CJ Porter

Anyone else experience stomach gurgling when they tried a new food? I ate a bit of an apple today - skin off, small bites, chewed to mush - and when I swallowed it, it was like I'd put an alka seltzer in my stomach. It was gurgling! Anyone experience this? CJ NSV for the day: For the first time in a long time, I have less than 100 pounds to lose.

That's amazing! Congratulations on all of your victories! For me, NSVs include clothing sizes going down (from 28 in jeans to 24), more energy, and less medication. Had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and he's very happy with my progress. My GP gave me a big hug because she was so happy for me and said I seemed so much more positive. I'm starting to look forward to my walks (HUGE victory there!) and I won't skip Water aerobics for anyone! I've got a great counselor who is helping me work through all of my emotions... Well, that list could go on and on. I really do feel like this was absolutely the right decision for me! CJ

I know it's difficult but it is only temporary. That's what I kept telling myself. Some tricks I used: Switching up to decaf mint tea. Like the flavor. Very refreshing. Tried infusing Water with mint leaves (sensing a pattern?), frozen peaches and strawberries Checked out some crystal light. Didn't like it much. Drank low-sodium chicken and beef broth. Drank unjury chicken soup. Added some pepper and a touch of salt. Really liked it. By 12 days out I was able to have mushies. First egg I ate was heavenly. I'm now back to eating regular foods (with a few exceptions - my sleeve hates beef and decaf coffee, and I can't stand broccoli anymore) and the liquid phase feels like a long distant memory! CJ

Nothing changed about how I take my meds. Some of them I have to take on an empty stomach with just a little bit of Water. I haven't had any trouble. And I'm taking some pretty big pills. CJ

You know, I think it sounds very normal to hit a "I'm so sick of this" after a couple of months. Just remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. (Geez, I hate sayings like that but it's appropriate in this case.) It's a big change and I think it's fair to say that most of us are used to diets, diet fatigue and that point where we gave up in the past. Surgery was that drastic change that doesn't really allow any of us to give up or go off the diet. Try to find some non-scale victories - clothing fitting better? More energy? Less medication? Better sleep? I am curious about what you said about "eating like a freak..." I honestly don't feel all that weird about it. I just eat small portions. I share with family and friends. I haven't stopped going out - I'm just smarter about what I eat and how much of it I eat. For me, it's the new normal and I don't apologize for it or make excuses and frankly, I don't give a rat's hind parts about what anybody thinks about what's on my plate. I'm doing this for me, and anyone who doesn't like it can get lost. I hope you feel a bit better after your rant - hang in there! CJ

I know this song so well - sometimes I feel like I wrote it. I'm still relatively new at all of this but sometimes the desire to grab something that isn't good for my body is so strong that I think I'm going to go crazy. My doctor and his team take a realistic approach - they have not ever told me to never have a sweet again, or eat a piece of pizza. I had to identify some of my own triggers that will send me down that slippery slope. I wish I had words of wisdom or tricks to help get you back on track. Truth is, I know I have some dark days ahead and will struggle with the same demons. I have a counselor who specializes in eating disorders. I've asked my family to keep the foods I find difficult out of sight. I don't bring in things I know I can't deal with. I attend my surgery support group and I'm honest with others when I'm having a challenge. Please know you're absolutely not alone. You've got someone pulling for you here. CJ

I know many folks are dealing with stalls. I mentioned mine and thought it was important to also say mention when it broke. I just kept doing what I was doing and stepped on the scale at my doctor's office today was was down 6 pounds. One of the most frustrating things was that I actually put on two pounds while I was stalled. I can't imagine how that happened (sodium perhaps?) while I'm taking in only 700-800 calories a day! So, hang in there folks - I know it's not my last stall but it was good to see it break. CJ

My doctor is big on "evidence based practices" and recently changed up his requirements for his patients because of research that points to bariatric patients who meet with the dietitian/nutritionist for a period of time (he could have said a year, I don't remember) are more successful in the long run than those who don't. I love my nut.

If you can, I recommend trying unjury chicken Soup. I really didn't like the Protein powders - I think they all taste vaguely of eggs unless I put Peanut Butter in them, which made me extremely queasy in the first few weeks. It really was the only thing I could stand. I put a little pepper in it. You should be able to do broths too - that will help keep you hydrated. Be sure to use low sodium broths. There's no way in hell I would have been able to go to class at 6 days post op. I was only walking about 15 minutes a day at that point. It took me 3 weeks to get back to work! CJ

I think it's difficult for those of us who have addictive personalities. Now that being addicted to food is no longer a possibility, what do we do? I try to keep myself busy - this forum, walking, meal planning, reading about gastric sleeves - I have quite possibly made my own health my newest obsession. I also started playing a geocaching game that is taking up some time that I'm having fun with. A therapist is a great idea but I understand the monetary implications. Mine is working with me on the payment because I can't really afford it, and I'm only seeing her every two weeks. She is big on making lists as someone mentioned in a reply before this. I do find it helpful. Keep us posted on how you're doing and don't be afraid to ask for support - it's why we're all here! CJ

I know I tend to be impatient, but I'm trying to focus less on the numbers and more on the results - smaller sizes, more energy, less medication, etc. My doctor says I'm on target for what he expects at this point and that's good enough for me! CJ

I got myself a Magic Bullet. It has really helped with making shakes and then moving onto the mushy stage. I found my regular blender too big for grinding up 1 ounce of anything. CJ

Your bariatric team is there to support you. Even if your doc doesn't want to see you until the end of November, if you are experiencing problems you should go call. CJ

I had pain in my left side for three solid weeks before it abated. I was told it was normal. I found the more walking I did the better I felt. Good luck and congratulations! CJ

I've been very open about my journey. People I work with have watched me lose and gain weight over the years. And I had to take three weeks off work. The weight I've lost showed right up in my face, so, everyone noticed. I did tell my mother who is a dietitian and expected that I would face significant opposition from her. But at the same time, I didn't want my husband or sister to face her wrath if something happened to me during surgery and they had to tell her after the fact. I was of the same mind as Kyahjade - not only did I want people to know this was a crap ton of work, I also wanted to be out there and let people know there's nothing to be ashamed of if this is your choice. But at the same time, I don't have issues with telling people to step off if they say something inappropriate. I find I mostly get curious questions (i.e., What? They removed your stomach? ) and people asking how and what I eat. I don't mind sharing. I'm always very careful to include details of my exercise regimen, Water intake and some of my challenges - like I am currently hungry much more than I expected. It's such a personal choice. Whatever you decide, good luck!

No kidding! I took one french fry off my nephew's plate and my sister was right away, "Aren't they verboten?" No, no they're not. See, because, here's my thought - one fry. Tasted it. Felt satisfied. Keeps me from having an entire plate of them because I'm craving them so bad.

Experiencing my first stall now. Yay! Embrace the stall for me means that I need to get used to this as a normal part of this journey. I can't panic. I know I need to stay off the scale (I'm trying!) and keep on keeping on. Knowing myself, I know that means I have to focus on things other than that damned number. So, some of the things I try to focus more on: I am wearing a pair of jeans today that I haven't been able to wear in over a year because they were too small. And they're not tight. I purchased blouses that were 2X. I've been 3X for a very long time now. My diabetes medicines have been reduced significantly. I was much more comfortable in the theatre seat the other night and it's only going to get better! I kicked butt and took names at Water aerobics last night. Okay, so, that list was more for me than you - thanks for letting me ramble.

I stuck with Unjury. I found it mixes well into warm things (so long as they aren't too hot) and I barely notice it. If you haven't tried their chicken soup one, do it. It's my favorite - I couldn't believe it. I still resort to it if I'm in need of something a little lighter on my stomach!

I've been pretty open with friends and co-workers about my surgery. Most are supportive. Some are insatiably curious and ask all kinds of questions. Doesn't bother me. The worst is when I'm talking to someone who wants to tell me all the ways they've tried to lose weight and how WLS just isn't for them. I want to say, "Good for you. It was right for me. I don't regret a minute." I told my daughter the other day that if anyone ever suggests that this journey is easy I'm going to punch them in the face twice. Seriously. I've never worked so hard for anything in my life. The surgery, the pain, the limitations, the exercise, the knowing it's not reversible - there's no sitting down to two plates at Thanksgiving or just having another sliver of pie... this is huge. And if they want to listen to you, they will. And if not, well, you know where they can go.

I started looking into the surgery in 2013. I didn't make up my mind until 2014. At that point, I had to do a year-long insurance mandated program before they'd approve me. I finished it in July 2015 then I had to wait until almost September because of my work schedule!! OMG, it took freaking forever. While I was waiting, I was such a bear about it. I groused constantly about hoops and how impatient I was. How they were forcing me to carry all of that weight around for an entire year while they had me set BS goals. I don't know how anyone lived with me. In June 2015, I made up my mind to start making some of the changes I'd need to get used to post-surgery. Low carb, Protein first, lots of Water, exercise, etc. I wasn't perfect. Not even close. But it started to get me in the frame of mind. I didn't get a surgery date until late July. And when my surgery date rolled around, I was SOOO very ready. I'm 5.5 weeks out now. A total of 47 pounds down since June. 26 pounds since surgery. Was the wait worth it? You bet. I have not once second guessed my choice - not while I was only walking for 5 minutes a day because it hurt so bad, or when I made myself sick eating something I didn't tolerate well at week 4 (beef) or when I have to drag my lazy butt off the couch to get my steps in. I put the work in and there's no way I'm screwing this up. I hope this helps a little. The wait is worth it. CJ

I'm not sure I can say there was one single straw. I've been gaining/losing weight since I was 12. Kind of an expert, you know? But I was at my highest weight ever and 300 was looming just two small pounds away. A few of the "straws" were: Not being able to ride any of the really fun rides at Universal Studios! I sat on a bench while my husband and daughter went on all the rides. Knee pain. A "doctor" who told me he could do nothing to help me until I'd lost 100 pounds. Trying to keep up with a teenage daughter who was about to start high school. Giving up on a successful Pampered Chef business because I didn't have the stamina to lug all of the stuff around that I needed for home shows. Dreading when anyone said, "Let's take the stairs!" Not having any energy. Ever. I could probably go on. But I have not for one minute regretted my decision to get the sleeve. I'm 47 pounds down on an amazing journey and am feeling great. CJ

I had over a year of hoops I had to jump through. By the time I was approved by my insurance company, my original surgeon had moved his practice out of my area. It was all worth it, IMHO. Every person I know who has done this had different requirements based on insurance company, surgeon, etc. CJ

My problem with soups it that it just doesn't provide that much in the way of Protein. I've been eating soups since week 3 (allowed on my plan) but I put it in my Magic Bullet to get rid of all the chunks and then add a scoop of unflavored protein. CJ

Just last week I told my husband that while the scale was telling me I'm down and I'm wearing clothes I haven't been able to wear in a very long time, I just didn't see it. People say they're seeing it but I just haven't yet. I have to wonder if I'll ever see myself as anything but fat. Don't know yet - check back with me in a few months. I'm 5.5 weeks out and I'm stalled. Lost 47 pounds (26 since surgery) and then at 4.5 weeks, just stopped losing. It's very common. Doesn't make it any less discouraging I know! I've been jumping on the darned scale every day to see if it's over yet - I have to take a step back and just let it go for awhile. It will happen. I have faith in it. So, right now I'm looking at other positive things rather than getting hung up on that number - I'm eating less. *grins* I've got more energy than I've had in a long time. My diabetes meds have been significantly reduced. You're not alone. Hang in there! CJ

Been thinking about you. Hope things are going better! CJ