Shelley9

I decided 10 years ago to not have this done. What if something went wrong? What if it didn't work? Last year, I was encouraged to have it done, by my endocrinologist. I said yes, what I had done for the previous 10 years only managed to help me gain 60 pounds and loose most of my self-esteem and energy. Dec. 4, 2012 I had the surgery - gastric vertical sleeve. I was home 3 days later. Since Dec. 4, 2012 everyday I have felt better and better. I started at a size 26 and I am now a size 18. My self-esteem is better than it has been in 30 years (I am 48). I never remember feeling good about myself, ever. At age 16 I was 200 lbs. At my heaviest I was 314 lbs. As far a the food plan goes now, I have fun with it. I bought a couple of small dishes so my meals don't look like a thimble full on a dinner plate and psychologically is works. I bought little plastic baby spoons and that has been great too. It slows down my eating and gives me a small enough portion that my sleeve stays happy. I used regular sized cutlery and found I put too much in my mouth at one time; when I used a regular spoon, a tiny amount looked wrong. Drinking with meals - not such a big deal. I would rather have the food than the liquid. Back to the having fun part - every meal for me is an adventure. I love to cook so I cook for friends and keep a small amount for me. My boyfriend and his family are super supportive too. We giggle about how much I eat and I think it is cute, and we all know that it is a need not a choice for me. For example, he eats 8 Brussel sprouts, I eat 1, in 3 bites. He eats a huge steak, I eat 2 bites of his. It makes me a really cheap date for meals too My only regret to having this done, and I mean my only regret, is not having it done 10 years ago. I opted to stay fat, less healthy, and uncomfortable for 10 years longer than I should have. I have been fortunate that I have not really had any troubles and I understand that some people do, but I think it is all about being good to yourself, listen to your body and err on less than more at all times. What you decide is your decision, but base it on facts and not on what ifs. Best wishes to you.

Smaller sizes are an amazing feeling. Today I was able to shop in 3 regular stores. I have not done that, for me, in over 30 years. I was a size 24 last summer and I am an 18W today. Good thing my grocery bill is so small; I am spending the money on new clothes. I am feeling better every day.

I am 10 weeks out and down approx. 20 pounds. I am really happy with my progress, down from a size 24/3x to a size 18/1x. I haven't been this size in about 20 years. But, with Valentines day came a beautiful box of top quality chocolate. I have enjoyed the chocolates, there are a few left. The scale has gone up a pound, but I completely understand why. Now I get back to reality and appreciate the gift that I have been given.

My surgery was Dec. 4, 2012 and I have been feeling really great for the past 3 weeks. Eating almost everything - no salad (it fast tracks to the exit) and beef is still difficult to digest. Loving my decision and I am down from a size 24 to an 18.

I am trying a little Bailleys. Rough week at work. My surgery was Dec. 4. So far, all is well.

Have you had your vitamin D level checked? My level was extremely low and my endocrinologist said that Vitamin D hides in the fat. She gave me an injection that apparently lasts for 6 months. After a week, it was like a light switch was turned on. I am on top of my game now. Energy and positive attitude like I have never known. Wish I had known this little cure sooner.

I was in the same boat. I finally decided to eat a bit more - I am between 800 and 900 calories a day and I have lost 5 lbs in one week. I am down from a size 24 to a 20, almost an 18 and I am feeling better than I have in 25 years. I can't believe the process, and the frustrations.

I going out to celebrate a friend's birthday at a Chinese restaurant. I know I can take little bits of this and that so it will be great. A friend and I ate at Montana's the other day. She ordered the fajitas and I ate from her plate since there was so much there to choose from. My boyfriend said I was a really cheap date to take out now. Tee hee.

I had 2 days where I upped my calories significantly to 1400 - the next day I was down a pound, the day after another pound was gone. Today I am back down to 500 - 600 calories. I am interested to see what the week holds for me.

Good idea - replace a meal with more fluids.That is easy for me at work; I'll give that a try, Thanks.

In April 2012 I decided to try to loose. From April - Oct. I lost 20 lbs on my own with the help of Victoza. Oct. to pre-op I lost 12 lbs. Post op I lost 10 lbs in the first week and 2 lbs in the past 5 weeks = 44 lbs since April. I did measure a few weeks ago and there has been some change in the past 5 weeks. Since going back to work it is really difficult to get in all my fluids - I am a gr 7 teacher. I do get all of my protein in.

Sleeved Dec. 4/ 12 weight 282. Today, down 12 lbs. Stalled for past 5 weeks.

When I saw my surgeon (6 weeks post op) he said that 12 pounds in 6 weeks was good. I said I had hoped to lose more weight. He looked at me and asked if I(pre-op) I would have been happy with a loss of 2 pounds a week. Over course I would have been thrilled. He said, and I quote, "What are you complaining about?". Ok. I have lost 2 pant sizes and almost 2 shirt sizes which tells me a lot over and above the scale. My doctor agreed that I am coming along too. My endocrinologist said to keep the Protein up and eliminate the carbs and fats and the weight will slide off. My problem is that I am getting tired of just protein. Tuna, salmon, shrimp, chicken, and eggs are over staying their welcome in my fridge. I have never been one to be ok with repeating a meal in the same few days. Beef and pork doesn't agree with me yet. ..................... I added more protein and Water and the scale has dropped 2 pounds in 3 days. It works.

Sounds great I am making my new version of pizza - prosciutto ham, a little tomato paste, pineapple tidbits and finally grated mozz., rolled up and nuked until the cheese starts to melt a little.

I'm in the same boat. I lost 30 lbs pre-op and only 10 lbs at 5 weeks post op. I eat between 450 - 600 calories a day and get approx. 60 grams of protein a day. Wish I could get over this stall too. I still have 120 lbs to go. On the positive side I feel fabulous and my clothes tell me that the inches are changing. I just hope that all will change soon.

Good morning Neekoal, I have my 6 weeks follow up on Wednesday and I am concerned that the surgeon isn't going to agree with my rate of weight loss. In the first week, I lost 10 pounds. Since then, 1 pound has gone. I am eating between 400 and 600 calories a day. I was a little lactose intolerant before surgery but now I am totally intolerant even to the point that the whey powder in the shakes goes through in under 10 minutes and I feel yucky. I am trying Protein bars and they seem to be working a little better. Prawns are my friends but pork, beef and sometimes chicken cause me to 'dump' too. I have 120 lbs to go and I fear that it is going to take forever.

I am 6 weeks post op. The first week I lost 10 pounds and have not lost a pound since. I know I have lost inches because my clothes are not fitting. However, I pray that this 'freeze' won't last. I am eating between 50 & 60 grams of protein a day and under 40 grams of carbs. I try to drink 8 cups of fluids a day, but I manage about 4 or 5; I never did drink 8 cups a day, ever. If anyone has any suggestions to help me understand what is going on, or how to get the pounds moving again, I would be grateful.