Spinoza

I can drink right up to the time I start eating but I don't drink for as long as possible after - usually well over an hour after my main meal and at least half an hour after others. That's because I saw a version of that video here months ago. However when I am in situations where I want to be seen to be eating 'normally' I drink on purpose so I can purposely empty my pouch and fit more food in. I've eaten half a pizza just by having a beer along with it - normally one or two two slices would be my limit. I've done that like 4 times in the last year - definitely not a habit to get into but handy for when you need to cheat. The other thing that really helps that is reversing the rules and eating carbs first protein last.

I love good food. Problem for most of my life was that I ate far too much of it, and then a whole heap of sugar right on top of that again for good measure. I am 14 months post sleeve surgery and I can eat almost everything I could before, so I really don't miss anything at all. When I eat out I eat about half a main or just get a starter (which are often the most interesting dishes on a menu anyway!) Honestly it brings me just as much joy as it always did. I hope it's the same for you.

I found that part really hard too. My ability to drink bigger volumes just came back gradually over time. At 14 months post sleeve I can swallow about 5 big glugs of liquid at a time, which is super satisfying after months of sipping.

Yes! I'm also feeling the cold 14 months out from my sleeve. I need three layers minimum inside now if I'm sitting doing nothing. I really hope it isn't permanent.

Fab fab fab! What an achievement!👏

Over 50 too when I had my sleeve surgery 14 months ago. Also wish I'd done it years ago. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself EVER.

I have honestly been able to tolerate absolutely everything, which is a real blessing - I only realise this because of this forum and seeing what other people have had problems with. I had one ropey moment with some carrot but I have since tolerated that with no issue. Avocado and hummus were some of my go-to foods in my immediate post-op period. Can't imagine how they affect others differently but clearly they do. Welcome to the wonderful world of WLS!

This amazes me every time I read a new post about it. I was sleeved 14 months ago. I did not have to give up caffeine - the very first liquid I was given post op was black coffee. The difference in programmes never ceases to amaze me. Sorry you're having to go through this, sounds completely miserable. Only times I have ever given up caffeine were during my pregnancies and I still remember the headaches - world class. 😣

Huge congratulations to you - I know you've posted several times recently about your journey and it's inspiring. Please can I ask what you do in your planned weight loss phases now? Do you calorie count, track protein and/or other macros, restrict any food groups, follow any particular route?

It's so fab to see that. I could NOT believe it when I did. Well done on your loss, it's really hard and you're really amazing.

My reflux mostly settled when I lost weight after my sleeve. I had the benefit of having been this weight some years back and knowing it happened then too though. I think it's tricky to try to predict what will happen either way. Worked out for me. Good luck!

I think you mean dumping is much less likely with the sleeve? Or that you personally haven't had it. Still occurs for some unfortunate folk.

Not at all true for me - 33lbs in the first 12 weeks but 104 in total (I'm exactly 14 months out). Everyone is so different - totally to be expected.

Yay Pete! We're doing this!!!!

Hi Sam, that's a really hard question to answer without more information about how far along you are and what surgery you've had! Could you fill out your stats or give us something more to go on please? My understanding is that how our skin adapts to weight loss is a lot to do with genetics/age and much less to do with how we manage that! Do you have specific concerns?

Just checking in again. Today I reached my 'ideal weight' of 147. Never ever in a million years did I think that I would do this. Almost 14 months post op. Still losing very very slowly. I really want to hear from my November 2021 buddies. I hope you're all as happy as I am with your surgery. Onwards and downwards!

Absolutely what NovaLuna said. But, since I am a chronic comparer, if it helps, I lost 17lbs in the first SIX WEEKS post op (I do calendar month losses so I bunched the fist 6 weeks together). Probably about 12 or 13lbs in the first 4 weeks? I had a stall in my second week (first of many!) that lasted about 10 days. Hope that helps and good luck on your journey.

This is really interesting and super helpful - thank you for sharing your story! For someone 14 months out from sleeve, and at goal, it gives me hope that if things go wrong in the future there's something that can be done. Do you know how much stomach there was to take away this time?

🤤

Wow. Just wow. That's amazing. I hope you are loving this!

Oh wow - look at you! huge congrats for getting to where you are now, and best of luck for reaching the end of your journey!

This. Your weight loss is likely to be most in the first month after surgery and then slow down and slow down and slow down more as you progress. Added to that everyone's journey is different. I am exactly the same as you - I wanted certainties going into this surgery, and things I could influence or control. Several months in I just realised that the surgery does its job if I do my job, and it was all SO much relaxed thereafter. Best of luck on your journey xxx

I am 14 months post gastric sleeve, now in maintenance, and I have weighed myself every single day. Small fluctuations don't bother me, nor do stalls - I just like to know what's going on! If it will bother you not to see consistent losses then I recommend leaving it as long as you can between weigh-ins. But you do you!

By 'chug' I understand many big gulps in a row? My capacity to do this has gradually increased in the 14 months since my sleeve. At first I could take one or *maybe* on a good day 2 big gulps of liquid followed by a gap (which I think *might* equate to your 500mls in 30 minutes), then two, then three. I'm now up to probably 5 big gulps in a row. It's really satisfying. 😂 I'm thinking this means that my pouch is expanding, as they seem to do as time goes on.

Glad you got a guide from your doctor. As @Arabesque says, it might be close to that or further away depending on a whole lot of factors - what matters is that you're happy with your loss and that you can maintain your final weight. Nobody wants to be 'on a diet' forever after WLS. Best of luck!