rosehips

I typically weigh myself every 3 weeks so I don't get discouraged. After 3 weeks I so far have always lost weight. I am at 3 & 1/2 months out and I am starting to lack motivation in being off sugar, I found out unfortunately that I don't have the dumping syndrome so I have been eating skinny cow icecream. I ate 3 in one day and feel like I can't stop. I know I need to throw them away. Anyone else had this experience and made it back to the "good side"?

Hi, I was sleeved the same day as u and I have lost 60 lbs. two weeks ago I went to a dinner celebration and found out I can eat more food than I have been, about 1 cup, but worst of all I found out I don't have the dumping syndrome, I had a half a piece of cake.

I am back to eating my 1/2 cup mostly, maybe 3/4 cup sometimes. Unfortunately I have started eating skinny cow icecreams and not just one in a day. I am losing my discipline, I think cause I feel and look so much better I am secretly satisfied but I still way 220, have you had any experiences like this?

I am now at 31/2 mo post op, I was worried about my Protein and limited amount of food intake in the beginning. My doctor said to not worry, this is for a lifetime and your protein grams will increase over the next month. My protein has increased, I try to stick to 1/2 c of food every 3 hours.

I weight about every three weeks, body weight can fluctuate day to day for so many reasons. I put the scale in my closet and I just know I am loosing cause we eat so little and clothes are how I track it. I find something too tight in my closet and then I try it on every week til it fits.

I also hear our bodies get use to the exercise we are doing so we have to switch it up. Do you like Water aerobics, I LOVE IT and we all do it at our own pace.

If my scale says something sucky I can be in a bad mood most of the day, that's why I have to stay off it.

You might want to call your doc's office, they might be able to recommend Vitamins that have helped other people they have seen have this happen. I googled "hair loss after WLS" & there is a lot of info. I am sorry this has happened to you. I am going to take a photo of my hairline now, you might want to so you can track it as time goes on and KNOW that it is getting thicker.

I hope this helps.

I have lost 60 pounds so far and I feel more empathetic to people who are carrying around extra weight and being unhappy about it. I am so thankful I finally got the nerve to have this surgery and I am thankful that I became "ready" to stick with it. It is so fun losing this weight, I am down to a weight I have not been at for 20+ years. And I still have 55 to go to goal!!!

I like all of you prefer to like people for personality not size. People are ignorant about body size it is our culture.

Wrinkles...before I had the surgery I said to my doc "I'm going to get wrinkles on my face (I am 53). He said "then you will be like the rest of us".

You might want to check out theworldaccordingtoeggface.com, great site for all post WLS recipes, and the lady who does the forum is a lot of fun

My doctor told me if I were to get a leak it would be around three weeks. I was instructed to stay on puréed food for the first month, after that I did what ever was on my instruction sheet to continue to advance with food. I am fortunate that might sleeve and weightlossarecoming along as it should.

I will be believing the best for all of you.

3 months and 85 lb's, I AM ENVIOUS, sort of, you look terrific. I am 60 lb's down so I am very happy too.

I see this is an oldest but I am inspired by this, had to say Thamk You......I am at 3 months, the top part of me is shrinking like crazy, bottom half....much slower, huge butt is now just a very large butt....

I don't know how long it is either, I am at 3 months and just try by best so As much can come off before my body slows down. I hear 6-8 months, then I hear a year so who knows? Not me :-)

R u on pain pills?

One week before my surgery date, after all that work to get a surgery date I said "no, I am not going to do this, I don't care if I told people, I am just not going to do it.". I happened to be on my way to my acupuncturist, we did my regular appointment and offered my healing session to the good of the universe (hope that doesn't go too far against your beliefs but it is part of the story). So right then my head became crystal clear and said just go forward. After that, during the next week I just gave it up, knew I would do it.

I am 3 months out, 55 pounds less and am happy I did this. I still have my goal to lose 120 and I just eat what I am suppose to. No chips, sweets and pretty much everything is a go but I only do about a 1/2 cup. Yesterday I went out for lunch, got 2 fish tacos (the entree), asked for one in a to go box, ate at the other one slowly, ate about 1/2 of the inside & then I knew to stop.

I have to exercise to keep the weight falling off, I am not perfect but it is still working.

I hope you go for it, a lot of people say they are proud of me, I don't quite get it but they tell me it is cause I had the courage to go forward and tackle my "problem". I hurt in my feet, legs and could not do some sports I want to do.

Some people don't need to lose excess pounds cause they don't feel unhappy, depressed and addicted to food. I DID and the surgery has relieved most of the addicted feeling cause I really can't eat more than the 1/2 cup. If I had not had this surgery I felt so happy 45 lb.'s lighter I would have said "yep, this is good enough, let's go have pizza.". Now I can't stop cause of the portion thing.

GOOD LUCK

Yes, there is a thread on here somewhere rewarding this happening to some of us. I had acne w/ just like liquid in them. I think til about week 6. I bought some Retinol cream and it dried them up and they have not returned. I am now 3 mo out, 55 lbs down (includes the 10 or so from PRE op) & have clear skin, hang in there.

Agreed. I'm down 40 lbs saw a co worker today for the first time and she just kept telling me how great I look. I'm told all the time. I'm just seeing it in my face personally and I've noticed my stomach doesn't poke out as much.

I think some people will notice right away and some have their heads up there bum. I figure these people either 1. Didn't pay enough attention to me before. Or 2. Loved me ad saw me differently so never really "saw" my weight for what it was.

I have the same problem, I want to read it too and sometimes I just have to pass and read the next one showing in a standard font. Thanks for bringing it up.

How exciting, your wonderful shrinking journey is ahead of you. I wonder why your sister has to have the bypass? I am thanful the sleeve lets me absorb my Vitamins and nutrients better.

Your husband sounds like a very sweet man, & the fact that he is gonna be there for you regardless of him preferring that you would not is admirable?

Wow, 77 pound before surgery!!! I lost 15 and was not happy until this surgery, keep up the good work

I am 4 months out and eat about 1200 calories a day - sometimes a bit more - sometimes a bit less - if that gives you a reference at all...

What's your weight loss like? R u doing 3 meals day and then the PROTIEN bars r your 2 Snacks? I have been using watermelon as one of my snacks and a popcycle or an egg for snacks.

I dont know how many calories I have a day. I am following 3 guidelines/rules....

1. 55 to 85 Protein a day

2. No more than 2 snacks, 3 meals

3. If the food items fat calories comes out to more than 50% of total calories per serving, I DON'T BUY IT.

4 Water, water, water

5. Exercise 6 days a week, oopsie more than 3

My family (brothers & sisters, wives, and husbands) went on a family vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina in May. When we got home, I saw the photographs of myself. I didn't even recognize me! I looked so horrible I just wanted to cry. I swear to God I never thought I looked that bad. But, having seen the evidence, it must be true! I have never felt self-conscious about my appearance. In fact, I thought I always looked like a rock star. Man, were those pictures a wake-up call!

Also, I have begun to realize that people, especially men, do not care if you are nice, intelligent, pretty, funny, happy, or are a good friend, a good sister, a good aunt, or like to read and like to cook or the fact that you are an interesting person: the only thing most people care about is if you are fat. Unfortunately, the human race has not yet evolved beyond their biology. I understand that men are hard-wired to choose women who seem more physically able to produce children and continue the man's genetic line, but I keep hoping that people will eventually start to accept people as they are. But we all live in this world, and in order to be successful, we have to conform to this world's expectations. What bothers me the most is that while this world hates fat people, we continue to produce in massive quantities that which makes us all fat.

I especially detest people who claim they "are concerned about my health." It is a ridiculous, and erroneous, assumption. I do not have high cholesterol, nor high blood pressure, nor heart disease, nor diabetes, nor mobility problems, nor pain. I am very healthy, other than a very high BMI. Not everyone who is overweight is unhealthy. People who say this to me think they are helping. Their "concern" is just thinly-veiled contempt. I think hating on fat people is the last socially acceptable form of discrimination. And society makes it acceptable because their false "concern for our health." Just admit your prejudices.

My surgery is tentatively scheduled for November 28. I am very scared, but I am committed to doing this. Although I resent the fact I have to do this surgery, I know it is necessary.

I am sorry your journey has hurt you over the years, yes people can be mean, I have been very fortunate as your email reminds me. I hope you take any opportunities to talk to professionals on your feelings above. My surgery is working very well thank God, but the first week after the surgery when I was in pain I was crying the blues and saying"why couldn't I have loved myself as is". Now the pain is gone, I am an overall positive person and I am having so much fun getting smaller, but I was worried there that I would loose the weight and not like myself and be just as miserable as when I was larger. I personally judge myself as hard or harder than society does. I sure care for your well being, you will have a wonderful December & 2013 will be better than ever. "Be kind to others and generally they will be kind to you."

My main reason was being pretty much housebound.

Even in my house I couldn’t stand to cook or clean and I couldn’t walk from the top to bottom in one go I had to rest between floors it’s a 3 story house.

This year I hadn’t left my house unless in a car, I also cancelled going to my nephews christening because I couldn’t sit in the car for 3 hours to drive there without my back being in extreme pain, I couldn’t stand or walk for as much as I needed too once there and finding a outfit.

I did get a size 38 pair of pants but no top or shoes I could wear it depressed me more than anything else.

I have other reasons but they are personal to me.

I was on the waiting list to be approved for 2 years but the main reason for me is that I was pretty much a shut in because of my back and knees.

Middle of last year I tried to go ikea with my mum she drove I by passed most of the store and went straight to the bottom level which is pictures kitchen stuff rugs etc sat on a bench while she did all the looking around.

She met me we got half way in the ground floor I started locking up and shaking with pain I sat on the floor, when I felt better I started to go again had to walk through the warehouse bit I got down one isle so locked up and in so much pain I just started crying and forced myself to walk to some stairs near by to sit on and just cried while my mum tried to find the quickest way for me to get out.

Took me over an hour to get out because I would walk for 5mins be in so much pain I had to stop and wait and rest then go again and over and over.

Was the most humiliating experience ever just being stared at like I was insane and the staff constantly passing by asking if I was ok, am I sure and giving me odd looks.

The weight on my body was too much for me and nothing they did helped my back, the bigger I got the less I did the more pain I was in and round and round it went.

I think that’s why I was cleared suddenly this year instead of end of next year like it originally said.

I still have major issues with my back and right knee, still haven’t gone anywhere on my own not in a car but when I do instead of porters taking me in a wheelchair around the hospital I walk.

So that’s my straw that broke my back lol

Your share has touched me deeply, I know that would have been my story. It must have been awhile before surgery that u drove/ went every where. I know for me not doing something makes it feet bigger and bigger, scarier.....some things I have walked thru, others I have not. I hope you can drive yourself to a park or something. The world is missing GETTING TO KNOW YOU. I like to smile at people for no good reason, everyone has their own issues and when I remember that then I can help others & voila, I feel happier and like myself more. Your journey is courageous, people say that to me, I ask them why do u say that, whey say cause I am doing something about what was bothering me

Hurting a lot and listening to my knees sounding like rice krispies every time I sat down.

That and going to the drive in movies and feeling the camping chair slowly bend closer to the ground until it wouldn't close up any more.

We wanted to go to Six Flags before school starts but I got so depressed thinking about walking, riding and just sitting while everyone had fun, we decided to cancel. And that depressed me even more. We cancelled a mini vacation because of my weight.

Been toying with the idea of WLS, but I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired, you know?

Did you have the surgery yet? I am sure u r reading how life changing this surgery has been for, gosh, everyone I can think of. I was so scared I would lose the weight and gain it back.. I am only at 10 weeks posy op but with my stomach smaller my intense desire has left me, my happiness has increased, I am learning from people who have done it how I will need to keep the weight off, I am learning how small a portion can be and still be enough, I NEVER want 2 portions regardless of how good it tastes. Sorry if you have had the surgery and already are experiencing it, just care

Oh yea, I had it too, overall gone now, I was still getting nauseas til I started doing tiny bites and like aid...if there's food in my mouth there is nothing in my hands... That cute little saying is turning things around for me.

When I read gax-x it reminded me of something. U might want to google laparoscopic and gas, apparently, the way I understood it is, the surgeon pumps us up with some kind of gas to give more room for him/her to do their job. Well I had HORRIBLE pain in my shoulders, arm area. none of the hospital staff told me what it was, I had never heard of this. Their may bea forum on this but I did not join here til after surgery, good luck, u will love shrinking once u get comfortable

Found online

Shoulder and Upper Chest Pain

A common side effect of laparoscopic surgery, according to Surgery.com, is upper chest or shoulder pain. Patient UK notes that this may be concentrated in the shoulder blades. The pain is related to increased abdominal cavity pressure caused by the gas surgeons use to inflate the abdominal area prior to the first incision to give them a clearer view and better access to surgical sites. Surgery.com notes that the pain typically lasts for one to two days after the surgery.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/215453-side-effects-of-laparoscopic-surgery/#ixzz2Br8JZOKF

ALSO.....

Step 1

Position yourself on your side if you have shoulder pain caused by the carbon dioxide irritating the diaphragm. Bring your knees to your chest and hold this position for 5 to 15 minutes, recommends the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Another helpful position for shoulder pain is lying on your back with your hips elevated on several pillows.

Step 2

Walk as soon as you are allowed to do so. Early walking after surgery, according to the University of Wisconsin Hospital, helps your body to recover more quickly. Since surgery slows the gastrointestinal system, gas builds up and the patient may become constipated. Walking helps to dissipate the gas and promote digestion. Begin slowly and work up to your usual activity level in about a week.

Step 3

Take pain medications for surgical pain as ordered by your surgeon, but do not overdo it. Narcotics can slow the digestive system, causing Constipation and gas.

Step 4

Eat a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains to prevent constipation and gas. Drink plenty of Water and take a stool softener if needed for constipation, advises the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Avoid fatty foods that may cause gas, although you may add them to your diet later.

Step 5

Take an over-the-counter medication such as simethicone for gas pains, notes Drugs.com, unless your surgeon has advised against it.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/182083-how-to-treat-gas-pain-after-laparoscopic-gallbladder-surgery/#ixzz2Br8g2bmL

I was sleeved on Aug 29th and have lost 46 lbs. I eat mostly chicken, tuna and Flounder. I snack on light Greek yogurt, reduced fat string cheese and low fat cottage cheese. I really don't have room to add fresh veggies and fruits or I will not meet my Protein goals. I also have an Atkins Protein Bar for Breakfast. I've started bike riding but it is getting to cold for that, boo- Hoo! I also work out on the elliptical 20 minutes 3 times a week and do weight training 3 times a week. I still struggle getting my Water in.

I was 287 when I was sleeved and I'm down to 241!

Our diet is very similar, I REALLY have to be diligent to get my Water in, it is a challenge. I just told my nut that I really have no veggies cause of the Protein thing, she said OK, I just had labs done and all looked good + Vitamins.

Our weight is the same too, I am going to try to be "a friend here.". Keep having fun, THIS IS AWESOME,!!!