starfish108

I am now in ONE-derland! I'm so excited! Plan to be here in the long run !

Thanks for the encouragement. @Aileen, the Protein shakes are really important. I used Spiruteen Cookies and creme because it was a flavor I liked. I had no issues and recovered in less than 10 days. The first few days were very hard, but then got easier and easier. Sugarfree popsicles are a must! Honestly, for me everything was the same, you just eat way less. Like now my eyes have trained to get smaller portiions. When I see someone eat "normal" portions, sometimes I can't believe I used to eat that or double. I just take very little food each meal and its usually more than enough to satisfy. I am hungrier often, but you just have to learn to adapt. You will find your own techniques and learn from experience

Hi All! It's been one year since surgery. I am a slow loser but have lost about 60 lbs so far. It's been an amazing journey and I am so happy with this decision; the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have learned a lot about myself in this process and also what is working for me and what is not. Definitely the first 6 months are very critical and one should really stick to the eating plans and exercise plans. I am learning about my vices and my emotional eating habits. The addiction to food can be overwhelming. Now I have found that the human tastebuds take a few days to get accustomed to a taste. When I cut out the process foods and junk foods, the first few days are hard. But then it’s easier to stop and the cravings reduce. It’s amazing how we as humans adapt. Now that I am eating less and healthier, weight is just coming off and I am not craving. I had a bad patch around Christmas time when I was eating SO much. I couldn’t control it. But Then I started slowly changing my habits, and then it became easier. One thing really helped me: fasting. The 5:2 method of intermittent fasting has been a life saver. I do at least one full day of fasting per week. This has been the single most helpful thing for me. One doesn’t need to eat a lot to survive. All the evidence out there about fasting is amazing and true. Watch the BBC documentary: chocolate, cheese, meat, and Sugar -- Physically Addictive Fat Sick and Nearly Dead Sugar the Bitter Truth Metabolism and Nutrition: The Inside Story of Obesity So far so good guys! I am thankful to this forum as a support. Looking forward to year two!!

I am also a very slow looser. I had surgery in Feb 2013 and now am down only 40 lbs...that's 8 months out. I travel a lot and definately eat irregularly and don't must admit the regular exercise has dwindled. Any advice?

I am also about 6 months out and have lost about 40 lbs since surgery. Seems slow, but I am happy with the gradual loss actually. I had a RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) test done and found that for my body, the amount of calories I would burn in a day is 1260. This is quite low, even the doc said some people are just made that way. Anyways, not a justification, but good to know that sometimes you're battling nature too. I am doing well, I avg about 900 cal a day and I exercise regularly. I must admit I am totally not eating healthy. I just eat what I want, but much less. Snacking has been an issue, but I still lose 1-2 lbs a week. Anyways, Hope it continues. I am sooo happy with this surgery and would NEVER want to go back to the way I was.

Thanks for this update. I think my honeymoon is over too. I had surgery in February, so that's 2.5 months ago. Since surgery I have only lost 21 lbs. Since I started the bariatric program I have lost an additional 10 lbs. So that's about 31 total. Not miraculous but I am happy to see the weight going down. I recently joined a gym and really have to hit hard at least 4 days a week. I am meticulous on the MFP app and rarely cross 800-900 cal. (on a couple splurge days I saw it reach 1000 and I agree with you, all the grazing adds up.) I have a stomach of steel too, I have had no nausea or any issues...if I eat fast I just feel deathly full. I also saw a dietician to get me on track and of course its all stuff we know: eat your protein first, don't eat carbs, drink your water, exercise. We have the knowledge, just implementing it is hard. I need to stay motivate and look at the bigger picture here.

When I upped my calories from 500 to now at least 800-900 I started loosing weight. I wonder if its a metabolism thing, you need to find your optimal zone. Try different foods, mix it up a bit. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Maybe I am a slow loser...started preop at 265. Now at 238 (down 27 lbs). On Feb 11th was 255 so am only down 17 since surgery. Feels really slow. Protein is not the main part of my diet and using myfitnesspal I see that I get in a lot of carbs. I am starting up at the gym again tomorrow (had just been walking 20 min a day otherwise.) Seems like I'm below average here ... Sent from my iPhone using VST

Yes that's true. I am not in rush but was told that the first few months are the "honeymoon" period, the optimal window to loose. I just don't want to miss that. I think I'm doing everything right. I admit, I do have a strong head hunger. Cravings are intense, hunger feels so real. I pretty much feel the same as before! Hope it shifts.

BMI is mid 40s. It's little frustrating ...I hope it speeds up! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm 2.5 weeks out and have only lost 10 lbs. I feel things are slowing down. I use myfitnesspal and usually only get about 500 cal or under. 20 min brisk walk a day. What gives!?? Will it get better ? Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm about 2 weeks out. I think I pulled an abdominal muscle on my lower left side. The only pain free position to sleep is on my back. But, I am so sick of sleeping on my back, its uncomfy! Due to pain, cannot sleep any other way. I used to be a stomach sleeper, but don't dare try that. Even turning to the side is excruciating. Do others have this problem? What can I do? Sent from my iPhone using VST

Had to attend a social event this weekend though I am less than 2 weeks out. I couldn't believe how food centric socializing is and I really had to fake it. Despite being super careful, I ended up indulging ...1/2 an asiago bagel with cream cheese, nacho bar, and a small piece of chocolate cake. Being around food was hard and I craved just a few bites..before I knew it I was eating considerably more than id have liked to. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm 12 days post op and day 1-4 were horrible! I couldn't take the pain, the gas and the "hunger" pains/nausea. It gets better. Take pain meds BEFORE it hurts. Be regular about it. I still have a weird muscular pain in my lower left abdomen. Getting in and out of bed still hurts. Hoping that goes away. Hang in there...worst is over ! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Sugarfree Popsicles for sure Sent from my iPhone using VST