m tracking everything, I’m making my Water & Protein goals, and I’ve been avoiding hitting the scales every day.
Yesterday my hunger came roaring back to life.
I feel like I’m working so hard, and getting nowhere. And there’s a mean voice in the back of my head saying “you spent $19,000, and rearranged your guts for THIS?”.
I know this will probably pass, but I’m cranky that I won’t get the epic first month of drastic losing that other folks seem to get.

I’m not really looking for sympathy or advice just letting off some steam!

I just need a super-quick vent. Nobody IRL knows about my surgery and I’m having a ROUGH day today.

I’m 15 days post op, and while I had a remarkably easy time with surgery and in the first few days, I’ve been stalled since day 5. I even *gained* a lb or two. And while I know that isn’t “real” weight. It’s still incredibly disheartening.
I’ve been so careful to follow my plan. I’m tracking everything, I’m making my Water & Protein goals, and I’ve been avoiding hitting the scales every day.
Yesterday my hunger came roaring back to life.
I feel like I’m working so hard, and getting nowhere. And there’s a mean voice in the back of my head saying “you spent $19,000, and rearranged your guts for THIS?”.
I know this will probably pass, but I’m cranky that I won’t get the epic first month of drastic losing that other folks seem to get.

I’m not really looking for sympathy or advice just letting off some steam!

Because for instance, there is statistical evidence that lesbians have higher rates of obesity than straight women and more issues with other addictive behaviors, such as smoking. This may indicate a different level of support is needed and I see a lot of posts about families where people with chosen family may not feel as included. I’m not asking to start trouble, I’m asking because I am a lesbian, and would want to reach out to others who may have had issues like these. This forum is about WLS support, right?

Also, while we’re on the subject, I write healthcare grants regularly on the subject of people dealing with comorbidities/co-occurring disorders and since you brought up race and ethnicity, there are also studies that show we (people of color) have higher rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and other issues. Seems like a weight loss forum like this one may be a good place for people to safely discuss that part of their journey.

Part of my own work in taking the step to WLS was understanding how my genetics and family make up play a part in my weight gain. Also understanding and coming to terms with my own sexuality was part of my weight gain.

My question is, why is this threatening/upsetting (the caps) to you? I’m curious about your reaction to what seems a pretty normal question.
I’ve recently been sleeved, and am just at my 2 week mark from surgery. I’m down 21 lbs. today.

Hi @Lorey_a!
That sounds like a pretty rough time! I’m glad you’re doing better. I had a pretty ridiculously easy time, and I feel super super lucky.
I had no nausea to speak of, and I needed to pee pretty much as soon as I woke up. I left the same day (About 12 hours) after my 9am surgery. I was awake every hour that night to pee and drink tiny sips of Water, which meant I was able to walk off most of the gas pain that night too.
My first day home was a bit of a blur, but I didn’t need to take the oxy I was prescribed, and I’m mostly off the Tylenol now. Getting fluids in was a challenge, but it’s much easier now. Premier Protein shakes taste pretty lousy to me now, so I’m hiding them in Decaf coffee.
I had (runny) mashed potatoes for dinner tonight and it felt like the most delicious thing I’d ever tasted!😂 I hope the chicken broth tastes similarly awesome!

I’m back to work on Wednesday (also for a half day) I work from home though. Were you tired after your half day?
One weird thing I didn’t expect was a night of really bad insomnia, the night of the 3rd I didn’t sleep at all, but also wasn’t tired, I read that it might be a ketosis thing.
Here’s to smooth sailing for the next couple of weeks! When do you move to soft/purée foods?

Hi Steph, I was sleeved on the 31st too, yesterday was the first time I met my liquid goal. Some things to look out for with dehydration are the colour and smell of your pee. Clear and light coloured with no distinct odour is good, but if it’s dark in colour and has a strong smell, that’s not great. Another thing to try is the pinch test, if you pinch the skin on the back of your hand it should spring back to shape within a few seconds.
Defs call your team if you think you need extra fluids/support.
I found that setting a 5 or 10 minute timer and portioning out 1oz of Water (in a medicine cup) really helped me focus on getting the fluids in. And I added chunks of cucumber to my water for flavour (I’m pretty sick of sweetness) but of course I don’t eat them!

Wishing you luck and I hope it gets easier for you.

Hi @Newlyfe2021 I was sleeved 3/31 and I had no nausea AT ALL. And barely any pain. I don’t know how rare that is, but I just wanted to let you hear a non-horror story!

Hi @Newlyfe2021 I was sleeved 3/31 and I had no nausea AT ALL. And barely any pain. I don’t know how rare that is, but I just wanted to let you hear a non-horror story!

Amazing! Good good luck! We’re rooting for you!

Please let us know how it went and how you’re feeling when you get a chance. Hoping an easy time for you!

Thanks for the details @groovygal! I’m glad to hear you’re doing well. My surgery is at 9 am and the say to expect to be discharged around 7pm. Were you able to drink at all that first day, or was it all IV fluids?

I hate the word "pouch."
There, I've said it. I feel better now.
Yes, I know doctors use the word.
No, I don't have a better word.
I just don't like it.🤣

Amazing! Good good luck! We’re rooting for you!

How are the Marchers doing? I know we had a few coming up on the last days of March - how are you guys hanging in?
The holidays are hard with this surgery (just saying). everyone around is eating yummy food and I'm like - oh no I'm great and completely full from eating an egg, thanks. At least someone toss me a damn jellybean my way lol
I hope whatever holiday you guys are celebrating this week - or none at all and maybe just celebrating Spring - that you are having a great week.

I entered your stats into a BMR (basal metabolic rate) calculator and got 2,370 (I don't know your age, so I guessed 40, it will be a little higher if you're younger and a little lower if you're older). That's just the bare minimum needed for your body to keep itself going.
So even without exercise, eating 1500 calories per day should leave you with a calorie deficit of 870 calories per day. That should lead to a pound lost about every four days. If you're in the "Exercise 1-3 times/week" category, your calorie needs for one day come to 3,259, and eating 1500 calories per day would mean a daily deficit of 1,759 calories. That should have you losing a pound about every two days! Eating too much does not seem to be your problem.
Since you've recently begun lifting, it's possible that you are adding muscle tissue and that's offsetting the fat you are losing, leaving the scale unmoved for now. But the good thing about strength training is that it raises your BMR and causes you to burn more calories all day, not just when you are exercising. Sooner or later, the extra muscle tissue will translate into a higher BMR and visible weight loss.
Are you following your bariatric team's eating plan, getting enough Protein, and staying hydrated? If so, I'd say just give it some more time. You've already lost a lot, maybe your body is taking one of those "rest periods" where it's adjusting to the new regimen (AKA "a stall"). Just wait it out, it will break eventually.

Wow, Jaelzion - you freakin' ROCK!! How nice are you to have taken the time to do this!!❤️

I hope you’re resting well! If you have the capacity/want to would you be able to share a bit about what your experience was like as an outpatient? My clinic also does the sleeve as an outpatient procedure as standard.

I am 8 months out and up until the last month or so, I usually needed Protein Powder to reach my goal of 60 grams of Protein per day. It varies from one person to the next (and your surgeon may recommend a different protein goal than mine), but it could be a while before you can eat enough to get all of your protein from food. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to drink Protein Shakes every day (I know we all get sick of those); you can mix protein powder into other foods or beverages (a lot of people like to use caramel Protein Shake as a coffee creamer).
My go-to Breakfast for a long time was half a scoop of protein powder mixed with half a container of triple zero Greek yogurt, for a total of 19 grams of protein (my favorite combo is birthday cake protein powder plus vanilla yogurt, topped with raspberries). Another good one is protein oatmeal. The BariatricPal Store sells some with 15 grams of protein per serving, and you can add some more protein powder to that. There are a lot of protein pancake mixes on the market (and you can even buy frozen protein pancakes and waffles). eggs, chicken sausage, and turkey bacon are always good high-protein options for breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, I usually have about 2 ounces of meat and 2 ounces of veggies, like a salad with chicken, or BBQ chicken (with sugar-free BBQ sauce) and air-fried veggies (green Beans, asparagus, carrots, or broccoli), or lettuce wraps (like PF Chang's). Another favorite is Mexican-seasoned chicken with cauliflower rice, salsa, black beans, cheese, and nonfat Greek yogurt. And taco bites, with Quest chili lime protein chips topped with Mexican-seasoned chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and nonfat Greek yogurt.
You can't eat much at this point, so you have to keep it simple and focus on protein. I love my air fryer and Instant Pot and I make a lot of recipes with them, but if you don't have those, you can find similar recipes that use other cooking methods. Here are some great recipes that I've made recently:
Chicken Divan with cauliflower cream sauce (the cauliflower cream sauce is fantastic and can be used as a white sauce in a lot of recipes) Instant Pot Carnitas Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries Buffalo Cauliflower (I make it in the air fryer) Turkey Ragu (excellent with Shelly's Ricotta Bake, roasted spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles) Instant Pot Egg Bites Instant Pot BBQ chicken White Chicken Chili I have a freezer full of bariatric portioned meals and Pinterest boards full of more recipes that I'm dying to try! If you don't already use Pinterest, you definitely should -- it's a gold mine.