VSGKasey

So I seem to be losing 10 pounds a month (including my preop diet). I started at 240, so not too terribly high, but I'm out three full months now and only down 42 pounds. I need to be down another 18 pounds by the end of september to be ready for my breast reduction/lift and I'm so nervous! I have been running 3-9 miles a week trying to push it so hard but the slowing down is killing me. I'm trying to remember that it's not just weight, but measurements and muscle. I lost 6 inches in my waist last month so i know I'm shifting weight to muscle, but it's hard not to feel discouraged. pics attached, first one in black outfit is before, then suit jacket and animal print recent pics How is everything going for my fellow April sleevers?!!?!?!? Before surgery After Surgery

Yes that's definitely true for me too. I'm very good during the week but on the weekends I'll have a treat here and there. I do workout about 3-4 hours a week including running 3 miles and hour long dance classes but I hope just pushing through will help. . Gotta slap myself on the wrist and get back on track.

Usually an egg prepared whichever way or cottage cheese for breakfast along with my Syntax Nectar protein drinks (24 grams for 100 cal). Mini baby bel lights for snacks. chicken or some other protein for lunch, maybe with a small salad or some other veggies, and similar for dinner. Fairly few carbs, goal is to hit 60 grams of protein a day which I track on myfitnesspal

Thank you! She is good motivation

So I have had a hell of a time finding a shake that I didn't hate. I just recently discovered Nectar Caribbean Cooler and I love it. It's super thin and dissolves sooooo well. I put a full scoop in 20 ounces of water and I get 24 grams of protein! Combine that with my Special K bar for a mid morning snack and I have gotten in 34 grams of protein in 270 calories. Hallelujah! I'm meeting my protein goal every day and finally seem to be coming out of my stall. Today I am down 31 pounds (sleeved April 29th, pre-op diet started April 15th). Feeling good and wanted to share!

Nancy - I was stalled for about 10 days. moved 2 pounds in the last 2 days.

Love it girl, you are smokin! You're doing an amazing job and the hard work is paying off! Any tips, diet /exercise?

I was underweight but just wore a heavy coat with my iPhone in my pocket when I did the weigh in.

I am still new to my sleeve (2 weeks ago as of this Monday) I think it's working for me in 2 ways. #1 I'm not hungry, and the few times I thought I have been turned out to be stomach acid. #2 I can't eat much. Unlike the band from what I've heard, that can slip/loosen etc. the sleeve is permanent and very restrictive. I'm full after 1/2 cup. Eating now is something I have to remind myself to do. 14 pounds post op in 13 days for me, it's been easy and I have no regrets so far. Wishing you the same!!!

Hello all! For the sleeves who have been healed for a while, if you are a tanner like me, how long did you have to wait to go tanning after surgery? I usually tan 2-3 times a moth during the warm months in Seattle (June - September) but I'm not sure how long to wait? I figure a few weeks after my incisions have fully healed I should be good as long as I put SPF on the scars but wanted some input. And please no preaching about tanning in general, I do it only 8-12 times a year and use the uv free tanning beds, 5 times more xoensive but much better for the skin.

Whenever I lay down or sometimes in different sitting positions I get an intense stretching burning sensation. My doc says that's where they had to make an interior incision in the abdominal muscle and that's what I'm feeling. He said it will go away in 3-4 weeks. I'm 10 days post op. has anyone else experienced this?

I too like the premiere protein. If you want to "try before you buy ", instead of buying a huge carton at Costco, Safeway sells packs of four.

Cool! I don't know that it's a rule to wait or anything, my dermatologist has just recommended I wait a few weeks but its good to know you've been able to with no issues.

I have hated this brand for a while for this very reason. Way to further alienate the youth of America, jerkhole!

I think the exact same way, I haven't been happy with what I see in a while and when I reach goal if all that keeps me from happiness is removing a loose skin reminder of where I was at, sign me up too!!!

Well, this morning was my one week (well day 8) checkup with my surgeon. I am. Down 21 pounds in exactly 22 days. 10 pounds pre-op and 11 pounds since surgery (4/29/13). I was also cleared for purée, and that was the very first thing I did when I walked in the door. I tried a recipe I've been stewing around in my head dreaming of purée day! So here it is! What you'll need: Trader Joe's Italian flavored meatballs (2) 1/4 cup marinara sauce 1 chopped chive stock 1/2 tsp garlic A little bit (maybe 1 or 2 tablespoons Water or beef broth) food processor, I have the magic bullet. Mix these altogether, makes about 2-3 meal sized servings. Then, for a side: Trader joes frozen mashed potatoes (they are frozen in tiny pieces, makes it easy to make small dollop sized portions. 1/4 tsp butter The total nutritional info for 2-3 servings is below in my screenshot from myfitnesspal app. Serve one serving and save the rest!!! It was satisfying and tasty and so nice to have something other than yogurt or pudding. I'm a happy camper!!!

Oh yeah, that's another thing I forgot. The white stuff on mine is a teaspoon of ricotta and some parm. cheese is cleared for me too, thank god!

Oh! Meant to add that I intend to add protein powder when it arrives tomorrow.

This is totally normal! I posted some thoughts on a similar thread today. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/78857-nervous-nelly-here/

I have wondered about these!!!

I believe that I read the same incident, the person who died was in the upper 400 range, was a man with history of clots and had a stroke which is very sad. These are rare instances and aren't related to the type of surgery we are having as much as the general risks of any surgery. I too have a history of blood clots, so that story stuck out to me. However we discussed the risks with my doctor and took extra precautions (blood thinning injections that I gave myself and still am now ) . Any surgery has these risks. But the percentage is minuscule compared to the long term health risks involved in being overweight. And especially being young, the statistics are that as we get older things continue to get worse, 95% of the time. These are the things that I repeated to myself when I got nervous, and I hope it helps in some way!

Personally i had these same feelings but every time I felt that way, I just said "it's booked, just one day at a time and you'll get through it." My surgery was the 29th, exactly one week ago. I am already up and about and loving my sleeve! I'm down 7 pounds this first week and I'm on liquids still. Granted its boring, but it works. I'm looking at food differently. I got a mani pedi today and realized I forgot lunch and now have reminders on my phone. This will work for you. Trust your decision and have faith that it will work out!

I know what you mean! My doctor set my goal at 140, and I was like "I haven't been 140 since high school in 2001!" But I am only three weeks out and I'm already finding it coming off faster than I ever thought it could. You should go on to YouTube and check out AMYSDMOM. Starting with her first videos she was 300. She runs full marathons now and is 5'9" and 145. It can be done, but your imagination will have to play catchup with your body as it changes.

Thanks so much! Those recipes sound selfish!!!

My surgery was Monday the 29th and I've been liquid for over a week. I am sooooooooo tired of jello-, yogurt, protein shakes and pudding. Any tips tricks or ways to doctor them up to get me through to Wednesday when I start the purée phase? Also, I welcome any purée recipes!!! I am following my surgeon's rules to the "T" but need some variety something fierce!!!