Whitetank&denim

What an unspeakable tragedy. I'm so very sorry, and I pray for you and your family.

The bottom line is it's your body, your business. I wanted to be sure I was making the decision for myself, along with my surgeon and his support staff. My sister was there for me to bring me to and from the hospital and stayed for a while post-surgery, and she was so anxious! I just said it was a hernia. I can't imagine if I told her it was VSG. I'm used to her anxiety so I was able to not let it affect me. This was the bottom line for me: If I choose to share my journey someday with someone, I will. Once you tell someone, you can't "untell" them. I have also had experience with the people you expect to be the most supportive are actually the least.

ShanIamVA, I only told one person, a very close friend who lives in another state. Other than that, I told no one. I did tell a few people that I was having surgery, but was not specific. My sister kindly brought me to and from the hospital and stayed a few days with me, but she also did not know the specifics of my surgery. I am by nature a very private person, anyway, so it was not out of character to keep my surgery private. I realize everyone has a different journey, but you are not alone in your desire to keep your personal business to yourself. This forum has been invaluable, as well as some Youtube videos following the journeys of other VSG-ers. For some reason, my loss has been very slow, not sure if it's my age, 60, and lower starting weight, but I haven't had a "shocking" transformation that requires explanation. I wish you all the best in your journey.

While I don't have an answer to your question, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book! I read it this past December when I was preparing for my January 5, 2021 surgery. Considering your lack of physician support after your surgery, I think your results were remarkable!

GiCoDr, I think you've made great progress!! I had my sleeve surgery on January 5th of this year, and my surgery weight was 214. I am currently down to 196, and I am losing painfully slowly. I wonder if there is something fundamental I'm missing. I followed my surgeon's protocol from day one. I began walking in the hospital post surgery and continued walking several times a week. Three weeks ago, I went back to weight lifting with a trainer three times a week and cardio on the off days, and haven' lost since then. I track daily in My Fitness Pal and average 600 to 750 calories. I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I'd love to know what you're doing to get such great results so far! And advice would be so appreciated!

I'm just needing some advice because I know there is vast experience in this group. I had VSG on 1/5/21. The morning of surgery, I was 214 lbs. Post-surgery, I was up a few days due to fluids. My recovery was amazing! No issues or pain at all. I have followed my doctor's protocol to a T but my loss seems so slow. My current weight is 198, so a 16-pound loss in two months and 10 days. The doctor's expectation is for me to be 193 by my visit on 3/26/21. I was given clearance to work out, so I have been slowly getting back to strength training; but even before that, the loss has been a slow, sometimes up a little, then down. Any and all suggestions/comments would be very-much appreciated.

This is so true, Catwoman. My body is going to respond how it wants to, but I have to continue to focus on my commitment and consistency.

OAGBPal, you are so very kind. I have to say I'm just very pre-occupied by my upcoming visit. I had a very short pre-op window....my first appointment with the surgeon was October 28th and was given my January 5th surgery date when I left the appointment. I had one appointment with the dietician, then a virtual psych session. On my next surgeon appointment on Dec. 31, I literally left in tears because I didn't lose what he thought I should have, although he never gave me an amount to lose, just "three frozen meals a day and nothing else". Admittedly, I had a few slips over the holidays, but I was so shocked and then angry after that visit, that I really think I was traumatized. I'm not looking forward to my visit. Everything I eat and all my workouts are documented so I'm going loaded with my "evidence". I've been amazed at the lifestyle changes I've made and I'm proud of myself for that because that's what will bring me success in the long run, but I'm just preoccupied with that upcoming visit.

No worries! I was searching before I posted and I noticed in some other responses that updating stats was helpful. In case it's a factor, I'm 59 years *young*! OAGBPal, as for what I do daily, breakfast is pretty consistent with one egg, one ounce of berries, and then a scoop of collagen when I have my hot tea. Lunch and dinner are two ounces of protein, one ounce of starch and one ounce of vegetables, or a little more veg to satiety. I usually wind up with between 600 and 700 calories, and around 70 grams of protein. My sleep is great (since giving up my two cups of coffee pre-surgery), averaging a solid 7 and a half to 8 hours. Water/herbal tea, average 64 to 72 ounces per day, but always a minimum of 64. I do the Beachbody program LIIFT4 and walking for enjoyment and being in nature. I appreciate everyone's input. It all helps!

I just updated it. I thought that may help. Thank you for responding!

What a great post! It's nice to hear and share experiences. I had my sleeve on January 5th (seems like it's been so long and it's only been three days!) but I am really surprised how great I feel. I did lots of walking at the hospital after my surgery, thanks to reading what many have shared in the forum, and I think that is one of the reasons I minimized my gas pain. And yes, getting in all the water is really like a full-time job! Everything is going down okay; but if the sip is too big, I can feel it. I've been walking around quite a bit just inside keeping moving and today went outside for a short walk in the sunshine and it felt so nice to be in the fresh air. The hardest part for me is using the spirometer, which my doctor said is very important to minimize the chance of pneumonia. Once in the hospital post surgery when I just wanted to sleep, I, too, had the "what-have-I-done" thought, but it was just that once. Honestly, I have felt so good, alert and have much more energy than I ever expected I would. Wishing all of you the best on your journey. I'm grateful to the forum for all the pre- and post-surgery help.

What a great post, GreenTealael! Thank you! I weaned from caffeine in anticipation of my surgery on January 5th. I treated myself to some specialty teas from Harney and Sons. They have several caffeine-free tea flavors, both loose tea and bags. I have suffered from reflux in the past and caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter making my reflux much worse. I'm not sure if that is the only reason my practices wants patients to discontinue caffeine, but that's why I weaned off.

January 5th in NY!