joatsaint

I lost a half size after WLS. It took about 6 months to get there. I was a 10 1/2 in high school, but when I put on the weight, my feet would swell - on and off - and I had to buy size 11's.

Book Review - Alex Brecher's The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery by joatsaint I just recently bought Alex Brecher's book - The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery. You maybe asking, "Randy (by the way, my real name is Randy), you're almost 3 years post-op, why are you still reading weight loss surgery success books?" Go ahead, ask me... I'll wait. :-) (insert the theme song from Jeopardy)...... Okay, here's the answer. Years ago, I was listening to and still listen to a great motivational speaker - Zig Zigglar. He said champions never stop training and learning. Even after Micheal Jordan was at the pinnacle of his success, he still trained like he was a rookie. Even though the workouts were grueling and he didn't like it, he still met with a trainer that pushed him to his limits on every workout. Champions in any area, read and reread articles, books, listen to audio books, and watch video on being a success in their field. I know I don't know everything there is to know about successful WLS. And by continually reading, I remind myself (I have the attention span of a gnat!) of the things I need to do to maintain my WLS success. Sometimes it's just a reminder and sometimes I learn something new that I can apply to my life. So, on to Alex Brecher's book - The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery My favorite quote from the book: "From recovering from surgery to losing the extra pounds to keeping them off, weight loss surgery is a part of your life forever. The path to losing weight and keeping it off can be challenging at times, but the rewards can be worth the investment many times over." You need to know up front, this book is not about choosing the right weight loss surgery for you. It’s great resource if you want to know what to expect life will be like after weight loss surgery. I found the book well written and very informative. The book's style is such that it doesn't assume that you know everything already, and is easy to understand. The most important part to me was the emphasis on the importance of lifestyle changes. Weight loss surgery is not a set and forget procedure. WLS success is a continuing process that requires active participation from the patient. Alex doesn't pull any punches in describing how hard WLS can be. I know! Been there, done that! Had 80% of my stomach removed and I didnt' even get a T-shirt! You don’t just wake up after surgery and are magically thin! For months after my sleeve surgery, I had trouble steadily losing the weight. I'd have stalls and get discouraged, or worse, I'd gain a pound or two and freak out. So I especially like emphasis on taking a long-term view of the surgery and life. Alex reminds the reader that successful WLS is not all about the scale. The book is a great resource for information about: discussing diet exercise mental toughness success factors that contribute to the long term weight loss surgery success setting goals dealing with friends and family members who may or may not be supportive eating right setting realistic expectations for your weight loss goal I walked away with new ideas on everyday things, like scheduling my meals and supplements, getting in enough Protein without getting too bored with eating the same old things again and again, and making meals that both my friends will like and that I can eat – so I don’t have to worry about social events! Overall, I found it full of useful/practical information and even some funny parts. Well-written and easy to read, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery to anyone considering weight loss surgery, as well as to anyone who has had any type of bariatric surgery. http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/books/recommended.html

Book Review - Alex Brecher's The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery by joatsaint I just recently bought Alex Brecher's book - The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery. You maybe asking, "Randy (by the way, my real name is Randy), you're almost 3 years post-op, why are you still reading weight loss surgery success books?" Go ahead, ask me... I'll wait. :-) (insert the theme song from Jeopardy)...... Okay, here's the answer. Years ago, I was listening to and still listen to a great motivational speaker - Zig Zigglar. He said champions never stop training and learning. Even after Micheal Jordan was at the pinnacle of his success, he still trained like he was a rookie. Even though the workouts were grueling and he didn't like it, he still met with a trainer that pushed him to his limits on every workout. Champions in any area, read and reread articles, books, listen to audio books, and watch video on being a success in their field. I know I don't know everything there is to know about successful WLS. And by continually reading, I remind myself (I have the attention span of a gnat!) of the things I need to do to maintain my WLS success. Sometimes it's just a reminder and sometimes I learn something new that I can apply to my life. So, on to Alex Brecher's book - The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery My favorite quote from the book: "From recovering from surgery to losing the extra pounds to keeping them off, weight loss surgery is a part of your life forever. The path to losing weight and keeping it off can be challenging at times, but the rewards can be worth the investment many times over." You need to know up front, this book is not about choosing the right weight loss surgery for you. It’s great resource if you want to know what to expect life will be like after weight loss surgery. I found the book well written and very informative. The book's style is such that it doesn't assume that you know everything already, and is easy to understand. The most important part to me was the emphasis on the importance of lifestyle changes. Weight loss surgery is not a set and forget procedure. WLS success is a continuing process that requires active participation from the patient. Alex doesn't pull any punches in describing how hard WLS can be. I know! Been there, done that! Had 80% of my stomach removed and I didnt' even get a T-shirt! You don’t just wake up after surgery and are magically thin! For months after my sleeve surgery, I had trouble steadily losing the weight. I'd have stalls and get discouraged, or worse, I'd gain a pound or two and freak out. So I especially like emphasis on taking a long-term view of the surgery and life. Alex reminds the reader that successful WLS is not all about the scale. The book is a great resource for information about: discussing diet exercise mental toughness success factors that contribute to the long term weight loss surgery success setting goals dealing with friends and family members who may or may not be supportive eating right setting realistic expectations for your weight loss goal I walked away with new ideas on everyday things, like scheduling my meals and supplements, getting in enough protein without getting too bored with eating the same old things again and again, and making meals that both my friends will like and that I can eat – so I don’t have to worry about social events! Overall, I found it full of useful/practical information and even some funny parts. Well-written and easy to read, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery to anyone considering weight loss surgery, as well as to anyone who has had any type of bariatric surgery. http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/books/recommended.html

I'm only a 31 months post-op Sleever, and I realize that's not really long enough for a scientific study. But, my epsiodes of head hunger have almost disappeared and the intensity of the head hunger is nothing compared to the constant "little nagging voice to eat" I dealt with daily pre-op. I still get the occasional head hunger, but it's because of a trigger food. Pre-op, head hunger used to happen every 2 hours. And I knew that no matter how much I ate, in 2 hours, I'd be hungry again. I've had to learn what are my trigger foods and how much I can eat before the cravings kick in.

Your fears were mine...not the dying part, but the "not working for me." I too was afraid I would be the one person WLS would not work for and I'd have chased another "miracle cure" just find my hopes dashed against the rocks. I wish I could transfer to you the "knowing what it's like on the other side", my experiences, and how WLS is unlike any pill or program or diet I was ever on. The main 2 things I got from WLS was: 1) The overwhelming head hunger I experienced every day was gone the day after surgery. 2) I was physically unable to overeat, even if I wanted to, for months post-op. And that gave me the time to instill new eating and exercise habits that have stuck with me for almost 3 years. Willpower and resisting temptations never became an issue. Hit me up in a private message if I can answer any questions. Hope some of these videos help.

At 4 weeks I was released to full foods. I was eating a mixture of taco seasoning, turkey hamburger meat, refried beans and salsa. I could tolerate almost any level of hotness and brands.... except Taco Bell Taco Sauce. For some unknown reason, Frankensleeve just does not like that stuff. All the other brands, he's okay with. You think maybe it's because Taco Bell Taco Sauce is made in New York City? (Frankensleeve is from the South) :-P http://www.bariatricpal.com/blogs/entry/31168-my-favorite-mexican-food/

I totally felt like a failure at permanently losing weight. After years and years of hearing the success stories and being told that, if I just had enough will power, I too could lose the weight. But at a certain point, June 2012, I realized that without WLS my life was just going to continue to spiral down ward... socially, emotionally, and career wise. I had to decide if the pain of change was less than the pain of staying the same. December 2012 I was sleeved and it was the do-over I needed to get my life back. But I realized going in, that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. So I better make the most of it. The one biggest mental mistakes I see posted in thread after thread is: Can I still eat ____ after surgery? Sorry for going off on a bit of rant. :-P But I believe a person really needs to be at a point in life where they are ready to do anything required to succeed a WLS before going under the knife. If a person is not ready to give up any and every food flavor that they love, then they are not ready for surgery. They ARE going to be able to eat almost anything they want within a year post-op. BUT they have to be at the point where they don't want to continue eating the foods that got them to this weight. Are you prepared to let go of the hold food has on your life?

LMAO... I really like the 2nd punch line, kinda gives the joke a M. Night Shyamalan twist. I'd totally give that trait away if I could. As for the cheese, I need it. Poop soup is my specialty. Here's one for you.... Did you hear about the constipated mathematician? . . . . . . . . . . . . He worked it out with a pencil. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . A number 2 pencil. :D

I do quite a bit of Vlogging and tried my hand at blogging, here on Bariatricpal. The link to my blog is in my signature below as well as the link to my Vlog.

The gas pains eased up by the 5th or 6th day for me and were completely faded by day 9. I wasn't able to drink the liquid pain meds and did without.

You're problem reminds me of one Deputy Fife had. I don't know if you are a fan of the Andy Griffith Show, but on one episode, his deputy had to gain weigh to pass his physical. But despite his best efforts, he just couldn't the gain weight needed. But somehow, on the day of his physical, he managed to weigh just enough to pass. As he left the examination office, he opened his shirt and took off his neck chain that held his whistle. The chain was not your ordinary whistle chain, but a chain made of heavy links.

Top 10 NSV's (Non Surgical Victories) I had after Weight Loss Surgery 01) Being able to enjoy life without food being a major focus 02) Feeling good about myself 03) Becoming more active in the life 04) Being able to shop for clothes at ANY store 05) Crossing my legs 06) Walking down stairs and being able to see the steps in front me 07) Getting off medications 08) Fitting into an airplane seat, theater seat, or restaurant booth 09) Having more energy 10) Walking up stairs without being short of breath

I was nervous/excited about the surgery and had my own freakout. Here's my story:

The one piece of advice I can give you is: You can tell people about your WLS surgery at any time, but you can never untell them. Take your time on deciding, there's no rush.

My hospital provided the abdominal support. I wore it 24/7 for the month post-op, I was kinda OCD about not disturbing my stitches. :-)

Usually, insurance companies require medical documentation of these problems persisting for at least six months. You need to check with your insurance company to find out the exact requirements. Once you have a list of their requirements, use them as a guideline to write your letter. If possible, rewrite each guideline, with an example of how you fit the requirement. If for example, one of the requirements is: Must have skin problems or rashes associated with excess skin. You could rewrite it as: For the past X months, I have to tuck the excess skin around my waist under my belt. This is resulting in pressure sores and itchy flaky skin on the underside of the skin fold.

Thanks for the reminder about Alex's books. I had intended to order them for a while, but kept forgetting. Just got the pdf version. Even though I'm 31 month's post op, I need to occasionally re-read and remind myself of the things I need to do to live the WLS lifestyle. :-)

You didn't say how close you are to your surgery date? But 2 things I would start doing right now, to make things easier. 1) Up your Protein to carbs ratio - shoot for 75% of your calories from lean protein sources - chicken, pork loin, turkey, 93% lean hamburger. And add more vegetables to your diet - broccoli, califlower, brussel sprouts.... you get the idea. :-) 2) Start a walking program. If you are like me, I had lots of pain in my feet and knees. I had to start gradually (as in, I started parking at the far end of the parking lot each time I went to the store or work) I started out walking 4 laps around the interior of my office each morning and worked my way up. Hope these tips help, Keep taking small important steps, they will all add up to bigger success. http://www.bariatricpal.com/blogs/entry/31216-nsv-2-you-best-step-off-b-hatch/

Protein isolate is the preferred choice, it is more completely absorbed than protein concentrate. http://www.bariatricpal.com/blogs/entry/31531-whats-in-the-bowl-b-i-t-c-h-or-why-whey-protein-isolate/

I wouldn't eat sunflower seeds only because they are so small. It's very easy to swallow one whole. It might lodge in your staple line and cause irritation. I would suggest eating peanuts or pecans at this stage, since they require more chewing. Plus sunflower seeds are very high in calories. At 5 weeks, I was still on an 800 calorie diet. A small pack of sunflower seeds from a convenience store has about 280 calories - more than I was eating per meal.

I get sugar cravings on occasion, mainly after eating a high Protein, very low carb meal. I try to satisfy that craving by eating more protein, but it doesn't always work. If I have to have something sweet, I reach for something like a Quest bar or Oh Yeah Victroy bar. They both come in sweet flavors like: chocolate chip cookie dough, Cookies and cream, and a variety of fruit flavors. They are all high protein and "supposedly" low carb, the carbs mainly coming from a prebiotic Fiber that isn't supposed to be digestible. After eating dozens of both brands, I do know that: 1) Both brands satisfy my sweet tooth 2) Both brands do not cause my head hunger to flare up the way eating real sugar does. 3) Both brands do not seem to effect my ability to lose or maintain my weight. Hope this helps.

I was going to say that I don't have any foods that are "must haves". I really really don't ever want to get hooked on a food again. But then I realized there is one food in my life that I refuse to give up. My must have food is Crystal Light lemonade. I wipe out the shelf when I catch it on sale at my grocery store. It's the one thing I have not tired of in more than 15 years. So I know if I buy 32 bags (each makes 8 gallons), it will get used up eventually. :-)

Not everyone has the inclination or time to upload photos and videos. I, myself, enjoy inspiring others to go for their goals. But I haven't shared any progress pics since I reached my goal. There's no visible changes to see. I am happy to share the photos I do have. Starting weight 375lbs Goal weight of 203 lbs

I was trying a "bite" of everything after 4 weeks and released to eat full foods. Unfortunately, a "bite" was the limit. Frankensleeve hated everything and I was stuck with refried Beans and turkey hamburger for months. But I'd try a bite of different foods as the opportunity arose, including steak. Steak was one of the harder foods to retrain Frankensleeve to eat. But hold off on trying popcorn or anything the might have little slivers that could get stuck in your staple line and irritate your stomach. It wasn't till 6 months that I tried popcorn.