Keys Pirate

Hi Sandra, For me the hunger is sooooo much different than before surgery. One thing for sure, I don't DARE stop my acid reducer (Nexium) because I am still producing tons of acid and it makes me feel like ripping a chunk out of my computer monitor and eating it! Sometimes I even take a half dose in the late afternoon if I'm feeling "hunger". Other than acid hunger, it's gotten much, much better. The only real hunger I feel is head hunger and I sure know the difference and try to tell myself to just knock it off. On the rare occasion that I think I am truly, physically hungry, I can ignore it if need be unlike in the past. How far out are you? Good luck, it does get better.

Tiff your comments are brilliant but I hope beyond hope that you have only had to keep this arsenal to yourself and that people weren't actually so rude as to put you into a corner to have to use such comebacks. That goes for everyone posting on this thread. Anything we do to improve ourselves so drastically should be embraced by others. It kills me sometimes to think how bad some people suck. I'm so sorry if people have actually said these kinds of thing to you Tiff or anyone here... :thumbup:

Hey Mini! You're doing great, sister! Let yourself have some food fun every now and then, in the long term it will help keep you on track as you'll be less likely to binge - if that's even possible with the sleeve! I know that sometimes on the days when my cal's were too high (usually not carbs tho) I too, strangely would be down a pound or two the next day. Maybe our bodies twisted way of thanking us??? LOL. Also, I too notice more restriction in the mornings. Not every day and not after eating a particular lot the night before, my theory is that the thing kinda collapses overnight after laying down for hours?? Just my theory... Have a great week!!!

It truly does feel like a fricking fairy tale!! Alice has transcended Onederland!!! Finally!! I've had a ridiculous run these last two weeks, today I'm at 196.5 - I've lost over 10 pounds in the last two weeks! Not sure why but loving it. It's slowed up a bit the last couple of days though which is fine - let the skin catch up some. I have been riding my mtn bike HARD - some 70 miles per week - lately and I feel like it is just stripping the weight right off of me. That combined with 20-25 carbs per day. Only 6.5 pounds to go before I'm no longer OBESE! LOVE my sleeve!!

Good Morning!! Well, I am hoping that this will be my last week of 200's!!! I am staring Onederland hard in the face and couldn't be more delighted. Today, I am at 201 and change - less than three months post op! I am looking forward to introducing a few more carbs into my diet - someday this year! :biggrin2: The NSV's are vast but primarily, I feel like a million bucks - I can easily ride my mtn bike 25 miles and kick my hubbies butt while doing so - we ride 3-4 times per week and wow has it made a difference! It's fun again instead of "ohmygodimgoingtodie"! So looking forward to reporting in next week UNDER 200!!! You guys are my heros!! Carol

Fifty Big Ones Today!!!!! Weighing in at 204. That means four pounds from last week!! I haven't had a four pound week in quite some time. Been riding my bike like a maniac, maybe it's starting to catch up. Woohoo! C

Midwest Girl - LOL that's exactly where I was - some days I can get in plenty of Protein via food but not always and I can TOTALLY tell when I'm not getting enough by my energy level - I turn into a total slug! I don't do shakes everyday anymore and don't plan to go back to doing so but on the days when I come up short, it sure helps me out. Lee - I agree and I am certainly the biggest hater of spam - I hope no one interpreted my post to be that. My thoughts are this; to me 60 grams per day is just barely enough protein - my hair is thin enough and I'm scared of losing it not to mention that I'm trying to build new muscle and burn as much fat as possible in this early stage. I don't like Fage because of the carbs even though it's the lowest on the market. There's no way in this world I could get down an entire burger - even bare naked. Plus, I recently tried doing a Bubba Burger - yummy - but about stroked out when I read the fat and calorie content - over 400 cals in a single patty!! I could eat shrimp all day but... always a but... my hubby is allergic and they will spoil before I am physically able to eat a whole package. It's a fine line we walk for sure... Thanks for the input, I love reading both of your posts! Carol

Hey All, Being a customer of unjury, I am, of course on their e-mailing list. I don't mind mailings when they are informative and not desperately trying to sell a product. A lot of you probably received this but I thought it might be interesting to those who did not: Myth 1: I'm done with the program. I've lost weight. I don't need to track my Protein anymore. Myth 2: I'm at the solid food stage. That means I'm off supplements. Myth 3: Protein is Protein. Just get the number of grams recommended. Let's discuss one myth at a time: Myth 1: I'm done with the program. I've lost weight. I don't need to track my protein anymore. Why it's a myth: Protein is essential to every part of your body. When you don't consume enough protein, your body gets what it needs by taking away more protein from your muscles and organs -- to use it for building and repairing elsewhere. Eventually your muscle and organ tissues weaken. The New York Times "Diagnosis" column1 told the story of a man with severe chest pain who had been on a restrictive diet without medical advice. In the ER, they first thought it was a heart attack, but it wasn't. It was a case of malnutrition. "Malnutrition can eat away heart muscle." He wasn't getting enough protein to his heart. The walls of the left side of the man's heart were thin and weak -- painfully, dangerously weak. One experienced support group moderator we know recommends 1 to 2 shakes a day forever, as an "insurance policy" against that kind of problem. Myth 2: I'm at the solid food stage. That means I'm off protein supplements. Why it's a myth: First, when the doctor's office says you can move on to solid foods after surgery, that doesn't automatically mean to stop using supplements. The ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) has issued recommendations that patients get 60 to 80 grams of quality protein each day3.. Can you get that much protein from food? Well, you would need, for example, this much each day: 10 ounces (almost two-thirds of a pound) of chicken or beef (the weight after cooking shrinkage) OR 10 eggs OR 14 containers of Yoplait Original strawberry yogurt That's hard to do...What if you don't get enough protein? First, reread the story about the man with the thinning heart walls above. Then, remember that protein is key to not being hungry -- and not being hungry is key to losing weight2. We regularly hear from patients and from surgeons' offices, and even read in the newspaper about patients who had surgery one or more years ago, who are now gaining weight or who have hair falling out. Please do get the recommended amount of protein for the rest of your life. Every day. Myth 3: Protein is Protein. Just get the number of grams recommended. (We have even heard this from surgeons and dietitians.) Why it's a myth: The quality of the protein makes a huge difference. What you need most is complete protein. Truly complete protein has a PDCAAS score of 100. Some supplements that have a lot of protein only provide a little complete protein. If it isn't complete protein, your body cannot use the protein for building and replacing cells -- what your heart, and the rest of your body needs. Be sure to remember that whey Protein Isolate has more protein, and less lactose, than Whey Protein Concentrate. The two names are similar, so just remember, "I want I-solate". Remember also that the ASMBS cautions about the collagen products. The lead source of protein in the test tube products is collagen. Collagen is an incomplete protein. Some of the test tube brands use the word complete a lot in their marketing, but the best measure of completeness is a score called PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score). As of two years ago, the PDCAAS score of the test tubes was about 35; that's about one-third as good as highest quality whey protein, which gets a 100. So you need to get 3 times as many grams of low quality protein with a 35 score as you do with a high quality protein with a 100 score.

Woodehooohoo! 208 baby! Comfortably sitting here in size 36's too! Unfortunately they are part of my uniform so I can't compare to an equal woman's size but I was STUFFED into my 40's just 2 months ago! LOVIN my sleeve! C

Same here, I don't have any problem hitting 1000 calories but I try not to worry about cals so much as I do carb count which I've been getting between 20 and 25 and losing weight very satisfactorily with only one little stall at 2 weeks out. I find that you can't have both; extreme low carbs and low cals if you are going to get in enough nutrition. I have always been a big fan of meats and, unfortunately, they are mostly high in calories as are cheeses. The nice thing is that there is a ton of Protein there too and I don't need to have shakes often at all anymore unless I just want an energy boost. That said, I try to be honest with myself when I hit 1000+ calories and, lo carb or not, ask myself was I eating that much because I was hungry or because I could? Usually it was because it was there. I do just fine on 700-800 per day if I am really listening. :001_unsure: C

If you're anywhere near any reasonable body of Water, buy a used sailboat, learn how to sail it (if you don't already know) and fix it up in the process. You'll be STUNNED how much time that will take up, how much fun you are having and how little you think about food. If you really want to go over the top, find a club and race your boat or race on someone else's. (much less expensive!) Sailing teams are always looking for rail meat. Good luck!! Carol

Howdy Ma'am, A dear friend is having her vsg tomorrow (!!!) and we were discussing boughie sizes amongst other things. Would you mind posting that picture of the different pens and whatnot comparing the different sizes for me? I have no idea how to dig through this board to find it!! Thank you baby!! Carol

Hey Gang, Just thought I'd share the latest and greatest development in my sleeve journey. Until the last week or so, I was concerned and a little disappointed (albeit ready to deal with it) that I was experiencing way more hunger than I expected shortly after meals and at most points in between. I was carrying Snacks with me - good snacks - like cheese and slices of lunchmeat, that kinda thing because of my increased fixation with food and hunger. I was finding myself better off snacking throughout the day and having small meals at mealtime. My calories were still right on track, along with carbs and my weight loss has been wonderful. I was concerned about the habit I was developing for the long-term, however. I have been taking Nexium daily, fwiw. Anyway, to get to it, almost overnight it seems, starting about a week ago, I guess, this all seems to have changed. The rumbling, grumbling hunger seems virtually gone - there is still some, sometimes, but it's greatly diminished. I am so excited and so happy that this is happening!! I had been reading to expect this to be the case but was verrrrry skeptical with the way I was feeling. The last several days I have left the snacks in the fridge, stuck mostly with meals and upped the Protein a bit. I'm feeling GREAT too, I am so glad I did this!! So, I know that I am not the exception to this rule and you all that are feeling hunger post-op, hang in there, I know more of you will be feeling this decrease too and can't wait to hear your stories!! Carol:thumbup1:

Linda, definitely bump up the Protein and fluids. My saving grace with Protein shakes was the Syntrax nectar line. Light, fruity, only 8 ounces, no carbs and 30+ grams of protein. Most of the flavors are pretty darn tasty. Carry a bottle with you everywhere. I carry a "sport bottle" version of a Water bottle - 24 ounces and has a flip or screw top. I should invest in Crystal Light and/or Lipton as the little packets that mix into these bottles (I refill about 3/4 of the way with tap rather than clogging land fills) are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Plain water just doesn't do it for me. I'm able to get at least four of these in a day easy - about 100 oz! And finally, eat more!!! I know how very counter intuitive this is to us but really, you are definitely NOT going to overeat at this stage and probably not for a very, very long time, if ever! That said, I've also read here that some docs say not to worry too much about calorie intake so early in the game - it will come - as long as the protein and hydration is up to snuff. A huge help to me to a. make sure I'm eating enough (am!) and b. make sure I'm getting enough protein, keeping the carbs low, etc. is www.myfitnesspal.com. I think Tiffany recommended that site and it is a huge help to me, more than I thought it would be. I didn't start using it until I got to mushies, however. And finally, another common thread seems to be that a stall after two to three weeks post op is also very common. I was there, it lasted for a week and it sucked. There wasn't much I could do but wait. I added a bit more bike riding, however but I don't know if that is what broke the stall or if it was just par for the course. Haven't stalled since but have had some slow downs (pms?) Good luck, cut yourself some slack, you're going to be just fine!! Carol

In my early stages of surgeon research it got down to Aceves and Dr. Rod. They both seem to be top notch. Two things shaped my decision to go with Aceves; first, of course, was his sterling reputation - although Dr. Rod was right up there too, as far as I could tell, and location. There was no way I was going to Juarez right now with all the violence that's going on in Juarez and has even increased greatly in the last few days... The coordinator went on to tell me that he did occasionally work out of Mexicali but the idea of a traveling VSG show did not sit well with me and the dates did not work for me anyway. Aceves took it, hands down and I am absolutely convinced I did the right thing. Good luck!

LOL - yeah, I get it, thanks guys. The more I think about it, the more I see what a waste of calories any alcohol is... so, I'll happily wait till I reach goal, at least, maybe by my birthday at the end of July! Yay Crystal Light...!

I know this sounds like a total lush question but really, when can we safely drink a little bit again? I get the calories and all the ramifications but, I miss my occasional glass of red every now and then. I'm a month out on the 25th. Thanks! C

Finally made it to the big 4-0!! Actually 40.5 to be precise!!! Woo hoo! Either I had a mini stall last week or it's just slowing down from about 4.5 per week to 3-3.5 per week. I'll take it either way!! Yippee!!

Hi, One of the best "mistakes" I made was screwing up our return date which caused us to spend an extra night in San Diego in a hotel. It was wonderful and made a huge difference - I'm sure - in how I felt about the cross country flight I was facing the next day. That said, my first inclination - of course - was to lay around the hotel all day but I made myself get up with and go check out the city for a bit. Not long, just rode the trolley for a couple of miles and slowly walked a couple of blocks then back to the hotel and "dinner" with some old friends. This really vaulted me back into feeling human again and I felt great for the flights home to South Florida. Too, I don't know which surgeon you're considering but Aceves keeps you three nights which is at least a night longer than most. That also helped. Good luck, you'll be just fine and you're gonna love your sleeve!! Carol

Yep, me too. I seem to be hungry a lot more than I expected to be and sure am looking forward to the possibility that it might taper off... I am taking my acid reducer very regularly and sure know when I forget (not often!) I find I am much better off eating small, lo-carb items here and there through the day like string cheese or a piece or two of some kind of lunch meat or chicken or maybe a hard boiled egg. My "meals" are so small and so lo carb that I don't see how I can possibly be harming my weight loss with these Snacks but on the days when the hunger really gnaws, something's gotta give and I don't feel guilty about it. Loosing - you're doing great at 33 pounds. I'm at 39 and feel great about it. I do have to say that I've only had one stall that lasted for a week about two weeks after surgery. After really examining what I was eating (myfitnesspal.com) and really kicking the carbs to below 30/day, I've managed to avoid any more stalls. The fat is a little high but, as has been proven time and again, it's not fat that makes us fat, it's sugar (carbs) so I don't sweat that too much either. Good luck to all of us, it sounds like we're all doing terrific!! Carol

Alright, so I can't/won't give up my coffee in the morning. It's a power cup of java with powdered creamer and three packets of Splenda. It's a large mug of which I drink about half. Two questions; how bad is it really and, I drink it right after I take my Nexium. I think the Nexium part is more my concern - that the coffee might be washing away the benefits of the Nexium which is the last thing I need... Anyone else a coffee sinner? Just how bad is it? I know the docs all say it's the worst thing in the world but that is their job, no? Thanks guys, I know I can always come here for "in the trenches" advice... :001_smile: Carol

Good Morning and Congratulations on superb weight loss!! I'm hoping to hit the same 50 by tax day... Have you tried the iced tea flavors of Crystal Light? That's all I drink of the entire line; I really don't care for the fruit flavors and they don't seem to hydrate like the tea. I buy the individual waterbottle size packets and go through four or five a day easy; over 100 oz. Lipton also sells the same kind of packets and they are lighter tasting. I like them too. I was told a million years ago when I was preggers with my first son not to worry about artificial sweeteners; yes they cause cancer in rats in huge quantities but we are not rats and we don't consume nearly the quantity... Good luck! Carol

I haven't reached 3 months yet but I am planning on an upper GI, yes. And full blood work. Here's the interesting thing; I contacted a couple of standard docs in the area and found out I am looking at thousands (4-7+) of dollars for an upper GI. I was stunned to the point of cashing in more miles and going back to Mexicali where I could have it done for $150 (!!!!). But, then I contacted a clinic here that does all kinds of radiology including upper GI's - guess what? $150! So, I'm going locally although secretly I was looking forward to seeing the Aceves team again... :tongue_smilie: I've found a similiar place for bloodwork but they require a script. I will see if they will take one from Aceves or I will have my local doctor friend write one. Voila! And good luck. And yes, I think it's a very wise idea to have this done. Carol

Hey Again! Was also wondering what I should do for leg cramps at night. I'm not having ridiculously painful charley horse type cramps but my calves and ankles are tending to kinda just shorten up. I can get it to stop by pushing my feet on my wall but it's weird. My first thought was a lack of potassium but, lo carb, we should be getting plenty of potassium and I surely am not going to start eating bananas! :crying: I am taking my multi's (solotron) religiously, Iron, Calcium and b12. Also getting plenty of fluids and not getting crazy with exercise... Any ideas? Thanks again, everyone here rocks!! Carol

I finally feel comfortable posting here!! Down 38 pounds; surgery six weeks ago today. I lost 6 pounds pre-op. The list of NSV's in my life already is huge!! But that's another thread. I can't wait to be below 200 again - it's been so long - and I'm hoping to make my tax day a little better -that's my goal date for 200. Or should I say 199!! My loss has been a little odd lately; I only had one stall to speak of and that was at three weeks out and lasted for a week. Sucked. Then, things started moving along pretty well averaging about a minimum of 1/2 pound per day - 4.5 pounds per week. Perfectly satisfied with that and I could DEFINITELY tell when I went even one gram over 30g's of carbo's - no weight loss that day or a few ounces, maybe. Yes, I weigh every day. Just the way I am and it works for me. Some days - and I can usually feel it that morning when I wake up - I'll have dropped 2 pounds overnight. It makes no sense to me but I love it. Has been happening about once a week for the last three weeks and seems to be when my calories are between 800 and 900 but still with very low carbs. I cringe when my calories end up that high and am figuring out why (cheddar, very fatty, Bubba Burgers - even just the patty, lo carb and yummy but forget it) but my weight seems to keep dropping. Exercise... well, um yeah... need to work on that! I've never been constipated ever before in my life but am experiencing some of that. Gonna have to figure out a good way to get lo-carb fiber in. Any suggestions? I also want to thank everyone that replies to my posts. My internet connection here stinks so I can't always reply in the moment, so to speak. But know that I am sending good vibes and thanks your way. I also wish I could be more of a cheerleader for those of you hitting rough spots. Do know that my heart is with you and I am happy to share experiences via PM or e-mail. Just holler. xoxoxo Carol