MINI-Me

ok ... I admit ... I can't stand Dr. Phil. But, this sounds like the one smart thing he's ever said. (Sorry to all of you that do like him - he's just not my cup of tea.)

Is it a great choice? No. Is it the worst choice? No In those first few weeks, getting anything down is hard. So, if the SF Icecream helps you get Protein in, go for it. Just be sure to count your protein, calories and carbs and don't overdue it. You shouldn't be eating the entire container each day. Watch your portion sizes - it's a slider so you won't get a full feeling.

My leak tests were done as part of the surgery. One with a blue dye and another with a scope so he could visually review the staple line inside and outside the stomach. I did not have one after surgery. P.S. - If you have the blue dye test during surgery, just know that you will pee like Smurfette for a week or so. Quite a surprising site the first time!

Beer fills me up and makes me uncomfortable ... even at 14 months out. White wine is definitely my drink of choice. If I am careful with the food & calorie choices, a screwdriver goes down well as well.

Yep! This place is definitely addictive. It's a great support system - that's why I still come out here 14 months post-op. Glad to have you join us.

I had some of those same responses from my family as well. Now that I'm at goal, they are worried that I'm too small. Ugh! Get real. Have to have something to "complain" about I guess. Just take it in stride the best you can. Te failure stories get passed around a lot more than the successes. My theory on why? They are good excuses for people not to get off their duffs and do something for their health. Surgery is not "the easy way". It's a lot of work, pain, and mental tormoil. And, I am worth it!

That is great!

You are doing just fine ... your body is your body ... everyone is different. You've lost over 5 pounds a week. Bet you couldn't do that BEFORE surgery. Just take each day at a time ... Celebrate each pound. Follow your plan and your weight will go down!

A great trick is using a cocktail sized fork and spoon. You have to eat slower, because such small amounts fit on them. Helped me A LOT!

You are at that point where things are healing - nerves are repairing, stomach swelling is gone/reduced ... so, it's normal that some days you can eat more than normal. Pre-surgery, I bet you had days like that too - just the amounts were larger so you didn't notice as much. At 14 months out, I can definitely eat more than I could at 3 months, but it's still about 1/4 (or often less) of what I ate in one sitting before. I just have to laugh when "regular" portions are set out in front of me. I'm like "As if ...". But, it makes me a cheap date. If we don't share a meal, I have leftovers for 3 additional meals. I'd say don't worry too much about it. At 3 months, you still need to focus on Protein first (try that instead of the toast), non-calorie liquids second, and then veggies/fruits. If you do that and stay within your nutrition guidelines, you will be fine.

Glad to hear you aren't dead. Is that considered a NSV?

Best of luck ... Welcome to the Loser's Bench!

Unfortunately, there really isn't anway to tell. I lost over 70 pounds. The doctors I talked to said that due to my age and weight, I should not have much lose skin. Well, they were right in most areas. BUT, I have quite a bit of loose skin on my upper thighs & my stomach is a mess. Luckily, I can hide them under clothes and you can't tell. I am investigating a tummy tuck, but need to save funds. Good luck on your journey.

Awesome!

My surgery was outpatient. In the OR at 7:30 and discharged at 2:00 that same day. No matter how long you stay, you MUST have help at home for the first few days especially. If you child is still in diapers, you will need a plan since you should not be lifting over 10 pounds for the first few weeks.

I am so sorry ... but, don't give up hope. Talk with your surgeon and find out what you can do to improve your test results. Develop a plan and get a new surgery date. I know it's devestating, but you need to go into surgery with the best health possible. Those results could have been devastating if you'd had surgery without them knowing about these conditions. Chin up ... it's delayed, not over! {{{ HUGS }}}

What about finding another doctor? Look for WLS Surgeons in your area & see if they have support groups. If so, attendees may have PCP suggestions for you - PCP's that support their patients with weightloss.

Ann - I gagged on everything too. The only ones I could somewhat tolerate were "Flavorless" Any whey which I added to smoothies, yogurt, cooled hot cocoa and unjury chicken Soup. How far out are you? What drinks/powders have you tried? I could better give tips if I knew more.

AMEN! I felt the exact same way. I was sure I would be the failure. But, with a little committment on your part, you can be successful!

I don't think I saw your height. With muscle, would this be in the "normal" weight range for you? I agree, you should be seeing a nutritionist. Eating only 1000 calories a day, your body should be losing - I don't think even in starvation mode your body can/should be able to hold onto excess weight.

I'm sorry to hear that it has been so hard for you. I, luckily, didn't have nausea past the 1st week, but I know it's the pits. Also, depression seems to be the norm for those a month or so out. Glad to see that you are seeking help for the hydration - that is very important at your stage. Besides the good advice from those above, the best advice I can give is to give yourself time. You will start feeling much better as each day passes. Buyers Remorse is very normal at this stage. But, at 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, etc ... you won't regret it. You will be losing weight, feeling better, and learning just how all this works. Your body is going through a lot. Give it time to catch up with your head and heart. <<<<< HUGS >>>>> to you. Please let us know if we can help. We are good listeners!

You look so happy and fabulous! Remember when you were worried if this was going to work for you? Guess it did! Congratulations!

You can do it!

I saw the subject and thought maybe it was a pre-op on a Last Supper fit .... whew! You got me good!

Congratulations! You have done very well. I did not use him, but I've heard great things about Dr. Billings. Keep us updated on your progress and TT options.