BubblesCT

Thanks for asking. I'm doing great. The care has been wonderful and I love my recovery room. Everything is new, clean and cozy. This may be TMI but my monthly came and one of the volunteers went out to buy me some feminine products. Honestly, this treatment is comparable to VIP treatment in the states. I'm on my third meal of homemade chicken broth, coconut water, juice, and jello. Very small amounts but boy does it taste refreshing. Tomorrow I believe I get to go out enjoy some sites! I'm here alone yet I don't feel lonely one bit. Onward and upward...

Thanks. I'm all prepped and ready for surgery. The hospital is better than any US hospital I've been to, and unfortunately, I have been in many. The staff has been so kind and professional. Just met with Dr. Illan, so sweet, and comforting. I thought the hotel and hospital looked nice from others pics but honestly, it's so much nicer in person. I'm of surgery. Just sleepy and resting.So far so good

I'm scheduled for VSG with Dr. Illan in Tijuana Mx on June 28th.

My doctor recommended that I continue taking phentermine after my surgery for at least 3 months then taper. She stated that people already taking phentermine do not loose as much weight if they stop taking immediately after surgery. therefor staying on it will optimize my weight lossHas anyone else received the same recommendation? What has your experience been? I really want to come off the medication. I've been on it for years. Thanks

Hi there. I Just wanted to touch base with all my friends here. Reading your successes brings me joy. Congratulations. I"m eating well and trying to stay the course to the best of my ability! I've discovered premier protein shakes which I love, so using those to help decrease calories and increase protein per day. Unfortunately my lab from my Dr. S came back indicating possible hyperparathyroid. Why can't I get a skinny disease? Ugh..I need to follow up with an endocrinologist. In addition, a dear friend of mine son died two days ago. Life is heavy at the moment so just trying to get through one moment at a time. I'm not sure how frequent I will be checking in, but I will when I get some downtime. I have 11 guest coming from out of town to stay with me, so I'm busy, busy. busy... Wishing you all a happy holiday and praying for your continued success.

Sounds like you have a nice food plan in place! If you have a Fitbit and want to be friends let me know. The accountability to make me move would be good. That goes for anyone out there looking for a fitness bud..

YAY AmyA! I'm so happy for you. I like the removal of the negative, I'm a believer in the law of attraction. No need to call in any negative energy. First we think it, then believe it, then become it, so what we think should be as positive as possible. I love hearing that you are not feeling hungry. 18 pounds down...Whoop Whoop! You guys are my inspiration. Thanks for always being there to share and support! Feeling good after reading these posts!

YAY AmyA! I'm so happy for you. I like the removal of the negative, I'm a believer in the law of attraction. No need to call in any negative energy. First we think it, then believe it, then become it, so what we think should be as positive as possible. I love hearing that you are not feeling hungry. 18 pounds down...Whoop Whoop! You guys are my inspiration. Thanks for always being there to share and support! Feeling good after reading these posts!

Wow that is so interesting how when you are not "In the Food" you have clarity as to the connection between self and food. That is really cool. It sounds like you have a breathe, a pause between you and the food, to make a better choice. Currently being "in the food" I do not have that separation between my emotions and behavior. The impulse and compulsion is so automatic. It sounds like many people stall after a few weeks and then have a big drop. It must be the body holding on. Gosh the human body is so impressive. Hang in there, your body will let go of that weight, and BAM.. you will drop yet another size! Thanks for the encouragement, I feel like you all are my second family. We all really get one another which is so helpful. Sending you good vibes!

Thank you AmyAlexis for your support. I will take my time, and make sure I make the best decision for me. How's your recovery going? Are you still feeling restriction when you eat? I'm happy that you are safely on the other side of the fence.

You are the best hope4momof4, you are so supportive. It's great having such an intelligent, informed and supportive friend like you in our forum. I will take my time and join the groups like you suggested. The decision is a big and scary one for me so I want to feel comfortable. Thanks for the information.

Progress: Still no carbs/sugar. I scheduled an appointment with gastric sleeve doctor for January 10th and I meet with his nutritionist on December 18th. I'm still going through the process for ESG procedure, I meet with their nutritionist this Friday. Challenges: I'm struggling with the amount of food I'm eating. I'm always hungry, coming off the phen has increased my appetite. Setbacks: I'm up 5 pounds since stopping the Phen and I feel defeated and depressed. I'm not sure if the ESG will be most beneficial for me long term. Feeling stuck.

Congratulations on your progress toward your procedure. I understand the behavior you describe as I have done that many of times. Maybe look at it this way...the weight you loose before your surgery will contribute to your goal weight post surgery. You have 8 weeks before your procedure, even the smallest weight loss would be a head start. If you want a weight loss pal I'm here for ya. I know you are not required to have a nutritionist but maybe the support of one would't be such a bad thing.

Great first step on your way to your procedure. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, it sounds like your Doc took the time to address all of your concerns. Great news that you have a surgery date and no hoops to jump through. The countdown has officially begun!

Hi. I have been researching bariatric procedures for weight loss for a few years. I'm 45 year old woman whose weight fluctuates between 170-190 lbs. I have met with a couple of bariatric surgeons to explore the balloon and lap band. I'm not impressed with the balloon, and the complications associated with the lap band scares me. The ESG seems like a good fit for me, however, there are no long term studies to prove it's effectiveness and safety. My body over produces scar tissue, so that is my biggest concern with any surgical procedure. I have been struggling with an autoimmune disease which is exacerbated by my weight and poor food choices. I need to lose weight and I'm unable to do it on my own. In 2005 I was able to get down to 120 lbs and maintain it until 2011 with the help of phentermine. I was buying it online and the formula was very strong. I maintained the weight loss until the online phentermine was discontinued. The phentermine prescription I now receive from my doctor must be formulated differently because it has little effect. I want to lose weight and get off the medication. In 2011 I began suffering from various immune related ailments. The doctor's believe it is Burchett's disease. I'm prone to illness and infection. The foods I eat and extra weight I carry is literally killing me. I'm a single mom of two girls, ages 13 and 16. I need to be the healthiest I can be for them . I'm desperate and scared. I have a consultation next week with Dr. Reem Sharaiha at The Center for Advanced Digestive Care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. I will continue to post my experience through this journey to help those researching procedures. Thanks for all who share, it has been immensely helpful to read the process others have experienced.

Thanks Hope4momof4. It will be interesting to see if I'm able to loose off the phen. If the weight does not come off then I will resume taking it. My fear is that the amount of weight loss achieved from the ESG procedure will not meet my expectations. I've been reading many post from the laparoscopic sleeve section and the amount of weight loss the majority achieve align more to what I desire. I have another consultation with a different surgeon who preforms the sleeve to find out some more information. I would like to loose 70 pounds and not sure if this procedure will help me achieve that. Lots of thoughts floating about in my head.

Building muscle will definitely help rev up your metabolism and the support of a personal trainer is a big motivator! Great plan. What I have noticed most off the phen is a lack of energy. I'm dragging my butt around, but the positive is that I'm sleeping well and not getting up in the middle of the night for a 1,000 Calorie snack. I think my metabolism is sluggish, but I will hopefully balance that out with workouts starting next week. I had an increase in appetite for the first few days off phen, but it has since leveled off. Staying off the sugar and carbs stave off my cravings, and if I have the willpower to get into Ketosis, it will accelerate my pre-op weight loss. Taking it one day at a time...

Hi Melesg, thanks for asking, i’m Doing well off of the sugar and carbs. I stopped phen which has been an adjustment but I’m plugging through. I’m fighting a chest cold but besides that all is good. How’s your weight loss progressing?

Hi genia22, Here is a link to information on Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty http://drsharaiha.com/endoscopic-sleeve/ Hope that helps,

Hi Mel, I find meal prep to be HUGE in keeping me on track as well. I'm sorry to hear about your sick relative. Glad to hear you are back at home and can resume your routine. You just endured a really stressful event and did not use food to comfort you. That's a huge accomplishment and shift in how your relate to food. Well done!

Congratulations on making your ESG consultation appointment and replacing a sweet snack with fruit. I use fruit to satisfy my sweet craving, I have found that I never overeat bananas, apples or oranges. I keep a cut up apple or banana next to my bed, just in case I wake up in the middle of the night looking for sugar. I have not needed it, but I like to have something there just in case while detoxing from sugar. The first week off phentermine is a b***h, this is what works for me...I set up a rigid eating routine so my mind does not wonder. I see it as a bootcamp. I eat at 9am 1 fruit and 4 oz of protein, 12pm 8oz cooked veggies 4 oz of protein, 6pm 8 oz of cooked veggies and 4 oz protein, if my hunger is too great I eat more of what I have already prepared or a piece of fruit. It's better then reaching for the crack(sugar) and the rigidity helps my mind stay focused. Try and keep your schedule lax with little physical activity as to let your body rest, sleep and detox.

Thanks for starting this thread hope4momof4 it's a great idea. My stats Current weight: 191.6 lbs. Height: 5’4”, Age: 45, female Biggest thing I accomplished this past week: I met with ESG doctor, discontinued using phentermine. and cut out sugar, flour, and grains. My biggest challenge: Coping with hunger pangs, sugar withdrawals, lung and joint infection and needing a dose of prednisone which increases my appetite. My biggest victory: I have lost 3.4 lbs and sleeping through the night.

Hot damn...you are kicking ass! LOVE IT!!!

Thank you Melesg, I woke up feeling down, I logged on to BP and received your message. It warms my heart, I really needed to hear that at this moment. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. mea

You are my ray of light! Feeling reassured, thanks:)