Chelenka

Thanks I'll try that. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Your journey is so inspiring. Congratulations on your incredible transformation! Have you ever read "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson? If not I highly recommend it. One of the funniest books I've ever read. Your trail hiking made me think of it. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Wow! You guys look awesome! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your pics. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Holy crap I' having the worst case of sliming! I ate a turkey burger for dinner. Guess I ate it too fast and about two bites too many. I'm really in a lot of discomfort. I wish I could throw up but it won't come up and it's not going down either. I'm just belching and sliming and miserable. Is there any way to get this to stop? It's been going on for at least two hours. Help me!!!!! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Thank you Globetrotter for starting this thread. It brings up so many issues that are, perhaps, unique to women. I find myself revisiting this thread a lot. After having dispensed my sage advice here and on another thread yesterday, I was feeling like the queen of wisdom and then in the wee hours this morning had a total freak-out and panic attack! Guess I need to call my therapist! I've been fat my whole life. My identity is so wrapped up in my fatness. My fat has seemed like a shield of protectiveness and I allowed it to hold me back from pursuing my dreams way too often cuz that way I could safely fail without really trying. Now as I am losing weight I wonder who I will be at the end of this journey? I feel frightened of the unknown and while I enjoy stranger's more positive reactions I also find myself getting mad at the people close to me who either don't notice my weight loss or don't say anything about it or give me what I call a left-handed compliment, compliment with a caveat. But I digress. I realized in my freaked-out state that I'm afraid of putting myself out there again with my career. I'm a professional singer of opera and classical music. People always say to me that they thought all opera singers are fat! LOL! Well some are and some aren't but the reality of working as a performing artist is that the pressure to be as thin and fit as possible is very intense. That being said, I didn't have this surgery for my career, I had it because I was in pain all the time and miserable in my body and I didn't want live like that. My career had been at a stand still since 2011 because of my weight-related back and knee issues which hampered my ability to do much of anything much less move on the stage. I was knee deep in denial about it for a long time. But now looking back I can see that I also felt hopeless to truly change myself and also very afraid at the same time. I was truly stuck. Now, having gone thru the surgery and dropped 50lbs so far, I am finding that my career may be viable again but I'm feeling so afraid. I feel fearful of putting myself on the line again because I don't feel totally in control of myself. How do I behave now that I'm not always on the defensive or apologizing for being fat? How will I be perceived now? I can't control what others think, do or say and I try not to take negative responses personally but to be honest, I'm not too good at that. What if an attractive man comes on to me? i'm happily married but not dead. will I be able to keep myself in control? I feel so much sexier sometimes, despite my still-fat body, droopy boobs etc. I apologize for this somewhat unrelated ramble but I'm having a crisis here!! Laughing at myself now! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

I'm finding I need A LOT more Water now that the weather is hotter. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

The first three weeks post-sleeve are the hardest it seems. You may be able to eat a half a sandwich eventually and most food has become enjoyable to me again but I can only eat small amounts. It is natural to grieve for the loss of your best friend/lover/coping mechanism etc., food. But you made this choice for a reason. So try to focus on that and look for some new ways to find enjoyment and pleasure in life that doesn't involve food. It's not easy but you can do it! If I can than you can too. We are all here in the same boat so you are not alone in this. You had the courage and determination to get the surgery so buck up girly! Food will always be there saying "eat me I'm soooooo delicious and I'll make you feel happy"! That happiness is very short-lived in my experience and soon followed my massive regret which is followed by more eating to assuage the bad feelings, etc. You are stronger than that or you wouldn't have chosen this path. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

I was told that you need to take calcium citrate not calcium carbonate because you can't absorb the calcium carbonate once you've been sleeved. I use a liquid form that I buy at Whole Foods called Bluebonnet. It has 10 calories and 3 g carbs which are from fructose. My Centrum chewable multivitamin/mineral has 5 calories and less than one gram of sugar. I buy that at Walmart. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

This whole thread is hilarious! My hubby and I did Weight Watchers together about 10 years ago. he lost 40lbs and I lost 5lbs! I was PISSED!!!! But there is a larger issue here when it come's health. As annoying as our beloved's eating habits, chewing of chips, slurping of ice cream, attempts at sabotage and their propensity to lose wright more easily may be, the continual bad food choices could eventually lead to serious health problems for them. As much as they irritate us we still want them to be healthy and be with us for many years, don't we? Even the skinny guys can have heart attacks. A lot of it is genetic but food choices and exercise can really help control the type 2 diabetes. So maybe talking to him about your concerns for his health and also telling him frankly but gently that you find the junk-food consumption and surrounding debris field disgusting and a big turn-off will get him thinking more about his choices and behavior. After all if you ate in that manner he would probably feel the same way. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Globetrotter: you have brought up a very sensitive issue and I think you are very brave to open yourself up here and speak so honestly about your experiences and feelings. I am very concerned for you because you have so much anger, sound depressed and I think you would really benefit from some counseling if you can afford it. Think of it as an investment in your soul. I have been obese my entire life but I'm also very tall which made me seem threatening and less than feminine to many insecure men. I also have experienced both unwanted and wanted attention from men. I met my husband when I was at a point in my life where I was happy with myself and with being alone and so didn't "need" anyone but I wanted a life-partner. I've never have had any issues bonding with other women and have many close friendships some of them life-long. I think we project onto others what we feel about ourselves. When you learn to love yourself as unconditionally as possible and start projecting that love and kindness out to others you will attract loving people who are not mean-spirited and judgmental and who will love and value you for who you are. I hope you can find some women friends here or in you home-life. Can't imagine going thru life without that support. Hugs to you! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

So sorry your surgery had to be rescheduled. That sucks. Hang in there, it'll happen soon. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Thank you for posting this. It's very helpful and informative. It looks like you had a really skillful, top-notch PS. I think you will look great once you're fully healed. I don't know if I will want to, or have the courage for any plastic surgery. I'm in the beginning stage of my journey. My girls are currently about the same cup size G as they were pre-surgery but my band size has gone down from 42 to 38. I'm hoping they don't end up looking like deflated balloons! LOL! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

I have been in the work situation where co-workers are eating Cookies, cupcakes, etc. so I tried a little taste. I found that the sugary stuff makes me feel sick but since that's my addiction I keep trying things here and there. LOL! Perhaps you could make yourself some healthy, portable treats to bring with you. I'm sure you can find some good recipes on the food and Nutrition forum here. I also suspect that stress from your workplace is a factor as you probably coped with it in the past by eating. I certainly did that. So now maybe you can think of other ways to cope with work stress that doesn't involve food. It ain't easy but you can do it! I think our head-hunger will probably always be an issue. But you wouldn't have gotten this far without determination. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Just keep telling your husband how much you love him, need him, appreciate his support and also show him thru your actions. It sounds like he needs some reassurance. Also, I think it's probably best to keep the other admirers words to oneself. I have always gotten unwanted attention from time to time, even at my highest weight. Some men like big girls, in fact my husband prefers a full-figured woman so I worry that he'll not be attracted to me once I get to goal. The most attractive aspect of any person, fat or thin, is really their self-confidence. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

If you are still in the plus sizes check out Junonia.com. They have some good coverage options but are pricey. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Fascinating and insightful post. It brings up so many issues we all are dealing with. The other day I caught sight of myself in a restroom mirror and literally didn't recognize myself for a moment. Then I laughed out loud like a crazy woman! Luckily I was alone in there! I've always tried not to be judgmental having been on the receiving end of so much negative judgement from others and from myself. I often fail miserably but I do try. I also look at food so differently than prior to my surgery and the portions that normal people eat seem ginormous! I too sometimes wish I could still eat like that! When I make dinner for my hubby or if we're eating out I have to bite my tongue about his food choices and portion size. I don't want to make him feel self conscious since he has always loved me and supported me regardless. So often in the past I got judged for my excess weight and how much I ate. I work in the performing arts too and the pressure and body image ideas have become so negative and extreme. Now that I am about half-way in my journey I hope I can be kind to myself and to others. Everyone has the right to live in their body and eat as they choose. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Love salmon, crave it actually, organic eggs, and avocados. I eat Peanut Butter too, not sure if that counts. Love this subject. I read a book called "Why Women Need Fat" which went into great detail about this lack of the Omega 3 fats in the American diet, why and wherefore etc., and how it is directly connected to obesity. Eating the healthy fats is so good for us! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

I have a feeling not enough Water may be the problem. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Thank you for sharing your story! That is a scary complication and it reminds me to be ever thankful that I've been complication free! You are doing great! I often read about people getting negative judgement over their decision to have weight loss surgery. I've not experienced that so far. Mostly people have been surprised but supportive. I'm very tall though, 6'1", so maybe they just don't want to mess with me! LOL! Please keep us posted on how you are doing. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

I am very sensitive to caffeine and all stimulants. I have one cup of coffee per day in the morning. Your sleep is very important for your overall health. Maybe you should forget about that sh@$. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

At one month post op I think focusing on getting you Protein and Water is the most important thing. As you begin to eat more types of food you will begin to naturally eat more fat and thus calories. This is very individual as everyone's body, activity level and nutritional needs are different. My nutritionist wants me at 1000-1200 calories a day mostly from protein. I do try to include foods with some good Omega 3 fats like eggs and avocado. I've eaten some less than healthy choices too in terms of fat content, like a small amount of pizza (2/3 of one slice) and buffalo wings (3 was the limit). It hasn't effected my weight loss but I don't plan on making a habit of it. You will have to experiment as you go forward and find what works for you with your lifestyle. Quick pics that travel well are Greek yogurt, string cheese, Protein shake, hard boiled egg, small container of humus or Peanut Butter. One fast food option is McDonald's grilled chicken sandwich. You can just eat half of it or remove the bun. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

Gotta a lot o junk in my trunk too! LOL! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

You probably have an electrolyte imbalance. Try drinking some Gatorade. I have a slow resting pulse too but mine's always been that way. Hope you're feeling better soon. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

The W means it's a woman's or plus size. If your 18w jeans are too big then you should try a 16w or a regular 18 and see how they fit. Shopping should be more fun now that you are losing weight. Different brands of jeans are cut differently too so you really have to try them on to get a pair that fit you properly. But don't spend too much money cuz you're going to keep losing and getting smaller. Try Marshall's, TJ Maxx, a consignment store, etc so you save money. You could also have your pants taken in if you sew or know someone who does. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4