Candygyrl

I'm sorry this is happening right before your surgery. Even if you don't need it, you want the people you love to support you and at least be there for you during this time. I was very vulnerable prior to surgery. I was busy prepping and planning and the last thing I needed was to worry about was someone in their feelings about a decision I made. Anyways it will get better. Don't second guess yourself. You've come too far. People may act different towards you once you start losing weight it's part of the process. If they can't respect your journey, they don't need to be part of your success. Prayers for a successful procedure. To new beginnings!

I drank from a straw since the beginning. Never had an issue. It makes it easier to take sips. It's advised against due to the risk of taking in too much air causing increased gas pressure in the sleeve. As far as guidelines. Just like us every surgeon is different, every NUT is different and that's why there is a variation of information about what you can and cannot do what you can and cannot eat etc. Guidelines are typically given as a general rule, principle, recommendation, instruction and or suggestion for best results or in this case to prevent adverse effects/outcomes as determined by evidence based practice. Treat guidelines as such. If there is something that seems relatively reasonable, give it a try however let the guidelines serve as a signal for you to proceed with caution and evaluate your outcome. If it works out for you... Great. if not then don't do it again. Some people may not agree but that's ok, we all have our own path and must be accountable for the choices we make.

Right now I'm just building up my strength and stamina. I'm hoping by 8 weeks to be up to 4 days a week 1 hour. Currently I'm at 3 days a week 1 hour. 2 days at the gym 1 day freeplay- biking, walking, hiking trail, hills, whatever. In the gym its 30 min cardio and then 30 minutes strength training with a focus on either upper or lower extremities. I'm looking to get a trial membership at Powerhouse Gym soon. So when I pick up my 4th (maybe even a 5th) day I can take a class like Body Pump or Spinning, and maybe get a trainer to help me develop my strength training program. I'm in the beginning stages... a work in progress.

So I told close members of my family. We do holidays, birthdays and vacays together. We are a very close knit and supportive family so it was not an option to NOT tell them. I waited until 2 weeks before surgery but my mom and hubby knew all along. I told my mother in law 1 month post op. She's very worrysome and I waited until I was in the clear for her sake. I told 2 very trustworthy people at my job. I was only supposed to be out for 2 weeks. I told my colleagues I was taking 2 weeks off in July to spend with family. Well my supervisor who thought I was having fibroid surgery, while I was off asked if anyone had heard from me and knew how I was doing. They were all shocked because they didn't even know I was having any sort of procedure. One of my co workers (who I told) called me to give me the heads up that this had happened. I felt bad because although it's my business, it put me in a very awkward position when I returned because everyone is like what happened! are you ok? we were worried how are you feeling??? They sent me a get well card, and a edible arrangements and I just felt awful. My colleagues have been very open with me about things that have gone on with them or their family and I felt bad not telling them but this was private for me. I did not feel comfortable discussing it with everyone. So I'm the girl who went on medical leave and had some sort of procedure that was supposed to be hush hush and all according to the "Water cooler gossip". I get enough attention. I don't need them looking at me MORE to see if Im losing, or if I'm eating, or how much I'm eating. No one has mentioned anything yet but Im sure as I get closer to 50-60 lbs lost-- They will.

I got my cycle for the first time in about a year on Monday. PCOS. I hit a weight recently that I was pretty much close to this time last year so I guess I have a range where things will start to click on for me. Usually when they come back they are fairly normal. Lasting 5-7 days, and if weight loss continues they will be back on a 28 day cycle.

I saw this post but didn't want to reply because I didn't want to brag about how I don't have head hunger, cravings and what not... WELL the other day, I had to drop my daughter off at a baseball game and when we arrive at the stadium I walk her to the gate entrance to meet up with her team. We were the first to arrive from her team so while we were waiting for a few other team members to arrive I got a whiff of some DEVILISH French Fries. Like the ones on Carnival Eats that have the cider vinegar a cheese and heavy Ketchup.... MMMMMM that one got ME!!! I said ok gotta go! No baseball games or fairs for this girl anytime soon. Don't think I could handle it. The following day (yesterday)-- I picked my son up from football practice and he shot me a text "I'm over at Burger King could you pick me up there?" So I head over there and park. While waiting for him to come out I'm looking at the pictures on the window and nothing seemed to bother me UNTIL-- The WHOPPERITO? Huh? When was this deliciousness born? A whopper w/cheese wrapped in a delicious pita extra mayo please??? The temptation. It was short lived but DAMN! Mind over matter.

@@Hiraeth It is very possible you may have eaten them too fast. I too have to remember this when I am eating. Although we can only eat a small amount, it is still very important that you eat it over 30 minutes. When I am having meals for example lunch (cause I drink my breakfast) I take 2 bites, put it down, come back to it like 5 minutes later, have 2 more bites, back to my book or computer or whatever for 5-10 min and take 2 more bites. if I feel satisfied usually I'll just put it away and finish later as a snack. Since I need that Protein, I'll just keep working on it 2 bites at a time every 5-10 minutes until its gone (usually about 2 oz of meat). The rest of the meal (typically a veggie) will get put away for a snack an hour or so later. Also carbs tend to expand and fill you up quickly. Many members say they were advised no carbs (bread, Pasta, potatoes) for at least 6 months during the peak of your weight loss. Not the case for me (but prob not a bad idea) however, I was advised by my NUT to limit my intake. So I may incorporate a carb during my meal or snack twice a week particularly on days when I plan to be active and usually with a protein. For example I had roasted sweet potatoes cut into 1/4 inch cubes. I may have 6 small cubes with lunch or dinner but only after I've eaten my protein. SInce I still cant eat both... I usually end up eating it later as a snack. Even then, I will eat those 6 little cubes over 20-30 min. Or else I'm all nauseous and watering at the mouth and just turned off from food period. Be patient. It's an adjustment. I'm sure 10 months out or 2 years out it will be much better.

I do enjoy salads so very much! Oh how I've missed them and now that I'm on a regular diet, I have been eating cucumber salads, fattoush, tabouli, kale salads and I'm loving it. I eat them in between meals currently.

So sorry for your loss, I imagine this is a difficult time for you. Forgive the long post. I too am a newbie. I am 6 weeks post op. and although I may not know a lot-- I'm certain it gets better... I'm sure the vets will speak on it. I am going through a similar situation in terms of not enjoying my food. When I really think about it, I haven't "enjoyed" anything since surgery. So-- I try not to think about it. Now I will say this. I had 2 slices of bright red, sweet, juicy cold watermelon on Saturday evening I truly enjoyed that- unexpectedly. You too will receive unexpected gifts. Otherwise I learned early on I have to re evaluate my relationship with food. How I think about it and changing the mindset. I grew up eating what I loved. Didn't have a weight problem so my parents never checked me about what I ate. I grew up and continued to eat what I loved. Some good, some not so good. Bad habits formed so because of poor food choices throughout the years, I am here. I've enjoyed food long enough. I'm sure I will again but right now "eating to live" is the mantra to live by. YES. Protein can be challenging. Especially at this stage. Get in the good habit of meal planning and Identifying foods which will help you reach your goals. I meal plan on Sundays I calculate based on what I'm eating or what I'd like to eat-- what it will take to get me to 70g and then I execute a plan to get it in for example : AM protein shake 30g AM snack yogurt 15g lunch Salmon (2oz) 13g Mid afternoon snack Colby jack cheese 5g dinner Grilled chicken (2oz) 16g Nighttime snack (optional) ____________________________ Total 79g Protein I have 9g to spare so I know in the future I can cut back in certain areas to enjoy more fruit and veggies with meals or as snacks at my discretion. It can still be challenging especially eating slow. I can usually have my protein shakes, yogurt, and snack items without issue. But Salmon or chicken-- I'll have small bites and walk away for 5-10 minutes come back to it, rinse repeat until its gone. it seems like more of a task than it is enjoyable but I'm sure it has everything to do with our restriction right now which will improve as time goes on. My incision site is just now healing! The other ones were fine. The one at the belly button I think finally closed over the weekend. I think it actually got worse before it got better. Like I barely noticed them after week 1 then most of them started closing up and scabbing over but around week 4 the belly and left lower abdominal incision were cutting up!!! Itching and tender but no drainage warmth redness or signs or symptoms of infection. You've discussed it with your team, they checked assessed it, ruled out infection so just continue to keep it clean and put a little coco butter or Vitamin E oil on it and it will soon be a distant memory. You're still very early out so you're still in either pureed or soft foods stage. It does get better. I think I lived on protein shakes, baby food and fruit smoothies with greek yogurt mostly to get me through the day. So I do hope that you can find something that works for you. I did start blending my Premier Protein shakes with frozen fruits like banana (w/ chocolate) Mango or peaches (w/vanilla) strawberry with (Strawberry) it was my best bet for getting close to my protein goals so I HAD to make it work!!! Then something happened about week 4... I stopped making excuses and feeling pity for myself as for why I wasn't meeting my Fluid or protein goals and I decided to be more involved and proactive in the process. I created a plan, I defined goals, I created charts, and timers or reminders to take supplements, eat or drink. I created food and exercise logs and journals to track what I eat- to assess whether I hit my protein and fluid goals, I created a weight log thanks to @@Red_lips_and_confidence to track my progression every Sunday for the next year I put them all in a binder and created week/month tabs so that when I go to my visits, if necessary my team can see what I'm doing and where I can improve. I'm not always there but I'm always re evaluating and trying to improve. identifying barriers and strategies to overcome. it's a lot of work, but we didn't come this far for nothing. So if you need a bit of encouragement you got it!!!! You're not alone and you can DO this!!!! Just wanted to share whats been working for me recently. You don't have to do all of this but you have to find and do what works for you. Maybe you can focus more on your plan since you can't leave the house . Hope things get better for you soon.

I'm like that with everything. I would get all excited, get my hopes up and then 2-3 bites later I'm full. Why bother? I eat what I need and move on. One less thing to think about.

You should stick to making your own. That way you know whats in it. No surprise stalls for me... Hmm is that ice cream you putting in that smoothie and strawberry preserves what applejuice too? No and Thank you!!!

Girl I've not eaten eggs since surgery.. somehow I feel they will nauseate me. They just don't sit well with me mentally. I like eggs well enough but if that's all I relied on for breakfast I'd be out of luck. I will eat whatever I like for breakfast. If its a baked chicken wing or collard greens and turkey... so be it. Does it help to meet my goals? Do I like it? Can I tolerate it? Short answer-- it doesn't necessarily have to be breakfast to eat it. Eat what you like.

Soooo @Kari1985... I thought that was your way of describing the board. Defecated--- poopy or sh___ty! LOL. True story.

I haven't found any active PCOS support boards on here, I've seen a few boards but not a lot of traffic or activity from what I can see. It would be nice to connect with other PCOS women for support and encouragement. I have PCOS without cysts. Diagnosed at 29 after I hit about 210lbs, No cycle for 9 mos, I actually thought I was pregnant initially but was relieved when It was confirmed that I wasn't. I have 2 kids. Boy 15 and Girl 12. I was in Nursing school at the time and my kids were like 4 and 7 so we weren't ready for more kids at that time plus we were satisfied with 2. Diagnosis was confirmed after elevated testosterone levels seen in lab work. Everything else was ok. Elevated HbA1c of 6.1 pointing toward insulin resistance. Rapid weight gain over the last year (like 50lbs), had been sedentary during that year with so much studying to do-- no time to workout. Absence of menstrual cycle, therefore infertility issues. No other issues really at that time. I did not get any male pattern hair growth or baldness. I guess it did get a little thin up top but I attributed it to years of chemical damage. My hair is pretty thick so I didn't really notice it unless It was straightened. Weight continued to pile on, extreme difficulty shedding lbs with moderate efforts. As the weight piled on, I developed the PCOS belly (looking 8 mos preg) I never really had a belly. I had extreme mood changes, aggressive, hot tempered. I believe my skin darkened all over. I'm a darker skinned African American female but it just seems much darker than I was used to. Especially when I would see myself in pictures. My face was huuuuge, My blood pressure started to climb 160's/100's and that's when I said enough is enough. Anyways that's it for me. I wish I had done this about 4 years ago but that's Water under the bridge. I'm very pleased so far, and I think the sleeve is great for women with PCOS. I have no cravings for carbs and I feel myself getting back into good habits. Now that I'm seeing results I think those good habits will continue.

@@AudreyDarling I totally feel your pain Im a Cyster as well... Here is snippet of a journal entry from last year and what I was going through briefly: Thursday 4/30 I have been working my buns off in the gym. I have to keep it up. I really want to see what would happen if I work out for 5-6 days a week straight for about 1 month. If it goes well—I’ll keep doing it. So far nothing as far as I know. No new small victories. 1 or 2 people at work complimented me and told me I was looking good. I weigh in with WW at work tomorrow. I’m hoping for 5-7lbs BUT I think it’ll be more like 2 or 3. I really wished I didn’t have to weigh because it makes things more difficult. I hate obsessing over the scale. BUT I didn’t relax this past weekend- I stayed on top of things so I don’t have many regrets. Maybe 1 or 2 which is not bad. I tried on some clothes at Lane Bryant annnnnd lets just say... it didn’t go well. I always have bad experiences there. I have to remember the last time I really shopped there, I was about 217 lbs and I felt bad then. I mean really really bad that I was such a fatty that I even had to shop there. I mean, I always looked at that store with such pity because there's no way I would ever have to shop there. REALITY CHECK!!! I think that was the first time that I accepted what I was took a deep breath and said I would just continue to try and look nice even in fat girl clothes until I get where I want to be. AND here it is Now I’m 20 lbs heavier than I was then and that’s after losing 17 lbs! So even if I get down to 217 before Vegas, I’ll still be at the weight that I was when we went up North with the family and bought a few fat girl clothes from LB for the first time but I guess I should be happy to be here than where I was 2 months ago. Hopefully in July I’ll be in the 190’s But If I can get there in June—by Vegas! I’d be Totally Happy! WHAAAAT! You couldn’t tell me NOTHING. Friday May 1 Womp womp womp. Sooooo I didn’t lose even the stupid 3 lbs that I thought I would. I only lost 0.6lbs UGH! 0.6?!? not even a full 1 lb. Really??? Ok time to get out my feelings… I knew how this would go I just had faith that it would go a lot better that I thought it would. I can’t be mad. I tracked, I exercised, I watched my portions and I didn’t use my weekly allowance. SO either I’ve gained muscle, lost inches (or an inch)or I’m retaining water and the whoosh fairy will visit me soon. Hopefully next week—That’s why I hate weighing. I’m going to keep at it though because its got to go somewhere. Until next time… Oh haven’t thought much of him today—good sign? Until 5/5--His b-day. If I can get past that (why is it so important for me I don’t know). I don’t have urges to text him or FB message him so hopefully I will stick with it. Sigh… hopefully this weekend goes ok. Its Jerry’s bday so cutting up may be in order! Cake, Hot dogs, junk in general! LOL. No I have to be good though. (sigh) SO Anyways... the above mentioned is my journal entry, the agonizing, the exercise, the battle with the scale the struggle to go no where. All the effort, all the rigidity and I wouldn't get very far. This would go in for a month and then 2 then 3 and then Id get discouraged and give up. Since I've had the surgery, I do realize that I wasn't as rigid as I'd like to believe I was. I mean I was a lot more physically active BUT I'd sneak in a bite of this and a bite of that and have a drink here and there even keeping track of it all however, if you have PCOS, you know-- there is no room for error. ZERO. You will be punished for every morsel that you think about eating. And then there was this time I got a trainer (I've worked with trainers in my thinner days) This was my first trainer since I accepted that I was officially a fat girl. He put me on this strict diet for 14 days, and we were working out 5 days a week and I was eating eggs, grilled chicken and like orange slices. Drinking a gallon a day, although I could only manage to get in 70 oz... The time came to weigh in and I was supposed to lose like 10 lbs or more. Well I only lost like 2 or 3 maybe. He was scratching his head, asking if I had cheated but deep down he knew how committed I was to this journey and finally said. Ok well we just have to do the work. It was a devastating blow not because I have to do the work but because I was only 32 and having trouble losing weight to that extreme. I didn't want to believe that pCOS could do this to ME! I finally threw in the towel. I had the surgery. Because although I probably could do it on my own-- I couldn't do it on my own. The calorie restriction, the carb restriction without the sleeve, I couldn't do it. So on those days where I probably would have a little more on my plate, or have a little extra bite here or there the sleeve reminds me mentally FIRST, then physically... NO. I'm 6 weeks, and I've lost 30lbs. Most people lose weight during the period leading up to surgery, and then a few more lbs during the 2 week pre op diet. So the weight loss varies from person to person. I did not lose much weight prior to surgery. (actually this journal entry was 3 months into my medically supervised weight loss program with my surgical team) I was doing weight watchers at work, and exercise programs offered on site at my job (Zumba, Kickboxing) plus going to the gym, riding my bike etc. So far, I think the sleeve is great! And for the first time In a long time I feel like I'm getting somewhere, which only peaks my confidence and makes me WANT to do more to help the process along. I'm starting to feel more energetic, I'm increasing my activity level, I spent Sunday doing Meal prep for the week and I enjoyed it!!!! I'm already thinking of ideas for next week. I've gotten my 12 year old daughter involved in the process of exercising and planning back to school lunches and Snacks. She's overweight and although I didn't have PCOS until 29, I'm aware that she could have it. I have to lead by example and everything that I do affects her. I don't want to lose the weight and leave her behind. I want her to get there with me!! She's lost 4 lbs this week!! GOOD luck to you!!!!!!!!

I take a few sips during meals. I wait until I've eaten what I'm going to eat. Then i wait few minutes and take 2-3 sips. I'm used to eating and drinking so it helps eating feel normal.

My guidelines are to stop drinking 5 min prior to eating, then wait 30 min after meals to resume drinking. liquids usually go down relatively quickly not really taking up any room in your sleeve. it's during the meals that poses the issue. I try to undereat my sleeve as much as possible and often have enough room to take 2-3 small sips of something if Id like. Usually without an issue.

Sips lemon tea... (unsweetened of course)

@@sassysleeved hey girl, I'm doing good. Some days are better than others in terms of meeting my Protein and Fluid goals but I'll keep working at it. I've had no issues really, just learning to work with the sleeve I have to remember to slow down. I get that lump in my throat feeling sometimes usually when i haven't eaten in awhile. I'm now 6 weeks post op I'm down 29 lbs, I have an appt Monday so im hoping for another 1-2 lbs for an even 30. I started regular foods yesterday so I'm happy! I'm glad to see the Michigan board still going strong I'll be here more often. How are you doing?

Hey yall. I'm glad to see you guys hanging in there!!! My surgery was July 1, I just hit 6 weeks post op yesterday! I'm down 29lbs and I am now on regular foods! For My first meal I had a cucumber salad and a chicken and steak Kabob! Ok so it was like a cube of chicken and steak equivalent to 2 oz. BUT It was delicious and I tolerated it without issue. I may have this everyday for the next week! That cucumber salad especially! I think I'm going to add strawberries next time!

Yes I've tested the sleeve... I'm not going to say I was easily influenced by members here who were eating things early on I thought would end in immediate death. I had the fear of God in me as I shouldve. But I Also learned quickly, how successful you are depends on the choices we make. Like another poster mentioned why go through all this to sabotage yourself? It quickly snaps you back into the reality that you truly have to DO THE WORK CHILE. The sleeve helps reinforce where we would've gone off track. BTW Cottage cheese tastes like vomit. Ijs.

So... I'm what they call a "new fat". I primarily gained weight in my late 20's I think after I gave up and let myself go LOL!! No seriously I usually lost baby fat after having children within 6 mos. I was very cognizant of maintaining my body and was very vain about my body because it had always been something glorified by others since I was at least 10. I would hear comments "oooh girl you are going to be a force to be reckoned with when you get older", "you have such a cute shape" "your body is sick". I was voted best body in high school, and I wasn't even an athlete!! So I was conditioned to put a lot of worth into my figure. I received lots of attention from men and women alike and my body seemed like a very attractive quality. When I gained weight after my first child I had a uncle criticize me on the day of my cousin (his granddaughters) wedding saying " LOOK at how FAT you've gotten. I can't believe you let yourself get like this you used to have a BEAUTIFUL figure, you were a knockout, now look at you. You fat just like yo mama!!" I was Mortified!!!!! I went on my first diet (Atkins). I lost about 60lbs within 5 months. Back to my high school weight. I maintained a body acceptable to society standards until about 28 or 29. I developed PCOS. My gift was also my curse. the problem was, I was married and always found myself in a little trouble. My husband was very insecure and could not handle the fact that I got lots of attention and was very popular with friends. I also got into trouble with the boys quite often and in an effort to protect myself from myself I created a weight barrier. The problem was-- this time-- I went too far! Over time I became more and more withdrawn from society. I was ashamed to be around family or run into old friends. I was certain they were talking about me behind my back, how fat I'd gotten, how I used to be... I was ashamed to hang out with my friends because I felt guilty for letting myself go. I closed myself off and became a recluse. My life is work and family nothing else. I didn't travel, I didn't attend social events because I was ashamed of myself. I pretended that I was ok with it. I faked confidence but the truth was my super power was gone and I realized at the end of the day... that was what I relied on. That's what got me through life. I had no substance, I mean sure I was a good person but some people only see whats on the outside. OR it could have been me. I shut everyone out. Anyways... I'm rebuilding. I know who I am now. I hear people change when you lose weight. Well they can keep right on moving the ones in my life right now, are the ones who will be in my life 1 year from now. No one ever chastised me for being overweight. I think deep down they all knew. No one (family) ever made comments or teased me, that mean uncle died a few years ago. I did however blame my husband for making me fat. He kept feeding me. Never said "hey babe lets lose weight together" at least Not until I was a Goodyear blimp! I was soooo angry!!! I said what does it matter now!!! my life is over!!!! I blamed him so much, that I think he believed it was his fault too. He did admit to being jealous of all the attention I was getting, and my conceited attitude, But the one thing I do have control over, is what I put in my mouth. I MADE ME FAT. I feel guilty about that. (((sigh))))