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17 Months Out Progress
delta_girl replied to delta_girl's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Everyone is different, so I can only speak from my experiences, but many of the fears, rumors, advice has turned out to be far, far off base. I am not promoting or endorsing any of my particular choices for others, but I've found that I can still have anything and everything I like to eat and drink and more. I rarely exercise, I can drink any form of alcohol I like, with no difference in tolerance from pre surgery. No special gear, eating utensils, measuring devices, apps, fitness gear is necessary. If anyone is told they need any of those things by other post vsg individuals, they really don't (unless it is the advice of a surgeon/doctor). But, hey ...if it works for you or makes you feel better, by all means go for it. Weight goes up and down. Stalls happen. Weight gain happens. Its not hard to get back on track. Paying close attention to what my body is telling me is one of the big differences for me. hair falls out, hair grows back. With a large weight loss at an older age, there is extra skin that I may or may not address at a later time. My latest lesson is that there are extremely unpleasant consequences to missing B12 supplements for very long: shaking, numb hands and fingers bruises weakness breathlessness extreme...very extreme, joint pain debilitating back pain Sometimes I'm not hungry and don't eat all day. Other days I eat constantly. -
Here's to recommitting! I am with you! I am 2 1/2 years post op and I gained back 10lbs. I never reached my goal of 140 but I was happy and comforable at about 150-153. About a month ago I went back to MFP and that's helping me keep things in check. I was definitely eating way more than I needed to be. I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism this week. So I am sure the combo of eating carbs, drinking alcohol and the thyroid issue did not help much. I have also been under a lot of stress. I am hoping that by trying to get back on the plan I can finally get to my goal weight. These extra 10lbs feels like I am carrying a brick around my neck. It is strange how much more you feel your body weight once you have lost so much. I know we can do this! We have to remember what we felt like before we started this journey and that should help give us a kick in the rear I don't ever want to be heavy again and catching old habits early is a good start.
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New sleevers often ask about drinking and the sleeve. Here is why it's a bad idea. Last night went out for a drink with a friend. Ordered a decaf coffee with a shot of Jack Daniels. Was doing OK sipping it. After I was done I asked for a coffee refill. Instead the waitress brought another coffee and JD. I should have sent it back but I didn't. Shortly afterwards an Indian woman from the rez is making rounds in the bar with Indian jewelry for sale. For those of you not in New Mexico, this is fairly common. Anyway, I bought some earrings for $40 that I had no intention or business buying. Ok, they are gorgeous (sterling hoops inlaid with opals) but my shopping self control was shot with the second drink. Don't sleeve and drink! (Unless you can afford it).
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Veterans: Do you follow the rules?
SeriouslyChange replied to EarthyGoalie's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I still somewhat follow the rules as well. I exercise some, I don't eat heavy carbs often, junk food is a no no, and I've always drank alcohol since 5-8 weeks out so I still drink. I'm maintaining just fine, but I would never test the waters and push the envelope with a whole milkshake and bread and burgers. I'm not that daring. -
Okay Ladies - Let's talk skin!
BelindaK replied to butterfyeffect's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
OK, caveat here: I'm 55 so not in your age group. I am 6 months out from my surgery, have dropped a little over half the 100 pounds I plan to lose. I don't exercise much beyond walking, and I have been very relaxed with my food intake. My daily goal is to meet protien needs then from there, whatever I want. I lose an average of 7 to 10 pounds a month which is very slow compared to many others. I do find that I have floppy arms, but I've always had issues with my upper arms. Beyond that, my belly apron is receding and the skin is firm. The skin on my legs is also firm. If I exercised, I'm sure it would be even better. In fact, I'm planning plastics, but really only my arms and boobs. I think the response of our skin is genetics, age, life experience (I've had two kids and had a massive abdominal surgery.) Pre-weight gain, I never had the apron till I hit 170 and as I drop back that direction, it looks like it may go away. Believe me, I'm crosssing my fingers!! My doctor suggested exercise, moisturizing and hydration for optimal skin thickening. I also believe that rapid weight loss contributes to the skin bagging. I use baby oil gel, body butters and oil formulated for scars and stretch marks. And I drink a LOT of fluids, and avoid sodium and alcohol. Best of luck! -
Can & Can'ts of Gastic sleeve
newat52 replied to Bellasarrah's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Nope. I can eat anything. I have tried it all. Only thing my surgeon bans is carbonation. Have not tried that and don't intend to. That said, after you are recovered, that is when the real work begins. I am actually a year out as of today! I have not barfed, slimed, dumped or had any adverse reactions whatsoever to anything. Just because I can eat it doesn't mean I should. I eat very healthy 80 % of the time. I eat better 15% of the time and I eat good about 5% and by good its anything goes. Each surgeon has their own idea of what their patients can and can not consume post op. There are lots of folks who are told, no coffee, no bread, no alcohol, no this and no that. For me, it was just carbonation. I can live with that. I am still a work in progress, I have realistically about 13 pounds to go. Even though my goal is 130, I don't think I will look good or feel my best at that weight. Progress has been very slow the last few months but that was to be expected. I know you have heard that the sleeve is a tool and it is. It is a wonderful tool but it still takes a lot of hard work and permanent changes overall. You can do and If you love your sleeve half as much a I do, it will be the best thing for your health you have ever made! Best of luck to you! -
Scared of the gastric sleeve
Momonanomo replied to *LaLa*'s topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
First, welcome LaLa And, it is SO natural to be scared. Use this forum as much as you possibly can to find out about the whole process. Knowledge is power. Also, you can read about what people are gong through at various stages in their journeys and think to yourself "What will I do when I come to this? How will I best handle it?" As far as the starch thing goes -- omg I was such a carboholic. Sourdough was like crack for me! lol! I never never never would have thought I could get over my addiction, or at least get it under control. But, here's what worked for me. I treated this surgery like what it is: a SURGERY. On my stomach. And to best protect that staple line while it's healing, you *cannot* eat things like sourdough! For quite a while. I went without the starchy things from the beginning of my 2 week pre-op diet to several months afterward, and you know what? It was like a detox. So yes, you will be putting yourself in a position where you could harm yourself medically if you eat that stuff, and for em that's what it took to break its hold on me. After your stomach is healed and you're cleared for real food, be very careful about reintroducing that stuff because by its very nature it causes you to want more. As far as the alcohol goes... well you will need to be drink free for a while to let your stomach heal. Once you're cleared to drink, please be very VERY careful with the alcohol. Many WLS patients get into trouble with what is called a "transfer addiction" with alcohol, because it is liquid and goes down easy, and when you can no longer indulge in a food addiction it can be very easy to transfer that addiction to alcohol. Be very very very careful if you feel you may be susceptible to this. Do you have access to a counselor? if your program had you take a psych evaluation, perhaps you could see that person some more or have them recommend someone to you can talk to. If you truly are not ready, they will help you get to a place where you are. And remember, we all had nerves about this. So we're all here to help you with yours! -
Surgery in Mexico
SlowlybutSurely replied to Terry Poperszky's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I wasn't afraid to have my surgery in Mexico (Tijuanna) this past January because I personally knew of horror stories from procedures performed in the U.S. I knew a woman that went home and died 5 days later. I knew another woman that never woke up from the surgery and was in a coma for months and months until she eventually expired. In 2003, my sister had surgery and had to have two follow-up surgeries. I can vouch for the fact though that Mexico's level of sterilization is not up to standards with the U.S. I don't know how they can change dressings, etc without rubber gloves. I would always clean myself with alcohol after they tended to me. I'm almost 2-months post op and have had not issues or complications other than reflux which I've always had. -
Hi everyone I'm Lala, this is my first post. I'm hoping to get some support from people who have already had the gastric sleeve. I'm really scared about having this surgery done. At first I was excited I was pumped and ready to go but know that my surgery is less then a month a way i'm terrified ( April 2, 2014 to be exact ) I'm worried that I wont be able to stop eating starch ( Pasta bread things like that ) those are the foods that I love. I'm also afraid that my alcohol intake is not healthy ( as of recently I have quit drinking, but its difficult ) I don't know if I should push my surgery date back or what? I will not cancel it because I have givin them 8,000 ( im a self pay) and they aint keeping my money but I could reschedule it nfor a later date ( like 5 years later lol ) I'm open to any advice that anyone has for me. Thanks Lala
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About a month post op I had a rum and pineapple juice at our company's holiday party at a restaurant. No problem, and no big buzz. Now I'm staying away from alcohol because (a) I'm concerned it will weaken my resolve against eating junk food; and ( I'm trying to take in as few carbs as possible.
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When was your first sip of alcohol after surgery? How was it?
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How was your 5:2 day today?
CowgirlJane replied to Oregondaisy's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hey Dorrie - it is a booming business in WA state now. my little town has "banned" them but I hear they are popping up elsewhere. I personally think it is a great venture. Just because you buy a beer doesn't make you an alcoholic and just because a person buys a joint doesn't make them a drug addict, in my opinion. BTW, in WA state is now legal for recreational use but I am unclear what the dispensaries can sell. It used to be medical card required, I am not sure now. -
Hello all! My husband is the ONLY person who supports my/my doctor's decision for gastric sleeve surgery. Both of my parents AND my sisters are obsese. My mom has yo-yo dieted for as long as I can remember. She makes losing weight a miserable competition among the women in my family. The first time I even mentioned that my doctor had referred me for gastric sleeve surgery, everyone started rolling their eyes, yelling, and telling me how I "don't try hard enough." (I try harder than ANYONE in my family.) They call me lazy and tell me that if I REALLY tried I could lose all of the weight on my own. If I choose to go through with the procedure, I'm going to have to keep it a TOTAL secret from my family! Is that even possible??!! It's just that every time I mention it, my parents and sister tell me that I'll end up dying from complications (leakages) and that I will be miserable because I'll never be able to eat "normal" or drink alcohol again.......They are doing a GREAT job of scaring me out of gastric sleeve surgery. They also ask, "Why would you risk dying and never seeing your husband and child again just to be thin?!" AHHHHHHHHH. I am SO SO SO confused. Please help!
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Quest bars are Poo Bombs
Vixynne replied to 2Big2Skate's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
I'm a HUGE fan of the chocolate brownie flavor Quest bars--they are my morning Breakfast of choice on workdays. The other flavors? Not so much--either the taste or the texture just doesn't do it for me. But don't get between me and my breakfast brownie, LOL! Here's a direct cut-and-paste of what their website says about the sweeteners they use. Keep in mind that if you're sensitive to one of these, each flavor of Quest may or may not use the one that triggers the "bombing run"! A plant that's been used as a sweetener in China for over 1,000 years. It only takes a TINY amount as it's 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is an herb in the Chrysanthemum family which grows wild as a small shrub in many parts of the world. The glycosides in its leaves, account for its sweetness and it has been used as a sweetener in many countries for many years. While Erythritol is classified as a sugar alcohol it is ENTIRELY different than all of the others. It does not upset stomachs, it contains only 0.2 calories per gram and has little to no impact on blood sugar. We know it's important to give you control over your nutrition which is why select QuestBars are sweetened with Stevia and Erythritol, and our Original Line is sweetened with Sucralose. Sucralose is generally recognized as the best artificial sweetener available. It's over 600 times sweeter than sugar so it's used in almost microscopic amounts. -
most doctors will say no to alcohol. I have to advise you to ask your doctor if you can have at least one drink for your 21st. I would recommend whatever drink you want but one that doesn't have carbonation. happy birthday to you.
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I was told no alcohol for 3 months. Then when I did drink I had 3 sips of a gin and tonic and was full. I have had a total of 2.5 drinks in the past year. Don't drink fast and watch out as it hits harder and faster with the band than without. Happy birthday.
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Hello I was just banded on Monday March 3rd and my 21st birthday is on March 20th.. So is this too soon to have a first drink of alcohol if not what would you recommend I drink?
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How do you balance your social life?
Leepers replied to Shea_Shea's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
My surgeon begrudgingly told me a glass of wine would be okay here and there. I drink about every other weekend. Like she said before me, you just have to consider how many calories you are pouring down the hatch. Check with your surgeon again. He may have some reason in your health history or medications that he may not want you to mix with alcohol. -
How do you balance your social life?
HealthyNewMe replied to Shea_Shea's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
I was not told anything about alcohol..., only no carbonated drinks and no drinking right before a meal, during the meal, or after the meal. I sure am not encouraging you to go against what you were told. But as I always told my kids, so what if you're drinking lemon water while your friends are drinking alcohol... I mean that .... So what? You won't be the first to not have a drink and you won't be the last. I have a few friends who are recovering alcoholics and they socialize all the time. When going out to eat, share a salad or an entree with a friend. Order off the appetizer menu. Order a cup of soup. There are so many options. Get out there and enjoy your life!!!!! -
Veterans: Do you follow the rules?
vogue replied to EarthyGoalie's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I never went strictly by the rules and did fine. I exercise pretty consistently. I eat 1800-2000 calories a day. I try to hit 100 carbs every day but that merely by eyeballing as I don't track my food anymore. I am 145 pounds, size. 4.. 5'7.5". I have stayed within. 3 pounds of 145 for months. I drink alcohol & have sweets though when I sense I'm overdoing it I scale back. I drink over a gallon of water every day -
I totally agree with every word pookybear said. Great advice! I struggled with getting enough liquid in myself. Many doctors (including my surgeon) advise their patients to be sure to count things like shakes, coffee, tea, Crystal Light - most liquids other than alcohol - in their daily liquid intake. Coffee and shakes helped me enormously followed closely by my latest discovery of Nestle, PureLife Splash. This stuff comes in a bunch of different flavors with Acai Grape and berry being my personal favorites. And they're zero everything - calories, sugar, carbs, fat, Protein. Essentially they are just flavored Water with 25mg of salt. They come in 17 oz. bottles and I have them all over the house - office, family room, bedroom, bathroom - you name it. I sip on them all day long. Really helps!!
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Honest replys please
CrissyRing77 replied to sweet4422's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I haven't yet but my surgeon said 6 months I'm only 3. I wish I could even think of it, but alcohol killed my tummy preop I am so scared it will be worse post op! -
I have approached and cancelled this MANY times- advice!
Mellie May replied to mi75's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Divorce is a very prevalent issue in the WLS community. I would suggest that your hubby join the +1 Crew on Facebook. It's a group that is exclusively for the spouses of WLS patients. It's a great forum where they can not only learn how to support you, but also get support for themselves because let's face it, there are going to be some rough time. Here's the link for the +1 crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/561857660576992/ If he's not really into Facebook, see if he would be willing to follow Vlogs. MoreofWIll is the spouse (and member of the +1 crew) of LessofSara, a well known VSG vlogger. Here is a link to his channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/moreofwill?feature=watch It sounds like you have a very strong marriage. Make sure you tell your husband what you need to be successful. An alcoholic can never have another drink again and be fine, but as food addicts, we don't have the option to abstain from food 100%. Even after your surgery, you'll experience head hunger and the cravings will come back in time, so put the kibosh on going out to eat where you would be tempted to consume large, unhealthy, portions now. Of course, I'm single, so pick and choose the parts of this advise that you like and forget the rest! -
I was sleeved 8/6/13, I wanted a cocktail or glass of wine but was afraid of calories & sugar over load. I tried Skinny Girl cocktails by Bethany Frankle. Google it! She has a handful of wines & liquor. Some of them have lower alcohol content then normal cocktails but the taste great! I was about 3 months out before I drank. I went out with a friend and had a couple cosmos & realized quickly that liquor is no longer my friend! I can handle the skinny girl mixers & wine only. But real deal vodka is no good for me it floored me & made me feel horrible. I agree with the other posters try at home first. I used to be a beer drinker but have not had carbonation yet. I was going to wait until year out before I have a beer.
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Veterans: Do you follow the rules?
CowgirlJane replied to EarthyGoalie's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Not all of us had the same "rules" anyway. If I ate like your friend I would weigh 300 again. If I eat anything even approaching a "normal" diet I gain pounds. It is just how it is, I need to be a small eater of dense Protein and veggies FOREVER. I do have "treats" like alcohol sometimes but not a daily thing. My daily habits generally follow the "sleever" rules.
