gwbicster

My doctor said they expect you to lose 10. He had me do three weeks instead of two. I lost 20.

Fantastic tip about the therapist- thanks!

Good luck! Ask the anasthesiologist to give you something for the anxiety. Once I asked for that, I don't remember a thing until I woke up.

I'm sorry you are having a rough time. I had my surgery the same day as you! There is something called the week 3 stall- Google it. Mine was a few days early. Although I didn't gain, I experienced several days where the scale didn't move. Iy will move again, I promise you. Some people say don't weigh yourself more than once a week (I break that rule and do it every day, but if I go up a pound or two I don't let it devistate me). I've had days I drop 4-5 pounds, followed by days I gain back a pound or two. Keep your eyes on the big picture. You know darned well that in the long run you are going to lose. You can't be putting much more in your mouth than I or anyone else can, it's inevitable. Don't forget, you are a woman. We men have it easy when it comes to dropping weight. Sometimes it takes you ladies a bit longer. But don't let that discourage you! Best of luck and keep your chin up- you made a great decision to have this surgery!

This is one of the things that I'm concerned about, should I be blessed enough to lose the amount of weight you have (I also started off at 4 bills). Not so much regarding wearing a bathing suit, but should I ever convince someone else to be intimate with me again (it will surely be done with the lights off...) I had to remind myself that I didn't have this surgery to be "hot", I did it to live. My medical situation was to the extent when I chose the surgery that I wasn't sure I'd be alive much longer. I knew that I likely could never afford plastic surgery nor do I desire it. I realized that hanging skin was a likely consequence, but decided that my health was more important. I know you're probably rolling your eyes hearing this, but remember we are all beautiful as God made us, and our bodies are only our outer shell. That's a message I hope to reinforce in myself through this journey. My brain believes it, and hopefully my heart will very soon. Good luck!

As you wish.

Hi! I am just starting the "soft solids" phase (I am a month out). My plan says I am allowed 2-3 ounces for the next two weeks. This is how much food I normally prepare. But in reality, there is just no way I can eat that much in one sitting without either throwing up or getting right to the edge. Fortunately I've figured out how to tell when I am getting to that point and STOPPING before it gets to be bad. What I find myself doing, however, might not be so constructive, and I wanted to get your feedback about it. I will wait at least 40 minutes to have some water, which as someone pointed out "washes out" the sleeve. Now I realize that I'm supposed to leave at least 2-1/2 hours between meals/snacks, but I find myself "ready" to finish the part of the portion that I didn't eat pretty quickly (another hour?) after liquids. Part of me feels it's OK as I didn't really "finish" my "portion" and it feels like I might be simply completing my meal. But I've also read the warnings about "grazing" and I feel like this might be categorized as such. What thinks you veterans? Am I setting some bad habits for further down the line? Or is this a reasonable way to proceed until my sleeve becomes more able to tolerate "normal" portions of food. Curious as to your opinions. Thank you.

I apologize and maybe this will make me a "loser" (or gainer) long term, but I just don't agree. Like you I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantity I wanted for my whole life, however, just because I am modifying my lifestyle by limiting the portions and eating healthy does NOT mean I need to stop enjoying the food I am allowed to eat.That's not going to be the path on my journey. I believe I can learn to be satisfied with a "normal" portion of healthy food and THAT is why I had the surgery, not to put myself in food jail for the rest of my life. If your way works for you then more power to you- it won't work for me.

I had overlooked my need for salty stuff. So I would second broth, although I came to prefer buillion to broth. I also enjoyed some bariatric cream soups (with protein). I second the Premier protein. One of the mistakes I made was to order a boatload of it. I was lucky, I ended up using it all (and have reordered), but they say that sometimes your taste buds will change after surgery. (Mine did more in regards to the broth than the shakes...)

Yes you are similar to me in the way you operate. But sometimes I want something a bit more complex. I don't know if just beans would ever satisfy me- I prefer chili. And I just found a recipe for Fat Head pizza that I'm dying to try. Right now I can only eat 2 ounces at a time (if that) so it's hard to prepare portions that small. I can't wait until I get up to 4 ounces- and maybe some veggies too- what a joy that will be!

The insurance lobby in this country sucks. Any doctor will tell you the long term savings from having this procedure is far more economical than the consequences down the road. I live in a state where unless you work for the government (ironic), the insurance is NOT going to cover it. It was painful for me to come up with the money to pay for it, but on the other hand, there were zero hoops to jump through. I was able to have it done quicker and without any preconditions. Best investment I ever made.

All the best to you. You will find some very smart and kind people here to help you on your journey. I'm so happy you are getting help. I wish I had done this sooner. Your whole life is ahead of you!

Broth was a go to for me pre-op. I'd have a box (48 ounces) at a time. Immediately after surgery I HATED broth, until I found a low sodium version. I used to consistently oversalt everything, but since surgery I am very sensitive to salt!

Not sure if you are aware of the controversy regarding Genepro, just FYI. I am a user and am happy with it, BUT... It is physically impossible for 30 grams of anything in a tablespoon. The real figure is 15 grams. However, Genepro claims a propriatary formula which allows for better absorption of the protein which is equivalent to 30 grams of the competitor's formula. Many people think this is poppycock. I have read the documentation and tend to believe it is at least in part possible. However, they are being sued for false advertising. Just a FYI. Buyer beware.

I can see both sides. It is correct that investing the time to cook for yourself is by far the best option. I am starting a new job full-time this Fall after being part time for a few years and that is part of the anxiety for me. I am uneasy about the lack of free time that I will have and perhaps this will have to factor in the calculation. The biggest obstacle for me is being willing to invest the time to cook without the immediate reward of stuffing my face. That's something that I need to work on.

The reason I am fat is that I seldom freeze leftovers. I leave them in the fridge until they are gone. Seems like this is something I'm going to need to change. It's hard to conceive of spending a lot of time cooking for a couple of spoonfuls.

That's been my go to, since I don't like cottage cheese and I'm a bit sick of Greek yogurt. Also some onion powder, and celery salt.

UPDATE: My doc wrote a script for Protonix 40mg once a day to take in addition to my Pepcid. I'm excited to see if this helps! Thanks everyone so much for all your constructive advice!

You may have hit the "third week plateau" I went through it a bit early. I had several days without any loss but keep drinking your water and getting your protein and it will move again!

I'm having issues finding a therapist. I was a self pay, and my insurance will not pay for anything bariatric related, including a therapist. So I have to find someone that is on their plan, who ALSO perhaps has some experience with bariatric people, or else I have to pay out of pocket. And the surgery kind of wiped me out.

That's interesting perspective. I'm not totally sure I agree with you. I cook a lot and 20 minutes is not really realistic. And then there is the shopping and the planning. Yes it is better to cook a huge batch and freeze it and I will do that when I can, but that's not always realistically going to happen, especially when I go back to school (I am a teacher). I didn't get fat primarily from fast food, I got fat because I'm a great cook and could never figure out how to cook for one. That's not going to get any easier with the micro portions I can have now. I think a certain amount of practicality is important. Yes I admit I am an addict. But what makes food addiction the most difficult addiction (IMO) is the fact that you can't just stop eating like you can with drug or alcohol addiction. I feel like I need to have "safe foods" I can get on the go and not just tie myself to my kitchen.

I will ask my doc about a PPI to take in addition to the H2 I already take. That article was very helpful, thank you!

Good to hear everything I've been doing hasn't been terrible. You have no idea how much I miss salad... Soon, I hope!

Yes the McNuggets were more a one time, emergency choice. I hadn't thought about the breading. I could have also gotten a grilled chicken sandwich and thrown stuff away. It's hard for me to think like that. As well as being a glutton, I was also taught that throwing food away is a sin (people starving in India, etc.) I understand that the mashed potatoes were a no-no (even though I added protein powder). I won't be doing that again. Also for whoever made the point about waiting the full 30 minutes (or more) to drink liquids (I struggle with this) I hadn't considered the point about washing away the food. Nobody has mentioned this to me before. Makes a ton of sense. Thank all you guys for your help. I'm sure some of the stuff I brought up makes a lot of you just roll your eyes, and I'm a little embarrassed, but I'm thankful for your loving critique which has (already) helped a lot. Thank you!

Is what I'm taking (Fatomidine) a PPI or do I have to take something additionally? Also, is Wendy's chili really that bad? Granted I'm not supposed to eat beans and ground beef until next week, but it's 300 calories (which I usually split into 4 meals) and I was under the impression it wasn't a horrible choice.