AliveAgain

I'm from NC, too, so I know there's no chance you'll be pulling anything out for the next 4-5 months. I agree with Pennie, maybe set aside the key items you would like to keep and put the other stuff stowed away. You'll have a better chance of selling them or finding someone who can use them when the weather gets cooler. Chances are, you won't be able to wear any of it! Good luck!

Mine also tells me how proud he is of what I've taken on, the challenges I made it through at my heaviest to taking control of it. He gets it, he's watched me struggle through hormonal changes that expanded my body rapidly. He watched me diet and not lose more than 15 pounds. He tells me how sad it made him to see how people treated me when I was at my heaviest, and how people treat me even now 60lbs lighter. Some who barely acknowleged me before and so nice to me now, but I'm still obese (by the chart) and get rude treatment. And he's been reading articles about how much discrimination against the obese and overweight is on the rise. Most of it stems from how news media covers stories about how the costs it has on healthcare. Much like most people didn't care about smokers until we realized what a drain it was on our healthcare system. We didn't care about big cars and trucks in the 70s until the environment and gas prices made us pay attention to better options. Now, the obese are targeted much the same way -- and it makes employers, service representatives, total strangers treat us differently.

Funny how all the medical dramas on TV (Grey's Anatomy) the surgeons are all decked out with mascara, gloss, so much hair product! You go to a real hospital and it's nothing like that!

I used a thermometer as well and found letting the soup get up to 140-150, then bringing it down to 130 with some cold water for some reason made it stay warmer longer. Maybe it was all in my head. The protein still clumped a little even at 129, but I could always break it up and mix it with a spoon until it was creamy and dissolved. Sometimes I'd also try getting it nice and hot, eating some of it at the temperature I liked, then added the protein as it cooled. That way I at least half enjoyed my meals! Good news is that this stage passes in a flash, then you're on to getting normal hot meals again!

Glad to know there are so many GOOD MEN out there! My husband saw me from afar the other day, walked up and said, "I barely recognized you! My incredibly shrinking wife!" :wub:

Ideally, you should take your calcium at least 2 hours apart from any other vitamins, including your multi. Calcium can prevent other vitamins, especially iron, from absorbing properly. I usually take my multi in the morning and at night with breakfast/dinner. I take my calcium around lunch and late afternoon with lunch, some days I only take one. If you're younger, you don't need as much calcium as you might think. My calcium levels came in just fine on my last labs and I am 36.

I haven't had to use my card, yet. I never want the kid's menu b/c it's usually a bunch of fried foods or heavy on carbs only. I order a la carte, from the appetizer menu, or just share with my husband. It still cracks me up how wait staff treat me when I order. When we split an entree that comes with Soup or salad, they always ask if we want to order an extra and I decline. Sometimes they'll still bring me something for free, like they're doing me a favor. I get it, I used to wait a long time ago. It's sweet but so hard to let them know that when I say "no thank you" I really mean it. I ordered the fresh spring roll appetizer off a Thai menu b/c it had tofu listed as the main ingredient. They brought them out and (1) there were six (2) each was the size of a kid's burrito (3) they were 90% lettuce and cucumber. I broke them open to search for the tofu and found less than 1/4 of an ounce in them. So sad. The waitress asked if I didn't like them because my plate looked like a salad. I told her I expected 75% tofu with some lettuce and cucumber. She apologized and brought me a plate with about 4oz of seared tofu to make up for it. It's amazing how our perspectives of serving size change with the sleeve.

Only my husband and one good friend know. And of course any doctors who need to know. I haven't told my family yet because I'm not sure how they would react. I know they love me, but I'm the only one who's ever struggled with weight so I don't know if they'd truly empathize with me. I will most likely tell them once I've reached goal and I can show them how it's been a success. As for other friends or coworkers -- its none of their business. Most of the people I know are extremely healthy and athletic, never above a size 6/8. But that's just me....

I keep asking myself "Why did I ever need a stomach that could hold 6-6.5 cups of food EVER?!" Weight loss is not easy. But has anything really worth it been easy to come by?

I've been a migraine sufferer for 20 years. While I'm not having any related to the surgery, I can try to help. Did you ever have any tests done previous to surgery to know their source? Are they true migraines (one-side only) or just really bad headaches? They can seem like the same things, but there is a clinical difference. For me, it was a bevvy of things. I am predisposed genetically, I have horrible hormone problems, large breasts that cause horrific back and neck pain, and some food allergies. I also have to keep a schedule. If my sleep, eating, stress, etc. get out of whack it's like a perfect storm. It has been a huge help to change my diet and stick to it. I always knew refined sugars and carbohydrates could be a culprit, not having them (much) now has made a difference with everything from weight loss, headaches, energy, sleeping. I would also want to look at your magnesium, Iron and B12 levels. I have a hard time keeping those in check and find that when I'm low in one or more of them, the headaches become more frequent. That's why the two days before menstruating are my time to get headaches when those are lowest. Are you staying hydrated with 60oz or more of fluids per day? Dehydration can cause wicked headaches. Remember: If you find yourself thirsty and needing a drink, you're already dehydrated. Stay ahead of it.

I'm 12 weeks out, curious when most of you tried or had success reintroducing red meats? I enjoyed a nice steak from time to time, or meat sauce with pasta. But I've heard it can be hard on the new stomach for a while. I would just like to know if my husband grills a filet mignon that I can have a few pieces with veggies? Or making a nice meat sauce (lean beef w/some turkey) to put over spaghetti squash in place of pasta. It's so amazing if you haven't tried it!

EXACTLY! My doctor said it's a slippery slope when you try a Protein bar and get the taste for "candy" bar or more sugar in general. Granted, most of us have more restraint than that -- but if you're prone to grazing or cheats, Protein Bars could be a gateway food. As for protein guidelines, my doctor gave me a 32-page "manifesto" that says aim for 60grams daily for the first two weeks, of course most people only get 30-40 in the first few days. Whey protein ISOLATE is ideal, though there are great soy alternatives if you're vegetarian or lactose intolerant. That's why I like Syntrax nectar and unjury, they have 20-24g per servings and like I said, if you get them in tubs you can do more than one scoop. Syntrax also has sample packs that are great for on-the-go in your purse or car. Just keep a Blender Bottle, find some Water and voila - protein drink! Once you hit mushies in week three, they encourage you to aim for 70-90g of protein. This is easier to hit once you get to solid foods in month two. Oh, and these numbers are for women. Men sometimes need 15-20% more protein simply for having higher metabolisms. Carbs should be below 40g and come from healthy vegetables and a minimum amount of fruits. Juices are not recommended for the first 3 months because of trying to kick the sugar-taste habit. Even with veggies, avoid high sugar ones like carrots, peas, beets and try for more greens (they have Fiber, to boot!) Also, watch your fats. My doc/nut want me to keep below 12g per day, but I do best when I stay under 20g (personally).

My husband tried a bunch of different shampoos and treatments, decided they were all useless. His loss is genetic, so it's a losing battle. My cousin is a colorist/stylist and she agrees - it's nutritional, not much you can do with what you put ON your hair. She does advise being more gentle, less styling when it's not needed and not washing it every day unless you get really sweaty or dirty.

My doctor and nutritionist strongly advise to stay away from bars. As mentioned, they can be higher in carbs and sugars than is beneficial for the amount of protein you get. Unless you're doing some major exercise (like CrossFit, etc.) you just don't need it. For shakes, I love the Syntrax nectar flavors - it's about all I use because they mix well with Water and you can make them the strength that you like (1 scoop, 1.5 or even 2). Then again, I am home not working. Once I go back to work, I'll need to find more ready-made options. I am not a fan of the milk-based drinks (dairy, soy, almond, etc.) It's something about the flavor. Plus, most are vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry flavored -- just too sickly sweet for me. But I was also never much of an ice cream, candy bar, etc. person before surgery

I'm in NorCal/Central Coast and can't find a store that will take clothes over 16 or XL. They consider 14/16 to be "plus size" - best of luck to you!

Starting at 265, my 22/24 and 1 or 2X clothes were fitting me "tightly" in places. Then I lost 15 pounds on the pre-op diet, which I could always lose in the past but never get past on the scale. By then my clothes were fitting me the way they should have fit me. I remember cleaning out my closet 6 weeks after surgery and got rid of half my closet. I still have a pile of nice clothes I need to take pictures of and sell, including a nice black interview suit worn once. I was about 235-240 then and was wearing some 18's a little snug. By 8 weeks out, the 18's fit like they should and I went down in bra size. By 11 weeks out, the 18's were sad and people I barely knew told me to stop wearing the 1X tops because it looked like I was "wearing another person's wardrobe." Now, at almost 13 weeks I'm wearing a solid 16 pants (even some 14 stretch work pants) and either a size M-L top. The first 6 weeks seeing the weight come off but not truly dropping in clothes was frustrating, it just take a little longer to catch up. It's funny now how I'll buy a pair of pants and remember them as "tighter than I'd like" to only find two weeks later already becoming looser than I'd like!!!

Everyone is different so to say we all have it at weeks X and Y is not realistic. The initial stall is when the body goes from depleting the energy (glycemic) stores in our liver, pancreas and muscles -- and the water that it's stored in. Plenty of fluids, increasing your protein towards 70-90g per day, keeping the carbs down and exercising when you can (even simple walks) will help.

Way to go! It is funny how it takes a while for our brains to catch up to our bodies, isn't it? I remember going through boxes of clothes I'd saved on my way up the scale from a 4/6 to a 22/24. Staring at jeans thinking, "I will NEVER fit in these again!" - yet every month I visit my little treasure box and start pulling out the next size. I still look at them and think, "nope" then start sliding them on and holy cow I can zip and button! Good luck with your goals, I think the best healers are those who were once ill themselves....

Don't worry, you'll gulp again. Yes, the sleeve only like sips in the beginning, but once the swelling and healing is done 4-6 weeks out -- you'll be back to normal. I had that a little in the first week or so, it's just everything settling in around the swollen areas. I found drinking hot or warm tea was easier, relaxed everything. Decaffeinated of course - green, herbals, etc.

My doctor doesn't want me eating it at all due to the fat/sugar/calorie/sodium content. Says it's not the best source of protein. But I still like it as a treat (like a single spoonful) every 3-4 days. Since I'm not eating any desserts, candy, ice cream, etc. anymore, I think it's acceptable. I tried it at about a month out and went down fine. Definitely go "au natural" if you can from Whole Foods or Trader Joe's to avoid the palm or hydrogenated oil and added sugar. It tastes different and you have to stir the natural peanut oil which is gross to some, but it's so much better for you! Or try almond or cashew butter! YUM!

All I can say is that it gets a little bit better every day. The first week is by far the hardest. Your body is in shock, recovering, coming off pain meds, the CO2 - it's overwhelming. Just be focused on liquids and what Protein you can get in right now, walk when you can, take long showers, sleep, just take care of you. The week will be gone before you know it and your energy will start coming back in the second week. I broke down around day 7-8, if it happens to you, just let it happen and then move on. By the end of the second week you're feeling so much more like yourself and things like applesauce will happen. A few more weeks of getting full really fast and some incision sensitivity, and by the end of the first month you'll feel quite normal. Congratulations! You're on the best journey of your LIFE!

OK, thanks everyone! Looking forward to grilling season and expanding my taste buds. Chew, chew, chew!

Quick follow up on this topic... I'm finally getting it! I went to a few social events last week and some friends didn't even recognize me. They'd walk right by or talk to my husband and then realize it was me standing next to him. Most are just very nice with, "You look great! Wow!" without reference to weight loss unless I bring it up. Then one of our best friends came over last weekend and I hadn't seen him since about a month after surgery (weight loss was too little for him to notice then). He went all day without saying anything until I mentioned something about working with a personal trainer. All he said was, "Is that working for you? Are you seeing results?" So I just said, "Um yeah, 55 pounds lost." And he said, "Well I noticed, but didn't want to say anything...." SERIOUSLY!!!

Very succint and easy-to-understand explanation. Now if only my doctor would read this and LEARN from it.

I get the carb rush and crash. I really do. I used to go all day without eating, just running on coffee, coming home and having two servings of a nice Pasta and feeling so happy after. Or I'd get a huge nacho at lunch, crash mid day at he office. Order the plate of pancakes or French toast for weekend brunch and not get a damn thing done the rest of the day because I had no energy. Now, I sleep better than ever before. I never get sick. I have more energy on most days than I know what to do with. I love exercise. I haven't had a headache in over three months other than some mild PMS related things that were a blip on the map). I'm happier and everyone notices. The first month was the hardest. I think I craved pasta and Mexican food everyday. I knew I was in trouble when I started "sneaking" in a teaspoon of salsa just to taste it. But guess what? All that goes away. Now what I eat is my new normal and I'm loving it. And when my husband cooks a pasta for his pre-hockey dinner, I sneak a single bite. I eat it after I've had my pan seared scallops and veggies. When I'm at a friend's house for dinner and they make oatmeal choc chip Cookies, I eat 1/4-1/2 of one and I'm satisfied. As for those other questions: Three servings of Protein in the morning? Never heard of this. In the first month, I had a Protein shake and maybe some SF Jello made with unflavored whey protein. Now, at three months I have a very normal Breakfast of either Greek yogurt with some berries, eggs and turkey bacon, cottage cheese then a protein shake an hour or so later. Drinking with meals. I thought I'd have a hard time with this, but it's actually been the easiest. I keep a glass of Water near me, but only for emergency. I'm too fearful of choking or needing to clear my throat. It's not that we CAN'T drink with the meal, it's that we shouldn't. But I had my doctor and nutritionist telling me that long before surgery. Soda bloats you, watery liquids (teas, juices) just dilute the stomach acids that are trying to break down foods for further absorption. Now, it's more like I know I won't be able to eat as much if I drink more -- I'll get too full too fast. Foregoing club soda and the mini scone. Eh, they advise you don't drink carbonated drinks because the stomach is too sensitive the first few months. I would agree. But I had a sip of my husband's Orangina not long ago and nothing major happened. You don't really crave it. And I think after 3-6 months or so if you really want a non-calorie, non-sugar bubbly water apart from a meal it would be fine. As for the scone, I see treating yourself to a few carbs/sugars here and there (like once a week) is OK. You won't be able to eat it comfortably for the first few months, but you also won't miss it. And if you do miss it, have a single bite. Get the taste without eating the whole thing. Heating anything substantial in the first three months. WTH? I eat hot foods all the time and have since four weeks post op. And even when I was on liquids and mushies the first month, I heated Soups and the like up to the allowed 130 degrees (so protein could be added without clumping). I enjoy baked fish, steamed veggies, all kinds of chicken now. It's great! I was exactly where you were in the months before my surgery. Very afriad at never enjoying the foods I loved again. But I know I will again one day, this time in much healthier portions. When I go home late this summer, I will enjoy hamburger night at my brother's -- but bunless and skip the fries. When Thanksgiving rolls around, I'll eat all the stuff but on a small plate. And my new smaller stomach will let me know when I'm full. I totally thought I was going to regret this in the first month post-op, but know I have to say I wish I'd done this years earlier. Best decision ever!!