ms.sss

In the early months, I would take a protein shake (or powders) as well as beef jerky in my purse whenever I went out. As you are six months out, you *should* be able to order something off the menu, even if it is just a side or appetizer or maybe even a soup? Or even a regular meal and just pick out the stuff you don't want/can't eat. Though honestly, I cared more for the company than the food anyway...the surgery didn't alter the regularity to which I went to restaurants/bars/parties/family get-togethers. It may just be a matter of getting used to? Maybe the more you go out and not make food the central focus, the more it won't bother you as much?

So I’m not sure if BMI had much to do with it vs. the rapid weight loss (but don’t quote me on that! Lol) According to my weight loss records, at one week post op (when i got off the BP meds), my BMI was 39.7 And at my one months (when I got off cholesterol meds) my BMI was 37.0 ...and both these numbers are way higher than yours. Of course, there are other factors at play (age, pre-disposition, medical history, level of exercise, diet, etc), but this was my experience, in any case. Edited to add: Today, my BMI is 21, so this likely has a circular effect on the lower BP these days?

For the cholesterol, I was tested before my 2 week pre-surgery liquid diet, then the day after surgery, then at my 1 week post op, then again at my 1 month followup...thats when I was taken off it. (Was tested further at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. Its worth noting that at 6 months my cholesterol went up again...apparently, i was told, because of the release from all the fat that was coming off. It went back down by my 9 month checkup) For the high blood pressure again I was tested before and after surgery (I also have a blood pressure machine at home, so I took daily readings). It was remarkably low the day after surgery, and because I was semi-blacking out that first week post op, doc took me off the pills at the 1 week checkup. Been off it ever since. Today (at 1.5+ years post op) my blood pressure regularly hovers in the very low end range of “normal”.

Hi! I was off my blood pressure meds the week after surgery. Then off my cholesterol pills 1 month later. I used to be pre-diabetic and had fatty liver. Pre-diabetic no longer by my 1 month follow up, and my fatty liver diagnoses was gone by the 3 month followup (could have been earlier, but this was when they checked). And as an added bonus, apparently I stopped snoring the first night home from the hospital (so says Mr., at least, lol). Go figure. It's par for the course to be nervous, but this will likely be the best decision you ever made, if you let it ❤️ Good Luck!

Wrap dresses and wrap skirts are your friends! (As are belts, lol). Though, if you want to save some $$, maybe don't buy too many clothes during weight loss phase. At first I was all, yay, I can buy some smaller clothes! Then it became apparent that I would drop a size every 3-4 weeks and I couldn't wear my just purchased clothing. So that was a bummer.

During weight loss phase, I had the occasional glass of red wine or gin (or vodka) & soda water with lots of lime. AFTER weight loss phase, I do drink more, but generally stick to dry red wine or gin/vodka/tequila (less carbs in these). I stay away from sugary mixers, and sugary liqueurs (with the exception of Kahlua...an IMPORTANT ingredient in espresso martinis, lol) It's also worth noting that post-wls it doesn't take a lot for me to feel the effects of alcohol. One and I'm done. Though I do also sober up very quickly now...

AWESOME!!!

Did your surgeon tell you how much skin/tissue they removed? Also, its normal to weigh heavier after surgery due to swelling/fluid retention and whatnot. I vaguely recall being 5 or so pounds heavier after a couple days after surgery (though I was wearing compression garments and had two drains attached to me at the time I got on the scale, so there's that...)

From what I've read and experienced, it really is normal to feel crappy the first week or so. Give it another week and re-evaluate. Also, there is nothing wrong with getting in touch with your team if you are worried ❤️ Good Luck!

What exactly is your gut telling you? P.S. Sorry you are having a hard time...the first couple weeks tend to be the hardest. ❤️

Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders w/ Caramelized Onions. I just ate the toppings, lol: equivalent of 1 slice bacon + 20g cheddar cheese + 1/4 cup onions: 190 calories.

Wowza. Now THAT's a Smoker. I'd be having smoked meat all week long if I had one of these babies. Are those Bull Horn handles on the lid??? OMG, LOVE IT!

Well, I have never heard of a phase 2 Faja until now. From what I since read, I guess they are less supportive? I'm looking for some serious compression (just at the lower ab area) so maybe phase 1 Faja is better? Or just a smaller phase 2 Faja...Im not sure my thighs can squeeze into the 2XS listed thigh measurement though, lol. (Aside: the link you provided was for a "Step 2" Faja, is this the same as "Phase 2"?) Though noted that I am almost 6 months post-op, and am not even sure i even need one, but I HATE my swollen belly with the fire of a thousand suns that I will squish that thing down with any means I have access too. Ugh. O.M.G. we are like measurement twins...I have all the exact (give or take 1/4 inch) same measurements as you! except for the underbust (I'm 28")!! How tall are you? And what is your shoe size? We could share clothes LOL!!! Edited to Add: Ok, I see you are 5' even. So I'm just a couple inches taller. Well, maybe we can't share pants then...lol Edited to Add, part 2: I also see that you are 102 lbs. You must be adorably cute. Is this the weight after PS, or before?

Yay!!! Feel like sharing some Before and Afters an show off the happy bod??? lol Congratulations, regardless, you must bee feeling aaaaawwweeeesome. ❤️

You got me again! Yum 😋 Now, how does one make a creamy vegan chipotle sauce??

Va-va-voom! Nice work!

I dunno, yours looks pretty amazing! It looks like it has more fat content than ours...yum. Were you the grill master for this work of art?? I get these cuts a from butcher shop near my place. They’ve been there forever...they used to be in a field with nothing around them, and over the years, developments rose up around them, but they still there, lol. They don’t always have these cuts on hand at many butchers (mine just has it around special occasion days) but I’m sure you can special-order it. Warning: they are a little in the pricier side.

Wow! 7 weeks and u already look 5 years younger! Way to go, lady!

Looks like you already arrived! You look Grreeeaaaaattttt! (I see them biceps under your shirt...) Congrats!

You know, I am noticing an elevation of your plating these days, Sophe... 👍🏼😀... Is really just a ribeye with the bone attached and frenched for show, lol.

(Close, front porch. I normally sit out in the back porch for morning coffee, but the view is not as nice.) I need me some strawberries!!!

Ok, so I have actually been in the market for some sort of compression garment/faja for my stubborn swollen lower belly! Sizing is an issue for me, but I see that this one comes in XS! What size did you get? And, if you don't mind, what are your measurements and how do you find the fit? Is the material thick? (Thinner or thicker than spanx? Or the same?) Inquiring minds want to know!!!

Last night’s Father’s Day Dinner, Part Deux: - Sticky, sweet and spicy 9-hr slow cooker ribs then further basted and caramelized in oven (Kid’s request) - cucumber salad (the obligatory vegetable) - cheesy jalepeno corn bread (Mr.’s request) - ...and a FLINTSTONE-esque Tomahawk Steak. To put things in perspective, that grill plate is 50cm wide (or 19.7”). I had basically all the cucumbers, as the fam was not in a plant eating mood, and about 3.5oz of the steak. Later had a slice (about 1.5 oz) of the cherry almond flan (store bought), and paid the price. Was worth it, I loooove frangipane in ANY dessert.

Enjoying today’s lunchtime salad outside! Such a beee-uuuu-tiful day 🥰 166 calories

@Heather13... and f you are talking about carbonated beverages in general, the reason my my doc gave to lay off them is because drinking them contribute to excess gas in your stomach, which is not your friend ...and NOT because of stretching your stomach. One would have to have their stomachs filled beyond capacity (with liquids OR solids) for extended periods of time to do that. And even then, it is highly, highly unlikely a sleeved stomach would stretch to pre-surgery size. Not even close. If under some crazy circumstances one was able to stretch their stomach close to even HALF thier original size (given a sleeved stomach is 20% of original size), that person would have waaaaay bigger problems to worry about than a bigger stomach. With that said, i was drinking carbonated beverages around 2-3 months post op, and still do, almost every day. HOWEVER, i am drinking sparkling water (i.e., Perrier or similar, with no sugar nor flavourings) and NOT pop/ soda nor beer. Too many unnecessary calories for me, personally. I have hade diet coke a handful of times in the past year though (and only once i was done trying to lose weight)...but is is def the exception and not the rule.