AmyAlexis

Are you having yogurt at this point? That helped get me through as well. Congrats!

Hi everyone! Time for an update. In less than a week, I will hit 5 months since my Nov 8th procedure. This has been the best decision I have ever made. When I weighed myself Sunday I hit the 30lb mark and inched in to the 120s at 129. Yay! It’s slow going now maybe a pound every week to two weeks as I near my goal in terms of eating I can def see that I can eat more so I have to be careful. I weigh in everything that I can to stay honest and keep a food diary in. MyFitnessPal. I Would like to feel more restriction like in the early days but it is what it is. My biggest suggestion for those just starting out is what my doctor told me… Take advantage of the early days of restrictive eating with liquids, and limited amounts of food. for those halfway through don’t buy too many new clothes because they will be too big in a few months. 😮 And for those pre-procedure. I’m excited for you! AmyA

That’s fantastic Patricia! The pain will go away. It’s likely gas so try to walk around as much as you can. It will dissipate. Keep it up!

Glad you are feeling better! It's all worth it

Good luck! It will be over fast and then you begin! Let us know how it goes! Excited for you!

Sounds like you are on top of everything! Keep us posted on everything!

Hi Ash Anxiety is totally normal- Dr. Shariah and the team will make you at ease when you get there. You should be fine, just be sure to have your liquids at hand on your post op days, and plan them for your drive home. (I am now addicted to Vitamin Water Zero- try it, it's delish). I don't remember how long I kept the patch on, so be sure to ask them. Keep your paperwork/instructions. I'd suggest getting your protein shakes, SF jello, soups before you leave so they are at home waiting for you and you don't have to worry about it. I'm so excited for you! This is the start of a new chapter in your life and if you are like me, you will be thrilled with the results. AmyA ps: Im not on the Facebook group but I'll check it out

Hi Ashleigh! I had mine done in November with Dr. Shariah- LOVE HER and the entire staff at Weill Cornell. I couldn't be happier with how it went and my results. I'm down 29 lbs now and am just about 4lbs away from my goal. If you look at my earlier postings, it will walk you through my experience. But I'll tell you I had no issues. the procedure took about 45 minutes, then you are in recovery for a few hours and then you head back home. There wasn't any serious down time for me. I had no nausea, the scopolamine patch was enough for me (I have used it in the past on a cruise to prevent seasickness). I see you're from Ohio so I don't know what your plan is after the procedure but if you have any specific questions, just let me know. AmyA

Anyone have dinner suggestions? I need something that can be easily fixed. I am struggling to find a new protein. Tired of turkey burgers and rotisserie chicken On another note: anyone else try these? Enlightened Bean Crisps? 7gm protein/100 cal per 1oz pack. They are my fave snack!

Thank you Hope4mom! I'm feeling good - getting a lot of comments when people see me - and am fitting into my "skinny jeans" if ya know what I mean? I have not done any clothing shopping but I may give it a shot tomorrow. I've been eating regular food for over two months now - I think in the 7th week is when I started eating pretty normally. I just eat less of it, and I keep it really simple. I weigh everything. No white carbs, rice, bread, potatoes etc. I did start adding brown rice and some brown rice cakes to the mix a few weeks ago and all seems good. The only thing I haven't added back in is alcohol. I'm not much of a drinker and don't miss it, so why add the extra calories I say.

Fantastic news Hope4mom! Yes I will post my numbers: 57yrs old (oy) 5'1" (shorty) SW- 159 CW 132.5 GW 127

Hope4 - You're doing great! Be sure to drink your water (do as I say, not as I do because I hate to drink water and it was a challenge for me) - if you're not drinking enough water you will retain water and that could be affecting the scale. If you're taking in 700-800 cals/day You will continue to lose weight. I use myfitnesspal.com to keep me honest. I record everything I put in my mouth to keep track of the calories. I also weigh everything because I don't trust my eyes. Those two things are a big help for me. AmyA

(note - I posted this in the wrong area, and have no idea how to delete that) Hi everyone! I've been on a work project and away from home for about a week so have been totally negligent on posting - Hope, did you have your procedure? You said it was Feb 6 but I haven't seen an actual post that you did it and how you are feeling and doing? I've been doing well- down 26.5lbs since the Nov 8 procedure, and 5.5lbs away from my goal. Just saw my doc for our 2nd post op visit and she said I've lost 16% of my weight in the 3 months and doing great! Also got blood work follow up done. Getting results in now and should hear from her soon on that. I can see that my cholesterol is still high- so I expect some meds in my future. My daily foods have remained pretty consistant. Yogurt/blueberries for Breakfast (and coffee), then a Protein Shake. lunch over the last week has been salad with grilled chicken - but the diff is, that I bought the big salad and it lasted for 4 lunches rather than 1 or 2. Have also added a nightly snack of Halo Top - but instead of the whole pint, I measure out 4oz and it's plenty and satisfying. So, all seems to be working in terms of satisfaction and fullness - but I still weigh everything when I can to keep me honest - since I don't trust my eyes Glad to see everyone doing so great! Shout outs toTex and Mel, and Luv who appears to be new since I've been here last. AmyA

Hi everyone! I've been on a work project and away from home for about a week so have been totally negligent on posting - Hope, did you have your procedure? You said it was Feb 6 but I haven't seen an actual post that you did it and how you are feeling and doing? I've been doing well- down 26.5lbs since the Nov 8 procedure, and 5.5lbs away from my goal. Just saw my doc for our 2nd post op visit and she said I've lost 16% of my weight in the 3 months and doing great! Also got blood work follow up done. Getting results in now and should hear from her soon on that. I can see that my cholesterol is still high- so I expect some meds in my future. My daily foods have remained pretty consistant. Yogurt/blueberries for breakfast (and coffee), then a protein shake. Lunch over the last week has been salad with grilled chicken - but the diff is, that I bought the big salad and it lasted for 4 lunches rather than 1 or 2. Have also added a nightly snack of Halo Top - but instead of the whole pint, I measure out 4oz and it's plenty and satisfying. So, all seems to be working in terms of satisfaction and fullness - but I still weigh everything when I can to keep me honest - since I don't trust my eyes Glad to see everyone doing so great! Shout outs toTex and Mel, and Luv who appears to be new since I've been here last. AmyA

Hi Hope- I'm excited for you! Here's what I would suggest - if I had to do it over again, I would not over-buy liquids. For instance, that Hint Water sounded so good and a great option for me since I am not a great water drinker. But I didn't love it , and we still have dozens of bottles just sitting in the basement . Take some time now to taste test the protein drinks. I bought a few different brands and didn't really like anything besides the Atkins. The first two days I was on clear liquids. I had chicken broth/beef broth, water, SF Jello, Vitamin Water Zero (my favorite- this has replaced diet coke for me) and unsweetened ice tea. Then when full liquids were added on day 3, I added plain greek yogurt and creamy soups from Imagine - butternut squash and broccoli was good for me. Again, don't buy too much because once more foods are added, you may or may not want those creamy soups. And it's not like this procedure puts you in bed for days so you have to stock up. You will be up and about pretty quickly. Here's a quick update on me- it's been two months, two weeks since the procedure and I"m down 24lbs. I'm about 10lbs away from my goal. Feeling great. I have felt some hunger a few times recently, but honestly I think it was tied more to stress than real hunger. Most of the time I am great. I am still at about 1000 cal/day give or take, and my nutritionist would like to see me at 1200 but I am on a roll, so if I don't feel like adding extra calories at the end of the day, and am not hungry, I just don't do it. I am eating more like 6-7 oz of food at a meal, rather than the 4oz in the first months. Nutritionist says that's ok and expected. I look forward to talking to the doc when I see her for my latest followup. AmyA

Hi Hope4Momof4.. I have been thinking about you and glad to see you post today. It's always so hard to say anything that seems to make a difference when someone loses someone they love. The loss of your mom could have taken you down a dark path, but it looks like you've guided yourself to a good place, and found some strong, positive energy towards your goal - one that was, a short time ago, causing you a bit of hesitation. Sending a lot of good thoughts and wishes your way. We're with you all the way! AmyA

Hi everyone- Thought I would check in. Not much happening on my end. My holiday went fine - did not really have any issues. We went to my mother's, and I was involved in the menu planning. So turkey and roasted veggies was dinner. Plus brought some shakes for the day. My biggest challenge is getting my ass in gear to work out. I am getting on the treadmill but not really pushing myself. tomorrow I will be returning to my bi-weekly boxing training, so I will have someone pushing me, which is good. Altho I am dreading it. It's been months since I've been there. The weight loss has slowed down to a crawl so now it's important to move. I'm down 21lbs and not unhappy about it, but hard to see the scale not move like it used to. That's about it from snowy NJ. AmyA

Hope4, I'm so sorry for your loss, deepest condolences. xo

If you're not getting the procedure til March, it's too early to wean off- give yourself a couple of weeks before. I didn't have any prob with headaches or anything like that, just love my coffee and it's a morning routine/habit.

Thanks Hope4momof4! Could be the holidays, I'm thinking more just general stress moments for different reasons. But you are right- I am not one to take in accomplishments, I'm more of a it's-never-good-enough person. Gotta work on that! In terms of the coffee- they told me no coffee for first 5 weeks because it's a diuretic, and staying hydrated is important. I was able to have decaf, and that got me through my mornings - but it's just not the same for me.

Hi Everyone! I am overdue for an update, and finally have some time to sit down and write so here's my end-of-December report. Since my ESG on Nov 8, and as of this morning, I am down almost 20lbs (yay) and feeling fantastic. Best accomplishments this week - and admittedly these are very superficial - getting into my "skinny" jeans, and being able to cross my legs comfortably. Biggest challenge: The loss has slowed down. The scale didn't budge all week until this morning, when I finally lost another lb. I know this is to be expected but still frustrating and I know that I really need to ramp up the exercise now to keep it going. My calories are already low (I average between 800-1000/day) so not much give there. Another challenge came yesterday when, for the first time, I really felt like eating more so than I have so far. As snacks throughout the day I had 1oz raw almonds, a protein shake, and 1oz of string cheese. On Tuesday I went in for my one month appointment with my doc - this was the first time I've seen her since the procedure. On the office scale, where I'm weighed in in clothes and after eating and drinking all morning, I was down 17lbs. Doc said I was doing great - above average in the weight loss. I will see her in another month. I'm cleared to add all forms of exercise. And even though I am allowed to add in some starch this week, she said I should stay away from carbs to help keep the weight loss going, so I'm all for that. And one of the best things now- I have real coffee in the morning! ☕ Here's yesterday's day of food as an example: Breakfast: (same every day:) 4oz Fage plain greek yogurt with 1oz blueberries/real vanilla & truvia added. 2 cups Coffee w FF coffee mate Snack: protein shake Lunch: 4oz 1% cottage cheese Snack: 1oz cashew butter or 1oz raw cashews Snack: 1oz string cheese Dinner: Turkey burger (Jenny-o - about 2.5oz cooked/180cal) and 2.5 oz steamed spinach. snack: protein shake total cals for day = 931 That's about it for now- happy to answer any questions as always. Have a great holiday everyone! AmyA

Add my husband to the group too. Always thin - could eat whatever he wanted (but he can gain and of course, loses it quite easily). Damn them!

Hey Hope! 18lbs makes me very happy- but Just to keep it real, It's been four weeks - entering my fifth today! 18lbs in 2 weeks would be crazy!

Hi Bubbles, I thought I responded to this last night via my phone but guess it didn't take. Here's a snapshot of a recent day of food: Bfast: 4oz Fage Greek Yogurt with 1oz blueberries. I add a bit of real vanilla and stevia. Snack- protein shake (Atkins. 15gms protein) Lunch: 4oz 1% Friendship cottage cheese. Snack: 1 tbsp cashew butter Dinner: 1 turkey burger patty (around 2.5oz cooked). I like Shady Brook Farms but Trader Joes frozen burgers are pretty good. 1/4 cup spinach or 2oz brussel sprouts Snack: Protein shake Total cals are usually around 800/day. I am walking on Treadmill but not enough- must. get. on. today. Waiting to go back to boxing 2x week after I have my one month followup with doc next week. She has to give the go ahead.

Happy to hear that Bubbles! 😀