Babbs

What the heck are you smoking?? LOL. Seriously though, that idea can really blow your mind if you think about it. I mean, our minds really are a powerful thing. Who's to say it can't be "tricked" into thinking we have smaller stomachs and to get full quicker? There's a place that advertises on TV here called Positive Changes. Basically they hypnotise you into seeing food differently and stop cravings to eat healthier. The (supposed) real people on the commercials swear it works. I believe this surgery is mostly the power of mind over matter anyway. Whether we have the physical symptoms of fullness or not. See what you started? Now I'm being all....deep.

Stomach stapling is just that...they staple part of the stomach off to create a "pouch" where less food can be consumed. No part of the stomach is removed, just stapled off. With the VSG, 80-85% of the stomach is actually REMOVED, leaving a bananna shaped sleeve for a stomach, where less food can be consumed. That's my VERY laymen explanation Here's a link to stomach stapling explanation.... https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_banded_gastroplasty_surgery FYI, I knew several people back in the old days who had the old school stomach stapling procedures who had such severe complications, they almost died. These procedures have come a long way since then.

Walk, walk, walk. It's the one thing that seemed to help me.

You can't count on everyone else to do this for you. It's up to you and your alone. While support from your spouse would be nice, and actually may come later, use other forms of support if need be (this site, surgery support group, Facebook support group). I go to the gym on my own, cook my own meals, and everyone else in my life eat whatever they want in front of me. I don't expect my friends and family's lives to stop just because I had WLS. I go out to dinner, go to parties and events and just do my own thing while everyone else does theirs. I made this decision for me, and if they choose not to go along for the ride, so what. You need to get in the same mindset. It's YOUR turn to take care of YOU.

Going on 17 months post op, long term side effects may include: Size 6 jeans Running up to 3 miles Zero medications Improved quality of life Looking and feeling 38 at 48 Lack of sore knees and hips Able to climb a flight of stairs without being winded Improved blood pressure Improved blood sugar Restriction when eating/able to eat less Ask your doctor how!

If you're not tracking your calories, carbs and Protein, I would suggest starting. That way you know exactly where you stand. At a 2.5 months out, you should be having nothing but protein and veggies. You should try to be getting at least 65-70 grams of protein, less than 50 grams of carbs, and be around 700-800 calories. Sounds like you're getting your water in just fine, but try to get at least 64 oz. Hope that helps get you back on track!

No, you can't "ruin" your sleeve, but you can "ruin" your ability to be successful by not utilizing it properly. The sleeve is just a tool. You gotta do the work for the sleeve to work for you. Not the other way around.

FYI, I had the surgery 16 months ago and haven't thrown up once. Most people don't if you're careful not to overeat. Also, because I was trying to quit smoking, I had only lost 5 pounds during my 3 month weight loss insurance requirement. As long as they see you're making an effort, you should be okay.

Just always remember that the surgery only changes or alters our insides physically. All the emotional stuff we have with self esteem and food issues remain the same unless we take the time to address them, whether it be through therapy, support groups, or self help books. The emotional toll this whole journey takes can sometimes derail or even stop progress all together if you're not careful. Also remember, losing the weight is not the end. Being able to keep it off while living life through it's ups and downs should be the ultimate goal for success. Good luck to all of you and keep us posted!

Look at you, hottie! You are just doing amazing! Be proud!

I, too, miss the occasional pig out. We went to dinner last night for New Years, and I had the best giant scallops and risotto I've ever had in my life. It was so good, it's one of those times you're actually sad you have to stop eating. I got as far as 2 scallops and a bite of spinach and rositto. I also miss having a glass of wine with my meals. On the other hand, I DON'T miss the pig outs. There is NOTHING like the feeling of actually being in control of what you're eating and the lack of guilt that comes with it. Double edged sword, I suppose.

It happens to EVERYONE. Yours just came a little early. Just keep doing what you're doing, and if the stall is going to drive you crazy then stay off the scale for a while. I assure you, it's nothing you're doing wrong.

You don't need to do anything different at this point except be patient. This first stall is normal and inevitable. Just keep doing what you're doing and it will pass soon enough. If it's going to drive you crazy, stay off the scale for a while.

I concur with @HopeandAgony. I felt almost human at about 5 weeks. Just keep in mind, this is only temporary. The way you feel now is not going to be the way you feel at 3 week, 3 months, 6 months...it just keeps getting better and better!

My favorite way to eat cottage cheese? Slice of fresh tomato, a little salt and a little pepper. Mmmmmmm.

Awwww! You vent away!! I can't remember, do you excersise? I think a good long walk, jog or few shots at a punching bag may be in order! I know it's little consolation, but honestly a good hard excersise session helps when I'm stressed out. Plus you'll feel better that you burned off that little bag of chips Hang in there lady! I'm sending positive vibes your way!

@@FrankiesGirl If I could drink it like that, I would. But of course, I go overboard with it So no more for me!

And see, in my opinion, some sweet potato carbs would be MUCH BETTER than fries or flat out bread....sugar or not. Look at it that way I'm all about non processed at this point in maintenence. If it comes straight from the ground to my plate, i'm eating it! I don't think the natural sugars is what made us fat. It's all the processed crap.

@@Dub Can we all come over to your house to eat??

At 16 months out, I eat them quite a bit at this point. After my protein and veggies, I'm usually only able to eat a few spoonfuls, but I enjoy them quite a bit! Helps get my good carbs in

That was my issue until about a year out. Carbonation HURTS! Then, one day, it didn't. So I started with the diet soda. I figured it was better then eating, so I would grab one when I got a craving. Like the slippery slope Stevehud mentioned, I was drinking it more and more and replacing it with Water. No bueno. I'm NOT against it in moderation. I do not believe it stretches the pouch. But as @@OutsideMatchInside said, it's garbage plain and simple. So since I can't seem to even do it in moderation like some, I've chosen to stop it all together again. I need to work on drinking more plain ol water anyway

Firstly, stop with the diet sodas and just stick with a Water or no calorie drinks. Then get back to basics like in the beginning, which means: Protein first (lean beef, chicken, pork or seafood) If you have room, then veggies Limit processed food and sugar, including the "white stuff" like bread, Pasta, rice and potatoes Lots of no calorie NON CARBONATED fluids, preferably water mostly You haven't stretched your sleeve. It's just the natural progression of things to be able to eat a little more as the months go by, not the sodas. But the sodas are obviously causing and issue for you, so they need to go. Protien and water will help keep your sleeve full so you won't have room for sodas Now get back to your program and get the rest of your weight off! You're doing great!

Stick with what your surgeon wants. Patience my dear. This whole process requires patience and delayed gratification. Start practicing now. Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress!

I had answered waaaay back in the beginning of this thread in May 2014 that a size 8 would be ideal. I am now a solid size 6. I can even fit into some 4's. Life is good

When I read posts like yours about your in laws, I would love to be a fly on the wall when you've lost all your weight and are looking even more fabulous to see all their heads explode with jealousy. Petty, I know, but like the saying goes: The best revenge is living well