Webchickadee

I know exactly how you feel! I'm down about 135 lbs now (50 more to go!) and in the last month in particular, suddenly it seems like EVERYONE is complimenting me on the change. People I don't even know at work (I see them, but we don't work together and I don't know their names) are GUSHING with positive comments, admiration and motivation to keep going! It's incredibly motivating and REALLY EMBARRASSING, all the same time! So strange! When I had lost about 60 lbs I was starting to feel a lot better about myself, and no one was saying ANYTHING to me. It was depressing, as I thought I had come a long way, yet no one noticed. Then when the compliments started flooding in it was overwhelming and I struggle with what I tell people when they ask me "how are you doing it?". Some closer colleagues at work know about the surgery, but when someone I don't even know other than by their face asks me, I'm not comfortable telling them I had surgery. So I tell them the truth (small portions, lots of exercise, discipline (most of the time!))....but I leave out the surgery. Then it makes me feel like I'm not being honest with them.......so conflicted! They are encouraging me, and I should be forthright. Sigh. On another interesting related note on getting compliments.....I find I'm not getting very many compliments from men (except ones who know me very well). I can see in their behaviour and the look on their faces that they are impressed with the weight loss and current results, but I think they are hesitant to say anything! It's very interesting.....as if they don't want to make me feel bad with a compliment because it highlights how heavy I was before! I find it very "gentlemanly" of them.........and funny!

Hey Piplula! A year already......isn't it amazing? It's gone by slowly and quickly, all at the same time. And look how far you've come! An inspiration, a motivator, a success story. Did you think you'd be these things when you started your journey a year ago? Fantastic job, and I KNOW you will get to the point you want (though in so many ways, I think you're "already there"!). You were sleeved about 6 weeks before I was, and of course I was closely reading the boards and trying to understand what my own road was going to look like. Your posts, your honesty, and sharing your ups and downs made a big difference for me. Thank you! Like you, I'm "still a work in progress". I have a month to my "surgiversary", and if I'm really lucky, I'll hit the same mark you did (145 lbs down). Currently I'm 134 down and feeling great! Another 50 lbs to go, and it may take 8 months more, but there's no rush. As much as our bodies have changed, the real transformation is in our psyche and in our confidence and approach to life (at least for me, that's true...). I feel more prepared to take on anything now, and I know that with determination and perseverance, I can do it!

I'm approx. 11 months post-op and I've lost 134 lbs (50 lbs to go). I am deliriously happy with my new life and looking forward to things getting even better. I haven't been this weight since I was 17 (I'm 43 now). I'm getting back to all the athletics I loved as a teenager, and now that I'm doing those sports and activities again, it makes me FEEL like a teenager! The sleeve was the best decision of my life and I wish I could have had it done 20 years ago.

Yes, of course I did! I wasn't criticizing you dear. Really! I complimented you on your positive attitude! Please don't take responses directed back to you on another person's post as negative, it wasn't in this case (and I pretty much NEVER do that, look back through my "content"). I was just trying to let you know that STALLS HAPPEN. Even if you're perfect in post-op diet, exercise, etc. It's normal. And the more you can wrap your head around that now (before surgery), the easier it will be to get through them when they happen to you.

Lyndeeboo, I'm sorry to tell you, but you will be the first-hand recipient of this experience after you are sleeved! It happens to EVERYONE and it's perfectly normal. Your body needs to time to "catch up" when your losing so much so quickly and stalls are a by-product of that. Looks like you have the right attitude though! Patience, and an understanding of how and why your loss speeds up, slows down and seems to defy logic is very helpful. But a positive attitude and a steadfast determination are keys to success!

Same here! I use MyFitnessPal (MFP) and a Fitbit One. Keeps me TOTALLY motivated every day (and I'm 11 months post-op!)

Fantastic! Keep enjoying your life (part 2!). It only gets better from here!

I'm 5'4", started at 320 lbs and now at 185 lbs (goal weight is 135 lbs). I have not been this weight since I was 17 yrs old (now 43). I can't even tell you how many inches I've lost right now (my charts are at home and I'm at work), but I started with a 54" waist and now I have a 36" waist........

Glad you're not mad at my reply to your post. I wasn't trying to be all "preachy". Just wanted to put the info up so that others who are reading your post (especially others who are even more early post-op than you are) know the facts. Information is everything! I'm not a 24/7 health food person either, though that is really changing since my surgery. I'm finding I feel a lot better putting high quality fuel in my body, and when I do indulge in something "not healthy" it's with full knowledge and acceptance. And then I usually work out extra hard to "earn" it! Great to hear you're loving your sleeve. Keep up the good work, keep your eyes on your goals and continue to enjoy your new life!

I think you'd get tired of me pretty quickly! LOL Even I get bored with my strict rules sometimes! But it's been working, so I'm trying not to mess with success.

Exercise! If you feel like you want to grab the nearest snack item (insert bad food here....), find a way to burn off those emotions and calories at the same time! With a 4 year old, maybe you could go for a walk, play "tag", turn on the stereo and dance in the living room (with 4 yr old joining you?), go to the park and play with other kids (frisbee, jump rope, etc.)? If you find yourself gravitating to the kitchen cupboard looking for something to put in your mouth, turn towards the closet, get your shoes and coat and leave the house! Get the little one out on their bike and go behind them while they learn how to lose their training wheels. Just a few ideas....... Of course, your plan to talk to a professional is the best idea and it seems you've got a plan for that already. These are additional thoughts!

It was tasty, I'm sure. I would however advise you are very aware of the nutritional value of what you're eating, so you go into these decisions fully informed (if you are already aware of this information, please take this in the spirit is is intended.....helpful enlightenment!). Crunchy Taco Supreme® Serving size - 113 g (4 oz) Calories - 200 Calories from fat - 110 (55% of the total calorie count) Saturated fat - 4.5g Total fat - 12g Trans fat - 0g Cholesterol - 35mg Sodium - 320mg Carbohydrates - 15g Dietary Fiber - 3g Sugars - 2g Protein - 9g 1. Generally speaking, at 8 weeks post-op, you may wish to get more protein "bang for your buck". I strive for 10 g protein for every 100 calories (or roughly a 10% equivalent). This Taco Bell choice had only 4.5% equivalent ratio. 2. 1 taco used up about 1/3 of your day's suggested carbs at this point in your post-op plan (everyone's nutritional plan is different, but I'm using a common 50 carbs/day rule). And these were deep friend processed corn carbs, not the much preferred complex carbohydrates you would get from fresh vegetables or fruit (which I also avoided for the first 6 months). 3. 55% of the calories from this meal was fat! That isn't a problem as a "one-time" choice, but be aware and don't make it a habit. That can play havoc with your long-term health, cardiovascular status, and make your weight loss much more difficult. 4. Sodium is quite high at 320 mg (assuming you used no taco sauce, if you did, that would bump it up significantly higher!). Keep an eye on sodium as it is also dangerous and can hamper your recovery as well as your immediate and long-term goals. I'm not saying don't enjoy a "treat" now and then. But early on, you need to work on developing good habits and avoiding temptation foods. Fast food is notoriously bad for you (even apparently healthy choices) and this close to your surgery you should be no where near a Taco Bell or any other fast food place. If you're serious about success (and I hope you are!), you must take steps every day to change your lifestyle (in dozens of different ways). Avoiding Taco Bell for the next year (at least) is a good start.

You'll both be fine! Just start very slow as this is a big change and you poor stomachs are still actively healing (and will be for some months to come). Eat VERY slowly, put your utensil down between bites and assess how you feel. Your capacity for solid food is very very small in the beginning and you need to give your brain time to catch up with your stomach while you eat. Since you don't have stretch receptors to convey the "full" message to the brain anymore, you need to "listen" for other signals telling you you've had enough. Some people hiccup, others yawn, the signs and symptoms are as varied as us sleevers! I measure my food (have since the beginning) to avoid overeating, especially since my eyes and brain STILL think I can eat more than my stomach can hold. That way I know I've put "x" oz. of food on my plate and that should be enough to fill me, but not too much! I've overeaten a few times and it results in pain, slimies and big discomfort. Luckily I've never gone so far as to have to vomit! Make sure you follow the "no liquids" 30 min before, during or 30 after a meal. Very important, especially in the early stages. Go slow and find out what works for you and be prepared for that to change quite rapidly (possibly from one day to the next), especially in the beginning. You may not tolerate certain types of food (eggs and dairy are somethings a problem, especially early on), and you may find you don't even like foods you LOVED before. Take things in stride. Things will change and "normalize" over time. Good luck and let us know how it goes! Lots of great people here on VST to help you.

Since you haven't given any specifics regarding whether you are pre or post-op; what food stage you're in, what your eating habits are, and even if you're male or female, it's kind of hard to answer! Generally speaking, the body is constantly adjusting to it's environment and reevaluating what it needs to do biochemically to adapt. So if you're losing weight in "patches" (as most of us do), it's because your body is reacting to fewer calories, changing food amount/type intake, hormonal shifts, exercise (or lack of), etc. You are not a static human being that is identical all the time, so your body needs time to "catch up" to the current situation. By the time it does, you've moved on and are introducing whole new set of variables. As long as you stick to your plan (be it pre-op, post-op or whatever), consistency will get you to your goals. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Use this time to build up your new good habits, work through frustrations with a balanced approach and try not to be reactive to the scale. Better yet, measure your progress in other ways (fitness level, clothing fit, body measurements, stamina, quality of sleep or energy levels, etc.). The scale can be deceptive and demotivating at the best of times.

At 9 days post-op you are still in active healing (and will be healing for several months yet). It's too early to panic about hunger! The sensations you are feeling may (and hopefully will) change substantially in the coming weeks. And since you're probably still on liquids you don't yet know the feeling of restriction and fullness that will come with solid foods. Don't write the surgery off just yet, please. Be patient. You must heal and give yourself time to adapt to the "new you".

Your hunger may actually be excess stomach acid production (which can also cause a type of "reflux" sensation that may feeling like "stuck food"). Are you taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as Prilosec (Omeprazole)? I have stomach pain that feels like hunger if I miss a dose of my PPI (I take 2 20 mg tab daily, once in the morning and once at night).

I'm 11 months post-op and I can eat about 5-6 oz as long as it's a mixture of dense Protein and veg. I can eat about 3-4 oz of dense protein and I feel very full. I don't know what that translates into in "cups", as I weight my food on a scale. Even after a year I think my eyes still want more than my stomach can handle, so I don't serve myself meals without weighing them. Slimies suck!

Sometimes you can get them at your local drug store. They are used by diabetics to check for the alkalinity of their urine, which lets them know if they are managing their blood glucose correctly or not. You may need a prescription , or not, based on local/state laws. Check with your pharmacist.

There will be a time in the future where you will look back fondly at losing 1/2 lb a day and think "wow, those were the best days!". Sounds like you're doing well. Fluids need bumping up, and you'll get there I'm sure. My numbers were/are very similar to yours, I'm just further along the road. You'll hit lots more stalls in the coming year, just like I have. Keep a close eye on what you're eating (track everything, I use MyFitnessPal), and start incorporating exercise when you feel your ready. I'm averaging about 2.7 lbs per week now (that includes all the time from 1st day post-op to today) and that number is getting lower as I get closer to goal. But even with stalls (my last stall was for a month, and ended about a week ago), my numbers are still going down and I know I'm going to get to goal and stay there. Keep up the great work!

Gmanbat, you're such a romantic softie..........LOVE IT!

Of course you will! I suspect by Thanksgiving (U.S.), you'll be at goal and eating your first every skinny Thanksgiving meal. Just keep going!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but some of the response to the OP's post sound like they think SHE is the one making these crazy comments about when she can get back to pre-sleeve eating life. No! She's all bent out of shape because OTHERS are posting those crazy things! I agree with her wholeheartedly. Anyone making those posts either did not do the pre-op research and psychological prep, or are doomed to failure because they think this surgery is the quick fix and they don't have to do any work on their own habits, lifestyle and mindset. I'm so glad the majority of members of this forum are more educated, Enlightened and motivated to improve their OWN lives, using the sleeve as their tool to achieve their goals!

Type "Week 3 stall' into the search box. This is a VERY common time for your body to stop and take stock of what's happening. You've just had major surgery and are in active healing mode (and will be for several months more to come!). If you look at my signature line below, you'll see my weight loss record and how many pounds I lost each month (and still losing). It starts out quick and then slows down. Many stalls along the way (had my worst one yet just ended......about 4 weeks!). Last month I lost 3.7 lbs over the entire month and I was happy because it did actually move down! As mentioned you will encounter alot of variability along the way. You have to remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. It's not about how fast you lose the weight, but about actually getting it all off in a healthy manner, changing your eating habits and thinking patterns regarding food. And about keeping the weight off for the long term. I know it's exciting to finally see the weight drop off, and you want to be at goal NOW! But we didn't get up there fast, and we're not going to lose it overnight either. I'm close to 11 months post-op. I have about 50 lbs left to lose and I suspect it will take at least another 6-8 months to lose those last 50 lbs. I'm okay with that! Even at this slower loss I have a tremendous amount of excess skin (I have been obese my entire life since I was a child, and most of that time I was morbidly obese, so my poor skin has had 30+ years of excess stretch...........too long to really recover from!). I think losing more slowly (and drinking LOTS of Water, and exercising) gives you a much better chance of skin recovery. So keep your eyes on the prize, stick to your plan and don't let stalls stop you. You just keep on "keeping on". The stall does break (believe me). You just have to not give up!

Some people really struggle with egg in the beginning (type "egg" into the search box in the top right-hand corner of this site!). At 4 weeks post-op I was not eating solids (egg is a borderline solid, in my opinion). Give it more time and don't stress out. Stick to your post-op eating plan but remember that each person is unique and the plan is generalized for all patients. Just because it's on your plan doesn't mean YOU might tolerate it, even if someone else who has surgery the same day as you did might be fine with that same food.

[quote name=Lisa ' timestamp='1365101276' post='764604] OMG...you just made me realize that my plateau started right when I came back from an 8 day cruise!! I remember coming home, getting on the scale and being elated b/c I hadn't gained any weight after a week of eating danishes for breakfast!!! Yikes!!!! See that makes sense (and yes, I had the same experience....elation that I didn't gain). But then I started losing again, so I didn't give that 2 week "deviation" any credit in my stall/plateau. My plateau started about 7 weeks later. I think for me it's been about calorie-creep and carb overload. I'm aware and now I have to be all about "taking action" to realign! Eventually, the losing has to start up again. Even though I still "mathematically" should be losing (calories in vs calories out should have meant - 8 lbs last month!), it's not happening. Either I'm not logging correctly (and I really try to be accurate and honest), or my body is hanging on to things at this "set point" for a while. Time to shake things up a bit!