Webchickadee

15 lbs per month is NOT slow! Take a look at my signature......over time, I would LOVE to be losing 15 per month on average! Everyone is different. Honestly, it doesn't matter how fast you're losing, as long as you stay on track and losing weight over time. There will be stalls, count on it!, But over time, you will get to goal! Keep the faith and you'll be successful!

Great idea! I was worried about clots too (my flight was longer, from Toronto to San Diego was about 4 1/2 hrs). I decided to fly down 2 days early and then spent those 2 days walking around San Diego, sightseeing! It was a good way to "ease" into the surgery by relaxing for 2 days (though being on Clear liquids only was tough, I wanted to try out some SoCal foods!) Everything went perfectly for me as well, not a single problem with clots (or anything else!). Now a bit more than 6 months post-op and I'm within a couple of pounds from 100 lbs lost! Woohoo!

I'm finding this as well! I was nearly 320 lbs...now I'm down to 225 (just another 90 lbs to go!). I HAVE to look a lot smaller.....but a lot of the people who I see often (or work with) haven't necessarily noticed that much because it's been gradual. So they are just accepting my current size and not commenting. On the other hand however, when I run into people I haven't seen in months (and in some cases years), they are AMAZED at the change, and excited to hear how well I'm doing. I tell some about the surgery, for others I just say my portion sizes are dramatically cut back and I'm exercising a lot more (all true!). It seems it's a matter of perspective and comparison points that makes the difference.

I've been buying all my clothes (except bras and underwear) at Value Village. They have a great selection of clothes in all my styles (I go to many different locations to comb the racks) and you can't beat the prices! I've found brand new (with tag still on) excellent quality dress pants, blouses, sweaters, etc. all for less than $10 each! Sometimes it's only $5-6! Even when they are not brand new, I can always find "gently used" items that no one would ever suspect are used clothes. At that price, I can afford to buy "new" clothes every 6 weeks or so (which I've been having to do, since my body is transforming so rapidly!). I find that now that I've lost weight, I'm more comfortable in more properly fitting clothing (and tighter too!), and so I have to keep shopping to stay ahead of the "baggies"! Plus when I'm going shopping, I take my "old" clothes and donate them to the store so that someone else can benefit from their use. It's economical, environmentally friendly, and community-positive. Plus they give money to local charities for everything that's donated. That's a WIN-WIN-WIN!

LOL. I am also real! A real Canadian, who flew from Toronto to Tijuana and had surgery with Dr. Kelly in May 2012. We have national healthcare here and if I was accepted into the program, I could have had surgery here for free. But it would mean a long wait list (years!) and they usually only do a by-pass, not the VSG. I didn't want to be taking supplements the rest of my life and messing with my intestinal tract. VSG was perfect for me! I had similar reservations to you......I did a TON of research, took everything I read with a grain of salt and worried myself into exhaustion before my surgery. But I DID it anyways! And it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I only wish I had done it 20 years ago. And I was self-pay, but I would happily do it again, and pay DOUBLE if I had to (even if I had to beg or borrow the money). Do the research, talk to the surgeons, get their stats and credentials, talk to people here on VST who have been through the experience with each surgeon. In the end, you'll know who is the right choice for you.

One reason I would think it's important to wait is that if you have excess skin removed and the remaining skin continues to recover (and shrink), you could end up with some bad problems! As difficult as it is to wait, I would do LOTS of research and get multiple opinions on what the proper timeframe is, as well as who the right plastic surgeon is for you. All our circumstances are different, our bodies unique and budgets will also vary. You probably spent a considerable time at your higher weight (where you were unhappy with your body). Now that you've lost the weight, get used to that new size, and be patient to "complete the job" with the cosmetic refinement. You are making life-long changes to yourself....this is NOT something you should rush into! I have found in many areas of my life that when I made quick decisions, I often regretted the speed I took (even if I didn't necessarily regret the decision), and wished I had taken more time to consider options, consequences etc.

I struggle with simple carbs as well. No Pasta or rice for me at all. I can eat a bit of mashed or baked potato, but it seems to fill me up IMMEDIATELY, and doesn't sit very well. I'm turning into a complete carnivore! So it's even more important that I keep up with my Vitamins. I do some fruit once in a while as well, but the sugars kill me! And I also think Cheetos are evil......but so is popcorn! I can eat a ton of popcorn as well, as long as it doesn't have more than a touch of butter on it.......going to the movies is hard now! (but we still go....LOL).

FANTASTIC! What a tremendous accomplishment! See........you knew you could do it. And you did!

I had my surgery in May 2012 in Tijuana. I went alone because it was impossible for my husband or sister to travel with me. I flew down to San Diego (I'm from Toronto, Canada) 2 days early so I could walk around and reduce my chances of blood clots post-op from the long flight. It cost me a couple hundred dollars in hotel costs for 2 nights, but nothing for food (I was on a liquid pre-op diet). As to going to Tijuana, I was picked up at my hotel by my surgeon's wife. I was never alone in Tijuana other than at the hotel (in my room) unless I chose to go out on the street (which I did a couple of times to look around some shops near the hotel). I found it completely safe and having an escort (either my surgeon's wife, or his assistant) with me not only put my mind at ease, but also they spoke Spanish (I do not) so they negotiated prices on things I bought when we went shopping (2 days after surgery!) We even planned an outing to go see a movie on my last night, but things got busy for my surgeon and his wife, and we ended up cancelling. I would have enjoyed going to the theater, and it was in a large mall, just like any in the US or Canada. As mentioned in another post, your escorts know where it is safe and where it is not safe (just like any city in the US or Canada!). They don't take you to "sketchy" areas......it's in their best interest for everything to go smoothly. Why would they risk anything going wrong, when it would negatively affect their reputation and practice? As to the timing, that is completely up to you. Don't let your friends make you pay more than you should, or wait longer than you want to, to accommodate them. This is YOUR life. YOU are the one stuck in the obese body, with a "skinny girl" just waiting to bust out! I have been very happy to have lost more than 90 lbs in less than 6 months. If you wait until the end of the summer (because of your BFF), you could have already been 60-70 lbs less than if you go in March! And the $2000 more that it will cost you to wait and pay higher airfare, etc. is much needed money for new clothes as you lose weight! I'm shopping at Value Village on a monthly basis now, as I keep "out-losing" my clothes! Of course, it's all up to you. But if you're committed to this surgery (I know for me it's the best thing I've ever done for myself and I wish I could have done it 20 years ago) ........don't set your timing based on other people's needs. You will only spend a few days there. Complication rates are VERY low with this surgery, so the likelihood is that you will breeze through it, and the 3-5 days will pass by so fast you won't even blink and they'll be gone. And then you'll be back home figuring out the steps in your recovery, building your new lifestyle, and celebrating each lost pound!

Keep in mind, that currently you are losing approx. 5 lbs/week! When did you ever lose that much (and consistently over such a long period of time) before you had the surgery? You are doing GREAT. And quite honestly, it's really not a race. The weight will come off if you stick to your surgeon and nutritionist's diet plan. You have to begin exercising once you're completely healed (at least 6 weeks post-op.....consult your MD for exact info). If you lose too fast you may have excess skin issues that could be avoided with a more gradual decline in your weight. But honestly, you body will do as it decides to do. Stalls are normal and you'll get used to them. It's "catch-up time" for your body and it serves a purpose, even if it frustrates us! It's great to have a goal(s), but DO NOT stress if you're not hitting every target on schedule. It will happen. And you will be saying goodbye to those numbers on the scale forever! Keep up the great work everyone!

Started at 319 lbs on May 1, 2012. Lived through the difficult 2 week liquid pre-op diet (-11 lbs!) And now, in less than 6 months since surgery, I am OFFICIALLY 50% of the way to my goal! I feel AMAZING! For the first time in my adult life (and I'm 43 years old...), I can fit into a size 18; I can shop in "normal" stores, and I KNOW it only gets better from here. I'm off all my asthma meds (even when exercising), after previously taking 3 puffers and 2 oral meds for the last several years. I feel truly blessed to have found the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure; to have had the opportunity to self-pay and go to Mexico and have one of the top docs (Dr. Kelly) perform my procedure flawlessly; and to finally find the "skinny girl" inside of me that's been hiding behind all the weight all these years. I would like to thank everyone here who has been supportive, who has shared their own stories, struggles and successes; has patiently answered my stupid questions and given encouragement and advice. You all ROCK and I'm looking forward to giving back as I continue on my journey. The next half will go more slowly (I know), so I've joined a gym, hired a trainer and I'm going to sweat, pump, pound and flex my way to the fit, athletic confident body that I've always dreamed of having. And by this time next year, I'd like to be able to say I've completed a 5K, a 10K and a Tough Mudder!

Brennie I can't tell how far post-op you are, but I'm assuming you must be fairly early on. Your ability to "get the calories in" will increase with time. I started out having alot of difficulty getting the 500 calories in, and that was with at least 1 Protein Shake a day (sometimes 2). Now at 6 months out I've bumped up my calories from 600 to 700 and sometimes 800, depending on the day. It gets easier, but not so much so that you have to worry about gaining weight (at least not in the first year). Men usually have a higher calorie intake faster (they burn faster calories faster too, which is why they often have such dramatic weight loss so quickly!).

Protein shakes are very handy at boosting protein levels for the day, as they are portable, quick, refreshing (especially if really cold) and help quench your thirst! They are however, a liquid. So they won't "fill you up" and keep you full the way the same amount of dense protein (such as chicken) would. If you're finding you're hungry so quickly after the shake, perhaps try another high-protein alternative (depending on where you are in your diet progression), such as a low-carb protein bar, nuts, dried or steamed soy Beans, etc.

Start slow. I see that you're about 6 weeks post-op. Check with your surgeon to see if it's okay to start doing more strenuous exercise. Most people are given the "go-ahead" at about 6 weeks, but you should be sure before you go too hard. As I mentioned, walking is a great way to start. You don't need to change into "workout clothes", take a shower afterwards (usually! LOL), travel to the gym and wait for the treadmill/machine/free weight, etc. If you're already got the membership, great! If not, walking is a great "free" option in the beginning (depending on whether you live in a warmer climate or not, this might be more difficult with snow and ice, like we are starting to get here in Canada!).

6 months, not 6 weeks! LOL I don't think I'd want to lose that fast.....I'd be swimming in excess skin! As it is, I know I'm into lots of skin issues once I get to my goal. That's why I've joined a gym and a trainer to help me build more muscle and help my skin readjust. Until now I was mostly walking, with the occasional swimming session. It's amazing how good walking is for you and fairly low stress on the joints (which can be an issue when you're very obese!). You could say walking is mostly cardio, especially when your fitness level is improving and you starting increasing your pace and finding bigger hills. However, since I was quite heavy, I also considered it a muscle building exercise. It takes some serious leg muscles to get a nearly 320 lb body moving, believe me! At this point I know I need more and I'm starting to see flabbiness with quite a bit of the fat gone. I want muscle, not flab! That requires resistance training (weight lifting), so I'm working out a good routine with my trainer and keep changing up the exercises, repetitions and weight amounts when I stop seeing improvement. Core training (abdominals) is also a big part of it (might even help prevent the need for an abdominoplasy later on!). Building muscle also helps you burn fat! During cardio (which is a GREAT energy burn) you're using up all the glucose in your system to power your muscles (including the most important muscle of all, your heart). Once all the available glucose is gone, your metabolism turns to the next available source of energy, which unfortunately is not fat. It's muscle! So sustained cardio without adequate blood glucose will cannibalize muscle (which is easier to break down and convert to energy than fat is)! That's why athletes usually "carb-load" before a game or training session. So they have lots of blood glucose available for quick energy stores. Cardio energy burn stops when you stop exercising. When you do resistance training (weight lifting) you build muscle (if you have enough Protein in your body to do so.....). And muscle requires energy at all times, even when you are not using them. So when you are resting, sleeping, etc. your muscles are still burning energy. Since it's the muscle that requires the energy, the metabolism turns to fat for an energy source once the blood glucose is used up. So you lose body fat, even while you sleep! Pretty cool huh? Keep in mind though that muscle is quite dense. It's not "heavier" than fat. 1 pound of muscle = 1 pound of fat. They both weight 1 pound. But 1 pound of fat takes up A LOT less room than 1 pound of fat. So you may not see dramatic weight loss once you start resistance training (as compared to cardio), but you WILL see big changes in your body tone, shape and measurements, as well as your strength and muscle endurance. I do both cardio and resistance and I'm constantly refining the balance (I'm very early on in my new routine!). That way I think I'm getting a good combination of both types of exercise to maximize my results. By this time next year, I would like to have completed a 5K run, a 10K run and a "Tough Mudder". That last one (look it up) requires good cardio AND alot of strength!

I had quite a bit of "cramping" pain the first 10 days or so. Usually it was when I was drinking. If I took a sip that was slightly bigger (and I was being quite careful), it felt like my stomach was spasming and jabbing at me. It did get better after 10 days though. My surgeon reassured me by letting me know that the discomfort was due to the trauma my stomach had been through and it was normal for it to be extra sensitive during the early stages of my recovery. Afterall, it was cut open, most of it taken out, stapled back together and then sewn. So obviously there was alot of damaged tissue in there, trying to heal. And here I was sending liquid down quite often during the day, irritating it (not to mention my stomach acid also eating away at the wounds). If the pain is too intense, constant and not linked to something explainable (like a "normal" early-stage reaction to eating/drinking), it is important that you consult your physician. In fact if you feel like anything is wrong, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. If they check you out and find that everything is fine, all you've done is use up a bit of time. Worth it to reassure yourself. If on the other hand there is something "off", it's best to catch it early and get it treated!

I am nearly 6 months post-op and a full meal for me now is approx. 3 oz of dense Protein (chicken, steak, etc.) and approx. 2 oz of veg. If I have even 1 bite too much, I feel very uncomfortable, get the "slimies" (excess saliva production and alot of swallowing) and usually need to walk around or lie down flat for it to pass. You WILL feel the restriction, believe me! Once you're past the mushies, it will surprise you, how little you can eat and how quickly you get full! I still struggle with eating too fast and not chewing enough on occasion. Especially if I've been busy at work or doing errands and missing a meal time by an hour or so. I usually eat too quickly and after about 3-4 bites, I'm done and usually overstuffed! The most important thing for you to do right now is to proceed slowly and introduce new food items, textures and options one at a time to see how you tolerate them. Things you ate before may not sit right, may not taste the same (or even taste good) and it will catch you off guard. Just remember you've been through a major surgery and your body is still healing (and will be for the first 6-8 months!). It takes time for your tastebuds to readjust, your stomach to accept everything and learn how to digest again. The biggest challenge really, is to let your brain catch up with your body. You will look at your tiny portion of food and think "wow, that's not enough to feed a bird. I'm going to be starving in 30 min". But you won't be......it's just that your brain is used to bigger portions, more frequent eating (you won't be interested in snacking NEARLY as often as you were before) and craving items you either can't eat right now or shouldn't eat because that's what got you into trouble in the first place. Don't let your brain trick you! Follow your surgeon and nutritionist's instructions, ask questions here on VST and go slow. You'll do great!

We had our surgeries very nearly the same time, and you are 75% of the way to your goal, and you had more to lose than me! I am continually AMAZED at how well you're doing, and I can only imagine how much sweat and effort you're putting in on a daily basis (plus I see you posting on MFP!).......you're a HUGE inspiration. Thanks!

food labels are the devil to understand! Some companies twist things so much it's hard to know what's going on! I mean really, why label something "per serving" when obviously you're going to eat/drink the whole bag/bottle/container, yet they only label as 1/2 (ie. 2 servings per container). If you just quickly look at the numbers only, you might miss that and be completely mislead! And giving servings by weight is also tricky, as most often you can't tell (unless you have a scale with you!) how much that "serving" is...... I use a scale at home EVERY TIME, but when I'm away from home, I am always conservative in my choices and overestimate the numbers so that I will consume less of the "less healthy" choices. Keep reading closely, and congrats for catching the subtle shift in one ingredient vs. another when a company is trying to make something appear more healthy than it really is. This especially true for the "fat-free" trend. Companies often label their products as "fat-free" like it's a bonus for their particular brand, when the item by it's nature is already fat-free! And as you noticed today, if a product is lower in one category, the company has usually compensated in another to keep the flavour/texture, etc. appealing and satisfying. Well done!

Just keep doing what you're doing. You are ROCKING that sleeve! I'm trying to get to ONDERLAND by the time we go on vacation to Mexico on Jan. 10. But if I don't quite make it, it won't matter. Everyday is a day closer to our goals. Keep up the great work. The weight will come off when it's time........and be gone forever!

I would continue to stick to your 800 calories per day for now, unless you are doing ALOT of exercise, and especially if you're doing resistance training (weight lifting). You require a great deal of Protein to help build your muscles and if you stick to your 800 calories, you may not be getting enough protein. In addition, cardio uses up your available glucose while you are working out, and you may canabalize your own muscles to provide additional energy during your workout. If you're doing a lot of cardio, you should increase your carbs (and will probably have to increase calories too). The great thing about building muscle is that it burns energy all the time, even when you're at rest or asleep! Cardio is a great "on the spot" option, but as soon as you stop, so does the energy burn. A good balance of both cardio and weights should give you optimal results. Keep track of your energy levels during and after exercise, and see how long it takes for you to recover, get over muscle soreness and increase your capacity. If you are finding yourself struggling, you may need to adjust your diet to compensate. And don't forget, if you're building muscle, you may not see the dramatic weight losses you've had until now as muscle is more compact and greater weight for the same volume of space. Not "heavier" than fat, as many people say, but more dense. So you may gain muscle mass while burning fat and not progress as quickly as you've been going down on the scale. You will however notice a difference in your body tone, and if you're taking body measurements (I do, once a month on my surgiversary), you should see improvements in your measurements and the way your clothing fits!