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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.

Congrats. My particular Aetna plan changed 10/24/2019. My surgeon asked to review 3 months of med records for when I saw my PCP for weight loss as he may could use them. Tomorrow is my first appt with the nutritionist. Praying that I only have to 3 months.

I saw this on another forum and thought it worthy to share as it has all the great information and advice we all need for the journey! it is written by Mellissa Gangi and what I had wished I had been told from the very beginning. Sleeve Tips: I'm 10 months post op today and along this journey, so far, I've seen a lot of the same questions or concerns from many. I thought these tips could help! 1. Take preop photos... you'll want them! 2. Protein shakes...I used isopure protein powder and scooped it into 2 oz. of water (u can add ice and blend too) to drink in my immediate postop period. It was much less to drink at a sitting and you still got in your protein. It would take me over an hour to drink each one, but way easier to me. Plus, isopure has multiple flavors and it was reasonably priced. I bought off Amazon. Also, Genepro is an unflavored protein powder that is very popular. It can be added to pretty much anything. The scoop is tiny and it gives 30g of protein per scoop. I use it daily in my morning coffee but if adding it to hot liquids you have to add creamer 1st to cool it down or it will clump up or dissolve in a little warm water 1st then add... the directions are on the bag. It is not completely unflavored and it has a smell to it, but most of us get used to it quickly. Your body can only absorb up to 30g of protein per serving, so anything more than that at once will be wasted and it doesn't count towards your daily goals! 3. STALLS happen...stick to your plan and the scale will move again! You most likely will be losing inches during that time. They can last a few weeks...especially the 3 week stall. The further you are out they may even last longer and at that point you may have to shake things up a bit, maybe a day or 2 most increase your carbs then go back to your plan. Don't get discouraged and try to just be patient. 4. No NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, motrin, etc...) they can cause ulcers...tylenol products are ok and Excedrin Tension is ok (great for headaches) it has tylenol and caffeine in it, no aspirin like the other excedrin products. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your temples help for headaches. 5. Fluid intake...atleast 64 oz of non caffeinated, non carbonated, sugar free fluids but the rule of thumb is drink half of your body weight in ounces. 6. Caffeine and alcohol...follow your surgeons orders. They both can dehydrate you and cause ulcers in the beginning of your journey. And alcohol may affect you differently postop, so be careful. Absorbtion changes postop. 7. Transfer addictions...a lot of bariatric patients give up food for other addictions like shopping and alcohol. Be mindful. 8. Increased chance of pregnancy after surgery. You can be much more fertile. Even if you had problems with it preop. 9. Increased divorce rates postop...I have looked into this because I was curious as to why. I have found that it does indeed increase, but the majority of the couples that do have had issues preop and the spouse that had surgery loses the weight, increases their self esteem and simply won't stand for the same behavior anymore. 10. Sugar/Carbs...1st and foremost, follow your plan. There are reasons why your surgeon and/or nutritionist gives you one, especially while healing and it takes approximately 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. After you are advanced to a "regular" diet, usually about 2 month postop, yes you can eat some sweets or carbs but in moderation. Always try to get your protein in 1st, though. I have chosen to stay away from sugar and certain carbs. I don't crave them, so why reintroduce them. I know me, and moderation is hard for me. 11. Everyone's weightloss journey is different. Try not to compare yourself to the next person. It's hard not to, I know! But their weight, height, sex, medical history all plays a part of it. If you do what you should be doing, you'll lose! 12. Dumping and The Foamies... Dumping occurs when your new tummy just doesn't agree with something you consumed. Dumping occurs more in bypass patients but it can occur with sleeves, also. Symptoms can include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Foamies... you'll know what this is if you get it. It's a lot of phlegm that is produced in your esophagus all of a sudden. It can happen if you eat or drink too fast, or take in too much, or drink right after eating...wait to drink atleast 30 minutes after eating. Plus, if you drink with eating or too close afterwards you flush the food through your belly too fast and you're not absorbing nutrients. 13. Take your vitamins and get in your protein daily! This will not only help your weightloss and prevent vitamin deficiency but it will help with the sunken in look when you lose weight. I was told 60-90g of protein daily, but follow your drs orders. I take 2 flintstones with iron chewables a day because I couldn't tolerate the prescribed multivitamin, in addition to calcium with d3, and magnesium and b12. 14. Gas ex chewables, heating pads, and walking help big time for your gas pains. When I woke up from this surgery I thought I was having a heart attack because the gas was causing chest pains. Also, use the incentive spirometry in the immediate postop period. Anesthesia affects your lungs and it takes 72 hours to completely wear off so the breathing exercises help strengthen them and prevent pneumonia. 15. Heartburn...omeprazole works so well for me. My surgeon prescribed it from day 1 and I love it. 16. Postop hormones... your body almost goes into shock in the 1st 6 weeks or so after surgery from the major changes to it. You may feel different mentally...it does get better but if it's bad talk to your dr about it. 17. Medications... your body can change postop. The same medications you were on preop may be absorbed differently postop so if you notice changes talk to your dr. They may need to be adjusted. And extended release meds may not work as well. 18. Tracking your intake keeps you honest. I love the baritastic app. It also has recipes for all the stages and reminders. 19. Head hunger vs real hunger. This is a lifestyle change, your body needs much less calories postop but you have to retrain your brain. It may take time and that's normal. If you fall off the wagon one day...oh well...get back on it the next. We are all human. Don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself back up. 20. Complications can happen. If your body starts feeling different...new onset pains, nausea, vomiting, passing out, food feeling stuck in esophagus, etc...call your surgeon. You're always better safe than sorry. 21. Abbreviations... HW your highest weight SW what you weighed on your surgery day GW your goal weight CW what you weigh currently NSV non scale victory Nut nutritionist VSG vertical sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve surgery) RNY roux-en-Y (gastric bypass) DS duodenal switch surgery 22. Hair loss or thinning happens. But, it will grow back. I thinned starting at about 4 months. It can last months. Many take biotin supplements for it, I didn't. 23. Get ready to be cold! You're body is changing, it's almost in shock so invest in a Comfy, like me, or electric blanket to keep warm lol. 24. What to bring to the hospital for your surgery stay...a long phone charger, chapstick, your phone, comfy pjs, slippers, a robe, earbuds, and a list of your medical history, surgeries, allergies, and medications with dosages. Others add gas ex chewables but I'm an RN and don't recommend taking any meds from home without the nurses or drs knowledge. Some also say a heating pad to help with gas pains, but walking is best. Also, remember to hug a pillow if you cough or sneeze. It will help! 25. Constipation! It is a part of this journey, unfortunately. The only thing that helps me, and this is not conventional, is sugar free hard candies. A few of those babies (no more than 5 or you'll hate me) and you'll be going within 12 hours. The sugar alcohols do it for me. But, more conventional approaches are benefiber packets, smooth move tea, or miralax. And there's diarrhea in the beginning...liquids in, liquids out. But your 1st bowel movement may take awhile...its all normal. 26. Ketosis...when you cut out sugar and go low carb you're body goes into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state that now uses fat for energy, instead of carbs. It aids in weightloss, but has some side effects like bad breath, body odor, bowel changes, fatigue at 1st but then increased energy the longer you're in it, and insomnia. Those side effects will decrease over time so just invest in mouthwash for the meantime! I know this is a lot, but hopefully it helps! If I missed anything, feel free to chime in. Best of luck to everyone!

Hi there! I have, and the gradual elimination process worked well for me. I still have to eliminate or drastically reduce my caffeine but I have managed to eliminate soda, and almost completely sugar- which if you had told me that 3 months ago I would have died laughing. Making changes in incremental steps was definitely what worked for me, and I wish you the same success! YOU CAN DO IT! I hope I am there with all of you January folks, my final visit with my Dietitian is Tuesday, I have completed all of my pre-requisites (except the endoscopy which is scheduled after final clearance from my Nutrition team), and have lost the 10 pounds required by my surgeon (11 and I will keep going!)! Fingers crossed!

Yesterday, Sat, Nov. 16 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 114.9 lbs ...Had Korean BBQ for dinner with the fam, #yum. ALL MEAT and VEG, all time! The one downside of going to Korean BBQ is that we leave the place smelling like meat, LOL. Also, despite the recent acknowledgement by @Meryline that ice cream is the DEVIL, I proceeded to have some anyway. I kept it to 1/4 cup, but the tiredness and the runs came for a visit anyway. 10:30pm - earl grey tea w/ stevia + coffee w/ stevia 1:30pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 1 snack can Lemon Pepper tuna + 1 tbsp mayo + 1.7 oz apple + .5oz red onion 4:00pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 1.4 oz apple + 1 oz manchego cheese 6:30pm to 9:30pm - Korean BBQ: 3 oz kimchee + 1 oz pickled cucumber + .3 oz bean sprouts + 1 tbsp radish kimchee + 1/4 cup grilled veggies + 4oz grilled chicken + 2 oz grilled pork + 2oz kalbi + 2 oz Bulgolgi + 1/3 oz pork belly + 1 grilled shrimp + probably about 2 tbsp of sugar in the various marinades 12:30pm - 1 KIND bar + 3 Toffifee candies + 1/4 cup Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream Totals: 1960 cals - 139g Protein - 83g NET carbs - 113g fat

I agree how does someone who is 5'5 and 178 pounds even get approved for surgery? Thats only about 25lbs above the high range for that height? And 108lbs is way too low. And to walk 10 miles a day you have to be working out for at least 2-3 hours a day which is nuts on 300 cals a day. Def up your calories and you will feel better but also you had major surgery so yo body is tired and still trying to heal.... You lost 80% of your stomach - that takes awhile to heal.... Hopefully you will feel better soon xox

You are doing great! This is my 6th week and I have only lost 19 lbs. I started at pre op at 203. I was losing fine until I hit the purée stage. Keep up the great work!