Nikosmama06

Hi everyone! I remember looking all throughout these threads prior to my surgery. I kept searching and searching the threads trying to convince myself I was doing the right thing. I read all the wonderful success stories and the horror stories, in the hopes that I would be able to gear myself up for what was to come. I was sleeved on 9/13/16. Now I want to share my three month update and experience with you. First, here are my stats: Starting Weight: 296 Day of surgery Weight: 280 CW:215 This has been the best decision I have ever made for myself! I have tons of energy, and am truly enjoying this new lifestyle change that I have embraced. I will say that after surgery your body completely changes. For example, 7 years ago I was 200 lbs and a size 14. The minute I hit 210 I became a size 16. Now, after surgery, I am 215 and wear a size 14 again. It's crazy. My husband swears I am thinner than I ever have been since he's known me, even though the scale doesn't match his assertion. Maybe it's the muscle I've built and the excess skin that has added to the scale( yes, I have excess skin). I don't know. But I do know that I feel fabulous. Prior to surgery, I took a "worst case scenario" approach regarding what to expect after surgery. Luckily, I wound up with the best case scenario! I haven't lost any hair, I never regretted my surgery and I only suffered from bad cravings for the first two weeks. I credit a lot of this to my nutritionist from Dr. Tom Umbach's office in LV. She has an unconventional approach. I was allowed to eat after two weeks. I was instructed to count carbs and Protein, not calories. She also insisted that I don't bother measuring my food. This advice was life saving for me, as I experienced physical hunger after two weeks and I could eat more than most of the posters on here (about 1/2 cup). I was afraid that something was wrong with my sleeve, but my nutritionist assured me not to worry. I kept doing what she advised and the weight keeps falling off. I also noticed that, for some reason, as the months went by, I developed more restriction that what I originally had after surgery. Some days I have more restriction, some days less. Although I eat less food, I actually eat more times in the day than I ever have before (about 6 times). The difference is that eat much healthier foods. I actually crave them. Every now and then I get a naughty craving. I'm a CA girl and I love Mexican food. I don't always deny myself the craving. Sometimes I indulge and get 1 rico taco and take off the extra corn tortilla. I have gotten cravings for Chinese, but considering that is all carbs and sugar I usually have a pickle to curb those cravings. I've found sour foods do the trick when it comes to craving starch. Don't get me wrong, there have been a time or two that I've had a few spoonfuls of rice or noodles from Panda Express, but they're never as good as I imagine and I don't want to risk temptation with going to better Chinese restaurants to try theirs. Bottom line, this surgery worked for me because I eventually came to accept that some foods (starchy carbs) are not every day foods. And other carbs, while good and sometimes necessary, should be limited and always accompanied by protein. Every day I am faced with the choice of eating foods to promote health or foods to promote obesity. I understand that these are choices I must make make everyday, at every meal for the rest of my life in order to prevent the weight returning. This surgery allowed me to come to a place where I actually am capable of making the right choices and am confident that I can continue to do so. I must remember that even though I couldn't have done this without the surgery, the surgery will do no good if I don't continue to keep my head in line with healthy eating habits. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Like you I've been searching and researching on these threads and have made the decision to do this. Thank you for sharing your story! Just makes my decision that much more easier to stick to. I'm excited, although I've got a few weeks till my initial appointment. Time will pass by though. thanks again and congrats! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Thank you!! I wish you the best on your journey to health! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have around 100 grams of protein per day (if possible). My goal is to eat no more that 40 carbs per day, but lots of times I wind up having 50. I'm definitely not perfect, but I try to stay focused on my goals. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

When I first started I worried about the same things. I think lots of us do. And you are right. There are some people who act so "with it" in regards to following the plan, but most of the ones I've seen had surgery ages ago. Therefore, they may not remember exactly what they did wrong. All they know is that they are happy with themselves now, so they focus on what they did right. This surgery is not the cure-all--it's the starting point! You will have a new stomach and that really helps put things in perspective so you can be able to make the right choices and CURE yourself. For me, head hunger was crazy the first few weeks and I also kept comparing myself to the others on here who had no appetites or could eat less than I could. I had a pep talk with my NUT who assured me I was on the right track and as long as I listened to my body and ate the right foods I would lose. It has been 6 weeks at 2 days since my surgery and I have lost 40 lbs!! I eat when I'm hungry, I don't measure my food, I focus on maximizing my Protein intake and minimizing my carbs. Just do you, boo!! It will wall work out Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ok. So yes, much of what you are experiencing is likely head hunger. But there is a possibility that you are actually hungry too. Everyone responds to this surgery differently. This surgery is NOT a one size fits all. I had my surgery on September 13th. I experienced both head hunger and real hunger almost immediately. Luckily, my surgeon and nutritionist promote eating real food after 2 weeks, not counting calories and not necessarily measuring your food. According to them, the most important thing is eating the right foods; 100 grams of Protein and no more than 40-50 carbs per day. I eat around 6 times per day, but I usually eat the right foods and , thanks to the surgery, I eat really small portions. Following this plan I have lost 40 lbs in the last 5 weeks!! My head hunger has pretty much subsided ( I occasionally have my moments). In fact l, my physical hunger has actually lessened recently. Another important thing I discovered is that comparing myself to others and constantly being upset that I can intake more food than others on this forum actually led me to make poor food choices (i.e. pretzels and wingets). Once I allowed myself to listen to my body I felt more empowered to make the right choices. I was worried about stretching my sleeve too. I called my surgeon and my nutritionist and both of them said that stretching a sleeve is not as easy as some think. My surgeon actually said, as long as you eat 1/2 cup or less per meal you should be fine. Your worries are VALID. Your hunger (head hunger or not) is VALID. Focus on listening to your body, keeping in mind that this is a lifestyle change and what you put in your body is ultimately more important than the size of your sleeve. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

One fourth of a small Wendy's chili Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Prayers coming your way and hugs, hugs, hugs!! You are doing a great job trying to maintain a proper perspective. My husband and I are having serious issues and I'm only two weeks post op. It's hard. It hurts, but we will get through this! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

170lbs?! That is amazing!! You are my new WLS inspiration! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oh no! You poor thing! I am so sorry!! You will be in my prayers! May you have a quick healing so that you may get home to your family ASAP! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My plan allows light mayo and Refried beans Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Mine does too. Ground meat is also allowed starting the 3rd week. Add those two together with a bit of shredded cheese on top and I'd call that a taco (without the shell). Yup. My plan wants me to starting next eating those things next week (refried beans and mayo included) My NUT did say that Olive Oil Mayo is a great choice because of the healthy fats. Check it out if you'd like. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats! You look great! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is exactly what I was looking for when I searched this post!! Thank you so much for the recipe! As a "newbie" I expected to see lots of healthy alternative recipes and encouragement in this thread. Instead I found some trolls enjoying "middle school humor" at the original poster's expense. SMH It's so nice to see that there are some helpful people on here. Thanks again! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I hear everyone is different. I only expected to be out of work a week. I teach at a university and figured that I could hang for a few classes a day. I couldn't do it. Even though I constantly kept hydrated I was feeling faint walking across campus. My dr advised to to take another week. I sort of listened to him. I stayed out 4 more days. Today was my first day back. And it was a much better experience. I did have to mix some G2 with Water (Dr's orders) and I made it through the entire day with energy to spare. Hopefully one week will be all you need, but prepare for two so you won't be too disappointed. Best of luck!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey Nicole...ive been doing the extremely low carb diet since March 17th when i was 301 lbs....i was sleeved on September 12th...i now weigh 222 lbs...i know eating low carbs is very hsrd, but you can do it!! I believe in you!!! Stay strong!!! Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App Wow! You go girl!!! That is absolutely amazing!!! Thanks for your encouragement Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hang in there, girl! You are doing EXACTLY what you need to do; seek advice and support. I don't have much advice for you, but I have a son and a husband (with a normal BMI), so I can relate. Currently I'm at my son's school carnival. There is pizza and all sorts here. I have had to watch my husband devour two slices of my favorite pizza and one tri-tip sandwich. I wanted to chew my arm off, but then I ran into a parent who came up to me and said "You've lost so much weight! What have you done?!". That got me into a more positive mood. I am just here reminding myself that I will hit goal weight and then one day I can have a slice of pizza as a treat. Hang in there and know that you are NOT alone!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My Nut and surgeon said coffee is fine, however I don't like it hot. Funny think is I used to love sweeter coffee now I just like it with a little almond milk. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just had surgery 9/13/16. So I know what it's like to have silly food questions pop up in your mind. This should be a comfortable place to ask these questions. There shouldn't be chicken heads running around making sarcastic comments to people who are asking honest questions. And if you cackling hens don't like my petty response to your pettiness, all I can say is don't dish it out. I'm done going back and forth with you mean women. I have a pretty fine life outside of this thread. Best of luck to the original creator of this thread. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

OMG! I am 10 days post op and this is EXACTLY what I was going to write. I had surgery on a Tuesday and thought I'd be able to go back to work the next Monday. No siree. I had to leave after 3 hours. I go back half day tomorrow and I hope I can make it through. It's the beginning of the semester and there's lost to do. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm not nice, I'm simply tired of being smacked down for pointing out the obvious. So...tacos, ice cream, popcorn and alcohol for everyone!!! :D Don't you think you both are being a bit snobby and judgmental? I certainly do. food has been a problem for MOST of us on here--your no exception, I'm sure! This is a forum for people who need support, not sarcasm and ridicule. Everyone handles this change differently and adjusts differently. She asked a question. I'm sure she wasn't looking for sarcasm or a scolding nor did she deserve one. I feel like I'm in "Mean Girls" the VSG chronicles. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi! We share the same surgery date!! Girl, I am completely preoccupied with food. Currently I am craving Taiwanese rice. It's terrible. But what keeps me going is the fact that my diabetes is now in Remission and I've lost 20 lbs! I can't wait for next week when I can eat regular food. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi! I'm Nicole from CA. I had surgery on 9/13 and have already lost a whopping 20 pounds since! I super excited, but am really struggling with head hunger. Currently I am craving Taiwanese rice from Dai Bai Dang. It's all I want. I'm scared come next week I'm going to give it a try...I really don't want to blow this but I miss carbs!! Damnit Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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