PJ_Sleeve

So, here I am...Almost six months out and I have been going up and down with the same ten pounds for two months. It is sooo fustrating. With the band I lost over 100 lbs. Then I gain back 112 lbs with the band. Now I had VSG...I am down 67 lbs and I have been STUCK. I will fess up that I don't always make the right food choices and I have been sort of lazy. But in the past couple of weeks, I have been kicking up the activity and trying to be more mindful of what I am putting in my mouth. But here I go back to the old eating habits with the band..."YES PLEASE I WILL TAKE A PIECE OF chocolate." "SURE, I WILL HAVE A LATE NIGHT SNACK." "SHALL I HAVE THE PIECE OF FRUIT OR SHALL I HAVE A MINI SANDWHICH?...NEITHER WILL DO...I WILL HAVE SOME ICECREAM." Okay...so I know where my shortfalls are. I need to get in control. I did not have my stomach REMOVED just to FAIL AGAIN!!! OKAY...I NEED WORDS OF WISDOM from my fellow friends. WHEN YOU GOT TO THIS POINT, WHAT DID YOU DO TO KICK UP YOUR MOMENTUM? HOW DID YOU GET BACK ON TRACK? Looking forward to your stories and advice!!!

GOOD FOR YOU!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!! I just want to let you know that my soapbox comment was not about you at all. I commend you for being open and honest about your addiction and tackling it! This is a different journey for all of us and you seem strong in mind and spirit! Keep up the good work!

I have had a drink or two starting at four months out. White wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon blanc) is my drink of choice. I am usually tipsy without getting sloppy after two glasses. Before the people on here get all judgey and stuff...We are human and enjoying a glass or two of wine with friends while out to dinner is NORMAL! We get the SLEEVE to be NORMAL, right? -- I just have to get that out there. I have read forums where people start berating for asking the question about alcohol and get all soap boxy about surgery and weight loss...blah blah blah... Anyhoo...I think you are in the safe zone about four months out, but take it easy. SIP SIP SIP!!! YOU WILL GET TIPSY QUITE QUICKLY...so stay ahead of getting drunk!!!! NURSE YOUR DRINKS...until you know what you can handle with your little stomach!

I am three months out of sugery today and I feel great. Other than a touch of reflux, which meds and peppermints assist with, I am doing fabulous!!! However, being a revisionista from the band to the VSG, I knew that there was work involved with WLS and now it is starting. I joined MFP and have been tracking. I missed a few days of tracking and I went off the radar. It wasn't that I ate high volume in food, I actually ate low volume of food with high volume of calories. Needless to say, I went right back to tracking and I am doing good again! I know I had the surgery to change my habits, but it is NOT EASY!!! With the lapband, I learned so many unhealthy habits that I have found hard to break recently. (LIKE THE INFAMOUS NO DRINKING AFTER EATING!!!) I am not giving up on myself. I know where my faults are and I am going to work on retraining myself. it is all a process. It took years to get to this point, it will take some time to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. I have also been L-A-Z-Y!!!! I joined the Y to go to Zumba classes and all of the other fun stuff six weeks ago and went twice since I have joined. I loved being there and I worked out and closed the gym down! My issue is finding the motivation to get up off of the couch initially. Once I am there...it is smooth sailing. I work 9-5 and get home from the city around 7pm. So, how do you fit in time to eat and run to the gym? I just haven't figured out how to manage my time in that area. Any ideas? I guess this post is more about my accountability to myself. I have recognized my downfalls and I am NOT PERFECT. Sometimes when I read the responses to posts, people come off as being high and mighty and perfect, but I am just not that person. However, I would like you to think back to when you had your epiphany (because that is what I am experiencing) and what did you do to truly get yourself into gear? I feel good and I don't want to throw my progress and this wonderful VSG tool away! Thank goodness for Vertical Sleeve Talk and my supportive friends. Without both of these factors, I would be lost! Looking forward to hearing your feedback!

My surgeon did a leak test while I was still under after my surgery. They did a fluero three days after surgery. That is when you drink the thick pastey stuff and they take pics. I couldn't believe my new tummy!!! All I have to say is that it was WILD!

I definitely think acid has something to do with the feeling of hunger. Even though I am managing my reflux, I still thinik my belly is rockin' and rollin'. I actually have my three month follow-up with the NUT and Surgeon tonight. Oh I have a LIST of questions for them!!! ;0)

I have done that myself with other apps!!! LOL

This is so different very different from the band! I feel like with the sleeve you have to exhibit much more self control. But I have to be honest, I don't miss throwing up after eating a banana, orange, apple, salad, etc. I get hungry and find that I can eat more than I planned. However, after I eat my protien, I try to fill up on greens. I snack on fruit (which I know is controversial for the VSG, but I figure no one has ever gotten to 300 eating too many grapes! LOL) I snack more at three months out, but I track it in MFP and try to reach for the healthier Snacks. I have read that lapbanders have a different experience with the sleeve than virgin sleevers. If it is true or not, I don't regret the sleeve. I look at it this way, I got it...now I have to figure out how to work it!!! Like anything else, we will figure it out!!!

Keep up the good work!!! You have definitely inspired me to nix my worries about the swimsuit and try out a water aerobics class!!!! ;0)

I lost pretty fast in the first few weeks also. It will slow down, don't worry! Congrats on the 22 lb weight loss!!!!

MFP is: www.myfitnesspal.com It is a tool, where you may log your food and it breaks down protien, carbs, etc. (it does most of the work for you...you just have to log..) You can also log your exersize. It has its own forums, etc. Check it out! I love this tool. Best of all...IT IS FREE!!!

I know this isn't easy, that is why knowing that we are all in it together makes it better! The support on this site is amazing!!!

You crack me up!!!

I am also going to pack my bag for gym nights! I know that once I walk into my apartment door, I am not leaving. Straight to the gym after work! I am going to buy a workout video or two just in case I can't do the gym.

You had the three month realization also!!! YAY!!! I am not alone! I definitely need to pick up drinking water throughout the day. I average about four cups. I also drink coffee, so I am drinking. It just isn't water. LOL Water aerobics sounds like fun! They offer it at my Y. I just feel sorta embarressed to sport my swimsuit. ;0)

The Y is about 15 minutes away from me. In the morning when I am rushing around to get ready, 30 minutes back and forth will pose a bit of an issue for me. I LOVE THE IDEA of getting a few workout videos. That may work for the morning. The evening workouts will be at the Y! I am going to set up a three day a week workout schedule to get started! It should get the weight loss moving too. I have stalled (which I know is competely normal).

I am not a morning person, but I certainly would not rule it out. I am changing many things in my life for a healthier lifestyle, so waking up a early to hit the gym doesn't seem terrible. I will give it a try and report back to you! Thanks!

Your swelling is going down. Don't worry, once you start eating normal food, you will definitely feel the restriction of the sleeve!