Marie from Michigan

At 15 months out I still eat Protein first followed by vegetables. I have one serving of fruit per day...no more. I eat zero rice, Pasta, or potato. The only bread I eat is the double protein bread for Breakfast with Peanut Butter. The only Cereal I eat is Kashi with high protein. I also crave salty snacks! Its better if I leave them totally along. My only exception is 100 calorie popcorn bags. The extra fiber seems to help me (yikes!). I do find that if I keep myself "full" on protein, the cravings for other foods aren't so bad. One more thing....I was told right after surgery that "hunger" is often thirst. When I feel like I want to eat something I will drink 8 ounces first and then wait 10 minutes. Often the desire to eat will go away.

Hi All: Thank's to whoever started this thread. I have found it very insightful. I had surgery in April 2011. In the first year I lost 107 pounds. I still need to lose about 25 more. In the last three months I have not lost a pound, and in fact have gained 5 pounds in the last month (vacation plus no exercise). I am shocked by both how fast the weight goes back on and how easy it has been for me to "eat around the sleeve." In the past two weeks I have tried to get back on track. 10,000 steps per day, 1200 calories per day. I do have some emotional eating issues, particularly around "dessert" type foods after dinner (chocolate, ice cream, pop corn). I find myself just thinking about food all the time in the evening. I am trying to figure out how to handle those emotions without stuffing my mouth! Overall, I am thrilled with the sleeve. The reality is sinking in however, that wanting to overeat will ALWAYS be an issue for me. However, two years ago I was over 265 pounds and had several co-morbidities. I am in a MUCH BETTER PLACE today and I am grateful. I attend a support group weekly, sometimes two. I owe a lot of my "success" to those others who are fighting these issues with me. THANKS for listening!

This post really hits home. I have lost 93 pounds since April. I also get the "Are you feeling okay?" question from people which I also think is codespeak for "Do you have cancer?" I have comments from people nearly every day, particularly from people who have not seen me for a while. On the whole, people have been very supportive. No one has said anything about it being "the easy way out" at least not to my face. I also have to chuckle at those who tell me how tiny I am given that I am still 35lbs overweight! All the comments are nice, but I usually try to say Thanks quickly and get on to the task at hand. Last night I attended a work party. Someone who I had not seen in several months made a point to seek me out. She said others in her department told her to make sure to check me out since I had changed so much. I wasn't quite sure how to take that comment. I will admit, I am not comfortable with all the attention. I think part of the reason I was overweight in the first place was to insulate myself from everyone else. Hmmmm.....better think more on that.

This was the trick for me early on. I never felt hungry (actually, still don't after 7 months). I could no longer rely on my stomach to give me any signals. I would set my alarm to remind myself to do another Protein Drink. For the first six weeks after surgery I felt that my full time job was to get in enough protein. My stomach still makes all kinds of strange gurling sounds that I can't identify the cause of. Sometimes it happens before I eat, other times after -- no pattern. I wouldn't rely on what your body is telling you right now. Focus on what your nutritionist/doctor's is telling you. Marie

My hair started falling out at four months and lasted about 2 months. I started taking Biotin at 3 months and continue to take it. I noticed it mostly in the shower and hair on my clothes. In the last month the falling out has slowed considerably to now what was "normal" prior to surgery. I dont think it was noticeable to anyone by myself.

When my sleeve is full I hiccup. I have learned not to eat even one more bite after that or I will be sorry. My hair started falling out at about the 4 month mark and it lasted until month six. I took Biotin. I always met the minimum of 70 grams of Protein per day so I think hair loss can happen even when you meet your protein goals. Prior to surgery, plain Water was my drink of choice. I can barely tolerate it now. I have switched to zero calories enery drinks and crystal light. Ice is fine. In fact, I usually freeze my drinks and drink them as they thaw. I also find that I need to eat much more slowly than I did prior to surgery, to cut my food into small pieces and chew, chew, chew. This actually helps when eating with a group since I eat less but slowly, I finish at the same time as everyone else. My food tastes haven't changed that much after surgery. I didn't like chicken before surgery and I still don't like it. I have found that fried foods are not tolerated very well. I have broken my carb addiction for now, but I know that will be a problem for me for life. The more carbs I eat, the more I crave. I do best on a low carb diet. All the best! Marie.

I wasn't even allowed to TRY milk until 4 weeks out. At two weeks out I was still on an all liquid diet - protein drinks, jello, popsicles, etc. I was told to introduce new foods slowly and if I couldn't tolerate a food not to try it again for at least 7 days. I suspect you are trying to advance your diet too quickly. Have you contacted your nutritionist?

I had my surgery last April. Since my pre-op diet I have lost 85 lbs. I have another 40 to go. Since my 3rd month I have been averaging 4-6 lbs per month. According to my Doctor, I am AVERAGE. I eat about 900-1000 calories a day with 70-80 grams of Protein. I stay around 60 carbs per day. My nutritionist said my numbers were great and I should be able to continue the 4-6 pounds per month until I reach my goal. I think that we read about those who lose 100 pounds and are at goal within 6 months and think that is the norm. I have come to find that it is not true. I believe it is particularly not true for women who are older (40 plus) and who have had a history of losing large amounts of weight in the past and then gaining it back. We have programed our bodies to hold on to the weight by any means possible. So, to my fellow slow losers. Take heart! Keep doing the right things and the weight will come off!

Are you sure its hunger? I find that almost everynight when I lay down my stomach begins making gurgling sounds. It keeps me awake! I have found that if I lie flat on my back it goes away. I just assumed it was some type of gas issue. So try flipping to your back and see if they stop. Marie

The neck and shoulder pains were by far the worst part of the surgery! Walk a lot, small sips, a heating pad, and sitting in a recliner were my remedies. It lasted about 7 days and then went away.

I am 6 1/2 months out. We eat out at restaurants a lot! I often split meals with others... I eat the Protein and the others eat the sides. Since my Mom doesn't really like meat this works out well for both of us. I always check the appetizers menu. Some restaurants have grilled steak bites or ribs that will work. I have also ordered quesadillas and just picked off the chicken and cheese leaving the tortilla shell behind. Shrimp cocktail is always good. I have found that anything on the menu is fair game. You can ask the server to bring you exactly what you want. If they offer a grilled chicken dinner with two sides they will just serve you the chicken and re-price accordingly. Sometimes I think they over charge and other times undercharge so it all works out. You can also ask for substitute sides. Many restuarants will substitute a fruit cup for fries. I usually end up taking the fruit cup home. At Chinese places, I usually order chicken/vegetable dishes and just don't take any rice. At my favorite mexican place, I order beef/cheese enchiladas and just eat around the shell. Steak houses are easy. Just order the smallest fillet on the menu. Fish restaurants typically have several grilled or baked items available. At burger joints, I just order a burger and ask them to bring it without the bun. I typically eat a very low carb diet. That means I never eat the rolls, potato, bread, rice, or any starch. I start with the protein and try to add a bit of vegetable or fruit. I sometimes have a very small portion of salad with a little dressing on the side. Remember to PLAN to take food home. For me, this usually means putting a small cooler in the car with an ice pack BEFORE I leave to eat. I often eat at the mall and don't want to worry about food going bad. Hope this helps a bit! I have some friends who have had WLS who avoid eating out altogether. I think thats a shame since it is such a social part of my life! Don't be embarrassed to speak up and ask the server for what YOU want. Remember, they are there for you. Marie

I am six months post-op. I have had no complications whatsoever. Only a few fleeting moments of regret while still in the hospital. When someone questions your decision, turn it back on them. Think about WHY they are reacting that way. What is in their past that is causing that reaction. Don't take their fears on. I will repeat, those same people 1) have no idea what its like to live life 100 pounds overweight - its also a slow death, or 2) are overweight themselves and your decision to have surgery challenges the choices they have made for themselves. All the best! Marie

Hi All: I have been active on this board since my surgery last April. Tomorrow will be my 6-month sleeviversary, so to say. I have been reading tons of posts from those are discouraged because two or three weeks after surgery their weight loss has stalled. I had a stall that started at 2 weeks after surgery and lasted for about a week. I am down a total of 77 pounds since my first doctor visit, 60 since surgery (surgery weight was 254). So I have averaged 10 pounds loss per month. However, for the last two months I have lost less than 5 pounds each month. My calories range between 900-1100 per day. I average 70 grams of Protein. I have about 50 grams of fat per day. I feel like I have fought for every one of the 60 pounds I have lost. They have come off 2 ounces at a time. I have never had a day when I have lost more than 1/2 of a pound. The weight has come off slowly, but surely. My question is.....how typical or atypical am I? Are other's stories similar? I am still 50 pounds from my goal. At 5 lbs per month, that means another 10 months. Do people at my stage continue to lose past the first six months? Any suggestions for kicking it into a higher gear? Marie

Before surgery, I was wearing a 42 C with a bra back extender. After surgery, I just kept using the smaller and smaller hooks. Finally, about two weeks ago I broke down and bought a couple of new bras at Kohls - buy one get one half plus a 30% off coupon. The new ones are size 40, one in a B cup and the other in a C cup. I am still deciding which cup size I really need. I have lost 77 lbs total. I also had to buy new panties. They were drooping down the back of my leg because the elastic was stretched out. Felt really yicky.

Love the video, Meggie! You look amazing. What is your next goal??

I have had constipation issues ever since surgery. I was as regular as clockwork prior. I am 5 months post op and still take a stool softener every other day. My doctor also said to take Milk of Magnesia if I haven't had a BM or 5-6 days. That seems to work like a charm.

I am five months out and my stomach still makes a lot of gurgling noises and has since right after surgery. Before surgery, I would have called these hunger pains. I think what I am experiencing now is due to the WLS. I take a Priliosec every morning. The noises typically happen right after I have had something to eat and last about 1/2 hour. They also happen when I lay down in bed on my stomach or side (they stop if I lay on my back.) About feeling hungry.... I can't say I have ever 'forgotten" to eat. Maybe I have too many eating cues in my world? If it has been 3-4 hours since I last ate, I will feel a empty sensation that reminds me that it's time to eat, but its nothing like hunger pains or cravings I had before surgery. The best part is that I have completely lost the desire to "snack." I used to have a regular dinner and then spend the rest of the evening thinking about and searching out high carb Snacks to have while watching TV....popcorn, candy, chips, crackers and cheese. I have completely lost the desire for these items. I eat my dinner followed usually by a frozen greek yogurt or healthy choice fudge bar and then I am done until morning. I love my sleeve!!

My guess is that they do sleeve surgeries there too. You might want to ask your Doctor for a referral to someone there just in case you have any issues.

I remember that my first egg salad was absolutely delicious! Just a tip. I mixed the egg with 1/2 lowfat miracle whipand 1/2 Fage unflavored greek yogurt for more Protein. I think I made this with either egg or tuna every day for a week. Marie

I also attended a work-related conference shortly after surgery. I was on the all liquid phase. I took several pre-made Protein drinks in my checked luggage. I also took several Protein Drink packages divided between carry on and checked luggage. I used the coffee pot to make hot Water in the hotel room. At the conference itself, I used the hot water put out for tea. I will admit that I chose not to stay for the "sit down" served meals. I just told the group I had to return some phone calls and excused myself. If anyone noticed I wasn't eating, I told them I was having some stomach issues and was on a very limited diet. Very few people paid any attention to me. I also used the "too much work" excuse to opt out of group dinners in the evening. I was very tired after surgery and used the lunch time to return to my room and lay down for an hour. That was the best! Hope things continue to go well for you. Marie

I was also taking Metformin 1000 twice a day. My dose was cut in half the day I started the 2 week pre-op diet. My last Metformin was taken the day before surgery. I am still taking 15 Actos daily, by my PCP said we would probably stop it at my next appointment the end of Sept. My fasting glucose readings have averaged 107 since about 2 months post op.

My PA suggested over- the- counter Biotin. I just bought a bottle at my local pharmacy. You can also buy a hair, Nails, and Skin vitiamin but that contained a lot of other things as well so I just stuck with the pure Biotin. I started taking it about 2 months after surgery. I also started using the Nioxin shampoo about 3 months out. I purchased that from Amazon. It was suggested by my hairdresser. She also suggested that I only shampoo my hair twice a week for a few months to minimize any damage. I am now 5 months out and while I have some hair loss, it is not too bad. I don't know if the Vitamins and shampoo made any difference at all, but I decided it was a small price to pay to try to minimize hair loss. I hope your hair loss stops soon. Remember, people will be too busy looking at your slimmer figure to pay attention to your hair. Marie

I am 5 months out and I still can't gulp. I can take two big swallows but the third one will be intensely painful. I have learned to drink much more slowly than before. I concur that water "flushes" out the fat. The more I drink, the more I lose.

I was back on Allegra the day I was released from the hospital. Funny story. In the hospital I was flushed and the palms of my hands were itching. The nurses couldn't figure out why. My PCP said later that it was withdrawal symptoms from coming off the antihistimine.

I am 5 months out today and have ZERO regrets. I have lost 73 lbs from my highest weight last January, 57 pounds since surgery. My biggest surprise was also how tired I was during the first several weeks. Come home from work and take a 2-hour nap tired. I didn't get my energy back until I was on full solids again at almost 3 months post op.