lsereno

Yeah, I love a good swim in de Nile. But that sucker always tries to drown me, so I'm giving it the boot whenever I can! Glad you are feeling better. Cue "We are the Champions" instead of "Fat Bottomed Girls" Lynda

I have noticed as time goes by (three years now and more than 2 at goal), weight has shifted. People who haven't seen me in a while say"you look great. You must have gained some weight". Uh no I still weight the same thing. I just smile and say "thanks! I think I'm just settling in at this weight". My face does look fuller and I notice my turkey neck less (I'm closer to 60 than 50). Lynda

try Junior sizes. Pick through them to find ones that aren't too youthful for your taste. You might also fit in a large girls size 14 or 16. Also, petites are sized a bit smaller, so a size 4 petite might work. Lynda

That's my line. I never say "I can't have that" I stick with "I'm full" or "I don't want that." Or" It doesn't sit well now " or " I have to save room for good stuff so I stay healthy." Lynda

Hi May 2014 Sleevers! I love to see you here. My surgery was May 17, 2011, so I always fill a kindred spirit with the May sleevers! It's been almost three years, but I still remember the last month before surgery. After I got my date I was so nervous! I used that nervous energy to clean house, pay bills in advance, stock up on non-perishables, get down my too small clothes and go through them, take care of appts. like getting my nails done, hair colored, dental appts, taking the dog to the vet for shots, and buying stuff for post op. And I stocked up on books and movies for when I was recovering. I bought myself a cute robe, a couple of nighties, a food scale, small spoons and forks, and tiny bowls. I also practiced chewing a lot, sipping slowly, and I gave up coffee. I had a pre-op plan that I followed pretty closely, but I did have one splurge day with cocktails and food because I knew my program didn't allow cocktails for at least six months. Surgery was pretty uneventful and I came home the following day, but I did have a undiagnosed hernia, which was repaired during surgery. After surgery, I was really tired and sore. More than many others; everyone's recovery is different. I took the liquid loritab for the first 10 days or so, lowering the dose to once per day by around day 8 and then tapering off to tylenol. I wore stretchy pants for the first month. When I first came home from the hospital, I weighed about 16 lbs. more because of the IV fluids, but it all came off in the first week. I also found out I was lactose intolerant. Not everyone gets that, but it's pretty common early out. I hit goal weight on March 25, 2012, about nine months post-op. I've been maintaining goal within 5 lbs. since then. My blood pressure dropped enough that I was offf all meds for a few months, but it slowly crept back up and I now take medicine again, although not as much as before. I also no longer take cholesterol medication. My hair did thin beginning in month 4, but by about 18 months out, it was thick all the way to end again. I was cleared for coffee at three months, and the occasional drink at 6 months. For me, WLS surgery has been a life changer. I love life at goal. I wish the best for each of you! Lynda

Hi, I agree with everyone's previous posts. Here's my individual tips, many of which are similar to what appears above: 1. Make sure you are getting enough fluids. Use a simple hashmark on your phone or a post it or whatever works for you. 2. Say NO to foods that are really causing you problems. I simply don't eat some foods anymore because they don't satisfy me and they lead to more problems. I tell myself I can have some at Christmas if I still want them then. This is similar to how I quit smoking. When I really wanted a cigeratte, I told myself, I will have one on Christmas. But I didn't want one then and that worked for me. 3. Get any kind of exercise, even walking. Aim for something outdoors. I have to spend a little time outdoors or I go stir crazy. Get up 1/2 hour earlier and walk. Consider it your private appt. with yourself. 4. I do weigh every day, but once a week is plenty. When I was in weight loss mode, I only tracked once per week, even though I weighed daily. 5. Buy yourself a present. Anything that makes you feel good. For me, it's often a lipstick, lotion, book, or new game. 6. Look into Cognitive Therapy and apply those techniques. I used the listening to myself (Is that what I would tell a friend? Then why am I saying it to myself?), recognizing all or nothing thinking (I didn't lose this week, I' m going to fail for life), and learning to be thankful for what I do have and have accomplished (I wrote affirmations on 3.5x5 cards and left them where I would see them often, like by my toothbrush, on my computer table, and on my nightstand). 7. Clean the crap out of the house if you have any there and buy healthy foods you enjoy. Include non calorie teas or drinks. 8. Remind yourself you are not alone. I have yet to meet the successful vet who doesn't have to keep an eye on things. 9. Remind yourself even though you have to work on this, you are lucky because other people really struggle with (FILL IN THE BLANK), but for you it really comes easy. For me, that's anything techie. It's painful to watch so many struggle with their computer, phone, etc. But we all have at least one thing we are good at. Celebrate yours! 10. Self soothing doesn't have to be self sabotage. I think Lipstick Lady said this first, and it's really a mantra for me now. Applies to more than food, but food is still my number one problem area. We are all with you! Lynda

Is there a way to report inappropriate posts? I can't find the Report Post button. Lynda

hope you had an uneventful surgery and are. Back hone soon. I love Kaiser! My VSG was on 5/17/11 at Kaiser Fremont. Lynda

haha! Never you my friend!

Thanks I found it. On my PC and Chrome, It only shows when the mouse is hovered in that area. Lynda

Depends on their height and comorbidities. I know Kaiser will do the surgery on someone with 35 BMI with comorbidities. For someone 5 feet tall, this could be as.low as 180 lbs. And revision is not always done for weight loss. Scar tissue and reflux can trigger a revision, even if the person is at goal weight. Lynda

Greek yogurt, low fat lunch meat and costco rotisserie chicken. I eat least one of these items and sometimes all three every day. Lynda

Congrats and welcome to the goalies bench! Enjoy the rest of Spring and your first summer at GOAL! Lynda

Cottage cheese and fruit Yogurt shake: plain, fat free greek yogurt, big splash of water, little splash of OJ, couple of strawberries (frozen or fresh) and Splenda to taste. Whir till smooth and drink on the run. Low fat ham and string cheese rollups Soy Latte with a scoop of vanilla protein powder (make sure it cool enough to not clump the protein powder)

I recommend seeing your Dr and pushing for a test to see how your remaining stomach is shaped. Sounds like you might have a stricture that is preventing you from eating a normal amount (for a sleever over a year out). Not sure what you are eating but consider adding full fat dairy, Peanut Butter, avocado and healthy oils to stop weight loss. I haven't heard of anyone staying full so long after eating. Maybe try more moist Protein, greek yogurt, and cooked vegetables instead of raw, until you get an answer from the doc. Lynda

I'm three years out. I love Posole too. I didn't eat it till more than 1.5 years out. My stomach was a little more sensitive to grains and spices than some. But I enjoy it now. I still can't eat flour tortilla though. Lynda

Try carrying your cell in your pocket, set to vibrate. Set reminders to drink and eat. If one goes past and you miss it, don't worry about it. Pre-mixed Protein drinks are the easiest way to get liquids and calories in at once. If you can eat a little Fiber in the form of fruit or whole grains, it will help keep constipation at bay. I am so sorry for all you are going through. Eating and drinking is a gift to yourself and your loved ones. My thoughts are with you. Lynda

I'm 5'6" and 135, which I'm happy with. I'm small boned with wide hips and a small chest. My upper legs, arms, and middle still have some flab, but not enough to show in clothes. Lynda

I still miss food sometimes. I have developed a whole slew of coping mechanisms that don't involve food. 1. If I can confront the issue, I do. Sometimes saying no to someone, telling them they hurt me, etc. It's a work in progress because I prefer avoidance. I'm a runner not a fighter. 2. If I need a lift, I call a friend, play a game, apply lotion and lipgloss (it's the scent and smooth feel), or go outdoors. 3. I do more reading and game playing. Watching TV for hours leaves my hands free. Not good for me. 4. When I feel I deserve a treat, I try to pick something healthy like a yummy low cal drink, fresh fruit, or I buy myself something, even something small like a new pen or cute notepad. Lynda

I started drinking with a straw about a year out. I prefer the straw as it helps me drink more. I didn't use it earlier because it makes it too easy to gulp Water and early out I couldn't do that. Now I can power down a full cup pretty quickly if I'm thirsty. Lynda

Thanks Linda. This looks yummy! lynda

I am still colder even at almost three years out. Try wearing more clothes to bed and getting an electric blanket. The newer ones have sep. controls so you won't cook your partner. Lynda

Yes it will go away. When you stomach bothers you, go back to the earlier stage for a few days before trying the same foods again. Those tiny tummies are very picky early out! Lynda

My Dr. told me that I would need vitamin supplements for the rest of my life even if I eat the recommended amount of fruits and veggies because the food is not broken down the same way with so much of the stomach gone. She said that while it is true that the vitamins are extracted in the small bowel, not the stomach, they are pre-processed by stomach acids in a whole stomach and they are not pre-processed enough in our smaller stomachs with less acid. Lynda

Haha, CGJ, I'm hawt and cold too! I got thick wool socks for Christmas, a cashmere robe, silk long johns, and gloves with cashmere lining. I layer it up with a tank, long sleeved shirt and sweater. It's really got to be in the 80s before I'm comfortable in short sleeves. However, late at night, I warm up and sleep with just the sheet, the heater turned off and the window cracked. Not sure about why you are tired. I have more energy than I did pre-op, probably because I'm not lugging around more than 100 extra pounds everywhere I go. I agree with others that it may be thyroid. Another few things to consider are an excessive amount of carbs or not enough fluids or Vitamins. Lynda