TexasMommy80

I’m only taking two days but it’s because I work from home and can take breaks as needed. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 VSG scheduled for 4/16/18 GW: 160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

My VSG is April 16 and I am doing this too. But instead of mourning the food, I am looking for way to modify the recipe and incorporate it in my diet. If is an unhealthy recipe, I am looking to see if it is something to keep for special occasions down the road. You will be able to eat these foods again, but you will do it in a healthier way and with smaller portions. I think that is something to celebrate and look forward too. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I’m having the VSG on 4/16 and I am going back to work on 4/18. I work from home though, and can take breaks as needed. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

Today has been a whirlwind! I had my second weigh in with my bariatric clinic and we have been looking at a late June date for the VSG. I would have been eligible in May, but I teach Seniors and we have graduation to contend with, so it just wasn’t a good time. I went to my appointment and was completely surprised when my NUT said “well, you are ready to go!” I looked at her confused and told her that I had one more month of weigh ins. She said “nope, we finally got your paperwork from your PCP appointment in December, and it has everything we need to count that as the first month.” I had no idea!! I was told that the paperwork did not have the necessary information, but turns out they were looking at the wrong notes. So now I am scheduled for April 16th! [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]

How tall are you? I will be 229 by surgery and my goal is 150-160 (closer to 160 for my personal taste). 140 May be a very healthy weight for you, so it may be time to go in to maintenance. I know we all want that low number, but our health is more important. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I had some of the same concerns about eating so little. I see people who claim to only eat a bite or two, a year and more out of the surgery. I’ve seen people talk about only eating 500-600 calories a year out. I don’t want that life, but I also have people in my family who have had the surgery and know that it is not the norm. My brother in law is 6 months out and eats small portions, but nothing so small that it looks odd to other people. He still goes to restaurants and will maybe eat 1/3 of his meal, and have the rest for lunch the next few days. He talks about how he craves healthier foods now but will occasionally have a treat if he gets his protein in first. He is definitely eating at least 1200 calories a day, especially when he works out. You are ten days out and still healing. It will get better, and although I haven’t had the surgery yet, I’ve been lucky enough to watch the journey pretty closely. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I would definitely go to the ER. You don’t want to get dehydrated. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

If you are only eating around 1,000 calories a day but burning 600, that is probably the issue. I would say reduce your workout and perhaps focus on weight lifting? We are told to focus on strengthening for the first 6 months, and to only do light cardio if we choose to. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

My NUT is in the camp of a sensible diet when you hit maintenance. She said that restricting food for the rest of your life if not realistic. She also said that you have to change the way you view foods, or you will absolutely regain. Her recommendation is to always start with proteins and allow a treat once in a while. That is the key though, the reason we had (or are having) the surgery is because for many of us, the “treats” were the norm and the healthy was the “once in a while”. So my advice, it’s ok to enjoy the bad things once in a blue moon, but you have to be mindful and always get your proteins first. If you get full after a few bites, that is not a bad thing and probably to be expected for a while. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I haven’t had the sleeve yet but I am in the process. I am starting with a semi-low BMI so our NUT recommends only weight lifting for the first 6 months, with basically saving cardio for a warmup and cool down. I am doing more cardio now and it bores me to death. I was a runner before my TKR so I the elliptical is torturous. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I have Cigna and I am currently going through the three months. I was told that if your ending weight is higher than your starting weight, they will automatically deny you. But, I was also told that they don’t really pay attention to the weight in between your first and last visit. Just make sure your ending weight is less than your starting. My surgeon actually has his own weight loss requirements, and I have to lose 12 pounds during the 3 months. I lost 6 the first month, but I am finding it more difficult to keep my calories low enough to lose another 6 in a month. I may end up taking the full 3 months to lose 12 pounds...it’s kind of sad, lol. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I’ve had some of the same concerns lately, but I have been researching and it has only reinforced my decision. You have to understand that you will have a lot of restriction at first, and you likely to feel temporary regret. But I have been focusing on stories from people that are a year out and more. It’s all about eating smart and portion control. I have seen many people who eat healthy yet allow themselves a treat here and there. In fact, my NUT says that is the goal, to eat a sensible diet that is maintainable for life. If your family has pizza for dinner, how great would it be to be satisfied with one piece instead of three? How great would it be to have cravings for healthy food instead of sugar or fried foods? Yes, you can’t eat the same portions that you used to, but why would I want to do that? That is why I am 235 pounds right now. I remind myself of this each day. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I am 5’6 and have to be 229 by my vsg (surgeons requirement). My dietician recommends only doing cardio to warm up and then start a weight lifting program at about 6 weeks out. I already lift and go to the gym about 4 days a week, so it will be hard to stay away from the gym for 6 weeks. I am also worried about loose skin, so I am going to go into maintenance at about 160-170. I’ve been close to that weight before so that should put me at a size 10 or so (I am very curvy so I wore a size small/medium shirt at that time, but I need more room for my butt and thighs, lol). I know I could go to a lower weight, but I don’t want to risk having too much loose skin. I am a teacher so I will never have it in my budget to remove. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I am 37 and have a BMI of 38. I have severe osteoarthritis and have already had a TKR in my left knee. When I was younger (and heavier at the time) I had pseudotumor. I felt terrible and like you, my vision began to diminish. I actually began to lose my peripheral vision and had to go to month appointments to keep measuring it. I weighed 269 at that time (5'6) and went to a weight loss seminar for the lap band. At that time, I decided against the lap band and started jogging, which I fell in love with. My weight dropped and my psuedotumor went away. Now that I have a TKR, I cannot jog anymore and my weight has increased to 235. I am now in the process of getting the sleeve. I also think that my pseudotumor may be back, but since I know that losing weight will take care of that issue, I am holding off on medical attention. Remember that pseudotumor can be very damaging to your sight, and it is worse for some than others. It is definitely something to consider as we will always be prone to it at higher weights.

I had a TKR at 36 and my other knee is really starting to give me issues. I have no other comorbidities, so I am hoping Cigna accepts my case. I need my TKR to last as long as possible, and my knee surgeons thinks this will help tremendously. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I am curious about something and I will talk to the staff about it at my next appointment, but I thought I would ask here too. I am 5’6 and weight 234, and I hope to be under 225 by my surgery. My goal weight is 150, so I have around 75 pounds to lose. I am curious as to how many calories people eat at six months out, or even a year. What if I get to 150 pounds but can’t eat enough calories to get to maintenance? I read several posts on a different site and people were saying that they were only able to eat 600-800 calories at 6 months out. That seems so low to me, and scares me a bit.

Our celebration when I get to my goal weight will be to have another baby. [emoji3][emoji3] Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I took it and was very successful the first time. I lost about 40 pounds and became super fit. I had no side effects, although I did gain a small amount of weight back after. Then I got pregnant and gained 50 pounds, which then started an endless cycle of taking phentermine, losing, then gaining even more back. After a few times, I started to have side effects that included anxiety, fatigue (strangely enough) and chest pains. That was enough for me, I would rather be chubby than feel that bad. I decided enough was enough, so I am in the process to get the VSG. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I see being scared as a good thing. That means you know what is at stake and the changes you are about to embark on. If someone wasn’t scared, I would be worried. [emoji3] Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I started a supervised diet for insurance requirements about three and a half weeks ago. In those three months, my surgeon is requiring that I lose 12 pounds. A few days ago, I found out that they will try and submit an appointment that I had with my PCP a month prior, as one of the required months for my diet. If my insurance allows it, that means that I actually have to lose 12 pounds in 2 months instead of 3. I got on the scale this morning and weighed in at 233, with a starting weight of 241, so I am down 8 pounds. It is so hard though! I have another weight check in on Wednesday. I figure since my appointment is later in the day, I will weigh in around 236, but hopefully less. That means I have probably 7 pounds to lose in the next 33 days. Dieting is so hard and I am glad I am doing this. The first week seemed so easy, but now I am struggling and the weight is hardly coming off. I have yo-yo dieted my whole life and it has been a constant disappointing cycle of losing to only regain. The first week of my diet, I seriously considered walking away from WLS. I though I could do it on my own. Now, I am reminded of my struggles and I am more sure than ever that this is the right thing.

You will be ok! If it requires more time, then make sure you do it. Just think of where you will be a year from now. I may have to push my surgery out to summer because of my work schedule and I am super disappointed, but I know in the long run, it will all be worth it. I started this process years ago and backed out, and now I wish I hadn’t. Age: 37 Height: 5’6 BMI: 37 SW: 241 GW: 150-160 MFP: Fit4LifeAR

I went to my first WLS seminar when I was in my early 20’s, when lap band was the surgery of choice. I decided against it and went on to lose weight by jogging and an over reliance on exercise. Now at 37 and a knee replacement later, and I am in the process for the sleeve. Here are a few things my doctor told me that might help. 1. If you have a family history of obesity, the chances of keeping weight off from traditional dieting is very slim. 2. If you have a BMI over 35, your body is pretty much set to that weight. Once again, you can lose but your body will fight against you and you will probably regain. (The percentage of those that keep off weight from traditional dieting is around 12% once your BMI hits 35, per my surgeon) 3. The younger you are, you have a smaller chance of skin issues after the weight loss. A lower starting BMI helps too. Take advantage of this ladies!! I am terrified, LoL 4. If you want to have children, you will have much healthier pregnancies at a lower weight. He also said you become super fertile after WLS, so you may want to be prepared for that. (That is not such a bad thing for me, when I hit my goal weight, we want to have one more kid). BMI: 37 Height: 5’6 SW: 241 CW: 233 I hope to be at 225 when I have my surgery MFP: Fit4LifeAR

My surgeons plan doesn’t even allow solid foods until 3 months out. These posts give me hope because we have 1 week of clear, 3 weeks of liquid, 2 weeks of puréed and 3 weeks of soft. I need to ask about it because every other plan I see moves along faster, as tolerated. I am sure the puréed and soft stage is much better than the liquid. I will be ready for an egg by then, and I’m not even a big fan of eggs! LoL

I hope to have surgery on a Thursday and be back to work on Monday. I work from home though and can take breaks as needed.

My brother in law is six months out and doesn’t fallow a super strict diet. It is his success that has made me decide that the sleeve would be a good option for me too. He eats his proteins first, gets his liquid in, but allows himself a treat now and again too. He said it’s better to allow himself half a cookie, then wait until he feels like his craving is so bad, he ends up eating three. I think that is smart, although some would not agree with me.