Shekkie

I am 1 year and 3 months after my gastric sleeve surgery. Had no complications (vomiting, gas, ext..) has gone extremely smooth. Problem is, I initially lost 60 pounds in the first 4 months and have not lost any more, I've actually gained back 15 lbs. I watch what I eat (trying to watch fat, calories and carbs), I watch my portions (but i have noticed i'm eating more that right after surgery) and I exercise 4-5 times a week. nothing is working. I've started taking diet pills and i'm back to the depression of up and down dieting. I am off all my blood pressure and diabetes medicines (which was the main goal), and i would definately do the surgery again but if anyone is thinking this is a miracle cure, it is not. its just as hard as it was before the surgery.

Thank you all so much for the advice. I've been so focused on calories and low fat and I do avoid breads and potatoes, I didn't realize how many carbs I have been eating. I HATE protein shakes so I've got to find another solution but now I will keep better track of the carbs too.

Hello all, I've been reading through the thread and I'd like to help any of you that have questions. I am 10 months post op and i've lost about 60 pounds, only 40 more to go. I'm at a wall right now but i'm trying really hard to keep a positive attitude. Here are some of the things that i have done and found on my journey: Positives: 60 pounds off i'm off all my diabetes and high blood pressure medicine. I dont sweat like a pig anymore just tying my shoes. i can shop without having to sit down every ten minutes. I can actually shop in the skinny girls section without setting off any alarms. i'm still a large girl but i dont feel disgusting anymore. Those things are awesome and i do not regret my surgery but it has not been easy. Biggest challenges: 1. Making the right choices!! Listen to the nutritionist and know what foods are good for you and what arent. yes, our surgery helps with portion control but it does not help with eating the right things. With the sleeve we can still process sugar so it is still a struggle to avoid sweets. i can not have them in my house. my husband is not allowed to bring them in either. if they are there, i will eat them. Hunger returns: at first it was awesome because i was never hungry and actually had to schedule my meals on my phone so i was eating enough. now im hungry. so again, i have to choose whether to eat at mcdonalds or go home and cook something better. There is an app that i use on my phone called "Myfitness pal". I use it religiously because it keeps count of my fat, Protein, sugar etc.. it is amazing to see how those calories add up. 2. Not drinking while I eat- still after 10 months i struggle with this. waiters look at me like im nuts when i tell them i dont want a drink but if i have it on the table its reflexive to take a drink. after 10 months i thought this woulndt be that important but every time i think that and take a drink (more than a sip) with food, my stomach feels yucky. it makes the food back up and can cause heartburn. 3. protein: i HATE Protein shakes. cant stand them and wont drink them. i do like the Supreme Protein Bars, especially the caramel nut and rocky road. they have a few calories and fat grams but i try to only eat 1/2 at a time. 4. hair loss: i am still losing my hair but it has slowed down. at first it was pretty drastic and my hairsdresser says i've lost about 1/2 my hair,thank goodness it was thick to begin with. i take Biotin every day and i use a keratin shampoo that i bought at Kenneths salon. expensive but it seems to make my hair thicker. 5. Exercise: i lost my 60 pounds in the first 3-4 months with very little exercise. now im at a wall and have started working out 3-4 times a week. i hate exercise but if i want to lose more, i have to do it. Overall, again, no regrets, I feel so much better and everyone tells me i look better (i still see fat me in the mirror). its a mental journey also but it works!! if you all have any other questions about what to expect, i'll give you honest answers. Shelli

I had the same problem, even went in to see the Dr cause it freaked me out a little. He said it was normal and it does stop hurting after few weeks.Congrats on your surgery, it will be worth it, i promise.

I'm 10 months post-op and am struggling. I lost 60 pounds in the first 3-4 months and nothing since. I work out 4 times a week (45 min. each) and I watch what I eat carefully (on occasion i eat the wrong things but for the most part I eat low fat/carb and high protein). I drink only Water and never with my food. I dont know what else to do. Here is my menu for the day, maybe someone can have some suggestions of what i'm missing. breakfast: oatmeal with raisins and granola snack: banana lunch: sliced turkey with swiss cheese; cheddar rice cakes snack: sugar snap peas dinner: turkey sausage, green pepper, onion stif fry snack: rice cakes, popcorn, or nuts thanks, Struggling in Ohio