Lissa

Wow!! I agree that most of the commenters seemed to blame the patient. I wish those people who say this is "easy" would read these (or any WLS) boards for a day or two. While this does make weight loss easier in the beginning, we all know that we must continue to do the work in order to reach our goals. I feel sorry for the girl and her family.

I think you answered your own question. Your Lady says that she "hates the fact that (you) have to eat ice cream, etc. to maintain (your) weight". To me, it sounds like she's worried about YOU and it is causing her stress. She knows that you should be eating healthier foods and that eating slider/junk foods is a slippery slope back to being overweight. I think the advice to talk to a nutritionist is right on point. Perhaps you could add complex carbs or more Protein calories to your diet to help maintain your weight. Using "better" foods would also keep the bad stuff out of the house so it doesn't tempt your woman. The added benefit is that your son would not have those foods in his diet and will learn healthier dietary habits from watching you. I agree with Teri who said to never say anything to your woman about her weight, even if you think it's constructive criticism. THAT is a huge NO NO. A couple of guys might say to one another "Hey, you've gained a couple of pounds. Too much beer?" but two women would NEVER say that to each other. And if a man ever said that to me, I'd be letting him talk to my back as I walked away. It's sad but true; we women are highly sensitive to even gently-worded comments about our weight! You sound like a great guy who is trying to keep himself healthy for his family. I admire that. I hope that you'll come back and let us know that you have talked to a Nut to find a way to maintain in a healthy manner. I also hope that you and your Lady can work through this. You really should reassure her that you love and care for her and your son and that you are not going anywhere. Maybe hold her hand more in public, make sure you are bestowing that smile upon HER more often and that she sees and hears your admiration for her whenever you are together. I bet she'll be like a flower turning it's face toward the sun and you'll see HER smile and admiration more often, too! Good luck!!

Yee Haw!!! That's a great NSV! Congrats!!

(((Sleeve4Me))) I have no words, but you're in my prayers.

Jess, You'll be so happy with Dr D! He's an amazing person!! And an even better surgeon than that!

I like that "running to my grandkids" line. Great motivator!!! I don't have any yet either, but my cousins all have several and they are adorable!!

Congrats to all of you!!!

I get that same darn message every single day from MFP. MFP also lies to me daily, telling me that I'll weigh some ridiculously low amount "in 5 weeks". @@ I have my calorie goal set at 1,000 and seldom meet it. You'll also notice that MFP adds your exercise calories back into your available to eat calories. Just ignore the messages and keep working your plan. I look to make sure I've met my Protein goals and Water goals daily and don't worry about the calories or carbs. Good luck!! I'm Lissa912 on MFP, if you'd like to add me.

Great job!! It's inspiring to read a post from someone who has been so successful with their sleeve! Please, don't be a stranger!!

Ladies, I SO get what you all mean by wanting to turn to food. While you're on mushies is a great time to address this issue, although it would be nice if our SO's wouldn't do some stupid things while we're trying to heal! Sheesh!! I see a therapist to work through food (and other) issues, and it has helped tremendously. She's really great about pointing out to me when I'm not looking at things properly. I really wanted to do find my old buddy food at the beginning of the month, but I managed to get through the event without doing too badly. It's a tough road. The doctors sleeve our tummies, not our heads. It's up to us to do the head work and VST is a great place to get some support to help you through. If it's not enough, then it's time to think about talking to a professional. We're all only human, but we are trying to accomplish something great by losing our excess weight! It's definitely a lot of work, and a lot of that work IS mental. I wish us all luck!!

I've been eating nuts for a long time, too. I love almonds these days! Guess I should have asked about that at my last visit!!

Congrats!! I'm amazed that you could post so soon!! Sip, sip, sip, walk, walk, walk. You know the drill! Scooting over::::::::::::::::::::::::::

chicken broth was my favorite. Depending on what your surgeon recommends, you could be stuck with true liquids, or you may be able to add in Protein shakes, SF Jello and SF popsicles, that kind of thing. Ask your doc or nut to give you specifics on what they allow. Good luck on your journey!!

Wow!! I have no better advice than what Longer Life just posted, but I wanted to express my sympathies at having to deal with the in-laws this soon after surgery! Good luck!!

Lilu, I had blood in my urine and kidney stones in my pre-op testing. I was prescribed extra Water and an antibiotic. My surgery was pushed back two weeks because of blood clot issues. I DO understand how frustrating it is to feel like you're bouncing between doctors. I was totally frustrated when told I'd have to have a surgery before my VSG and another after my VSG to install, then remove, a filter in my Vena Cava. However, I did get sleeved within 2 weeks of my original surgery date and I made it through both of the extra surgeries. When they pulled the filter, it HAD caught two clots, so those extra surgeries saved my life. My point here is that the doctors are trying to make sure they have protected you as much as possible before they do your sleeve. Yeah, it's a PITA to have to keep jumping through hoops, but it WILL be worth it when you make it through surgery and start dropping weight. (((Lilu))) Hopefully you will feel better tomorrow and your doc will call with news that makes this all seem somewhat easier. Good luck!!

Shannon, I waited until 2 weekends ago for my first adult beverage. It went down fine. I have no idea if I got tipsy faster than before because I might drink six drinks a year. I'd be more worried about the tomato juice than the vodka, though. I still can't handle tomato juice at 5 months out. It makes me really gassy. My doc recommends waiting six months to a year for alcohol. Six weeks might be a tad early for alcohol, so, if you are going to drink, take small sips and wait a few minutes before the next, just like you would do with any new food or liquid. Good luck!!

Sleeve of Steel, I think you already look great, so whatever weight you choose will be perfect for you. BUT, may I suggest that maybe you're short-selling yourself? I know you can reach a lower weight/BMI than your stated goal. I know that because YOU are one of the most determined, self-aware sleevers on this board. Are you setting the goal weight that high because you're afraid you won't make the other goal or is it REALLY that you think you'll look better there? I understand the reasons you've given, but I think that you can get all the way to 135/140 and that you might find the lower number a better one when you get there. I haven't seen a full body picture of you, and I'm not asking for one. But, you will have to determine how you want to look and feel when you reach 165. Maybe then you'll decide you do want to continue; maybe you won't. I think the reason this struck a cord with me is that I just readjusted my goal weight upwards 20 pounds and I've been asking myself a lot of the same questions. I moved mine based on my doctor's advice, but I'm still wondering if I can't actually go lower. And, the same is true for you. You can always go lower than 165 when you get there if it's not really where you want to be. Good luck either way!!

Debi, I started at 352, and the first thing I lost was my undies. That took a little over a month to happen. Then it seemed like forever before my clothes started getting really baggy. I dropped a pants size at the end of December, and bought new pants two weeks ago. I'm really glad I didn't go crazy on buying clothes, though, because those pants are already baggy on me. I haven't lost/gained anything since a 10 pound dump early in the month, but my pants are getting way too big. I'm at 271 now and I'll be buying new pants in the next two weeks...or at least new to me pants. You will probably follow the same pattern, with weight dropping but not sizes until you hit a "stall" for a few days, then you'll walk out of your pants, or have a shirt fall off your shoulder. It's irritating, but thrilling, too! Good luck, although you're doing great!!

That's one symptom I haven't had at all. I hope it gets better for him, but maybe he can find a way to make a joke out of it... Something like "Oops, time to refill!" Is he on an acid reducer? That might help a little bit. Good luck to him!!

Congrats to you!! You're doing an awesome thing for your health and your vanity! You'll feel so much better because of both! Here's hoping that insurance approval comes through very quickly!!

Paola, You lost more weight on the pre-op diet than anyone I've ever heard of, which is FANTASTIC!! You may actually lose slower right now than most others because of that. I agree that you shouldn't have to weigh just because someone says "Roll over!" And, you should go home to your normal life if that's what you want. Tell Dad you'll send regular pictures but that you miss the rest of your family as well! Good luck!! I know you're gonna rock that sleeve!

I can SO relate to the title of this post!! Congrats on having such a positive experience!!

I've always been sick if I take my iron pill on an empty stomach. Multi vitamins do that for me as well, so I always eat a mini babybel cheese just before I take them in the morning. Perhaps putting something in your tummy before the iron pill will help you as well?

There is very little restriction with liquids unless you are gulping...and it doesn't sound like you are gulping! I like that you can laugh at yourself, but, yes, we all need a little comfort, especially now!! You are doing very well! Keep walking and sipping, and repeating, and you'll be fine.

I love your goal list, too! And, I'm LOL at buying the thermometer to make sure you don't have a fever/infection! That sounds like something I'd do for sure!! Good luck and keep us updated on your journey, please!