Terribj

I thought my joint problems were years of playing sports. turns out, I was just fat

Couple things to remember - for women, our estrogen is carried in our fat cells. When we lose weight that estrogen gets released. While I don't have children, I've heard it is similar to pregnancy moods. The hunger you are experiencing may not be true hunger. I hated my sleeve the first week. I cried and asked my self "what did i just do?" Now - after 40 pounds and 8 weeks of closet purging I feel awesome. The emotions have calmed down as I learn to listen to what my body wants / needs and not what my head thinks it needs. I have very little hunger and zero cravings (well one - I crave a tater tot - how funny is that??? ) It gets better - it is actually better than that. I look forward to getting up every day knowing that EVERYTHING in my closet now fits and that in a month or so it won't and not in a bad way. I seem to be more focused, more in tune with what needs to be done for me and more attentive to those around me. It is a great ride--enjoy it!!!

I have Aetna and had 2 choices (i was eventually denied but jumped through hoops) 6 months of a supervised weight program OR 3 months of: meeting with a personal trainer monthly meeting with a NUT monthly meeting with my PCP monthly. I chose the 2nd option but because I wasn't obese enough and didn't have enough co-morbidities I was denied. I self-paid and would do it again in a minute.

I agree with many of the comments here - track your Protein and your Water intake. I'm 2 months post-op and I struggle to eat 600 calories a day but I do get in my 65 g of protein. It was recommended to me to keep sugar to a minimum and if you have a choice between (for example) regular Peanut Butter and low fat - eat the regular...Low fat foods have a lot of sugar in them and we know what sugar can do You've done a great job so far - I would start to focus more on protein and water and forget the calories (for now).

I am 2 months post-op and I feel the same way. I hate eating. It tastes good when I eat, but I hate it. I have no appetite for anything and eat because I have to; I know my body needs fuel. So everyday I force myself to eat. Hopefully my relationship with food will improve over time. In the mean time I'll keep doing what I need to do.

I do Chalene Extreme from Beachbody.com. Day 1 - weights Day 2 - rest ( but I do a cardio - turbojam) Day 3 - weights Day 4 - burn intervals (yes it really does burn). This is 1-1/2 min of intense cardio then 2 minutes of light weights (5 pounds) and repeat for 45 minutes. It is the most intense of all the days Day 5 - weights Day 6 - burn it off (cardio) Day 7 - rest Ech workout is between 30 and 45 minutes. I can start to see definition in legs and arms and it is WONDERFUL!!!

I have been soda-free for 6 months (4 pre-op / 2 post-op) and alcohol free for 3 months. I don't miss soda, but i do miss a beer or cocktail everyone now and then. My surgeon told me no alcohol until 6 months post-op. I've read people on here having a glass of wine after 3 months so it's different for everyone. I also gave up caffeine and if I need a coffee I now have decaf. I actually really like how I feel being clean. My head is clearer, I sleep so much better, and I seem to be more in tune with with what my body needs / wants. i wish I could explain it better - I didn't think there would be this much difference when I was researching this surgery, but it is amazing. For example, I know if I don'pt get all my Protein and Water in day 1, day 2 I'm not going to feel very well. I usually wake up with a head ache and feel weak. So everyday I can tell what i did right / and need to work on. I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is ready to make these life style changes. But I feel that is the key - ready to make the change. And they are life long changes.

From what I understand the hair loss is temporary. I've met people that have had fun with wigs for the 3-4 months the hair loss is significant. I would take the short-term hair loss over a life time of misery. Good luck with your decision.

sleevin' it in jersey - I've been called worse Good Luck with your surgery, it is an amazing journey

PrincessM - I agree with Kathleen - sometimes we forget where we came from and we don't think before we speak. I've notices something about myself during these past 2 months --My view of people has changed - even after dropping just 35 pounds. I look at before and after pictures and see beautiful people in both the before and after, but what I notice more now is the pain, sadness, frustration, etc in the eyes of the before pictures. It is gone in the after pictures - pure joy is what I see there. And when I see someone in person that is heavy, fluffy, etc I sometimes also see that same pain, sadness and frustration - all I want to do is reach out, hug them, tell them they are beautiful and help them overcome that pain. Remember - the surgery and weight loss allows you to finally see what others already see about you, your beauty.

I used to wander in the pantry and grab a handful of peanuts, or some sort of snack - the only time i go in there now is with purpose. My allergies seem to gone I no longer snore I sleep through the night - used to wake up between 1AM and 3 AM , now I have to set an alarm, never used to. My migraines are now few and far between. I used to get them once a week, I think I've had 1 in 2 months. I can't seem to sit still, I have to be doing something. All of these things are WONDERFUL!!

As much as you can tolerate. I was up and walking, even if it was just out to the nurse's station and back. Then it was down the hall a couple hours later. Then when I got home it was every 2-3 hours for at least 15 minutes. Remember, you've had major surgery....take it easy, don't push too much. Focus on staying hydrated, but walking is important.

I would incorporate some weight training in your exercise regime if you can. Cardio is great, but I find I lose better if I do both. Good Luck

I going to go have a bra fitting next week--I've never done it either. I've lost a significant amount in that area. I think I'm a 42 Long now.... Looking forward to having that area lifted next year

I thought I would use all the stuff you mention - pjs, cell phone, book, etc etc. The only things I used were lip balm and a heating pad. I didn't change out of my hospital clothes until I went home. I slept most of the time I was there and the nausea was so bad for me I couldn't concentrate on a book or even look at my phone. Everyone is different and some on here have no pain or nausea.. They gave me a toothbrush and paste so i didn't even need that. Good Luck!!!

The 2 things that saved me.... unjury chicken Soup (has a TON of protein) and sugar free popsicles. I had a really hard time the first 3 weeks as well. I know it's hard, but focus on staying hydrated and trying to get in the Protein.Hydration is priority 1 at this stage. Syntrax nectar is a good source of protein if you don't like the "milky" shakes. The fuzzy navel powder mix with Water it and it has a juice consistency. Rest, walk, rest, walk. I know it is hard, but I promise it gets better.

My doctor recommended 2 weeks -- after that solid pills were OK

Today I shredded my Lane Bryant card. What box have you checked this week?

8 weeks 33 pounds. i have learned so much about myself, about what is important (NOT FOOD), I feel so much healthier, my skin and hair look healthier, everything just seems so much better.

Don't count the calories - count the Protein. Make sure you are getting your 60+ g (or whatever your doc recommends). Then get your Water in. I track everything in MFP but I don't even look at that calories, I watch protein, fat and carbs. Focus on that protein.

What happens if you don't do it? You continue to live as you always have - only you can decide to make the change. If you could live the life of being sleeved just for one week - how it feels to look in the mirror,and truly SMILE, how it feels to try on a pair of pants that were tight last week and loose this week, how it feels to have your husband hold you tight and FEEL how much you've lost, how it feels to step on the scale and see 2-5 pounds gone per week, and to me, best of all how it feels to not be a slave to food - you would have 0 second thoughts. You wouldn't be at 100% - you would be at 110% and saying why didn't I do this sooner????

I didn't start eating real food until week 5. I focused on staying hydrated and eating Protein shakes and Soup with added protein. After week 5 it has been protein, protein, protein, a little fat and little to no carbs. And don't forget the Water. My doctor's recommendation is to add new food once a week. If it doesn't sit well, don't force it. Try it again in a month. So protein first - that is essential in healing, then other stuff and I would stay away from the carbs at first - while your stomach is healing. Good luck

Great job in making this decision!! I'm almost 2 months post-op and I feel great!! Some things I did to prepare me for life after sleeve and I think , for me, contributed to my success. I had 4 months from the time I decided to have surgery until surgery date. Gave up soda ( i did this gradually - no cold turkey) and get used to Water Gave up alcohol Stopped drinking at meals (this was the hardest) Found a work out program that I liked and started it Didn't go all out and eat a bunch of things I knew I wouldn't have in a long time. Added more veggies and fruits to my diet Cleaned out my pantry and frig Made a list of all the things I was excited about once I got to my goal weight. I still look at this list today and often add to it. After your second week post-op have someone hide your scale - have them get it out for you once a week - or once a month, no daily weighing. Don't compare your journey to everyone else on this site. Some lose fast, some lose slow - but we all lose. Your body is in control - let it do its job. Download this book - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054RXXS0/ref=oh_d__o03_details_o03__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It is a wonderful addition to your sleeve and how to deal with the emotional eating. Best of luck to you!!!

I have that same problem - I never had a problem before and now I feel like i need to wear a stick of deodorant under each arm. I've been switching up my deodorant and that seems to help a bit - I also keep a travel size one at work. Secret has a clinical strength one I'm going to try this week. My husband uses a clinical strength and it works really well for him.

Someone said "easy way out" to me other day. So I turned the tables a little and agreed. I said, "you are right--I did. Why would I want to put myself through years and years of defeat, frustration and failure? I tried that and look where it got me - NOWHERE. Why would I continue to fight the same losing battle I have for the past 40 years? Yes, you are right - easy. I had 80% of my stomach removed. I can only eat 2-4 oz of food at a time. I have changed my lifestyle completely, not to mention my family changing theirs to support me. I have to take a variety of Vitamins and supplements daily, most likely in a couple months my hair will begin to fall out unless I ensure I eat enough Protein. This easy way out something I have committed to do for the rest of my life and have to be on the top of my game EVERY DAY. So, what have you done for yourself lately that was this EASY??? I don't know if they got the point or not, but I sure do feel better