OneWritersSoul

Syntrax Nectar is also gluten-free as well. And it's one of only two protein powders that I've tried that I can tolerate. Since being sleeved my only carbs have been from fruits and vegetables.

Thanks, Laura! Here ya go (Jeans in size 18 Classic white Converse All-Stars in size 8...not bad from a size 8x pants and 10ww pre-op)

Highlight of my day? Even though I had to go shopping for new clothes and I DETEST shopping, I happened upon a very cute pair of shoes. In my new size. And I just so happened to be able to take a photo of me wearing them AND a pair of jeans AND crossing my still fat legs. (But I don't know how to post it! LoL)

I lost 100lbs during the six month supervised medical plan required by my insurance. I did not "cheat" nor did I starve myself. I saw the Nutritionist at the surgeon's office and I see the same one now. I wanted this procedure and knew I had to prove that I could handle changing my lifestyle. I weighed 489lbs the day I walked in for my consult and the day of surgery I weighed 389lbs.

Don't try to cheat, no matter how hungry or tempted you may be! It will be rough, especially in the evenings, if you're anything like I was. But the colder the protein the easier it goes down usually, so maybe that will help a little. And if you're allowed full liquids, SF Popsicles are your friend! As for the protein that worked, this is such an individual thing. Also keep in mind that a lot of people do well with one kind pre-op then have their tastes change post-op. My only protein options that are tolerable at all are Syntrax nectar, GNC Unflavored (great for mixing with Soups, tea, coffee, and SF hot cocoa) and Sunkist protein "shots". (The last one is not something that is recommended long-term but with 0 carbs and 0 sugar it did get me through my stricture period.) Good luck to you, Nate!

Thanks all! The offending waffles were just the standard Eggo Buttermilk variety, purchased before I'd been diagnosed as having Celiac's disease and various other grain allergies/sensitivities. So they would have been a nightmare. Truly, I don't miss things like this normally. I didn't even know they made a healthier variety of frozen waffle now!

If you compare yourself to ANYONE it's going to drive you INSANE, so it's really better to get a grip on it now. Yes, it's easier said than done but you'll be happier for breaking that habit in the long run. The advice about your measurements is spot on, especially in the early days. Those dreaded stalls can really play games with your self-perception so having some concrete numbers will help keep your morale high. Be sure to drink your Water and get your Protein in and you'll be just fine!

I'm not a lurker and I don't regret my surgery. But as a previous poster mentioned, I do feel very strongly that the psych evals are (in some cases) glossed over and it leaves people completely unprepared for what to expect after the surgery takes place. While my surgeon did an excellent job explaining the technical details to me regarding the surgery, neither he nor anyone in his office did a very good job addressing the mental/emotional aspects of the process. If I hadn't already been seeing a psychologist to address my food addiction, etc. there is no way the post-op period and complications wouldn't have sent me into a tailspin. I would have ended up depressed and completely regretting my decision, no doubt about it. Granted, I am one person and this is simply MY opinion. If one is mentally unprepared to make the changes necessary, then the physical aspects are going to seem even more insurmountable. Then one person posts about it and someone else is feeling the same way, then before long you have a forum full of individuals that seem to be the vast majority. Again, perhaps had they had more than one or two meetings with a psychologist or whomever cleared them. The complications I'm still experiencing at six months post-op are beyond frustrating. Living on anti-nausea meds and STILL not being able to eat certain foods truly sucks. BUT I knew the risks going in. I made the decision to either LIVE with (possible) complications from this surgery or DIE because I was horribly FAT. I chose to live with the complications. Given the choice, I'd still do it all again.

I'm one of those that it had a negative impact on. Cancer didn't impact my marriage the way being sleeved did. In all fairness, we were struggling prior to this, but once he saw me making positive life changes, that was it. Whatever his insecurities were, whatever doubts he had, they ALL came to the surface. He walked away. Not everyone is the same. Most relationships come through it just fine. But some don't. Communication is essential! I'm wishing you all the best!