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familyguy
Gastric Sleeve Patients-
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Everything posted by familyguy
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You'll be fine at 10 weeks. One bit of advice -- find something healthy to eat that goes down easy for the course -- Quest bars or bananas work well for me. You're not going to be able to swing by the snack shop and wolf down a hot dog at the turn or cram down a sandwich between holes!
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First time I played was ~12 weeks post opp. Would have been physically ready at 6-8 weeks, but it just didn't have an opportunity to play.... Funny thought about the power. Most pro golfers anre quite thin but generate massive power. I just had it in my head that putting weight behind the ball somehow helped!
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I too was always everyone's big guy. Want to go out for a big steak dinner, call me me up. Football party with mounds of wings and nachos, I'm your dude. People we're always shocked when I told them how much I weighed because I "carried it well". Not to play psychologist, but I think the "big guy" persona is kind of a defense mechanism. Since you're stuck being fat, you might as well embrace it. At least that was the case for me. But when you think about it, everyone else goes home from the big dinner and then gets on with their life as a normal weight person while the big guy is stuck going through life with a tone (pun intended) of health and life challenges. Honestly, the persona just isn't worth it. I still go out with my same friends and just pick at all the food being consumed. No fun is lost whatsoever. In terms of being the big imposing figure -- come on -- how much real ass kicking are you doing anyway? And lastly, it's not like you're going to be some little feather post surgery. The stats say you'll lose between 60 and 80 percent of your excess weight, i.e. you're still going to be a normal or even big dude -- just not a big fat dude.
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Ready2bhealthy -- great topic I grilled my surgeon about this asking if an of his thousands of patients regretted the surgery and he said none had. None! That was hard for me to believe but now -- three months post opp -- I believe it. Energy levels only increase especially when you realize how much EASIER everything is without carrying around all the extra weight. I'm down more than 50 pounds and for fun pick up two 25 pound dumb bells and imagine living every minute of life walking around with those things. It's amazing how much accommodation fat people make to carry around their weight. Sitting out of activities, buying clothes that are only double / triple x, not flying or or dreading squeezing into the tiny seat, etc, etc. I had my doubts but at this point, the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner. Life is sooooooo much easier with a normal weight and normal relationship with food. Good luck and feel free to send me a personal message with any specific questions. Family guy.
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I'm 11 weeks out and down 50 pounds (HW 256, CW 206). Honestly, if I just stayed at my current weight forever, I'd be happy. I have 190 as a semi arbitrary goal weight, which would be something like a 27 BMI (still "overweight" but good in my book). My real question is how and when to stop losing weight? I'm able to eat so little now and and have such limited desire to eat. If I continue with the current intake, I'm concerned that I will blow past 190, which I don't think would look very good. As the weeks go by, will I just naturally be able to eat more and will my weight just stabilize on its own? Did anyone intentionally try to eat higher calorie foods to slow / stop weight loss? Not panicking or anything, but given my history this is just a totally foreign concept.
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Completely agree on not wanting to purposely eat bad foods. The strange thing is that I have absolutely no desire to eat junk. I've had a few potato chips or spoons of ice cream over the last month and that feeling of just wanting to eat one after another is totally gone. I'm hoping that my capacity catches up so that I can eat enough of the healthy stuff to reach equilibrium somewhere above 170!!! I can eat slightly more now than a month ago. I hear that capacity keeps growing until around six months and that some even complain of NOT having enough constriction, which wouldn't be good either.
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You look great. Good for you.
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Umm, isn't that a problem? Are you OK with your current weight? Any plan to stop the weight loss?
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I told my wife and my parents and that's it. I have two young kids and even though I went to surgery, was laid out for a few days and have lost 50 pounds since, they haven't noticed. I have a high profile job and just didn't want all the attention or to have to deal with everyone's questions. I think your average person just doesn't understand this. When people ask what I'm doing to lose the weight, I say "high Protein, low carb, small portions and very little alcohol." All 100% true. Since people typically don't like that answer, they just shrug their shoulders and say something like "good for you." BTW, as part of my job, I'm frequently out at business lunches and dinners. For the first 2 months post opp, I really avoided them, but now I go all the time. Everyone's so busy stuffing themselves, they hardly recognize how little I eat. I just order something that reasonably fits into the prescribed diet and then pick at it slowly. At some point the waiter passes by and I say "you can take my plate". He scoops it up (1/3 eaten) and that's it. Personally I was really worried about all this, but it's fine. And bigger parties with buffets are even easier -- you just nibble unnoticed. Totally respect those that told the world but I'm really a private person, so that's not my thing.
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Love to chew gum to clear the palate and satisfy the sweet tooth. Also, the changing die can lead to some bad breath. Extra careful not to swallow it, but I haven't accidentally done that my entie life. Not problems with indiestion. I know the doc's and nutritionists instruct to avoid...
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While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience. First the good (really great): The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges: Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.
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Eight weekers! How are you feeling?
familyguy replied to moddd's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'm 8 weeks out as of yesterday. Starting to become part of regular life. I've lost 40 pounds and have gone from a waist size 42 to 36 (which is like going 15 years back in time). I feel great, sleep well, no complications whatsoever. I have eaten too fast twice and was pretty uncomfortable for about 30 minutes each time. Now I try to choose foods that go down better, which isn't that hard. Life is so much easier now.......... -
Getting nervous due to all the comments I am hearing
familyguy replied to Buckfever53's topic in The Guys’ Room
Buckfever -- I was in exactly the same boat -- about 260 and 5'11". I struggled over making the decision on everything from the medical stuff all the way to the social impacts. Ultimately, I convinced myself of three things, 1) that I didn't wan't to live the rest of my life carrying around all the extra weight, 2) that I couldn't reliably lose it on my own, and 3) that relative to doing nothing the surgery was safe. I was sleeved on November 25th and now I'm down to 216 and it feels amazing. Everything feels better -- clothing, sleeping, sitting, walking, breathing, on and on. I haven't felt this good since I was 25. My surgery and recovery were basically a breeze -- two days of feeling like shit and then a very rapid recovery. I took a week off work (office job) and that was plenty. I don't eat a whole lot and that feels fine (in my new world). The social stuff (which had me freeked out) is actually simple. In group settings, no one notices. For sitdown meals, I go to a restaurant and order something small and easy to eat and enjoy it. It's actually quite liberating not obsessing about food all the time. Clearly a very personal decision, but as a guy who was worried about many of the same things as you (in a similar lower BMI situation), my only regret is not having done this sooner....good luck. -
Have you tried making your shakes with soy milk or Water instead of regular milk? Sometimes the lactose in regular milk can make things worse. Also, Isopure makes a clear liquid Protein drink that has 15 grams of protein per small (8oz) bottle. It tastes like crystal light with a little aftertaste that's not too objectionable. Lastly, I started adding PB2 to my vanilla or chocolate Protein Shakes and found them way more palatable (if you like peanut butter). The last suggestion won't improve the stomach / gas issues, but it does make them taste way better. Good luck -- I had some of the same issues and it did get better for me.
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I'm also 5 weeks post opp and feeling great (down from ~260 pre-opp to 224) I haven't told anyone but my wife, who like yours, is very supportive. People notice that I'm losing weight and ask what I'm doing. I say low carb, small portions, exercise blah blah blah and they just nod their head. I had zero complications and was back to my office job in 7 days. Other than a few boring (not hungry) weeks of post opp liquid only, this has been a very straight forward process. I go to parties with huge buffets that I would have either attacked or, if I were on a diet, stressed out about. Now, I nibble on a little slice of cheese and feel totally satisfied -- that's unheard of in my 39 year life. VSG isn't a silver bullet and I've sort of come to terms with the fact that I'll never be going to a steak house and ordering a 20oz porterhouse steak with all the fixings. But on the other hand, it feels so great being lighter so it's OK with me. Like a lot of people on here, I wish I would have done this sooner. Good luck to you.
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Did any of you have food funerals prior to starting your preop diet?
familyguy replied to A_ReNUDE_me's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I went to all my favorite places and ate whatever I wanted. But then again, that's sort of what I did for years and why I was headed for surgery in the first place. If you want to, I say go for it. Will it be satisfying? I doubt it. -
*Gastric sleeve diet* (without surgery)
familyguy replied to Maccurdyerica's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
This is a fascinating topic and now that I'm 4 weeks post opp, I have definitely asked myself a few times "why didn't I just eat like this instead of having the surgery?" After all, besides the cost, it does come with some serious life changes that are not always that simple to deal with. However, pre surgery, I would have thought that the quantity of food I'm eating now would have made me pass out. Now, I eat very little and have tons of energy. Pre surgery, I would have loaded up a big plate of whatever food was available and then gone back for seconds. Now, I put the smallest amount of food and a salad plate and end up walking away with left overs. Pre surgery, I would have salivated at even a whiff of something that smelled good, now things that smell good are interesting but don't have anywhere near the same effect. Pre surgery, I would have given myself breaks from any diet I was one (birthdays, anniversary's, football games, etc, etc). Now, there's really no way to take a break. Definitely want you to be successful in whatever you choose to do. For me, the sleeve created some profound physiological and mental changes that I couldn't find on my own. -
I use the New Whey shots if I'm behind on Protein and want to catch up. They're only 4oz's with a whopping 42 grams of protein. They taste like sh.t and are VERY filling, so I can't imagine getting two down in one go.
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I'm 39 and just had the surgery last month. Had a lot of similar questions and got some great feedback from this site -- see this thread... http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/285613-on-the-fence-for-surgery/ Honestly, I wish I hadn't waited this long. The surgery for me was 2 or 3 days of tough recovery and then it was basically smooth sailing. Yes, there's some risk with any surgery, but when you look at the stats, it's way more dangerous walking around 100+ pounds overweight. Keep researching and asking questions. Good luck.
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Sleep Study Issues--Looking for answers PLEASE!
familyguy replied to nancytole's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I can completely empathize with you. I had to do both sleep studies in the hospital. What a joke -- they attach about 50 wires all over your body, practically tie you to the bed, then cover your face with an unfamiliar mask and then say "sweat dreams." I found out later that the whole thing can be at home and some insurance doesn't even allow the overnight in the hospital. All the new CPAP machines have an "auto" setting that measures the apnea's and adjust the pressure until they stop. I would really push back on this and demand that they go down this route for you. IMHO, this sleep study business is a bit of a racket. Not saying sleep apnea isn't serious and real, but they go about testing for it the most intrusive and expensive way. BTW, I was in the exact same situation -- I needed to get the sleep stuff done to get approved for the surgery. And to leave you with some inspiration, I'm three weeks out and a total of 30 pounds down and my apnea has basically disappeared -- no more waking up with headaches or dead tired! Good luck. -
Aroundhky -- great info thanks for replying.
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Michael -- I was sleeved on Nov 25th. The first two days I definitely had some pain, but nothing that the narcotics they gave me couldn't sort out. By day 3 I was off the narcotics and onto just Tylenol and I dropped that just a few days later. All in all, it wasn't really that bad. Agree with others about walking. I was out of bed and walking around the hospital floor a few hours after surgery and every couple hours would do a few laps. I had no gas pain in the shoulders, etc. Might have been lucky, but I think the walking helped. Good luck!
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Stall :(. Can Others Share Their Stories.
familyguy replied to Abigal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'm in a week 3 stall and HAPPY about it! First of all, loosing weight at lightening speed has got to be less than healthy. Second, I'm keeping my procedure to myself, so having a more gradual loss seems more natural to my friends and co-workers. Third and MOST important, these stalls just demonstrate how biologically difficult it is to lose weight. If I were on a traditional diet and this happened, I'd be super frustrated and questioning whether I could succeed at all. In fact, I'd probably just bail on the diet all together and go back to my regular routine. But this time, I'm 100% sure that the weight is going to come off and there's zero chance of "bailing out." I get to just sit back (while following the rules) and wait for it to happen! -
Hey "Aroundhky" I have a question for you: It looks like you took a fair bit of time to get to your goal weight -- basically 2 years. I've seen you post a lot on exercise, lifting, etc. I'm wondering if you believe that you were substituting fat for muscle, which slowed your scale weight. Obviously, that would be a great result for looks and health, even if a relatively slow ramp down to goal on the scale. I'm asking because I actually don't want to loose everything (including muscle) too quickly.
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No catheter for me. My doc said taking a leak was a good incentive to get out of bed quickly after surgery. Good luck.