Search the Community

Day 19: What splurge item to you own that you are most grateful for? I'd have to say the upgraded features package we got on my car. Totally don't need any of those features, but man, now that I have them, I dunno how I can drive a car without.

Thank you all very much for the kind words and support. I have 2 days 11/20/2019 . Wow it has finally happened for me to be on the losers bench. Still crazy nervous but very excited. I can’t wait to feel better. My starting weight is 220.3 today and 5’1. Best wishes to everyone on this journey. Has anyone made a YouTube channel about their journey. I’m really thinking of doing it to hold myself accountable.

My Md had guidelines that I could only eat strained creamed soups and liquids the first 1-2 weeks. That included yogurt, protein shakes 2 days after surgery and then cottage cheese and refined beans began at week 2/3. However it is hard to drink or eat much initially. I used a shot glass to get 2 ounces at a time and a timer so every 15 minutes I would drink 2 ounces. Once I was on soft foods like 1 egg or tuna it initially took 45 minutes to eat that then a week or so later 30 minutes, then eventually 20 minutes etc. Food wasn't appealing and after a few bites I felt like I just ate a Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn't painful but just that blah I'm done feeling. I think around 3/4 months I could drink a 11 oz. protein shake in 30-45 minutes, eat a 5oz cup of yogurt or 1 egg in 20 minutes but not much more in one sitting. Suddenly at 6 months I could comfortably eat about a half cup of food total if some of it was soft. Not a half cup of chicken, but a 1/4 cup of protein and a 1/4 cup of soft veggies. Now at 9 months sometimes I can eat almost a cup in one sitting in a normal amount of time like 10-15 minutes but usually it's closer to 1/2 to 3/4. I don't feel deprived or over full.

Today, Mon, Nov. 18 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 114.5 lbs ...found my super-filler-food: JERK PORK. Holy cow, it took me over an hour to finish just 3.5 oz of it alone, and at the time of this writing it has been over 3.5 hours since I ate it and I am still pretty filled. I am DONE eating for today..I can tell if I eat anything else I'm going to hurl. I'm ending today with waaaaay too few cals though. There are still lots of jerk pork leftovers in the fridge, I'm probably going to have to stick to eating 1 oz portions at time. 10:30am - earl grey tea w/ stevia + coffee w/ stevia 1:30pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 1.5 oz apple + 1/2 an avocado + 1 cherry tomato + 1/2 tbsp bacon crumble + 4 oz grilled chicken + 1 tsp crunchy chili oil 4:00pm - 3.5 oz jerk pork Totals: 581 cals - 52g Protein - 23g NET carbs - 29g fat

MOM'S CHEESE PIE Low carb cookie crust, optional (I used Ellie's Peanut Butter Cookies) 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 1/8 cups granulated Splenda or equivalent liquid Splenda Dash salt 3 eggs 3/4 teaspoon vanilla Topping (optional) Topping: 1 cup sour cream 2 tablespoon granulated Splenda or equivalent liquid Splenda 1 teaspoon vanilla Crust: 1 1/2 cups Ellie's Peanut Butter Cookie crumbs, about 16 cookies or 5 ounces 6 tablespoons butter If using a crust, melt the butter in 9 1/2-10" glass pie plate using a microwave. Add the crumbs and mix well, then pat over the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the plate. Press firmly and evenly into the pan. Freeze while preparing the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the Splenda, salt, eggs and vanilla and beat just until well-combined. Pour into the crust and bake at 350º 20 minutes. At this point the filling should be pretty much set but not too firm. Remove from the oven and let cool 15 minutes. Meanwhile, raise the oven temperature to 450º. Mix the topping ingredients and spread over the pie. Bake 5 minutes. Cool, then chill well before serving. Makes 8-12 servings Can be frozen (see note below) With granular Splenda: Per 1/8 recipe: 484 Calories; 45g Fat; 11g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 9g Net Carbs Per 1/12 recipe: 323 Calories; 30g Fat; 8g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 6g Net Carbs With liquid Splenda: Per 1/8 recipe: 469 Calories; 45g Fat; 11g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 6g Net Carbs Per 1/12 recipe: 313 Calories; 30g Fat; 8g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 3g Net Carbs

This is a great thread and a topic I've been thinking about personally, because I'm not sure what my answer is. I think my doctor's goal for me is somewhere between 120 to 135, which would put me in the normal BMI range. I'm currently about 165, so only 30 pounds to go to hit the high end of that goal. The highest ever recorded weight for me was 303. I started the program at 284 and had surgery around 243. When I was 15 I weighed 150 after unhealthy dieting. I think mentally, I'd like to reach 125 to prove to myself I can do it and to give myself a 10 lb leeway to the top of that range. But I think honestly, if I could maintain at 150 I'd probably be happy. We suspect I probably have about 10 to 12 pounds of excess skin. I don't yet know if I'll have surgery to remove it. If money and pain were not part of the equation I would 100% fix all my terribly saggy skin. And I'm too early to decide about skin anyway. I've hit a plateau, which is frustrating. My NUT wants me to consider doing the bariatric shakes for two weeks to try to break through the plateau. I told her I wanted to give it a month before considering it. It's been 3 weeks and no changes, so I think I'll try it when I see her next week. My husband is going to enter the medically supervised program with my NUT office, so I think it will be easier on both of us if we're doing it together.

1. Actually realizing what full feels like for the first time in 57 years YES 2. Being able to buckle the airplane seatbelt without sliding the buckle to the very end YES - I have a video I sent my wife the first time I didnt have to use the extender... I never actually buckled it I would just tuck it like looked like it was buckled 5. Being able to easily zip last years winter coat and not having to buy a new one like the last few winters YES 8. Being "that person" at lunch that actually orders the salad with grilled chicken instead of the cheeseburger and fries or tortellini alfredo after eating half the bread basket This will never be me 10. Being able to sleep without waking yourself up with your own LOUD snoring YES

I posted this a while back but thought I'd use it to answer your question, congrats to you, that is a great NSV Did my Wednesday weigh in last week and had a disappointing stall with no loss to report, not even an ounce. Did my Wednesday weigh in this morning (10 weeks post op) and the scale went down 4.5 lbs. However while in my stall week I wracked my brain as to how nor fret over my stall. In true fashion of being a David Letterman fan I decided to go old school and come up with a top ten list of things I've achieved since surgery pertaining to Non scale Victorys and not the number on the scale. Hoping everyone will post a few of their own. Here goes : 1. Actually realizing what full feels like for the first time in 57 years 2. Being able to buckle the airplane seatbelt without sliding the buckle to the very end 3. Being able to leave the bathroom after showering with only 1 bath towel wrapped around me instead of 2 4. Being able to tie my sneakers without being out of breath 5. Being able to easily zip last years winter coat and not having to buy a new one like the last few winters 6. Eagerly remembering to take the Fitbit off the charger to track steps and not leave it there for 3 or 4 days before remembering I haven't looked at it 7. Ordering the work team t-shirt and not having to pay the extra price for the sizes past XL 8. Being "that person" at lunch that actually orders the salad with grilled chicken instead of the cheeseburger and fries or tortellini alfredo after eating half the bread basket 9. Realizing you actually bought a piece of clothing because you liked it and not just because it was your size 10. Being able to sleep without waking yourself up with your own LOUD snoring

Had my sleeve done on 10/7, six weeks ago today. I'm happy with my loss so far and all my blood work is completely normal. No more risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and other such obese issues. I have a long way to go, but I know I'll get there in time. Keep it up everybody!!!

Give it time. You get pushed so full of fluids at the hospital that its easy to gain 10-15 pounds just from that! It'll start coming off fast, at least it did for me!

Had mine on 10/22. Doing well so far but the loss is slowing.

Surgery on 10/29. Hard getting in my water and protein

11/05/19 I had the gastric sleeve procedure done at Oasis of Hope w/ Dr. Francisco Gonzalez. I can’t say enough WONDERFUL things about him, the rest of the staff, and the hospital itself. Better medical care than I have received at any hospital in the states. Highly recommend!!

Yesterday, Sun, Nov. 17 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 114.9 lbs ...went out for dinner (and a later coffee, drinks & dessert) with some friends of ours tonight/last night. I now have a new salad dressing I love and its a creamy one! I ordered a “Keto Cobb Salad” and it came with “Keto Green Goddess” dressing. It was #yum. With the exception of blue cheese, I normally don't like creamy salad dressings. But this one was great...I think because it was more sour-creamy and lighter tasting than what I think creamy dressings are like. I googled the recipe and will totally make a batch soon #doubleYum 9:00am - earl grey tea w/ stevia 1:30pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 2.5 oz apple + .75 oz red onion + 1/2 an avocado + 3 oz grilled chicken 7:00-9:00pm - 2/3 of a Keto Cobb Salad (romaine + 3 cherry tomatoes + 1 slice bacon + 1 tbsp blue cheese crumble + cucumber + 1 egg + 1/2 an avocado + 3 oz grilled chicken + 2 tbsp Keto Green Goddess Dressing) + Charcuterie Stuff (3 oz brie + 3 slices salami + 1 slice prosciutto + 3 tbsp fig jam + 1 tbsp honey mustard + 3 gherkins + 1/2 glass red wine 10:00pm to 1:00am - 1.5 glasses red wine + 1 skinny mojito + 2 tequila + 1/4 slice apple crumble pie + 2 americanos w/ stevia Totals: 2137 cals - 66g Protein - 99g NET carbs - 104g fat

Mine is on 11/19. Please add me. Thanks.

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to thank each and every one of you on these pages for being such a great source of support for me personally. Having family, friends and doctors to talk with is great, but there really is no substitute for speaking with someone who actually went through with the surgery. There are many emotions that go into this process that are very difficult for the average person to understand. I thought it might be fun to start a continuing thread that will allow people to find and connect with others in various stages of their VSG process. Please reply with the following info about you and any pearls of wisdom you wish to share. Also indicate whether you are cool with someone sending you a message directly. I’ll share my info to start the process: Date of VSG: 11/11/19 Location: NY Sex: Male Height: 5’7 High Weight: 311 Weight on Surgery Date: 281 Current Weight: 271 (1 week post-op) Goal Weight: 185 Pearls of Wisdom: (1) Stick to the pre-op diet and try to lose as much weight as you can before surgery. It reduces risks and complications of surgery and helps shrink your liver. I know too well that the temptation exists to have one “Last Fun Meal”, but if you can hold strong for two full weeks before going in, you won’t experience carb withdrawals and your body will become more accustomed to having a stomach that is not full of food. (2) Take a before photo and measurements to create a baseline of where you started right before surgery. It will be helpful to you in the weeks and months that follow. (3) Order things you need at home waiting for you before you go in for surgery. This includes things like a variety of different protein shakes, chewable multivitamins, non-carbonated/no-sugar drinks, broth, sugar free popsicles, comfy clothes, some nice fluffy blankets, a wedge to help you sleep on your back facing up, etc. (4) Force yourself to walk after the surgery. The more laps you do at the hospital, the easier the healing process will be and the less pain and discomfort you will have. It also is an excellent way to prevent blood clots, which are a real risk if you stay in bed for several days. When you get home, gradually increase your steps and avoid lifting anything more than 5lbs. (5) Sip liquids slowly. If need be, use a little one oz medicine cup. Also, try liquids at different temperatures. Sometimes super cold liquids create more discomfort. (6) Heating pads of hot packs can offer some relief from gas and bloating if you experience it in the days following the surgery. (7) Use pain meds only as needed. Although they work great, they also cause other things like constipation, which can add to your pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing nausea, ask your doctor for Zofran or some other anti-nausea medicine. It’s real important that you manage the nausea so you can take in the proper amount of liquid and protein after surgery. (8) Listen carefully to every sign your body sends you. If you experience discomfort or nausea, stop and try to isolate the cause, so you don’t repeat it. (9) Avoid stress after surgery at all costs! Don’t feel obligated to tell the whole world you had the surgery right away. In fact, limiting the people you tell, leaves you free to tell your story however you want it to be told. Focus more on the positive reinforcement you will receive when people begin to notice you losing weight. Sometimes telling people you had the surgery leads them to diminish the real efforts you are undertaking to lose weight. As with any weight loss procedure, the VSG only works if you make healthy lifestyle changes. There’s no reason why anyone should think that you had the surgery because you didn’t have the will power to diet and lose it via traditional means. Actually having the surgery IS a lifestyle commitment far more significant than siting on to a diet. (10) Be proud of yourself and the decision you made to take control of your weight issues. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice if your not sure of something. Looking forward to hearing other people’s stories!

Howdy! This is my very first post. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday 11/19 and tomorrow I do clear liquids only, then... THE DAY. I’ve lost 25 lbs so far - 10 to get clearance and 15 in this two-week pre-op diet. I’m nervous/excited!

I just got my gastric sleeve done 11/12/19, I am able to start my full liquid diet but when I go to drink my protein shakes, I can only drink about three sips, how do I force more down I have just been sticking to liquids. Because the attempt of broth or protein shakes make me fuller more quicker and I can’t have as much. I also have been getting this pain it feels like liquid is coming up my throat but doesn’t come back out I don’t know how to describe it.

I’ve been sleeved since 9/24/2019. To date I’ve lost about 107lbs. I never seemed to have any issues with food or anything for a while but lately for the pas few months I’ve been having bouts of severe chest pains. So bad I can hardly move. Often they are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Can’t say that it’s what I eat because often times it comes after eating foods I’ve eaten the entire time since being sleeved like eggs avocado and I usually have no issues. This morning for example I woke up like this. I have had an endoscopy done which found no problems. Today I’ve tried taking an antacid and a gas pill and I’m finding a really no relief. I’ve been laying here in bed all morning with a heating pad trying to get it to pass. Doctors really have nothing to tell me. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Day 17. Doing well in staying within my caloric expectations but some food choices have been questionable only because I am on vacation. Mid month check in: I'm so fearful of even acknowledging my clothing size because I think it's a mirage and will disappear as soon as acknowledged. It is pretty scarily amazing that since 3 months out of surgery (yesterday was the official date) I'm wearing: Size 10 Express Jeans non stretch!!!![emoji15][emoji15][emoji15][emoji15][emoji15][emoji15] I would not have been shocked if it was Old Navy size 10s but Express is ridiculous for their size chart! I went in the store (not been inside since late 20's....a little over 10yrs ago) because I thought that ship has sailed. I tried on the 12s and it was loose, then the 10 fit perfectly without being tight at all. I also got a medium blouse that I rocked at my desert safari excursion yesterday and family members were exclaiming over the pictures!!!!![emoji114][emoji114][emoji114][emoji114][emoji114] I'm only acknowledging it out loud on this thread because this journey has been amazing and so rewarding that after reading other people's experiences and doubting it can be me, and now that it's me, I'm SHOOK!!!!!!! Please for anyone doubting, just know I was there less than 14 weeks ago!! Like SERIOUSLY doubting but trusting what the people who have gone before me said, YOUR TIME WILL COME! Be diligent and do YOU! What am I most grateful for about my job? The fact that I can't do something else! The fact that it does not feel like a job when I do not think about the bureaucracy. The fact that it puts food on the table and clothes on my back. The fact that it's rewarding even when it's thankless. This months challenge has been very apt because I am so so so immensely GRATEFUL about everything [emoji176][emoji176][emoji176][emoji176][emoji176] Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

You know, I had one for years and never used it. As we were moving 4 years ago, I put it out for the recycle bin. And didn't have one til the chaffle craze hit. Now I only have my new little Dash but will look for a big one in the thrift stores for $5 or $10 bucks. It's well worth it cuz these taste incredibly like crisp bread (toast) with crevices for "things" to sink in. If i was eating mayo these days, I'd go cray for these. But the avocado was perfect as are the nut butters or even cream cheese or cinnamon bun cream cheese, etc.