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well first of all we all have eating problems or we wouldn't be here. If you have eating binges is it controllable ? If not I think you should at least start counceling to try to understand your relationship with food. I am not saying you should stray from your deceision to have surgery I would think it would help you. It is true that you will not be as hungry after surgery. Some say that they have to remember to eat at all. It is true that the surgery will change the way you think about food. You have to understand that this is a tool and your success is up to you.. Can you fall back to slider foods..yes can you eat the wrong things? yes It is a powerful tool but you have to make the right choices when you eat after surgery..Proteins first and vegetable seconds.. There is not a lot of room for carbs left. Can you get full on carbs?? yes you can but when you do this you will have malnutriion issues and gain weight .. If you slide back to bunches of carbs or graze you could gain some or most of your weight back...I was sleeved about 5.5 weeks ago. I had trouble with foods all my life I love to eat. I will tell you right now if I had to do it all over again I would have the surgery 100 times over. It has gave me the strength to eat right . It is a wonderful tool that I don't want to do without..

I'm so excited and beyond thankful. I'm waiting to receive the "Questionnaire" by mail from the Surgeon I am hopefully going to use (Dr.Woodhead) so that I can set up my consultation. I would love to actually get the surgery done this year but I do not think that will be a possibility for a couple of reasons: 1) I am having my tonsils out next month and I'm sure my body will need to have proper recovery period as I do not want to risk anything. 2) I will have to take the week off work as vacation time and I do not have any until next January that I can take that would be enough to cover it. Now I just have to get my brain on track to stop EATING CRAP food. Seriously, what's my problem I'm like I want to lose weight this sucks, mmmmm Cookies. *slaps self*

VerticalSleeveTalk Newsletter Hey Sleevers!Welcome to summer! We hope you’re looking forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation, to an exciting vacation or to some extra time with friends and family. VerticalSleeveTalk.com is the happening place to be this summer, and we’re always delighted with the kindness, insights and chatter that our members bring to create this welcoming community! Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter: Sleever Poll: Where Are You in Your Weight Loss Journey? Member Spotlight: Meet M2G! Summer Weight Loss: Tips to Help You Stay Focused! Weight Loss Surgery Safety: Hydration in Summer Things are heating up at VerticalSleeveTalk.com, so don’t miss a moment! Enjoy the newsletter, then head on over to the boards to talk about it – and whatever else is on your mind! Thousands of members are online, so come join the fun. Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder VerticalSleeveTalk.com Sleever Poll: Where Are You in Your Weight Loss Journey? One of the great things about our community is that our members are all in different stages of their weight loss journeys. So, we’re curious – where are you in your journey? I’m still exploring my options for weight loss. I don’t know if weight loss surgery is right for me. I’m definitely going for bariatric surgery, but am not yet sure which type. I’m going for the sleeve and have set my surgery date (or am trying to get one set). I got my surgery already and am busy losing weight. I am within 15 pounds of goal weight or am already maintaining it! I am not a weight loss surgery patient, but am on VerticalSleeveTalk.com to support someone who is. Other. Choose your answer and tell us more on the discussion boards using this link! Member Spotlight: Meet M2G! This month, our Member Spotlight is on M2G from Colorado. This busy print graphic artist and student struggled with her weight for 15 years with yo-yo dieting. She didn’t have high cholesterol or blood pressure, but got the sleeve because she was “sick and tired of being fat.” Still hesistant to share her starting weight, this 5’6” woman says she was closer to 300 pounds than 250. Her surgery was in July 2010 and she is at a comfortable, non-obese weight! She’s also proud of her husband who’s approaching his two-year sleeve anniversary! M2G says that the biggest difference in her life has been how she feels about herself. She also appreciates the freedom that she has from not being “weighed down.” Now, she’s able to “do normal things” like climbing stairs and tying her shoes without thinking about them. Her great moments come from “not worrying about weight limits!!” She can go do whatever she wants now, such as sledding, going to Water and amusement parks and playing with her kids on the trampoline in the back yard. She also loves knowing that the clothes in her closet fit and look good, and that she doesn’t have to shop in the plus size section of the store. M2G is proud of her husband for getting off of his blood pressure medications after his surgery. The daily grind has been one of M2G’s greatest challenges. She says that hearing people say that “this surgery isn’t a magic bullet” is one thing, while actually living the challenge is something else. She had to learn to make the best decisions for her weight and health instead of trying to justify a cookie or some cheesecake. M2G says that from the beginning, she was grateful for the information she could get from VerticalSleeveTalk.com. Her surgeon was great but relatively new – M2G was only his 15th sleeve patient! As she says, “the forum was a lifesaver. Virtually “meeting” others who had been sleeved, and not only lived to tell about it but who also shared their experiences was so comforting.” She used it for reassurance that her symptoms were normal and also to get recipes and product ideas. Now, she takes comfort in knowing that the forums are always here if she needs them. Her advice for others is that “the sleeve is a tool; use it wisely.” She suggests underfilling the sleeve rather than risking overfilling it. Nearly three years post-surgery, M2G still eats only 1,100 to 1,200 calories per day. She also reminds other sleevers that the journey “has no destination.” You always need to mindful of your diet, and the sleeve will help. M2G, thanks for making time in your busy schedule to be in our Member Spotlight! Congratulations on looking great and on leading a healthier life with your husband! Do you like learning more about our members? Help us keep the Member Spotlight feature going strong by nominating a member on our Member Spotlight forum. You can also nominate yourself! If you’re shy and don’t want to post on the forum, just send Alex Brecher a private message that you want to be in the spotlight. Thanks! Summer Weight Loss: Tips to Help You Stay Focused! You can get off track with your weight loss if you lose focus during the long, hot days of summer. This year’s New Year’s resolutions feel like ancient history; the city streets are emptier because children are out of school and people are out of town on vacation; and in June, the summer ahead seems limitless. Don’t let the long, hot days of summer interfere with your weight loss. Here are a few tips to keep you on track. Set your goals. Make them specific and realistic, and work towards achieving them every day. Pick one or more events to “get in shape for,” and think about them as you’re sticking to your diet. An upcoming wedding, family reunion, vacation or summer party can keep you motivated. Stay positive. We can all feel a little bit down when it’s just too hot, but keep your eyes on the prize. Remind yourself to just take it a day at a time, and think how proud you’ll be at the end of summer when you’ve stuck to your diet. Reward yourself. An ice cream social isn’t the thing after weight loss surgery….but a trip to the beach can keep you cool. Pack a healthy lunch and hang out all day. Walking on the sand is a great workout! Go shopping. The air-conditioned mall lets you walk and window shop. It’s a great time to pick out your dream outfits so you can stay motivated to lose enough weight to fit into them! Don’t fight the heat – beat it! If it’s too hot, don’t exercise outside at high noon. Instead, keep to the cool hours of the early morning or late evening and drink plenty of water. You can also avoid the intense heat by going to the air-conditioned gym, working out at home or walking laps at the mall. Go swimming. Many public pools open in summer, so use the opportunity to try a new activity if you’re not a regular swimmer the rest of the year. Walk or jog in the pool, swim laps or take a water aerobics class. Freeze diet iced tea, lemonade made with a sugar substitute (such as Splenda) or a low-calorie diet juice drink (such as diet Snapple) in ice cube trays. When you get a craving for something cold and sweet, don’t go for the ice cream. Instead, grab an ice cube and save hundreds of calories. Prepare your Protein ahead of time. It’s too hot to cook or bake frequently. Instead, make enough grilled chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, and lean ground turkey for several servings. Refrigerate or freeze your protein so it’s available whenever you need it without needing to turn on the oven or stove. If you follow these tips and stick to your bariatric surgery diet, you’ll see results by the end of summer. Let 2013 be a summer to proudly remember because you did everything you could to lose weight and get healthy! Weight Loss Surgery Safety: Hydration in Summer Everyone’s at risk for dehydration in the summer, but weight loss surgery can present an extra threat. Drinking can make you feel nauseous or too full. After surgery, you can’t have sugary treats like sweet tea or iced mochas, or carbonated soft drinks. Some patients even find that water doesn’t taste good anymore after surgery. So how can you stay hydrated? Try ice water. Jazz up your water with lemon, lime, or mint leaves. Try chilled diet iced tea. Try shaved ice with sugar-free syrup. Make low-calorie cold coffee drinks with sugar substitute instead of sugar. Drink sugar-free Kool-Aid, Crystal Light or another low-calorie fruit drink. Keep a water bottle with you all the time so you automatically sip on it between meals. Drink extra before and after workouts, and sip regularly as you’re sweating. Let your weight loss surgery motivate you to stay healthily hydrated this summer! When you get enough to drink, you have more energy and are less hungry. That’s what we have for this month’s newsletter! We hope it was motivating and helpful. Don’t forget that we’re always happy to hear member feedback, so feel free to contact us! If you ever want to look through the old newsletters, you can check them out, too. Thanks as always for your support! Take care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}

Is my Nutritionist keeping me fat - Part 2 permalink Hi, I posted on this before and guess I am looking for some encouragement. For those of you who did not see my original post. I was banded on May 1, 2009 at 300/lbs. Join a jym with a trainer and nutritionist in July of that year and have been working out ever since. I dropped 30/lbs quickly and the last 20 have been a struggle. I have been hovering around the 250 - 258 mark for almost a year. The Nutritionist at the gym had me eating around 1700 - 1800 calories. With this weight was fairly stable around the 258 mark. Went to the Bariatric Nutritionist who says I was eating far too much. And after I loose the weight I can work on increasing calories, she cut me back to around 1300, and under 100 carbs a day. The GYM Nutritionist says 1500 is ok and maybe a few more carbs. So Here I am. So I have been sticking to around 1300 calories, not much fun. And wondering if the rest of this weight will ever come off. Still working out 3 to 5 times a week. Need to go at least 5 times but all this working out has hurt my knees so I have been going to PT twice a week. I have been keeping carbs around 100 a day. Went a bit crazy on a month long vacation and when I returned in early Aug was up to 258 again. Today down to 247 in like 8 weeks. but it is slow. I do not need a fill as I cannot eat in the Morning and having some PB Issues 3 or 4 times a week. The Bariatric Nutritionist said not to worry yet about this and to get this final 22/lbs off. Any suggestions. I was thinking to move up to around 1500 calories and increase my work outs a bit. Also a friend is going to Metabolic Research center. which is also low carb and supplements for Metabolism and doing quite well. Just want to get this last 20 lbs off!!:smile:

Chrisann, is everything okay because you're still in such pain after almost a week out? Are you just healing slower?

I forgot you had a hernia repaired at the same time. That in itself takes a good week or two to heal from. And the dry heaving sure didn't help. Hope you are feeling well soon!

Week 4-5 was prob the worst for me. Zofran was my best friend. It did get better tho and just rare occasional nausea now. I had a change in my diet around that timeframe and kinda think that might be why.

I had to do clear liquids only for two weeks post op. I drank the Isopure but cut it with water b/c it was too sweet & does have an aftertaste. The water helps it. Do try one of each of the flavors you might like. Some are better than others. Best of luck!

hi guys..i am a 38 yr old housewife and mother of 3 aged 6 and younger.....i am to be banded on the 30th of july and very excited.......this something i have researched and looked forward to for the last few months. i have been motivated enough to get the ball rolling and complete all the tasks i needed to get the surgery date. my problem is my husband..he is so against it. he is very controlling in nature and i think, wants to keep me the fatted housewife at home. yesterday he told me not to talk to him and that i wasnt getting it done after he found out about the 2000.00 copay. i am having it done if i have to make 50 dollar payments for the next 3 years. so we are not speaking. my mom and sister are very supportive. he also says i am taking an unnecessary risk w/ anesthesia and having the three kids...i am nopt thinking of them. i say i am in wanting to be happy and healthy. what are your thoughts ?? i know this is a lot for a first post..but i am irrirtated..lol what is going to od..tell people he left me casue i got a lapband.......RIDICULOUS !!! :confused:

I know I know. It's been awhile since I've been on here. I've lost 35 lbs since surgery and I feel pretty great. But yesterday and today I'm having left sides pain like under my rib cage an around to my back and around my left incision where my stomach came out of...is this normal? I don't wanna be a baby and call my surgeon. Lol.

Wow - sounds like quite a week. Hang in there, everyone! I decided to be proactive and work on a certification that might help me with the job I'm trying for in San Diego. I thought it had been out of the question, but there's a chance they'll take me if I get the certification done. I'd say it's worth dropping some cash and will give me something to distract while waiting for decisions to be made. Worst case, I'll have one more certification to impress with!

I worked really hard trying to maintain pre op diet. Once I kicked the soda and bread it wasn't as bad! I had surgery on a Friday and went back to work that Monday, but ended up taking about three days off due to gas. If you walk and get that gas out, your good to go! Good Luck!

This is going to be one of the hardest parts for me. I take a Vivarin every morning at work (200 mg) and I hate the thought of working without it. Starting next week, I am going to ween myself off of it.

You can request three free samples from: www.doctorsbestweightloss.com Once you go to this site, click on the purple bar in the lower right corner that says "leave a message" or "chat now". If it's after business hours, you will have to leave your sample request as a message. Otherwise, you can chat with an online chat person. They will let you request a Protein bar, Protein shake, protein pudding or Soup in your choice of flavor. I sampled some protein pudding (Bariatric fusion chocolate) and liked it so much that I ordered a tub of it. They have great prices and service. The samples only take a few days to ship to you. Also, Bariatric Choice will give you two samples at your request. It's usually a chicken broth and chocolate pudding. Click on the following website and fill out the online form for these samples: http://www.bariatricchoice.com/sample-request?utm_source=bariatricsamples&utm_medium=postcard&utm_content=BC3Q2015&utm_campaign=professionals

I have been diabetic for 16 yrs. started out controlling with diet and exercise. That worked for 1 yr. next started on metforin. That worked awhile. Then doubled metforin again worked awhile. Then another med was added. You get the picture. Went on bietta and it helped me to lose 40 lbs until it started making me so nauseated I had to stop. The 3 yrs ago I had surgery and I would not heal. Had an open incision for 6 weeks. Had to start insulin. I was very insulin resistant and had to take mega doses. In 2 yrs I was up to 150 units a day. Took a shot 4 times a day plus sticking for blood testing. A human pin cushion. I am 66 yrs old but if I wanted to live a decent life I had to do something. So I had VSG. I am 7 months out and down 72 lbs. I still take insulin but 1 shot before bed and only 30 units. Are you on any meds for diabetes? Get on meds so your sugars are down so they will do the surgery. As young as you are you should rid yourself of this nasty disease.

Hello PS- 235 SD-August 19,2013 - 230 4 weeks out - 213 TWL-17 lbs lost Slow and steady

Great question! In listening to MANY posts, a slow loser is someone who loses less weight by minute, hour, day, week or month than they want to do. SOoooo, it's every one of us. My NUT was helpful. She said... -- don't get weird, keep your head focused -- pay attention -- follow the plan -- be as active as you can be, and rejoice at any weight loss. You are in this forever, NOT to ever go back to your old behaviors!

Highest weight 344 (05/01) Day of sugery 311 (08/22) Two week post op 288 (09/06)

Don't worry it'll come....I was also sleeved the 21st. I'm down 26 so far but I didn't weigh in pre surgery. That's my pre op diet starting weight. I find the better I get in my liquids and protein....(spread out the protein so you get it across the day) The more loss I have. I did stall earlier this week but I adjusted my intake to more protein and more water...voila! Losing again.... you're sleeve wont fail you... it just takes time and learning.

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1st pic is 3 weeks before surgery & 2nd pic is today, at 2 months post op! I have lost 35 pounds & feeling great, most of the time! I get mad at myself for not eating healthier choices & not exercising like I should! I actually feel guilty about it! I love the compliments at work, that my scrubs are "falling" off of me now! I'm determined not to buy new scrubs until I am able to purchase a size small!! Excited about this new journey in life!! I get super paranoid about stretching my stomach! After every meal I can't help but think, "oh no, I bet I stretched my stomach!" However, that just seems to be in my mind!! Praying I'll do better!!

I am just coming up on my 6 week post op. I saw my endocrinologist at 3 weeks out from surgery. He said I was fine in getting the shot. I haven't had any issues!

I did not have the Lap band but I gained back from having the sleeve and fail like a failure. Hopefully your still losing something a week. Sometimes it's just slow hard work. For some this was a tool not a quick fix and some days food just wins. Smile and stay strong you can do this. Good luck

I'm "in the closet" as well, only my best buds and immediate family know. I know exactly how you feel, starting two week liquid pre-op tomorrow. You can do this!!! Good luck and God bless!

I am serioulsy considering the gastric sleeve. I am 42 yrs and nearly 200lbs over weight. I am a thirsty person and always guzzle my drinks before, during & after meals. I know post op, sipping is a must during recovery for weeks/months. Will I ever be able to chug my water or will I always have to sip??? I am also a chewimg gum lover! Will I ever be able to chew gum again? Again, I know post op, this is not recommemded, but maybe a year; post op?!?!? My worries seem trivial but these are pleasurable things for me. I need to mentally prepare myself if they really are a "no go" forever after surgery.