BarnGirlWK

@@Kindle - I like your advice to @@JamieLogical. And what you advise is what I am currently doing. However, I have recently been instructed by my nutritionist that perhaps I need to curtail the carbs (even the good ones) in favour of Protein. I believe I said above somewhere that I cannot eat meat/protein alone. I like vegetables and they tolerate well and make me feel good. Having said that, there is room for improvement in using things like Protein Bars. Some of them have great protein content (22 g - 30 g), but some have very high carbohydrate content (like 24 g). If I could stick to protein shakes that have only about 2-4 g of carb, I think that will improve things, too. But, I agree that @@JamieLogical could shake things up, at least temporarily, by reducing protein and adding fruit and veg in manageable amounts.

@@snowkitten - thanks for opening up this topic. I'm eager to know the answers, too. I'm 6 1/2 months from surgery and have lost 47 pounds of the 100+ I need to drop . . . Too slow!

I'm sure I'm not at 100 g of Protein - almost never. And I'm not eating enough fat. Though, the fun thing is adding and experimenting with coconut oil with a touch of butter for extra deliciousness (when sautéing veg). My dietician says, eat the protein!! But . . . don't I also have to have veg??? I cannot eat meat alone. I am not eating noodles, bread, crackers, rice, etc. Not because I don't want to (not, really), but they make me feel perfectly awful if/when I do eat them. And they almost never stay in. Quinoa stays. Cooked veg (all of them) stay. Yay spaghetti squash and acorn squash! I have had potatoes the odd time; I have never really been a fan. And maybe because they are natural as they are, they are tolerated. Or maybe because they are 'something different' when I do have them. But I really don't have them. Protein and veg is my lunch and dinner almost always. Occasional Soups. Protein shake is my Breakfast almost always. I tolerate fish and seafood very, very, very well. Yummy.

@@JamieLogical Yes, August 24. The dietician is baffled, too. But, I still feel a lot of restriction. I'm definitely not over-eating, though likely under-eating for my exercise level. Makes me want to scream - "they" always have said, eat less, exercise more - that's the key!! Right! Not!

I've been at the same weight for 3 months+ and still have 50-60 pounds to lose. I know, I know, I know. There are benefits to slow loss. Your body needs to reset itself after a significant loss before it will allow more loss. It is better to have that weight off than on. However, In 6 1/2 months, I've lost 47 pounds. I'm at a total loss of 60 since pre-surgery. My expectations were way higher than this. Others who had the surgery at the same time are down more than 90 pounds. I so wish I was down 90 pounds as that would put me 10-20 away from my goal. I'm doing everything right. I have to keep the faith that it'll happen. And I'm still motivated.

Do they count as "Weight Loss Medications"? I researched and sourced injectable B Vitamins and have started self-injecting. I found a 'recipe' combining B6 and B12 in Dr. Bernstein style forum or blog and have been giving that a go. I'm not sure yet whether it is helping with my weight loss efforts. The scale did not move for me for about 3 months, and I still had a long way to go. And I've been avoiding the scale for quite some time. I got on the scale this week, and was down 6 pounds from the last time I tried . . . so, I'm not 100% sure.

@@mskiesha29 - Wow!! What is your total loss. My surgery was August 24, 2015. And sadly, I'm a slow loser. Only 47 pounds so far since surgery! Keep up the great work.

Welcome Jerry. You will meet many great people here and find all the support you need on all of the topics you mention in your introduction. Be excited about the change. Congratulations on making the decision. And best of luck to you.

I had my surgery with A Lighter Me and Dr. Elias Ortiz. There were a few things that I was not happy about, though are not necessarily related to the surgery itself. Dr. Ortiz was somewhat arrogant, in my opinion. He was assisted by Dr. Morales, who was an absolute sweetheart. Dr. Morales made the 'house call' to the hotel once we were released from the hospital. I had a room mate in my hospital room. Not intentionally, actually. She was picked up at the airport at the same time as me. We went from the airport to the hospital for the initial check-up, EKG, and blood tests. Then, we were taken to the hotel. The next day, we were picked up together. I believe that it was just a mis-belief by the A Lighter Me staff that she and I were 'friends' and were there 'together'. So, when they asked if we wanted a room together, we both felt like it was either each other or a stranger, we agreed to it. Of course, that all changed when we realized that nobody else had a room mate (aside from those who had a 'support person' along with them). Neither of us did. My room mate in the hospital was getting a different surgery than mine. Mine was VSG and hers was a revision of some sort OR a bypass. There was a lot of discussion with her around it. And she discussed some of it with me. First problem showed itself when Dr. Ortiz and team spoke 'unfiltered' with her in front of me, including her current weight and other personal details. Not cool. But then, if they thought we were 'friends' . . . Good for her, she called them on discussing her personal details too publicly. Even though they brought us to the hospital early on that Sunday morning, and even though they told us we would be first in surgery that day, we were not. And because neither of us had eaten since the early evening before, that was a long time to be waiting. They took her to surgery before me, but not until late afternoon. And so it follows that she came back first. Here's the problem that irks me the most: When I woke up after surgery, I was in her hospital bed and she was in mine!! Prior to surgery that day, she had been under her covers whereas I had only lounged on top of mine!!! And yes, I freaked out!! I was NOT impressed. IN. THE. LEAST! In fact., I was furious! Not at HER! She had as much control of it as I did - none! I was angry with the staff for putting us back in the wrong beds! And, yes, I really questioned Dr. Ortiz when he came to our room due to my outburst as to whether I got the surgery I was supposed to get, and that made her question him in the same manner about the surgery she got! I was not impressed. Yes, the staff, once they understood what the issue was (language barrier), changed the bedding and such. AND they moved my room mate to another room of her own. Good gawd!! Really?? As I said, these things are not necessarily related to the surgery itself, but to the overall experience. I have had no complications, no pain, no illness or anything related to my surgery. I did very well with the ice chips at the hospital. With tea and broth at the hotel. And I walked to WalMart (twice) from the hotel. I felt absolutely fine. It was six months yesterday since my surgery and I have lost only 47 pounds in that time. So, I am very disappointed with that. Others who I met at the hospital in Tijuana at that same timeframe have lost in excess of 90 pounds. So . . .

Two days ago and you're already trying Protein drinks? I understand that everyone's post surgery diet is (slightly) different, but I'm sure I was on clear fluids and broth only for about the first five days. Protein Drinks were introduced early, but not within 2 days. Yes, it gets better. Yes, gurgling is absolutely normal. Congratulations on this very exciting first step.

I am 5'9"ish. I have come up with an initial goal weight of 165 pounds. Not for any particular reason other than to write one down. I am not big-boned (though many 'kind' people have used that excuse for me on my behalf). I am a regular exerciser, but not an athlete. I have people who look at me and cannot believe I still have more than 50 pounds to lose. However, I am aware that 50 pounds will make a difference - and yet may not be enough to have me as 'slim'. I have resigned myself to the fact that I may never be thin. And after being overweight for all of my adult life, I'm perfectly okay with that. I, too, want to be health-risk free. I do not want to be diabetic. I do not want to have high blood pressure. I do not want complications with feet and knees and hips that are the direct result of carrying too much weight. And I want to be happy in the skin I'm in.

Thanks, Alex. I think this will be a popular forum. Dating and relationships are hard, anyway, and perhaps 'unique' for plus-size individuals. Now, shrinking plus-size people must have new experiences to discuss, new situations, and some non-scale victories, too. Great idea.

Congratulations! Enjoy the success!! And celebrations are always appropriate!

I am over five months out from surgery and have not seen the scale move in about three months. Yes, that's right. And further to discussions with the nutritionist and the after care staff, it seems likely that I am not getting enough Protein (and fat) into my every day eating. So, I re-committed to one protein shake a day and either another protein shake or a protein bar, if needed, depending on my level of exercise. And I am exercising quite a bit. Not fanatically, but more than my body is allowing to release weight. I have some Quest bars. I use unjury Protein shakes, and others. Some make me gag; others are more tolerable.

I had surgery on August 24, 2014. It wasn't until about 2 months in that I started noticing way more hair in my comb after I wash my hair. And couple that with the feeling that my hair isn't as soft and luxurious as it used to be. Okay, I read about it, and was expecting it. Now I'm starting to get concerned with the brittleness of the hair and the split ends as a result of dryness. Just not something I'm used to, nor do I want to get used to. I am taking Biotin daily. 1000 mcg. What more can I do? Next, starting this journey with in excess of 100 pounds to lose, I was told very seriously by my surgeon and his assistant that I would lose 40 pounds in the first two months. That definitely didn't happen. Yesterday, I weighed myself for the first time in about 7 weeks, and I was down only about 5 pounds since the previous time I weighed. And I've been sick for five days and am barely eating anything, so that five pounds could be the result of that. And now, 18 weeks post surgery, I am barely at 40 pounds lost since surgery. I've lost more weight than this without the added weight loss 'tool' of the vertical sleeve. And I'm frustrated. Very. I am following the rules. Mostly. No, I'm not cheating. More than anything, I'm not getting enough in. I'm sure I'm not getting enough Protein in and I'm thinking I'm also not getting enough fat, either. But, I'm doing my best. I eat protein at each meal. I'm not eating flour, bread, Pasta, rice. I'm not even eating potatoes (not my favourite). I can't over eat, the restriction won't let me. If I eat too much, it comes back. And too much is sometimes 3 tablespoons of food. If I eat too quick, it comes back. If I eat pasta, it feels yucky. Eating slow definitely feels the best. Fish is my friend, mild fish is best. Raw veg, which I love, take some getting used to in my tummy, so I'm eating cooked mostly. So, my theory is, just based on quantity consumed alone, I should be registering weight loss. Oh, and I'm exercising, not like a fanatic, but at the gym in group fitness classes 4-5 times a week. I know that I need to do what I can to help the weight loss along. I need to commit to the protein number. And that will mean going back to Protein shakes (gag) again. I am, for Breakfast, so I can get that out of the way. But there must be something else. I read story after story of weight loss successes here, and want more than anything to add my own to the pile. I see others with surgery dates close to mine who have lost 60 pounds, 70, pounds, 90 pounds SINCE SURGERY. And I want to just keep losing. I go for weeks and months without losing even a single pound. And I find it frustrating. I can't undo the surgery, I can't change my mind. But I'm not feeling the love. Thanks, everyone. BarnGirlWK

@@Galaxy Girl and @@MichiganChic Honestly, I'm not counting calories. At this 'initial' phase, I didn't think I needed to, nor have I been asked to. I know I am not over-eating as I simply cannot eat much. Likely, the issue is the opposite. Not eating enough. And not drinking enough Water. And considering my activity levels, I'm sure this issue is exaggerated. I am a regular exerciser, always have been. Got back to the gym as soon as I could after recovery from surgery. I take fitness classes 4-5 times a week. Twice a week, I am in classes for two hours. Twice a week, I am in class for one hour. Once a week is irregular and sporadic, depending on what else is going on in my life. My fitness classes are a healthy combination of cardio and intervals and weights. Yes, I have noticed the difference in my clothing. Recently, so has everyone else. I think I've turned a corner in what my physical self looks like. I realize that we are all different. And I want to be different, too. Someone who I met at the hospital that had surgery two days after me has lost 93 pounds (compared to my 41 pounds). I would be happy to meet in the middle and have had 65 gone by now. I have 100+ (total) to lose. I am serious about it and want it so bad and doing what I can. I'm not really weighing and measuring. Again, I can barely eat anything and I'm full. I am eating Protein first. And vegetables. I am not eating any flour products. I am not eating 'junk foods'. I do eat an occasional Jelly Belly or Skittle (candy being my downfall), but that is not the main stay of my food intake. Yes, I track my protein intake, but that's really all as it is of highest concern to me. And I am getting 18-25 g at Breakfast (with a shake). And I am getting 17 g when I add a Protein Bar. And then whatever meat, cheese, eggs I consume for lunch and dinner. I'm afraid I fall short. I renewed my commitment to at least one Protein shake a day to ensure regular protein intake. I don't love them. But I understand their value. And I 'get' that eating more protein (and probably some more fat) will result in better losses and better hair and overall health. I'm a life-long dieter (been overweight since puberty) and am totally pissed off from the years and years of diets (especially Weight Watchers) that told me that 'fat makes you fat' and never said a word about sugar. So, when I had a small cheat, it was ALWAYS candy (ju jubes were my cheat of choice). Right there on the bag, it said "Fat free". And now I learn (and BELIEVE) fat hasn't been the enemy that sugar has been in my world. And it seriously pisses me off. Yes, in some ways I'm okay with losing slowly and allowing my skin to adjust. But, come on! I haven't had a downward trend on the scale in close to 3 months. I find it frustrating. I've lost way more weight than this without the tool of having had VSG surgery. And now, even with surgery, it isn't coming off. As for water, I guess I also have been confused by the rules of drinking before, during, and after eating. I have a tea or two in the mornings, but don't seem to fill my water bottle until after noon. And I take and consume a full bottle of water (about 4 cups) during my fitness classes. And then, when I get home, because I am taking additional Biotin and Omega 3, I consume a little more water, and I take a glass of water to the bedroom with me. I don't always drink it all, but sometimes I do. I am so grateful to everyone reaching out to help me through this frustrating no weight loss period. I appreciate your ideas and support so much. Keep it coming. Just the basic calculation of calories in versus calories out should be affecting a significant weight loss. But it just isn't. I feel the restriction very very much, which I love, and am exercising, which I love. I just don't get why, oh, why, the weight isn't just falling off. Thank you, again.

Yes, I was asked to take a laxative before surgery. My surgery was a Sunday and I was asked to take a laxative with Water on Saturday night with water and consume nothing but water after that. I actually took a laxative on Friday, before my Saturday morning flight - just to make sure. As the others have said, each surgeon has his/her own requirements.

@@Lacowgirl72 - Whoot, whoot!! How great for you. It makes a big difference. You were perfectly lovely before, and are lovely (and then some) now. And I am perfectly jealous. I can't seem to get my body to lose more than 40 or so pounds (since surgery). I lost 13 before surgery and I'm five months out and cannot get the scale to move!! I know, I know. I'm hoping at nine months that I will have lost as much as you. I haven't lost any in over 3 months now. Enjoy the new you, and never forget the work it took to get here. You're a winner at losing! Congratulations.

@@Folly, I have often said that the trouble with weight loss methods is not that they help lose weight and sometimes help you keep it off, but that not a single one of them seems to address: - why am I heavy in the first place? - what triggered in me to let food/candy be the thing that comforted me? - once I lose the weight, how can I be sure that the weight won't come back unless I address those things that got me here? - why am I treating only the results of my emotional/psychological issue(s) and not the emotional/psychological issue(s) itself? There is a reason or reasons I am here, heavy, miserable, in need of a change. What is/are the reason(s) and how do I get off this ride?

Okay, I've upped the Biotin. I added super Omega 3 dosages. I'm getting Protein in. I'm adding oil (Moroccan oil, coconut oil, shea oil) to my hair. I'm noticing less hair on the comb and my hair actually does feel less dry. Still no weight loss, though. My burden.

I eat popcorn. Ate some last night. I'm five months out from VSG surgery. I ate it for the first time at about 2 1/2 months, I believe. Not a lot. I can't eat a lot (of anything). But I wanted some, made some, ate some.

I don't feel like Nikki was being "judgy" at all. Not her questions, not the topic heading, not the observations. I'd be scared to embark on a drastic weight loss method, too, if I saw that others who had been down that road are still consuming foods and quantities of food that I understood they would not be able to. Fair questions, comments, and topic, in my opinion. Ummmmm, wow! I am amazed that anyone is physically able to eat what Nikki saw them eating. I'm about five months out from my VSG surgery and feel restricted all the time. I do 'lose my lunch' from time to time and am trying to pay more attention as to whether it is due to WHAT I ate, HOW MUCH I ate, or HOW FAST I ate it. Even this week I had to excuse myself from the table . . . I agree with the posters who have said that there are some things that I can no longer eat. Flour products (bread, Pasta, noodles of any sort) make me feel yucky. I don't always lose my lunch when I eat them, but when I eat them, I don't feel good. So, I find I don't eat them. Then, I may try them again later in the process. Beef makes me feel yucky, gurgly, etc. Beef is hard to digest. Lettuce goes straight through me. I'm not sure why. But I have to say I tolerate cooked vegetables much much much better than raw ones. It's a shame, actually, because I do love raw vegetables. So, I keep trying. Carrots are good. Cucumbers are. Lettuce, totally not. Celery, I still limit, though the fibres and strings should not affect my sleeve at this stage of my process. And, honestly, each one of us is different. we will physically tolerate things that others are unable to tolerate. We will CHOOSE not to revert back to eating things that we feel out of control eating. We will CHOOSE whether or not to eat that item that isn't on the 'acceptable list'. And once we choose, we will move on from there. I honestly feel best when I eat fish or chicken and cooked vegetables. I do tolerate whole grain saltine crackers and choose them from time to time. I currently avoid products made with flour. Even rice flour. Even rice. Quinoa has been well tolerated the few times I chose it. I wish I would feel yucky when I choose a Jelly Belly or a Skittle. If anyone has advise on that one, I'm open to it. Wait, I already know this: do not have Jelly Bellys or Skittles in your environment and you will not choose them. Gotcha! If only it was that easy.

62 pounds in 3 1/2 months?? Wow! I can't tell from your showing information how far you are from goal (I suggest you add more information like what kind of surgery you had, your goal weight, your height, etc.), but regardless of how close you are to goal, that is a very rapid weight loss for 3 1/2 months. I'm five months out and have lost only about 50 pounds since surgery, with no weight loss in more than two months. Okay, you are aware that you have made some choices this week that aren't in keeping with your overall weight loss goals. All is not lost. Here you are asking for help and support, so there's a pat on the back for that. So, what else is going on in your life that is keeping you from your exercise goals? The carbs one can be remedied by getting them out of your environment so that they are not there to reach for. Perhaps, your body is reacting to such a drastic weight loss? (and maybe so are you?) and wants to put the brakes on for a minute? You are doing so great with your weight loss. You've come a long way in a short time. Enjoy it. Remind yourself of why you opted for surgery and what your overall goals are. And have a few sips of Water before choosing a snack that isn't in keeping with what you had planned. Forgive yourself this moment. Tale a deep breath. And continue. You are doing great!