jordantaylor

Just want to validate how you feel-it took me a good long time to warm up to protein supplements. The good news is that my surgeon says at 6 months post op, I'm ok to get all my protein from my food. What I really cannot stand is the artificial sweetener in the powders! So, people are going to probably crucify me for saying this-but I put a tiny pinch of real sugar in mine and then I'm able to drink a whole one and it isn't torture. I figure the protein outweighs the harm that a literal pinky finger sized amount of sugar will do! Good luck

DO NOT let this stop you from surgery! I actually went off my SSRI post surgery (not saying that's right for you-discuss with doc) because my depression and anxiety have all but gone away post-surgery. That being said, I am still on a mood stabilizer, really only because the withdrawal sucks, but I didn't have to change the dose. But again, work with your doc along the way. My unsolicited 2 cents- many times depression is behavioral and situational. I've found therapy to be 100x more effective than meds. But it's a completely personal choice. Best of luck!

Sleeved 5/26, down about 65 now. Loss is definitely happening very slowly now!

Hi! I was sleeved may 26th, down 65 lbs! Really struggling with keeping good eating habits and emotional eating. Feeling like loss has come to a screeching halt. Trying to come up with a game plan to correct this. How are you doing?

I admire your honesty! I have struggled in similar ways. For me, I've realized I can read the guidelines and get food advice all day long, but it's MENTAL. Anyone who's struggled with emotional eating knows that. Counseling is going to be your best weapon. Be gentle with yourself, no matter how unfamiliar it feels. Be patient, no matter how hard that is. No matter what, don't beat yourself up. The counselor at my surgeons office told me today that less than 1% of people who quality for WLS don't go through with it, and then others do it and just quit. You're on here seeking advice and support, so you most definitely haven't quit. As long as you stay in the game, you always have a chance to make changes. Remember that human emotions aren't built for change, we have to work hard at it. You can do it!! Send me a message any time you need support!!

It has taken me almost 4 months to stop obsessing over the scale. It's not easy. If I could go back in time and save myself some anguish, I'd probably throw away my scale and only get weighed at the doctors office. Clothes and photos are a much better indicator. But really, do what works for you!

Sleeved 5/26, down 60 lbs today. Been struggling with emotional eating. Went in for a follow up today and got a lot of encouragement, so that was motivating and positive. Hope all my fellow may sleevers are hanging in there. It's tough! But worth it.

Hi all, I haven't been on here in quite a while. I was sleeved may 26th and I'm down 56 lbs. I feel like I should have lost more by now, and it's made worse by the fact that I'm really struggling emotionally with all the changes and I know I'm doing a lot of things wrong. Before surgery, I had just gotten to the point where my recovery from depression and anxiety was solid enough for me to start working full time again. Most other parts of my life are wonderful- I'm getting married October 17, my job is very fulfilling, etc. I'm just really angry at this surgery and the process. I've been in therapy for a few years now, and my therapist is helping me to cope with the emotions and make changes, but I'm impatient and really afraid I'll sabotage myself before I get to the point where I'm doing better with eating. I've noticed that some of my pre-surgery habits have returned, and that scares me. The only saving grace is that I don't eat nearly as much as before. I also hardly ever drink anything with calories and I'm pretty good about Water, so that's helped. I wish there was a way to find treatment for eating disorders that's geared towards people who've had surgery. I feel very alone, like I'm one of very few who can't "get it together" after surgery and accomplish great things. I beat myself up so bad! Has anyone else gone through anything similar? What has helped you? Sorry for the Negative Nancy post! I'm not sure where else to go for support.

I recently got my first one ever a month after being sleeves. They are so painful!!! I used boil ease, an over the counter remedy, turmeric paste (google it) and hot moist compresses-as hot as you can handle without burning yourself. I saw my dermatologist and she said it was ok to treat without opening up and draining because I had it under control with home remedies. It did go almost all the way down thank goodness. I would say make sure you see a doctor as antibiotics might help and it needs to be looked at, but what I did got rid of it, thankfully.

I have definitely experienced this too. I seem to remember reading that estrogen gets released from the fat stores as the fat burns off, so maybe we're having hormonal surges? hang in there!

I am totally in the same boat! For me I've discovered it's mostly emotional, because lets face it, when I'm determined to partake in an unhealthy/addictive behavior, it doesn't matter what my stomach feels like, I might not even notice! I find that the "one day at a time" and "this too shall pass" mantras have really helped me. What doesn't help me is when I think everyone else has it figured out except for me. Also sometimes I consult with a friend who's had the surgery or others online and I get some judgmental comments. You have to put all of that out of your head and focus on being positive and moving forward. Don't have a pity party of 1!!! (and I'm saying that from experience!!) You are NOT the only one struggling, and you're going to be ok! Keep your chin up

@@jaterika first off, it will all be ok. I firmly believe that you are exactly where you are supposed to be in life at any given moment. I wanted to tell you that I had a scare (I'm a month post-op) and did some research, and I have actually not read anywhere that fetuses are harmed significantly when a pregnancy occurs earlier than planned. What I have read is that you do have to be very careful and make sure you're getting adequate nutrients and hydration, which can be done with a good nutritionist and doctor. I would get a 2nd opinion from another OB if you're considering that route. Whatever you decide to do, we are here to support you. It's your choice, trust yourself. Take some deep breaths and try not to worry too much

This is the best topic ever! I'm getting excited reading everyone's ideas, here are mine: - looking good in my wedding dress (!!!!!) on October 17, 2015 - giving Lane Bryant the middle finger - wearing a bathing suit that isn't a dress - continuing my pole dancing classes and getting very strong - joining a baseball team (softball who?) - feeling good about full-body pictures - fitting in the desks at school (starting bachelor's in the fall) - that look on my fiance's face. yeah ladies, you know the one!! - getting pregnant when we're ready and not worrying about complications

Thanks! The head hunger/cravings are a huge obstacle! But staying positive is a big part of success, so thanks for the reminder

Hey all...I was sleeved the 26th and I've lost 31 lbs. I know this is a great amount for a month, but I'm having a rough time with replacing old behaviors with healthier ones. I seem to be more stubborn than the average WLS patient in that regard. I feel a little let down that I have a lot of hunger and cravings still, and some of the disordered eating urges just refuse to go away. I'm working hard every day and doing my best, and yet I feel isolated because I don't think most people have these problems. Can anyone relate?

@@carolscience I have determined that whey protein absolutely destroys my stomach. I use metagenics when I need to drink shakes, my stomach tolerates it a whole lot better. I think it's rice protein. Somehow though, I just don't tolerate protein shakes well no matter what kind. Maybe it's just that I hate drinking them :-p On the topic of "cheating"- it is a choice, plain and simple. I think a lot of us struggle with feeling out of control and wanting to indulge addictive habits. I don't agree with calling it cheating - it isn't a game. If you struggle with disordered eating behavior, get help. I know because I do too! I don't like that I come here for support and people post really triggering and graphic stories about cheating. On the other hand, I wish people would encourage others to get help rather than shaming them for slipping up. That's never been effective in helping anyone change their behavior!

You are SO NOT ALONE. I saw a restaurant commercial the other night and cried my eyes out. I miss food as my friend and coping skill. I think dealing with that is an every day struggle for a lot of us. The good news is that you didn't just give up food, you gained a tool for long term weight loss, and you don't have to struggle with dieting like you used to. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I have trouble looking at it that way myself, but you have to remember why you did this. Don't forget that our hormones can go haywire after surgery, too, as well as the fact that the surgery is a shock physically and emotionally and it takes some time to heal from. Good luck, and keep your chin up. You're gonna do great

@, you look great! I totally know what you're taking about. My top and my bottom are 2 distinctly different sizes (it's like they belong to 2 different people?) and it's pretty frustrating. But I see your changes for sure! Keep up the great work!

I'm having a bit of a miserable morning. I'm just under 4 weeks out and, in the midst of trying to have a social life, I messed up with food at a restaurant. Don't even ask why I thought I could eat something out at this stage! My friends are being really quite unsupportive, which I didn't think would happen. I need to get back on track, it's the only way I'll feel better!! What are your "go-to" guidelines for getting back in the swing of things? Share em all!

Thank you guys for the advice! I should've mentioned that the dress has to be ordered and takes about 2 months to come in, so I think at this point I'm stuck with the 20, lol. Hopefully it works out with the alterations. If not, I'll have to run to Davids Bridal the day before and find something on the sale rack

Hi all, I was sleeved May 26th. I chose to have the surgery as soon as I could after making up my mind that it was necessary and the best intervention as my body was 5'4, 312 lbs and starting to give out on me. That being said, my wedding was already scheduled for October 17th of this year. I did not in any way shape or form have the surgery to "look good in my wedding dress," as a few people suggested. I had the surgery because my body and my health were in big trouble. I knew I could figure out the rest later. So, I know if my biggest problem is how my dress fits, that's a good thing. I just wanted to ask opinions- I was a tight size 24 pre-op. 3 weeks later, I down 25 lbs and 1 size (and the 22s are getting big, I'm probably even an 18/20 on top). I ordered my dress in a 20. These gowns run about a size small and then can be altered down 2 sizes max. I know everyone is different, but would you all say this is a safe number of sizes between now and October 17th? Thanks!!

@@Stevehud thank you so much for the kind words I guess a good seamstress is going to be my best friend. And reading about your loss-holy moly! Great job!! What was your starting weight if you don't mind me asking?

I can totally relate to what everyone is saying about suddenly having lots more emotions when you give up food as a crutch. Sometimes when it's really intense, I think I want to "take up" smoking again! Of course I don't, but the fact that I would think of consciously picking up a different addiction should give you an idea of what I (and lots of people) dealt with when it comes to food. This is why it's been so important for me to find ways of coping, whether it's walking my dog with my headphones on, writing, coloring, etc. It's hard to even commit to those coping skills, but you just have to give it your best. I'm still struggling with "avoiding" food. I used to do the same thing pre-op because everything about food and weight upset me after I got very heavy. I've found that now that my hunger isn't overtaking me, I "forget" (hmm..) to eat and then suddenly I'm really hungry and I want to eat more than the allowed portions. Seems like a small portion version of old behavior. I generally stop myself before I'm overfull, but there's been a couple of slip ups and I've paid for it! Bottom line - I need to make an eating schedule and stick to it. I see a therapist too, but haven't seen her in a couple of weeks b/c of surgery and driving restrictions. Can't wait to get back in the chair!

@@Lillypad glad I'm not the only one who did that How are you doing with the eating habits now?

Hi All! I wanted to share some of my story, ask a few questions, and of course, show my first before and after pic! (too early?...hmm...I think it shows!) So I got sleeved 5/26 with Dr. Nik Sekhar in NY. I wish someone had told me how sad I was going to feel when I got home from the hospital! It felt like I just realized what I'd done, which was that I had officially and permanently given up the "fun" of overeating and emotional eating. I was an emotional wreck for a couple of days. But then, I came out of the fog. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have my moments, especially because I already struggled with anxiety & depression before the surgery. In a way, though, having a relationship with a therapist way in advance is a great tool. I'm getting the hang of the new habits, and my back pain is gone, and my knees feel so much better. And that's after losing only 20 lbs! I'm so amazed at what a difference that relatively small loss has made. When I started, at 5'4 and 312 lbs, I was losing the ability to walk from the parking lot to a store at the mall, and I felt SO down on myself. So here are some things I'd like to get opinions/answers on: 1) Is it possible to stretch your sleeve by drinking too much/too fast? I am certainly not gulping, but at this stage it's going down easier and I don't want to overdo it. 2) Anyone else having a hard time stretching meals into 30 minute spans? I am usually done after 15. 3) How long did everyone have to stay on mush/puree for? I'm on it for 4 weeks - shoot me! lol And finally, check out my before & after! I don't know if anyone sees a difference, but I do! And I couldn't be happier.