134andhappy

Starting to see a little more hair when I run my fingers through it come off. No chunks but certainly shedding ...please friends can you share experiences? And remedies I heard this is normal and I just restarted taking Biotin

I felt like the first weeks were my best times I had only liquids then mushy foods but stay away from sugars milk and fatty drinks or before you know it you'll be having 1000+ calories in one serving - lots of brothy yummy soups and protein shakes also life way probiotic non dairy yogurts were my biggest addiction soo yummy and they Taste so refreshing

Take biotin the hair falls out but don't be scared one day it just stops mind went on for about 3mos- by the six post surgery mark it was good and it started at the third month - I'm needed to take more biotin !!! Or some all together !! Take it and it gets better and my hair a year later feels back to normal

Hi everyone! I was plicated last year Feb 15 - it's was my valentines day gift to myself - with Dr. Ortiz in MX. I am now 144 and still wearing a size 6ish ...Not long after my surgery when I was in the zone happy and losing weight and at 139- 5lbs away from my goal I fell in love! In the beginning I was soo good about my eating I didn't care that person needed to adapt to my eating habits- so much he lost 15lbs w out even being plicated we called of the Love plication lol. I refused to care to much about what he was doing I was too worked about keeping my momentum going. Well lil by lil you do start using love as your excuse to get out of that zone- and sure enough my will power became less and less the girl who once wouldn't touch as much as a table spoon of carbs was eating a full slice of toast and sometimes waffles- all sorts of things I had restricted myself to so that I would lose the weight - and lil by little 150 creeped up. The relationship ended but not with myself. I am now at 144 and back on it- trying harder than ever to get to that 134 goal - and back into who I was full of momentum and energy and dedicated and steadfast with my vision and dreams. What I learned from that experience was enormous and I cannot take it for granted - this plication as everyone says is just a tool and I love my tool- I love that I have the ability to behave in a way I would have otherwise not been able to do with food ever before in my life - it's willpower and the evidence is in the quantity - I'm back on a low carb diet- I still try to buy all organic and I've also done some bouts of juicing because it really really works - cold pressed juicing is a plication persons dream- you don't have to worry about food and you have all your meals ready at your disposal- wish they would have been so readily available when I was first getting started and only having soup. The cold pressed juices are usually not cheap but what's the price of health? and remember the amount u would regularly be spending when you ate normal. My restriction is good- I just wish it was more but it's just not natural - I wish I was still just bites away from satisfaction but I am applying all I've learned to this renewed commitment to reach 134 and drop these last 10lbs. I'm excited again and although the weight it's t dropping at a rapid rate like in the first 6mos of surgery it's still much easier than ever and I feel great - so here is a random list of recommendations - things I've learned along the way and hopefully will build good positive momentum to help us all reach what we really want - wether you're making a decision or just looking for a fun rant lol here it goes I don't think this is for everyone and possibly not for anyone with more the. 50lbs to lose I think this is the best decision I've ever made This is just a tool quite frankly 20% plication 50%food quality and 30% exercise - this i apply after the first three mos since I'm sure you could weigh this out differently it's just my experience. Working out was a huge component of my successes and of my ability to bounce back into my skin with resilience Spend money on quality foods your body will thank you Eat only from the perimeter of the supermarket - you have no business going into the isles - what you need is not in a box or can I Don't berate yourself or weigh in everyday - you'll only lose momentum Find things you love to replace food Your hunger doesn't go away- I still find that I could eat every two hours a small snack or soup or juice If it doesn't fly, swim, or run- don't eat it - exceptions are fruits and veggies and low glycemic foods berries and salads Eat protein and salads first you will not have room for carbs Drinking and eating is a pain still till this day I have to remind myself that I can't do it Enjoy the things u love but in moderation and don't let the sugars and carbs creep in after you've done soo well on your post opp diet And nothing tastes as good as skinny feels It takes a lot of will power to make it everything you want this surgery to be- eat right and exercise you now have quantity control USE it!!! And love yourself because when you do the relationships come and they come fast and fun and hit you like a train and the ride is so worth it but don't lose the focus because in the end the only one responsible for your happiness is you So far that's all I have- hope everyone enjoys a wonderful Father's Day and although I did not include all the details this journey had its own ups and downs but far more ups than downs - you just have to keep going - and looking back I realize how much fun the journey has been - and how little by little you can get back to that exhilarated feeling you have in the first few months- mind over matter!! Cheers to a HAPPY and Healthy 134 soon to be 128 lol

When I find myself in a slump I go back to protein shakes, soups and I love to juice - I've become addicted to a few of the cold press juice locations and its changes my life- I sip it all day

The problem I found with many protein shakes is that the base is animal protein and it was very harsh on my stomach - egg protein gave me the best results and taste + it was natural - they sell it at whole foods - stick to natural or organic you spent way too much and risked too much to waste it away on just any product -

Carlak start taking biotin ASAP as soon as you can the hairloss for me was very interesting it shed a lot of hair but eventually slowed down and stopped now I have the random tiny hairs that are currently all over my head about 2-3inches of regrowth and it's fun to see but I wish I would have had a fortifying aid like biotin- and had taken everyone's advise and given my body more protein vs comfort foods like soup that just made me feel relief from digestion - good luck and don't worry too much about the hair loss it will happen but won't leave you bald or anything like that it will just get thinner

Well said Ana- I had mine at occ in Feb and I can't stop raving about the decision the occ and the results. I do have to admit one thing anyone looking to lose more than 60 lbs should understand the pace the immense mental fatigue and changes necessary to lose that weight w plication and the will power - it is just a tool it's not a fat sucking miracle you're the miracle and how you manifest your results is 90% attitude 10% plication. I do wish I had more restriction but that's only because I could hardly gulp 4oz lol now I can almost eat a half a sandwich it's a total mental game you have to learn to play but I don't berate myself my poor little plicated stomach or the occ. it's what's expected I could eat a little salad and protein or a lot of bad things. Anyway sorry for the rant but I know you will go back for your revision and be happy because you want it so bad- good luck and don't be so hard on yourself you'll get there just let gods plan play out!

Lawson I'm not a diet expert or someone who has any authority on the matter - clearly or I would not have had plication. But I'll tell you what I did that I think made an impact for me: I did not eat a thing besides water crackers, tuna and coconut juice from the center isles of supermarkets I tried everything in my power to eat only organic and from whole foods or fresh market I ate every two hours -shakes were berries, egg white protein,coconut juice, banana and I juiced. Now on the juicing I drank only kalelicious it's the only veg juice I can stomach. It's a recipe from the wholefoods juice bar that you can make at home and trust me I'm latin we don't eat very many vegetables and this is delish! Kale, spinach, banana, lemon, apple juice. You can sub banana for mango pineapple etc and I add a whole lemon not just half. I downed about 6-8 of those a week and it helped curve my anxiety bc I would drink it at my desk and play w the straw twiddle with the smoothie it just filled me up too. It's very good and eventually I started making it at home. I've gotten a few people addicted to it. I also try as best I can not to have anything w corn syrup corn starch - I prefer antibitic free grass fed, etc I do not have any soda!!! No syrup drinks. Coffees or cold teas. Only water. I did not. Drink alcohol for 3mos - and no artificial sugar only brown cane I worked out after 28days from returning from my surgery and I walked 2 miles a day post surgery before the 28days I ate little to no bread and little carbs had only water crackers w my Tuna at best And I hired a trainer worked out 3 days a week w him and a workout partner which I think helps a lot 3-4 days I also did something- fun like spinning yoga running but I did aomething and there was no one that would stop me. Even if I was going out that night I would get a good sweat in. After about a month I needed the adrenaline rush I started at 188 in January I now fluctuate from 134-138 I also bought outfits I wanted to fit into When I was an 8 I bought a 6 dress that now fits me big That 6 dress at the time was pretty snug and I would try it on and take it off in the morning and it helped me go from dam! I want a Madeline cookie w a VENTI skinny vanilla latte to a protein shake to get to my goal My trainer also made me change my mentality from a fat girl training mentality of "I can't and this hurts and I don't want to" to measured thinking like an athlete goals videos it really helped I now look at Olympians and see them sprint and think I can't wait to sprint this week w my trainer So that's it. I was not lethargic in my thoughts or actions. I was determined and I saw myself that size and I exceeded what I thought was possible. My legs bounced back b.c they did get a bit flabby w the rapid loss my arms changed although I'm still working on it and my jeans well... I loooovvvveer buying jeans! So there you go. Also another point I don't know much about health and wellness or probiotics or supplements nor am I a tree hugger I just set parameters around what I could eat. Now I cheat a lot but in my own way. Good luck it is a journey but this tool is such a blessing use it to the fullest capacity bc I did and I love it! I am interested in seeing what a year post surgery brings and that will be a whole other post

Thats it sue! You're right on the money- I went from a size 14 to a 2 in a very short amount of time but I was devout about diet and exercise and getting to my goal- you can do it you just have to be dedicated and decided that this as you said is just the magic tool to get you from where you are to where you want to be the rest is up to you.

Feeling very sad for your wife and the trauma this has caused. Please tell us how she is doing and more details on what pre empted this ? We're the pains only when she ate? Or all the time?

So concerning I share the sentiment that we are so sorry you're going through this. Keep us posted on your progress

I think it's much more relative to the fat to muscle ratio you had preweightloss and I found it that the areas where I was already firmer obviously maintained its tightness but areas like behind my arms and inner thighs where fat deposits were are just hard to tighten. I agree w your slower theory unfortunately you almost have no control in the rate of which you lose unless your caloric consumption remains the same which I found. Early possible to do. I also ended up doing endermologie and cavitation to keep up with the skin concern -

I was dr Ortiz and for the healing process it was approx 4-6 days purely clear liquids broth etc then Heavier soups and some non lactose keffir yogurts for another say 7-14days then soft foods creams ie tuna crackers mashed veggies then at about 21-28 days you can start solids. I had surgery 2/15 and I didnt start ie soft foods till about march 21 but I followed it to the T. Also not sure what your "plans" are but I vacationed shortly after and you just adjust.. Especially since you get full so easy

Sue patience friend we didn't gain the weight overnight + slow and steady will ensure that your skin elasticity bounces back and we are not a bag of skin. Keep focusing on challenging yourself with exercise start to shift from a heavy set mentality to a lean mean athletic healthy machine. Set more goals that are action driven and I find it that when I stopped obsessing about it everything falls into place

Thanks

Hi guys...today May 15th makes exactly 3mos since my gastric plication with Dr. Ortiz. I remember late February thinking i would never see this day. I weigh 144lbs, size 4-6 and a small in most clothes. Today i am wearing a size small dress from Guess by Marciano. Everyday i get a ridiculous amount of compliments and most of the time 'OMG i didn't event recognize you, you are soo skinny' i guess its what i always wanted to hear but sometimes it gets embarrassing the dramatization people make. Makes you think my goodness was i really that heavy? i guess the answer is yes. I donated and passed down 4 large suitcases and garbage bags of clothing a few weeks ago. My closet feels soo bare. Even as i look back at my posts on this forum i realize how happy i was to be shopping at Zara a size 8 and they don't event fit anymore...now that is when i get ecstatic. i am losing far slower than in the beginning but still losing and gainig muscle, my quads have that sexy muscle peering out, i love wearing shorts and summer plans don't seem that unrealistic or deflating anymore. I have lost to date a total of 44lbs, i have ten more to go until 134 and happy. Hard to believe....thrilled to have achieved. With all my love and on our way to.... 134andHappy

Yes....ughh drinking and eating. How long do you usually wait before you drink? My first incident happened this Sunday. I went to have an early dinner I thought I waited long enough before I drank something and I chugged a glass of water b/c I was so thirsty and wow......I felt like I could hardly breathe and it was very painful. Never happened in 3mos but I promise won't happen again, also very surprised at how little we eat and how it's enough to make us energetic and sustains me without much thought. Quite the contrast from pre-op life. nice to be on this forum and share experiences....so few people understand or know what I go through

Thanks Sue. Yes heading back in 3 mos for my check up...I don't trust bariatric dr's that have less experience with this surgery...restriction feels where I would expect it to be. I eat half a ham and cheese wrap from whole foods and I feel extremely full. Still can't get more than 3 -4 max sushi rolls in.

Slwf hang in there. I don't understand why by now you're still feeling this way. I certainly had restriction that was concerning but never to the point of pain Naseau or lethargic....keep us posted hoping to hear of your quick bounce back ASAP

Robb egg white protein...easier on the tummy and they have flavorless...you can find it at whole foods

I'm dealing with a family plagued with Diabetes. This is the best decision and tool God ever gave me...you're going to be thrilled

You will Sue like my trainer told me younhave to stop training like a fat girl and start thinking like an athlete soon your body will follow...I started at a size 14/12 I weighed 188 Jan 23rd, 2012...Feb 12ish 181 and I went into surgery around 175....weighed myself this morning took a pic of it...149!!!! 15more lbs...I am just stunned everyday but I do work hard very hard and I have an amazing tool which I don't take for granted

Today makes 2mos since my plication w dr Ortiz @ OCC. I clocked in today at 150lbs...wearing a size 6 in most everything...I feel on top of the world. Great restriction a lot of self discipline working out 3x a week w trainer and cardio 2 x on my own. Started my first round of endermologie treatments to firm up my skin and help with cellulite. This journey has not been easy but it's been so rewarding. Grateful everyday....loving life. 16lbs more to go until 134andhappy. For now I'm 150 and thrilled can't wait to be in the 140's...aahhhhhh.....losing about 1-2 sometimes 4lbs a week...slower than the beginning but I would rather slower for my physical integrity. Much love xo and on my way to 134andhappy

Hang in there @man you're almost there take your time. Have u had Protein shakes too? Yogurt? I drank keffir strawberry lactose free for a while it was almost the only thing I could get down in the am. Protein Shakes w frozen berries, cocnut juice, half a banana and egg white protein all from whole foods was my 2nd option. I know how you feel I got pretty aggravated right about where u r but ur almost there...get through this and try more soups...go to expensive rest and order to go...black bean Soup helps too. My only recommendation when u start your soft foods is to take it slow...believe me I wanted to eat but like that stressful feellig you get when u first intro new food...I would revert back to liquids..and stay away from mashed potatoes unless it's a special occasion or you're only choice at a rest or public forum. It's fatty carbs and before you know it youve consumed more calories than u were before surgery. For dessert I would have baby food fruit like bananas. Super yummy not healthy butna fun snack. Your soft foods will not be very exciting but I dont like to purée much hopefully you have more inclination to it than I do therefore might have more options. How is your wife doing?