I got my date as August 21.

CW 295

What all are you doing to prepare? I'm worried about starting pre-op diet too early and potentially running out of willpower in advance. I'm also looking for therapy for disordered eating to begin ASAP and continue through the process. I'm also working on not drinking during meals and thinking about how to start increasing my water uptake. I'm also contemplating how I can prepare meals with veg and protein for easy access.

On 12/3/2024 at 7:54 PM, Chatterboxdea said:

Wagyu is expensive steak; so I had my 1 oz and I was good for meat pretty much. The cocktail went okay. I definitely think alcohol hits me more, but I don't know if that's the sleeve or that I haven't drank in 5 months. I didn't drink the whole cocktail, but it was nice to go for dinner and drinks, because I feel like that was something I was missing out on, not being able to drink while I'm eating.

wagyu is soooo delicious! yum to that..

I am still craving carb heavy food and it’s been a week now. I swear for me processed carbs are the enemy. I can have any amount of healthy carbs without it affecting my appetite but processed ones just make me hungry for days after.icily I haven’t gained but I really need to Figure out how to get back on track. This is a slippery slope for me.

10 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I am still craving carb heavy food and it’s been a week now. I swear for me processed carbs are the enemy. I can have any amount of healthy carbs without it affecting my appetite but processed ones just make me hungry for days after.icily I haven’t gained but I really need to Figure out how to get back on track. This is a slippery slope for me.

It can definitely be a hard cycle to break. I hope the cravings go away soon, but if you have extra carbs one day, just walk a few extra steps to balance it out.

1 hour ago, Chatterboxdea said:

It can definitely be a hard cycle to break. I hope the cravings go away soon, but if you have extra carbs one day, just walk a few extra steps to balance it out.

Haha. I am literally walking as I’m typing this. In my house just back and forth because it’s too cold outside right now because I gave in and had Mac in cheese last night. Just a little but man the cravings are so strong for me after i have some. At Christmas I may just not do this to myself. It’s almost not worth it.

19 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I am still craving carb heavy food and it’s been a week now. I swear for me processed carbs are the enemy. I can have any amount of healthy carbs without it affecting my appetite but processed ones just make me hungry for days after.icily I haven’t gained but I really need to Figure out how to get back on track. This is a slippery slope for me.

Hey there, I hear you! Craving processed carbs can feel like a slippery slope, especially when it keeps triggering your hunger—it’s such a common struggle for many of us post-surgery. The good news? You’ve already recognized the pattern, and that’s half the battle!

First, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a journey, and cravings don’t mean failure. Try focusing on protein first—it’ll help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you fuller longer. Pair it with healthy carbs like veggies or a small portion of sweet potato, which you know don’t mess with your appetite as much

Another tip: stay hydrated! Sometimes thirst can sneakily feel like hunger. And if you’re still feeling those cravings, maybe try a low-carb alternative for the thing you’re craving (like zucchini noodles instead of pasta or almond flour crackers)

Lastly, take it one day at a time. You haven’t gained, and that’s proof you’re still in control. You’ve got this—remember why you started and keep moving forward! ?

10 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Hey there, I hear you! Craving processed carbs can feel like a slippery slope, especially when it keeps triggering your hunger—it’s such a common struggle for many of us post-surgery. The good news? You’ve already recognized the pattern, and that’s half the battle!

First, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a journey, and cravings don’t mean failure. Try focusing on Protein first—it’ll help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you fuller longer. Pair it with healthy carbs like veggies or a small portion of sweet potato, which you know don’t mess with your appetite as much

Another tip: stay hydrated! Sometimes thirst can sneakily feel like hunger. And if you’re still feeling those cravings, maybe try a low-carb alternative for the thing you’re craving (like zucchini noodles instead of Pasta or almond flour crackers)

Lastly, take it one day at a time. You haven’t gained, and that’s proof you’re still in control. You’ve got this—remember why you started and keep moving forward! ?

I think these are all good tips! That being said, this is the rest of our lives. I don't think its okay to label things good and bad and never allow yourself to have "bad" foods. Yes, it's hard to process carbs, but what is life with no mac and cheese or ice cream for the rest of your days. Its about finding the balance. Let yourself have the comfort foods, but in small amounts and in moderation. At least, I feel like this is the aim for me; I'm really bad (I'm very good at it, it's just not always healthy) at all or nothing thinking, and it inevitability would lead me to over indulging, rather than just allowing myself to have a little occasionally. Just food for thought.

7 hours ago, Chatterboxdea said:

I think these are all good tips! That being said, this is the rest of our lives. I don't think its okay to label things good and bad and never allow yourself to have "bad" foods. Yes, it's hard to process carbs, but what is life with no mac and cheese or ice cream for the rest of your days. Its about finding the balance. Let yourself have the comfort foods, but in small amounts and in moderation. At least, I feel like this is the aim for me; I'm really bad (I'm very good at it, it's just not always healthy) at all or nothing thinking, and it inevitability would lead me to over indulging, rather than just allowing myself to have a little occasionally. Just food for thought.

Idk. I just feel like it’s almost not worth it for me to have been craving the processed carbs for a week. I think if I do have anything for Christmas I just need to get the leftovers out of the house so I can’t have them the following days.

23 hours ago, Chatterboxdea said:

I think these are all good tips! That being said, this is the rest of our lives. I don't think its okay to label things good and bad and never allow yourself to have "bad" foods. Yes, it's hard to process carbs, but what is life with no mac and cheese or ice cream for the rest of your days. Its about finding the balance. Let yourself have the comfort foods, but in small amounts and in moderation. At least, I feel like this is the aim for me; I'm really bad (I'm very good at it, it's just not always healthy) at all or nothing thinking, and it inevitability would lead me to over indulging, rather than just allowing myself to have a little occasionally. Just food for thought.

I hear you. I believe in balance for sure but as long as it doesn't follow with guilt and maybe more binging? I had a burger for dinner and I feel guilty even though my stomach is punishing me as we speak so I feel unless we feel okay about enjoying some food then yes but no pooint in indulging then feel shitty on top of it :(( why is everything so hard yet easy

6 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

I hear you. I believe in balance for sure but as long as it doesn't follow with guilt and maybe more binging? I had a burger for dinner and I feel guilty even though my stomach is punishing me as we speak so I feel unless we feel okay about enjoying some food then yes but no pooint in indulging then feel shitty on top of it :(( why is everything so hard yet easy

I do the really lean beef with 2% cheese as a cheeseburger wrap on them low carb wraps and that doesn’t make me have any crazy cravings afterwards. They even sell really small ones if your portions are still tiny. Do you have any low carb wraps available to you? It tastes kinda dry to me so I spread a bit of avocado on the wrap but if you need a lower fat option you could also do like salsa or some pico de gallo with the lettuce to add some moisture. Or a yogurt dressing. I don’t know why I am just thinking of that. I would probably really like it with the yogurt ranch.

I am new to this. Can anyone explain the cons and pros of Sleeve versus Bypass surgery? What are the considerations for each? Due to a first consultation in a month

41 minutes ago, Brianhh said:

I am new to this. Can anyone explain the cons and pros of Sleeve versus Bypass surgery? What are the considerations for each? Due to a first consultation in a month

Hey, congrats on starting your journey! So, sleeve and bypass are both great options, but they work a bit differently.

With the sleeve, they remove a part of your stomach, so it’s smaller, which means you’ll eat less and feel full faster. It’s a simpler surgery, and you don’t have to worry about rerouting your intestines or major long-term complications. But, it’s irreversible, and if you have or develop acid reflux, it might get worse.

Now, bypass is a bit more intense. They make your stomach smaller and reroute part of your intestines. It’s great if you have diabetes or really bad reflux because it helps with those. Plus, people often lose weight faster. But the downside is you have to be super committed to taking your vitamins forever, or you’ll run into deficiencies. And there’s this thing called dumping syndrome if you eat too much sugar or fat, which feels awful.

Honestly, it depends on your health and your goals. Like, do you have reflux or diabetes? How much weight do you want to lose? And are you okay with a more complex surgery if it gives better results? Your surgeon will guide you based on all that, so don’t stress too much now. Just go in with your questions ready.

You’ve got time to figure it all out. Good luck at your consultation—it’s a big step, and you’re doing amazing by researching!

i did the bypass and lost 20 kgs in 3.5 months

Starting weight 109 kg and now 89 kg

Also regain is harder with bypass. I suggest u keep reading and also there's more information on YouTube and tiktok

16 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Hey, congrats on starting your journey! So, sleeve and bypass are both great options, but they work a bit differently.

With the sleeve, they remove a part of your stomach, so it’s smaller, which means you’ll eat less and feel full faster. It’s a simpler surgery, and you don’t have to worry about rerouting your intestines or major long-term complications. But, it’s irreversible, and if you have or develop acid reflux, it might get worse.

Now, bypass is a bit more intense. They make your stomach smaller and reroute part of your intestines. It’s great if you have diabetes or really bad reflux because it helps with those. Plus, people often lose weight faster. But the downside is you have to be super committed to taking your Vitamins forever, or you’ll run into deficiencies. And there’s this thing called dumping syndrome if you eat too much sugar or fat, which feels awful.

Honestly, it depends on your health and your goals. Like, do you have reflux or diabetes? How much weight do you want to lose? And are you okay with a more complex surgery if it gives better results? Your surgeon will guide you based on all that, so don’t stress too much now. Just go in with your questions ready.

You’ve got time to figure it all out. Good luck at your consultation—it’s a big step, and you’re doing amazing by researching!

i did the bypass and lost 20 kgs in 3.5 months

Starting weight 109 kg and now 89 kg

Also regain is harder with bypass. I suggest u keep reading and also there's more information on YouTube and tiktok

Well said. I would just add that a good source on you tube is Dr Matthew Weiner. He explains the surgeries, pros/ cons and risks very well. This will help you prepare for your first visit. Like @Justarwaxx suggested, though, try not to stress too much because your surgeon will help you make the right decision. My Dr said that there were two good options for my revision and it was up to me. He sent me home to do my research and follow up with questions at the next visit. He didn’t rush me to make my decision though, you most likely won’t have to decide at that first visit but make a list of questions and if you feel confused don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. It is a lot to take in and they understand that. You can also post questions in the Pre-Op area on this site. Lots of really good people on here will try to help you by sharing their experiences to guide you every step of the way.
Best of luck ❤️

Edited December 10, 20241 yr by ShoppGirl

Still struggling with some bad choices since thanksgiving. It’s not all the time and I am not gaining or anything but I’m not losing much either.. I do have some other stuff going on and I’m on steroids which is not helping I’m sure but I’ve got to figure out a way to break this carb cycle regardless. I know that the key to it for me is just white knuckling for a few days until the bad cravings go away but I just hope that I can work this out before Christmas and I guess I will have to choose my nutrition over all the holiday yumminess. ? On a good note in spite of a crazy busy schedule I have continued to prioritize my fitness and I’m doing good there. In the past I would’ve just thrown in the towel and went back to my old ways completely. I Hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying their holiday season.

Edited December 12, 20241 yr by ShoppGirl

1 hour ago, ShoppGirl said:

Still struggling with some bad choices since thanksgiving. It’s not all the time and I am not gaining or anything but I’m not losing much either.. I do have some other stuff going on and I’m on steroids which is not helping I’m sure but I’ve got to figure out a way to break this carb cycle regardless. I know that the key to it for me is just white knuckling for a few days until the bad cravings go away but I just hope that I can work this out before Christmas and I guess I will have to choose my nutrition over all the holiday yumminess. ? On a good note in spite of a crazy busy schedule I have continued to prioritize my fitness and I’m doing good there. In the past I would’ve just thrown in the towel and went back to my old ways completely. I Hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying their holiday season.

Hey, it sounds like you're being really honest with yourself, and that’s a huge win already. First off, give yourself some grace—holidays and steroids can make things tricky, and you're not gaining, so that’s something to celebrate.

You’re right about the carb cravings; sometimes, it’s just a matter of pushing through for a few days until they’re not as strong. Maybe focus on protein-packed meals for the next few days—chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt, whatever you love—and keep some healthy snacks handy to avoid temptation when the cravings hit. Drinking a lot of water can also help curb those sneaky cravings.

Also, let go of what happened yesterday. You can’t change it, but you can decide how today goes. Every choice you make now matters more than anything that happened before. Maybe plan your meals ahead for the next day or two, so you feel more in control.

And girl, prioritizing fitness during a busy time? That’s major. You’re proving to yourself that you’re not the same person you used to be. Keep focusing on that consistency—you’re doing better than you think. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got this!

My cousin hosts an annual cookie day and it’s this weekend. I decided a few months ago that I wasn’t going to go all day and make cookies. I am just going to pop by and say hello but that was enough for this year. It’s all about baking and that’s not my thing anyways but it’s for the kids so in terms of food there is nothing I can eat and there will be drinking too. There will probably be about 15 kinds of cookies (a few dozen of each) plus the sugar cookies the kids decorate all just sitting out on big tables and the whole house always smells so good. I know they are going to tell me to have a cookie and to take some home with me. Wish me luck not giving into temptation. Anyone else have a particular event that they are nervous about this season??

Edited December 15, 20241 yr by ShoppGirl