Michelle'sgarden

I lost only 10 pounds in the first month in fact I've only lost 24 pounds in the first two months of surgery - For some of us it takes a little longer to see the scale change. My advice hide the scale and concentrate on how your clothes feel. I've moved from a 3X in February when I started the process to a 2x by 8/14 surgery to a 14 . It is not instant and will take time - keep walking and drinking lots of water.

I tried to follow the advice from all the different forums on buying clothes. But none of it worked for me - the goodwill trips were tiresome and annoying - just really couldn't find the clothes I wanted to wear to show off my new weight loss. As a teacher I'd started losing weight before the summer so I could get the surgery then it was delayed until two weeks before the new year. I'd lost 55 pounds total by the first day of school and looked drastically different - and I wanted a new style to go with the new look. Instead of black, blue, or grey dress pants with a colorful shirt I wanted skirts and dresses , outfits I haven't worn in 20 years. So my solution; frequent trips to Ross and Burlington and Marshalls especially to the clearance racks and I bought one dress after another. Then trips to Target to get discontinued tights in different weights. Don't just continue being the old you as you lose weight - become the new person stuck inside all that fat.

I bought from Amazon the Eteckcity digital scale - large numbers and calculates to decimal points . Very accurate it is routinely 4 lbs off from my doctor's scale. It only costs $22 and is on Amazon Prime so free shipping if you're a member

Your tights start falling down on 42nd street in midtown Manhattan because you wore your older fatter you panties.

At vitamin shoppe and GNC they sell clear isopure with 40 grams of protein I suggest you water it down or use lots of ice!!! I also can drink muscle milk (lactose free) they have a 20 gram liquid shake with 100 calories. I wasn't able to use the powders or drink milk products so the isopure is the best for me

Are you going to your surgeons support group? Many other VSG patients have gone through similar struggles and maybe their perspective would help. Also, private therapy is a good idea.

I agree that it's exhausting explaining yourself and we owe no one an explanation. I usually say I'm working on my weight and if the conversation continues, then I might say I had vsg surgery so far no one I've talked to has reacted negatively. Everyone I've spoken to has been really supportive and the larger people want to learn more about it. Since I'm a teacher I have no problem with teaching people the facts .

I drink the isopure green tea protein drink it has 40 grams of protein. But you need a lot of ice to cut through it. It is pricey: $44 for a case of 12 drinks. I wasn't able to keep down any other protein powder, mix or drink except muscle milk

I tried on clothes the week after surgery - I had to dress professionally for an event and nothing fit! Between the pre op diet (lost 40 pounds) and the effects of the surgery my entire work wardrobe hung off me. So off to goodwill I went and then to walmart, and clearance racks at other stores. Now that I'm back to work I had to have professional clothes. I'm afraid of the future costs, but wouldn't change the surgery deciding ever. Best choice I made recently! I did hide the scale because it's not moving but clothing size I've gone from a 26 to 16W.

You look great- congrats!

Hi I'm from central Jersey had my procedure August 14th at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital - I had very little pain after the third day and ive done lots of walking everyday! Just moved to the soft foods diet - so far no problems but I can't wait to get to the period when I can chew something ! Best of luck on your surgery

So here I am 2 days post op- my doctor had to repair a hiatal hernia and most of the soreness is at that site. I've been walking since I was brought up from recovery so most of the shoulder pain is gone. My main problem is gas - I'm sucking down gas x pills. No other real issues but I am struggling getting down the 34 oz minimum liquids my doctor said, because after every swallow is severe gas. Oh well tomorrow is another day.

I have Empire Blue Cross and they require 6 months continuous care under doctor managed weight loss. It was pretty easy and I loss substantial weight before the surgery

Had surGery today- this morning and it was a little tough when first woke up. The shoulder pain from the air the pump in you really was painful. I've walked once down hallway and I've been burping and using the air thingie. So so far so good. Incredibly thirsty but I'm holding it together. Glad I got it done and looking forward to tomorrow,

Hi I'm getting sleeved on August 14th - had my pre administration meeting yesterday and all is on track. Fighting doubts since I've lost weight in the last six months, maybe I don't need it. I know I do so I'm just going to keep going !