Leanbean

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is doing well! I was plateaued for about 6 weeks after Christmas- played with 1/2 lbs up and down. Finally got on the scale 2 weeks ago with a 7lb loss :-) I think our bodies are in shock mode and need time to recover from this procedure and all the changes that come along with it. Down 70lbs since surgery and I will take it!!! Feel so much better. Love going to the gym. Started running again and can’t wait to enjoy this summer!!!! Actually just ordered a new bathing suit. And finally my hair stopped falling out! One thing I did notice is that I MUST take my vitamins everyday. I was slacking for a few weeks and I felt very sluggish, tired, etc. once I started up again, I feel so much better! Hang in there and believe in yourself and this gift!

How are all July Sleevers doing? All of us have hit the 6 month mark by now.......I’m a bit concerned about my 3-4 week plateau. Been playing with the same 4 lbs since Christmas :-( Just saw my md today and told to lay off carbs, increase water and exercise. Ugh! I know this but just discouraged by the “standstill” I’m down about 62lbs in 6 months, which I never thought would be possible....just need to stick with it!!! Hope everyone is doing well!

@jjacobs0816 I’m in exactly the same boat! Surgery 7/24 and down 60lbs. Slow and steady.....indulged a bit more than I should have these past few weeks but getting back on track with eating and exercise. I didn’t do this just to sabotage myself. Increase protein and water and get to the gym is my plan. However, I feel like almost 6 months out, I can eat more in general, and MUCH more of snacks- crackers, chips, etc. A bit nervous but hoping to get it under control.

I am in the same boat. Losing hair like crazy. I hate combing my hair after I shower. I could probably go into wig making with all the hair that is coming out :-) Started at exactly 3 months. From what I have read it only last a few months and should stop by month 6. Not sure if much can be done now but if anyone finds something, vitamins, supplements that will help, please share!!!! Great work on all the Weight loss everyone!!! I’m down almost 50 and feeling amazing!!!!

So my MD told me that there really isn’t a calorie range recommendation because calories are so different, i.e. 100 calories of chicken is different than 100 calories of simple carbs- crackers, chips, etc. She said to focus on quality calories, protein and veggies and not worry about calories. Not much help but it does make sense. She said to eat 4-5 small meals and try to hit 65-75 gms protein daily. Hope this helps :-)

Thanks for your responses! I see my md this week and plan to ask her the same question. Will let you know what I find out. Keep up the good work all:-)

Thanks @jsan sounds like you are doing great! Keep up the good work!

Question for the group- do any of you track calories? If so, how many calories a day are you consuming on average? I feel like I’m eating more than I should now that I can tolerate mostly anything. My weight loss has definitely slowed down. I try to reach over 60 grams of protein a day, but sometimes eat more carbs than I should. Roughly taking in anywhere from 850-1300 a day.

My MD requires blood work at 3 months as well to check for deficiencies, etc. My appt. is next week, so fingers crossed. Sometimes I don’t get all my vitamins in but trying to eat healthy so hoping for the best.

July 24th and down 40lbs. Feel great. Definitely think weight loss is slowing down a bit. I need to be doing more exercise and focus on reaching my protein goal. Other than that, I can pretty much eat everything! But what difference 40lbs makes!!

Thanks everyone! I’m over the protein shakes too but still try to drink 1/2 - 1 a day bc it’s the only way to hit my protein goals. I’ve been eating oatmeal with PB2 mixed in for protein. Chicken salad, eggs, avocado, sweet potato, lentil soup, PB with 1/2 banana. Tuna salad not agreeing with me. Have yet to venture on to fruits or many vegetables. Guess I will keep experimenting:-)

Hi July Sleevers! How is everyone doing? I’m just about 6 weeks post op and looking to see what everyone is eating.....needing some new ideas :-)

@sleevedllama I had a similar experience around week 2 after feeling fine for days. Bad pain on my left side under rib and lower abdomen at times. Hurt to stand, walk just about everything! Saw my surgeon because I was worried out a leak. He said it was muscular and to relax and use a heating pad. I lied on my back with a heating pad for 3 days and it got much better. Then went back to work and I still felt it a bit but each day got a little better. All in all lasted about 1week. think that I might have overdone it the week before the pain bc I was feeling so good. Anyway, it passed but was really scary so I feel for you. Try and take it easy but remember if you become febrile or short of breath, call your md immediately for possibility of infection, leak, etc. Hopefully you will feel better soon!

@ashash12 I was nauseous a bit too during my puréed food stage but then started taking Zofran and it is a Miracle drug! You should ask your MD for it. I took it around the clock for s few days and felt so much better. I also feel nauseous when I am dehydrated so am forcing myself to drink- it’s a full time job!!!!!

Question for everyone- I’m 3 weeks out and at times I can only take 3 bites and I’m full. Other times (usually later in the day) I can eat 4 ounces easily - same food. I guess it’s part of the process??

@tracey1978 Good for you!! I did the same thing over the weekend. Went to an Irish pub with friends and ordered Shepard’s pie. I ate the mashed potatoes off the top and moved the rest of the food around with my fork :-) No one had any clue and I totally didn’t feel deprived. Whatever works!!!!! All the best!

@mrsplace That is great! Good for you! What kind of things are you eating? Meat, fish? I think once I can eat tuna or ground meat, I will be good. Protein shakes are rough on my stomach too. And I need to start exercising too. Today is exactly 3 weeks and determined to start this weekend. I went back to work last week and it kind of wore me down, so I didn’t want to push the exercise until I was ready.

I was sleeved 7/24. Down 21lbs and feel great! One more week of soft/thick puréed and then on to soft food. Can’t wait for some meat. Having trouble with getting my protein and water intake. Is anyone else? Also, I’m hungry every 3 hours- maybe bc I’m not getting enough protein?? Anyway, hope everyone is doing well :-)

I had vsg surgery about a week and a half ago. (7/24) Everything going great until I woke up with sharp pain under my left rib cage yesterday morning. Hurt to take a deep breath, cough, sneeze, laugh, etc. Sometimes would radiate to my shoulder/collar bone. Pain continues today. I’ve had similar pain like this intermittently since surgery. Originally it was gas but 10-11 days out? I don’t think so.... Saw my surgeon yesterday and he felt it was muscular/nerve pain. Advised warm soaks. I don’t have fever/chills, SOB, increased heart rate, etc. Although so scared that I have a leak!! Has anyone else gone through this? I’m debating whether I should take myself to ER and get scanned for piece of mind........Help!

Anyone still having gas pain 1-2 weeks post surgery? (At least I think it’s gas pain) Left side under rib cage radiating to my shoulder, collar bone, left scapula. Comes and goes but this morning was killer. Maybe it has to do with introducing purée yesterday? Or these protein shakes? Just took some gas x. Going to see my surgeon today too. Hopefully it’s nothing.....

Happy Birthday is right! Today is exactly a week for me (7/24), down 15lbs and feeling great- except hungry!!! But I’m going to hang tough! Good for you with the cake! See, we can enjoy cake, just not the “entire” cake :-) This is our chance to learn and perfect healthy eating. Best of luck to everyone!!

I had my surgery 7/24 and feel the same way. Meeting with my NUT tomorrow and hoping she will allow me to eat something of substance- maybe puréed or soft foods. Fingers crossed! A steak sounds delicious :-)

Best of luck! It will be over before you know it and on your way to a new you! You got this!

It’s human nature to be nervous. I had super anxiety the few days leading up to surgery. Try and stay busy. I kept reminding myself of why I made this choice and that I was doing something for me- no one else. My health, my body, my mind, my future. Surgery is scary. It is normal to feel this way. When surgery is over you will feel so relieved and you will be well on your way to a new you!!! Remember to walk as much as you can in the hospital to reduce gas pains- even when you don’t want to. You can do this! Best of luck to you. Keep us posted!

I ordered some protein packs from unjury online. A friend had recommended them and I’m glad I did. The chicken soup protein powder is delicious- better than just chicken broth. Much more flavor. They sell individual packets. They also sell unflavored protein packets which I plan on using in applesauce, oatmeal, etc. My first week is almost done and have been living on shakes, chicken protein packet, ice pops, water and iced tea. You can do this! It is only for a short time :-) Best of luck.