PhenomenalWoman

3 hours ago, Tripletsmom1971 said:

How are the June 2021 people??

Can you believe that it has almost been a year?! @Tripletsmom1971: your numbers look fantastic! I am plugging away. Weight loss is definitely going slower, but still fairly steady. I am enjoying taking up less space, for sure 🙂 I am curious to know how everyone else is doing too!

1 hour ago, Aliana Wood said:

I want to be honest, since I see so many success stories here and I know I can't be the only one struggling.

I am not doing well at all. I did lose about 50 pounds, which was great, but since then, I have been stuck at around the same weight since November. I haven't really gained any weight, but I also haven't lost any since then. It's strange. My body is just stuck. So, I have hovered between 250 and 255 since November and cannot get out of that area. I cannot seem to get below 250.

I'm not sure if this is my body rebelling. Because prior to last year when I reached my highest weight of over 300 pounds, I had weighed around 250-260 for about 5 years or so.

It's frustrating because it feels like the surgery was a waste right now. Maybe I will be able to get out of this rut soon and start losing again. I don't know. I feel like I am losing hope.

Yay to your 50 lbs weight loss! What a great accomplishment!

Weight loss varies between people and from month to month. The moral: Run your race.

I have found that rejoicing with those who rejoice does wonders for my own soul and mental game. Best of luck!

I am celebrating! I finally reached a 100 lbs. down since surgery. Yay!

Team June 2021, I hit my 6 month mark today!

Since surgery, I am down a little over 80 pounds and a little over 100 pounds. Overall, I feel so much better! My daily feelings vary though. Some days I feel on top of the world (very healthy/slim) and other days, I feel like I have a long way to go and wonder if I will ever make it to goal (very fat). I have more good days than bad and I am happy for that. I move much better and exercise daily, either walking 3 miles, lap swimming, or playing adventure fit on the nintendo switch (aerobic exercise). I also lift weights three times a week. I thrive on consistency and I track everything.

In regards to the upcoming holidays, it has brought on emotional feelings and this is the first time I have had doubts about having surgery (so I can never eat three different types of dessert at one time again...like ever?) It has come on in the form of anxiety and I know my hormones are out of whack; I can quite literally feel them coursing through my body it seems. I am working through this and I think I figured out this wave of emotion is because I previously associated celebration, family, and relaxation with food very deeply. So, while I have no cravings or real fear about making healthy choices, I clearly need to re-read chapters that cover emotional eating and relationship with food.

May this holiday season be everything you desire - time with family, time alone, rest, a time to get pesky tasks done, inspiration to set new goals - whatever you need!

Take Care All!

My surgery was 6/21/21 and I am down 54.8 pounds since then. The most thrilling things so far have been 1) flying and not needing a seat belt extender and 2) my tennis shoe becoming untied when I was walking and I was able to bend over to tie it right there without finding a bench to sit on to do so! Excited to see what is ahead in this journey!

10 hours ago, Tripletsmom1971 said:

How are are all our June surgery ppl doing?? I think I’’m stalled! And have BEEN stalled for weeks! I feel good, I FEEL thinner, my clothes fit loosely, I’ve lost my boobs. I feel like everyone else is dropping weight like a hot potato, so that disheartens me.

I had surgery June 21st and I am down 31 lbs. since surgery. I had the dreaded 'stall' for an entire 3 weeks! My scale just started moving again 10 days ago and it has been consistently decreasing, albeit at a slower rate than right after surgery.

Even through the stall I weighed myself everyday and I am learning to take it as a data point, just like recording my food, Water, or exercise. In other forums many have said that more stalls will come. For me, I just want to be consistent in my actions, regardless of scale victories.

It is great to hear about everyone's progress!

I had gastric sleeve about 2 weeks ago. My stats are similar to yours: I have a lot of weight to lose, I am middle age, I had heartburn, etc. I chose sleeve because it was a safer procedure with less manipulation of the abdominal region. I had 3 cesareans and a hernia repaired over the last several years and I knew I had a lot of scar tissue. Given all of this, I thought that gastric sleeve would be the lesser risk and my surgeon agreed. I am a bit worried about the heartburn returning, but I have post-op pills for it and I also read that the more weight you lose you less of a chance for GERD, so I am hoping for the best.

Good luck in your decision!

Just now, Dave In Houston said:

Thanks for responding.

You're sure right about the feeling I get when I eat to much making me careful not to overeat. In the old days, I never would have left two or three bites on my plate. These days, I'm very conscious of whether my gut is saying I'm full. Doesn't bother me to throw something out or put it away for tomorrow, if it will help me avoid that feeling.

I did take Miralax once a few days after surgery. The amount I took worked a little too well. I'll try a bit less next time.

I'm on normal foods now, but my wife is out of town to see her folks. When she gets back, I'll probably start her on whatever I eat. I don't like vegetables much, but I guess I'll prepare more when she's around.

Before surgery, I would serve those pre-made chopped salad kits. Have you used them? They're mostly cabbage and carrots, with very little lettuce. I don't know whether I want to chew a mouthful of cabbage until it's the consistency of applesauce.

Every doctor's advise is different, but I wanted to share that my doctor's office literature says that we can't eat raw vegetables (salad) until 2 - 3 months after surgery, at the earliest. I now wonder if that has something to do with the difficulty of getting it down to such a fine consistency.

Your stats are impressive and your reflections are appreciated. Thanks for sharing!

15 hours ago, Somber said:

I had mine on the 21st as well! How are you feeling?

June 21st triplets! I can't believe that was only 8 days ago! When I think about how I felt in recovery until now, it is like night and day. I have my one week follow-up today and I can't wait to start incorporating full liquids - I never thought I would want a Protein Shake so bad. I am glad everyone is recovering well. June 2021 is epic 🙂

12 hours ago, smarks said:

I’m disappointed I started my preop diet three weeks in advance and I only lost ten pounds. My surgery is scheduled for AM and I’m so nervous. So many emotions. Nervous something will go wrong or that I won’t lose much weight. Thoughts?

That's 10 pounds you do not have to worry about after surgery - Congratulations! Best of luck to you!

Just now, Eli05 said:

Good morning everyone! I’ve been reading the post and am so glad people have been doing well (although hard). I can’t wait to try some of the purée stage ideas I read about!

I just had my sleeve done 4 days ago and I’m happy to say everyone was right with the 4 day hump thing. I woke up feeling allot better than the previous days. The only thing I’m having trouble with is the dammed heparin shots 😥. I have to give myself 2 injections a day for a month :/. Anyone else had to do this?

I have to administer shots as well. My doctor was worried about blood clots because of my weight. I have a friend who started at a lower weight and had a different surgeon and did not have to do this. Luckily, I outsourced my duties...my husband has been doing it for me. I almost passed out when they described it to me, so I feel for you! I hope it gets easier!

Just now, Elahnen said:

I dreaded the purée stage, but I gotta say I love it now lol. I love the ricotta bake, choooed eggs with fat free mayo and a touch of mustard, canned chicken in the chopper with light mayo and my fav is fat free refried Beans with a little shredded cheese and a drop of sour cream. I still do Protein Shakes in between means and absolutely addicted to SF popsicles still lol. They give me that crunch and just feel like a treat.
Looking forward to soft food but still researching what to eat and how to add some excitement to that stage lol

These food choices sound wonderful! Are you still dropping weight at the same rate? How much/how little are you able to eat at a sitting?

8 hours ago, CanadianGrl said:

I am one week post surgery. A lot has changed in a week. My first couple of days were unbearable. I was told things would turn day 5 and YES I turned the corner. For me, the hardest part is dealing with how much I miss crunching foods. I've never been a foodie but husband says it's all I talk about now. Looking forward to stage 3 and Melba toast 😋

I am 5 days post op too and I feel much better. This is mainly due to feeling like I know what is going on with my body a little more. I can now recognize pain (swollen stomach) vs. full (restrictive feeling), etc.

I have my husband tell me in detail everything he is eating/cooking too. I listen with intense detail, imagine the different tastes, and so appreciate what he is cooking. I don't have cravings or feel deprived, I just appreciate it to the nth!

Hi, Everyone! I had surgery on Monday of this week. It went well, according to the doctor. I was worried because my weight is higher than most on this site and I was not sure even if I had a smaller liver he would be able to do everything he needed to do with out cutting me open. Besides the worry of my size, I also had a previous hernia prepared and 3 c-sections with a lot of scar tissue. But, clearly he knows what he is doing - thank God!

The hospital was rough. I slept most of the time and I could not really identify what pain I was feeling and where. I just felt uncomfortable and nauseous. I still feel both now, but it is just a small fraction of what I felt day one and day two. For the first two days I was thankful that I did not have gas pains, although I did have a big pain on my right side (opposite of my stomach) that was killing me. Well, it turned out that pain was gas! Here I was diagnosing myself with liver infection and wondering if he poked my gall bladder or something - nope, just plain old gas 🙂 Walking has helped with that.

I am on clear liquid for a week and full liquid next week. I am having a hard time reaching 64 ounces, but I am doing what I can tolerate. I mixed my Protein Water with tap water and also sip on just plain water too. I probably should have practiced sipping more. Every time I take a sip, I have to belch and this is without a straw.

Good Luck to everyone! I feel really blessed that we are able to tap into this great opportunity!

12 hours ago, VSG_Bee said:

Hello everyone. My surgery date is 6/25 and I started my 2 week pre op liquid diet today. The program I'm in requires me to have 6 Protein Shakes a day, each 3 hours apart. I can also sub a shake with a nutrifast Soup, which I have done tonight.

I can also have sugar free Jello or popsicles. I've always been good at drinking plain Water, which is helpful right now.

I'm excited about the journey I am on, but also anxious about my surgery.

On the 18th is my anesthesia consult, on the 22nd I get tested for Covid.

After the surgery it will be 1 month on liquids, 1 months purreed and 1 month soft foods.

Wish me luck! I'm so glad I found this forum!

Congratulations. Good Luck!

3 hours ago, NewMe_2021 said:

Down to 3 days of liquids. Last night I decided to turn my shake into something I could tolerate. I filled a blender cup with ice, added the shake and blended till smooth. I ate it with a spoon, which, was a nice change. I think the ice helped to dilute it to the point where I didn't feel like it was sticking to my mouth. Whatever it takes at this point!

This sounds dreamy at this point! Thanks for the tip!

20 hours ago, Sch902 said:

My surgery date is June 21st! I start my pre-op diet tomorrow for two weeks. I'm ready for this new journey but nervous...mostly about this preop diet 😂

I am scheduled for the 21st too! I started my pre-op a week early, as I need to be under a certain weight by my pre-op appointment on the 15th. I figure what I can do for two weeks, I can do for three weeks too. I have another 4 pounds to go before my weight in. Nights seem to be the hardest for me, as my mind wonders to worry/hunger/and a lot of what-ifs. During the day I am able to keep myself occupied and on a little schedule of when to drink my shakes and my alternatives. My doctor requires only liquids (no meals, no veggies, etc.) so I am little jealous of those that are able to have some variety. But, it is what it is. We got this!

1 hour ago, Drinkwine28 said:

I started my Pre-OP diet 7 days ago and have lost 9.6 pounds! I have to do a 21 day versus a 14 day because of my BMI. The first few days were harder as everyone has mentioned. I think we are just set in our routines and think "i have to eat now." My nutritionist recommended not drinking the Protein Shakes as long as possible after I wake up before my first one. So, I drink my first one around 1pm. dinner at 6pm and then I stop. If I am still really hungry, I do the 2nd shake. I have read people say this is harder than the surgery and it could be! I keep reminding myself that the vsg will help me not feel hungry. I am already doing well not eating and telling myself "nope, can't have it" I wish my family (hubby and 3 kids) were more understanding. I don't want to clean their messes in the kitchen when I can't even eat! I also realize how often someone is grazing in the kitchen! I leave for my surgery out of state on the 10th and surgery is the 15th. I am very excited but also nervous! Getting these first TEN OFF are a huge motivation boost! Good Luck everybody!

I am doing a 3 week liquid diet too. It starts tomorrow. I have to be under a certain weight by June 15th, so I am just starting it a little early (my surgery is scheduled for the 21st). My daughters are freaking out about the idea of a liquid diet and my husband is worried that I will be hangry all the time, which surprisingly makes me less worried and more focused because someone has got to keep it together - lol! I do plan to have my three allowed Protein Shakes a day, as these are the only things of substance I am allowed to have, and treat them like Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.< br />
Congratulations on the weight loss - that is 10 pounds you do not have to worry about after surgery! I am hoping for the same!

My tipping point was this pandemic. I previously saw weight loss surgery as 'cheating'. However, during the pandemic and preparing for life after pandemic, I did all the things: quarentined, socially distanced, only necessary outings/travel, and vaccine. Why was I looking at weight loss like this? I should do all the things - and that doesn't make me weak, that makes me wise! I got over the story I was telling myself in my head in regards to weight loss surgery and became proactive, just like I did with pandemic related mitigations.

Just got my date of June 21st! The medical office just submitted my paperwork earlier this week and I was approved already and I am so thankful. Between now and then I have to lose 14 pounds, so I am laser-focused and it is a good distraction considering the alternative is being overly anxious and nervous about the actual surgery. Glad I found this group to have new friends and have a shared experience!

Just now, catwoman7 said:

I think I lost about 20 lbs on it, but that's going to vary a lot between people.

and the two weeks is torture enough - no way would I want to do it longer.

the purpose of it is to shrink your liver so it's easier for them to get in there and do the surgery. I don't think they really care how much weight you lose (although you'll lose some...)

Thanks for sharing. The reason I am asking is because I need to lose pounds in a fairly short period of time, which includes the two-week liquid diet phase, so I am trying to create realistic milestones. So, while the surgeon's objective is different, I am trying to factor it into my weight lost timeline (and strategize how to make this requirement probable!) Thanks again!

Your Before and After are sooooooo encouraging! Thanks for sharing!

Hi! I am glad I found this community! I am scheduled for surgery June 21st and one of the conditions is that I need to lose additional weight. I don't want to start the liquid diet (my doctor is requiring two weeks for me) too early, as I don't know how sustainable that is for more than two weeks, but I will if that is the only assured way to lose the pounds and qualify for surgery. Can anyone share how much weight they lost in the pre-op liquid diet phase (plus how long you were on it)? Thanks so much.