AliveAgain

That happened to me for about 4-6 weeks, then things slowly came back to normal. The only thing that never came back for me was canned tuna. Used to do tuna salad on crackers, sandwiches, salads - not really my thing anymore. My doctor told me the anesthesia coming out of your system can cause that sometimes, plus the ketosis state your body is thrown into on the liquid/mushy phase.

It's been a while since I've posted a new topic. Life got busy when I started a new job about three months ago. Just here to motivate others just starting on their journey, either pre-op or just home from the hospital. I finally reached my goal weight last week, just 13 months after surgery. I met my doctor's goal weight (135) just before my surgiversary Jan 30. Technically, a stomach flu helped me get there faster than I would have liked The best news (as if goal weight wasn't enough) were the numbers on my labs. I was well within all the acceptable ranges and my cholesterol alone is better than it's ever been, even from when I was a teenager! My HDL was gone up, my LDL has gone down and I dropped nearly 2.0 points in my ratio. I am over the moon!! I feel great, I eat just about anything I want, and I live a very normal, productive life. Now, when I say "anything" I want to clarify that I still make very healthy choices 85% of the time, but I don't even have to think of small portions now. What I want is all I need, I get perfectly full and I'm good. I haven't counted a calorie in months, just keeping common sense of Protein first, etc. I eat more Desserts than I care to admit to, Peanut Butter anything is my weakness. Soda is still out of my diet completely, but I enjoy Water, tea, coffee and occasional juice. Tonight I had my first glass of wine, first time having alcohol in over 14-months, and it was great. It did not treat me any differently than before surgery and I kept it to the single glass. I should post pictures soon, my profile pic is now very old and about 40+ pounds ago. I'm loving life, running, playing, sleeping like a champ - so happy I made this wonderful choice for my life! Good luck to everyone!

You will be one day, if you keep the faith and do the hard work! And literally, I may be selling my shoes soon as most of them are now one full size too big for me

I was averaging about 400-500 calories at 16 days. Sounds like you're right on track! Keep it going!

EatSmart - it was also recommended when I asked this same question last year!

I recommend two weeks minimum, four weeks is ideal. I could not SIT comfortably for more than 30 minutes at a time at 2-3 weeks without needing breaks to lie down (incision comfort), deal with gas, or just need a nap. Emotions are also hard as your hormones adjust, anesthesia and pain meds exit your system - I just didn't want that drama in the work place.

Acidity = stomach irritation and caffeine = dehydration. Hang tight, you'll be able to have it again in a few months! (This goes for decaf, too)

I wouldn't worry about your abs this early out after surgery, you have plenty of time to tackle them. I really didn't start working my abs until 6-8 weeks out to be safe. For now, while you're walking you can just focus on tightening your abs and butt for 15-20 seconds at a time, release, and repeat. It goes further than you realize! I learned this from a personal trainer. If you've ever seen one of those jump rope, stretchy bands with the handles at the end - get one and use it around a strong pole or something like it (stair railing?) and do some simple push/pull exercises (Google for visual references) with some ab twisting motion like band trunk rotation and side bends - but go EASY, it does more than you realize and too much will leave you sore. Swimming is a great core workout as well!!

I have some items for sale (the link is in my signature) - I may not have posted the size 14s yet, will look into my stash and let you know. I know I have work slacks in that size!

I don't have the size you need now, but the link in my signature will take you to a Flickr page where I've posted clothes I'm selling to fellow-VSG pals for cheap. I've sold over half my wardrobe so far! You might find something for a little further down the road - which is just around the corner for you!!

I'm one year out and the only one I can find easily any more is the one next to my belly button, and even it's hard to see unless you are looking for it. They do fade and as you lose weight, the skin shrinks a little as well.

Are you taking a gallstone prevention medication like Ursodiol? Sounds like the stomach adjusting after initial swelling begins to go down, it's relearning digestion. I'd check with your doctor just to be safe.

I tried and could not use calcium citrate either due to horrible constipation and headaches. My doctor was not sure why it would cause the headache, but it was too coincidental that I'd get a raging headache within an hour of taking the citrate EVERY time. I switched to New Chapter brand limestone based calcium and have been happy ever since and my levels are just fine. It's very important to calcium absorption to take with Vitamin D, plus some other critical vitamins and minerals. If you incorporate milk (diary, almond, rice, etc) and green leafy veggies into your diet, you'll be sure to get enough.

Yes, bland food at this stage is normal and important. Right now you don't want your stomach producing more acid than it needs to break down the bland diet -- garlic and onion did not sit well with me until 6-8 weeks out after swelling was gone. Are you on an acid reducer or PPI? Many people on the forum know I swear by Syntrax nectar and unjury Protein powders. I mix them 90% of the time with Water alone in my Blender Bottle - mixes great! They come in many great flavors, too. Also, I would avoid banana this early out - or at least restrict in moderation. They are one of the highest sugar fruits and will not give your liver/pancreas the break they need right now from processing even fructose sugar. I find it harder to eat when I'm dehydrated - fluids are very important. Exercise also opens up my appetite, allows me to eat more easily.

My doctor discouraged me from pureeing anything meat, said it can lead to food aversion later in the solid stage. I have to say I haven't been able to handle tuna salad since my surgery, and it was one of the things I pureed first. Honestly, I stuck to liquid protein my first month - shakes or soups. I just started adding "soft" foods like cooked asparagus and mushrooms to my soups. TOFU! I did a lot of soft tofu, lightly pan seared with seasonings. It was delicious! Greek yogurt, cottage cheese+applesauce, and avocado as well.

Hi Everyone! I'll be doing a larger blast after the holidays - but if you click on my link, a lot of my clothes pictured are still available for sale. Lots of nice winter items! Please take a look and let me know if you see anything that looks like you!

Hi everyone! Trying not to post too many times, but wanting to let you all know I still have over 160 items for sale with new items just added this week. I've successfully sold to a few VST users, and would love to help out more of you on your weight loss journey. I will be taking these items to various yard sales this month, hoping to offload a lot of it. So grab it while you can! tupperware containers in a closed guest closet away from the pets.

Are you doing any Protein shakes for meal replacement? Are you getting 64oz or more of fluids per day (Protein Shakes count)? Do you take Multivitamins - chewable, liquid, sublingual, or other? I would highly encourage talking to your doctor or nutritionist for their advice. Fluids are very important, especially if you are ill or fighting a cold/flu. unjury makes a great chicken Soup flavored protein mix you can put in Water or broth, Healthwise makes tomato and beef flavors. The aversion to the amount of food is very normal for being a month out, it will get better. The indigestion feeling might be eating too quickly and/or not chewing your food enough. Yes, even mashed potatoes deserve some time in the mouth being "mushed" with the digestive enzymes in your saliva before being swallowed. At one month out, I did a lot of avocado, greek yogurt (plain, 2%) adding my own raspberries for sweetness. Softer foods, not as much solid - that took longer to incorporate.

Wish there was an easy explanation, but don't be discouraged. I think it was 40-50 pounds before I truly went down a solid size in clothes. It happens slowly size 18 and up, then a little faster. Once you hit the 12/10/8 range it just flies by! In the beginning, it's mostly Water weight from glycogen stores being used up by your body. Your muscles store something like a few days worth of energy stored as glycogen to burn for energy if it's not getting enough quick-burn energy (hence going to slower burn protein). Water is stored with the glycogen, so once it's burned the water goes with it. There's a real scientific answer out there, I know I linked to it in an older post. Keep the faith, it will happen for you!

No different, just amazing. I forget it's there most of the time. But today, for instance, was the day potluck holiday treats came into the office. I made a plate of favorites to enjoy - egg roll, meatball, bean dip/chips, brownie. I barely ate 4 ounces of it and felt comfortably full, stopped eating, threw away rest. Meanwhile my coworkers ate 1-2 plates and felt like crap after. I love my sleeve!

It's more about the most accurate. Scale for non-bulk solids like meats, cheeses, vegetables. Measuring devices for things that won't work on scale as well - liquids, chia seed, yogurt.

Don't judge all Syntrax Nectar based on the worst flavor. I've only had and swear by their other flavors. They sell an all natural Orange on Amazon, much better than Fuzzy navel. I mix it with their Vanilla Bean Torte in almond milk - JUST like an Orange Julius. Even my husband loves it. I also like the Lemon Iced Tea and Roadside Lemonade. The Peach is OK.

I tried toast around two months, started tolerating it around month four. I can only eat about one tortilla now (with chicken, salsa, cheese, etc) or about 1/2 slice of bread. But the sleeve has no problems with it.

My starting weight was 265, my highest ever was 275. I'm 140 now and I could wear a 2-pc, but my belly area is not that attractive. It's not terrible, but when I am in plank position (imagine sunbathing on your belly and you raise up like doing a pushup) it all sags and hangs down. I look fine in clothes and a 1-pc. My butt/back of thigh is also a little loose. I might post pics, if I ever have time. I'm 36 so keep in mind your skin is much younger. I was only obese for about 6 years of my adult life. And I notice it does get better ech month, it does tighten up and exercise helps.