Babbs

Why? The Sleeve is proving to be just as successful as the bypass, with fewer short and long term complications! You should rejoice in the fact that you are able to have WLS at all! So many who desperately want and need it can't have it Don't worry, be happy!

A few pounds a week? A month? You're weight will fluctuate as each month goes by. Are you tracking calories, Proteins, carbs, exercising and getting your Water in?

Are you still losing? Then you're doing GREAT! Don't compare your weight loss to anybody else's, it does nothing but bring on self loathing and negatively. I should know. I am a slow loser, but as long as I'm still losing, I'm a happy camper You're doing just fine!

Do you have a mall close by? Even if you don't want to buy anything, you sure can get some good walking in by going the length of most malls

This was my mantra after surgery: Walk, walk, walk. Sip, sip sip. Good luck and good healing!

Have you been taking pictures of your progress? I found when I started feeling the same way you did, I put all my progress pictures together in chronological order and saw just how much difference 45lbs made! It will make you feel a lot better, I promise!

No, not decaf. I drink a small amount of caffeine every day. One habit I wasn't willing to give up

Short (8oz) Chai Tea Latte 120 calories 4 grams of Protein

I like to compare the first couple weeks after surgery to going through labor. It can be pretty hard going through it, but you know the end result is totally worth it

And THIS is why I adore you

@@TJBab Sorry to threadjack a little.My point was that the surgeons sometimes lose sight of the big picture. Just because you aren't exactly the "standard", doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong. You are doing just fine. Let your body do it's thing. I agree with what someone else said, maybe get with your NUT and have them look over your meal plan and maybe give suggestions? But I think you're doing just fine

BLERDgirl, I see what you're saying...but take into consideration the fact that I had been on full liquids almost completely for 6 WEEKS. I was STARVING. And he was trying to get me to cut back even more? I don't know, right or wrong, I just wasn't comfortable with the whole treatment plan I was getting dealing with my GERD. I think he was just hoping if he kept me on liquids long enough, it would just magically go away. Well, it didn't. I ended up slowly introducing foods on my own and haven't looked back. I still suffer with GERD periodically, but I will see a gastro about that when the time comes. People really need to realize that although some doctors are very knowledgeable and have your best interest at heart, you don't have to take what they say as gospel. It's okay to break out on your own and seek alternate care or a second opinion. It's our right. It reminds me of an old joke: What's the difference between God and a doctor? God knows he's not a doctor.

I can't believe I'm going to finally admit this, but I have not been back to the surgeon since my 6 week appointment because of that same attitude his PA had about my weight loss. I was still doing shakes and full liquids at that point (at 6 weeks...his request to treat my GERD, another thing I didn't agree with he did) and when I told him I had three 12 oz shakes a day plus Soups in between, he told me that was TOO MUCH. He actually told me I should have been only having three 4 OZ shakes instead. I did the math...that was a grand total of 500 calories a day...AT 6 WEEKS. He proceeded to tell me he thought my weight loss was too slow...because of the 12 oz shakes. Well, needless to say, I haven't been back. I'm pursuing my follow up care with my primary instead. Sometimes I think they get so wrapped up in their own reputation of making sure their patients are successful to make them look good, they forget that we are all different and some may just not lose as fast as others. What works for one may not work for another (shouldn't they know that??). I know my body best, and I have done just fine thus far tweaking my diet to adapt to my rate if weight loss. I have lost no hair, I'm losing steadily 2-3 lbs a week, I track my Protein and Water intake and I religiously walk and take my Vitamins. Doctors (or PA'S) don't always know best, and sometimes we need to be our OWN advocate! ***DISCLAIMER*** I am NOT AT ALL advocating anybody to dump their surgeon and not do their follow up care with them because you may not agree with their treatment plan. I felt knowledgeable and comfortable enough to take matters into my own hands. I know this is not typical for everyone.

@@Bob B It's SO normal to be nervous and have second thoughts! The surgery itself is such a small part of the journey. Next thing you know, you will be on the mend and starting your new life! You've got a great attitude, you will do great! Keep us posted!

Stay away from carbs! They make you hungry. Like Ann said, if you are eating foods rich in protein, you should fill up and not be hungry until your next meal. Every time I go over my allotted amount of carbs, I find myself wanting to snack and eat all day. It never fails! That's good incentive for me to stay away from bread, rice, etc....and get my carbs from veggies and even a little fruit ONLY.

Nope, not forever. Just in the beginning stages when your tummy is still healing. After you are healed the longer chewing is beneficial because you don't get full as fast. That and the slower eating was something I really had/have a problem with. Now at almost 4 months out, I still eat too fast and don't chew near as much as I should. Old habits are hard to break

My surgeon advised 1 year out from surgery. I'm almost 4 months out, but I may try a sip of champagne on New Years Eve

This made me LOL. Thanks for the laugh

I had bunion surgery 3 weeks before my sleeve surgery. Even was still wearing a boot after surgery. My surgeon didn't seem concerned with it at all. You may need a little extra time, but not too much

Soup will be your friend the first month or so out to eat

@@Momma_D Don't panic. TOTALLY normal. Your body is adjusting, that's all. I gain weight all the time, but then I'll have a 4 pound weight loss. You are doing nothing wrong, (especially if you've switched over to good Protein instead of mashed potatoes and crackers)...follow plan, get some exercise, and it will come off. Stalls and weight gain are all part of the process, so you may as well get used to it now This journey is not a straight line, but more like steps of stairs. You'll have your ups and downs.

What @@Kindle said....my goodness girl, your FOUR DAYS OUT. Give yourself a break! Do me a favor, stay off the scale for a week and just concentrate on getting your fluids and your protein in. Healing is your first priority right now. You will see the weight come off, I promise! Your body just needs to do some adjusting, that's all

Maybe you're not ready for the huge life change? There's nothing wrong with that if so. If you are still looking at it as "dieting" because you are nervous about having to restrict your calories the rest of your life instead if looking at it as a true lifestyle change to become healthier, then maybe you aren't ready for the surgery? As far as the skin issue goes, it's awesome that you feel good about yourself now, but quite frankly, you are not healthy at that weight. I'm assuming you're young, and have no health issues to speak of. As you get older, being obese has a way of taking a toll on your body. That's ultimately why I did it. High blood pressure, diabetes, aching knees...you name it. Now 45 lbs lighter, I am off all meds and exercise 5 days a week with no knee pain. But like I said, it's such a personal decision, it's okay if you're having second thoughts! Completely normal.

I will be 4 months post op on the 22nd, and I've lost 45 lbs. You're worried about 33 lbs in 7 weeks? You're doing just fine.

A large part of this surgery is learning a new lifestyle in order to lose weight and live healthier. How are you going to learn to eat properly if you don't start adding new things to your diet? Just slowly start introducing your approved foods to get your stomach used to them. And I've got news for you...your weight loss WILL stall and it WILL slow down at some point, whether you're drinking shakes or eating real food. It's just part of the process. The idea is to not "diet", but learning to live your life with your new lifestyle. A person can't just drink shakes the rest of their lives!