Teachamy

yep. I'm early in this game, but if my front-butt wasn't sticking out so much, I'd be down at least 1 size in pants. It is always where I carried my weight before obesity, but this is ridiculous!

Huh. Interesting question!

Artificial sweeteners aren't good, period. But for me, everything in moderation is a necessary mantra. I am diabetic, so I try to avoid real sugars because sugars are carbs, carbs=more insulin, insulin=fat. The artificial sweeteners I use are occasionally a necessary evil. For example, when my husband made a huge pan of nachos during the superbowl, I ate sugar-free popsicles instead and didn't hate myself later. Our calories are so restricted right now, we have to allow ourselves a little wiggle room.

Get away from the scale! I think people think I'm nuts because they don't see my little ticker moving, but I weigh once a week or less, and it keeps me happy! This time around, I am giving myself 2 weeks in between weigh-ins, because it makes the loss bigger and makes me feel a sense of accomplishment. I use my bariatric center's scale because I know it is always accurate. If I owned my own, I'd be on it 20 times a day making myself crazy. You did what you were supposed to do! Keep up the great work and get off that scale!!!!!!!!

3 hours a day seems like a lot to me too. It's good that you are doing so much cardio (good for the heart, good for fat burning) but it's hard to believe that only 1200 calories is enough-even though you said more than that makes you gain. What were you doing/eating pre-surgery that helped you lose the 100 pounds? How long have you tried a 1500-1600 calorie diet while working out for 3 hours/day? I am just beginning to get back into working out. (Not sure I can even call it that right now...) I used to have a personal trainer before I realized that CRAZY amounts of exercise weren't working for me, and I needed this surgery. Now as I work my way back up to a good rate of exercise, I am doing 20 min./day on my elliptical machine. I have Afib at the moment, so until I have a heart procedure in 2 weeks, I am not pushing it too far. After they zap my heart back into proper rhythm, I will try to do at least 30 min. 3 days a week/20 min 4 days a week for a while until I start strength training and toning again. I know you must be very, very frustrated. Good luck to you. Keep us posted!

Great goals, and very achievable. I too am sick of being the one everyone waits for. My gait became very slow before surgery. It's nice to feel better and to have more energy. Best of luck to you!

I had diarrhea for at least 10 days. Today I am constipated. I need those sugar-free gummy bears they sell on Amazon! LOL! (if you don't get this joke, look up the reviews. HILARIOUS!)

Constant dry heaves for 3-4 days. I would sip, I would gag. It was horrible. Then it magically (mercifully) went away. THey sent me home with a bunch of nausea meds, but after a day or 2, I didn't bother taking them. I was fine.

AGREED! Staying off the scale really helps my mindset. I don't freak out over every pound up or down. I go once a week or less so every time I will see a loss! Makes me a much happier individual.

That is soooo great!!!!!!!! You must be tall. It will be months and months before a 10 will fit me!

All I can say is YUCK!!!!!!!!! I can't even imagine it.

i get the slimies at least once every other week. It's gross, and not fun, but in my case, it's always because I ate a bite or 2 more than what my sleeve is telling me to eat. I try to learn from it. Even if I ate a half cup of something yesterday, today might only be a 1/4 cup. Corn is not on my radar right now, but it sounds like it is not your friend.

How are you doing on carbs? Look to drop your carb rates to no more than 45g. per day. That should help. Also, track your food--Snacks, drinks, meals, everything. Be honest with yourself. It will help you see if your calories/fats/carbs are too high right now. Heck, maybe throw in a Protein shake now and then if you see your protein is running on the low side. I am going to try a noodle-free lasagne. I will use low fat ground turkey, low fat cottage and mozzaella cheese, spinach, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce. It should be good! One way to cut carbs and fat in a tasty entree!

I retained my weight this month, but prior to surgery, I always gained. PMS causes water retention, and we are all drinking a lot of water these days! Stay on the plan and don't feel frustrated. I manage to avoid depressing myself by weighing no more than once a week. In fact, I am skipping this week so I can see a bigger loss next week. That makes me happy!

Yes. Although I do get hungry, I still have food aversion issues. Try slowly to add a tablespoon of soft food here and there--yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. Just to remind your stomach why it's there. It will get better.

My pre-op diet was: 1 fruit 1 yogurt 2-3 Protein shakes 2 meals of 3 oz. meat and green veggies 1/2 c. starch (which I didn't eat) unlimited vegetables (non-starch) The last day before surgery was my only liquid day. It was easy, and it kept me strong for surgery!

Water is tough after surgery, don't know why. I could get it in much easier if I heated it a bit. Have a bunch of crystal light/mio flavors on hand--you never know what will appeal to you post-op. The same thing with protein shakes. Also, after surgery, take the time to rest. And remember, as miserable as you may be the first few days, it gets better every single day. I am 7 weeks out today, and feel pretty darn good! You can do it!

Great news! Thanks for the update!

Rock on! That's great!

Hi Alicha, No, I haven't had a gallbladder issue (yet) but I just wanted to say I feel for you! As a nurse, you know removal tends to be pretty easy, but it's yet ANOTHER surgery and ANOTHER period of recovery. Take it 1 day at a time and see what your doc says. I hope you start feeling better really soon!

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

Nerva--you have metabolic syndrome, and most likely insulin resistance. It is hard for people like us to lose weight, even if we are doing everything "right". Don't beat yourself up! I've been there. This surgery helps reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, it controls your hunger, and is a tool to get you where you want to be. Best decision I ever made!

Man, I hear ya on the Diet Pepsi addiction! I used to be able to go through a 2 liter bottle in 24 hours. Gross. When I quit, I transitioned to seltzer, and then water and Crystal light pre-op. Diet Pepsi makes you hungrier. It made me crave salty/crunchy junk food. I am glad I am free of it! One less vice to deal with!

I am only 7 weeks out, but I have been told I will be able to eat about 8 oz. eventually. Right now 2-4 oz. is usually enough. Again, you'll learn your body's signals, but if you are feeling anxious about food for a special occasion, it's OK. Find someone to talk to. Psych. evals. are really helpful!

Woo Hoo! Happy for you!