In the early stages...

[Shrinking_Cat_11 5]

Hello everyone!

My name is Cat and I wanted to post this message to see if I could meet some new people. I'm in the very early stages of my process, contemplating vertical sleeve surgery.

I've struggled with my weight all my life and I've finally made a decision to take this step. I still have yet to consult with the doctors and everything, but I am very serious about looking into this.

I have an acquaintance who's undergone gastric bypass (i know it's a different process) but she's done very well and says its the best decision she's ever made, and I think I'mread to make this decision for myself.

I feel I'm at a place in my life where this is the right time and I'm actually very excited about it.

I've done a bit of research but I know the best research comes from those who have experienced something themselves, so I found this website.

So, I'm hoping to find some people to help me understand even better what to expect and good ways to maintain my goals, and just have support in general.

Can't wait to meet you all!

~ Cat

[shuhnaynuh 142]

Hi Cat! Welcome to VST! I really hope you find what answers you're looking for here... A few things I can tell you that I don't think I was "ready" for with my surgery is I couldn't really wrap my head around just how little I would be able to eat after... Maybe experiment with portion sizes so you can get an idea also good to start before surgery by not drinking while you eat because you won't be able to after surgery-- just to get used to it not trying to scare ya those are just some adjustments that I had to make because I drank a lot previously

[Traci J. 207]

Welcome Cat, you've come to the right place. I myself am having my surgery on 12/19, but have been on this site for several months during my process and have learned so much about the vsg. There is alot of information on here and most people don't mind answering questions. Just keep in mind everyone is different and their processes may vary, so don't compare yourself to others as you go. Good luck on your journey!

[Shrinking_Cat_11 5]

Thanks for the welcome! I hope this will help be really informed beyond medical jargon i'm sure I'll get from my doctors.

A few things I can tell you that I don't think I was "ready" for with my surgery is I couldn't really wrap my head around just how little I would be able to eat after... Maybe experiment with portion sizes so you can get an idea also good to start before surgery by not drinking while you eat because you won't be able to after surgery-- just to get used to it not trying to scare ya those are just some adjustments that I had to make because I drank a lot previously

I've thought about that, I can certainly try the protion sizes but I'm sure that'll freak me out a little lol, just because its been a long life of eating however much I want. And I had heard about the drinking issue also. Is that like a permanent change? Will I never be able to drink while eating again, or simply for quite some time after the surgery as I'm relearning to eat?

Thanks again for the warm welcome guys!

[shuhnaynuh 142]

You shouldn't ever drink while eating (or so I'm told) I just have a tiny baby sip if I need to but generally I don't drink with my food anymore.. You really get used to it though

[Shrinking_Cat_11 5]

Okay, I think its the thought more than the actual act that makes me wonder. I don't think I actually drink very much while eat as it is...but thinking about not having the option seems like more of a task than it probably will be.

I guess my only other major curiosity at this point, based on self research, is that some of the thing I've read about the re-learning to eat, involves of course introducing foods a little at a time, but eating in sections going from Protein, to fibrous veggie, to other veggie or fruit, to starch. Which doesn't intimidate me, I guess i'm just curious if there will ever be a point that I'd go back to eating foods as they come, like for example when I go out with friends/family. I don't mind either way, and I know everyone is different but I thought I'd ask.

[shuhnaynuh 142]

All I can give you is my experience and I'm only in my 3rd month (ill list my stats at the bottom).. I eat Protein first then whatever I want, but sometimes the Protein can be too heavy so I'll just eat the veggie or whatever. I'm sure there may come a point that you can do both, but at this stage and for at least the next while I would stick to that because of the Vitamins etc that you need to maintain muscle and all that good stuff while you're losing drastically. There are tons of people here that are much farther out than me and I'm sure they will give you some better advice about that

Pre surgery: 240 lbs

Height: 5'-2"

Current weight: 188

Date of surgery: 9/4/12

Total loss: 52 lbs

[marciab30 2]

I am a year and 5 months post op and I can eat foods together but have to be careful with something's like breads, tortillas because they fill me up too much before I can add my Protein. So I still start with protein first and then I can have a bite or two (small bites of breads). For me the portion size wasn't tough because no choice after the surgery, but I struggled because my mind tells me I want more food then I can actually eat. But I can tell you that I can eat anything I want in small portions but I have to make sure to get the foods in that I need first. good luck.

[Shrinking_Cat_11 5]

Both of those replies were very helpful!

I'm completely ready to deal with the portion changes....at least in theory haha.

I know it'll have to change and I don't have any choice, so I can remain pretty practical about that. But I also know my brain won't change and I'll still have my favorite foods, that of course i'll have to hold off on for quite some time. But me being pre-op of course I'm wondering about any likely hood that I can ever eat like a few bites of a tiny kids cheeseburger again lol.

I'm sure I sound kind of naive but apparently my brain finds certain things to question that are frivilous and is perfectly accepting of the more critical details.

[mylastchance21 82]

Cat I completely understand where you are coming from! Like yourself I am in the early stages but I am absolutely terrified! I terrified about why will happen if I don't do this as well as what will happen when I do this!! I know this is a tool and a lifestyle change but I'm just scared my life will never be the same and that frightens me. Will my body ever feel normal or will I always feel sick. I was so ready for this surgery then I went to the information session on Wednesday and I got so scared I was sick to my stomach. I just kept heating the word irreversible and that made me sick.

[Shrinking_Cat_11 5]

That's how I felt the very first time I heard about bariatrics years ago. Back when the only option was gastric bypass and it was still so new.

I kept hearing things like "malnutrition, hair loss, appetite loss, fatal" all the scary buzz words that people throw out not thinking about the fact that they're talking to people already facing a serious life decision, and probably already in a life or death situation, as many who consider bariatrics are (as we're told all our lives its only a matter of time right?)

But since then so much as improved. The surgery has become so much more efficient and the options have changed drastically. I mean now we have vertical sleeve and lap band and everything. it's all loproscopic and there are specialists in every step from pre- to post-op and nutritinal follow up. People are more aware of bariatrics and it's benefits, and with an epidemic like obesity in the US it's necessary that people become very good at what they do.

I can understand being scared, and I'm sure I will go through my terror moments too as I get closer, but I just remind myself that nothing is too terrifying to convince me that an early grave is an option. I don't have major health issues yet *knock on wood* but I have a few (bad knees, easily worn out, pre-diabetes, poor circulation in my legs, PCOS). And I know doing this will give me a much better quality of life. I'll be able to have real confidence, not the facade I've learned to put on around my friends, I'll be able to go to a shopping mall and not feel embarassed as I walk around the clothing racks with my friends buying so many cute things and me with my pair of earrings cause that's all that will fit.

it's what comes after the surgery that motivates me. The idea that i can finally be the person I see in my head and feel in my heart.

[marciab30 2]

Cat - well for me I can eat a cheeseburger but I can eat one not 3 now which is nice but your tastes do change somewhat grease and sugar for me just doesn't taste very good but there are times I will let myself eat that. My nutritionist told me as long as I watch my calories and get my Protein and eat 80% good then the other 20% I can have bad for me foods but not to make it a regular habit. Do I still struggle with my mind wanting that stuff? Yes but it doesn't control me anymore thanks to my sleeve. I know that if I want a small burger I can have it but most of the time I find I choose healthier options. After losing 135 lbs I know that I would rather stay healthy and at a lower weight then to keep eating that stuff and gain, which if I eat enough the lbs do creep up again but I will catch it and then drop them again. And as one of the other posts said I really really like being able to go shopping off the rack now instead of just buying jewelry cuz it's all that will fit good luck to u

[Jordan1923 27]

The short of it is, after the initial 4-6 wk diet after surgery, you can eat and drink anything. I eat and drink together but small amounts of liquid.

The trick to it all is as others have posted is: to stay healthy you need to eat the good foods first as there wont be room for both bad and good.

Example: I ate a piece of toast and was full. So now I buy silver hills small bread which is thinner and smaller so I can eat 2 slices to make a sandwich. In a restaurant I have never been able to finish the whole sandwich. So I always take a doggie bag home.

My favourite thing to order in the pub now is chicken strips or chicken wings as they keep well when I take them home. I always ask for the salad or veggies instead of the fries as I can never eat many fries and they dont keep well.

I went to Mcdonalds to try, I ordered the original hamburger and small fries I was able to finish to burger and half the fries, I used to eat a bigmac and larger fries no problem with room still for desert.

Most of time when I go out, I share a meal with my husband as I usually eat such a small amount, the rest I leave is enough for him, if we want something different then I order the food that keeps well to take home. I have noticed now that I always get 2-3 meals out of 1 restaurant dinner, Good for the pocket book.

Good Luck when you get done

[Shrinking_Cat_11 5]

Again, both very helpful!! Everyone's input really helps put things in perspective. I'm excited about the whole process, not sure if this will make any sense but i'm very excited about the fact that getting the sleeve will almost give me a do over in my diet...making me reteach myself what and how to eat. Does that make any sense?

Cause right now for me it's almost like, yea, I know what I should eat, but I already look like this, why bother? But with the decision to do this, it's like the mental and physical jump I think I need to learn to be healthy.

[iggychic 1,405]

I would have to disagree that after six weeks you can eat anything....maybe some people, but most still have issues with foods at that point, particularly raw fruits, vegies and heavy Proteins. All of our bodies are different, but I'm at 3.5 months from my first surgery, almost two from the second, and I could never eat a small cheeseburger. A few bites yes, but that kind of bread and a greasy burger would kill me if I ate more.

I do eat and drink at the same time. Wine with dinner out, but I sip, not guzzle. I also don't drink Water when I'm doing that. I can eat many things, but heavy sugar is a no no. I can eat 1/4 cup of ice cream, but no more. I do eat carbs, but only complex and nothing white flour. It bothers me within a bite or two. Shrimp is a never which is sad cuz I love it. Your tastes and ability to eat are very changed for at least the first six months, which is why the majority of weight loss happens during that time.