Eat That Frog

I totally understand how you feel. Even though I was told many times that the sleeve is just a tool to help with the weight loss, I somehow thought the weight would come off a lot faster. Were it not for this forum, I would have freaked out when I hit my first stall. Good luck. Hang in there!

I am 4 months out and have a lot of hunger. It isn't a severe as before surgery, but it is real. I find that sipping water will sometimes make it go away, if not, a couple of bites of a protein bar usually works. It is a little disappointing because I was lead to believe that I wouldn't experience hunger after surgery.

Good luck Julie!

I took off 1 week, I have a desk job. When I went back I wasn't in pain, but I tired very easily and was exhausted by the end of the day. I am 55, not sure how much of a factor that was in the exhaustion. If I had to do it over again I would have taken off 1 week and then worked half days for a week or two when I returned.

Not sure if you are talking about medication or Vitamins... I take quite a few medications (although the number is dropping) and was allowed to take them whole once I returned home after surgery. The rule is anything larger than a M&M needs to be cut in half. For a while they always felt like they were stuck in my throat and I hated taking them, but it is getting better. I do get in a lot of my Water washing down medication.

Surgery date 9/10/12. I am 5'2". Starting weight 255, current weight 205. Starting the new year out down 50 pounds feels great. No hair loss yet (praying).

It is so easy to eat "bad" food over the holidays and tell yourself that it's just this one time...I certainly did it over the holidays. I don't think I will ever be able to have sweets in the house, it's not fair to my husband, but that's too bad. Do you have any before pictures that you can look at? Think of what all you have been through in the last year and how hard you worked to get where you are. You can do this! Good luck!

I have joined a gym 20 times in my life and never lasted more than 2 months because I hate it. This last round (Jan. 2012) I signed an agreement to work with a personal trainer twice a week for 6 months thinking that would force me to go to the gym and hopefully it would become a habit I could tolerate. I did go twice a week but still hated it and didn't go back once my 6 months was up. I finally decided I am not going to waste any more money and no longer will feel guilty about not going to the gym. I do get exercise from a little bit of line dancing, walking my 60 pound dog, cleaning and doing yard work. Right now my arms are killing me from carrying and spreading mulch. The key is to find something that you like. Start off slow, maybe some walking. If you live somewhere cold, go to the mall and walk around. Dancing around your house is a great start. Get up and dance during the commercials. Any movement burns calories. Good luck!

You had the right idea...asking questions looking for a good option!

Congrats! You look great.

Congrats on 100 pounds! That is amazing. I too struggle with bread and sweets and although I usually only have a few bites I know that my long term success will depend upon my ability to control my intake of them. I know that some posters have said that their taste changed and sweets no longer taste good to them, wish I could say the same. Good luck on your continued success, you know what you need to do. Maybe looking at a few "before" pictures will help.

Wait! Wait! Mine said 15 before and 30 after.

I have been taking the Bariatric Advantage Vitamins that were recommended by the surgeon's office. They recommended them so strongly and signed me up for auto delivery, they have to be getting a commission on the orders. I was looking at everything closely today (since my New Year's resolution is to do a better job of taking my vitamins) and was shocked to see that between the multi-vitamins and the calcium chewables they have 170 calories. 170 calories!!! That's just not right.

Congrats! Keep up the good work.

I am starting out the New Year down exactly 50 pounds and onederland is right around the corner! SW = 255 CW = 205 April Fools Day = 180 By that point I should have pretty much cleaned out my closet and be ready to buy some new clothes. I love to shop but have only been shopping in my closet so far.

As long as you can tolerate protein shakes that is a good place to start. Hang in there. Good luck!

As a supervisor I agree, don't offer any excuses about your wardrobe and don't skip the handshake unless your cold is in the most blaring obvious stags. Good luck!

Did you have it?

Hang in there, you will probably go through several stalls in your journey. I know they are frustrating, but don't let them discourage you. My doctor never mentioned stalls and if it wasn't for this forum I would have felt like a total failure when the first one hit.

It seems like every doctor has different requirements and some don't even require a pre-op diet. My doctor required 2 shakes a day and a regular low carb dinner. The point is that every ounce you can lose prior to surgery makes the surgery less risky, and every ounce you lose prior to surgery is one less ounce you have to lose after surgery. Don't beat yourself up...if you could easily stick to a "diet" you wouldn't be having WLS. Good luck!

I absolutely have hunger although it is not as severe as before surgery. Sometimes sipping some Water will help, if not usually just a few bites of something is all it takes to satisfy me. I keep Protein bars handy for this reason. The doctors may tell you that you won't be hungry after surgery, but that isn't the case for everyone. As to the sweets craving, that is my biggest obstacle. There are lots of sugar free options, but I know the best solution long-term is to eliminate them, even SF. Good luck!

Do you have pain when you are lying in bed or is it mainly when you are moving?

You look great. It doesn't look like you need to lose 64 more pounds. Congrats!

I have similar issues, seems like everything is shrinking except my belly. I had to buy smaller bras but still look like I am ready to give birth any minute. I feel your pain, I guess it will be that much sweeter when the belly finally starts to go.

I agree...it sounds like you are eating a lot. I was told a meal should be approx. 1/2 cup total, some people may need to start out at 1/4 cup and work their way up to 1/2 cup. The primary focus should be lean protein with a little bit of veggies and fruit. 3 meals and 2 snacks, minimal amounts of carbs. Good luck!