bdejong

Starting weight was 353. Lost 100 pounds by 4.5 months. Still averaging 2 lbs a week with mild exercise and sticking with the eating plan my nutritionist gave me. This means no cheating. I will NEVER go back to my old habits or weight. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Was thinking about non scale victories the other day while on my thinking chair...yup, the toilet and it dawned on me. My best NSV so far is fitting in a regular stall... No more having to use the handicap stalls for me. I can "think" like the regular folks in the tiny stalls that are everywhere. No longer do I have to wait just because someone else is in the big stall. It's the little pleasures like this that make me thankful for making the decision I did. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

I found this to be a viable solution to the issue. Have a bottle hidden in my desk drawer. My wife brought it home from the hospital gift shop but it actually works very well. http://www.poopourri.com/

Six weeks post op and 61 lbs gone since I started this journey. I went to my closet today and picked a shirt I have not been able to wear in a few years and not only did it fit but it was a little loose. The weight loss number is only a single chapter. The inches lost all over my body is the rest of the story. Brian Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Here is the situation. I decided to have VGS surgery at the beginning of this year. I discussed this with my wife and she was very supportive of the decision and was happy that I was doing something about my weight. Fast forward to the present. I had my surgery on 4-29 and all went very well. I am making good progress and am excited about the physical and emotional changes, yes, I am a guy and I have emotions. The issue has become that my wife also has her own struggles with weight but is not at the level or point where surgery is an options available to her. She has shared with me that its hard to hear me talk about it and hard to see me sit at the table, eat my tiny portion while she eats a normal portions. She has started to feel self conscience about what and how she eats and it is a struggle for her. I understand the issues and I feel for her but I am clueless as to how to help her. It is hard right now for BOTH of us.I feel the need to talk through what I have going on and share with my wife while also being very careful to not make her feel bad. I find myself just bottling it up and that will not be good over the long term... What can I do? Who has had similar situations?

Thanks for the replies! We have been married for 29 years this year and the importance of communicating cannot be underestimated. We talked quite a bit about this when I initially talked to her about going the surgery route and she was not only excited but very supportive. We "cleaned" out the house and fridge together. She adopted some of my new eating requirements mostly around paying attention to the nutritional values and making good choices on what we buy and where we eat. It was when I started to really loose weight that things got weird. She shared with me her feelings(I never debate feelings, learned that in the first 25 years) about the drastic differences in our portion sizes and eating styles. She understands why but says it still makes her feel self conscience and uncomfortable. I try to console her and tell her its ok but I can tell she is still struggling with it. I know its still an issue and I am clueless as to how to help her. We do talk about it and she does tell me when she is bothered by things but right now its more that I don't know how to help her. I have looked for support groups for spouses but most seem to focus on what the non-surgery spouse can do to help the spouse who had the surgery. I think we both underestimated the impact on her that this would have. There are no regrets at all, this was necessary for me and was the last option I had. I just want my wife to be happy in this journey. She is looking for ways to help her deal with the weight issue in a way that works for her and I will do anything to help her. I just am unsure of how to express my happiness with the progress that I am making with it being at the expense of her emotional well being.

My doctor only had me on limited lifting, <25lbs for the first two weeks. After that it was as much as I could take with the simple warning of let my body tell me I had enough. I starting walking in the neighborhood immediately and now I am biking, playing disc golf and walking as much as possible. To me its all part of the deal and since I have dropped quite a bit of weight already I feel very much up to it. I would suggest you do as much as you can and get in a routine of doing it every day. Bad habits are what we are dealing with and it will take some effort and will power to make it part of your daily routine to have some exercise. I find it helps me quite a bit and has been a crucial part of keeping the weight loss steady.

Tried a bunch of unflavored powder and have settled on a single one. Gene Pro. Its amazing. 1Tbs is 30gr of Protein, each tsp is 10. Mixes excellent with anything and since it does not need a large amount it is perfect for my smaller portions. http://shopmusclegen.com/protein?product_id=172

Fish is excellent. Another option that I use is Gene Pro Protein powder. Flavorless and 30gr per table spoon.. I add it to lots of things like Soups and eggs and tuna salad and egg salad and pinto Beans and wendys chili. You get the picture. I use it just to boost what I already do not as the sole source of protein. Give it a try. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Not an issue at all. I was walking the halls the day of and went home the next day. I used the pain meds only a few days then tapered right off. The only issue I had the first week was what people call head hunger but that dissipated within a week. Fluids went down great and never had issues getting my Fluid and Protein goals met. It's perfectly normal to have a text book recovery. Embrace and enjoy it. Success will be greater if you simply do exactly as your doctor and NUT tell you too. Good luck and happy weight loss my friend. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

I have noticed that the numbers vary from doctor to doctor. They list 60g a day for sleeve patients and more for SIPS. I am pretty comfortable on 60g minimum. Strength is coming back and I am increasing the amount of daily exercise. They do not have issues with exceeding it occasionally but keeping with the eat every three hours rule I am hitting the target every day. I am in the midst of my first stall but I have rad enough about "embracing it" and that's what I am doing. lolz I lost weight so fast in the beginning its hard to wait to get it started again but hey, I am in it for the long haul.

I am averaging 700 cals per day according to my food log. My instructions from my NUT are simple; Everything must be <10g sugar AND fat per serving 60g Protien a day 64oz Water a day <75g carbs a day Calorie counting never came into the conversation and at this early stage I do not see how they could get out of control if I adhere to the above restrictions.. At least I have not been able to even come close to cracking 1000 calories and maintain the above restrictions.

My NUT had a chart with a clock face and it worked out like this. Top of the hour 1-2oz of protien, Isopure, shake, whatever. Then every qtr hour(3,6,9) 1-2oz Fluid. so every 15 minutes sipping down 1-2oz. The key point is 1 to 2oz. We were told to not force it but we did have to constantly sip on fluids. I used little bathroom cups and set my watch timer to keep me reminded. Remember, Isopure and shakes count toward both Protein and fluid. However, I was told to work on it as best I could and to just keep sipping. I eventually reached both goals on a regular basis. Sip, sip, sip.... you will get there.

Before my sleve I had never had surgery before and was very surprised how tired and weak I was after surgery. Isopure was my savior for the firt few days. Be sure to follow the instructions from you surgeon and NUT on intake. Walk as much as you can but dont over do it. And as always, if you are concerned just call your doctor.

Thas wierd, it double posted my reply in the same post... looks like I have an echo.

Its normal and a part of the process. I dropped 20lbs durring the two week pre-op liquid diet, another 20+ the first two weeks after surgery and then only about a pound this last week. I freaked out but searched here and found several good posts and write ups about stalls. It normal and going to happen. I just changed to weighing myself every week and use that data along with my food log and the way my clothes fit as guides. I have had to ill new holes in my belt. My jeans fall off my hips without a belt and my sirts are getting baggy. That tells me I am working the plan as I should be. Bottom line is we are more than just the numnber on the scale. You are ok... Its normal and a part of the process. I dropped 20lbs durring the two week pre-op liquid diet, another 20+ the first two weeks after surgery and then only about a pound this last week. I freaked out but searched here and found several good posts and write ups about stalls. It normal and going to happen. I just changed to weighing myself every week and use that data along with my food log and the way my clothes fit as guides. I have had to ill new holes in my belt. My jeans fall off my hips without a belt and my sirts are getting baggy. That tells me I am working the plan as I should be. Bottom line is we are more than just the numnber on the scale. You are ok...

I tried several and settled in with MyFitnessPal. Most people use it and the people I know that went through surgury over a year ago still use it to manage thier weight. I like it for tracking what I eat and how it shows my daily breakdown in the important categories that we all need to track.

You may want to just come out and ask your NUT if there is a problem. It may be just a personality issue with your NUT. I for one have been very open with my NUT and ask immediately if there is a concern on my part. I think you are doing fine. I was walking the evening of the surgery and have been walking nightly about a mile. My NUT knows this and only encourages me to do more as I can. Just talk and be franks with your questions so there are no assumptions going forward. Brian

I see both Splenda and Stevia mentioned here as well as people talking about removing artificial ingredients. Stevia is not considered artificial right? I have been looking for a good sweetener to use and Stevia appears to be natural. Are there versions of Stevia to avoid?

First signal was seeing myself in a group picture. It did not match my internal image of myself. Last straw was having to ask for an extension on an airplane. I vowed to not fly again until I adress my increasing weight issue once and for all. I am now 7 days post sleeve and have no doubts I will be flying, without extension in no time!

I am currently 7 days post-op and looking for ways to make the full liquid shakes paletable. My plan had me on these two weeks prior and for two weeks post. Needless to say the smell and taste is getting old. I read here about using PB2 and gave it a try with vanilla powder and Fair Life milk. The result was yummy however, the dietician sent me an email stating I could not use PB2 as it is not on the list... ugggg. I am asking for why but was looking to see if others were told that pb2 could not be used the first two weeks post-op. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

I like that way of explaining it. You're sharing just what they would need to know. And keeping your personal stuff personal! Thanks!!Thanks, I struggled with what to tell and how while still protecting my privacy. In time I may open up more but for now I need to focus on me and my journey. I am 6 days from my surgery and it's hitting me hard. I know that the last thing I need right now is any negativity or questions about my decision. Bottom line is its MY decision I have made for ME. I am keeping it positive and keeping the goal in sight. Time will tell if I open up to others later on. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Debby. Support is paramount. I am a proud man and do not lean or rely on people very often but for this it was needed. I have met several others who have made this decision and have already been through it. They, along with my wife have been my rocks. I never thought I needed anyone other than myself but this journey has shown me the truth. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

This is something that I have put a lot of thought into. The physical as well as behaviorial changes will be next to impossible to hide from the people I am around. My immediate family, wife and kids obviously know and need too in order to be part of my ongoing support system. For the others, I have only told them that I am participating in a medically supervised weight loss program that will result in me loosing alot of weight through eating and behavior changes. This is actually the truth. I am under medical supervision. I have changed my behavior and also helps explaine the drastic change in eating behavior. I feel that this is very personal and is no one's business. I only tell people my story because of the outward appearance and eating habit changes. No one has challenged it and all are supportive so far. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App