Swampdoggie

I'm not quite 4 weeks out and the change in hunger is amazing. It makes a huge difference. But you do have to commit because sometime the head wants things that aren't good for us. Write down your commitment and say it out loud every day.

I took 2 weeks off and then 3/4 time for 2 weeks.

In case anyone is interested, the community weight loss tracker does account for pounds gained in addition to pounds lost. That makes the number all the more impressive. Wowsers and good on us!

You look awesome, truly! Good for you.

I went out to restaurants pre op with the fam - we were visiting the inlaws at the time - and it was hard as h*!!. Also had several sessions of M&M poker and rum - we always use M&Ms as chips (and the rum is for, well, getting toasted) - and that was hard too. But I brought had my blasted Protein shakes and told myself it wasn't going to be forever and these were special occasions for the rest of the fam. Its a lot less hard post op because you're just not hungry in the same way - and eventually you get to eat food. On the other hand, my husband has done all the cooking - and he cooks like a 10 year old (read spaghetti every night) - for the last month because we all agreed it would be cruel and unusual punishment to have to cook for them and not eat EVERY day. Now that I'm in soft foods I'm back to cooking some. You're pulled both ways. I think I'd probably go for the wife's birthday and eat the spinach but see if you can come to agreement that this is the only one until you're certain of yourself.

I didn't feel much emotion either. I just felt ready. Good luck!

I've done this twice, once with band and once with sleeve. The first time, I didn't play by the rules and it set the tone for my whole unsuccessful experience. This time I got counseling, went to the support groups, and did the pre op right. Obviously this is a different surgery and its so great not to feel so hungry I'd be willing to eat carpet (if it were fluffy), but I feel different in so many ways, and already more confident of success than I EVER was with the band. I do believe, for me, part of it has been the different approach this time.

Hi there, a couple of thoughts - 1) I think you should be looking at something other than walking for exercise. Something in the Water, if at all possible. Maybe chair aerobics. There are DVDs and probably YouTube vids you can use. Maybe just some resistance bands. And stretching. 2) Personally, I haven't "worked out" in about 9 months. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and babesiosis, both of which just zap your energy levels. I'm on about 900 different meds including three by IV. My surgeon wants me to exercise of course (and so does insurance) but my lyme dr and my primary want me to concentrate on getting well. I am trying to do things (like what I mentioned above) to stay in the game until I do feel well enough to exercise, but the point I'm hoping to make is that one woman's workout is another woman's death sentence. If you haven't already, talk to your bariatric office about what options you might have.

Right. That is a bummer and then some. When you're eating 600 calories a day and nothing is happening is is INCREDIBLY aggravating, without a doubt. Did you talk to your NUT about meds that might have an adverse effect? There are also some who'd say to add more fat. Now that I can eat soft food I have added green olives and avocado and I saw some change today. I KNOW it will get better. Its getting thru to the better that's so tough. Sending good energy your way.

Wow, that's tough for sure. I don't have an asnwer for you but I wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you and supportive.

Re the question about revisioners feeling the restriction less, in my case that is definitely true. So I am measuring very carefully and even though I feel I could eat more I am stopping. I am finding that the amount does stop the hunger but it takes a little while to feel it. I dislike the current buzzword mindful but I think we do have to be more aware and perhaps regimented. I'm OK with that. I feel like a grown up kid testing things out.

I'm finding it harder to get the fluids in now that I'm eating little meals. But you can't drink with. That's when I'm thirstiest. Learning learning.

I think its complicated a little in these early days by the fact our drs are watching us and we know they have expectations. I'm a at stall too and its bugging but I'm going to keep doing what I know im supposed to be doing and not worry about the Dr. I did take measurements and they are changing. @@Veronica Page if you haven't already, do take measurements. I will bet they are chancing.

I like this thread. I appreciate what the OP was saying. I followed the link to the gratitude article and like that. I am dysmorphic in the backwards sense too - while I've struggled with weight my whole life, I was never actually much overweight until I ruptured a disk in my back. In my head i m always a size 12. So photos are always a shock. I think I may always have a weird relationship with food but being a lot older now than I used to be (or ever thought I'd be- I always think of myself as 37 for reasons known to absolutely no one) I really am trying to focus on the health gains and less on the clothes size. I have a wing span of six feet. I'm never gonna be small (except for my strangely narrow feet). But I am gonna be healthy and I'm gonna ski and camp and hike and garden. I am grateful for all these points of view and shared fears and victories big and small from this interesting community of people.

Great, thought provoking article. Good to be reminded of what's important. Thanks

The one time I was successful prior to surgery was using the Schwarzbein Principle. She's an endocrinologist who was working with diabetics and discovered the standard american diet wasn't working. Its kinda atkinsy but not as much bacon type fat. Emphasis on whole healthy foods, low carbs, leaner protein (than atkins) and healthy fats like avocado etc. After I get out the immediate post op foods I'm going back to that. I still use her cookbook.

Well that's pretty cool! Good for you and thanks for sharing.

I got into sewing (just aprons of all things) about a year ago. Got the $150 brother machine off amazon. It works great for the little stuff I do. However, more than sewing I got into knitting. Its not so noisy or scrappy and you can do it watching the game or whatever with the fam. Everyone I know gets a scarf or hat for Christmas. The dog is my model. I got a couple of books and YouTubed a thing or two. It keeps my hands busy.

Your surgeon may have a support group locally you could attend too in the meantime. And keep coming here, lots of support here. Oh, and maybe read. For myself, reading about what I'm supposedto be doing can keep me on track. There's an app called Eat Slower that you can set at some time interval (30 seconds, 1 minute etc) and that has helped me. I always attacked my food like it was going to run off. Now I eat like a frikin lady.

Good for you! Get that train rolling

@, how are you doing today? Are you feeling good about your decision? I am now on pureed foods and feeling good. I'm wishing the weight would fall like snowflakes and am nauseated due to some unrelated medicine, but at work and feeling good. I decided to do a few other things while I was at it - whiten my teeth more, do face exercises for the droopy jowls, put on makeup for a change, and all if it is showing a little bit. I hope you're feeling well and glad for your decision.

@@HealthArtLove, you know obesity is a disease, right? And You ARE doing it on your own, with a tool that's helping you. Its possible you could have done it without the surgery. But its very likely statistically that you would also regress down the line. Perhaps that's where you'll derive the sense of benefit. The healthier you can assuage your (needless imho) guilt by paying it forward, however you like. That feels good too.

Agree with @@JamieLogical and you'll probably be doing it for at least a few days and quite possibly some weeks after. Eat healthy real food at this point. You'll do better on for surgery if you're healthy going in. I read a lot of books too (still am) and this forum is very helpful.