pumpkin07

I know, I lose weight every few days...but I fear that will stop if I don't get my crap together. My head is just not around this yet and I have no plan for the day. Plans don't work for me right now at all. Seems like one day I want something, and after that I never want that again but something different. And I just kind of ride the ride. I've wasted so much money on food/supplements trying to buy some of things everyone says they do - but ugh most of it just awful to me. Like I bought the 'case' of shrimp won ton Soup from costco...ate one and gagged my way through it and threw away the other 7. Have eaten a little Greek yogurt out of the Costco 'case' but UGHHHHHH, can't touch it now. Can't drink anymore shakes to save my life with any form of whey Protein. Even the unflavored. The artificial sweeteners are just worse than ever to me. If I only get 2-3 oz of something, I want it to be something I like. So after I didn't poop for 10 days...I just cut out all the what-I-call fake food and just started eating more normally for me, and figured the weight loss would stop. It has slowed, but it seems like if I eat a lot one day, then the next day food just seems gross and it offsets itself. And still I'm not eating many calories. But so many of you are so organized and compared to you all I feel like just a total bomb. But things are 'regular' again and I stopped crying and I'm just sort of trying to let my head catch up to my stomach so to speak. My head is rebeling against the physical changes. I tend to go through things this way - sorta sloppy but I get there all the same.

haha. I'm not there yet.......still fighting this thing. People say...you are doing so great and I snicker to myself. I'm thinking - you don't understand...I'm being controlled. I hope eventually.

Me too - I was sleeved February 9th and my waist line is slightly more comfy, but definitely swollen at the belly button area which is where my incisions are. The WORST thing was my first period, which hurt the incision as it swelled even more I guess. And the cramping felt especially bad to where I really wanted to be home but didn't stay home. But it really was aching. I think this is all normal. After C-sections and then a tubal the last time I know it takes a while. It is swollen in there! And scar tissue.

Oh that is soooooooooooooo great. I love hearing people feel they are (now) living life to the fullest....YOU GO GIRL!!!!

WOW - really proud of you and happy for you! I would love to see the pics. Do you know what size bougie you have and how much you can eat at a meal in ounces? Just curious a year out how that played out. Thanks!

What is the 90 day challenge?

Well, in relation to Tdriver...I am a month out almost (2 more days). And I have had that satisfying FULL feeling a few times this month. But the the food addy in me freaks out and wants that feeling at every meal. I guess for now it is just occasional elation.

Wellllllllll.....there are certain things I do regret. I regret not researching more into the size of the sleeve and making sure this surgery is perfected before I had it. I regret not going to different doctors to interview and make a decision before plopping out my 14.5k. Sometimes people post that they can't STOP losing and that scares the crap out of me. That would be a mean thing to do to a fat person...the ultimate 'joke'. "We'll show you...etc.". I'd hate to die from being underweight...I cannot imagine though. I also thought after the six weeks you just eat less and go on your merry way. Now I realize it is not so simple...a lot of people still 'diet' as far as I can tell. So I'm like hmmmmm I may have to do that to lose weight. Gotta get my head around that. Also, I regret not getting more counseling to have insight over where my emotional difficulties with food are and resolving it somewhat. I am dealing with a lot of head shit, basically. I should have handled that ahead of time but I didn't understand it was bad until they made it impossible to eat much....you see what I mean? I was used to eating what I wanted whenever I wanted. No self control. I enjoy losing the weight, and I'm hoping like heck I don't sabotage myself. I still feel like I'm trying to control IT, when I can't. So far my sleeve has endured my mistakes very well but it has been a battle with my esophogas b/c I'll mess up and not chew enough and pay; or eat too much and pay - how? - with the slimes which are not awful but kinda are at the same time - worrisome. Believe me, I don't want a leak, but not eating the foods I am used to has been extremely hard for me. So with this said do I regret it? A little bit. Why? Mostly b/c I worry I won't lose my weight or will gain weight and look like a fool. To be fat and have this contrary stomach - now that would not be fun. But I have learned I really have some foodie issues, cause I love to eat and drink whatever I want.

That is so cool. My husband and I wanted to go to Vegas and get married and everyone got insulted so we didn't do that. But to me it sounded so cool. I think just sending some cool announcements with a picture is nice. Sometimes it all just gets to be too much, the whole wedding drama. My husband and I both agreed we couldn't handle it and we didn't do that either - we wound up with a JP and a dinner with everyone.

I am 3.5 weeks out and it has gotten easier just this week to eat a little more. But before that I could only eat 2 oz. And it also depends on what it is. Yesterday I ate tuna salad and could not eat much, but couple hours later was able to finish the scoop. Same with yogurt. But if it is something warm and not too thick I can eat more. Temperature seems to be a factor for me. Also if I try a baked potato nothing works b/c it is just too thick and seems to stick to my chest. I often wonder where IS the stomach/sleeve b/c when I have problems it is always in my chest not what I thought was my stomach. But eating less, but more frequently is definitely a key. It took my hard head a while to learn that.

I haven't lost my interest in food at all and I'm 3.5 weeks out. Are you all saying I will still lose it soon? B/c I don't see that happening. I don't feel real different than before as far as appetite, when I'm full I'm not hungry but that is normal. I can't eat beyond being full or it hurts, so I've learned when I'm full through trial and error. When I'm hungry I can think of lots of things to eat, although what I want to eat varies from day to day. What I can't handle is the Protein shakes anymore and the artificial sweeteners too. I always kind of had an aversion so I did it a while and I got very constipated and I stopped. I use agave a lot in liquid form to sweeten tea, for instance, or oatmeal. We buy it at costco. When my husband goes to Mexico he was going to see if he could find it there. It isn't exactly like sugar but it does sweeten well without spiking the blood sugar. I think. Tell me if I'm wrong. I think I need to see a nutritionist to come up with a plan that will work nutritionally for me with real foods, but I do feel okay with what I'm doing. I just lose a lb every few days, but I guess that is okay for now b/c I'm trying to regain my health. I do eat a lot of Protein. Sometimes, like today, I can handle eggs. Every once in a while I mess up b/c the big part for me has been to a)take small bites, b)learn to chew well and c)to sipmy drinks and not when I'm eating. I have slimed a few times, 4 I think. If a puree is very thick I can't handle it at all, sometimes it is better for me just to eat more regular foods. I tried a baked potato once, ewww, that didn't go well. Too thick. I feel like everyone does this a bit differently. I feel healed, but have to keep reminding myself I am still not at 6 weeks. I ate a chicken enchilada the other day and it was by far the best thing I've eaten. It wasn't huge by any means, just a little enchilada. But I felt extremely satisfied afterwards. It was from a restaurant that really purees their chicken and it was very soft and yummy. I still crave the same old spicey foods, just can't eat them. But when I eat something like that, that was always a favorite that is good for me. I just eat like 1/4 or 1/5 of what I used to eat. Like I couldn't eat the million chips or the rice or the Beans or the other two enchiladas or the guacamole or the tomato.......so gosh, I felt satisfied just with the one small enchilada. I smiled the rest of the day I think. . And it is a fight to get my Vitamins down. I hate the sweetness of the Flintstone vitamins and want something I can simply swallow. Any suggestions? The thing that will help me lose weight is simply the restriction. I have lost 26 lbs but before surgery I had already lost like 10. Then I lost quite a bit more real quick in the hospital, but 2 weeks the weight loss has slowed, but I don't care. I'm working on it, but not spazzing out over it. I'm more concerned with being healed internally and making sure I have no leaks.

3 weeks out and I cannot remember the surgery, honestly. It seems like eons ago. I feel fine, but like Monday I was very tired for unknown reason and just went with that and went to bed early. I haven't really started exercising. I don't feel up to that yet and just haven't pushed myself. I've had 2-3 satisfying meals since this thing where I ate and felt satisfied for a while. Starting to learn where to stop although I've made a couple mistakes and regretted it... My husband says I'm not snoring. I have had no color in my face, I notice a difference when I put on make up. But yesterday it seemed a little better.

I'm trying to buy new clothes as the seasons change and it is working so far. I figure this is my last winter to wear this wardrobe, so as I have to buy a few things now I am buying a) black pants that are a little snug for work; :thumbup: work shirts that can lead into early summer; c)warm up suit that is a little summery; d) summer clothes that are slightly snug. So far that is working. I don't think I'm spending anymore than normal yet. I realize my weight will be changing so I am purposely not buying clothes to last a lifetime - just what will get me through. Most of my clothes cannot be altered b/c I seem to have lost so much in legs and butt and that is hard to alter. My waist isn't down that much - perhaps there is still swelling there after 3 weeks. My stomach is smaller but my waist band is not the issue which is a shame b/c that is easier to alter. So it might save some money if you try not to change clothes as much during the clothing season. Also, if it really isn't a good fit, I bring it right back - b/c sometimes in the store I really don't always make the right decision.

Well it sounds like your doctor is taking this very seriously, so thank God for that. You 'sound' a little stronger. We'll be praying for you Stacie!

The less you drink them, the less you crave them, and the less you have to drink to feel satisfied when you do crave them.

Hi Stac - soo soooooo sorry you are still not mended. My thought going through this was also for the second opinion. Or perhaps at this point your own doctor needs to call in consults with someone more specialized in healing this sort of thing just for his own second opinion. I remember after my surgery before I could have Water my voice was so weak. I'm wondering how hard it is for you to express yourself during this time. I would be in a total fog and probably beyond myself by now. I see you are in Milwaukee Wisconsin - maybe someone knows someone in your area that could be an advocate for you. I certainly wish you were here in Houston I would be all over it, but maybe there is someone in your area that could be with you during doctor visits. It sounds like the water could be an issue, but the largest issue to me is to make certain you are getting the best medical care possible? Wondering if you have insurance? Wondering if you need to venture outside of your geographical area to get the best doctor around? I don't blame you for being tired of this, perhaps now that you are somewhat out of the woods it is time for a new plan to get this darn leak healed up. You could of course request your medical records and venture out on your own for a second opinion. But it is better to do it along with your doctor b/c you don't want him to desert you. I am soooo sorry and I will pray for you every day. I will also pray for the right medical care to come your way.

I have a friend that is considering getting RNY b/c her insurance will not cover the sleeve. She has BCBS if anyone has suggestions. I told her to fight it, but I dunno if she will. I wonder what is the UPSIDE of getting RNY over sleeve?

It is so weird to think that weighing too little could ever be a problem. That would be a first for me.

Yeah.......well, communication is key. If he is not ready to get married I would just leave it at that AND concentrate on your own life more. Sometimes men have to accomplish a bit before feeling they can add more responsibility. But we have to make certain we are not living our life through a man, if he isn't ready just let it be and focus on YOU. And honestly, as a side note, this surgery and the subsequent surgery is not the best time to make a major life change b/c it is already a huge life change. I'm just 3 weeks out (tomorrow) and it was a rough go physically/emotionally - enough to scare off many a man. I'd go through a lot of that privately b/c he could start thinking what did I get into? And then after a month you'll be better company. Unless he has a weight problem, then maybe he'd understand. I've been in the shoes of waiting for a man...that is no fun. My advice is just be the best you and love will come. If this isn't meant to be - there really will be the right person when you are right/ready. Life doesn't begin with marriage, believe me. To me it begins when you start living for God and your own goals and path in life if you know what I mean. But that is just me. Accomplish a goal - get a degree you love - do something that makes you the best you. Believe me, that will be very attractive to ANY man worth his salt.

Well, I wouldn't worry about it. I did the 2 week preop liquid and then after about a week post op I stalled too. I even gained a little bit, maybe 1.5 lbs. But I was hardly eating so it was strange. I didn't worry about it a lot, I just made sure I was drinking my Water. About a week later I started losing again and I broke that plateau by a couple lbs. So overall that is like 24-25 lbs in a month so how can I complain about that, you know? Looks like you already lost a lot of weight for just starting, you are doing great. One thing that seemed to help me was we went to the rodeo cook off and carnival and I walked my butt off. For some reason that helped things intestinally if you know what I mean. I think I was stalled in there too, still am a little bit. I held onto common sense, I mean crap I'm starving myself practically it seems, so how could I not eventually break the plateau? It is literally impossible. I think I only take in about 3-400 calories a day as it is.

Everyone on here is a bit different. But as for me, I have had a lot of trouble giving up the foods I love and to follow the 6 week post op plan. Part of the problem is every day I want something different with regards to food and I've developed an aversion to the whey Protein in general b/c I can't seem to get a BM and I feel like it is stopping me up some, or that it was. And I do get huge cravings. But the thing is, can't eat much of nothing anyway. But there is no getting around it, the first weeks are tough and tough and tough so you just gotta do whatever you gotta do to get through it. I'm sure what you did will do no long term damage. But the thing is, we do have problems with food, that is generally how most of us got in this mess. SO going cold turkey to change your whole diet is omg not so easy. As you progress you just have to find ways to make the guidelines work for you and to listen to your body and keep it functioning right.

1. Wear a decent bathing suit that is something I like rather than the least worst thing I can find to wear. 2. Lift my own body weight again (it has been a while). 3. Be tone. 4. Buy cute clothes in petite size (I'm short) that I LOVE. I refuse to buy/keep anything I don't love from now on. 5. Run around a whole block with energy to spare. 6. My real dream is to wear a bikini.....and have it look great. I bet I'd get a sunburn on my stomach b/c I haven't ever done that since I was like 16 years old. 7. Take horseback riding lessons and see if I like it. 8. Take a vacation with my husband and be able to eat more than 3 bites of food. 9. Eat nachos w/beef, sour cream, and big slices of jalapenos again...I miss those. I'm scared to death of spicy foods at the moment, but missing them. 10. Be able to eat and enjoy myself in a restaurant - traveling through Mexico.