vsg_joanna

Andrew, like thesuse2000 says, it is IMPOSSIBLE that the 2.5 lbs is fat! Especially as a man it is possible to easily go up and down +/- 5lbs just from normal fluctuations. Larger men (I'm talking body builder types can even fluctuate +/- 10lbs!)You cannot let the daily variances mess with your head- you'd have to do this for a week or so and then see how the scale is trending. Some causes of Water retention: 1. Salty food 2. Not drinking enough water 3. Alcohol 4. Menstruation (women only... obviously) 5. There are many more that I'm too lazy to type

You need to identify the trigger foods in your life and cut them out. For example I noticed that I'd eat the Power Crunch Protein bars when I wasn't hungry and just snacky. I could even eat two of them within a short amount of time! However, I could have four cases of Quest bars at my desk and only eat those when I am truly hungry. I told myself I wasn't allowed to keep Power Crunch bars around. I'm trying to be honest with myself and I know that even if I buy them with the best intentions.... I will cave in. Another HUGE trigger food for me is cereal- no matter how "healthy" I'll be constantly snacking on it. Haven't had Cereal at my house for two-ish years. So my advice is this: be honest with yourself. Find bars that are good enough to eat as a meal, but disappointing enough not to eat when you're dealing with head hunger. Yes, I totally believe in moderation- which is why I'd buy a single Power Crunch bar if needed sometime in the future... or eat a bowl of cereal at my inlaw's house HOWEVER I know that I cannot just keep those things around me. Hope this helps!

I agree with southernsoul above, I don't think you should worry about weight loss while sick at all. Also, I bet you are actually losing weight, but due to being sick are holding on to water weight. Your weight "going up a few ounces" every day is NOT real weight gain and you need to learn to not be affected emotionally by the daily fluctuations of your body.

I'm 26 as well with no children. Already down almost 60lbs and the boobies are already not looking so great. They are still a full 38DD... but NOT perky. No fullness on top, saggy... soooo sad! I have another 70lbs to lose and I have no hope for them. I don't think this has to do with age- this has to do with winning the genetic lottery!

Walking totally helps!! Walking and water and I'm guaranteed to go! Try to go for at least 20 minutes high intensity walk. Personally I cannot tolerate Milk of Mag. and there is no way I'm doing an enema.

Haha yeah I realized never trust a fart!!

Yup I totally chewed and then spit something out when I was still on full liquids lol

Also I wanted to add that I'm in Jersey too! Montclair... where are you?!

It's the Water intake! I was on a stall and was worried that my calorie intake was too high at 800 since most people are at like 600ish at this point... I focused on getting my water in religiously for a couple days and BAM -2.2lbs. When you're dehydrated your body stores extra water and once you start hydrating your body, it behind to release what it was holding on to. Don't worry about the Peanut Butter too much =P No one is perfect, but definitely focus on the water!!!

Call your doctor to make sure, but I did have very strong, contraction like pains the first week post-op. Apparently it's a known thing that happens sometimes.

Personally, I thought the unflavored tastes strongly of whey. I could not drink it with water, I would gag. When on full liquids, I made Farina really thin with milk and added the unflavored powder. It tasted like heaven after all the sweet shakes. Make sure you mix in super well after the Farina has cooled off.

I found that after surgery I prefer the plainer flavors such as chocolate or vanilla mixed with plain water. Before surgery I loved thick shakes and now that doesn't work well with my tummy and makes me nauseated. Also, I found that I don't handle ready to drink shakes well either. The ones you mix yourself taste better, less thick.

Oh man, I could feel your pain. I'm lucky to live on the east coast where I don't have to deal with it on a daily basis. What's kind of funny is that I had to unsubscribe from a few WLS support groups on facebook because it seemed like every other post was a sermon praising "Jesus" and "the Lord". One way I deal with these situations is either a. avoid them or if that's impossible b. go along with whatever it is, but I won't go out of my way to please someone. I.E. someone makes a mostly harmless religious comment- I'll nod in agreement and smile. No point in arguing.

I'm totally on the same boat as you- I'm 3 weeks out and I know I could probably eat a full serving of cream of wheat or soup, etc. However, I stick to the portion the doctor told me to stick to. I'm eating no more than 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup purees and no, I don't feel full like I did before, but I don't feel hungry either. Yes, it is so frustrating sometimes! A few things to consider: 1. Are you getting all your water/ fluids in? I have noticed that when I don't, I don't lose weight. 2. Most people at this point are at 600-800 calories a day. Check in with your doctor because I know plans vary, but this seems to be the norm. 3. When you say you "can eat a whole serving" - have you actually been honest with yourself about your hunger level? Are you feeling hunger at all yet? Or is it just head hunger? I'm a food addict myself, so I know how difficult that is. 4. You should check out Less of Sarah on youtube because she has lots of great advice- also she started out at 420ish and is now at around 220ish!

I'm 3 weeks out today and I have zero regret. To make you feel better about the water gulping... I was worried about this to since I've always been an avid water drinker and couldn't imagine not being able to chug a bottle. The about of water I'm able to drink at a time is perfectly satisfying! Salad however, I never liked it, so I don't miss it!

Almost 3 weeks post op now- so I'm cleared for mushies. I got lucky- no hunger, getting all my fluids, everything goes down fine. I got the Iron sleeve lol. One thing I've been concerned about is calories.... On average, how many calories do/ did you guys eat at 3 weeks post op? I'm averaging at 700-800. I include all my supplements which some people chose not to and those alone come out to about 70 calories a day. Also, I walk at least 1 hour each day as part of my commute- does my calorie intake seem too high for this point in time? I am a "low weight" so it concerns me that I'm eating the same number of calories as someone substantially heavier than me, since I worry it will slow down the loss. Please share your thoughts!

I was only out of work for a week- granted, I do have a desk job.... BUT my commute includes 60 minutes of walking each day. It was difficult, but I survived. The worst part was worrying about bathroom emergencies and gas discomfort during the commute.

Personally, I made the decision that I was only temporarily saying goodbye to my favorites. My goal is moderation and a normal healthy life. I love cooking and baking and wine- and I plan on enjoying those in moderation in the future.

I think the reason people always respond with "just because you could, doesn't mean you should" because I think most of us who got this surgery don't really quite understand what "being full" means. Most of us think being full means eating until we're stuffed or feel sick. I think I know what you mean by feeling like you "could" eat a lot more than you thought. How did you feel after eating the double cheeseburger and fries? Remember, we need to change our idea of what feeling full is. It's not that stuffed, I'm ready to go take a nap now feeling. I mean, we all got to where we are from overeating past "actual fullness". Ever since surgery, I don't think I've felt "full" but I also haven't felt hungry. Accidentally overeating/ drinking too much makes me feel really sick, but it never gives me that "full" feeling from before. lol I really hope this makes sense.

Usually the trade of is low-fat = high carb, low carb = higher fat. You pretty much have to pick one. Lots of research that was recently published states that full fat dairy is not as bad for you as previously thought and that it keeps you fuller longer.

I was sleeved on 4/8 and I had zero constipation- don't know if I just got stupid lucky or if my plan is helping out. Everyday I take two Fiber Well gummies and Metamucil Clear fiber- about a teaspoon every other day. Also, once I got to full liquids I had cream of wheat twice. Also, I forgot to add- I walk A LOT. I found that it really gets things moving.

At least once a day- since I understand that weight fluctuates and that stalls happen, it has no affect on my happiness. I just have a habit of stepping on it everyday.

My surgery was on 4/8. Starting weight: 238.8 1 Week Post-op: 232.8 -6lbs!!

Hi everyone! I thought I would do a day by day review of my experience in Tijuana through Mexico Bariatric. Everyday I'll do a recap with pictures =) I thought it would be very helpful for people. Background- surgery scheduled with Dr. Lopez on April 8th and traveling with my husband. Yesterday we arrived in San Diego and immediately called Victor our driver. Victor is a bit difficult to understand on the phone, but he is aware of this and very patient with repeating himself. Our plane arrived early, so we had to wait maybe 15 min. Victor is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area of San Diego and Tijuana- if there is extra time he will even stop along the way and show you some of the tourist attractions. We tipped Victor $10 and then $2 for the guy who carried our bags up to our rooms at the hotel. Once we got to the hotel, Tatiana (who is the coordinator for Dr. Lopez I think) greeted us at the lobby. She gave us information about the next day, hospital forms, and we checked into our rooms. The hotel is beautiful, the swimming pool is great and there is even a jacuzzi! My husband and I tried out both yesterday. As for food... for your companion- I suggest straying outside the hotel for more authentic, cheaper food. Right after we arrived, we went to a restaurant down the street. You can't miss it, it's shaped like a giant sombrero. There are a few people there that speak English and my husband thought his meal was amazing... not going to lie... I licked a piece of his chorizo lol. They even have broth available- it was a bit too salty, but not bad! Total with tip was $17. Also, next door is a little shop that sells drinks and snacks- much cheaper than the hotel. Patients get free broth/ ice pops/ Water at the hotel, but for our companions go here to save money. Or anywhere else outside the hotel. We bought four bottles of water for $1.60. This morning we are meeting Tatiana in the hotel lobby to head to the hospital... I'm getting nervous about surgery. Look for the next post about day two!! So far though, we think everything has been wonderful. Very professional and organized =) Sorry for the delay with the pictures- the wifi here is good, but not great. Also, feel free to ask any questions!

Surgery in 6 days! Just hoping someone could give an account of their pre-op testing at Hospital MI Doctor... I'm sure it varies a bit from doctor to doctor, but it should be pretty similar. Just wondering what to expect