Search the Community

Hello new friends, I am probably on here super early. I don't have a doctor, surgery date, or any of that yet. I can only tell you that about 4 days ago, I got to a point where I was disgusted at the weight I've gotten to. I began crying to my mother (who by the way is 100 pounds and tried to tell me she understood) and I haven't been able to stop crying since. I hate that I can't bend over to tie my shoes, I hate that I can't keep a pair of jeans for longer than 4 months without getting holes in the crotch from the rubbing, I hate that I can't cross my legs, I hate having rashes and the way I smell, and most of all I hate that my poor kids are always bored because I never want to get up as I don't have the energy to do much more beyond getting myself to work every day. You would think that all of this would give me enough motivation to just take the weight off but it doesn't. Instead I get even more depressed, and I eat even more. I know it's wrong yet I keep eating and eating…3 helpings sometimes and then I proceed to eat what is leftover on the kids's plates because I can't bare to waste food. I'm sick. I don't know why I can't stop but it's really spiraling out of control and I need to do something. I got to talking to a couple of friends both of whom I've known for many years. One has had a lap band with much success and the other has had gastric bypass with much success. They both recommended the sleeve ironically. I'm trying to read up on all the surgeries and I guess I feel it may be the right one as well. I've been reading non stop for 3 days now and my next step is to see a doctor. What are the opinions of others on the differences between the three surgeries? My other dilemma, and I know I've read this already from others on here, is am I taking the easy way out or should I just do it with diet and exercise because I have done it before? I've struggled with weight since I was a child. I come from an Italian family where everything revolves around food. I remember my grandmother would make ravioli and at the young age of 6 years old, she would encourage me to eat 10 of them. Then when I ate 10, she would encourage me to eat another 2. Then there was dessert…and never just one choice. It went on like this for years until finally I moved away from my family and decided to try and see what I could do to lose the weight now that food wasn't around every corner. I did everything from good old diet and exercise to fasting. I could never keep it off longer than a month or so. Finally, around the age of 25, after my first son was born, I took most of it off and got down to 125 pounds, which is still heavy for a 5 foot tall woman. It took so much effort that my life had to revolve around diet and exercise. I took Xenadrine, which is now off the shelves (hmmm, I wonder why), I walked to and from work, was on my feet at work teaching all day, ran 4 miles or more each day on top of that, ate absolutely no dairy and very few carbs, ate 5-6 tiny meals each day, and never ever ate after 4pm. I followed every diet tip known to man and was still considered overweight for my height and build. All that work and all it took was me taking a desk job for it to all go to crap. I had lost my teaching job and began working in an office that I couldn't walk to, sat all day, and immediately the weight gain started and I was back to 180 in a matter of months, even though I kept doing most of the other things. Xenadrine was taken off the shelves and there went another 20 pound increase. My lifestyle now would not even allow for part of that. I have three children, barely have time for myself, and I work at a desk for at least 10 hours each day. I get home at 7:00pm starved and just start shoveling the food in. I am really just doing a lot of venting here and would love for someone to tell me I am looking in the right direction with the option of surgery. I plan to make an appointment here in the next few weeks with a doctor but it always helps to have the support of others who understand. If someone thinks I should just suck it up and get myself to diet the normal way again, please say so Thanks for hearing me out and I will be around reading more and more and educating myself as much as possible. I will keep everyone up to date on what the doctor says once I get the appointment.

How many weeks out were folks getting most of their protein from food and not supplements?

I asked the same stupid question so don't feel bad at all. I'm stalled, (I think, havent weighed in a few days) and then upon Googling I noticed that it's a very common concern, especially around the 3 week mark. However, I can tell in how my clothes are fitting that I'm doing just fine. Do read @@Inner Surfer Girls link; great info from her there. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved on Feb 26th and I am feeling discouraged and somewhat depressed on the progress that I am making, not sure if I am on track or behind. My doctor says I am on track and a little ahead but I dont feel like this when I read others post. This last month has been a stall for me. I lost on 4# for the whole month and to be on schedule I should have lost 10# this month. Dr wants 10# a month as he states that the window of weight loss is closing each and everyday. So in reality I started at 378 pound pre surgery, Started the Phentermine diet which helped and got me to 343. was more than excited about the weight loss. Then 2 week pre surgery I was at 316 for surgery day I weighed in at 301. Today I am at 243 and have stalled for a month now I am feeling discouraged and depressed. I have not been much of a liquid drinker and water is not my forte as I use to drink 6-10 cans of coca cola a day. so getting all the water in is hard for me. especailly since most of the drinks were comsumed with my meals. any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated. I have not been measuring my meals and I want to know if there is an app for counting protien? I am just assuming that I am get enough in and I dont think that I am since I am losing my hair like crazy. I try to eat fresh veggies and alot of Chicken, Steak, Fish, and Turkey. I am almost tired of eating chicken alot. I am still greatful that I did have the surgery and I know that this is only a tool to help me succeed, but my exercise consisted of walk/run on the treadmill for a mile, then some weightlifting for 30mins. any suggestions on this would be helpful. I can not afford to go to a gym. Any positive suggestions would be greatful please no negative posts as I feel bad already and struggling with my choices. Thanks everyone.

I had my sleeve on May 7th, 2014. To my surprise it has gone really well. I did not have any pain medication until I got ready to leave the hospital. And there after really had no need for any. And believe me I am not one for pain. I have 5 small incisions that were covered with a glue type sealant. My doctor gave me a prescription of a cream for the scar that was for pain and another for the scar to heal better. I have B12, prilosac, Iron , Calcium caltrate, and Vitamin d. I think I am most impressed with the lack of pain. I do find it hard to scarf down 60 grams of Protein because it is almost like my stomach crittles up when I drink something. I don't have a lot of energy either probably because of the lack of protein. But just curious what kind of Soups you eat in week 2. I am big Bisque eater. I love mushroom bisque, tomatoe bisque, lobster and crap bisque, etc? Also I WAS (Lord, knows if I will be now) a BIG Mexican food eater could eat it Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Has anyone had any trouble tolerating Mexican food? Any other tips for post op? Starting Weight 236.2 Surgery Weight 228.6 Current Weight: ?

OK I have jumped through all the hoops that the insurance wanted including 3 months of medically supervised weight loss. Now I'm waiting for United Healthcare to deny me so that they can bump it to my husband's Blue Cross Blue Shield for approval. United Healthcare doesn't cover it at all. Wish they would hurry up and deny me already. Just to throw a wrench in the process my company will be changing from United to Aetna as of Feb. 1st. Spoke to my patient advocate and she said they have to get a denial from Aetna too. Aetna doesn't cover it either. This waiting is agonizing.

Forgot to post this recipe last night. I know a few of you asked for it. This was A-MA-ZING!!! My husband, who isn't a huge fan of eating healthy LOL had 2 big plates of it and asked me if I can make it a regular thing!!!! I served with brown rice, but honestly, I filled up on the meat and forgot all about the rice. Enjoy! Here is the recipe: Original Recipe Yield 6 servings Ingredients 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips garlic powder to taste 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cube beef bouillon 1/4 cup hot Water 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 teaspoon salt Directions 1. Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker. 2. Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. 3. Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 302 | Total Fat: 15.8g | Protein: 28.2g Servings Per Recipe: 6

Congrats back2reality! I'm 3 days postop and ready for the new me. I've lost 3 pounds since my surgery already! Hope your recovery is speedy! Jen

Hello fellow New South Welshman! I'm in Sydney, whereabouts are you? 8 weeks is super exciting, it'll fly by in no time. Which procedure are you getting?

I had mine the day after surgery - and it was at least a week early. I'm guessing it had to do with the 2 week all liquid diet (I lost 11 lbs), and then just the stress of surgery? or it was just a fluke. We will see what next month brings.

Hi Stacyann, My surgery was on June 30, 2014 and while I was not outwardly nervous the day I had surgery, my blood pressure said something totally different! I have never had high blood pressure at all, but the day of my surgery when they checked, it was 204! Little beepers went off! I realized I was internally scared, but had only found bariatric pal two days before my surgery. After about 5 minutes of deep breathing and telling myself that so many people I knew had surgery with the Dr. I had also chosen, my blood pressure came down to 130/74 and I got a hold of myself! I had a drain and it did not bother me, but the last day it began to be a little sore. I had stopped taking pain meds and it was not painful - just sore. Because I was checking out that day they took it out. I took a deep breath, clenched my tummy muscles and it was a breeze when they took it out. No pain. The drain hole healed up very quickly, too! 7 days after surgery it was healed and is the size of a pencil eraser. My surgeon used an anesthetic pack for my stomach. It was a pouch that I wore around my neck and two little bitty (and I mean super tiny) tubes delivered anesthetic directly to my stomach during my hospital stay. So I really felt very little, if any pain after surgery. Once I came home, other than needing a nap in the afternoons and trying to make sure I walked, I really have had no pain. When I did have pain I found it was from becoming lactose intolerant - a very common issue after surgery. Lactose free milk is just plain gentler on your stomach and once I switched, it has been great. I am due for my 2 week post op appointment in 5 days and other than drinking shakes for meals, I don't feel like I have had surgery. No pain, no discomfort. I know everyone's different, but I want you to know the my truth. I also had many friends and family praying for me and that feeling surrounded me as I took comfort in knowing I was cared for. Keep asking questions and know that we are all in this together. (No high school musical song pun intended!) Lissa

I'm on week 2 if the purée stage and I actually gained a pound! What am I doing wrong?! Please help! Advise, suggestions, recommendation welcomed! PLEASE! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Had my Dr. appointment yesterday. I lost a pound since the last visit (5 weeks). It was very busy as they had to fit all the afternoon patients in in the morning because the PA wasn't going to be able to do the pm appointment. Well I talked to the PA in training, and she seemed nice enough but still asked questions that were really odd to me--like if my hypertension was better---umm yup I am fat, but no I don't have hypertension and never had, if anything my BP runs on the low side.:thumbup: Next she asked where I thought I was ...yelllow, green or red. I said yellow as I am always hungry and am eating off of a salad plate rather than a saucer. Shared that I get hungry between meals and that I am getting all my protien in. I asked about hair loss since it is coming out in thick gobs when I wash my hair, She told me that I wasn't really losing that much hair, it was just my imagination...seriously, you can see my scalp:sad:. When she asked about exercise I shared that I walked 2 days per week in the summer plus I go to the gym 3 times per week and do 40 minutes of cardio and about a half hour of free weights. I added that since the weather had turned rather cruddy for walking I had added an extra day of cardio. She told me that the exercise I am doing will only help me to maintain my weight and not to lose any. WTH, I didn't do much of anything before being banded. Next she told me to cut out snacking before bed...again WTH, I never eat after dinner even if I am hungry. I explained all of this and felt like she thought I was lying about what I eat and how much I exercise since there was only a 1 pound loss:mad2:. Next comes in the reg PA. She said add biotin to help with the hair loss and double check to be certain I am getting my 80 grams of protien. Said to keep exercising and add extra gym time if the walking outdoors wont work due to weather. She says lets go with a bigger fill this time, I think you need it. This sounds all good. She however decides to let PA in training do the fill...she missed the port, ok so try again, misses the port but thinks she can root around with the needle to get it in. Now I am saying ouch and have tears streaming down my face:crying:. Reg PA takes a look... umm she is off by an inch and a half, remove needle and reg PA does the fill. It is all good, but I am still hurting 24 hours later. Reg PA tells PA in training that sometimes belly fat and scar tissue can be tricky and make you think it is the port---ok may be true, but my port sticks out and you can feel it pretty easily. Plus hey I 'm right here in the room and do not need to feel like her error is my fault for being fat, heck I am here becasue I am fat!:thumbup: So, now I am being extra careful to do the sequence of food progression so I don't get any stuck episodes to casue extra swelling. I bought the biotin and started taking those, but I still feel like she really thought I was laying around eating twinkies. BTW inches are still melting off rapidly and I had to go out and get all mnew pants for work. Oh well at least my students are seeing a difference..."Wow, Mrs. M, you lost a TON of weight" and I'm thinking thanks, could you call my PA in training!:tt2:

I was on clear liquids for three days and then moved to full liquids. I am supposed to be on this for 1-2 weeks, then puréed, then soft.

6 weeks.

So, now that I'm almost 3 months out and down 37 lbs since surgery, 61 lbs total since i started in April, ppl have started to really notice my weight loss. So many people ask me how I'm doing it, and I hate that I feel so weird being honest that I had weight loss surgery. I always feel like they are judging me. I know I shouldn't care, but it bothers me that I do! Does anyone else feel this way?

Best wishes to all being sleeved this week!

First off...I'm new to this site. So...HELLO EVERYONE! For insurance purposes, I'm on the fast track for surgery. I'm HOPING to have surgery the week before Thanksgiving. My nutritionist informed me that I will have to be on a liquid diet for 8 days before surgery. What are some of your favorite liquid-based meal replacements? I have my booklet that she gave me and I plan on following that. I would like ideas from my peers to see what their thoughts are. Thanks in Advance!

Laura, You're doing great! Glad that stall broke and even happier to see that you're incorporating exercise into your routine! That seems to be the hardest part to get started doing, but it's SO essential!

Actually I started taking high quality Vitamins containing a LOT of highly absorbable Biotin and Iron about 2-3 months prior to my surgery. Right after my surgery my hair was the thickest it has ever been BUT at about the 3 month mark my hair also started thinning. I do NOT sell vitamins and have no financial vested interest but I highly recommend Country Life Biotin in 5mg x2 per day or 10mg x1 per day. 10mg is the ABSOLUTE maximum that you should take in a day. You can get Country Life vitamins at Amazon, most Whole Foods, and online at Lucky Vitamin. I also take some Vitron C iron supplement, which you can get at Walmart. It must be taken 2 hours before and after any Calcium intake (calcium interferes with the absorption of iron). How do I know that this all works? Besides my hair growing back, my eyebrows, upper lip, and leg hair are also growing like crazy. So there is a lot of extra tweezing waxing and shaving going on but boy oh boy is it worth it. It is perfectly normal for most folks to have hair loss 3-9 months out. Even with the vitamins that is when my hair thinning was at its worst. Just remember that if your hair doesn't start growing back right away , that doesn't mean its not working. It takes 3 months for just about ANYTHING to have a real effect on your hair. Good luck!

I'm 9 weeks out and sweet things don't taste right to me either. I used to have a crazy sweet tooth. Brownies, donuts, cookies. You name it. Now, I couldn't care less about sweets. My daily protein shake is good enough for me. I'm shocked about it acutally. I hope it stays that way.

Hey Guys, Yesterday I decided that I would treat myself to a small piece of chocolate. I know that sugar is not recommended during the weight loss phase, but I just wanted to see how I would feel about it post surgery and I was confident it wouldn't become a habit. Honestly, it tasted wrong. It was WAY too sweet, artificial tasting, and left me with a sore throat and generally feeling like crap for a couple of hours. So now I've learnt my lesson. I can't believe after only two weeks my taste has changed so much. I have seen that quite a few people here have found that sweet things no longer float their boat. I was wondering why this happens? I'm certainly not complaining, but am just interested.