Candygyrl

Make sure you don't need new batteries... weigh in the mornings after going to the bathroom. Without clothes. Stay consistent with that pattern. I know you shouldn't weigh EVERY DAY but for some of us its hard. I often weigh myself at night and usually notice like a 1-2 lb difference from the morning weight. Also I will usually step on the scale at least twice to make sure the numbers are consistent. If you find that its different each time it may be time to get a new scale.

I love this! It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I always try to get a mani pedi every 3-4 weeks. It's supposed to be every 2 but I don't have as much time to get them every 2 weeks so I stretch it out and make it last and typically when I have an event or something scheduled I'll have it done around that so it works out. I have made sugar (in the raw) and honey scrubs and they are amazing on my face so it's probably about that time to make another one thanks for the reminder The last one I made I didn't store it properly so it kept drying out so I have an old container from a brazillian nut body scrub that I can use. I also like to treat myself to yummy products like this Super Minty body scrub by B liss. Nothing like after a nice workout having a mint body scrub to open your pours, invigorate your body and make you feel brand new. Just gotta be careful not to get it in certain areas :/ I also like to treat myself from time to time when I go to the MAC store to pick up new makeup-- if I go on a Sunday or Tuesday when it's not too crazy, I'll have one of the Makeup artists show me a new lip or eye color and makeup my face to complement the new color. This only happens once every few months. I have to pickup new makeup this week so we'll see what happens. I have a hair appt in 2 weeks-- Getting a new color for the fall! Excited!

Wow that is a dilemma. Congrats on hitting your goal weight! Great job!!! Its good that you have not developed a false sense of security and know your Achilles tendon. You are right to be concerned and considering your options to maintain at goal... and I understand not wanting to go under goal. I say trust yourself for now give yourself a weight range to maintain on your own and if you're struggling (you'll know if you are) just know that options for revision are on the table if you should decide to go that route.

LOL... I love the Betty White/Snickers Commercial your hangry story reminds me of You're not YOU when you're hungry. Anyways I've been fortunate to not experience hunger to that extent. I get these little gentle reminders like a slight squeeze in my stomach a little tummy rumbling if it's been over 3-4 hours but otherwise nothing real dramatic. If I start doing something and get distracted I'll forget all about it and forget to eat. I try to keep Snacks in the car or in my purse because when I have a free moment I could eat some Jerky or string cheese or apple slices just so I don't starve myself. I was really good at ignoring my hunger pre op too. Could go the whole day without a crumb and then gorge on a juicy porterhouse, coconut shrimp, baked potato with extra butter and sour cream and cheese and whatever we had to drink-- Pepsi, Sprite, Apple juice. Now when I forget to eat the most I can gorge on is 5 apple slices. I can't make up the deficits of a days worth of calories in one meal nor is that healthy to do. So I when I get gentle reminders I'll have a light snack or sips of Water and that usually does it. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!

Check 1 check 2 I'm in! Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

Omg thank you for this. I haven't had to use contraception for about 7 years since my weight gain and pcos. Well now that my cycles are back so are my of becoming preggos. With 2 teens 12 and 15, me 35 years old 3 months post op the last thing i need is to be pregnant. I'd be mortified and honestly i don't know what Id do. So I don't know if this pregnancy is good news for you but I wish you well. I'm getting contraceptives asap! Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

See I have the exact opposite issue. I see myelf as smaller than I am. I don't let clothes get too big because I'm too eager to move into that next size range. I bought some Kenneth Cole jeans that are too small but am confident I'll be in them by the end of next month. If not then definetely by Thanksgiving. I am constantly glancing in the mirror, not surprised by what I see because I've always seen myself smaller in my head. Its just finally coming to fuition. Can't wait to be 6 months post op! Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

It is up to you. The sleeve is a tool but the choice of what you will put in your mouth is yours. Were we all perfect no. You have to make up in your mind that you want to live a healthier life period. Will you still be able to have a piece of chocolate from time to time yes eventually-- but hopefully you willing to find your way to chocolate in other ways. A chocolate Protein shake or Protein Bar, a piece of 70% Cacao dark chocolate, chocolate flavored greek yogurt. I felt the same about bread and since surgery I have not had a piece of bread nor do I want to. Does that mean I never will NO, its just right now it does not have any nutritional value to me and I would much rather focus on eating things that give me what I need. My plan allows me at this stage to have bread but in limited amounts. My continued weight loss helps drive it home that I don't really need it. When the time is right (maybe thanksgiving) I will have a 1 inch slice of cheesecake or chocolate cake I will savor and enjoy it, and move on with my life and If I think that might be a trigger food for me I'll steer clear. I never had a issue with sweets but carbs (bread of any kind) is my weakness, So I try not to eat things that I feel might trigger my cravings or desire for these foods like crackers, biscuits, croissants, English muffins and things like that. The sleeve definitely helps with reducing hunger in turn helping you to make healthier choices but some people still complain of having been hungry or dealing with head hunger which is where your willpower to be successful and following your surgeons guidelines is essential. Good Luck to you!

It changes from month to month-- Like this week Fresh Strawberries and Cucumbers are to die for. I've been infusing into my Water, cutting them up and having them for Snacks or as a salad with a little light dressing. I feel like I can eat those like a normal person. It is a reasonable amount-- about the amount I would've eaten pre op. I feel totally hydrated after. Recently I tried these pretzel/peanut butter treats I found at whole foods by Good Health. 140 cal for 10 pretzel bites unsalted. pretzels made with whole wheat 5g Protein per serving. I thought that one was going to become a slider for me but it wasn't. I was only able to eat about 8-10. It was very satisfying, nice crunch. Filling snack. Its becoming a favorite but I know I have to set limits. I probably won't buy it again for awhile. I did well with it but I don't want to push it.

I'm not sure about the details of the outdoor event but I wouldn't be planning anything for at least 2 weeks . You and I have similar stats. I was feeling great exactly 5 days post op but that fatigue is nothing to play with. You might be fine one moment and wiped out the next. I would not do anything that I did not HAVE to do. Aside from dropping my kids off at school or a quick store run was about all I could do. My kids played sports and I was able to attend all games but again I didn't have far to walk and would sit the whole time anyways. You will have enough on your plate handling his 4 year old (hopefully not) and moving a bit slower while trying to adjust to post op life. Sit this one out.

I was on a roll. I mean really on a roll right around 8 weeks post op I was becoming more consistent with hitting my Protein goals and I was improving my Water intake. I wasn't up to 64 oz most days of the week but I was progressing slowly and was ok with that. I feel like in the last 2 weeks, I've taken 2 steps backward. I'm hardly ever hitting my protein goals, and somedays I wonder if I even drank anything that day. I drink enough not to have symptoms of dehydration plus I do drink smoothies (which I make with water) and eat fruit and veggies like strawberries and cucumbers during Snacks so I'm getting it in. I am still losing-- haven't hit any stalls just yet. I have some weeks where weight loss is slower but it's still a loss. Then it picks up again. Anyways the shakes make me gag too and I really liked them. Greek yogurt is challenging but I still work at it. I find that I just have to take it slow even if it takes an hour to get it down. I want to eat Protein Bars but I feel guilty about eating those so I'm open to all WLS hacks. This one seems promising.

Lucky you... 3 months post op and I still have to drink Water quite gingerly. Love the taste. Love it ice cold but it seems like my stomach shuts down after sip 4. If I try to sneak in 1 more... i get very nauseated and I won't drink for awhile and when I do again it's very carefully. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

Keep doing what you're doing. It's not unusual to hit stalls as long as you're meeting your Protein, Fluid and exercise targets, it'll all catch up at some point and even out. I'll be 12 weeks or 3 mos tomorrow. Keep a weekly log. If I didn't , I might think I was at a stall. I notice sometimes when I don't think I've lost weight I go back and look over my log and see that I actually lost 2 or 3 lbs. Anyways, lately I've been losing a little slower than I had been. Not worried though-- I felt somewhat stalled or like I've been back and forth with the same 2 lbs for 2 or 3 weeks. I have a goal to get to Onederland by 10/1 and since I set that goal I felt like my weight loss halted. It's probably all mental. I don't worry too much because I know I'm doing what I need to do and guess what?? It's gotta go somewhere! Started my cycle today and I realized that probably was the issue. I've felt like it was coming for the last 2 weeks but because of my irregularity pre op I expected it not to. Cramping, fatigue coupled with being super busy since the kids started school homework-- basketball games, football games, fall ball (softball) on the weekends, housework, grocery shopping, meal prepping, making time for hubby, work-- who has time??? So needless to say my exercise regimen has not been what it should... I don't watch calories. Only counting Proteins and carbs right now. Sometimes if you up your calories for a couple days or increase your fluid intake, you may see some movement. Stalls-- they happen. Don't think about it too much. If it's been about 6 weeks or you're gaining-- then talk to your team.

I've recently become interested in collar bones. I was flipping through some old pics and I never really noticed or cared that I had them. Now that I don't... apparently the appearance of collar bones are a hug NSV (non scale victory) and symbolize significant weight loss. I'm sure it's going to be different for everyone but I'm just curious at approx. what weight did you start to see them? No matter how I twist and hunch-- I cant find them anywhere! I feel them though-- looking forward to reuniting with them LOL!

Well.... weight loss will happen successfully with a combination of the 2. The sleeve is only a tool to help aide us in controlling our hunger, portion sizes, and in turn allowing us (along with the education we received during and after our WLS) to make better food choices. As we begin to form our new normal a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise should become part of our daily lives for long term success. I was able to shed pounds after WLS with changes to my diet alone HOWEVER-- my weight loss was a lot more consistent when I included exercise. I don't necessarily like to exercise-- but I don't necessarily like being overweight either. We all went through great lengths to achieve a healthy body weight and we should all be willing to do whatever it takes to get there-- including exercise. There are plenty of people who have lost the weight without a day of exercise. Many of them have physical disabilities which don't allow them to safely participate in traditional exercise programs. If you are blessed to have a sound body to BE ABLE to participate in activities like walking, biking, swimming, weight training for 30 min a day 5 days a week WHY NOT? Starting with baby steps slowly build yourself up...

I think she's just trying to make sure you fully understand. I read about and watch alot of WLS patients on You tube or instagram who either say they didn't know about loose skin, didn't think they would get it or wished people talked about that more. Ive watched numerous videos about people who say they knew and thought they wouldn't care but feel awful and depressed after about the aftermath in such a way some say they wish they hadn't done it. I think that you have the right mindset. Many share your same sentiments however there are many wls patients who are plagued by loose skin. She was only warning you. The benefits are worth it IMO It's Great that you're not worried about it! Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

SMH. This is information that should not have taken even 30 minutes to investigate. here's why. EMR. Electronic Medical records. Everything is there. Admission notes, Radiology reports, Surgical summary details, post operative summary, vitals, progress notes, Input/Output etc. I am a Registered Nurse-- worked at a center of excellence and know damn well this information is at your fingertips. Often times we receive very little information so we piece the puzzle together to obtain pertinent information that would aide us in providing OPTIMAL care for you during your inpatient stay. I hope that this all works out for you and sorry if we seem so edgy it's just odd and my scorpio suspicions are telling me that if you haven't heard back yet-- they scrambling to clean up some kind of mess. I mean it's not like they cut off the wrong arm but still. Right patient. Right procedure. Errors can kill.

@tiff291 I would agree that the changes take place immediately for most of us for some of the things you mentioned. Not sure what your stats are ht/wt etc. but for me weight loss- happened in the first several days. 14 lbs! eating habits- Changed immediately. There's something about having 80% of your stomach cut off that kinda drives it home for you both physically and mentally. Once you're not feeling so much like a "fresh" post op it can be easy to give in to head hunger. Remember this surgery is a tool. It won't stop you from putting food in your mouth (potato chips, ice cream, cookies) that will make this whole process useless unless you change your eating habits. follow your post surgical guidelines, if you have questions talk to your surgeon and dietician that's what they are there for. Different cravings- not there yet--- But I don't really have cravings all that much. I think my last craving was hot sauce so I just put hot sauce on my turkey, or rotiserrie chicken for a few days and that hit the spot. Clothes fitting differently- after about 10lbs lost things started feeling looser, clothes started fitting properly, after about 25-30 it was time to at least buy another size pants to transition into. Could still wear the old ones-- I just like my clothes to fit a little snuggier. Feeling lighter and more energetic- 6-8 weeks post op. For some it happens sooner others a little later but I felt ready to reintroduce myself to the world at about 7 or 8 weeks post op. I wanted to go everywhere and do everything. People noticing weight loss- For those who knew they would always say I was losing every time I'd see them. For example co workers who didn't know started asking me hey-- you look like you're losing weight! This was about 8-9 weeks post op. I am now 11 weeks post op-- tried on some jeans the other day. I was being pretty ambitious pulling a size 10. Convinced I wouldn't be able to get them on they slipped over my hips (SHOCK) they buttoned around my belly-- but they would not comfortably zip. Would they in 2-3 weeks probably. But I just gladly bought the 12's. (Previously a size 18). I like them so much they have a booty booster and and ab technology built in! I will go back this week and buy the 10's if they are still there just to have them for my next size change. I love dark dark denim wash and it's hard to find a good pair. SO Good luck to you!!!!! I'll be waiting on your updates

208.2 today. I guess this is the last weigh in... extend til 9/30? LOL!! I tried. Unfortunately I did not hit my goal but I am proud of everyones progress and those who did hit their goals! Way to go!!!!!!!!!!

Well I guess I'll respond first! LOL. The link was very helpful in regards to many of our concerns about discussing weight with our kids. It can be a very slippery slope and as parents or caregivers we have to take caution when having these conversations because our kids are very sensitive to what we say and it may stay with them for the rest of their lives so we need to have positive words and not negative. I myself have been guilty of negative words like "oh you're shaped like your dad" or "I didn't see (insert childs weight here) lbs until I was 7 months pregnant with your brother!" These words only lead to additional feelings of unworthiness and unnacceptance and does not help the child at all! The link provided some very common dillemas amongst parents and children including situations and scenarios when talking to your kids about weight can turn into a positive and impactful moment. It's a touchy subject and those of us who are dealing with an overweight child be it your own, or family member, neighbor etc. and I'm constantly in pursuit of how to tackle this issue daily! My daughter now 12 is in the 90th percentile for height and weight. I've become desperate to get her weight under control and looked into camps I could send her away to, or even signing her up for weight watchers. Both I felt although the intentions were innocent, the outcomes could be damaging and set her up for a lifetime of failure. But how do I get her to listen to me without her feeling that I'm putting her down about her weight? it's a thin line. I've learned that leading by example is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Since my WLS I have been eating healthier meals and Snacks, decreased portion sizes, Zero sweetened beverages, fast food etc. As a result I cook more-- and decided if I won't eat it why give it to my kids? I've encouraged my daughter to go to the gym with me-- she loves it and it makes her feel more grown up. Something her friends aren't even doing! She plays softball (she's darn good at it too) playing up a level with an older age group and more than keeping up. She made her Jr high school girls basketball team so she's been engaging in 2 hours of practice after school 5 days a week. Softball practice one day a week and games on Sunday. We meal plan throughout the week, get up early or go after softball practice and do our shopping and on Sundays we meal prep. She takes her lunch every day todays lunch included a salad topped with cucumbers, strawberries, turkey breast, boiled egg and light raspberry vinaigrette. Sides include 6 Strawberries, Greek Yogurt, Colby jack cheese stick and a Zero calorie Steaz tea. I allow and encourage her to pack 1 sweet treat last week were 9 pumpkin spice yogurt pretzels. This week will be Pepperidge farm Milano Cookies (2) 120 cal. I am trying to encourage moderation not deprivation. So far-- it's working well. Since school has begun 9/6 she has lost close to 10lbs. She's blown away by how fast she's losing and I tell her it's all her hard work and of course her youth! Its also reinforcement to continue the healthy behavior. I have her weigh weekly to maintain accountability for her choices and make tweaks in her plan as needed. She has a short term goal that she is very close to and a long term goal that we hope to achieve by the end of the school year. Reminding her that 1-2 lbs a week is normal and that stalls will happen along the way. She is rewarded with things that matter to her. A new shirt, nail polish, sleepover with a friend. the most important thing is we're doing it together-- and she's guiding the ship. I asked her do you ever feel like I put you on a diet. She said yes! but then she took it back saying " well-- not really we've made a lot of changes though. No McDonalds or wendys everyday or ever now! But it's ok I don't get headaches as much as I used to and I like making the food that I eat. I feel like I used to eat without even thinking about it and now I understand more about serving sizes, calories, sugars and Protein. I understand how easy it is to eat way too much without even realizing it! and now I know better."-- out of the mouths of babes. I'm on a mission for my health and I couldn't imagine leaving her behind.

At that age I think that telling them you need to have your stomach fixed to help you be healthier is a great explanation. Well done! You're being open and honest without overwhelming them with information they don't understand. Luckily, My kids 12 and 15 are lots easier to talk to and actually-- about 3 years ago when I initially thought about having it I spoke with my kids (9 and 12) about it then and they told me that surgery was for cheaters and that I should just work hard, exercise, use self control and stay disciplined. They were my toughest critics!!! For them I chose not to do the surgery at that time and decided I would give it another go on my own. 3 years later we revisited this topic and this time I wasn't thinking about it. I had already started the process. They did not tell me I was taking the easy way out this time-- actually they did not say anything but "ok-- it's your choice" and I respect that. They are already seeing the benefit and although they haven't said anything-- it's having a positive impact on their lives.

Wow that's fantastic! Great job. You're such an inspiration with a starting weight close to mines its unreal that at 5 months I could be that close to goal! Way to go!!!! Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App