WL WARRIOR

Ever since switching to more of a plant based diet, I've noticed some positive changes. For one, its been easier to stay hydrated. I eat quite a few vegetables daily that have the highest Water content of any food. Below is an interesting article that lists such foods. Cucumbers just happen to be number 1 since they are about 98% water. I actually find that I crave cucumbers and apple cider vinegar during the day. Apple cider vinegar is wonderful for vitality and overall health. I've already written a long post about it a few months back, but I do recommend it for decreasing hunger and increasing energy. Ever since hitting goal, I've grown respect for fresh fruits and vegetables. The surgery has perhaps made them more appealing? Anyone else notice this? http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/list-fruits-vegetable-high-water-content-8958.html

I was diagnosed with NES (Night Eating Syndrome) when I was an adolescent. This syndrome has a genetic component and has been an issue in my family for the past three generations. Mostly only the males in my family are conflicted with the cycle of night eating. The cabinets in my kitchen were always locked because me, my brothers, and my Dad would get up (knowingly and unknowingly) 1-3 times a night to get something to eat. I was determined to break the night eating cycle during my post op phase and did so for the first 6 months. After that, it all started again full force. I wake up three times a night at the same times every night (12:30, 3:00, 4:30). I absolutely cannot get back to sleep unless I eat something. It has always been that way. My food choices are still smart and I have not gained any weight since this problem reappeared. My consumption at night is usually cucumbers with vinegar or pickles. For those of you that think night eating should be easily controlled, think again. Sleep medications and antidepressants have not helped at all. Night Eating Syndrome is characterized by these 5 primary signs: 1. Not hungry in the morning 2. Overeating in the evening 3. Difficulty falling asleep 4. Waking at night and eating (usually 2 or more times) 5. Feeling depressed I'm currently working through a step by step guidebook. I've reduced eating three times a night to two times night. I'm hoping to get it decreased to at least once a night. When I share this problem with others, I usually get a lecture about weight gain. I'm still including the calories from my night eating into my overall daily count. So, its not a huge problem yet because I've lost 140 pounds while struggling with this syndrome. I would love to be able to sleep through the night or get up only once. Part of me thinks that this is just a habit that I have to break like everything else. I would love to hear from others that struggle with night eating syndrome. If anyone has found a way to break the cycle or know some effective strategies, then that would be appreciated.

I'm on a kindle, so I can't see what I am typing. For this reason, I have to type my post as a response. Please wait a few minutes.

As a way to combat the sweltering heat, I was at the city pool with my 10 year old son yesterday. This was actually suppose to be a momentous day since it was the first time I got in a public pool with my son, let alone wear a bathing suit. The pool was packed with all kinds of people. This is when the "despicable" part of me comes into play. Ever since making it to goal two months ago, I find myself noticing (judging?) obese people. I'm not quite repulsed, per se, but just more aware. My thoughts are usually along the lines of: *Man, was I really that big? *I could never walk around in a tiny bathing suit if I was that big. *I wonder how she feels about her size? I wish I could help her, but then again, what if she is fine with her weight? *Eating hot dogs while swimming seems so contradictory...he has to know that, or does he? *It has to be uncomfortable just sitting around when you are that big. I know I was at this time last year. This is not me. I'm usually an open minded person. In fact, I usually don't notice or compare myself to others. What's more, I've never been vain, not now or ever. My main reason for surgery was to better my health and alleviate diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint problems. I just hate having these kind of thoughts. Maybe it will change over time once I have been in maintenance for a long period. Ever since hitting goal, I have been doing a lot of reading up on how to stay thin for life. Its just been heavily on my mind lately and its starting to influence my thought patterns. Anyone else have this problem?

Does gastric dilatation limit the success of sleeve gastrectomy as a sole operation for morbid obesity? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16469218 Research Study http://www.weightlosstriumph.com/does-gastric-dilation-limit-the-success-of-sleeve-gastrectomy.html further discussion of research results Great news! This research indicates that dilataion (stomach streching) does not necessarily lead to weight gain. In fact, most of the research that I've done (scientifically based) parallels the results of this study. The reason I've researched this topic is because my capacity has increased after one year post op and sometimes wonder if my stomach is dilated. I don't think my eating behaviors caused dilatation because I can only remember 3-4 times that I ate to the point of discomfort in the past year. Even if my stomach is dilated, I can still keep the weight off. The surgery did its job by helping me lose over 150 pounds and now I have to put my effort into overdrive during the maintenance phase. For me, this maintenance phase is actually harder than the weight loss phase because it is less structured and I really have to watch my portions because my stomach can hold so much more than before. The article recommends revision surgery through bypass or duodenal switch if the stomach becomes dilated. However, according to Dr. Weiner (well known bariatric surgeon, search on youtube for his videos), most patients that undergo this revision only lose an average of 15-25 pounds afterward. He often notices (during the revision surgery) that many patients DO NOT even have a dilated stomach. FYI: Dilation (stretching) does happen, but mostly to larger sleeves. You are going to have many people tell you that it just can't happen, they are wrong. This seems to have a great deal to do with how much of the fundus is cut out. The remaining fundus can stretch up to four times it's original size. Research shows that about 50% of the ghrelin is still produced in our bodies. I can also attest to the fact that my hunger and cravings are about at 40% compared to before surgery. I've read that most sleeves hold about 2 ounces after surgery but will eventually hold 4-6 ounces. This means that it is normal for the sleeve to enlarge 2-3 times its original size over time, despite not overeating. Really, what counts is NOT the size of our stomach, but what we put in it. I've seen patients regain weight no matter what their sleeve size. It's interesting to note that I've lost much more weight than those that boast at meetings that they are full after a few tablespoons. Even if your capacity has increased, the key is to stay positive! You can and will be successful! Further info: http://myaceinhand.blogspot.com/2012/01/bougie-size.html

I use to have a skin condition similar to psoriasis that has cleared up completely due to a better diet, hormone balance, and overall effect of surgery. In fact, one of my worst inflammation days was the actual DAY OF SURGERY. It was so embarrassing because it made my face terribly splotchy and I felt like the ugliest and fattest person on earth. Upon my release from the hospital two days later, the nurses were amazed how clear my face looked. It may have been just due to lowered anxiety and stress, but it has still never returned to this day.

My sleeve surgery was such a shock to my system that I went into early menopause at 38 years old. I was hoping the surgery would lead to an opportunity to get pregnant and carry a child to full term, however, it seems like its not in the cards for me. I've decided to focus on the positive aspects of what the surgery has done for me and take advantage of my new healthy life.

You have to realize that you are not going to have a BM (or much of one) on a liquid diet. I did liquids for seven weeks after surgery and only went a couple of times. You should become more regular once you move on to soft foods.

I've been slowly transitioning to a more plant based diet the past few months. I am almost a year out from surgery and have sustained goal weight since June. There are a variety of reasons that have persuaded me to drastically reduce my meat consumption. I've read many articles lately about the hormones in meat negatively effecting the human body. The hormone residues in food can increase the risk of breast cancer and other reproductive system cancers among women and may promote development of prostate cancer in men. It's estimated that two-thirds of the cattle raised in the U.S. are given hormones (usually testosterone or estrogens) to boost growth. This concerns me since I've eaten more meat in the past year than I have in the three years prior combined. Many experts say that you should only eat meat if you know where it came from and how the animals were raised. Can you imagine sitting in a nice restaurant and asking the waiter if he can tell you about the farm the chicken was raised on and how it was treated? Does anyone else worry about this? I'm not going 100% vegetarian, but I've drastically reduced my meat consumption. I'm actually eating venison for dinner tonight since I know its a safe choice. Do Hormones in the Food Supply Affect the Human Body? http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/hormones-food-supply-affect-human-body-2194.html Hormones In Food: Should You Worry? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/31/hormones-in-food-should-y_n_815385.html

Graham crackers are my weakness. I don't know if you have had surgery yet, but surgery will not prevent you from eating a whole pack. It's more of a slider food that doesn't keep you very full and passes through your stomach quickly. The best thing to do is to simply not buy them and keep them out of your house. That same strategy is what works best with all snack food. If you are in a snacking mood and the Snacks are not available to you, then you can more easily overcome that "snacky" feeling. When the feeling hits you, distract yourself by calling up a friend, going on a walk, work on hobbies, clean the house, etc. If all else fails, go ahead and grab something like a cucumber or other green vegetable. If I want a snack, but am not hungry enough to where an apple doesn't sound appetizing enough, then I'm not really hungry enough for a snack at all. I'm just bored or emotional. That is when I know that it is time to distract myself.

I used a different plan through Missouri Health net that covered everything and didn't require any dieting or meetings before surgery. I think the open enrollment period is coming up, so you may want to consider switching.

I got my surgery bill from the hospital today. The bill included my two night stay in the hospital and included many things that don't make sense. The total cost of the two days came out to be $29,520.96. That seems like an awful lot. Is this amount quite average for sleeve surgery? How much was your surgery bill? Of course, I'm not paying all of it. I do have insurance that is ssuppose to cover most of it. By the way, my surgery was done at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

No, quite the opposite really. I am almost 1.5 years post op and can tolerate just about any food at larger quantities. I am much more careful about my food choices as compared to before surgery and it makes all the difference. I'm sorry you are going through this. Are you still taking your bariatric Vitamins? How are your labs? Have you notified your bariatric doctor about your complications? I do find that my energy is lacking on days that I don't get at least 100 grams of Protein. How much protein are you consuming everyday?

I've been maintaining at goal weight for the past four months at 1800-2000 calories a day. However, I've pretty much stopped keeping track this past month. As long as I get in my Protein and stick with healthy food choices, I pretty much stay at the same weight. I dread the day when my metabolism starts slowing down. My main form of exercise is one hour of walking a day. I've tried to do more intense forms of exercise, but never stick to it long term.

Clemintine Sky, It's interesting that you mention spironaldactone. My period actually stopped after being on that med for a few months. So, now I am thinking it was the medication and not the surgery that caused my period to stop. I'm still taking the medication because it helps me to have clear skin. It's been a year since my last period and I am 38. I don't know if stopping the medication would bring my period back or not. The doctor says that I don't have enough fat on my body to produce estrogen, which would bring on a menstrual cycle.

My period stopped completely at 3 months post op. Even at 16 months out now, it has never returned. My bariatrican and PCP say that it should return once I maintain for awhile. I'm not sure about that since I've been maintaining on a 1800 calorie diet for almost 10 months.

http://news.yahoo.com/one-thing-no-one-tells-124907596.html When you lose over 100 pounds, there is a good chance you will see it in your face. I am 38 years old and have lost over 150 pounds. I do look older now and am trying to do what I can with retinoids and facial (chemical peels). Since I did lose my weight rather quickly, I am hoping that my deflated cheeks look a little better with time. I am mostly bothered with my parentheses lines, which were never there before. Plus, I tend to look a little more tired. Will this happen to everyone that loses a large amount of weight? No, probably not. It depends on age, how much weight lost, genetics, and how quickly you lost your weight. Anyone else notice this? Lucky you if you still look like you did when you were a teenager. I'm wanting to hear from those that have also experienced an aging face and what they are doing about it. This is only a minor setback. I would still have the surgery if I knew this was going to happen afterwards. At least my body feels 15 years younger.

What are your favorite episodes of Fat Doctor? I don't have time to binge watch entire seasons and would like to just hit the highlights or best liked episodes. I have seen the first few episodes a few years back. Also, could anybody share the stone to pound conversion?

Netflix just added "Better Call Saul" to its instant streaming playlist. This drama series centers around the lawyer character from "Breaking Bad." The first few shows that I have seen are fantastic. :

I love FRINGE. I had some intense dental surgery Friday afternoon (eight tooth extractions, four implants, two bone graphs, 55 stitches) and finished the last two seasons this weekend while taking it easy on my couch. It's funny that I never had one second of regret after my sleeve surgery, but am filled with regret about this dental surgical procedure. BLACK MIRROR also has a new season out on Netflix. If you like X-Files or Twilight Zone, don't miss this show.

If you thinking of going more vegetarian, then you should check out Dr. Weiner's youtube videos and book. I don't know how far out you are, but it is NOT recommended to try a plant based diet until you are 6 months out. I do somewhat of a plant based diet. This is probably because fresh fruits and vegetables cost more and have lower quality during this time of year. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=753&v=3_aahPETzH0

Aren't the makers of Formula 1 in St. Louis, Missouri?. I got a free taste of Formula 1 at Supplement Superstore in Jefferson City. They actually have a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Flavor. Which is both good and bad because Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal is one of those foods I overate in my morbidly obese days. Also, it is terribly expensive. Not sure if the price is really worth it. I may change my mind.

I'm from the Columbia area and had my surgery done through the University of Missouri Bariatric clinic. Anyone else near my area or go through the same clinic? It appears that they rarely do sleeves anymore. I've only heard of one other person.

Your observation about thin and fit people being more supportive than overweight people is correct. I've been observing it quite frequently since surgery 15 months ago. It made me think about whether I got jealous of post ops before my surgery. Although I don't like to admit it, but I do think I had a tinge of jealousy. However, the way I acted upon it was different. I was still supportive of those that had lost weight after bariatric surgery and admired them greatly. I was just envious that they were able to get the surgery while I could not due to insurance problems..

This might sound a little bold, but I'm going to mention it anyway. After all, its just my opinion, so you don't have to make much of it. I think deep down, you like the attention this problem is causing you. Like the previous poster mentioned, you seem to dismiss many suggestions. I've read your past posts and responses and there are may indicators that you like being super thin and all the attention it brings. Even in your original post, you mention being disappointed that your doctor didn't comment on your thinness. It was like you were let down that you didn't get the attention you usually crave. Also, you've mentioned how the opposite sex finds you "tiny" and how being so different than everyone else makes you feel special. You love the stares you get. I guess there is nothing wrong with that to a point. I realize that you are claiming that you want to gain weight, but can't. Part of you may know that you should put some weight on, but deep down it seems hard for you to give up the attention. Am I wrong that you confessed to needing to check in to an eating disorder clinic not long ago? Somewhat, I can relate. Last month, when I got down to 120 pounds, everyone seemed to notice. I had only gotten that way due to strep throat and mild dehydration. Anyway, the attention it brought made me feel a little special for about a week. After that, I realized that making others worry and stress over something I could easily manage and control just wasn't right. Besides that, the emaciated look made me appear weak and downplayed the strong character I try to achieve and reflect as a teacher. All it took for me to gain 10 pounds was the addition of graham crackers, popcorn, and Cereal. It was hard to eat it in the beginning because I had worked so hard to stay away from such carbs for a whole year. I added these foods a serving at a time each day and I gained 10 pounds in a month. After I got up to 130, I just reduced my calories a little and kicked the carbs. Did you know that one serving of Smart Healthy Popcorn has 100 calories and 100 CARBS per serving! My advice is to look deep down, get honest with yourself, and let go. If your blood work is fine, then you need to put an emphasis on constant snacking to raise your caloric intake. If you have kids, this is so important. Kids know more about what is going on than you realize and it effects how they live their life growing up in so many ways.