TimeForANewMe

This is a very personal decision and one I did not make lightly. In fact, the morning of my procedure I almost backed out because I was so nervous about possible complications. I was very fortunate...I have had absolutely no problems from surgery and am now 7 months out and down 76 pounds. It was the BEST decision I have ever made. I was a borderline diabetic, with joint issues, sleep apnea and borderline high blood pressure. Now I no longer need my cpap equipment because my sleep apnea has disappeared, sugar and bp are back to normal and my joints are a lot happier. This is the first time I have lost weight and see light at the end of the tunnel to be able to keep it off. If you should decide to do this, make sure your mind is set, you follow your doctor's directions exactly (even if others are posting that they have done things and had no problems) and learn to eat as they suggest and get your exercise in. The benefits are well worth it...

I found adding a heaping tablespoon of instant coffee to Premier Chocolate shakes worked for me...still drink them at 6 months out

I was so worried pre-op that I almost backed out the morning of surgery. I am SO GLAD that I didn't. Best decision I have ever made. Like previous posters, before the sleeve I too could lose some weight but eventually it would slow down, then stop. Frustration sets in and then I would gain everything back plus 10 or more pounds. I was very fortunate in that I didn't have any complications, very minimal pain, very little gas pain and I was able to drink fairly easily right away...I actually thought the surgery may not have worked because I had so little side effects. I do have to say I believe I was VERY mentally prepared for this...which I think made it easier...even on the pre-op diet it was like I had switched a switch and that was it...this was going to be my way of life for the rest of my life...not sure how I got there but probably was just so tired of being overweight and not feeling well because of it. It has been 6 months and I am down about 70 lbs and am about 25 pounds from goal. My self-esteem has sky-rocketed...for the first time I can remember I am not embarrased to have my picture taken and I feel cute again. It took a long time before people even started to notice that I was losing weight (prob about 50 pounds) but now everyone is always complimenting how I look...it feels really nice. I don't ever want to go back to the way I was - and I think this time I will be able to keep it off...thanks to the sleeve! I have not been strict with my choices for the last month and a half and don't plan to be over the holidays...which may be making a BIG mistake...but I would like to just hold my own through December and then start again in January being very conscientious with my food choices and stricter with my exercise routines. Now that is not to say that I am making crazy stupid food choices - just not as strict. I plan on going back to my Protein shakes for lunch and dinner with a sensible dinner for the first week to get back in the swing. I definitely notice the difference in hunger on the days that I have more carbs than I should...be warned One piece of advice I would give is to try the Premier Protein Shakes (I just love the chocolate and add a heaping tablespoon of instant coffee-deelish They aren't quite as sweet as some of the others... I wish you the best of luck...you will just love your sleeve! Take the advice of others and really put the work in during the first 4 - 6 months...had it not been for vacation and then the holidays I would have worked hard the first 6 months instead of the first 4.5 months...but I am not complaining!

<br /><br /><br /> Oh how I wish this were true for me, but it isn't. I track every single morsel that goes in my mouth, I keep my carbs lower than low, and my food choices pristine. Yet, I'm not losing weight. The party line of VSG is that on such low calories it is impossible not to lose weight. Well, here I am. I exercise 5 days a week, 30 minutes elliptical, full weights rotation. I eat 80+ grams protein, 10-20 grams carbs, 60-90 ounces water, every day. Not only have I stopped losing weight (a month without loss), but I have gained. I do not eat bread, potatoes, rice, grains, etc. I am supposed to be on 600 calories a day. I had surgery in June,2013 and my nut said that if you eat more than 70 grams protein that the scale will stop moving down...she said I may lose inches but not the weight...(I was aiming for 80 grams protein/day) so I changed to between 60-70 grams trying to get close to 70 and the scale did start moving again... Good luck!