Search the Community

Hey all! Here we are in post-surgery I had my sleeve done 3 weeks ago today. It seems longer, to be honest. Today was my first day back at work; I usually work until around 6, but by 3:30 I was pretty tired and not getting anything done, so I called it a day. I am on "Soft" foods now; There is a little more variety, which is great, but it takes a lot longer to eat it! To give you an idea of what I'm eating, I had a hard boiled egg and 1/3 of a mashed banana for breakfast; 2 oz of rotisserie chicken for lunch, and a protein drink for a snack. I am having a turkey sausage and cauliflower rice for dinner. I'll still need some protein and of course fluids so I'll have a cup of bone broth later this evening. I'm not really hungry, but I do know when it is around time to eat. I feel really good overall; I went to the gym yesterday and did some water exercise (nothing too strenuous and no core work, not that I am exactly good at core work); Went for a 20 minute walk at lunch just to get some steps in and the blood pumping a bit. I am averaging 8K steps a day, a couple of times I have gotten my full 10K in. I did get a cold (!) after being at the hospital to see my surgeon last week; I think the flu at the beginning of the month, then the surgery, how low my calories are, and not being able to take the vitamins until I was 10 days out has left me pretty susceptible to all the germs floating around at the hospital. Hopefully a cold is the worst I'll do, given the news about the corona virus. I've only lost about 13 pounds since surgery, which I should not say "only"; 13 pounds in 3 weeks is pretty ok with me. I know some people lose a lot more, and probably some less, and I'm happy with slow(ish) and steady right now. I'd love to hear how you all are doing! Hope everyone is healthy and healing and happy.

I'm in the same boat as you. I had my surgery in April 2019 and hit my weight loss goal. Then I started to increase my calories by reverse diet so I could gain lean muscle. I was doing a weight lifting routine and was frsutrated like you. The only way I know for sure that I've gained any muscle is I had a few dexascans done which showed a 3lb increase over several months, I also lost a percentage of body fat so I took it as a win. Keep in mind I was still in a large calorie deficit for most of that time. From what I've read there are a lot of variables that go into how fast and how much lean muscle you gain on different routines. I would say get an accurate measure of body fat % and lean muscle mass and track it over time. And keep grinding, my dietician who helped me on this path likes to remind me that a lot of those you see posting on facebook have been at it for a long time.

Hey All! I'm a newbie here, but I've finally decided to start the process and get information about VSG. I feel mentally ready for it and that it's time, as I've been going round and round with the decision for years. I go back to my new PCP on 3/10 of this month to discuss it more and get bloodwork. I gave her a head's up at my initial consult that this was something I wanted, and she said let's see if you are a candidate at your next appointment. I already made my appointment with the weight loss center for the information center on 3/25. They advised they do not need a referral from my PCP, but to have my most recent labs sent over. When I called the weight loss center, I was advised that after the information session, you will be contacted within a week for the actual consult with the surgeon. I've been doing a ton of research so far, and I see a lot of folks have a 6-12 month supervised diet mandate with the insurance. After contacting my insurance company, they sent me the policy and advised that they have lifted their 6 month restriction. My policy states the following is needed for approval. BMI 40 and over or BMI of 35-39 with co-morbidity. Individuals should have documented to respond to conservative measures for weight reduction prior to the consideration of bariatric surgery and these attempts should be reviewed by the practitioner prior to seeking approval for the surgical procedure. HOWEVER, following that statement, it says "As a Result, some centers require active participation in a formal weight reduction program that includes frequent documentation of weight, dietary regimen, and exercise. However there is a lack of evidence on the optimal timing, intensity and duration of non-surgical attempts at weight loss, and whether a medical weight loss program immediately preceding surgery improves outcomes." HELP- what does this mean? Psych consult I'm pretty clear on the other first and last requirement, but the 2nd one has me spinning my wheels slightly. When I called my insurance to ask for clarification, I was advised that a letter of support from my PCP would likely suffice. My only hesitancy is that I just started with a new PCP, and I'm wondering if she will approve me off my BMI alone, or want to try conservative measures first since I am new patient there. If she doesn't provide letter of support, will the nutrition classes that the surgeon will inevitable require satisfy the letter requirement, can he be the one that writes it or does this text indicate that it needs to come from my PCP? I plan on calling the center during their business hours to ask if they've encountered this insurance wise tomorrow, as they were closed today. Any one run into this issue with their insurance policy? Any insight or perspective offered would be awesome.

Actually, I'm kinda looking forward to that! Right now, when I see people I know, they expect to see some huge change, and I'm not quite there yet--only 10 days post surgery. I've lost some weight, but not enough to notice. I am looking forward to people checking out my new look, and noticing the new me, especially this summer Take it as a compliment--they are amazed by how great you look--and you do look GREAT!

For me personally, Boston Stoker coffee always seem to go right through me. I can't even finish my second cup before I have to head to the bathroom. Doesn't matter the flavor or roast, but definitely the brand. That is the only coffee I tend to avoid for physical reasons. I don't like Starbucks anything since they use Sumatran beans and they just have too much of an earthy flavor. I prefer the "fruity" beans like real kona. Dunkin Donuts coffee is a great bean in my opinion and it is available reasonably priced at any grocery store around here. Maxwell House is too astringent to me, but Folgers is a fine everyday coffee IMO. As for the caffeine levels, I honestly don't pay attention to it since it doesn't appear to be a problem for me. I take my regular supplements with water after I am done with coffee in the morning around 10:30. I'm back to coffee by 4 though until about 7 or 8.

Welcome lisab6889 to the March 20th group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee, onmyway11 March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303, Tamarita, CammyC, Kristyle, mooki March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123, gcampbell99 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77, LeeLee Luv March 9 Angie526, AuntCyn, highlyundermedicated, Nette200486, Wendy128 March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 14 Amie March 17 Mello1 March 18 Hop_Scotch March 19 medicpup2, MMurphy1015 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean, LisaB6889 March 23 KingTeresa 2006, Believe0xandx0conquer, RPilch March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina, Melodyadea March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn, richiewho March 27 Ayemeeb, Eribur March 30 Stanlak, Starla K, Milly221 March 31 KhoricRitter

@3sonsitk welcome! 96 ounces of fluid is a lot!! I struggled to get to 60. I did not have a pureed stage, instead I did day 10 to 20 on smooth foods, and I just started soft. Chicken bone broth was and is a miracle to me, it tastes great and gives you a little protein, to boot. I also found a high protein mushroom soup mix on this site I like. I was sick of the sweet taste of everything else. Good luck! Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you for these responses. Truly. I’m asking myself (and others like you who have been through this) these tough questions because like most, I assume, I have doubts about maintaining. I’m not sure I have the will to eat so little... forever. I absolutely admire those who do. But I find myself wondering if they are simply more disciplined than I am. I’m going to do some more reading about how the surgery “resets” metabolism. Easy to say but what does it really mean and how does this happen? While I understand the removal of the part of the stomach that creates a hunger hormone I’m not sure how it’s all reset for the better since you immediately move forward by eating so little and it seems hunger does eventually return. Yes, I will be talking to my surgeon and dietician. As a matter of fact my husband is an excellent internal medicine doc so I have the “ medical” resources handy. I also know their insight can’t compare to those who have lived it. So thank you so much. incidentally, on the HCG diet forum 10 years ago everyone thought it all worked so well and was a huge gift, reset etc too. Now it’s been recognized as a significant detriment to long term heath. So I’m determined to make sure long term living in the real world is possible. Is anyone here 10 years out and successful? Again, thank you greatly!

Now 10 months post op and down 109lbs from my peak. Calories are edging higher now in the 1200-1600 range. With respect to meals my brain feels totally retrained on how much to eat. My challenges are sugar and slider food which is extremely calorie dense but not offering the same restriction. Below is my weekly chart to give everyone a sense of what the rate of loss looks like. Still not exercising as much as I should which is the last thing hindering my progress. I am quite good at making excuses not to do actual exercise and much prefer things activity based.

@geets : yay another member, another set of clothes to ohh and ahhh over You look great...and like 10 years younger (and like 4 inches taller)! P.S. love those yellow shoes 💛

Yesterday Sunday, March 1st Maintenance : 5'2" / 1.33 yrs PO Sleeve / 115.0 lbs ---------------------------------------- Went to an Italian buffet for Mr's grandma's Bday. Its really not worth it for me to eat at buffets, nor was I really interested in the spread that was on offer, so I opted out of eating and drank 2 vodka caesars instead (I ate some garnish! hahha). Mr. joined me in solidarity and skipped the buffet and just had a couple beers himself. Its funny cuz some relatives commented afterwards that the next time we get together for buffet, they are just going to order drinks too, LOL. ---------------------------------------- 9:00am - 1/2 skinny tea latte 11:00am - 5 chicken wings + 1tbsp hot sauce 3:00pm - 2 vodka caesars (each one had a gherkin + a mini pepperette as garnish...which I ate off the first one, but my nephew ate the garnish off the second one, LOL) 7:00pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 1 oz orange segments + 3 chicken wings + 2.5 oz pan fried chicken in bacon fat 10:00pm - 3 chicken wings + 1 tbsp BBQ sauce + 1/4 of a cherry shortbread square + 2 fl oz Amaretto --------------------------------------- Totals: 1371 cals - 76g Protein - 99g NET carbs - 58g fat ---------------------------------------

Tread lightly, and google "weight loss surgery alcoholism" as there are many studies that say 1 in 5 WLS patients end up with alcohol problems. I knew this personally before I ever started the process, b/c I have a friend who had WLS 10 years ago, and then spent the next 9 years in and out of inpatient care for alcoholism. She lost custody of her children in the process as well. She is currently sober for 6 months or so, but still living in a group home. I don't know if she belongs to some kind of support group for WLS/alcoholism, but sometimes she will post something on FB about it, and will get tons of replies from other women who indicate they had the same problems with alcoholism following WLS. I confess that I stalked her FB thoroughly as I was making the decision to have WLS myself. I decided that if I was going to have WLS, I was going to abstain from alcohol for life. I was never a big drinker (maybe 10 times a year at social events, weddings, etc), so for me to make the commitment to never drink again isn't a big deal. I do understand that would be more difficult for someone who is used to relaxing with a glass of wine every night. I would never suggest that everyone who has WLS needs to abstain from alcohol for life, but would just ask everyone to be careful. If after drinking you feel the slightest bit out of control, start craving alcohol, etc, please seek help before it's too late. Sorry to ramble, but seeing what this friend has gone through is truly heartbreaking, and I thought about her a lot as I decided whether or not to have the surgery.

I had my VSG 7/31/19 and last week I finally hit Onederland!!! It's such a great accomplishment and I'm 100% focused on getting to my 1st goal weight! I'm feeling pretty amazing these days and loving my new life [emoji173] 5'4" HW 297 VSG 7/31/19 SW 266 CW 198 1st GW 170 FGW 135 "With God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26 Sent from my [samsung Galaxy] using BariatricPal mobile app 3rd

Before .. I’m now down to 65kgs, 10 stone

Tomorrow is my endoscopy. Not looking forward to sedation. It makes me so nauseated. At least I will still be able to eat after this procedure, so I can try something to settle my stomach right away. One more step closer. Liquid diet in 10 days after that. Morning and lunch protein shakes have been helping me reduce my hunger--if I stick to it. The more food I eat, the more food I want to eat. Definitely reinforces that cheating will NOT help me get through the diet.

Welcome Krimsonbutteries, ChelleFord to the March 3rd group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee, onmyway11 March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303, Tamarita, CammyC, Kristyle, mooki, Krimsonbutteries, ChelleFord March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123, gcampbell99 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77, LeeLee Luv March 9 Angie526, AuntCyn, highlyundermedicated, Nette200486, Wendy128 March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 14 Amie March 17 Mello1 March 18 Hop_Scotch March 19 medicpup2, MMurphy1015 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006, Believe0xandx0conquer, RPilch March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina, Melodyadea March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn, richiewho March 27 Ayemeeb, Eribur March 30 Stanlak, Starla K, Milly221 March 31 KhoricRitter

I enjoy craft and specialty beers, when I user to live close to a WOB location it was a weekly visit. Unfortunately, where I live now there is no local WOB but the question about drinking beer & alcohol drinks was one of my top 5 questions and I was not very happy with the answer. All thee surgeons I spoke to over the course of about a year (Since May 2019) said the same thing: NO Alcohol drinks, including beer during the first year post-op. ☹️

Hi guys I’m Celebrating a new weight bracket today!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I never really set myself a goal as such but I always said around 9-10 stone (126 - 140lbs)⁣⁣ & today I weighed 10 stone 10lbs! (150lbs) ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ So close to those goals now! However, I won’t be weighing myself again until 1st April 2020! ⁣⁣I decided to only get the scales out once a month from now on. I was starting to get really obsessed and panicky about the numbers on the scale all of the time so I thought it’s best for my mental health to see them only once a month. Plus, weight fluctuates so weighing daily is just silly at this point in my journey really! Yesterday the skirt was a NSV for me. Been waiting to wear one of these since 2013 lol! Instagram: @charlieannnn Www.instagram.com/charlieannnn I’m about to upload an FAQ to my Instagram TV. YouTube coming soon! 💜🌈💚🌻💙💁🏼‍♀️💗

I had the gastric sleeve on 2-19. I have been able to meet my protein and liquid goals since day 3. The first week I was tired and kind of week but no pain now and almost back to normal this week. Riding the exercise bike again. Down 13 lbs since surgery. So happy I did this.

Welcome onmyway11 to the March 2nd group! Welcome mooki to the March 3rd group! Welcome gcampbell99 to the March 5th group! Welcome LeeLee Luv to the March 6th group! Welcome Wendy128 to the March 9th group! Welcome Bren85 to the March 12th group! Welcome Amie to the March 14th group! Welcome RPilch to the March 23rd group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee, onmyway11 March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303, Tamarita, CammyC, Kristyle, mooki March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123, gcampbell99 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77, LeeLee Luv March 9 Angie526, AuntCyn, highlyundermedicated, Nette200486, Wendy128 March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 14 Amie March 17 Mello1 March 18 Hop_Scotch March 19 medicpup2, MMurphy1015 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006, Believe0xandx0conquer, RPilch March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina, Melodyadea March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn, richiewho March 27 Ayemeeb, Eribur March 30 Stanlak, Starla K, Milly221 March 31 KhoricRitter

Welcome lurkers! We added a lot of new March baris here! We are at March 1st and procedures start tomorrow thru the end of the month. Please be sure to check in and let everyone know how you are doing! Welcome onmyway11 to the March 2nd group! Welcome mooki to the March 3rd group! Welcome gcampbell99 to the March 5th group! Welcome LeeLee Luv to the March 6th group! Welcome Wendy128 to the March 9th group! Welcome Bren85 to the March 12th group! Welcome Amie to the March 14th group! Welcome RPilch to the March 23rd group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee, onmyway11 March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303, Tamarita, CammyC, Kristyle, mooki March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123, gcampbell99 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77, LeeLee Luv March 9 Angie526, AuntCyn, highlyundermedicated, Nette200486, Wendy128 March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 14 Amie March 17 Mello1 March 18 Hop_Scotch March 19 medicpup2, MMurphy1015 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006, Believe0xandx0conquer, RPilch March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina, Melodyadea March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn, richiewho March 27 Ayemeeb, Eribur March 30 Stanlak, Starla K, Milly221 March 31 KhoricRitter

I had my VSG on July 29th, 2020. I lost 30lbs prior to surgery and about 70 after surgery. I went from 330lbs in January of 2019 to 230 in February of 2020. I have been working out since surgery, generally 3 times a week. I was eating 1.4k calories on rest days at 1.6k on workout days. My dietitian advised me to go up to 1.8k calories since I had reached my goal weight and I just wanted a slow steady weight loss. I have increased my workouts substantially over the last month. I lift weights 4-5 days a week and do 30-45 minutes are high intensity cardio 5-6 days a week. My BMR is about 2.1k, so originally, I was eating around that. However, my trainer told me I was going to have to eat above my TDEE in order to put on muscle. So, I have been eating about 2.5-3.2k calories a day. I'm not eating junk, I still eat high protein foods--I'm just literally eating all day long since I can't eat large meals. I have gained from 230 - 237. I feel fat and bloated most of the time and I stay extremely gassy. My macro split at 3k calories is 40% protein, 30% carbs, and 30% fat. My trainer believes that my 7 lb gain has been related to retaining water due to muscle building and then some actual fat gain. I really want to work hard on gaining muscle and transforming my body. I'm 6'4" and have a good frame to be muscular. Can any fellow VSG'ers who lift and have been successful at putting on lean muscle help me out?

So, this morning I hopped on the scaled and I weighed 216! Thats's 27 pounds lost in 34 days and I'm absolutely thrilled. At my age (57), menopause, and a totally jacked-up metabolism from years of dieting, I was prepared for my weight loss to be much slower. I was told after the first month most people lose 8-10 pounds a month, so if I lose 8 a month I would be ecstatic! Also, the surgeon told me that losing slower is better for skin elasticity issues. I've decided to set mini goals. Do these goals sound reasonable? Do you have goals time wise to reach your final goal? April 1: 208 May 1: 200 June 1: 192 July 1: 184 Aug 1: 176 Sep. 1: 168 Oct 1: 160- GOAL!!!!

Hi everyone. My surgery date is 02-20-20. I liked the date. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m on protein shakes and clear liquids and get my staples out next Thursday, so I’m right there with you all. Anyway, I had the RNY back before it was cool or before much research had been done about it—nearly 14 years ago. It was amazingly successful. I was on my treadmill in 18 hours. I went from 261 to 155 after a tummy tuck (the extra skin gets gross). But over time, I slowly was able to tolerate anything I wanted, and ultimately ended up back at 267. So I was approved for a revision for DS (duodenal switch) surgery. This experience was not like the last quick laparoscopic one. Last Thursday I came out of the OR with a 13” incision down my abdomen recovery has been awful. I’m in no rush to move onto soft foods, because I remember being at the 5 year mark and unable to lose weight when I wanted to for the first time. My Dr. told me to go back to the post-op Diet for a month and it really worked. Then I tried it at the 10 year mark and it didn’t do anything. So as much as it sucks having family around you able to consume everything, just know that your 1-month weigh-in is going to blow your socks off unlike anything you have experienced, so my advice is to enjoy the journey. The longer you can tolerate the liquids, the faster your initial weight loss will be. And although you will lose a lot of weight throughout the first year, you will never lose as rapidly as you will during the first 30 days post-op. And you only get one chance at that. So, as hard as it may seem some days, be patient and don’t rush this opportunity. Congratulations to everyone. Here’s to a new and improved life!

I did a thing yesterday- I walked a 5k! 54 min but dang! I did it! Next stop- actually starting to run. Sub 45 here I come (which is what I was doing 10 year ago before I got fat!)