SleeveMeToIt

1 minute ago, SpartanMaker said:

I suspect this is one of the reasons many doctors (like mine), recommend a lower carb diet, at least initially after WLS.

I personally have a love/hate relationship with low carb dieting. I lost a great deal of weight doing low carb ~20 years ago, but ended up gaining it all back and then some, because I found it unsustainable long-term. As a result, I'm intending to take more of a "smart-carb" approach this time.

The reality is, not all carbs are the same. My plan is to limit my intake of simple carbs, especially processed foods as much as possible, while adding in complex carbs via whole foods as tolerated.

This right here! I am the same, I can lose significant weight doing low carb, but I can't live the rest of my life like that. Or should I say, I don't want to live the rest of my life like that.

I have taken the same approach of "smart-carbs" and limiting simple and highly processed carbs. I want my body to learn that no food is off limits and respond with huge weight gains.

Overall trying about to be smarter about food choices, focusing on Protein first. I'm learning that carbs aren't the enemy. But high carbs + high fat can go wrong fast.

Often in the past during my weight loss efforts and when I'd get off track and eat off of plan, maybe have more alcohol than usual, I'd realize how much harder it was to get refocused. I also realized that during that time, I'd have caused some acid imbalances by poor food choices and booze. I wouldn't have traditional heartburn sensations, but a constant gnawing hunger. Starting to take an acid reducer like Prilosec or something (not the gummies or tums) would help me get back on track.

An acidy tummy can feel like hunger. I remember that now that I've had sleeve and am trying to stay focused and on track.

Also, if you got off track - there is a good chance you are dehydrated. Are you meeting water/fluid goals? If not, start there.

Are you constipated from eating crap food? Another good place to start. Probiotics can also help reset your gut flora - that can cause cravings when disrupted by processed foods, sugar and drinks.

Maybe focusing on a couple things at a time and giving yourself a little grace can help. Self sabotage can continue when our minds are in a bad space because of getting off track.

You can do this! You had fun, now it's over. No biggie.

I started my period 2 weeks early while on pre-op diet. Started the day of my surgery. That was NOT fun. Nurses told me that it is a common thing among women during rapid weight loss pre-surgery.

Now about 5 weeks later, I'm a week late. I have felt PMS'y for the entire week (actually about 10 days) without the relief of a period starting.

It's maddening, but I am reassured by my bariatric staff that this is all usual.

59 minutes ago, crazycatladycanada said:

Nothing that new since what I posted earlier last week on this thread.

Still no real weight loss. Did loose a cm in a couple areas. But that could also be my measurements being off as it’s hard measuring your own arms.

Cat scan showed my pouch is bigger but that I did indeed have surgery. No blockages. But apparently I still have a hernia which is strange since I paid Mexico to fix that. Did sleep apnea testing with an at home machine that didn’t go great so now they said that I have to go in and stay the night so that could also be affecting my weight since I never sleep. And not sleeping messes with the metabolism.

i also have a fatty liver which is weird because I hardly ever drink but obviously it’s because of my obesity.

Still waiting on the internal medicine referral so hopefully that comes soon.

I will still continue to track everything and bust my butt and hope that one day it’ll just start coming off.

I'm glad for a couple of things for you. That you have a team willing to work to find answers. That the surgery DID actually happen - has to be a relief to you! My doc said the hernias can cause some swelling, I wonder if that is a factor here? Or if they repaired it and it recurred so quickly, why?

Keep after it! Finding answers and staying the course. I KNOW you must want to quit some days. Don't do that. Try to focus on the behaviors that you are doing, that will ultimately lead to a healthier body. And when your body gets sorted out, you will be in such a better place to have tangible, noticeable losses. Cheering you on!!

7 minutes ago, Crisscat said:

I lost 0 lbs in 5 weeks. Yes it can happen and it is normal. I lose alot slower than others on here because I have a knee issue and cannot walk any real distance (I need a knee replacement and keep putting it off).

I believe I lost 22 lbs pre op then 14 lbs in like 9 days post op then after that I was on a 5 week stall no weight loss whatsoever. It can certainly play mind games with you.

I am 5 months post op and I lose only about 7-10 lbs per month. But not all months, for example in Sept I think I only lost 5 or 6 lbs and so far October isnt looking that great either lol. I just take what I can get at this point. As long as I am not gaining, I see it as a small victory

Same, same and same! 10lbs pre-op. About 13lbs in first 14 days. Then nothing for almost 3 weeks now. I can't walk much because of a hip and knee issue I need addressed. Was hoping to get some weight off before any replacement surgery. I'm frustrated but staying the course. Almost a week late on my cycle too. Which was like clockwork pre-op.

I keep saying that patience will prevail here. That and staying the course!

Hi there!

Just sending you a bunch of support because I can imagine how frustrated you are. I've been stalled for 2.5 weeks - since week 2. Have lost 13lbs since surgery day and I'm about 4.5 weeks out and losing my mind. I knew to expect the stalls, but they are major mind f*cks when you feel like you are doing everything right.

I hope you and your team of docs and dietician can find out what's going on and that weight loss starts back up soon.

In the meantime, forget the scale and keep focus on your daily behaviors- sounds like you're doing well at that. My scale is in the back of my closet because I can't take the idea of this drastic effort not working.

Here's to hoping for a big whoosh soon!

2 hours ago, kellyarw95 said:

Who else weighs everyday? How do you get past the weight fluctuations? I know it's about the downward trend and there's no way eating 500 calories, I gained 1.1 pounds in a day. But idk. It still sucks. I was totally looking forward to getting out of the 330s for the first time in forever...

Oh girl, I'm right there with you. It's a total mind f*ck. I tell myself I won't weigh. Then I weigh. I hit the dreaded 3 week stall and am frustrated. I'm about to put my scale in a closet in another room to take away the fact that it's staring at me in the bathroom every morning.

I think we are just so anxious to be further along in the journey, with the results to show for it. For me - I also think there is a bit of amazement that it is working and fear when the scale doesn't move that maybe it's NOT working. I just need to chill, trust the process and focus on what I can control. Water, Protein, Vitamins and nutrition in general, and movement.

16 hours ago, Cassandra Maughan said:

I have been cheating a bit on the puréed diet… mostly because the idea of purées repels me. But I have been chewing really really well instead. Tiny bites of chicken from a Soup, a piece of bacon today, little tiny pieces of turkey sausage in scrambled eggs… my stomach seems to do fine except I am still struggling with eating too fast and I think I am eating just a bit too much at one sitting. Is anyone else finding that they aren’t struggling with nausea with food? Even a sort of spicy SW chicken Soup isn’t bothering me… just feel overly full sometimes.

I am in the exact same boat. I don't feel nausea just overly full and some chest pressure. Although pre surgery, I very rarely get nauseous. I too have not been bothered by overly spiced foods at all. No acid burn or reflux from them.

For those of you that I've seen talking about starving during pre-op, I was that way too until I changed my strategy. 90% of the liquid I consumed had Protein in it. Protein Water with additional protein gels. I love the Protein2O. Also the single serve Protein Shots from this site. Started my day with that shot, had another one mid afternoon. Sipped on the protein water with extra protein once in am, 2nd on in PM. Then had a protein chicken or beef broth around dinner time, and I wasn't even that hungry by that point. Threw in some plain water here and there. I got all of the supplies off of this site besides the protein water that I got off Amazon. I couldn't do shakes, but this approach really took care of my hunger! Hope this helps someone.

4 hours ago, JustAMomATX said:

I know exactly what you are describing! I couldn’t figure it out either but I definitely do not think it’s hunger...in the true rumbly tummy and hunger headache sense. I believe it is just gas and in my case, some crazy mixed signals with my brain. It’s really hard figuring out exactly what my new pouch can hold and I’ve seen on here that maintaining a regular eating schedule is key. I’ve over done it twice now because I thought I was hungry. Neither time had a good ending - so to speak.

Makes me feel better that I'm not alone. My brain is likely very confused. I'm still doing clear liquids but don't feel deprived or anything. I'm sure it's just the gas and maybe a little acid. I add full liquids tomorrow, looking forward to some creamed soups!

45 minutes ago, Cassandra Maughan said:

Is anyone else struggling with a feeling that everything is overly sweet? Even plain Water tastes sweet to me. I just started full liquids today, any suggestions for something not sweet? Other than Bone Broth I am so over that lol.

Hi Cassandra,

I do think things taste sweeter, but not overly so. I got several of the Soups off of this site and they are pretty good. The cream of chicken is good. I'm still on Clear Liquids until tomorrow, but tried everything when I ordered it pre-op and doing the liquid diet before surgery. I add seasoning to the soups as needed for my taste, but I am digging the soups! Definitely a break from the sweet stuff and they have Protein in them.

2 hours ago, loli_lotus said:

I'm glad everything went well!! My period showed up a few days before surgery too, luckily it had lightened up for the day of. I kinda wish I had a cath, I was up every 2 hours needing to pee.

About the hunger! Same! It's the excess stomach acid, at least for me. It's not just noise, right? Like it's actually a little painful? I could literally be watching my family eat and totally not be interested with no stomach reaction, then later take a sip of a Protein Shake or just Water and then it's painful gurgling feed me now time, like I woke up a beast. It was the worst the first week and now it's tapered off, I assume because my body is adapting to how much acid my stomach needs.

This video also helped ease my mind!

https://youtu.be/m5NCKvkr7rU

Yes! Just what you explained. I'm not really interested in food, but feel a stomach cramping that is familiar to hunger. Actually got better after I took my PPI for the day. Thanks for the response. Makes me feel a little less crazy! The video was great.

Oh yes, more observations. At some points over the last couple days since surgery I have felt hunger. Or what I thought was hunger. May be the effects of gas though, hard to discern what I'm feeling because everything is still kind of weird. I was feeling very disappointed about it, was very much hoping for no hunger. But again, not sure if it is pressure from gas, maybe acid?

I'm still okay, it is helped by drinking Water and fluids. Focusing today on getting enough fluids down.

Anyone else experience this? The maybe hungry type feeling?

*I know I didn't explain that well, just don't quite have words to describe the feeling.

Hey Sptember pals,

Had my VSG on 9/15. Stayed in hospital overnight. First day after surgery I slept most of the day while anesthesia wore off. Had a catheter, so didn't have to worry about going to the bathroom. Fun surprise though, my period started two weeks early. Doc said it happens a lot to women that have been on liquid diet. I was really light and actually forgot until I got up about 8hr after surgery. No biggie, they had put a pad on me post surgery.

Anyhow, had no problems walking. Pain wasn't bad, but I had pain meds. IV pain meds until about midnight when they switched to oxycodone to see how I'd react to it going home. Also had a nausea patch. No nausea and pain wasn't too bad.

Worst part was getting in and out of bed. Or rolling over in bed. That remains now that I'm home. Came home yesterday around noon. Stayed on top of the pain meds every 4 hours and still walked around the house a bit.

Today, feeling better. May fully switch to Tylenol by this evening.

14 hours ago, Yearofme43 said:

Hi surgery buddy twin my surgery is on the 15th also don't know what time yet, ill find out tommorow, good for you on the temptation, i had a slip up last week not good, been on pre op diet 2 weeks, im feeling good anxious, scared , excited all i one prayers for you during your surgery

Hi YearofMe43!

I'm feeling the same way. I'm ready to do it though. I go in at 11am for 1pm surgery. Prayers and blessings to you too!

Hi Sept Surgery Buddies!

I just wanted to report an astounding success that all of you would understand. I go in for surgery day after tomorrow so I am neck deep in my liquid diet. I only had to do it for a week and messed up the first two days. But I got myself totally focused and have done well since and was feeling great yesterday after not even feeling hungry.

Today we had company lunch out at a restaurant that I couldn't avoid. I'm talking bar and grill with ALL the food, starting with many apps across the table. Everyone ordered food, I ordered a refill on my Water. It was tricky because I haven't told anyone about my surgery. Just said I wasn't hungry. And it was true! I wasn't!! Whoda thunk it?!?

Felt good to have my head in the right spot and still enjoy the company of my co-workers in the face of such temptation.

Going in at 11am on Sept. 15! Will report back on my experience - thanks so much to those of you that continue to do so. It is incredibly helpful!

2 hours ago, SpartanMaker said:

If outpatient, very little:

• driver's license
• insurance card
• List of medications
• CPAP if you use one

If you will be staying at least one day, add in:

• Some basic toiletries
• Cell phone and charger
• Robe (optional, but it's better than having to wear those silly hospital gowns to cover your backside)
• Maybe a book or tablet if you wish, though some people never use theirs
• I also like to have ear plugs, because hospitals are noisy!
• I never pack extra clothes, I just re-wear what I wore when I arrived.

Have your driver bring (leave in car):

• sunglasses
• a pillow to hug
• maybe a blanket, but depends on how hot it is where you are.

Fantastic. Thank you! Especially on the something to cover your backside advice!

4 hours ago, kellyarw95 said:

Also what kind of before pictures are yall taking?? I have one of me in a bra and shorts and one of my face but that's it
Idk if I should do something more?

I have taken several before photos. Some of the good ideas here, in leggings and tight t-shirt. I also have some of me in underwear only, front - side - back views. I also have taken a few face shots from front and sides.

Also took photos of my hands, with ring on for scale. Also some shot of my legs out in front of me to get legs and feet. I know my hands got bigger because I have a few rings I haven't been able to wear in several years. Looking forward to once more wearing my grandmother's giant turquoise ring from 1930's!

Y'all, we are about to have head to toe changes and I want to Celebrate ALL of that before and after goodness!! Take photos of all angles, diff outfits, no outfits, document everything for those days that will surely come where our heads don't realize how far we've come.

Hi everyone! Welcome to all those that have joined recently, and I'm thinking of all of you that have had surgeries already!

Those of you that are sharing your experiences, thanks a bunch! It is helpful to hear real stories and experiences while I'm waiting for my surgery day - Sept 15.

I start liquid diet tomorrow. Picked up my pre-surgery wash today and paid the balance. I'm self -pay... ouchie! It's getting real now!!

Blessings, love and light to you all!!

3 hours ago, Dogmom68 said:

Hi September buddies! I’ve had a crazy week after my surgery on 8/29. I’ve been struggling with gas pain and swelling; my tummy is so swollen and sore. I have huge bruising near my incision sites, too. I got really nauseated day before yesterday and started vomiting. I really felt terrible! So I ended up back at the surgery center to get IV fluids. I was really dehydrated. Im feeling sooo much better today! I have some meds for nausea now and lidocaine Patches for areas near my incisions that are very sore. Im still the same weight as my surgery day so I guess I should be thankful I didn’t gain due to all the swelling! Im living on Jello, Bone Broth, popsicles, and a LOT of water!

Dogmom - sorry you've been having a rough go at it, but sounds like you are on the upswing. Thanks for sharing your experience. Hang in there!

8 hours ago, SpartanMaker said:

I think we all have this fear. I know I do. We're all here because we've repeatedly failed at other weight loss attempts.

Here's the thing: It's easy to compare WLS to a forced restrictive diet, but it's a lot more than that. Both Sleeve and Bypass actually change a lot more about your metabolic processes. Here's a quote from the ASMBS:

The important takeaway is that your sleeve is not just restricting what you can eat, it's fundamentally changing the way your digestive system works. It's a very effective tool, but you still have to eat right and exercise to be successful.

The way I think about it may be a bit simplistic, but I compare it to digging a hole. Can I dig a hole with my bare hands? I suppose I could, but it's going to take a long time and especially if I need it to be a big hole, It may simply be too much for me. Give me a shovel and now I have a tool specifically designed to dig holes. I will still have to put in a good bit of effort to dig that hole, but the shovel will help me be successful.

WLS is the same thing. I've been trying to "dig holes" with my bare hands. Now I'm going to be given a shiny new shovel.

This. All of this. Thank you so much. What my brain knows to be true is getting clouded by the noise of my fear. I know I'm not alone, which is why it feels safe to share my head trash. I ultimately believe this will be successful, which is why I'm doing it. As a self pay patient no less! We can do this. We WILL do this. Getting shovel ready.

Hi Buddies - Two weeks away and I've got a lot of head trash going on that I just need to get off my chest. ::deep breath::

Fair warning - this is kinda long, rambling and full of woe is me. Feel free to exit stage left now.

I am afraid. Not of surgery, not of complications, but of failure. I've tried so many things and failed. Or succeeded, then gained the weight back and then some more. I feel so out of control of my weight, I've gained steadily for two years straight. 50+lbs. Nothing stopped it, not even my usual approaches.

And I can't help but think, if starving myself didn't work in the past (I mentioned I've tried everything, including very low calorie diets) and led to regain plus some, why will this work? If I couldn't stop the gain, how will I possibly lose the 100lbs I need to lose? If I am in control of the successful outcome of the surgery based on adherence to the rules - then that makes me shake in my boots. I've been down that road before, "You will be successful if you just follow the program!" Didn't work so well obviously.

I'm feeling defeated because of my past, but trying to find hope. My hope is all the success stories. I'm almost hesitant to feel TOO hopeful because of my fear of failure.

I also know I'm not alone in how I feel, that many of you feel or felt the same. And if you don't feel this way, please don't let my fear become your fear! I KNOW you all will be successful!! It's my own failure that I'm all too familiar with.

Sorry to be so negative. I just had to get this **** out of my head and get honest with how I'm feeling.

47 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

Can you have clear Protein drinks? ? I hated the sweetness of shakes post surgery so the clear Protein was a blessing. They sell a lot of protein packed Soups on this site that may be worth trying. Many people also mention Bone Broth but I’ve never tried it.

Thanks!! I've just ordered several clear Protein Drinks and the protein soups! Fingers crossed I can take them. whey protein can cause an issue for me, focusing on the collagen with a few limited whey protein sources in Soups or something else.

On 8/27/2022 at 8:28 AM, Sunnyer said:

I was pretty tired and nauseous during the liquid phase. I struggled with reaching my Water goals, and I'm sure that made me more tired. And I absolutely cannot do the Protein Drinks.

Once I started eating pureed food I mostly felt better, although I still have off days. So I hope you are doing better now that you are having purées.

Sunnyer - I am the same and unable to stomach Protein drinks. I am still pre-op and am very worried about this going forward. I am allergic to milk and eggs and get very sick, so in addition to the allergy I also have an aversion to things that are creamy even if they aren't milk based because of how sick the milk makes me.

How are you getting in your protein during the liquid phase?

Sept. 15th gastric sleeve here! I am trying to get my head wrapped around what will be happening and the big changes I need to make to get through it and back to a lifestyle I lived 8+ years ago.

I'll be following you all, cheering on your success!!