LaLaDee

I think my fear is largely based on experiences where I have lost weight in the past (before the sleeve). In 2006, I lost 30kg (66 pounds), in 2010, I lost 55kg (121lbs), in 2016, I lost 35kg (77lbs). And yes - you guessed it, I totally regained everything I lost and more every. single. time. Don't laugh, but I actually think I'm pretty good at losing weight, but I'm also excellent at regaining weight. I do weigh myself every single day. I've been in a three week stall, so at the moment, I'm very panicked about "failure". I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder. I'm no expert, but I think a lot of super morbidly obese people suffer anxiety and self-medicate with food. I take the point that we need to be vigilant but even after we reach goal, our lives won't be perfect (sorry guys!). Things happen in life, and that's when things slip. For example, the week I reached my goal weight in 2010, my father was diagnosed with cancer. In 2016, I was on a great weight loss run when I lost my job. I can't say that I regained weight just because things went wrong in my life, but it didn't make it easy. Weight loss/maintenance doesn't happen in a perfect environment where we can focus on it 100%, there's always going to be other stuff happening in our lives. The key reason I got my sleeve was not to lose weight (if motivated, I'm confident I could have lost weight without it), but to make maintenance easier. I hope things are different *this time*. Writing this post has made me reflect on a lot of things and analyze why I'm so afraid of failure. Lol, this forum is like free therapy!! I am going to try and be more positive. If I was brave enough to get the sleeve, then I'm brave enough to confront these fears and keep going! Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Yes. Every single minute! I do have an anxiety over this. It’s like a crippling sense of impending failure. I don’t know what to do about it!

I got this advice below from my surgeon this week (I get an email from them most weeks with helpful info and videos - it’s kinda cool). I’m Australian so it’s using the metric system but it might be helpful to you. We often get asked from those patients with a sleeve gastrectomy whether the sleeves will stretch over time.The short answer is yes, all sleeves do stretch over the years. The sleeve reduces the size of the stomachs capacity from around 1.5L down to 200ml. This good news is this sleeve will keep this capacity down to 200 ml for several years. After the 3-4 year mark the capacity will increase to around the 300- 400ml mark but it stops at that size. It’s important to remember that the sleeve is merely a tool to help on hunger control and portion control. What's just as important is to modify our eating behaviours - getting used to small regular portions, eating proteins first and being mindful of our eating patterns. We need to be mindful of the difference between when our body needs fuel versus eating for emotional issues (tiredness, stress, boredom etc.). The emotional (non hungry) eating patterns are what often drives weight regain. Make the behavioural changes in the first 2-3 years when the sleeve is at it’s tightest and you’ll be rewarded by long term weight control and you'll be able to avoid weight regain. Watch the video below for more insights.

I’m worried that my calories are just naturally creeping up over time. I guess the answer is to track more thoughtfully. I need to do something though! I’ve been in a three week stall and I’m starting to feel sorry for myself!!!

At this stage, you're probably on puree foods? It's quite easy to meal plan as you can barely eat anything. I'd make some batches of soup or whatever you're eating and divide it into tiny portions. Once you move onto proper food, you can check out youtube for millions of ideas. In my experience, It's easy to meal prep following surgery because you always have tons of leftovers. If you live alone, you can basically cook twice a week and have enough food to get you through. I only shop once a week on Sundays, at the beginning of the week, I have salads and fresh things, by the end of the week, I'm having more vegies which last longer in the fridge. When you cook, make large portions so you can freeze extras. Buy tupperware. I find it helpful to have cans of tuna, beans, tomatos on hand too. Resist the urge to order food in. I'm so proud of the fact that I don't buy lunch every day at work anymore. I have protein bars and tuna in my desk so even if I forget to pack something, there is no excuse! By meal planning, you will know what you're eating and save money!

I'm only five months out and I can eat anything (and have probably been OK to eat everything since 3-4 months). I eat raw carrots and chicken every day. Lol. That's like my core diet! I can also eat things like steak (even dry steak without sauce), salad and bread (although I only bread once and just to see if I could). I had a sleeve and I have never thrown up or experienced dumping syndrome. I know some people have food that they can disagree with (e.g. problems with sugar or whatever), but they can definitely eat solid foods! I would never have signed up a diet of mush for the rest of my life!!! Can you imagine? No thanks!

Legendary post! Should be pinned to the top somewhere!

i have carrot sticks and hummus or celery and natural peanut butter as a snack every day!

Anyone else struggling to be comfortable in their “new” body? I feel like I want to buy new clothes but I can’t figure out what suits me or even where to shop! People at work tell me I look good and it feels weird. Everything feels weird. I think my sister is resentful because I’m smaller than her now. I’m less invisible now and I don’t know how I feel about that. It defies laws of science, but the bigger you are - the less people see you. When I walk into a shop, suddenly the service is so much better. Is this in my head? Why should it bother me? I’m no different (inside) than I was 6 months ago. Dont get me wrong - I’m thankful for the weight loss but everything feels weird.

I know what you mean! I find these forums helpful because checking it every day weirdly reminds me to stay on track. But the posts are always about the three week stall or someone freaking out with regrets 2 days in. I want to be helpful and supportive but sometimes I don’t want to read (let alone, respond to) the same posts over and over. I’m just over 5 months out from my surgery and I feel it’s so repetitive on here. It’s sad because a lot of the actual veterans (people one year plus) vanish from the site and we miss out on their wisdom! Maybe there should be a pinned FAQ thread which answers the top 10 newbie questions that get asked every week here? If people are too lazy to use the search function then they can just read the FAQ thread?

I just want the hair loss to stop. I've read these forums a bit and there doesn't seem to be any clear answer on when it stops. I'm 5 months out and looking at my hairbrush every morning is still a hairy horror show! At work, I have to wipe my keyboard every hour because it's covered in hair! I know that my health is better and I've lost weight so it seems silly to complain but I just want it to start growing back!!

You look amazing!!!! You must feel like a million bucks! Congratulations!!

It was Sunday morning so I made protein pancakes flavored with flaxseed and cinnamon and topped with maple syrup and peanut butter. Now I’m too full to move!

I’m still taking my vitamins but I’m suffering insane hair loss so I’ll try anything!

Yes. At a talk I went to, my surgeon said that most of his patients are on antidepressants of some kind and you can still lose weight. If you have a mood disorder (like bipolar or something), you should make sure that you are getting regular counselling after the surgery. Physically, you should be able to lose weight, but there is a lot to deal with psychologically once you have had surgery. I hope that helps.

Not sure what to say. It really sounds like you've had a terrible time. You definitely need medical advice. I would definitely get a second opinion from another bariatric surgeon. It sounds like your surgeon may have missed something (or possible even had a complication with the surgery). I have had neuro problems and unusual MRIs that were triggered by my surgery (I basically had an immune system break down). I have a neurologist who is monitoring it. Sometimes our bodies freak out after the trauma of surgery. Unfortunately, I think you're going to be stuck doing a lot of medical tests until they can figure it out. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Your surgery shouldn't be like this. Describe every symptom and advocate for yourself! I think you may have a couple of different problems there which is going to make a diagnosis difficult. Make the doctors listen to you. Don't give up hope! They will figure out what is wrong with you!

I was crying before my surgery and absolutely terrified. I didn’t have an easy time afterwards either (don’t mean to frighten anyone) BUT I still don’t regret it. Just get through it and it will be worth it in the end!

Time for a forum nick name change miss not-so-thick!!

You walked eight miles? You’re amazing!!! I feel like a lazy bum hearing that!!

Congratulations! You are looking good! Your wife is one lucky lady!!

I didn't know we could claim from Medicare? My surgeon said we couldn't! I paid mine with health insurance and about $8,000 from my savings.

I have to admit that I am on a low carb plan. I'll eat bananas, sweet potatoes, and quinoa but I don't go anywhere near bread, rice or pasta. I am allowed these things in moderation by my nutritionist but, for me, it's easier to just avoid them. Cloebird - I'm sad to hear you're not in a happy place right now. I understand how you want to turn to food. It's a constant struggle for me too. Do you keep a food journal? If so, you might want to try tracking your feelings or moods and then looking for patterns. e.g. if feeling bored makes you overeat or reach for something lacking nutrition then you can try and be mindful of that and distract yourself. I'm trying to make myself feel better without food. No more eating my feelings! When I get the blues, I go for a walk, treat myself to bath, read a trashy crime novel, listen to music, or go and chat with someone. Anything to distract myself! I don't watch TV when I'm sad (because then I might grab a snack) or go anywhere near the kitchen). I have a lifetime of terrible habits and I need to learn new ones! Sometimes I make mistakes and eat chocolate or whatever and then I have to forgive myself but that's OK. I'm a work in progress.

Burrito bowl/naked burrito. No rice. Didn’t shell out the extra $2 for guacamole. Will probably end up eating less than a third. I get annoyed eating out because I can never finish and it seems like a waste of money and food!

Congratulations!!!! You must feel amazing!!!

I've definitely struggled. Changing your entire life and dealing with messed up hormones isn't easy. Just be kind to yourself and others.