E-girl

A true friend is someone who will be there for you through "thick" and "thin", not just "thick". My best friend had a gastric bypass and when she was lossing weight, I was jealous but I never made her feel bad about it. I would say "I am sooo jealous, but you look great, keep it up." She had childhood friends that made a lot of negative comments and she was really hurt by it. Unfortunately, she is not as close to them now as a result but she couldn't really cut them off because they have know each other and their families for more that 30 year!. Unforturnately, it doesn't sound like your "friend" is really a true friend. Sounds like she probably enjoyed being the center of attention and now you are getting a lot of attention for your success with your weight loss, she is trying to make herself feel better by putting you down or making you feel bad about yourself. People can be really messed up. Just because you know someone for years does not necessary make them true friends. My best friend and I don't alway see eye to eye but we respect either others decisions and whether we agree with it or not. Thats what best friends are suppose to do. If it really bothers you that much and you want to save the friendship, then you really need to a talk to her about how her actions are making you feel. If she values your friendship, she will understand and change her ways. If she does change, you need to consider distancing yourself and reavaluate your definition of best friend. This new lifestyle is hard enough to adjust to than to have someone in your life stressing you out even more. You're going to have good days and bad days...more good than bad...but the last thing you need is someone around you, who see a bad day and using it as an opportunity to get their digs in with "I told you so." I have a really close friend, who was constanting asking me or saying things that were hurtful after I announced I was having the sleeve. Like "are you sure this is what you want to do? You know there are other options? Have you tried this or that? You know some people have died from these surgeries". I understand her heart was in the right place but it was really annoying and I was already stressed from all the things I had to do to get approved. I finally said something to her. I told her that I was well aware of the risks but the risks for long term morbin obeseity was higher. I told her that I understood her concerns but I appreciate it if she would stop because it was making me feel bad. She said she just really cared and didn't want anything bad to happen. I said I understood that but I have done the research and this was the best option for me. After that, she has been my biggest supporter of my friends. She still asked things like "did you take your Vitamins today?" but its because I know she truely cares.

I think for safety reasons, I don't think its a good idea to not tell someone you love about your surgery. What if something happens or your need help or your have complication. They may be really hurt if they do find out and you didn't tell them. As for moving, do you have some friends that can help you?

I was given permission to go back in 2 weeks but I took 3 weeks, to get used to the diet. Really I could have gone back in a week since I sit at a desk most of time but my doctor didnt want me driving that early. I would recommend at least 2 weeks. With a new job see if they offer advance sick leave or will let u work from home part time. My boss let we work for home during week 3 so I did really take leave for the third week.

You need take in at least 20 grams of protein twice daily (Thats 40 grams through suppliments). My doctor said that I could only have skim milk to mix with my protein shakes. Don't buy too much!!! Your taste buds might change post-surgery. Mine did. I bought a lot of Unjuy and liked it at first but now I can't stand it. I bought Isopure and try it before surgery...no problems...after surgery no good. I will recommend Nectar. You can buy it online. They have great sample box with like 25 different drinks. They mix really well and have not after taste. Also Premier Protein is one of the best protein drinks you can buy. The vanilla tastes like a melted milkshake to me. Plus its already mixed.

I had the same thing!!! The only thing I could do was eat popsicles. Then at 4 weeks it started getting better. Hang in there.

I am struggling with protein too. But now my hair is falling out at a very fast rate so I am back trying the protein shakes. I also do not get enought calories in (suppose to get 800 but I am closer to 600). I did find a protein shake that isn't too bad, Ensure Protein. Its premixed so it is not gritty.

It took me one week to sit at a desk but I put my iPhone on a one hour alarm to remind me to walk for 15 minutes on the treadmill. I went back to work at 2 weeks but only half days then full time at week 3.

I had a meeting this week with one of my working groups that physically meets once a year for two days and so many people really noticed the difference with me. The team lead couldn’t figure it out, the difference I mean, so I told him that I lost 57 lbs with the assistance of a weight loss surgery called a gastric sleeve. Then I answered all the usually questions. So we got on the topic of weight loss surgery and one of the girls said that her sister died from WLS (Gastric Bypass). OMG. I felt sooooo bad but the weird thing about her story was she did not die from the surgery but 5 years after because she became addicted to food again. She didn’t go into the details but it seems to me based on what she was saying that her sister didn’t follow the doctor’s diet plan, very much like me friend who went through Gastric Bypass 10 years ago. There have been sooo many people who have come up to me to tell me about people they know people who gain their weight back after Gastric Bypass. I know I had a gastric sleeve but I really hope that I am not one of those who do gain their weight back. On a happier note, I am a size 10 and I am 2 lbs. from being overweight. So far I have lost 58 lbs. in 81 days, that’s 5 lbs. a week on average. Of course I am no losing 5 lbs. a week but my breakdown is as follows: Month 1: 35 lbs., Size 18/20, XXL Month 2: 13 lbs., Size 14/12, L Month 3: 10 lbs., Size 10, M As you can see, it is slowing down. I hope to lose 10 lbs a month until I reach my goal. I have only 20 lbs. to lose to reach my personal goal but 30 for the doctor’s goal. I am thinking I should just stick with my doctor’s goal. Lastly, my husband is going forward with his surgery. We went to his first appointment. They change their program a little so the cost went up by 100 bucks but that’s ok. We expect that he will go under in August. <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/w1UVJj6/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w1UVJj6/weight.png"></a>

The gurgles and gas is the worst. I am suppose to eat a quarter of a cup of food per meal but when I eat I get air in my stomach then the pressure in my throat which makes me think I am full. I eating less that a quarter of a cup at each sitting. Then sometimes I don't even bother eating at all. It is impossible to find healthy options most of the time.

Having the worst day ever!!!! I am soooooooooo thirsty I can't stand it. I am at a client sight managing the work of 12 other people on this project and I am just sooooo stressed out I forgot to drink most of the day. I ate ok but I forgot my protein. GRRRRR!!!

Because mine flipped, it was the worst pain I have even experienced. It is rare that it flips through...just my luck. I would ask if they can give pain meds before hand. Most people say it just feels weird. It takes about a less than 30 sec to get it out.

Can you reschedule your surgery for after your trip? I could barely get around after 4 days. Plus I was soooo tired and in physcial pain I couldn't image going on a trip. What did your doctor say?

I would strongly suggest that you follow your doctor's instruction. First, you have a very long incision. It takes at least 8 weeks for your stomach to heal. If you eat something to rough it can get caught a cause a lot of pain. That's why you cant have anything with seeds or nuts. Second, it can expand and ripe your incision causing a mass infection in your abdominal area that can be life threatening. My doctor told us that he had a patient eat one crouton one week after surgery. It expanded and opened the incision. The area the holds your stomach is a very sterile. Because the incision opened, a massive infection happen to this poor guy and he was in the hostipal for 6 week in intensive care. He was lucky...he almost died from eating one small crouton! My diet was as follows: Week 1 & 2- all Clear liquids (broth, popsicles, decaf tea/coffee NO CREAMER - it curdles) Week 3 & 4 - full liquids (blended Soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, yogurt, sugar free pudding/jello) Week 5 to 8 - mushy diet (blended chicken salad, blended tuna salad, soft cheese, cottage cheese with blended peaches, apple sauce, ...) Week 8 and beyond - no restriction (only 1/4 of a cup or 4 tbsps of food as 2 tbsp of Protein, 1 tbsp of veg, and 1 tbsp of fruit)

At eight week, I was free to eat whatever. I would choose a fish if you can. Avoid grilled chicken because most places overcook chicken making it too hard to eat. I would also ask if they have a grill veg. For Olive Garden, Chicken Marsala would probably be ok. minus the potatoes asked for grilled/steamed veg or more mushroom. The herb-grilled salmon would be perfect as its just a salmon filet brushed with Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with seasoned broccoli. For the Steakhouse, Buffalo Shrimp (naked - no breading if they can do it) or Any of the Catch of the Day minus the potatoes, or the Oriental Chicken. Remember to ask for a togo box right away or bring your own. Good luck.

Wow. That looks sooooo good.

Because I had a hard time getting my water in, I am allowed to drink until the point of eating but I have to waite 30 minute after eating but I am more on the 10 mins before and 20 mins after plan and I have not had any problems. I also sip a little with my meals because I have meds that have to take with food. I have not had any problems.

I use flavored creamer which has sugar in it but very sparingly. Too much will cause dumping to occur which can give you the runs.

1. Are full liquids eating, i.e. no drinking for 30-90 minutes after? Ask your doctor. 2. Is Jello considered eating? No, its a full liquid believe it or not. 3. Can I drink broth all day? Is there a difference between chicken and beef? Yes, and nothing. 4. I don't like artificial sugar for the sugar free diet. How can I compensate? You can't. Although you have had a sleeve. You can still get dumping as you do with gastric bypass if you eat sooo much table sugar. But you won't have the cramps...you will get diarhea...trust me. 5. How do I keep the momentum going with the weight loss? I'm starting to feel hunger, but can't eat. I'm worried about going into starvation now that I'm actually feeling hungry and it working backwards for me. I'm also afraid that when I do start eating it will either stop the weight loss or go backwards because of the previous "starvation". Momentum, momentum, momentum, I want to keep it rolling. If you wait to each until you get hungry. Make sure you are eating every 3 hours at least (3 meals - Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 Protein shakes) It the protein that is most important as it contributes to healing and more "filling". 6. I'm having a hard time watching my family eat. It grosses me out the food intake not so much with my growing boys, but especially with my husband who is going to have the surgery also. I feel like....."hey do you realize how much food you eat and I'm over here drinking broth all day long! Get control of yourself." Yikes, I know. So sorry, but it's true. This is emotional. You don't realize the emotions that you will go through in this life changing journey. Don't know if anyone told you but when you lose a lot of fat, your body will release a lot of hormones into you rsystem which give you mood swings like crazy. I felt the same way about my family but I remembered that my husband did not have the surgery and I didn't like it when someone told me that I ate too much so I usually talk more at the table or sit down at the table 10 minutes after everyone else does so that we all finish at the same time. My husband has decided to go forward with the surgery so soon he'll know what I went through. 7. TMI Warning!! I am on the Depo shot and I have been spotting ever since the surgery - 12 days. I never have a period if I do it a day or two of lite spotting. This is every time I wipe, not fresh but old if you know what I mean. Sorry again. Could something in the surgery have messed with my shot or what are your thoughts on this? I do not want to get pregnant! Again the hormone release do to the rapid release of fat can do this. Call your doctor to besure. 8. I'm starting to feel normal and that scares me a little. When I could feel the soreness and restriction (no hunger), it made it easier to not eat and be great with it. Now, it's like appetite is coming back. I'm scared of gaining. Other diets have worked opposite for me and I don't want this to also. I'm scared of any change or move! I feel like I have to starve myself to keep this going. :-( Remember this is a tool to help you adjust to a new healthy life style. If you try to eat something fried or full of sugar you will get very sick. You will only be able to get 300-500 calories in the first month or so then you will need to get 800 to keep your hair from falling out. And it will be a challege to get 800 in. I am at 3 months and I'm struggling to get 600 calories. Also measure, measure, measure your food. I can't stress this enough. Normally, leaks occur 3 weeks after surgery because patients feel better and use the sleeve to gage fullness. But remember, it take 20 minutes for your mind to get that signal that you are full so by then you would have consumed to much. Besides, if you do eat to much or too fast, you will thowup and believe me, it's no the same as throwing up before you had surgery...it's worst! Not to freak you out but it is painful and sometime lasting. You will also plateu that will sometimes last for a week. You may gain a little when drop the following day. These are all normal things. I used a calendar to write down my weight everyday and the total lost. Then at the end of the month I figure out how much weight was down for the month. One month I gained 5 pounds but had at total weight loss of 13 pounds. My husband has been very supportive. He is having his surgery in August. We have already change what we eat when we go out and what I cook for the family. Being obese is just as much of a mental battle as it is an emotional and physical battle. Everytime I was tempted to eat bad or eat fast or stuff my face or felt sad that I can't eat what everyone else was eating, I would redirect my mind to think " in 3 month I am going to look HOT!!!!" Now, I am the envy of every woman at work! I can fit in to a Small Shirt!!!! i have never fit into a small shirt!!!!!!! 9. Life evolved around cooking, eating out, social eating, etc. I've halted all of that and feel a little trapped. No one except immediate family, i.e. husband, sons, and girlfriend who went to hospital with me know that I have done this. I don't lie and would have a hard time explaining why I'm not eating, drinking alcohol, participating in the activities this early in my post surgery. So we are using our workload right now as a reason for staying home, etc. There's so much there for me right now. My husband is extremely supportive and wants me to do the same for him when he has the surgery. Sorry rambling but trying to get through the emotional/mental part of it. I like to cook too. It was a real adjustment to cook healthly things. I have discovered new foods as part of the process and that has been fun. As far as explaining why I don't eat to colleagues, I told them before the surgery. For colleagues I haven't seen in a while, I told them the truth if they ask and answered their questions. I have had only one person treat me bad but she was a big B to begin with so I was prepared to handle it. As for anyone who had past judgement on me to my face or behind my back, that just doesn't bother me because I did this for me and my family and for my health and that is all that is important. I think you will surprise how supportive people can be. Most people are just curious. And again don't get sorry about rambling because you are emotional...it's the hormones talking. 10. I'm still bloated and tend to bloat throughout the day. Is this normal or what can I do to alleviate this? Yes, this is normal. I was bloated for 5 weeks. This is because of swelling. Also there may be gas still trapped inside. Walking makes a big difference. 11. I know I don't get enough liquids in as I can't drink Water. Any liquid suggestions would be great. Frozen sugar free popsicles, warm tea, and sugar free gatorade were my friend. I also had sugar free jello and broth. 12. I can already tell that my absorption rate is super sensitive and high! Within seconds of trying something, I either feel sick, lightheaded or full or all of the above. Does this stay? When food is introduced will it be one bite at a time? You may need to eat slower. Take a bite, chew 25 times, swallow, then count for 10 before taking another bite. This does going away...sort of. You will get sick, lightheaded if you eat too fast. As far as full, you will have to figure that part out on your own but my Doctor told me to start with 4 Tbsp. (2 tbsp of a protein, 1 tbsp veg, tbsp fruit - in that order) but be prepared if you can only get 2 tbsp down. I started with 2 tbsp but now I am up to 1/4 cup. 13. I think protein shakes make me sick?? You tastes with change over time. I liked my protein shakes before the surgery. Then could not stand them for about 6 weeks after surgery but now I like them again. I would try a bunch of difference one. I like the Unjuy and nectar brands. The nectar brands taste like fruit juice with not after taste.

For me, I had to go on it after I switched to regular food. No big deal. My doctor said that the sleeve to does not fix reflux.

My kids were 6 and 8. I didn't want to stress them out or scare them. So i told them that mommy was going to a doctor that was going to give me some "skinny shots" and that I was going to go the hospital for a couple of days. My husband told them to not hand or hug on mommy for the first two weeks because the "skinny shots" hurt. But my kids were really young. My 8 year old probably could have been fine with me telling him everything but my 6 year old is a worrywart. I think it depends of the kid. If you don't want them to worry, I would limit what you say and don't make it big deal.

I started at 208 and now I am 151. So 57 pounds down since Feb 7.

So last week I was on travel and I did pretty good. I didn't get the eat all the things that everyone else was eating, which made me a little sad. My coworkers went to famous local places like Fat Matt's Rib Shack, Glady's Chicken and Waffles, and the Flying Bisquik. I didn't go but everyone else did and said "it's the best they had ever had." Tradition southern cooking...deep fried or full of sugar...I miss food like that. BUT...it did have fun with everyone saying how good I looked and see old friends. I also noticed that I suddenly became very interesting to many of the men there. Tee hee! I did do realy good eating too. I mainly had the breakfast that I packed (mini wheats) with soy milk and apart of a banana. For lunch, I have the dinner from the night before. For dinner I had grilled chicken with a salad, salmon with asparagus, and steak with green beans. I didn't workout because I forgot to pack my workout outfits. But my best friend and coworker found a really big mall near by which we walked for about two hours a night...stopping of course to shop. I didn't by anything because I didn't want to spend any money on something that was only going to fit for a month. For my protein shakes, I had the Nectar brand packs, which was great because they are really easy to mix and taste great! When I got home, the first thing I did was weight myself. I was only hoping that I didn't gain anything. However, to my pleasant surprize, I drop 4.6 pounds. I am about 5 pounds away from being classified as "overweight".