glitter eyes

I know many people do well with a "restart" where they go back to the liquid diet for a few days. I even do it occasionally myself if I see that carbs are creeping back in and my cravings start to increase. I will do a couple of days with protein shakes only and that seems to jump start my metabolism and kick the carb cravings to the curb. Also, after a day or two on liquids my restriction seems to be more which helps me stay on track. After a few days of liquids you could then try going back to basics for a few weeks where you focus on protein first. Also, tracking all my intake helps me. It keeps me accountable. Hang in there you can do it!!

My best experience was my hospital stay- everyone was so great. I could not have asked for a better experience. @@AvaFern I am so sorry you had a bad experience with Dr. Morgenthal. He was my surgeon and I had a great experience with him. Four of my friends used him also and were very happy. However, we all work at the hospital where he practices so that may have had something to do with it. Now I didn't particularly care for his medical assistant Flo. She tries to screen a lot of his calls and sometimes acts like she is the doctor. I tried to avoid her at all costs. Glad you had a great experience with Dr. Desai- I have heard wonderful things about him and if I decide to proceed with plastics at some point I will probably use him. My worst experience was probably with the nutritionist I saw. I did not receive any information I did not already know and she reviewed very little post op info. I learned way more talking with others who had the surgery and also learned tons of nutrition tips and ideas from right here on Bariatric pal!! So thanks everyone!!

@@ejirish your story sounds like I could have written. I even read it out loud to my husband. My pre op weight was 271. I was consistently eating around 1,200- 1,400 calories a day too!! I also ate mostly healthy foods. During my six months waiting period I began to make some small changes. I cut out all sodas, began to walk as much as I could tolerate. A month before my pre op diet I cut out all sugars/carbs. I was eating around 1,200 calories of high protein lots of veggies and no sugars. Didn't lose a pound. I was like "what the heck". During my two week liquid diet I stuck to it faithfully and only lost 4 pounds. I had two friends having their surgery the same time as me and they both lost almost 20 during their two week pre op diet. I remember telling my family I was so worried it would not work for me. I decided to go ahead and have it done because I felt it was my last option as I had tried everything else. Had surgery and did great, recovery typical and no complications. Stuck to my post op plan perfectly. The first week or so I didn't have much loss which is normal due to the fluids from surgery. Then, surprise surprise... My weight began to drop steadily. I am down to 145 pounds and feel great. It actually works!!! I have been in maintenance since around March (for about 8 months). I still require a lot less calories than most. If I keep my calorie count around 1,000-1,100 a day I can maintain easily. If I go back up to eating consistently 1,200-1,400 a day I will begin to creep up. The difference now is that it is so easy to eat around 1,000-1,100 calories a day and be satisfied. If I drop back to around 700 I will start dropping again. So the point of that long winded post was to say- YES this can work for you. One of the best things that worked for me was a tracked everything I ate and then I was able to look at my calorie count, protein intake and carb intake and was able to determine what amounts worked for weight loss and what amounts I needed to maintain. Good luck to you- it will work as long as you stick to it and you will be strutting your new healthy skinny self!!

Plain water has never sat well with me either and I am a year and a half post op. Like some others posted- trying different temperatures may help. Some people do better with cold and others with warm or hot drinks. I have always needed mine very cold. Also, try adding flavor drops to your water. Or even try different ones like propel, sobe', or vitamin water. I did the best with propel. Hang in there- this is like one big experiment; just gotta find what works for you!!! Good luck

Mine was two weeks of liquids only. I was able to have protein shakes, broth, sugar free jello and sugar free Popsicles.

@@Vad1988 I wonder if you have a store called Alter'd State near you? Their clothes are very trendy, but are more modest. They have a lot of the bohemian styles that are current right now. My daughter loves their clothes. I am 44- way older than you, but I have gotten a few shirts,shoes, and jeans from there myself.

My surgery with insurance was $5600.

@@tracy amanda. Eating the occasional treats vary from person to person, so the decision to occasionally eat unhealthy choices is up to you. What has worked for me: I ate very strictly while I was in the "losing phase". I never had any treats or even the occasional cracker, rice, bread. However, once I entered my maintenance phase I incorporated some healthy carbs such as whole grain rice, sweet potatoes, beets, more fruit, etc. I also will eat the occasional treats such as cookies, chocolate, doughnuts, etc. I have always logged my food so I have been able to see patterns and identify how many calories and carbs I can safely eat before the weight gain starts. For some eating unhealthy carbs can be a trigger to go down a slippery slope. However, if you are able to eat them and immediately get back on your normal plan then the occasional treat isn't bad.

What an adorable puppy!!

My exercise routine varies a lot. Some weeks I am at the gym using the elliptical, treadmill and rowing machine. My husband and I walk the bridges in our downtown area a couple times a week. Mostly, I like activities that keep me outside like kayaking and hiking. I don't have a set amount, time, or routine that I follow.

I don't have a card, but have never had a problem anywhere except at Disney at one of their character buffets and I had to pay full price.

I had a six month wait also. I started in January with my PCP and wasn't able to get into my hospitals information seminar until the end of February. By then I had already been to my PCP for the month of Jan. and Feb and those months were counted. So for me it was six months from my first PCP visit not from the informational seminar. Good luck to you, the months will eventually pass and it will be your turn!!

Weight today- 147 Goal weight- 140

Hang in there you are doing great!! Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!

Jacksonville, Fl. Sleeved on June 23, 2014

Looking amazing!!

One thing that struck me this year as I thought abut resolutions was for the first time in over ten years my resolutions did not focus on weight loss or anything to do with my body- it made me laugh with happiness when I realized that I am happy at my weight and fitness levels and while there is always some room for improvement- I feel 100% happy with my weight and body! It is such a freeing feeling. That being said my resolutions are to finish writing my novel and to try cave spelunking!! Happy New Years everyone!!

One thing I miss is being able to drink a lot of plain Water. Even at over a year and half post op I still can only drink about four swallows at a time. Also, sometimes plain water can trigger my heartburn and I have to add flavor drops which I don't care for. Oh to guzzle a big bottle of water again. What I don't miss is the fact that looking back at my obese self I was trapped in my cage of obesity and didn't even know it. It kept me from experiencing so much of life. Now I am FREE!!! I have such a zest for life now and everyday is an opportunity for me. Walking without being short of breath. Enjoying trying new things and finding new hobbies!! Love hiking, kayaking,zip lining, camping and can't wait to discover other things!! Great post @Kindle- really makes us stop and smell the roses about our progress!!

Good job!! Sounds like an amazing time. Glad you held up just fine- I know that's a good feeling. By the way... Can you send some of that snow my way? It's so hot here in Florida this winter. We are still having beach days and the air conditioner is running around the clock. We need some chilly weather.

Count me in. My goal weight is 140.

Good job!! You look fantastic. An example of a great success

My final weigh in- 146. One pound above my goal but I am happy to have made it through the holidays with a few pounds gone.

I was very tired for about four weeks post op, then the energy kicked in. Just take it easy you are still healing from a major surgery. Focus on yourself, rest, walking, protein and fluids and eventually all this will pass. Hang in there and good luck!!

I was very strict until I got to maintenance and then I very slowly added in some healthy carbs like: sweet potatoes, brown/wild rice, some whole grain pasta, more fruits and veggies. I just added them slowly and have continued to measure and log all my intake and weigh about twice a week to make sure I am staying at a steady weight. I even have the occasional unhealthy foods and have been able to maintain so far. I think as long as you remain aware of portions and your intake you should be fine. Congrats on your success!!

I was able to have pickles once I progressed to regular foods too. Pickles were one of the only things I ever craved early post op. That first pickle was heavenly.