DudeCar59

"Vertical Sleeve Talk" is like bad reality tv, filled with cat fights and so addicting you can't stop even though you know you should. This is my first experience posting on on line forums and I had no idea how much you can blast other people when you are not face to face. Also, this forum can be dangerous because the advice here is not necessarily medically supported and you can also get caught comparing your weight loss with others. So many posts are about "omg, why am i not losing?" Being a newbie, I am disappointed with this experience. I hope it's just me, and you can be irritated with me all you want because I tried to share my *young* and *naive* experience- omg, how dare she?! I hope other newbies aren't treated with such passive aggressive rage and name calling. Peace out, I'm going to face to face support groups from now on.

I'm totally doing this, thanks!

I suggested exercise *gasp* and not restricting, sounds pretty sane to me even though I'm only 2 months out. Good luck with your approach and be sure to post the results. By the looks of it on this thread, people are doing exactly what I would do if I tried your method, eating sausages and drinking wine. Good luck!

I am trying to get into a regular routine with exercising. You burn so many calories this way that you really don't have to be concerned about caloric intake (given that we are eating so few to begin with). If I were to focus on "restriction" or fasting as it's called here, I would just rebel and overeat. That mentality is toxic to me and part of what got me to my highest weight, so I'm done with. Probably the number one thing I'm focusing on is my thoughts/attitude/mood because that is how my poor eating habits will start.

A support group leader (9 years post op from gastric bypass) told me that periods of loss are followed by stalls because it's as if your body has to catch up. She said she was on a one month stall and nearly tore her hair out, but the next month she lost 20 pounds. Accepting the process and knowing it is not a linear journey is important. I like to keep telling myself "it will take as long as it takes." Right now I'm working on acceptance and optimism as opposed to obsessing and reacting negatively to the scale which can lead to loss of motivation and not following my plan...all which could cause stalls or even weight gain! Your mood will effect your weight! I've realized that I need to work on the psychological/emotional aspects of this new lifestyle- it's a HUGE adjustment. That same group leader suggested journaling which I started doing and it does help.

Syntrax Matrix Cookies and Cream protein powder + SF Torani Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough syrup + unsweetened soymilk + ice. Sooo good!

Your positive attitude and optimism coupled with acceptance of the process will continue to serve you well and you will float to your goals!

Sleeved 4/19- down 35 pounds since surgery. 7 weeks out.

So I just bought my own gel nail kit so I can do mani/pedis at home. It also works to keep your hands busy in the evening so you won't eat. I'm also going to buy some personal trainer sessions. Love all the ideas on this thread!

I am 7 weeks out and exhausted by the amount of work that I'm putting in with my sleeve! Exhausted in a good way of course Just curious...how are you all rewarding yourself without using food?

Daydra, did you have any problems with the body bugg's accuracy? I had a fit bit and I it never seemed to accurately record steps (it gave me too many when I was certain I didn't do as much).

A support group facilitator gave me an awesome answer when I asked this same question. She said you don't necessarily need to focus on calories but you should definitely track your food. The rule she's used to be successful after weight loss surgery is to eat every 3-4 hours and eat about 1/4 cup protein and 1/8 cup vegetables. This will keep you full until the next meal and you will probably eat around 4-6 times per day.

I am 7 weeks out and am REALLY following the dietary guidelines (except for some alcohol on the weekend..ok that was a few times, and I do need to watch that). I am eating high protein, low fat, and low carb and not eating any forbidden foods but I do feel my will power waning. Will I just eventually get used to it? Or will I try to eat some forbidden foods? Or will I start just drinking alcohol to cope? I would really like to do this right but don't want to go crazy. How are you managing?

Thanks for the support everyone!

Good advice mistysj, I haven't seen my nutritionist since my surgery (sadly, there was no recommendation to so I just kind of forgot about that option). Thanks for putting that back on my radar!

Sounds like a great idea. Do you know if we are allowed to eat ice? I seem to recall it adding air to your stomach and therefore not recommended. I could be totally making that up. I wonder if you could make popsicles the same way with just water and Torani syrup.

I completely understand. It take serious time and effort to do this right, not to mention behavioral change (probably the hardest thing ever) and I'm on week 7 and kind of exhausted I am not giving up though, but just wanted you to know I feel your pain!

WOW, I just made this and it's SOOOO good! Can you please post more of your recipes Phoenix79? My life depends on it! I think you should put together a weight loss recipes cook book. I'd totally buy it!

Rastafas- genius!!! I'm totally doing that.

YES! Why didn't I think of that- thrift stores?! Perfect. Love the idea of spending a little more money on beauty products too!

I cup has about 46 calories and the flavored ones often have sugar.

It has naturally occurring electrolytes which is great, but watch the calorie count.

THE SPA!!! yes! I am not going to buy clothes yet because I'm only 7 weeks out but the spa...yes!