wishes

Oh yeah, I definitely had dizzy spells. Low calories and a lot less fluids than my system was used to? My body was not happy with me. I never go without a water bottle now. It does get better. I just had to make sure I was drinking my shakes closer together, and never, ever taking a multi without food. That caused the worst dizziness ever.

Love MFP! Can't wait to add y'all. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/wish3s

How are things going with the sleeve? Things are great now. Some days I don't even think about my smaller portions. I just made sloppy joes two nights ago, portioned out my 2.5 oz and topped with a serving of mexican blend cheese. The day before that? I made crockpot honey garlic chicken. I ate one thigh. It really isn't anything special. I just make my boyfriend's plate right along side mine, but I get the cuter plate, lol. It is just a way of life now making sure I get enough Protein and keep my carbs down. I use myfitnesspal religiously to make sure I am getting the nutrients I need. How long ago were u sleeved? I was sleeved 7 months ago. Has the adjustment gone well? Yeah, I was doing low carb six months prior to being sleeved. Soon as you get past the Fluid and mushy stages, I really think life perks up. Before that though, you gotta remember you are healing and relearning to eat with a totally new stomach. And sometimes there are hiccups, I didn't get any protein in my first two weeks. I had a really hard time with anything not a vitaminwater, but it gets better. Don't rush the stages, sometimes you have to linger a little. How has adjusting to so little food been? It was a mind trip at first. I really liked my big portions. Before VSG, I could eat an entire hot-and-ready pizza by myself in about 15 minutes. Now? I eat about 3/4 of a slice. I just tear off the crust. You get used to it. You sigh, you cry, you have a little fit where your SO laughs at you, and you move on. This is life. Side note, I really hate leftovers now though. I didn't before surgery, but post-op I really can't stand dried out chicken or even one of my favorite foods ever, pulled pork. I loathe eating reheated stuff. My boyfriend laughs and says, I got picky post-op. It is okay though. I just make a smaller meal that night and remake it in a couple of days so the meal is hot and fresh. Have you engaged socially yet? Haha, yes, and that is where I go a little carb happy. I may not be able to eat like I used to, but I sure can still get down my fluids. I am really only limited by how much I feel like. I can drink 2 large unsweet iced teas from McDonald's in about an hour if I tried, and 3 or 4 of my low carb daiquiris like it is nobody's business. I have no problems getting down fluids. I like to keep a decaffeinated beverage in my hand now because I almost passed out on campus once when I forgot a Water bottle all day. I definitely learned that lesson well. When I go out with my friends, I order things without bread, and I just don't eat Pasta. At Chipotle? I get my burrito bowl without rice and Beans, lots of veggies, double meat, and pile on that cheese and sour cream please! I eat about a third of the meat, cover it and bring it home. Okay, I will always eat Chipotle leftovers. I lied, lol. If I go to Buffalo Wild Wings or an Ale House? I get wings. If I go to my favorite Mediterranean place? I get the fried jibneh or kabobs. Indian? Paneer or Tandoori chicken. Vietnamese? Pho with extra beef. If I go for BBQ, I always get my ribs and just refrain from smothering everything in the sauce. I get the things I want, try to stay on plan, and just try to keep my protein up and be happy. I can eat whatever I want, but I feel better when I am not eating bready things. They just don't sit well for me. I get really uncomfortable. At parties, I take a beer and chat. Carbonation doesn't bother me too much anymore. Have you had a glass of vino yet? Err... lol, I guess I got ahead of this one. I will have to say yes. I have had wine, beer, vodka, tequila, bourbon, rum... Can I use my college student excuse? I admit I like going to parties and the club. What can I say? Just talk to your surgeon about when it is right for you, and definitely wait until your stomach is healed. Did your body respond differently than previously? At first, yes. I definitely could get tipsy off of a few sips of Riesling. Now? Tequila shot, you say? Don't mind if I do. Alcohol hit me hard and fast at first and it tapered off just as quickly. Eventually, you will definitely be able to hit the tapas and restaurants with your hubby again, but it might take two or three months. Again, talk to your surgeon about his or her recommendations. Don't worry, life goes back to normal. Just follow your plan though for the most part and the weight will come off. How will I stay engaged at social or family events that ,as always, revolve around cooking, eating and appreciating copious amounts of food? Well, for me, I just do what I normally do, chat up a storm. I carry my unsweet iced tea (blashphemy in the south, I know), grab a deviled egg, and play with my cousins. Same old, same old. I am just not carrying a huge plate anymore. When I have friends over for a meal, everyone knows I eat low carb, so I just grab a little meat and a couple of veggies and do the same song and dance. I eat slower. I enjoy my company more. If I go out, I like not having to worry about eating an appetizer, entree, and dessert all by myself. I enjoy a little of everything in moderation and take the rest home along with my shrinking waist line. Hope I answered all your questions and didn't come off as an alcoholic, lol. I really don't drink that often. VSG is just life now, and I really am happy with my decision. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

I am having a day of self-doubt, and I am really hoping Carnie will do well with the band. I am actually a little fearful for her since I have not read good things about the band for the long term and weight loss in general. It is so hard to go through gain, lose, gain, lose cycle and have to admit defeat again when WLS was supposed to be the last stop.

You look like you are having so much fun! I definitely agree the VSG is a great decision. It amazing how much can change in a year. I really hope I have a post like this in the next few months.

That is what I was thinking also. I already have the VSG, can I beat the odds? It might just be I am feeling a down today, but regain statistics are at least helping me keep a logical positive note. The average weight loss for VSG is at least 60% of excess weight, and I will always be better off for that. With wiring the jaw shut, I think it is because as soon as you remove that contraption you start eating and putting the weight back on.

Wow, you are really inspiring. I really hope I can have a post like this nearing my 1 year mark. Congrats! You look amazing.

I like the Premier Protein Chocolate Shakes from Sam's Club/Costco. They are about 1.33-1.57 per shake in my area and have 30g of protein, 5gr of carbs, and 16 0 calories. They taste really good to me, but my mom doesn't like them anymore. Protein shakes are really hit or miss sometimes. Individual preference comes to play a lot.

I had a mirena in before surgery and for the first 3 months post-op. The implanon uses the same hormones, and should be okay. But definitely check with your surgeon.

We all plateau for abit. I am in week 2 of my current one. I normally only lose the week before my period. You are not alone. I know sometimes it is hard to see past the disappointment, but the scale will move again.

Aaaahhh, I really wanna play SWTOR. I am more of an xbox gamer though. Just got all my achievements for Skyrim, working on AC: Brotherhood. Can't wait for AC3.

I totally understand. I was staying with my mom for two weeks and on day 2 of no scale.... I broke down and bought her one.

You've always inspired me with your positive attitude and hard work. I am so happy for you. You are doing amazing things while looking fabulous! Congrats on doing that hike!

YOU LOOK AMAZING! I am so glad to see this post. You have been through so much and I remember when I first joined the forum looking for someone else going through that silly supervised diet. You were so supportive. I am so happy to see you doing so well. And lol, I know what you mean I have about 37 lbs to go and I want it to go all from my arms and legs.

Proud. I experience more days where I am just embarrassed, but every time I have an NSV I know that I am proud of my decision to make my life and health better one day at a time. I wouldn't appreciate what I have if I didn't see the rock bottom first.

That's soooooo great! I am so happy for you.

Woohoo! So glad to hear from you! You are doing awesome!

In 7 months I have lost 72 lbs, but before that I lost 42. It took me about a year to get where I am, but I have no doubt I will lose 100 lbs from my surgery date before its anniversary.

Do NOT worry about what other people are losing. You will sabotage your emotional health that way. You are going to lose if you follow your plan. It is nearly guaranteed. I do not look at other people's weight loss anymore because I know I am going to hit goal regardless. This is not about pounds it is about percentages. If I am aiming for a normal BMI like my PCP wants, I am 87% of the way to goal. If I am aiming for my goal, I have lost 75% of my excess weight. That is over 112 lbs, and 72 was after surgery 7 months ago. I average 10 lbs a month. That seems small in comparison to some of the big numbers others lose, but this is perfect for me and I know I can look at my percentages to see where I am at. I only have 17 lbs until I am at a normal BMI, and 37 until I am at my goal. I totally think I can lose that in 5 months for my 1 year sleeve anniversary. The formula for percentage of excess weight: (Highest weight-Current weight)/(Highest weight-Goal Weight)

You can do this. Just follow whatever plan you are doing and stick with it! I don't know about Kaiser, but my insurance plan did not require any particular weight loss amount. Over the 6 months during my supervised diet though, I lost over 15% of my weight. Do you meet the other requirements for them to cover surgery?

Lol, my one smidgen of advice? Don't do it the week after classes start. It threw off my entire rhythm. I had to go part-time for the term, and I normally take at LEAST 15 credit hours along with a part-time job. Common sense, right? Wish I would have used it. You ladies can totally do this! I will definitely recommend a summer or winter break though. Take the time and recover before throwing yourself into life post-op and a full-time course load. Save your sanity.

AAAAHHHH! I am so excited for you. Congrats! You deserve it, lady!

At Starbucks or Panera, get any sandwich and just remove the bread. The bread can fill you up super fast and keep you from getting all that good Protein, almost all the sandwiches have plenty of protein so take your pick. For drinks? Just go for the sugar free syrups and sweeteners, and you can save yourself from most of the sugar found in their drinks. Unsweetened teas are also normally really good. Edit: I don't know about fraps though. I just avoid them because they make me munchy.

You are doing so awesome. Congrats!

Love it! Thank you so much for sharing your positivity with the forum. I always really enjoy reading your posts and can find quite a lot of inspiration!