Theresa64

So very frustrated, self induced. After the holiday I had gained 5lbs., now paying dearly. I had started on Monday with my back on track program...It has been so difficult. The first two days, just protein shakes, yesterday I had shakes, and eggs; but for some reason on the scale yesterday I was 215, this morning 217lbs. WHAT It has only been three days. It has to be fluid. I do remember that last night my tummy was really bloating and it was hard to get liquids in..Now, I feel defeated. I had watch the doctors on television. A women who had lost 235 pounds, but had a lot of sagging skin..My goodness I became so upset. I have the skin starting to hang. SO puzzled. Lipedema is the caused for this problem. The patient holds the fluids and fat stays on the body. Access skin doesn't go away on its on. It has to removed via surgery. The liquid and fat remains. Has anyone experienced this? Scary. I know I have to become more active, to rid me of all these aches and pains. My energy level has very taken a beating. I hope the next couple of months are a lot better then the pass five months. I have learned that I cannot cheat, have to more disciplined. It has been three days today since I started, the scales says 3lbs since Monday, but, yesterday morning I was 215lbs. 2 lbs..Makes me crazy. I have to huge discovery, I HAVE TO reprogram my mind and thoughts again. I remember the first month was tough, but, the pounds were falling out. After the shakes and moving in whole foods is what has throw me over the hill. If anyone is reading this, please I am in need of direction and assistance. Thankfully appreciated. Theresa from Delaware

Good morning Susan66, My name is Theresa. I am 5 months out. My last stall lasted about 7wks. I had thought my sleeve was deflated. Now, I have to be very careful..BOT on, but, the stalls are awful... Good luck

Hi Jerseygirl0519. Close enough lol. So you are preparing for surgery in March..Congrats on your decision. I had my sleeve in Aug. 15, I will be 5 months on the 21th. It has been life changing. I am sure you are excited and scared, I had so many mixed emotions. I am short also, so, my weight really pulled me down. At first, I lost 35lbs. Now it kind of slow but steady. As long as do what your surgeon and dietitian says, it is really amazing how the weight falls off. I messed up during the holidays and gained 4lbs. So, I had to go back to Protein shakes and lot of protein (eggs most of the time). Back on track. Wishing you luck..Please let me know how you are doing. Blessings from Delaware..

Thanks for the encouragement, I didn't think about Cortisol levels. Makes sense. Thank goodness today was the last stress related event; hoping to be able to jump start. Gosh, haven't had mashed potatoes for so long Have a great week. Theresa

Wow! The dreaded holiday is coming to an end. I didn't do very well during the last three days. Golly, everywhere I went, food, food and more food. I don't know if I am the only one, but, it was hard. I did gain back three pounds, my own fault. (cookies and pies) the evil twins for me. Thank goodness, a new year..A fresh start. I have been learning how to relax. Sound silly, but I have learned that stress is a huge start of my gain. So, I found some great tricks to calm myself down and relax in lieu of overeating. The last few months were not going well for a lot of people in my family. We have faced with cancer, MS, and strokes. Knowing how stress and idle time leads to eating aimlessly to help time pass, or help people by cooking for them, eating with them..etc...I was just about to give it all up for the almighty "potato"... I will continue to humble my life, and I will peacefully unfold the thinning person within. I don't require perfection, only the willingness to see the truth about the person I am now and strive to unfold the layers of fats and unworthy habits I had held on for years. I will from now on see each moment as a chance to make this change permanent, and be willing to forgive myself. Stress is largely created by how we think about things and how much we pay attention to our own thoughts. My thought, always seeing myself as large, the voice in my head always telling me you are not strong enough well, I now laugh in the mirror and say " you are thin"..Stress had been pushing me right into failure; but, not anymore. I will be bring more peace and happiness into each day as it comes, and I continue to accept the peace and not fight it. We are our own hero's (one who is aligned with one's true self) guided by something other than the thought-stream (the voice in the head). The hero is guided by another stream, which many have the flow. The flow is reality; it is what is actually happening her and now. It isn't something that is happening in someone's imagination or that something that happened long ago or something that will happen in the future. Hense, relaxing, maintaining that peace when everything look completely impossible will be my NEW outlook from now on..It is totally our decision to be a peace, or react and do the wrong thing, for me stress eating. I hope this post doesn't sound too far out there, but,, I have letting the stress roll off my back, and taking of me and the pounds are starting to come off again.. Happy New Beginning

Hey fellow Delawareans, I had my sleeve in Aug. 21, 2015, Milford Memorial, Milford, DE..by Dr. Barnett. He did a great job. I didn't have any severe pain after..No problems drinking or eating. But, my lost is slow.. Hope everyone is doing well. Hope to hear from someone soon.. PS: how do you inbox..new to site

I was sleeved in Aug of this year.As far as side effects, I have not had any, other the stalls( not losing for a couple of day or weeks). My pouch tells me when I am full. I think the hardest thing for me was not drinking with my meals. They tell us not to drink for at least 30 mins after a meal. The change is for the best. Your benefits of a healthy new, for me at least out weighed the long term side effects..I am not sure what effect you are concerned about. It is not easy, but nothing worth anything isn't easy. As long as you are communicating with your doctors and your family for the support the risk to me is well worth it. I have lost 40lbs., slowly. I just started the gym. I am 64yrs young..I have had two stroke, high blood pressure and other issue, most have gone. SO, to me, YES it is worth it. The hardest part was the first week. Now, as long I do what I do, I am fine. Research and ask question and communication is the key, of course a great surgeon. Good luck..Blessings Theresa from Magnolia, DE

Have you started the small group yet??

I understand your frustration. My pouch was in August 21, 2015, I was stalled for 6 wks Scared me. I thought I had stretched my stomach. My doc had me do all shakes for 24 hrs. Then liquids for one day (chicken broth, scrabble eggs and jello for that one day. Then shake ( at least a total of 90 grams of protein). Five pounds the first weeks Now doing 5 small meals, no more than 1500 calories. After that first week, now back to 2 -4 lbs a week again Water. Water water Blessings and Good luck Theresa from Delaware

As far as the diet bet. I am stalled again 15 lbs away from under 200. Driving me crazy ????

Several years ago I had my first stroke, it had left me completely numb on my right side. After months of PT my body began to respond. Unfortunately, the meds and lack of movement had caused me pack on the pounds. I am a little short, so even 5 pounds made me look like one the umpa (on the movie Charlies's Choc. factory)... I was given a lot of steroids and could not stop eating. My family was very kind, never wanted to upset me, so I would comfort myself with food. A food did I eat..I remember sitting here in my living watching the movie "intimation of life" and stuffing heated grazed donuts one after another, ( I think I had downed 6 or more), at the same time crying watching the movie. Prior to my sleeve, I had gotten close to 275lbs, felt awful. I have three grand children and didn't have the energy to play with them. I really took a good look in the mirror and started crying my heart out, literally caused myself to have a panic attack. Self pity is dangerous. I started to stay in bed, no interest in anything..I was simply just here, non-existing. On the morning of Sept. 9, 2014 I called my doctor and told her I needed help. I was having thoughts that was not ones of getting better, but ones of despair and fear of dying. At first we tried the main stream diet plans, to no avail. Next, she sent me to a therapist to try talk therapy, it worked for a while until she wanted to continue to dig deeper; so we ended that. I had another mini stroke in Jan 2015, not as disabling as the first but enough damage to have to start all over again. But, it was a blessing. I had come to terms that the eating habits and my weight were my worse enemies So, at 279 pounds I went back to my doctor and told her, we have to do something..She agreed and I had my first visit with my surgeon.. I was told for the next couple of months I would have to do the diet to stink my liver and heed the strict diet plan he had given me. I knew was going to hard, but the life I had been living was not LIFE. I had been having problems with my knees for awhile and one day, I had just fell, crushing my knee caps..so, the doctor decide to do surgery. A total knee replacement. I had the left knee replaced three years ago..IT is not a easy recovery. My surgery went well. I had to go back to theory again. Back on steroids, developed the pumpkin face and water retention. I was ready to throw in the towel..But, out the mouth of babes..my youngest grand babies, age 3 crawled on my lap and said, while rubbing my tummy says "meme, the you get the bad bumps on your tummy and legs you can get on the floor and play cars with me and we won't have to sit on the bed to play anymore..well, my goodness, it was all i could do to not cry..I made a promise to him and myself..I will become a better fit meme. On Aug. 21, 2015 I had my sleeve done. To date (Nov. 29) I started at 252lbs, now at 218 (which I did gain two pounds, hoping water gain). I am going to only shakes today and tomorrow in hope that I loose those two pounds and more. I appreciate all the support I have been receiving..I will keep anyone in prayer for success and will post as I go through the next stage of living...,

Dear Pasatano, So sorry to hear about your help problems, it is hard and I truly feel your frustration. In lieu of weigh lost exercise..The first I did was buy a step counter to put on my waist (connect to your belt on rid of your pants). My doctor told me start simply walking around the house for 15 mins. (at first it is hard)..if it is to much as first start with 10 mins. a couple of times a day. The object is tract 10,000 steps (I know ugh)but, we have to work our ourselves up to it slowly..I walk around my house outside when it warm, if not, I make a list of things that I have to get done..every step counts. For example: keeping my keys in the room that is not close. My steps to get there is 25, but theses steps add up. Put your cell phone in the bedroom or bathroom..(baby steps remember).. My first 25lbs, oh my goodness..I could not believe the difference.My doctor had slowed me 25lb of fat, unreal. Another activity he shared with me was putting stretch bands on frig. when I opened to door and then close, I would do a couple of stretches with my arms. Another good one..when you buy your gallon of milk and it is empty, fill the containers up with water and sit on the couch and raise them up and down. Maybe a couple of time a week. We can do this.I am 65 year young. I even took my walker outside to strengthen my knees after surgery. MOST IMPORTANT PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE ANY THAT FEELS FUNNY. I had the sleeve. What are doing. I do know that the complete bypass you do loose a l lot of weight last fast, YOU ALSO USE SKIN FIRMNESS, your ares will snag a lot of your tummy fat hangs. This is why I went with the sleeve. My body is adopted slower and it is a lot easier. I will be praying for you Pastano, this is the year for a new improved and healthy body..remember you have taken a huge step.. I also have a strong belief in my Lord, he is my inspiration. Just know you are important, and with the help of the FATHER, you will get though this. God' s, strength, peace.."Be still and know that I am GOD"..allow him to minister to you.. Merry Christmas... <3

Several years ago I had my first stroke, it had left me completely numb on my right side. After months of PT my body began to respond. Unfortunately, the meds and lack of movement had caused me pack on the pounds. I am a little short, so even 5 pounds made me look like one the umpa (on the movie Charlies's Choc. factory)... I was given a lot of steroids and could not stop eating. My family was very kind, never wanted to upset me, so I would comfort myself with food. A food did I eat..I remember sitting here in my living watching the movie "intimation of life" and stuffing heated grazed donuts one after another, ( I think I had downed 6 or more), at the same time crying watching the movie. Prior to my sleeve, I had gotten close to 275lbs, felt awful. I have three grand children and didn't have the energy to play with them. I really took a good look in the mirror and started crying my heart out, literally caused myself to have a panic attack. Self pity is dangerous. I started to stay in bed, no interest in anything..I was simply just here, non-existing. On the morning of Sept. 9, 2014 I called my doctor and told her I needed help. I was having thoughts that was not ones of getting better, but ones of despair and fear of dying. At first we tried the main stream diet plans, to no avail. Next, she sent me to a therapist to try talk therapy, it worked for a while until she wanted to continue to dig deeper; so we ended that. I had another mini stroke in Jan 2015, not as disabling as the first but enough damage to have to start all over again. But, it was a blessing. I had come to terms that the eating habits and my weight were my worse enemies So, at 279 pounds I went back to my doctor and told her, we have to do something..She agreed and I had my first visit with my surgeon.. I was told for the next couple of months I would have to do the diet to stink my liver and heed the strict diet plan he had given me. I knew was going to hard, but the life I had been living was not LIFE. I had been having problems with my knees for awhile and one day, I had just fell, crushing my knee caps..so, the doctor decide to do surgery. A total knee replacement. I had the left knee replaced three years ago..IT is not a easy recovery. My surgery went well. I had to go back to theory again. Back on steroids, developed the pumpkin face and water retention. I was ready to throw in the towel..But, out the mouth of babes..my youngest grand babies, age 3 crawled on my lap and said, while rubbing my tummy says "meme, the you get the bad bumps on your tummy and legs you can get on the floor and play cars with me and we won't have to sit on the bed to play anymore..well, my goodness, it was all i could do to not cry..I made a promise to him and myself..I will become a better fit meme. On Aug. 21, 2015 I had my sleeve done. To date (Nov. 29) I started at 252lbs, now at 218 (which I did gain two pounds, hoping water gain). I am going to only shakes today and tomorrow in hope that I loose those two pounds and more. I appreciate all the support I have been receiving..I will keep anyone in prayer for success and will post as I go through the next stage of living...,

Sounds like you a have a great plan. Be praying for you..

I learned a lot about the "the stall"..I have been experiencing the same issues and found that the more I stress, the worse I feel. I have been at 216 now for another three weeks..At first, I cried, then I became very depressed. I spoke to my doctor and he continues to reassure me that this is how our bodies are adapting the Protein and our "pouch".. I have been feeling very fatigued and restless; my energy level is very low. I cannot handle plain Water so my doc recommended the crystal light, I have been able to get in more liquids. My primary doctor is concerned about my Vit.B12..I had asked my surgeon and he says everything is ok..On a higher note, I know I am losing inches; just not moving the scale. I will be praying for everyone...patience is a virtue..and unfortunately, we tend to want a lot faster; at least I do. So hopefully we will all work through our stalls and remember that it took us years to put on this weight..Blessings and prayers to all. PS; any helpful feedback is welcome./ Theresa from Delaware.....

The website that order for my protein shakes is: Bariatriceticeating.com...They have protein shakes, recipes, low carb cookies, etc.. hope you enjoy the site.

Thank you ladies for you response. I am feeling a little better now that some of you experiencing the same issues. I was stalled the entire month of Oct. drove me up the wall; I thought my hubby is going to have hissy. all the monies I have spent for the supplement, protein shakes etc. Well, I learned from a site "Inspire support group"..To do a back on track. Went back to 4 shakes a day, water, and no food the first day..well I felt so good after the first day I had decided to do it for another day..Started on a Wed, and by Saturday I had lost 4lbs..Blew my mind. I am no longer stalled. The start the gym on Monday. Haven't been very active so far, but things are loose. LOL..How do you get those neat little tracker..so helpful. I thank you all for responding. Look forward to reading you post, and your advice. Have a wonderful day. Theresa from Magnolia, DE..