JageK

Yes, the surgey is a tool, it physically restricts the AMOUNT you eat, not the types of food you eat. I have not been keeping track on my calories lately and that is my biggest issue. No, you don't NEED programs like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers but when we fall off the wagon they can be helpful. The surgery is not a quick fix and I hate to break it to you but it doesn't "cure" you. You will always have to watch what you eat and you will always have to exercise. My plea to the people on this site (part of my support system) is to help me find the motivation to get back on track. If it was that easy to just lay it down and do it, we wouldn't be finding ourselves gaining our weight back would we? This never goes away, even if you get to your goal weight, you are always at danger of gaining it back, no matter how you lost it! This is a disease, an addiction. (For me at least)

Thanks for the encouragemnt. I'm going to look into the 5 day pouch thing, and jenny craig isn't a bad idea. The thing is, I know what to do, it's just become way too easy to convince myself to make the wrong choices. I am also considering calling a therapist. I think there may be some underlying depression issues that are getting in the way. I have struggled with depression in the past and I'm thinking its begining to resurface. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again

Hello Everyone! It's been a while. So I'm here in desperation! I had my surgery on Aug 17th of last year. I was doing really well at first. Eating right, and exercising but in the last few months I have kind of let myself go. I haven't gained any weight, but I also haven't lost any in the last 2 months or so. I am still physically restricted in the amounts I can eat, but I feel that I am still over doing it and eating basically whatever I want! I have been so busy and I haven't been exercising regularly and I know that is an excuse! I did this for a reason, I need to get healthy! I went thorough so much to get to this point and I don't want to put it to waste! I need to get back on track, but I can't seem to get my mind in the right place! Does anyone have any advice for me?? :thumbup1:

I think I am the youngest in here, I just turned 21! I had my surgery exactly 2 weeks after my 21st birthday!

Thank you so much for that MacMadame! I am struggling with my sleeve right now (granted, I just hit my first stall :sad0: ) I think I've been doing everything right but this stall makes me feel like I'm doing everything wrong! Not only did I stall, but I gained a pound! I wanted find out from people who "failed" and make sure I'm not on the same path. I am only a little over 3 weeks out and I don't think I have any regrets but my emotions are all out of whack because of this stall! Any advice?

I had a pretty rough time too, you're not alone! I didn't experience the spasms but I had unbearable gas pain! After they took my pain pump away, the only thing they would give me was the liquid Tylenol. Congrats on the surgery, it will only get better from here!

I had to do bowl prep 48 hrs before surgery I was only allowed clear liquids up until midnight the night before. I didn't feel too hungry while on the clear liquids but I did find that jello was pretty filling for me.

Hey there! When I came home I had really bad gas pains. I didn't try the gas-x strips, I imagine they would be very helpful. My only relief was walking. It really did help. It was the last thing I wanted to do when I was in pain but it was the only thing that would make it go away! It last about a week and now I am pain free! Hope that helps!

I know quite a few people who have had the surgery and most of them told me that they didn't start to see significant weight loss until 6 weeks out. Not so sure about the reason, and I am not that far out so I can't say from my own experience if that's the case, but maybe that can help?

Hello! I had my surgery through Kaiser. I am down here in the LA area and they referred me to the Panorama City Kaiser. There, they made all of us go through their Options program which is a 6 month class that we attended once a week. Every week before class we were weighed and our blood pressure was taken. About every 4-6 weeks we had to check up with the doctor. After the class ended we had to do a psych evaluation and then we were referred to UCLA for our surgery. Overall it took about 10 months from start to finish. Sounds like a long time but it was worth it! I'm sure it will be different for you but just thought I'd share my experience!

I totally agree Kelly65! You and I are in the same boat! Today was a tough day for me and this is such a motivation, to know the things I have to look forward to!

Thanks for all your support. You have all given me some good advice, I'm so glad I found this site!

Hello! My name is Jennifer and I'm new to the site. I am 7 days post op. I know this sounds a little weird, but everyday since the surgery I've had dreams of myself eating something wrong. In my dreams, I forget I've had the surgery until after I've eaten. I think this is a combination of my fears of failing, and my past dieting mentalities. Either way, it scares me! I am also struggling with keeping to my liquid diet while my family and friends are eating normally around me. I have prepared my self for smaller portions and smarter choices but the depression that comes along with a liquid diet totally blind sighted me! Does anyone have any advice for me??