marfar7

2 ladies and I just took over a sad WLS facebook group last week. We're trying to revive it. Getting some discussions going, people are posting and Im happy with the progress so far. We just started a challenge (2 weeks and whoever gets the most new members, wins a recipe book that 2 of our members actually wrote and sre selling on Amazon). Most of our challenges will be 4-6 weeks with a prize at the end. The authors said they would sponsor every other challenge. Thats fair. SO I thought maybe a Vitamin compnay or Protein supplements or any other books might be willing to sponsor every other challenge we have. I dont even know where to start. I dont mind spending some of my own money for a nice candle, bath items, etc (relaxation stuff) occasionally but Id rather get someething donated. If anyone knows of any weightloss/fitness/relaxation companies that might be willing to sponsor us, will u share the info with me? Oh, and please join us! It used to be called WSL recipes (s it was mainly a recipe board turned support group). Its now renamed Recipe for a New Life and its open to all WLS, pre ops, etc https://www.facebook.com/groups/SupportWLS/ Thanks for ur help! Marci

Hey everyone. Its been a while since Ive been on here. Been hiding my head in the sand for a long, long time. Well, Im pulling myself out of the sand now. Been watching the scales go up slowly. They hit 180 last week. Was 150 last year. That was it. My aha moment. Haven't felt like I even had a sleeve lately. While I still eat small meals, I can snack endlessly. And yes, I know thats not good to do so. Just becuz I can doesn't mean I should. I know all that.. As I said, Im pulling myself back up. Been back on track for 4 days now. Focusing on Protein (but Im not afraid of small amts of carbs either), drinking Water, not drinking with meals, and moving more. I need to lose 40 lbs. Sounds like a daunting task right now, but Ive done it before, I can do it again. ANy pointers out there from people who have been where I am? High protein, low calorie Snacks? I appreciate any support I can get. Ive had my sleeve for 2 1/2 yrs and Ive never made it to goal. This time I will!

YEars ago, I tried every girdle out there (usually the tank top kind) and every one of them made me bulge somewhere else. I quit believing in shapeware, knowing the fat has to come out somewhere. Until about a year ago when I thought I'd give Spanx a try. They're a miracle! I bought a tank from Ebay for $17. Luv them! Not sure how they work, keeping in the fat, but I dont really care as long as they do!. I dont really need them for the bottom half but I bought some (also ebay for about $15). Tucks everything in really well. I recently bought a set of Target ASsets after learning that Assets are made by Spanx. I dont find that they work quite as well but they're decent, especially for the price Good luck!

I had my gallbladder out in 1993 (emergency open chole). Ive never heard of this tidbit of information, saying that sleeves and post op gallbladder do not mix. Interesting. 1 thing I dont recommend getting the sleeve for is if u already have reflux. Then bile truly goes into ur stomach. My dr thought my reflux was a symptom of my slipped band. Not so. BAnd came out and reflux was much worse. Every single nite I'd wake up choking on bile. Just recently I got an adjustable bed and Ive not had relux once. SOooooo happy with my new bed! Anyway, No, Ive not had any problems with my gallbladder surgery

I was in the hospital on IV Dilaudid for 48 hrs - so Im pretty sure it was the 3rd or 4th day that was the worst (without the Dilaudid). My 2nd day in the hospital was pretty bad also. I had a severe reaction to Reglan on day 5 and had to go to the ER so that day was pretty miserable. By a wek tho I was feeling decent enuf to play poker with our league and walk my dog. Everytime I got on here, people who were my time out (2 days, 5 days, 10 days) were all running marathons and I was barely showering. I had a rougher recovery I guess. But then, the dr spent 30 extra mins digging my band out of my stomach so he said Id be even more sore. I believe it. At 2 weeks, I couldnt even tell I had surgery... Good luck to u! SOunds like ur off to a great painless start

Its callled "Buyers remorse" and I think everyone gets it. Especially when ur sore from surgery, starving from being on liquids, and unable to do the things we once did. Mine lasted about 4 weeks. Until I started on a soft died, I literally thought I'd starve on liquids. My first bite of refried Beans was like heaven. The remorse eventually subsides, especially when ur jeans are getting too baggy...I promise. Eventually u won't question ur decision...hang in there. It DOES get better....

I never lost any hair. Make sure u take Biotin supplements and get enuf Protein. And the above poster was correct - u can drink an eternal amt of liquids. They go right thru. Thats why u need to b careful with stuff like milkshakes, ice cream, juices, smoothies, etc.... Good luck!

I'm almost 2 yrs out and the reflux never went away. In fact, it's gotten pretty bad lately. I take Protonix and Zantac daily (yep, both and I still have severe reflux) and Gavascon for breakthru. About 3-4 days a week I wake up early choking on stomach acid and it actually goes up my nose when I cough. Ick and ouch. I have an appt with my primary in 2 weeks. I'm gunna ask for something other than the Zantac. I take 3x the suggested dose and I STILL have reflux. Can't stand it anymore. So yes, I have reflux. Not sure I'll ever be off meds. Its ok, I'd rather not risk it and take a couple pills forever...

Hi, I'm almost 2 yrs out from sleeve and originally lost 105 lbs between my lapband (slip) and sleeve. I'm now exactly 33 lbs heavier. I'm so disapointed in myself. I would kick my own butt if I could. I;ve also head alot about the 5 Day Pouch Test and I'm on day 1. Almost killed me going to Mexican with the fam tonite and ordering ablogondigas Soup and eating just the broth. But I did it. Only 1 more day of liquids b4 I can add in soft Proteins. I can do it. Hoping it'll "reset" my sleeve again. I know I can't really shrink it but I hope to do something. WHile I can't give the hints and advice I don't have, I know what ur going thru. I snack at nite while watching tv. I probly eat about 50% of my daily calories after 8 pm. Not good. Good luck to u. And me. And everyone worried that they're out of control and stretched their sleeve. Marci

Why am I unwilling to follow my surgeons instructions? Hmmm. Never really thought about it. Most likely cuz I refuse to 'm like everyone else. I'm the first person to ever have wls and not diet. Yeah right. I'm sure there's lots of us out there. The reason I had wls was to not have to diet again. Counting stuff makes me feel like I'm dieting. I guess I'm not a normal person or I wouldn't have needed wls in the first place. Thats got to the reason why I don't listen to my surgeons advice: I've lost 104lbs my way. WHy can't I keep it off my way? I guess he's the one that knows more than me....

I said "lower carb". My husband is on Atkins less than 20gms (yes, he lives that way, not just 2 weeks Induction) I'm not into depriving myself of fruit or a pc of bread at bfast. What I mean by lower is I can have a pc of toast in the morning if I don't eat a 1/2 sandwich later. I can have an apple and almond butter. I can eat brown rice with my stir fry. Just not at every meal. ...dark chocolate ...not low carb Why tempt yourself with chocolate? Wasn't the chocolate in your bedside table part of your downfall? Why not low carb? That's what this new lifeplan is prescribed to be by most doctors. Carbs aren't the devil, but they are certainly a key component in hunger, cravings, weight gain and weight loss. Why not go back to square one and start following your doctor's orders to the T instead of making up your own plan? No judgement, just wondering. . And the chocolate: 1 pc of Dove ddark chocolate takes away my sweet craving (that happens often). My nightstand is devoid of junk food now. And yes, I can eat just 1 pc and suclk on it for 5 minutes. I won't eat the whole bag. I have a hubby that reminds me of everything I put in my mouth. Thanks for the suggestions.

Now that I'm 20 mths post op, nothing but sorbitol (read:sugar alcohols) messes with my stomach. In the beginning, I found more than 2 bites of ice cream (and yes, I'm hard headed. Took a few tests to come to that conclusion) and I was writhing in pain. Now, unfortunately, I can eat a small scoop. But the low calorie/low carb coffee frappe at my fav coffee shop has me in the bathroom, feeling like I want to die. I KNOW it must have sorbitol. Same with Atkins bars. I'm not an Atkins fan but hubby is and there's always bars hanging around. Occasionally I'll eat 1. Just 1 and I'm ok. If i try more than 1 bite of 1, I pay for it for about 4 hrs. I guess it keeps the constipation away! Haven't found anything else that hurts my stomach. I do know what my sliders are: popcorn, chips, crackers, yogurt, and sometimes, Cookies. Depends what kind they r. Can't eat more than 1 homemade cookie but I can eat 5 Girl Scout Samoas. And popcorn; I can eat my weight in. Hope ur feeling better and take my advice: Don't push ur tummy. U will regret it eventually if u learn that ice cream doesnt hurt! Wish I still thought it hurt me! Instead I pushed the envelope till it no longer hurt. Now i regret it! Take care!

I also had 4 wks of liquids. However after that I skipped puree and was on 4 wks of soft foods. I was about ready to eat my arm when I finally got to chew. I wasnt on a pre op diet so I guess I shouldnt complain. Good luck. Weve all been there. Now (18 mths laater) its hard to remember

I would actually go thru a drive thru and order 2 meals, hopeful theyd tgink the 2nd 1 was for someone else. Had to order the whole meal x 2 even tho the 2nd drink would go to waste cuz that would kiok hinky if i got 2 burgers, 2 fries and 1 drink. Ah, my imaginary friend. I dont miss u

You were right. For the last 16 mths since my sleeve revision, I've belonged to the school of thought that I can eat whatever I want, just much less of it. 6 months ago I was 5 lbs from goal. I've now gained almost 20 lbs eating whatever I want. Since I can eat much more now, that way of thought doesn't work anymore. It was a nice thought, however... Just got back from vacation (3 weeks out of state) and I gained 3 lbs. Eating out, drinking local micro brewed beer, and not exercising. While I'm relieved that I only gained 3 lbs, hardly any of my clothes fit. My jeans r way tight. Went grocery shopping yesterday. Not 1 article of junk food went into my cart (cept a couple of Lean Cuisines). Starting last nite, no more nightly glass of wine. In itself it wasn't bad (110 cals) but afterwards I think it's a fantastic idea to cook a frozen pizza or corndog. I snacked on 1/2 apple with almond butter last nite. I ate a home cooked, real food meal last nite. I'm not doing a particular diet (such as low carb, low calorie, etc) I'm just going to cut the snacking mindlessly while watching tv at nite. Thats where about 50% of my calories come from. From now on it will be chamomile tea ( i find that I hafta sip on something while watching tv) a pc of fruit or a veggie with Protein. I will consume more Water and I go back to the gym tomorrow. My dog will actually be walked everyday. I will attempt to eat real food (cept the occasional Lean Cuisine pizza) and drink no beer (not really a soda fan and I only drink maybe 1/2 a beer. I drink it so slow that it gets warm and I toss it). I might even do the dastardly deed of counting calories...and keeping track of what I eat. Guess it can't hurt. So all of u who said my way of thinking would make my world come crashing down, u were right. I'm bowing down in shame to u... And for all the newbies out there who follow the same school of thought that u can eat anything just in small quantities - u r incorrect. U'd better come up with a better plan before u eventually fail. Cuz u will...

Seems like about 75% of people who post here are perfect. They eat 60gms of Protein, veggies and barely any carbs at all. They drink the allotment of Water, they exercise 60 mins a day 6x a week. They never, ever eat pizza, burgers, sandwiches, or tacos. All they eat is grilled fish, grilled chicken, and maybe an occasional steak (when they're being BAD). They count all carbs, calories, and fat grams. They measure and weight everything. chocolate shall never pass their lips. They comment on the reason that ur in a stall is becuz ur not being "perfect" and counting everything. Maybe u ate 4 oz of fish when u should have only had 3 oz. If everyone here is so perfect and no one ever eats "junk", then why did they need wls in the first place? If they were so proficient in weighing, measuring, and counting, why have major surgery to limit their amount of intake? They judge those who eat an occasional piece of pizza, saying they will always be fat if they continue on the path of gluttony. I have now lost almost 100 lbs, wth 11 to go to goal. I have not counted, measured, or weighed anything. I use my over $20,000 tool to guide my eating, telling me when I've had enuf. I've heard that I will never be able to keep it off, eating whatever I want, not "dieting" forever. I had wls so I'd never have to diet again. I wouldn't have had major surgery if I wanted to continue dieting. Now don't get me wrong. I don't eat unlimted amounts of burgers, tacos, pizza, and Cookies. I eat very little. The beauty of the point of my $20,000 tool. So those of u who eat perfectly, exercise all the time, and have all the answers: kudos to u. A lot of work and ucomfortableness to not use ur pricey tool. I write this while eating 6 (yes, 6 WHOLE eggs) white chocolate Cadbury mini eggs. Gasp. If I do (occasionally) count my calories it's always under 1,000. I mean how many calories can u eat by listening to ur egg size tummy? Now, if someday I start gaining because of my "irresponsibility" then I may start counting calories or weighing my food. But until then, I think I will trust my tiny tummy to tell me when I've had enuf. Anyone else tired of perfect people?

U can buy a pair of Ryka's online for about $75. They're Swedish and made just for womens feet (no mens shoes available). When I lived in Germany from 1996-2000, I fell in luv with them. When ur running everyday (in the Army) it's a necessity to have good shoes. I think they come in wide also. And they're true to size. I think Womens Foot Locker also sells them if u like to try on shoes before buying them. I swear by Rykas. I switch between my Rykas (they're getting a little worn) and a good pair of New Balance I bought for $30 at Big 5. NB's are my 2nd fav brand. Hate Reebok and Nike. Oh and Big 5 has fantastic sales on fitness shoes all the time. If u have one close, I suggest u try them out...

cu Never heard of a dr saying that u wouldn't feel anything for months. My greatest restriction was early on. Now that I'm 17 mths out, it's much less. Close to goal however. It doesn't even make sense that ur just now feeling ur sleeve. It relaxes over time making it less "tight" than early on. Good luck! I wish u the best!

My dr doesn't restrict caffeine. ACtually, thats not true. He said "moderate caffeine intake". The hospital gave me a reg cup of coffee the next day. But it smelled horrible (and I'm a huge coffee lover) so I didn't drink any till about 3 weeks post op. And I only drink real coffee. No decaf here. Not really sure why such a huge disparity in drs orders on caffeine. My nurse told me that they give out so many rules, this is such an unimportant one so he doens't make a rule on it.

U look fantastic! Congrats on ur success. I hope to be at goal in a few months and can't wait to yell it to the world (the bariatricpal world, that is) Have a nice holiday season!

I started out the festivities by downing a glass of egg nog (with rum). Thats pretty much filled me so when dinner came, I ate about 2 bites of each thing (tradiional faire) and was able to push my plate away. No pie. Not cuz I'm not "allowed" but becuz I was too full. My 2nd sleeved Thanksgiving/5th since WLS (banded in 2009) and I did well. About 16 lbs to goal. I know I won't get there during the next month (holidays) but will eventually get there. And I'm happy eating less of everything and losing slower than restricting myself. Brought home a whole pumpkin pie (went to my SIL's for dinner) and it whispers to me everytime I open the frig. I will probly have a few bites tonite. After my healthy dinner of course. All in all, I had a great day. If laughing burned enuf calories, I probly lost tons of weight yesterday. My nephew brought 2 of his fellow USC student friends (who had nowhere to go for Tgiving) and they cracked us up. Nothing like youth to make ur day. My 90 yr old FIL got a little drunk, couldn't even stay awake during dinner. I passed up the wine for dinner (cux I had egg nog + I was driving home) so I was proud of that. ME passing up wine? Rare...

U look fantastic! Wow...

Ull get used to not drinking while eating. I was a band to sleeve revision and got used to it with the band. I physically couldnt drink cuz it would come back up. After living with the that for almost 4 yrs, Im too scared to do it now. Even tgo I know theres nothing blocking the way now, Im afraid if my stomach is full and I add liquid theres no where for ut to go but back up. And voniting now us a long, painful, drawn out process that I dont want any part of. Occasionally (especially if I eat something spicy) I will take a sip. But Im afraid of pushing it. 1 of the only rules I actually follow most of the time. Another is the no soda... Good luck...

Warmed or room temp 4 me the first week also. I also died for a popsicle. Itll get better. I promise ..

I was the opposite. I could easily bring back up whatever I just ate with the band. Its probly why my band slipped. No pain. I easy stuck my finger down my throat when in pain and it would painlessly come up. Ive been revised for 16 mths and hage vomited 3x. It was a long drawn out process which provided little results. I now eat slower (never learned that little act while banded. I now know if I take 1 more bite after feeling full i then have to live with the pain for about an hr. So Im more careful eating now. The biggest difference for me is the bNd felt like there wS something in the way all the time. The sleeve feels more natural. I can eat anything, just mu h much less of it. Sorry bout all the typks. Still nkt used to my new phones virtuL keyboard. If u have any ? Feels free tk pm me Good luxk