TealSister

Sleeved 3/26/15. I hit 90# this week, still have 47# to go. I haven't been tracking calories, but do monitor sugar and net carbs. Protein has been pretty consistent @ 60 grams. Water/fluid intake has not been the best, but I'm working on it. Exercise has been non-existent and I need to start cardio/weights to help with my dangling arms and inner thighs. hair loss began in the middle of month 4 and is still going on. Protein Bars usually curb any sweet cravings. I have had a few slider foods (but a bite or two rather than the whole plate/bag/etc). Ice cream is too sweet, but I tried anyway. food does not rule my life anymore. Hopefully it stays that way! My family used to go out to eat several times a week, but it's such a pain finding something I will eat, or finding something my husband will eat that fits into my plan. It's definitely saving us money!

If you LOSE weight, you will have LOOSE skin. There's the difference. I don't judge, just cringe. It is difficult (for us old-timers at least) to type on a mobile device, so the run-ons and short hand don't bug me too much.

I'm struggling with the journey right now. This tool is amazing, but like everything else in my life, I am sabotaging myself. God forbid I be happy or succeed at something. GRRRRR. I am almost 5 months out and have had a respectable weight loss so far. Struggling with Water consumption, exercise and smarter food choices. Pretty much everything. My day -- I fill up a 32 oz water bottle in the morning and this lasts the entire work day. Around 9 am I have a Premier Protein shake. At lunch I usually have a Protein Bar or cheese/almonds. Then for dinner, either "lunch" again or lean protein from my family's meal. Not a terrible day plan, but notice the lacking 64 oz of water and exercise. And actual real food. The counselor I see has also had WLS so that helps some. I guess I'm just looking for words of wisdom from others who have struggled and found their way, reiterate why the rules are necessary. Tough love (but not too tough!) Thank you, fellow sleevers!

@@Rogofulm @@Twinmomma422 - I received my Tervis tumbler yesterday, the lid should get here today.

I'm 5 months post-op and have had severe nausea all day yesterday and today. I've only had 2 cups of hot tea total the past two days and no food/water/protein. No idea what is causing this. What have any of you done for this? I'm going crazy trying to live and work with this. PS - gall bladder removed during sleeve surgery, take prescription prilosec already if that matters???

@@MrsKarenC2008 I am 100% with you about missing food. Life is so much better without the gorging sessions, but something about it was very satisfying (until the guilt etc kicked in). Just need to keep focusing on the positives

8/31/15: 217 Thanks!

Holy buckets, you are sure hard on yourself! No one is 100% perfect, nor are we be expected to be. You are very diligent in your tracking and cognizant of your Protein, Water and carb consumption. That is awesome! Please don't beat yourself up over a few calories or grams of carbs. PS - I'm very anxious to hear from anyone who has gone back to protein shakes/water for a week or two!

I had an experience like the OP. While on vacation a few weeks ago, I paid a family friend with a cleaning business for five hours of cleaning ($125). The entire house was decluttered and all surfaces clean, beds made, etc. #1)She cleaned the kitchen floor (except under a small movable cabinet) and dusted the chandelier. #2)The master bath was cleaned (except caulk and ceiling vent), and #3)the small first floor bathroom was cleaned (except for ceiling vent). I see she did some #6 on the list)dusting in the living room. That's it for five hours. I had prioritized that my son's small bathroom be the 4th on the list to clean and she never made it there. She texted me that I was probably super happy to come home to a "clean" house. I couldn't respond. So disappointed! GOOD LUCK! Obviously I'm not a good resource!

I am so grateful for all of your advice! It sounds like I need to focus more on planning and scheduling. I truly appreciate all of your feedback!!

Five months out today * My wedding ring (that I had to have cut off and resized a few years ago) now slides off my finger * Can walk miles without being out of breath - while holding a conversation * Smile more and receive more smiles and "hello"s from strangers and acquaintances * Got a pair of size 16 jeans in the mail yesterday (I have NO jeans that fit me right now) and they were too big. I could wear my original size 20 for the first 3 months, now a 14 two months later. * More confident at work and seem to be more respected in meetings and in general * Many more - this is an amazing tool we received!

That part of the surgery really suc*ed! I quit cold turkey on Jan 13, 2015 and surgery was March 26, 2015. I had been prescribed Chantix but never took it because it was so expensive. I don't have words of wisdom for you. It's so hard and cravings are beyond words. YOU CAN DO THIS! It is so worth it being healthy all around. You will be able to breathe better, making exercise post-op so much easier. Good luck!!

218 lbs = Aug 24 Thanks!

oops

They sound wonderful! Agree: anything to help with more fluids. My nut/surgeon said no green tea. I'm not sure why, but I'm going to ask at next week's support group meeting. If I get the okay, I'm going to try some of these!

Great NSVs!

I had full clear liquid diet for two weeks prior (no Protein, no fruit, no veg, just clear liquids/protein shakes). I figured they would be able to "see" if I cheated. Just say no!

Piping in again. One major bonus with going to your own facility's support group is that you are all doing the same thing. On sites like this, there are so many variations of what's right and wrong. Meeting with people who are all on the same plan makes things so much easier and less tempting to stray because of others who do things differently and don't have adverse consequences.

I wore loose clothes so the pants continued to "fit" for 2 months post-op. When they started to fall off, I just hit the local Goodwill and bought 8 pairs of various sized pants (you can get good brands!) for $3 each. Now I have grown out of most of those so I need to make another trip. Your sizing will change so randomly that I wouldn't suggest putting a lot of $$ into clothing at this point!

I would definitely go if you are going to be there anyway. It would be nice to check it out pre-op to know if it's a good group to attend post-op. Support groups can be a key to success. My hospital is only 1 hour away, but it's still a long drive at the end of the day. I've only been to one support group - the guest speaker cancelled last minute so it was an open forum. It was great to bounce ideas off each other and learn what has worked/not worked for them. Just my two cents

@@CowgirlJane When I do eat real food, I tend to make fairly smart choices. You are correct that with not much hunger it doesn't seem worth it to actually make something. Plus my picky kids aren't huge fans of the food I like. My husband is much more open than he used to be. Four or five mini-meals scares me because of the food/water rules. You are absolutely right I need to use this time to get a life long plan moving for future success! Thanks!!

@@Babbs I can't believe you even suggested that!! I just blindly follow the no straw rule, while blatantly ignoring other rules. WTH. I love Water - plain, with fruit wedges, with flavor, ice, no ice. Pre-WLS I could drink 100+ oz / day with no thought. Yes, I think using a straw would definitely help me!

That's 75% of your excess weight GONE FOREVER! :) *amazing*

@@jane13 I wish I could just chug water! It's the sipping that is making it so difficult - especially when I finally DO go for a walk in the heat. I was in your beautiful state last week for vacation and it was still hard to get my Water in even when biking or swimming. I'm working on the art of sipping though.

@@ladycook9713 WAY TO GO!!