GeorgieLynn

You are doing great! 😍

Brandi, I was sleeved March 9 so am right with you on time but have had some medical set backs so have healed very slowly. I will share with you were I am on my tracking but as you said don't use it as your guide because we are in different situations. When evaluating your own intake it is most important to look at where your calories are coming from and your total mix of macros in proportion to one another. Are most of your calories coming from protein? Are your fats plant based? Are you sticking to low carbs and are they complex? Where are your sugars coming from, naturally occurring or refined? How much exercise/ calories are you typically buring in a day? 🤔 So many things to consider. With that said I am averaging around 650 cal/daily still struggling to get 60 g protein and my water. I am not getting enough daily exercise yet and have had a PICC line for daily hydration. (Like I said, other medical issues which have slowed down my healing) at 5 weeks I went back to full liquids. So, focus on your hu ger signals; if you think you are "feeling hungry" too soon, try drinking a non-caloric beverage and wait 30 minutes after you finish it to see if it was actually thirst you were confusing with hunger. Stay on schedule with your meals and snacks (meal planning) and make your protein and water your very first priority before anything else. I find if I do that, there isn't much room for anything else. Don't be obsessed with the scale but do weigh once a week and allow that to be a tool, understanding that you will have stalls, but it should generally be on a general slow slope down over time. And, don't hesitate to talk to your dietician, Dr, or other medical professionals about your concerns and for guidance. And also know that we all have these insecurities and worries. ❤️ Love yourself and you will do the right thing. Believe in YOU!

Absolutely, the lower your starting BMI the less pounds you are going to loose. In the end the percentage % should be similar but actual pounds/kilos and speed will all vary greatly. I am going through the same questioning and doubting myself and my approach at 7 was post op. I have been in the hospital 15 days total since surgery (2 readmittance with 5 days stays each time and 5 days at time of sleeve) and am still on IV fluids daily through a PICC line at home. Needless to say I have had a few complications due to a chronic, genetic disease I have which is slowing EVERYTHING down. I have only lost 10lbs according to the scale since surgery but have lost 14 inches. My Dr is not even concerned about my weight loss because how much fluids I am taking and says inches are always more telling than weight due to water retention or dehydration but also muscle gain as fat weighs less than muscle so if you are putting on muscle while loosing fat you could actually show an increase on the scale... don't worry. If you are doing everything you are supposed to and following your program, the weight WILL come off. This is a lifelong marathon not a sprint! 💞 Learn to love yourself by caring for your body. You will be transformed!

You are doing great! This isn't magic and as you've read many times everyone is different. You are still recovery and you just need to be concerned with following your plan and getting your fluids and then protein. Keep your head up and only weigh once a week. Also remember the lower your BMI the less pounds you are going to loose when comparing yourself (dont) to someone with a much higher BMI. We should be talking about percentages of excess weight instead of pounds/kilos lost. As percentages generally match long term. Increase exercise in small incriminates as you can tolerate and stick to your prescribed diet and you will succeed!

Christi, I am in the same boat. I was sleeved on 3/9 and have only lost 10lbs! I did not loose ANYTHING for the first 10 days & was completely flat. I was not gone above 500 calories the entire time, and have reached my protein goal 2 days only. I am 55 yrs old so I knew my weight loss would be slower but it is frustrating when you see other people doing less exercise and more calories and the weight falling off quickly. You are correct, don't compare yourself to anyone. We all have different bodies, different metabolisms, even different body types loss at different rates (eg, apple shape vs pear shape vs extra weight in extremities, etc). We are all different and none of us will have the same experience. Keep your head up, keep working your program and you and I will both get the results in our time! 🤗

I was on the 9th as well. However, I am only just being discharged from hospital today. (Various reasons, unrelated to actual VGS). I am feeling the same with my emotions waxing and waning. I am still unsure of myself as I proceed. It is odd that some feel the physical part of this journey is the most difficult (calorie restriction, liquid diet, exercise program, etc) but I am not fing these things as difficult as the emotional/psychological aspects which I am feeling. I feel very lonely.

I am on day 2 post op as well however I am still in the hospital. My bladder has decided to become quite lazy after the anesthesia and is refusing to begin work again quite yet so am having to be straight cathed every few hours u til it begins to respond to its own signals to empty when I am ready. Other than that, water and my shakes (Orgain plant protein) is going down fairly easy without too much difficulty in 2oz medicine cups every 15 minutes that I am awake. I do still have considerable bloating due to the CO² in my abdomen/torso and have not been able to pass any but my body is absorbing it slowly. I am walking the unit almost every hour while awake however at times I really do feel exhausted but I still feel it is worth it not to lie in the hospital bed. I still have a very sore throat and am very hoarse from the tubes down my throat during surgery but I have been gargling with warm salt water which feels good and should speed up the healing of this area. Regardingvpain after VGS, (laparoscopy) I can say that I am uncomfortable but not in pain. It is tolerable knowing day to day is is going to ease and all be worth all of the struggles when I reach my goal. It will only be a memory. I am thinking of all of the others who have had surgery this week and those who have their's coming up rapidly and offer encouragement to not be anxious. It is not horrible, nothing to fear. Just ve diligent about working your program and following all of the recommendations put to you from your surgeon and / or your WL clinic to stay disciplined wirh your diet, walk, walk, walk, and use your support systems. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Allow your body to heal. Bless you all. 🙏 20230311_002443.heic

Thank you so much. I will look it up and give it a try!

My bag is packed, ready to go. Check In at the hospital at 5:30 tomorrow morning. It is hard to believe that I have come this far already and the day is finally here. Although I know this journey has only just begun I have to celebrate the small successes along the way of making the decision to make a change, seeking help, making a true commitment, sticking to the plan, working the program, working on me and recommitting each and every day to keep loving me and working to improve me. We all can do this! Here's to determination! Here's to LIVING! HERE'S TO US! If it is not too difficult or stressful for you, I say go and enjoy yourself but drink your protein prior and enjoy sipping on your teas, broths, etc while they eat and you all socialize. I am on day 10 of 14 and took my son to dinner for his birthday last week with family and did exactly that and was so glad that I went and enjoyed myself. It didn't bother me at all nor anyone else as they understood (many of whom I didn't feel the need to explain the full situation but simply if asked why I wasn't eating I explained I had an upcoming medical procedure and was on a very limited diet. No questions asked. Enjoy yourself! You can't stop living! This is only the beginning of life-long changes when we will not be able to eat as others do. Good luck and be strong. This is your life, live it! ❣️

I can't even start to explain how badly this is affecting me. I have a milk allergy (not lactose intolerant) so can have absolutely nothing with any for of milk protien and have severe IBS so can not tolerate pea, soy, etc protien shakes and powders, also very sensitive to artificial sweeteners... All I have found I can tolerate (I am on day 9 of 14 of all liquid pre-op diet.) besides unflavored isolated whey in chicken, veg, or beef broth. I have spoken with 2 seperate dietitians and neither have additional suggestions to fit into restrictions than what I have come up with. I do add different spices to add variety but there is only so much it changes. LOL. I am meeting my protien and hydration goals but am SO BORED and would love to have SOMETHING that tastes differently. I am determined and know I can do this and am trying to get in the mind set that food is for nutrition and not for pleasure however it is difficult not to seek some pleasure in the little things in life... like food! We all can do this! I have faith, one sip at a time!

If it is not too difficult or stressful for you, I say go and enjoy yourself but drink your protein prior and enjoy sipping on your teas, broths, etc while they eat and you all socialize. I am on day 10 of 14 and took my son to dinner for his birthday last week with family and did exactly that and was so glad that I went and enjoyed myself. It didn't bother me at all nor anyone else as they understood (many of whom I didn't feel the need to explain the full situation but simply if asked why I wasn't eating I explained I had an upcoming medical procedure and was on a very limited diet. No questions asked. Enjoy yourself! You can't stop living! This is only the beginning of life-long changes when we will not be able to eat as others do. Good luck and be strong. This is your life, live it! ❣️

I am 1 week preop (VSG) and due to a genetic chronic disease which can cause me to have very low blood pressure my surgeon just suggested today that I set up home infusions a couple times a week for the first month to prevent dehydration and complications to my health condition. He knew nothing about how to set this up or if it would be covered by insurance, etc. But is certain I need to do it. Has ANYONE had to do this for any reason or have any information on the ins and outs? Thank you.

Thank you. I just called my insurance company and they quickly with no questions gave me a few names of home healthcare companies in my (very rural) area who cover the area for my PCP to submit the order. No preauthorization required. No more complicated than an Rx. Stress gone. Thank you for suggestions.

I'm so sorry you are struggling so. It is not easy! I am on day 7 today so feel you! Try relaxing, distracting yourself by staying busy with things you enjoy besides food, drinking your shakes on a schedule 3- 4 daily and constantly drinking your low/non caloric drinks (broth, non decaf/ herbal tea or coffee, crystal light, sugar free sports drinks, protein water, ) As well as sugar free Popsicles (and anything else allowed on your program. Increasing activity/walking can also help. Split this into several mini walks. And don't hesitate to reach out to your friend, family and your dietitian/program support for additional help and tips. Don't be frightened to ask for help. This is a difficult process and you are not the first or last to be finding it such a struggle. Have faith in yourself. You CAN do this! We all need the support of others! Please help yourself and do what you've done here and ask for more support from thise directly involved with you today and who can impact you short term. Good luck. Praying for your strength, patience and SUCCESS!

Im a little late to the party but how did it go? Being this is cold and flu season and it seems so many people are having symptoms which linger for weeks I imagine there will be others who will run run across this sinerareo. I hope you are recovering well at this time!

For dry mouth symptoms I use Biotene oral moisturizers in the form of gel and/or their spray. Their toothpaste and mouth wash is also great for everyday but I don't feel it gives the severe relief that is needed after events such as surgery when you are no P.O. and such. It helps greatly! Widely available and afordable.

I am scheduled for VSG on 3/9. Silly question but did anyone else plan thier "last meal" before they began pre-op diet?

I am scheduled for March 9. Preparing now to begin 2 week liquid preop diet this week. Getting both excited and nervous.