Search the Community

I never measured, counted or tracked anything except Protein and Water. I don't plan meals, I simply eat a healthy, balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains....with a few indulgences of candy, desert, alcohol, pastries, etc thrown in a few times/month. Pretty much like any "normal" fit, healthy person. But since most people on BP like to measure their progress with numbers, I did a few spot checks along the way so I could "communicate" with the number crunchers.... 1-4 months out 500-800 calories....I had non-surgical health issues that impeded my ability to eat/drink, that's why this number is so low. 6-8 months 1000-1200 calories....passed surgeon's goal at 6 months and passed personal goal at 7 1/2 months 9-17 months maintaining 10 pounds below goal (BMI 23) at 1400-1600 calories. I ascribe to the theory that if you limit your caloric intake for an extended time, your body will adapt to the limitations and it will be harder to maintain and easier to gain as you get farther out when you try and increase your calories. I dont exercise, I simply have a physical job that involves a lot of lifting, bending, squatting, walking, standing, etc. and an active lifestyle (horseback riding, chores, kayaking, hiking, skiing). I usually hit 12,000-20,000 steps on my fitbit just in my everyday activities. I allow myself a 4 pound bounce range and when I go over, I cut back to strict protein and veggies and when I drop below, I add more carbs.

I, too have not experienced dumping. I had had 1 alcoholic drink with tonic. I have had a few bites of coconut cream pie and 2 Oreos in 14 weeks. That alone is a miracle! I wanted it to make so sick and it didn't. After the 3rd bite of the pie, my stomach just made it clear it had had enough. I knew that going any further down that path would lead to nothing good. I think that is the surgery working, providing gentle reminder not to push it. I think that is worth the price I paid for surgery....

I just had my Psych eval today and I wasn't asked anything about that. I understand that each doctor is different but really all I was asked was if I understood that this is a life changing process and that I had to change my ways in order for the surgery to work. I was also asked about my support system and any history of mental illness, alcohol use or smoking. Hope that helps!

Hi, M! Thank you for asking. I usually don't even open the e-mails from the WLS sites anymore, but for some reason I opened yours :-) I'm doing better. I'm finally gaining weight so now the fear of being "huge" again is scary. I still love food . Unfortunately, I've come to realize that one addiction leads to another. If you don't figure out why you over eat in the first place , have this surgery it's not uncommon that we substitute food for something else . My late brother in law , same surgery, Sam ages and had surgery one year after me found alcohol which damage his kidneys more and costs him his life. I turned to drugs. Thank goodness I got caught. I actually came out on my own. What a relief. It almost cost my marriage, my family, my kids . I've lost so many cars from wrecks. My husband left me. We are working on saving our marriage. So far it's going well, but it hasn't been long. But I'm determined and have a wonderful support system. My parents and older sister have been my ROCK. I WOULD NOT BE HERE IF IT WEREN'T FOR THEM. I was at my breaking point but no one knew. Suicide was ALWAYS on the brain. Lost all self esteem , due to my on going dental issues. Missing most teeth when I use to beautiful teeth. I wouldn't look in the mirror even while putting on make up or brushing my teeth. Much less want to talk to ANYONE. Which led to wanting more drugs. Luckily, I have the MOST INCREDIBLE PARENTS. I'm over coming having all my rotten teeth pulled and dentures made THANKS all to my mom and dad. They are a HUGE BLESSING. I appreciate you asking . That was nice. Made me think maybe my story can help just one person and that I should keep up with this more. Especially since my REAL story doesn't end just at the take down surgery. There's more complications that go on that are hidden very well from some some. It's a very dark and lonely place. Again, thanks. Michelle *SORRY FOR POSTING THE SAME PICTURE OVER AND OVER, IT KEPT SAYING IT CRASHED SO I DIDN'T THINK IT DOWNLOADED! I'm in no way trying to be insensitive, I actually do some work as a drug/alcohol counselor so I realize what a major issue addiction is and the very real possibility of transfer addiction, however reading your first few posts, drugs were not mentioned and you scared a whole lot of people who were led to believe that ALL of your health issues and personal problems and even demise of physical appearance was 100% due to your weight loss surgery. Now sure, you can say I had weight loss surgery and became a drug addict and that in itself is a tragedy that many will empathize with, however had you not started using, would your bypass had led to the same results ? I for one think it's important to clarify and report the whole story when discussing such serious life threatening complications. Regardless, I'm glad you are doing so much better.

Tried sparking water once a year out without thinking (was at a party looking for something non alcoholic and sugar free) and OUCH! Never again for me personally.

Hi all! It has been quite a while since I've posted. I'll give a quick recap of where I've been and where I am now. 2010-Highest weight was 282 Oct/9/2010- Sleeve in Mexicalli by Aceves 6/14/2013- LBL/BL/Arm lift in New Jersey by Dr Cappella (141 lbs) 11/13 Separated from my husband 1/14 - Lowest weight reached 123 lbs Current 150 lbs So my original goal was 155, I went below that with ease but I was quite active then. I got down to 141 and had 7lbs of excess skin removed and as a result of the surgery and being more active lost even more. Now my work has slowed as has my activity and I'm up to 150. My goal weight, where I felt the best is at 135 so I have 15 to get off. I am currently a size 6/7 and have a little bit of a booty (not a bad thing) but I cannot fit into all the clothes I want and also want to keep my results of my plastics looking good so I've got to get it off. I'm on day two of low carb, it always falls right back off after I buckle down. I'm still having great restriction when I stick to low carb and no sugary drinks. My downfalls are carbs, sweets, alcohol, not weighing every day and sitting on my butt. So almost 5 years out and it is still the best thing I've ever done. I'm down 132lbs...wow! My life is amazing (other than love life but I don't care about that..... today at least It's great to see some old folks on here! Btw my ex had the VSG also on 3/14 and is down 100lbs. He feels so much better and is in love again (we are still best friends). I've found that the last couple of relationships I've been in, I don't even mention that I've had the VSG, they don't ask since they have only known me as a regular sized person. What about y'all?

First, I want to thank everyone for your replies and support. It means SO much to me. I am generally not a weepy person - as a professor and counselor I've learned to keep pretty tight control of my emotions. Yesterday, however, I was crying at the drop of a hat! All day long. Even until I went to bed. Every time I would get a new response here in my email, I started all over again. What most people would not understand (except you guys!) is that the appointment itself was shocking and a disappointment, and I left feeling defeated - in ways I never would have imagined. I really felt like I got shafted yesterday. Not only with what I expressed earlier regarding the weight loss and Crohn's, but I went in expecting to be setup to see the nutritionist to start the supervised weight loss (ie. as required by insurance), to talk with someone about insurance and how much the total would be, etc. Instead, he seemed to just be going through the motions without any real plans to see me - just shuffled me out the door. To respond to everyone's questions/comments. The center IS one of the Center's of Excellence. My insurance company requires it - so they do have the full team of nutritionists, psychologists, etc. My insurance requires three months of supervision by one of the centers, as well. The doctor did not require the weight loss specific of me - the nurses told me before I ever saw him - he requires everyone to have a BMI below 55 before he will operate. The diet they gave me - their pre-op diet, IS a low-carb/high-Protein diet - unfortunately, many of the foods they are telling me to eat on it are foods I cannot eat due to my blood, for example. As for the surgery - I told them I was interested in the Sleeve. Although it is irreversible, which makes me more nervous, I did my research. Research says that it is better for patients with a higher weight, it is better for patients with Crohn's and Anemia (due to absorption issues, I am guessing), etc. Although some of the stats say RNY has a higher overall weight loss, the sleeve seemed a better option due to my own health issues - which I took into consideration before ever meeting with the doctor. In regards to the green stuff + blood thinners: It's not the blood thinners with which the green stuff is incompatible with, it's blood in general. Whenever you have blood clotting issues, you are suppose to eat a VERY limited amount of green, leafy items. Ie. cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, etc. Last year, they said that included other 'green' veggies, as well, as I was eating a lot of asparagus (it was my go-to veggie when losing weight) - it was messing up my blood. The 'green stuff' thickens your blood, in the same way alcohol thins it (it's the reason you are not suppose to take aspirin for a hangover - they both thin your blood). I mean, I guess I COULD eat a salad and then drink some alcohol, but that might be defeating the purpose As far as what I do now - I cut out salt years ago. If I DO ever drink soda, it's diet - I drink Water almost exclusively. I eat minimal carbs - I am simply not a bread, rice, Pasta type person. I use a Fitbit and walk a set number per day. I have been using LoseIt! for a couple of years and log every bite of food I eat and every minute of exercise I do. I go to water aerobics several times a week. So, in a lot of ways, I feel that I was somewhat ahead of the game in preparing. I acknowledge I've had a lot of health problems. Oddly, none of them are weight related! I have perfect BP, low cholesterol, etc. I would like to KEEP it that way! I have already called a clinic I went to several years ago which said they did NOT see any signs of the Crohn's. I have asked for my records. This can be 'proof' for him, with or without additional testing. As well, I have looked at another center. As I said, there are three in my state. He's about an hour away. The second I have seen mixed reviews. The third is about three hours away, but my general MD likes it. I looked on their website, and they require a weight below 400 lbs. That I can manage. I THINK I got everyone's questions...! Again, I appreciate all of the support. I have never opened up about my weight to anyone, and although I have a beyond supportive family, they simply do not understand. My mom keeps saying she has struggled with weight all of her life, and this is true, but not to the same extent. To everyone on here - keep doing what you do for everyone else on here. Your words of encouragement, no matter how strong the support system of others, are so much more meaningful than you can ever know...

When you look at the inactive ingredient label. The second listed ingredient is ethanol, and the 6th is high fructose corn syrup. Since ethanol [ethyl-alcohol] is an alcohol, it might cause a problem, especially soon after surgery.

Oh yes, my Non-alcoholic cirrhosis has been controlled for over 2 years by medication. My liver doctor is 100% behind me regarding WLS.

Has anyone had a hernia and had WLS done before the hernia repair? Everything I have read says have WLS first and after you lose weight, take care of the hernia. I also know they won't do both at once. I am afraid that because of the hernia open WLS will be necessary. I had my Hernia repaired some years ago and a 1-2 hour surgery took over 4 hours. The doctor said there was little tissue to put the hernia back in and had to piece me back together inside. He wasn't sure if it would last and told me not to gain weight or get constipated. Well, it tore out again when I was going to the bathroom about a year after surgery and then I started gaining weight. I know they will not do another hernia repair as long as I am this heavy. I wear an abdominal binder 24/7 to keep it from coming out further. I also have scar tissue from it.Medicare here in TX will only approve open surgery for Bypass. Louise Oh yes ,the same doctor (general surgeon) did my Gall Bladder surgery. He discovered I have some liver damage from Non-alcoholic cirrhosis and that surgery took a lot longer than the hernia one. My incision from that one is probably 10" long. The scar looks like someone took a butcher knife to me. When he pulled the staples, pus and Water squirted out two feet in the air. (sorry to be so graphic.) I had to have wound care for several months till it healed. He cut so many nerves in the second surgery I had NO pain post-op and still have no feeling down there. WLS will be a piece of cake compared to the last two!! LOL This WLS I will be seeing is also a General Surgeon. He will do a tummy tuck for his WLS patients. Wouldn't it be nice if he could do the hernia repair AND tummy tuck at the same time?

I spent 12 years with a jealous man who was not faithful, verbally abusive and would punch walls or throw things. The father of my only two kids and I had to get my children and walk...took me learning the hard way but I did it. My parents were alcoholics that fought and beat the crap out of each other. I am thankful to have survived that and then I married one! At 29 I realized that I had two young kids to raise and I didn't want them to think people lived like I had with my parents. My children never saw what their Dad did to me but the holes in the walls was proof. It was scary to leave but liberating at the same time. This is a decision SHE has to make on her own or she will go back (or work thinks out) every time until SHE is ready unfortunately.

Funny... In my profession I work with a lot of people in recovery. Your posting reminded me of how sober people in recovery programs such as AA still refer to themselves as alcoholics. I think it is SO true of us too. we could be known as FF's FORMER FATTIES! LOL. All silliness aside, it's so true, there are issues we will be dealing with for the rest of our lives to maintain "sobriety" very similar to an alcoholic in sobriety. Those dealing with food addiction issues may benefit from the support Overeaters Anonymous (OA) can offer.

You're intelligent, self-aware and you've done this before. You can do it again and be successful. I agree with the person who suggested going back to a week one diet. I'd suggest the pre-op diet. You need to eliminate carbs. Treat them like alcohol and you're an alcoholic. There's no such thing as "I'll just have one drink/chip/lb of pasta" for people like us. You made a powerful decision before and changed your life. You are STRONG. Every time you fall down, just get back up again. It's never the end. Nothing you've done is irreversible. You won't be perfect, but you can be *better. *

Welcome back, stay and don't leave - even when you are back at the place you want to be. I'm 3 years post op, still not at the place I want to be weight wise, some gain too. I can see how alcohol can be the new 'friend' and I purposely keep an eye on that as there are others who have reported on here how so easily it replaced their friend food. What is your plan of attack, are you going to go Protein drinks for a few days, log using myfitnesspal, low carb, no alcohol? You have done this before and you know what works for you. I need this site, I lurk more than I post but I pick up valuable tips and advice and there is a group of people I can call on if I need help. There is the vets part of the site but I'm a bit unsure on what the conditions are for posting there. I think you have to be so many months post op and have a certain number of postings. Vets post there about their struggles and successes. Take it one day at a time, we can't change what we did yesterday, we don't know what is going to happen tomorrow but we can plan and alter things during today so that by the end of it we can say to ourselves "it might not be perfect but I tried my best".

I was blessed to have people who supported (and paided) for me to get this tool...gastric sleeve in August 2009. I want to say it here and now, do not step away from this forum when you are feeling good and that all is done. Do not let the embarrassment, shame or even despair keep you away AND if you are new to the forum, please be aware it can happen and always, ALWAYS come back. So here is my deal, I have gained 57 lb. back...totally walked away thinking I've got this and then life continues to happen. I would occasionally come back to the forum; however, was embarrassed because there were discussions about putting 5 or even 10 lbs. back on which made me feel that I really really messed up and feeling like a major failure. So, this is my way of overcoming my first obstacle...my pride AND we all need to talk about the reality WHEN it happens. Now, I'm not saying it is going to happen to everyone...truly, I am only saying WHEN so for those of us it does happen to we have a place to come back and not be humiliated or called out. Does that make sense??? I use food to deal with stress, anxiety and all that other junk...LOL. I want to put a caution out there...I had the food sort of under control and then have come to the realization that alcohol was now my new friend and over a period of the last 3 years the weight started coming back on and then guess what, I noticed one day my eating habits were right back where I started. I am grateful for the ability to have an area to come and begin again. It is my hopes to not scare anyone, I'm not a negative nelly either! Most of my friends see me as being a very positive person and yes, that is pressure as well....LOL. Today, I am behaving like I had my surgery yesterday. I'm scared, cautious and freaked out about what I will put in my body...LOL. The beauty is I know I can do this...one sip at a time. Okay...enough for now, have tears streaming down my face, laughing and glad to be back here....

I was a BIG momma before my surgery journey. My surgeon does his sleeves outpatient for the most part (inpatient would have cost me another $5K and I did self pay) so he wanted me to lose quite a bit of weight before surgery. I cut out starch (no potatoes, no bread, no Pasta, no rice, no corn) , no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol or soda and no fast food. I ate mostly lean meat and green veggies. Hard boiled egg whites saved me when I was really hungry and just needed something to eat. One large egg white only has about 17 calories and 3g of Protein. I also would make a cabbage based Soup that had about 40 calories a cup that I'd eat. You can do it! Eat slow and and chew a lot because you'll need to get used to that for after surgery anyway.

I'm down 94lbs since surgery on 1/19/15 (3.5mo ago), and 152 since starting pre-op on 9/5/15 (9mo ago). I'm consistently eating between 800 and 1000 calories per day, with about 70-90g of Protein. My nut wants me to get up to 100g of protein per day. That's a struggle, just since I spend so much time eating now. I was VERY strict with myself on the pre-op diet, and I still freak out a little when I go over 1000 calories, but my nut says I'd have to eat 2300 to maintain, so stop stressing. My nut allows some carbs like brown rice, wheat bread, and potatoes in limited quantities. I feel MUCH better and I'm more productive at work when I include some of these in my diet once or twice a week. Alcohol is off the menu until next year, at least. I really really miss chewing gum and pineapple. Raw leafy greens are permitted but don't work for me at all. Everything else I've tried has been fine. I still puke from time to time from eating too fast or swallowing that last bite I was chewing when I feel the full feeling.

I had my sleeve done on 4/29. When he went in to do surgery, he found that a portion of my stomach was in my esophagus because my hiatal hernia was so big. Also, my liver was extremely large so he did a biopsy. My starting weight was 205, I don't drink alcohol so therefore I'm worried as to why my liver was so big. I have to say that the only protein drinks I like are the premier protein from Walmart. To me, the vanilla is the best. It's only been 3 days & I have to say this is the hardest thing I've ever done! I am trying to have a positive attitude about this but it's so hard, especially when people are bringing over dinner to my family & I'm over here chugging on a protein drink! Any suggestions?

Has anyone had experience in dealing with Aetna with a BMI less than 40? My present BMI is 39. I have not been diagnosed with one of the co-morbidities listed for BMI 35-39 . I have just been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and have a GGT level that is greater than twice the high normal limit. I have been overweight/obese most of my adult life. I do have documentation of pre-diabetes A1c levels in 2011, 2013 and 2014. In 2012, I had lost 50 lbs. doing a very low calorie medically supervised diet and all my lab work looked tremendously better. In 2012 my BMI placed me still overweight, but no longer obese. I have gained those 50lbs and 20 more. *sigh* I have changed my diet dramatically in the last 6 months with no change in weight. The NAFL (non-alcoholic fatty liver), puts me at greater risk for cardiac disease, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes etc. One of the symptoms of a high GGT, and actually one of the reasons I went into the Dr, was fatigue. I wake up tired and spend my day fighting the fatigue. I try to get out and walk our neighborhood, but some days that is very difficult due to the fatigue. My physician, after going over my history, has recommended bariatric surgery. There is no cure for NAFL, but studies have shown that weight loss has a dramatic effect on it as well as on the GGT level. I feel stuck in the middle of no man’s land. I don’t weigh enough to qualify for morbidly obese – need approx. 12 more lbs. for that. I don’t have one of the listed co-morbidities Aetna states I need to have, but I do have all the “pre” lab work and risks for several of the co-morbidities. To me it would seem to make sense to allow me to have the surgery before I have permanent liver damage and all the health complications that are going to be much more costly in the end.

I'm curious how everyone is doing 4 months out. I was sleeved on 1/2. Down 48 pounds. SW: 245, CW: 198. My weight loss has been slower than I expected, but I'm still happy I made the decision and am pretty steadily losing. I'm able to tolerate most foods. Still haven't added back bread, rice, pasta, raw veggies/fruit, steak, pork chops or alcohol per doctors orders. I'm sooooo ready for a salad and some sushi rolls! I'm also not feeling hungry yet which is great! How is it going for others at the 4 month mark?

I had a single glass of wine ???? at 4 weeks while on a date night with my husband. I sipped on it for an hour and enjoyed it immensely. I have no intention of giving up alcohol completely, but I have greatly reduced my intake. No more drinking during the week or even every weekend. In social situations only, which isn't that often.

@@judyoz careful! Alcohol is drinking your calories. Your surgeon or dietitian should've gone over that with you. Abstaining from alcohol is a small price for getting thin and healthy.

How long did you wait until you tried any type of alcohol? I love a glass of wine or mixed drink every so often. I know it will be absorbed more quickly and I will have to watch for that.

Just my opinion, but I would say stay away from it...alcohol has lots of sugar in it...but have fun!

I was wanting to know how people go out to eat? I am going out tonight with a friend and I'd like to have a drink and dinner but I get FULL.