JG407

You need to have a serious discussion about what the surgery means for you, mentally and emotionally, and make it very clear to him what you expect from him as a support system. If you are up front, clear and non-confrontational (focus on your feelings and criticize his "behavior" and NOT personal criticism against him) then give him a chance to improve. Then if he is still an ass, elbow to your hearts content.

Hey avi, this is COMPLETELY normal. I don't know of its separation anxiety, hormones or what, but I definitely had the same feeling right after. Why did I do this, was it the right choice, what if it doesn't work etc. letting go of these false assumptions and perceptions is hard but I will tell you from experience (I'm 10 months out) that it all gets better and the only regret you will have is that you didn't do it sooner. I know you don't know me, but I ask you to trust me. You've just been through a major surgery and you will not start to heal physically and then mentally. Keep your eye on the "why" you did this to begin with (I'm assuming to be healthy, happy and have a new lease on life) and that intense focus will allow you to get through the "how" (the possible pain, difficulties and new ways of doing things that to will learn over the next couple of months). I'm proud of you, you can do it, and I can't wait to hear about your progress and how amazing you feel when this first speed bump is behind you. Happy birthday, a new life is coming your way!

Thanks so much everyone!!

Hi All! I have been away from the board for a while but want to get back involved and hopefully I can help others that will go through or are going through this exciting journey we call VSG! I am just a week past 10 months out and feeling great. My weight loss has leveled out and i'm hovering around the same 3 - 4 lbs up and down daily. I work out hard 2 - 3 days a week and am happy to report that 2 weeks ago I did my first 10k in 1 hour and 50 seconds, a respectable time in my mind! Shooting for a half marathon at the end of the year! I hope everyone is doing well, enjoying the journey and making great progress. I know the hard days can be really tough but it really does keep getting better once you learn what you can and cannot do, find your flow and Celebrate your victories. Here is a pic of me before surgery and at the 10 month mark (in a dressing room, lol)...enjoy!

Hey all! I am just over 4 months out and feeling great!!! I am SO happy I had my sleeve done back on May 27th of this year (seems like forever ago)! I am about 6 foot 1 and was 332 on 1/1/11; 312 on 5/13/11 when i started my 2 week pre-op diet; 297 on surgery day 5/27/11; now 221 as of 10/2/11... Thats a total of 111 pounds lost total; 76lbs since surgery day!! I just wanted to share my progress, i'm still going to try to lose another 10 or 15 and then hopefully start toning as i added weight training to my cardio schedule about two months ago (1 - 2x per week)...

HAHAHAHA @LilMissDiva!! Thanks! You are looking good yourself Way to go! @M2G Sounds like the hubby is doing AMAZINGLY well!! Yeah i'm the same way, totally gave up on the BMI thing. I started off at morbid obesity, got down through Obesity Class 2 and Class 1 and FINALLY hit "overweight" a couple of weeks ago. For me to get to "normal" weight, i'd have to be 185 and i'd probably look like a meth addict LOL! My original goal was 225 and now its 210 and I think i'll probably be good there but who knows, i just know 185 aint happening! ROFL @ the height comment, you know they have those ancient limb stretchers...hmm...j/k

Hi Kate! First of all, major congrats on losing what you have thus far, you are already down 30 lbs which is a major accomplishment. Second, the NUT (nutritionist) is absolutely right, the stall is inevitable! I have had several stalls in my 4 months where not only did I stop losing, i actually GAINED...sometimes as much as a pound or two! Its all completely normal. I too regretted the surgery in the very beginning b/c of all the crazy pre-op/post-op diet stuff, the discomfort (and downright pain) etc. You will completely change your mind once more time goes by and you see the results. Now, you do have to make sure you are doing your part, which i'm sure you are, but what a lot of people seem to lose focus on or forget about is that the liquid and Protein intake are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL for continued weight loss. Working out helps of course, but if you just focus on liquid intake and protein intake and your Vitamins, I can almost guarantee you will see results! In the beginning I was taking in 80 oz of Fluid (Water, milk, etc) and 100G of protein per day. Now i still do 70-80 oz of fluid and closer to 80G of protein every day! It makes a huge difference! Don't be so hard on yourself either. Your body went through a dramatic procedure, your life is changing (for the better) and though the overall weight loss will be greatly accelerated vs. doing it without the sleeve, its still a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, treat yourself well, stay focused and positive and GET THAT FLUID AND PROTEIN IN! You WILL succeed! The sooner YOU realize it, the better! Best of luck and feel free to reach out to me if you ever need to chat... JG

Thanks so much everyone! @kala, everyone is different of course and guys do typically lose a little faster. I'm sure you are going to do wonderfully, good luck!!!

Thanks everyone! @jillw8, I think one of the things that really helped was staying strict on my protein and fluid intake. I've seen plenty of other people lose much slower and they all told me they didn't really stick hard and fast to those two things. I am down 70+ in about four months so you are actually outpacing me!! Way to go!! They told me they wanted me to lose 60 on six months so I blew that outta the water! Working out is key too, I've been wogging (jogging/walking) 3.5 miles 3 - 4 times a week and now weight training as well. Keep up the fantastic work!

Wow thanks everyone! You sure know how to make a guy feel special

Hey looou, thanks!!! I just saw your progress pics and WOW talk about an amazing transformation! Happy belated surgiversary too!! JG

Hi all! I know at least two others joining me in spirit and having their sleeves done today too. I'm in preop now, in the gown in bed watching tv. Was just told the surgeon is running about 3 hrs behind! How'd that happen, it's only 7am!!! Lol! I'm a little nervous but have my wife here to comfort me, unfortunately I also have my mom here to make me nervous again!! When she got to our house this morning she said "are you sure you still want to do this?"...oy vey what a Jewish mother she is. Anyways, how's everyone else doing? JG

How is everyone doing that was sleeved May 27th? I'm doing pretty well, still have puking issues once in a while (once every other week or so?) but its typically my fault for eating too fast. I am down 37lbs since surgery day and with the pre-op i'm down 51lbs. On a little stall right now (had one about 3 weeks ago too for a few days or so) but otherwise i'm kinda on cruise control now (as much as you can be with this journey) until maintenance. I believe there may be an increase in the amount of food i can have per sitting coming up soon but besides that, no new foods until 6 months out. Thats when i can add the bread/pasta/rice stuff back in, though i doubt i really will much. The Vitamins suck, its a struggle to get the 80oz of Fluid in per day (I do hit it on most days) and i'm of course working out, jogging typically 4 days per week and hit a personal best 11:30 minute mile last night!!! How is everyone else?? Lots of love! JG

Wow man, what amazing results!!! Congrats and keep it up!!

Hey Jennifer, glad to hear that it went well and you are feeling so great!! I can't say that I feel great (mainly overwhelmed by all of the post op stuff I'm required to do now on an hourly basis) but trying to stay positive!

Hi all! I know at least two others joining me in spirit and having their sleeves done today too. I'm in preop now, in the gown in bed watching tv. Was just told the surgeon is running about 3 hrs behind! How'd that happen, it's only 7am!!! Lol! I'm a little nervous but have my wife here to comfort me, unfortunately I also have my mom here to make me nervous again!! When she got to our house this morning she said "are you sure you still want to do this?"...oy vey what a Jewish mother she is. Anyways, how's everyone else doing? JG

Hey joy!! Best of luck tomorrow!! I'm glad you are able to take my story and at least prep for some of the worst just in case. Just know that when you are going thru a lil hell that it's going to be for loads of heaven!!! You can do it!! My thoughts and prayers are with you for a great procedure and fast recovery!!

doing MUCH better today (post op day 4). Was able to come home from the hospital yesterday (was in 2 days instead of 1) and finally slept almost completely through the night last night. I'm doing well today, every hour i'm doing the following: 1. Using the incentive spirometer 2. sipping as much liquid as possible (did 2 Protein shakes with Vitamins that each took about 3 hours to finish and were 8 oz east) TRYING for 60oz per day. 3. walking 5 minutes 4. doing my seated ankle exercises Hopefully, i can hit 60oz of Fluid today and tomorrow and start puree by Wednesday (fingers crossed). I'm still learning the limits of how much i can drink/sip at once without getting pressure and only had 1 minor episode with the "stuck" feeling today. Overall i'm happy with my progress and just wanting to get back on track with the stages of the diet that were slightly delayed due to my complications (with taking liquids) in the hospital. I'll definitely keep you updated! Thanks everyone for your support! JG

Thanks so much Jax and Luv4me!

Try not to be so hard on yourself...regardless if its weight, relationships, money, job etc, there are always things that we feel we could handle/manage better. It doesnt make you a loser if you having difficulties, it does however make you human. The fact that you recognize there is a part of your life that YOU think is lacking or is not where it could be, is a fantastic realization. The next step is to build the plan. Look at your outcome, say it out loud and write it down, then work backwards on how you get there. In your situation you may say, my outcome is that I regularly spend time with family/friends in social settings and truly enjoy myself. Now working backwards, how do you get there. Lets see, you would need to WANT to be more personable. But you can't be personable while you are self-conscious about your food addiction. looks like the food addiction needs to be kicked. How can you do that? Well there are a few ways, conventionally, fighting your cravings and eating more healthy (you are snacking on fruit, seems like a great start to me) and less conventionally, the VSG will allow you to be afforded a tool to help with your cravings, help you lose weight, help you disconnect your phantom hunger and emotions from binging or just eating the wrong things. Now of course I am simplifying this, but it doesnt HAVE to be difficult. The most difficult thing is striving for an outcome that you either A. dont know exactly what it is and/or B. not having a plan for attaining it. YOU CAN DO THIS and you have a BOARD full of people that will help and keep you accountable. Dont give up hope and remember that this day, today, is Monday. Its Monday May 30th 2011. Its ONE SINGLE DAY in your life. The greatest part about this and every other day, its only 24 hours long and then you can (unless you are bill murray in groundhogs day) try it ALL over again tomorrow. I have faith in you, now have faith in yourself and you are set! Good luck! JG

Hmm pretty sure I promised you that you would find a way to make it happen! You aligned your faith and desire and look, it may just payoff! Beyond excited for you!!!