Webchickadee

Congratulations! You did it! You made your decision, you folllowed through with the surgery. You put in all the hard work and major lifestyle changes and got to goal. Just one year to do all that. And look at where you are now! Great work, and happy anniversary!

Good work. Keep going!

There's absolutely nothing wrong with you! You are now realizing that the committment you've made to a life-changing surgery is here......and you're overwhelmed by it! That is completely normal and having second thoughts is your mind "checking in" to make sure you really want this. It often happens to people just before they get married, have a baby, buy their first house.........all big life-events. Review your original reasons for making this decision in the first place. Has anything changed? Have things improved? Do you suddenly think you can lose (and keep off) the weight by yourself, for the rest of your life? If your answer is no, then the reasons you chose the surgery in the first place are still valid, and your choice to go ahead is still valid. Use these doubts to re-verify your initial decision and if everything checks out, go for it!

Type "week 3 stall' into the search box in the top right hand corner of this form..............you will be inundated with related posts. It is VERY common to have a stall around Week 3 post-op.

Amazing job! In fact, I think you may have to consider getting new glasses in the future.......your current frames are looking too wide for your new slim face!

The first thing you need to do is stop weighing yourself every day. Our bodies normally fluctuate daily. It can be MORE than 2 lbs difference from day to day, simply from Water retention, hormonal changes (ie. time of the month), eating too much sodium the day before, etc. If you haven't had a bowel movement in a a few days (very common post-op), your weight will naturally go up as well, even if you haven't been eating! The scale is not a good indicator of how your weight loss is proceeding. I know this sounds illogical, and from a strict mathematical sense, it seems impossible. Calories in - calories burned should equal weight loss. But it's not always that straight-forward and certainly not that linear. Our bodies are very complex machines and even subtle changes in how we treat that "machine" will upset it's normal balance. And VSG is NOT subtle. If you must weight yourself, do it weekly or even monthly, if you can resist getting on the scale that long. Better yet, take body measurements instead. If you note key body measurements (I measure biceps, bust, bra line, waist, hips, thighs) and monitor changes in size in those measurements, you will most likely see decreases, even when the scale is not moving. I take my measurements monthly. You are also losing fat internally (where you can't measure), between your organs. This is VITAL to increased health, but again, is hard to monitor and celebrate! It's happening....just stay on track! Despite my own advice, I do still weigh myself every day. I've done that since my 2 week pre-op diet and I am now 9 months post-op. In the beginning, when I didn't lose, or even gained weight from one day to the next, I freaked out. Now I've been through many stalls (some of them really long, no matter how much I exercised, cut back carbs, increased carbs, ate more, ate less, etc.). I know my body is going to work at its own pace and do its own thing. My weight is dropping. As you can see, I've lost nearly 120 lbs in 9 months and I'm still losing. I had a goal to be in ONDERLAND (below 200 lbs) by Valentine's Day. I was 200.4 lbs on Feb. 9 and I was sure I was going to meet that goal. Then I gained 2 lbs in 2 days for no apparent reason. Damn it! But you know what? Ah well.......c'est la vie. I'll get there. When my body is ready. Just stick with the diet and exercise plan your surgeon and NUT have given you. If you don't have a program, ask for one, do some research, make a plan. Have faith this will work. It's worked for thousands and thousands of people. You will not fail, even if you've failed at every other "diet" or weight-loss attempt, IF YOU STAY ON TRACK. Do not let the scale mess with your mind. It's done that to you your whole life and now you're taking back control! You can do this!

I'm right there with you! I never wore anything that was tight in any way. Now, even though I'm still 65 lbs from goal and still have some rolls (and alot of loose skin!), I'm much more willing to have properly fitting clothes. In fact I'm shopping at Value Village (why buy new until I'm at goal?) and usually buying clothes that are tight, because I know it a month they will fit or even be loose! And yes, the sizing differences are a joke. Some XL tops are HUGE on my, while others (also size XL) look like clothing for children. No online ordering for me either. Every item must be tried on and future wearability projected against cost invested. Another reason to look forward to goal (plus some plastic surgery).........no more guessing on my sizes once I'm stable!

I was on a long "stall" from Nov-Jan (mostly due to holiday eating, I think). I went on a 2 week all-inclusive trip to Mexico in mid-January where I ate and drank whatever I wanted (including liqueurs!). I did not record anything. I did however make a point of moving all day long! I was walking at least 15,000 steps per day (I took my Fitbit with me) and swimming, etc. I lost approx. 2 lbs in 2 weeks (not alot, but considering everything I ate and drank, it's really good!). Then upon returning home I returned to my regular routine with eating, logging, prioritizing Protein, reducing carbs, etc. I lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks! I think sometimes the body just appreciates a "jolt" that changes things up. You may have been moving around alot more (ie. exercising without noticing!) while on vacation. That probably offset more of your eating than you realize. Also, the change in food types, timing, etc. probably also stimulated a change. Is your Iced Tea diet? If not, 32 oz of regular Iced Tea has A LOT of carbs and calories, so cutting that back or out will also make a substantial difference. As well, I dont' know how far post-op you are, but if you can consume more calories and protein with real food vs. shakes, I would. It's a better more complete source of whole nutrition. Real food is easy to access wherever you are (if you can't find your particular brand/variety of shake, it can be upsetting!) and it will help you reestablish a more "normal" life routine. That being said, Protein Shakes and bars are very convenient and can be economical as a supplement when needed. But more for supplmement than as a nutritional foundation. I guess that's all I've got for now........ :)

Great post. You will be amazed at how different thing are for you AFTER the surgery and when you're well on your way through your recovery/goal! 1. I too work at a desk all day long. And more at night when I'm home (computer/web geek on hours and off!). There is time to get exercise if you want to (that's the sticking point!). I never wanted to before the VSG and my weight loss (still working on it!). Now I find I can't sit still. Too much energy, and too much desire to keep losing and get fit and healthy! If you had told me it would be like this 10 months ago, I would have called you crazy. 2. I also have Asthma. Except that now I don't! I was taking 3 puffers and 2 oral meds to control my Asthma and it wasn't under control! The slightest bit of exertion made me breathless. Of course I didn't want to exercise! Since very soon after my surgery (with just 20-30 lbs lost), I was able to completely jettison my meds (I still carry Ventolin, just in case). I take NO ASTHMA meds now. And I work out at the gym doing hard cardio 3 times per week, and walk at a fast pace 5x per week for at least an hour. NO MEDS REQUIRED. Again, for me, this is a miracle. I have been on copious ashtma meds for 30+ years (I'm 43 yrs old). 3. I still have evening snacking struggles. But only on days when I haven't been to the gym! I purposefully schedule my workouts for after work 3x per week. This keeps me off the couch watching TV, seeing commercials and feeling like I need/want/must have a snack every couple of hours! Coming home from a strong workout at the gym, even if I do flop on the couch, I am very loathe to put food in my mouth when I just sweated my butt off fighting the extra pounds! 4. Eating out is no problem, if you plan. When I know I'm eating out on a given day, I use the web or my smartphone to do a bit of quick research beforehand, allowing me to make the best choices from the menu and any nutrition info they have posted. I do this BEFORE I get to the restaurant, so that I can immediately choose my meal without all the tempting bad choices and lack of info "on the spot". Then when my meal arrives, I know I'm probably only going to eat 30-40% of it (sometimes only 25%!). So I ask for a take-out container as soon as they bring my meal, and I promptly pack up the portion I know I'm not eating. It then sits on the seat next to me, or on the table. When the waiter/waitress comes around to ask home I'm doing, my plate is mostly clean and I don't get asked "is there anything wrong with your meal?". Also I'm not tempted to overeat because the portion is so huge and make myself sick! And best of all, I have left-overs for at least 1-2 more meals. Very economical! It's fantastic that you are here reading about the procedures, finding out how people do before, during and after the surgery, and facing the issues at hand! If you choose to have the surgery, it is my sincere hope that it is as wildly successfull for you as it has been for me. It has saved my life, and given me the life I've wanted for the past 25 years (my entire adult life). I now have confidence and motivation I've lacked my entire life, I'm not held back from doing anything I want, at anytime because of my weight, my size, my doubts, my fears (related to my weight or fitness). I am returning to competitive sport (first time since I was in university), playing my with nieces/nephews. I'm looking forward to a much healthier future (far less chance of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, cancer, etc.). I've taken back control of my body and my life. You can too! And I bet it will help with anxiety as well! Good luck. I'm happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have with more of "my story".

Fantastic. Major check-mark off the list! WTG!

I think you may have to be a bit more specific..........WHOSE address in Trenton? I'm confused.

Ditto! I had the exact same experience. Kept my highlights about every 6 weeks. Started losing around 3 months, and it's now basically stopped (9 months post-op). It was gradual (hair in my pick after combing, on my clothes, etc.) But it did get pretty thin (especially on the sides/back). I've had short "sprouts" for a while now that I originally thought were hairs that had broken off, but now I realize they are new growth (trying to catch up!). If that's the worse price I pay than I am MORE than fine with it! I did not take Biotin or any special supplements for hair loss. Just my multi-Vitamin daily, a B12 injection 1/week and omeprazole for stomach acid. It will grow back, it will grown long again, and I'll love it with my new skinny self.

Broccoli, even cooked in a soup may still be too much of a challenge for your stomach and disgestive system to conquer! No to mention if you were enjoying the soup that much (and I don't blame you, broccolli-cheddar is great!), you may have eaten more than your stomach could handle. Even though you are on Stage 3 foods, you stomach is still VERY raw and swollen my dear. The VSG is a major insult to our stomach, and the healing process is long! Even if you're not feeling it, the inside is still very tender and you have to treat it very gently. I'm sorry you had such a painful experience. I'm sure you'll be more careful in the future. But take heart, it does get better. I'm nearly 9 months post-op and there is very little I can't eat now, as long as I eat slowly, chew well and follow "the rules". I was fond of spicy foods pre-op which I've given up because it's not worth the pain. And of course, very little soda now (and usually all stirred up so it's basically flat. Only diet, of course, and usually not more than 1/month). This transition period will go by quickly, you'll see. In a few months you will barely remember it! Keep up the good work and pay close attention to how your body is responding. You biggest challenge is overcoming your brain telling you it's okay to eat "that much", or "that fast" etc. Surgery was on our stomach, but our real enemy is our brain, and WE have to do the work on that part!

Absoutely amazing! Well done, keep up the fantastic work. Look how FAR you've come already! I'm right behind you (just 1.2 lbs from Onderland) and I started at 319 lbs nearly 9 months ago. I am unfortunately a lot shorter than you are (5'4"), so I have another 66 lbs to my goal weight. But I know it's going to happen. And I am SO excited to get to Onederland. I haven't been there since I was 19 years old (I'm 43 now). My ENTIRE adult life was spent in the high 200's and low 300's. Onederland was just a distant dream before my VSG. Now it's about 1 lb away. Crazy! VSG....best decision of my life (and FOR my life!). Congratulations again Shannon!

Protein Shakes never really got better for me. But after nearly 9 months, I'm not having to drink them very often. I'm up to about 850 calories a day (sometimes more on workout days!) and I can usually get my protein in without a shake (though I do eat Protein Bars on occasion). Your capacity will increase some (though maybe not much). I find I can eat 6 oz of food now in a sitting, but I'm usually VERY full when I do. Just to stay on track and keep away from slimies, I still measure my food (though I'm pretty good at esimating now), to prevent the dreaded "overeat".

You advice is right on point. For those of us who may have been obese our entire lives (I started having problems around the age of 10), I was never the target of compliments or "positive" attention, especially from men (I was very seldom flirted with...). The only person who ever flirted with me (successfully!) was my husband! Though I'm still "obese", I think I'm getting closer in weight to what many men find mildly attractive (still 65 lbs from goal!), and now I've been getting flirted with by more and more guys in more unexpected situations. Having never had that in my life, I'm not at all equiped to deal with it. Especially since I'm married and madly in love with my husband! I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by rebuffing them, but at the same time, I'm enjoying getting attention in a way I never have before! And I don't want to lead anyone on either! So confusing! Who knew I was going to have to develop a new skillset along with the new body? LOL Counselling would go a long way to helping me with this.......I'll have to look into it!

It's not silly at all! If it's got you excited and motived, it's great! The best thing about my sleeve has been getting up "off the couch" just about any time I want. Before surgery, I was almost surgically attached to the damn thing! Now I have so much energy I can't sit still for very long and I feel like a sloth after watching an hour of TV. Keep up the great work and the great attitude. That is the continuing road to success!

My stats are in my signature..... I'm 43 years old (surgery last May when I was 42). Down about 118 lbs in approx. 9 months. Starting clothing size was 26/28 or 4x (for both tops and bottoms) @ 319 lbs Now a XL or 16-18 in both tops and bottoms (sometimes an L depending on the cut) @ 201 lbs (onederland, here I come!)

Stalls do suck. At nearly 9 months post-op I've had more than my fair share of them. What I've learned is that if I stay on track my body will figure it out, and it doesn't necessarily have to be logical. The "math" doesn't add up sometimes. But eventually things happen and the body will lose faster than expected at some point, which then evens out the stall periods (even though it doesn't seen like, when you're in the middle of the stall.....). Patience (hard to find, I know!) does pay off. Just stick to what's been working when you're not in the stall. You'll bust out of it soon enough, and usually when you least expect it!

I travelled to HAVE my surgery! Toronto to San Diego (then Tiujana) and home again 5 days later. No problems! At your point in your recovery, your biggest challenge will be having the proper food and drinks for the flight and for the length of your trip! Make sure you stay on track with what's allowed by your surgeon's post-op diet.......being in a foreign country can seduce you into trying foods/drinks you don't have at home. Since you don't generally know what's in them, it's not a good idea for you to stray from your set post-op diet plan. Make sure you stay hydrated (if travelling in areas where Water purity is not high, make sure you stick to bottled water and no ice (they make the ice with non-bottled water!). If you have to commit to the travel dates now, make sure you tell your employer about the possibility of your having a longer than expected recovery (just in case you run into any complications with your surgery), so they can have a back-up plan for someone else to take your place on the trips.

You can reach Dr. Kelly at drramoskelly@wlsclinic.com and his assistant Omar at info@wlsclinic.com. Also, Omar's phone number (I believe this is his cell number) is: 1-619-395-5347. This information is 7 months+ old (I had my surgery is May, but it should still be accurate.) I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Kelly and his team. I had wonderful care from touch-down to take-off and I am thrilled with my surgery outcome, progress and results! Good luck!

I am approx. 7 months post-op and we will be going on vacation to an all-inclusive resort in mid-January for 2 weeks. There is a good chance I will have a couple of drinks while there, but probably only part of a drink at a time and not every day. I wasn't really a drinker before surgery (social drinking, maybe 1 time per month for 1-2 drinks). So not having alcohol since surgery hasn't been any sort of an issue for me. I have had 1 glass of champagne (last week) and part of a cooler a couple of months ago. That's it. I did find the effects to be much faster and more potent than before surgery. I didn't really like the feeling that much, which probably contributed to my not really trying it very often. I would not have had anything if I was not at least 5 months post-op. My surgeon did not advise when we could or could not start drinking again if we wanted to (ie. no 1 year rule), but there were alot of questions about alcohol consumption in my pre-op medical assessment papers. I think they find it a concern (and switching addictions from food to alcohol is a VERY real problem and must be closely monitored and avoided at all costs!). It's not a problem for me and I can do 1 drink socially if I choose and stop. My advice is to carefully assess your tolerance and pre-op drinking habits, take all of your physician's guidelines into account and then make a decision for your own circumstances. And be prepared to adjust your choice if the outcome is less than desireable!

Our stats are similar (I was 319 lbs pre-op and I am approx. 5'4"). I have lost 104 lbs in 7 months and I'm still dropping. I just went through a 3 week stall, but the weight loss has started again and I'm just "keeping on". My goal weight is 135 lbs and I have NO DOUBT I will make that goal. You will over time change many things about your lifestyle (if you're committed to making and staying at goal). Mostly because it just feels right! Eating healthy (Protein first, veg next and carbs last, if there's room!), exercising (it will become a great habit and you'll miss it if you don't get your workouts in!), not needing most or all of your meds any more, fitting into "normal" clothing and being able to shop wherever you want (and finding your size on the rack!). Your surgeon is probably quoting "average" statistics to help moderate your expectations (and perhaps even lessen the chances of you blaming him if you're not successful, by making you shoot for an easier target!). He/she is quoting the generally accepted medical average loss for ALL VSG patients. So that includes the ones who were non-compliant with their post-op diets, didn't exercise and did not follow post-op instructions, etc. I don't think there is any reason why someone who is generally healthy, follows the post-op diet and exercises can't lose 100% of the excess weight they wish to lose. It just takes discipline, sweat and focus. All without messing with your intestines, having to take supplements for the rest of your life and possibly experiencing dumping syndrome, etc. I like my Pylorus valve where it is, thank you very much! And I WANT to absorb all my nutrition. That being said, each decision is highly personal and everyone is entitled to their choice and opinion. If you've done the research and feel comfortable with your decision to do the sleeve rather than the by-pass, don't let generic stats (even from your surgeon) dissuade you! If there are other health reasons he has for thinking you would benefit more from the bypass, have him explain it in detail, then reaffirm your choice and move forward!

My personal choice for the sleeve rather than the bypass was due to my reluctance in having my digestive tract permanently modified. I did not like the idea of having to take large quantities of supplements for the remainder of my life due to the large majority of my food intake not being absorbed by my intestines! With the sleeve I am able to eat the same types of food as I would with a normal-size stomach (no dumping). I retain all nutrients, Vitamins, etc. from that food and my pylorus valve is intact. The only difference (generally speaking) between pre-op and post-op is the quantity of food I can eat at one time. This makes sure that I am still responsible for my own weight (I have to eat well and I can't just eat crap and rely on the bypass to "ignore" the bad nutrition I've eaten). I have more direct control of how my body deals with my meals (at least in my mind it seems that way). That being said, many people have had tremendous success with the bypass and it is a VERY personal choice to select the type of surgery you want. I applaud everyone who considers WLS of any type to help take control of their situation. I'm thrilled with my sleeve and I'm 55% of the way to my goal (in less 6 1/2 months). I've lost 100 lbs to date! I know someone at work who had the bypass one month after me and she was off work for 3 months (I was off work for 2 weeks). She's done very well in terms of weight loss (I haven't talked to her about numbers, but I can see a dramatic change.) She does however struggle with fatigue, low Iron levels and quite a bit of food intolerance. I have more energy than I know what to do with! And I'm able to eat nearly anything (spicy food seems to disagree with me now....). My last full physical in September, my doctor was amazed. Everything was perfect! Vitamin levels, BP, sugars, cholesterol.....you name it, it was great! Best shape I've ever been, and I still have 80+ lbs to lose!

Sounds great initially, but I agree, that is more than my entire day's allotment of carbs! If only they made a low carb version, I would be willing to "spend" some of my calories. But that many carbs will totally kill my day. Thanks for bringing it to our attention though. Not everyone is such a stickler for low carb, and this might work for some people who are on a heavy workout program, as they can use more carbs (though usually not simple carbs, such as sugar).