Sigh

Don’t forget they pump you full of saline and such for surgery and to make sure you arent dehydrated— and 10 lbs in a week is AMAZING on any diet plan. Stick with the long term view— it will come.

I found diluting my Protein Shake with milk/almond milk thinned it down enough so it didnt cause that heavy feeling in my stomach… may want to give that a try as well

Hi Helena- welcome. Do i think you could lose the weight in a year? Yes, I have done that several times in my lifetime. But the weight always came back once I returned to eating carbs with no restraint. I am 52 now and just had the surgery in early March— with a goal to lose 65 lbs. I just couldn’t stand being that heavy again- and am tired of fighting it alone. I see the VSG as a tool to help me get to my health goals. While it may be a bit quicker, I still think it will be tougher to reach those lower ranges again— but my health will be better for it. No more “A1C1 markers being close to pre-diabetes”, no more (or hopefully less) strain on my feet and knees due to extra weight, no more feeling like a penguin. Surgery is NOT fun, but it wasn’t terrible. I have had many, this was my fourth in a year. I missed one day of work- that’s it. Ive already lost close to 25lbs- 12 before surgery and the rest since 3/3. This was a jump start on a healthier life— you can take a different path, and I know you could get there either way. Just make the right decision for you and your body. Good luck!

Thank you all-I was able to dilute mine today (1/2 with milk) and only drink about half at a time— it was much better today, not such a heavy feeling. I will try the 20s, but that Gatorade Protein was terrible for me, even before surgery- could barely force myself to drink half of it. This is just the only real way i am getting the protein numbers up… so I will keep at it.

I haven’t found a Protein Water i like yet- but will keep trying. The shakes taste good and dont make me sick, just feel like lead in my stomach right now. I’m going to try thinning them with milk or water,and may warm them to see if that helps. Wish me luck.

I can drink Water, cream Soup, broth, have had jello— but day 11 and 12 im trying to have Protein Shake and it feels like a rock and lingers a long time.. any suggestions?

I have got to get in more Protein.

You can find any of these on Amazon, or even this site. I am using the salad plates from my set, vs the dinner plate. Definitely helps put it in perspective.

I almost went with him, he seemed like a great doctor- let us know how you’re doing- sending well wishes your way.

I do like the premade shakes…but not the Gatorade Protein Water. Disgusting doesnt even cover it.

any thoughts on Factor? I’ve seen ads on it too…

I have been on them about a year- I call them my murder prevention patches- they keep me from murdering my teen kids. They sincerely helped with the quick to anger/rage feelings and calmed down the night sweater, etc— the doctor suggested i come off for surgery due to blood clot risk (similar to birth control)- and said to stay off for a minimum of two weeks after. I got a superficial blood clot in my hand (week after I’ve) and they said maybe even three weeks off til that vein heals. I think you have to stay off birth control at least a month after for the same reasons.

It really does help though, like almost instantly.

So I am 10 days post op from self pay Mexico sleeve— I stopped my HRT one week ahead of surgery, but am curious of what your teams have advised on restarting HRT (patches). I have a call into my doctor, but would like to hear your thoughts on it…

Did you lower your dose when you lost weight? Start at the same dose prior to surgery?

Etc? Any info appreciated related to the Hormone replacement patch.

I had a hysterectomy in November 2022, and have been on HRT a year prior— still have ovaries but at 52 I doubt they are helping!

I’m incentive shopping in my own closet— I have clothes in all the sizes down, and a beautiful wardrobe of really nice, new with tags items that I bought just before covid— that I never got to wear. I’m going to resist shopping anywhere but thrift/consignment until I can stabilize. I will only buy new undergarments, shoes and swimwear. Also, brief reminder— the clothes on the way down may fit differently than they did before, so may not be especially flattering (particularly pants), so I’m trying to remember that from previous yo-yo-ing.

Way to go! When was your surgery?

Exciting news! Best of luck to you as you start this new chapter in your jouney.

Oh, thank you guys for this thread. I’m still in phase one but have been trying to think ahead.

I did think of these things:

tofu, avocado, banana, flaked fish, applesauce and other soft blended fruits— so your list helped me expand!

I am so sorry that you are struggling— I know what you mean about having everyone think something so private is up discussion, and it sucks your dad is being rude. In the past, I would even self sabotage when people would comment, but i am trying to work on that. Hugs! Remember, you ARE more than your weight or your looks, and you are doing this for your own self- other peoples opinions don't matter. I hope you have someone you can talk to about this- i am leveraging a counselor for the wave I can see ahead of me as well. I’d encourage you stay focused on your goals and your opinions.

Sending well wishes your way!

I just had my surgery Friday, and honestly I’m still working on getting in my fluids, and barely am hitting 40oz still… Protein is no where near where it needs to be, but i can only focus on one goal at a time right now. Once I can hit Fluid goal, i will worry about Proteins. I couldn’t even keep my antibiotics down the first three days, so i will pick my battles at this point.

Sorry, I know this comment isn’t helpful, but THANK GOD i had a hysterectomy.

I had my surgery on Friday- and took a 4 hour flight home on sunday. I took off Monday and returned to work today. I am in a very relaxed hybrid work situation with minimal oversight— and make my own schedule. I dont know that id want to be sitting in work meeting/traveling two weeks out, but working in my environment is fine. I did take off two weeks for laproscopic hysterectomy in November 2022, and just dont see the need for that kind of time off right now. I will say- if i was in a more demanding situation i would make a different decision, because drinking fluids right now is a serious full time job and you HAVE to focus on that for your health.

I have surgery Friday and have been thinking about this same thing— can you have actual Protein Shakes on the “clear” liquid phase? I’m reading my paperwork and it seems I could.. but would love to hear what others did for the “clear” part- my second week is “full” liquids…

the one Protein Water (ie protein Gatorade) had was terrible, could barely get thru half of it. Any suggestions on clear ones that are good are appreciated.

When i explored the insurance route, I was looking at Anthem BCBS— i had to have BMI of 4o or higher, or 35 with provable comorbity, a psych evaluation, meet with nutritionist and have a sign off from primary care. I had to wait a month -6 weeks for nutritionist meeting then another month to get approval from insurance, as they wouldn’t start that request until all other was done. I decided my max out of pocket was about the same as me going to Mexico, so there you go. My BMI was 37, and i decided i wanted to get started ASAP, and they told me not to lose weight or i might not quality— so off to Mexico I go this week!

@summerseeker you are wise, and I love that positive thinking! I am going to write a few for myself because I love your way of thinking!

First and foremost, I am doing this for my health—

goals for me:

reduce pain and inflammation in my joints, be able to sleep comfortably again and reduce knee and foot pain due to extra weight

Walk for 30 minutes without getting winded

Not use food to soothe my anxiety

Find other ways to show myself or others love

Powerful thinking — thank you!

I like the idea of first goal, then reassess to stretch as you work yourself there. I have a first goal in mind, then step down a few times if i can do it!

Good luck to you and enjoy shopping your closet.

I am going to try a binder to help hold everything in and protect incisions for compression— is there something like that to help under clothes for men?

Maybe a compression top that tucks into waistband of pants to smooth that area?