Teachamy

I am so sorry. I can imagine the sting of that comment. Maybe she is feeling threatened because soon you will be "100 and sexy". My advice--tell her how rude the comment was and how it bothered you. If she can't accept it and apologize, lose that 115 pound baggage. You don't need toxic people in your world.

YEE HA! A victory, indeed!

Try different types of shakes until you find one you can stomach. Buy unflavored Protein powder and mix it into some crystal light. You need to get it in! Yes, you will be hungry again, don't worry. Right now your sleeve is still swollen--that will go away and as time goes on, you will find hunger increases. Breathe deeply. You got this! Amy

I sipped when I could, but the first few days, I would sip and dry heave, sip and dry heave. It was hell. They kept me hooked up to fluids, and by day 3, I could sip a bit without the nausea. I spent 4 days in the hospital (I had A Fib, so they stuck me in the cardiac ward.) I didn't eat anything, aside from sucking on a sugar-free popsicle or 2. When I got home, a couple of teaspoons of cottage cheese or yogurt was the best I could do. Protein shakes were my main source of nourishment. I always think of it as a baby beginning to eat baby food. Their main source of nourishment is liquid--mother's milk or formula. As they get better eating, food begins to be the main source of nourishment. As long as you are getting in liquids and plenty of Protein Shakes these first few days, you are doing great.

I too had the Mirena and was surprised when I bled for the first few weeks. It was light, but I usually didn't get a period. That being said, this January (1 yr. post-sleeve) I started bleeding again and found out I had a large fibroid that led to a hysterectomy. Most ob/gyn's will tell you if you are bleeding in a way that is abnormal for you, you should get it checked out because it is a sign of uterine or ovarian cancer. Luckily for me it was neither. I know it is very expensive, but peace of mind and assurance that you are healthy is very important!

I used to walk a lot of 5k's too. Much easier to do now! Keep that stubborn resolve!

I ate healthy meals--no pre-op diet per sé. My doctor considered my weight from our first appointment and didn't weigh me thereafter. Insurance was no problem. She wasn't worried about a fatty liver with me either, considering my relatively low BMI. I'm sure that's what your surgeon is thinking. You will be fine. Breathe, my fellow low BMI'er. This is the best decision you ever made!

I "third" the vote to track on My Fitness Pal. It keeps me honest. I do it whenever I think a pound or 2 may have creeped on. Also, measure or weigh everything you eat. Your carbs may be higher than you realize. Also, do you have regular appointments with a nutritionist/dietician? They are trained to help. Sometimes a once a week appointment can really improve one's mood. Most importantly, don't give up! Best, Amy

I once heard an interview with a couple who decided on bariatric surgery. They were told, "look around for people your size who are 70 ." The sad truth is, people who are morbidly obese will die earlier than those who maintain a healthy lifestyle/weight. I had a host of comorbidities prior to surgery. (I too was 39) It has improved or ended all of the health issues I experienced. (With the possible exception of asthma and a spinal tumor...) It is wonderful that you do 5k's and that you were able to lose some weight on your own. Wouldn't you like your appearance to reflect the amount of effort you put forth? I don't call that vain. I call that human!

I take kettelbell classes. Be careful swinging them, make sure your back is flat and not arched. Proper form is necessary so you don't damage your lower back. Use no more than 5 pound bells until that becomes too easy, then slowly move up to 10. I was using a 13 lb. bell for a while, but I stopped the classes, so now I have to start out with a 5lb. bell again. It is worth it though!

Has anyone gone for the panniculectomy alone? I just had a hysterectomy, and I just don't think I can deal with surgery again. Just wondering...

I sucked it up and got some bikinis. Not cute with an overhanging gut, but way preferable to them hanging out of my pants. I also found I have no hips, so I bit the bullet and started buying belts. Got a black one, a brown one, and a really cute one woven in Peru. I never wore belts when I had a muffin top, but now I see why skinny people wear them!

Your sleeve most likely won't be fully healed until you are 3 months post op. I was told the bubbles could compromise the effectiveness of the sleeve, and could slow healing. If you can hold off for a while, that's probably your best bet. Glad you had no discomfort! Best, Amy

I eat Vitafusion Fiber Well Gummies. 2 a day when all is moving normally, 4 a day when there have been no BM's in my neighborhood, so to speak! They are delicious and taste like candy!

I have done that too. I stick a measuring cup in a plastic baggie and throw it in my bag when we go out. It helps me remind my brain I am in control, and my tummy does need excess portions.

I am 16 months out. I have no complications associated with the surgery, and haven't had any for a long, long time. I did have some nausea at the beginning when I ate too much, but as my sleeve healed, my knowledge of how to work with it improved. It is hard at the beginning, but everyday is better. Here's my naughty list: 1. If I need a sip of Water while eating, I take it. 2. I drink from straws. 3. I drink carbonated beverages (Seltzer or a RARE diet pepsi) 4. I started drinking coffee 6 weeks after surgery, even though I was told to wait 12 weeks. There are probably other naughty things I do, but this is what works for me. (And I have come clean with my bariatric team, btw) I am not telling you this because I advocate breaking rules--just to show that a year out of surgery, I am not ultra-focused on bariatric rules. I can and do lead a normal, thin life. You can do this! Best, Amy

OH! I have all digits crossed for you!!!

Yes, measure, measure, measure your foods! Many of us never felt "full" pre-sleeve, and I think once the restriction of the sleeve lessons, we can tend to push it a little too far. Pay attention to your serving sizes and remind yourself that your body is satisfied and nourished. Also try to avoid those triggers that convince your brain that you are hungry. For me, that's salty-crunchy junk food. For others it's sweets or artificial sweeteners, for others it's fat. If I eat a chip, I am done for! I work hard to keep those flood gates closed! (In the grocery store today I kept repeating the mantra, "nothing tastes as good as being thin feels, nothing tastes as good...") I find I can eat a surprising amount of salty-crunchy junk if I am not paying attention. At 16 months out, I still try to focus on meat, fruit and veggies, and then carbs. I try to eat 3 oz. of meat, and focus on veggies after that. I don't eat bread, but I do eat 90 cal. wraps for sandwiches, and occasionally a half cup of Pasta or rice. I am maintaining, so I am eating around 1200 calories a day. Good luck! (And by the way, a little extra tuna or a few extra shrimps are fine! Good Protein, low cal.) Amy

Best of luck! Great decision!

Best of luck! Happy for you!

"sweat is fat crying" ! I love that quote. My hunger has taken over a bit too. A year ago, I could never imagine working my way up to 1100-1200 calories a day, but here I am! My Fitness Pal is saving me, and starting this week, back to the doctor I go for my weekly weigh-ins. (I prefer 1X a week on a calibrated scale.) My trigger food is starch. If I eat a starchy carb, my body craves more. For others, it's sweets, for others, the trigger is fat. Eventually, the sleeve only slows down how long it takes us to overeat, it no longer prevents it. So measure, weigh, focus on Protein, and breathe. You got this! And yes, up the protein and check your calorie goal with your NUT. I found my energy was extremely low when I wasn't eating enough.