Merydia710

I'm not gonna lie it has been rough some days. Especially when I have a bad day and all I want to do is eat the junk food that has made me feel better. Then i get over it and sometimes cry it out and then I am glad that I can not shove enough food for 3 people in my body at one time anymore. I am down 35 lbs as of today and 23.5 inches total I feel a million times better than I did before. Already my heart rate and blood pressure have gone way down. I am getting almost all my protein from pureed and soft foods. I am able to do 2 miles in 30 mins or less on the elliptical. I had a little stall but I'm not too worried about it I know I will keep losing if I do the things I am supposed to. So here are some not so awesome before pics. I tried to take them as real as possible and then some after pics.

I would say go with what you can handle at this point. You can build up as you heal more. I started on the elliptical 30 mins with no incline and about a 5 resistance. That was at 3 weeks post op. It was very low stress. But after 2 weeks going 3 or 4 times a week I did 40 mins and upped the incline and the next week I added 5 mins and each week after that until I got to 1 hr and then I started doing more resistance and incline. As you lose weight it will be easier to do. I try to aim for 4 miles in an hr sometimes more if I can handle it. I also added in weights to get some muscle back. Protein is very important before and after you work out. Especially early on. Just start off slow you don't want to hurt yourself or pass out.

Cut it all off!!! I just couldn't handle it anymore it was falling out all over and looking very stringy and sad. So I just cut it all off.

In a few days I'll have been sleeved for 4 months. It really doesn't even feel like it. Some days are bad but most are good. I do have moments when I want to eat a lot of junk but for the most part I am comfortable with what I can eat. food no longer consumes my day. I would plan everything around food before and none of it was healthy. I am so happy with my sleeve. I feel very lucky to have someone who loves me unconditionally. He supports me 100% and it makes me love him even more. My blood pressure is now normal 124/66 usually from 168/92!!! I have lost 58 lbs. I lost a lot in the beginning but then slowed way down. I even stalled for about a month...lol but I knew I would keep losing and I did. last weekend I did 5 miles on the elliptical in 1 hr. I was so proud of myself. and I never really got out of breath or tired I felt great!!! Just wanted to give an update and maybe support for those who need it. This forum has helped me so much. Here are a few pics. one from before surgery at around 320, one taken 6-8-12 in the same shirt except it fits now and another in a shirt I was able to buy in old navy off the rack! also taken 6-8-12 at 262!

As soon as I started my pre op diet and even after with the post op with the protein drinks I had stomach issues. I think it was all the protein and lack of other stuff like fiber that made things so "watery" Sorry It's gross. But as soon as I stopped the protein shakes the loose poop stopped too. It got so bad once I was just crying. That was after surgery and I was pretty fed up with all liquids going in and all liquids coming out. nothing really helped until I started eating real food again,

My daughter is 3.5 and I was pretty honest with her. She had lots of questions and I answered them all. I also have made a point to say mommy is going to be healthy now not just saying skinny. She never had any issues with any of it so far. Right after surgery when I came home I showed her my boo boos and she wanted to touch them and that helped her understand to be careful with me and not to jump or bulldoze me like she usually doze..lol.. I agree with the person who said each child and situation is different. Every parent knows what info your child can or can't process. My daughter is very literal and wanted the straight up facts.. seriously. I tried to give her the easy kid version but she wasn't having it. So I just told her exactly what was gonna happen and why. This is a kid who told me there is no such thing as santa and the easter bunny. No matter how much I tried to help her believe. She would just look at me like are you kidding... So being straight with her was best.

I totally feel this way. I can not even imagine what I will look like smaller. I have been big since I was 6 and I'm 30 now. I've lost 50 lbs so far and barely see a difference. I weigh less now than I have in about 5 years. I wonder sometimes if I will also fail. I don't have a problem eating anything. I still eat small amounts of food. But I don't always eat what's best for me. Which is so dumb I know. I need to refocus. Hopefully in a year I'll have lost 50 more lbs and really be able to see a difference. You aren't alone in how you feel. I'm sure a lot of people have feelings of doubt and a distorted body image. That's whay I love this website so much there is so much support and always someone who can relate..

YES! My face and neck started peeling and getting flaky for about 2 weeks it was horrible. This just happened a few weeks ago and it's back to normal now. It was painful I couldn't even put lotion on my face because it burned. I used Vitamin e oil it made such a difference. I think I wasn't getting enough Water in and that's what caused it so I make sure I get enough now. More than 64 oz. I am 3 months post op now. So a little further out than you. Hope this helps.

I had a very hard time also. I was so depressed. I freaked out one day and completely lost it. I ate too much and of course it came back up. Huge mistake and lesson learned. But now at almost 3 months it is easier. I do still have moments were I get mad because I can't just dig in like everyone else around me especially at resturaunts. But I have to stop myself and remember it is just food sometimes I have to say this to myself over and over. It does not control me anymore. For instance the other night we met friends out at a fancy pizza place in Indianapolis (we are on vacation) and I could only eat one small square of pizza and I was just sitting there watching everyone else shove food in there mouths. One guy at almost a whole pizza by himself. After a while they are all sitting back full and uncomfortable but still eating and drinking at this point I decide to take a walk with my daughter around down town. (Not something I would have ever done 50lbs ago)who is 3.5 and we had such a good walk we got to see the city and took some cool pics too. So I guess my point is it's just food. It will get better you will feel better and it will not always be so hard. I can eat regular food now just small amounts and I get full. Good luck look into the food section on here for ideas on small meals at your stage. One thing I loved was a piece of ham or any lunch meat with cream cheese and diced jalepeno rolled up. Or no jalepeno depending on what your tummy can handle. At first I could only eat half and i'd save the rest for later but now one fills me up perfect. You will get into the groove of things it really is a total lifestyle change. Good luck:)

I found some gouchos at target in the plus size section. Merona brand. They are so super comfy. They are made of soft cotten and the waist band is wide and fits comfortably I wore them in the hospital and home from the hospital and for the first few weeks all the time after surgery. I'm wearing them now..lol these hit around mid calf and they also run a bit big so I would try on a smaller size if you do get them. Also another bonus they are super easy to take in once you drop sizes I've had to have them udjusted twice. Hope this helps

I have lost 50 lbs!!!!!!!!!! I have never ever ever ever ever ever in my life been able to lose 50 lbs in my life. I feel like a new person and I am not even half way done with my weight loss. I still have about 120 lbs to go. I had surgery 2-15-2012 so i am just over 2 months out. It feels so amazing. I have done my happy dance all day long. My fiance thinks I am crazy..lol but he loves it. That's all I just needed to share. I love this forum so much everyone is so supportive and amazing and full of knowledge and I can't even count the number of times I have been helped by being on this site. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYy!!!!~

Thanks. Yes I do work out. I try for 4 or 5 days a week if I can. i do 30-60 mins of cardio a day and also do weight training alternating days of arms, upper body, legs, and core. I try to stay as active as I can out of the gym also. Everything you do burns calories. the more muscle you can build in your body the more fat your body will burn. I love my sleeve

sleeved Feb. 15th..I'm down 50 lbs and 40 inches

I have also noticed I have a much different almost pleasant odor down there..lol.. my fiance has even made comments.. sorry if thats tmi also

Thanks everyone! I wish I could have a big loser party. seriously I can't stop smiling. Congrats to all of you too. I love the new chance I have been given at life. You only have one and you should make the best of it. I finally feel like I am doing the best for me and my family. Are there ever any groups from the same area who meet up? Not as a support group exactly just as a fun time to meet other sleevers?

I have the opposite issue. I seem to smell less than before. I'm not sure why. But hey I'm not complaining.

I'm not sure but I would think making sure you get up and move around a lot after surgery and keep walking and walking as much as possible to prevent blood clots. I would say your Dr should let you know if there is anything special they want you to do. Otherwise I would follow the regular plan for post op and pre op. When is your surgery date?

41 lbs in 10 weeks is awesome. Plus going to the gym 4 times a week for cardio is even more awesome. You need muscle to burn fat. You will have ups and downs but just remember you will lose weight! You are taking in lower calories exercising and eating better. You might stall for a bit here and there as your body catches up but you will lose again. My philosophy on this whole process is just do what I have to do and relax Have faith that the weight will come off just keep doing what you are doing. You can not compare your loss to others. Some people have higher starting weights and different metabolisms there is no set number you should be at. A loss is a loss. Good luck!! and congrats!

I am 2 months post op and I also have a "sleeve of steel" I discovered I can eat pretty much anything I want in really small amounts. My post op diet was pretty much what everyone has I think. I did make a lot of my own soups so I could add veggies to them and puree them. I also made my own chicken salad puree If I wanted it I would try it. I have tried all kinds of things and nothing at all has bothered me. I stick with mostly Proteins and green veggies but I do have carbs sometimes. I love cheese any kind. My favorite snack is a slice of boars head blackforest deli ham with some cream cheese spread on it I put raw baby spinach and diced jalapenos then roll it up. Sometimes I used sliced chicken if it's what I have. I also have made beef cabbage tacos so so yummy. I cook regular dinners for my family and just eat small amounts of what I can. If I make Chicken alfredo and Pasta with broccoli I just eat the chicken and pasta. Turkey meatballs are another favorite I make a lot and freeze them and then pop a few in the toaster oven when I want them. I would say my diet is pretty normal now. I am probably not the normal sleever. I do have sweets on occasion. I do not do artificial sweeteners at all I can't stand them and i really don't like the idea of putting all those chemicals in my body. So I just drink Water or green tea with mint and honey. I average 700 to 900 calories per day. Sometimes though when I exercise my calories get cancelled out.. So I end up in the negative. I have lost 50 lbs in just 2 months and I feel great no fatigue or pain. Everyone is different though. I hope this helps. I have lots of recipes if you want I can share them with you.

You may need to try a different acid medication. I had those same hunger pains. I was so confused because I was sure I shouldn't feel hungry. So I called the Dr. and she told me to change up the meds I was taking. You really don't feel hungry until a few months post op or more. I started off taking omeprazole which is prilosec but I was still having acid pain so I now take Ranitidine which is the generic zantac 75.. I was taking it 2 times a day. Now I am down to one a day. You should ask your Doctor and see what they say.

I had my surgery Feb 15th. I'm doing great and very happy with my results so far. I've lost 48 lbs and 40 inches total. I eat pretty normal food now. Just really small amounts. I also go to the gym a few times a week to do cardio and weights. I really feel back to normal now. The biggest change for me is how I feel about food now. I just eat because I have to. I used to eat until the point of being sick and way over full. I love that I am not able to do this to myself anymore. I no longer over eat I just eat what I need to and go on with my day. I love my sleeve.