POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery Reviews
34 Y.o. with Lifetime Weight Battle Decides to Get Gastric Sleeve - India
UPDATED FROM ShelleyP
10 months post
10.5 months post and 73 lbs down!
$6,500
Hi Everyone,
For those I was talking with and who were following me at the beginning of my journey, I'm so sorry for the lack of updates. In short, I'm doing well. I didn't have any complications with the surgery, and once I got back into my routine, the weight really started falling off. At first, I was able to maintain an excercise routine, but as I've been busy with work and hunting for a new job, it's kinda fell by the wayside. As for my weight, it has slowed down to a snail crawl since January, so once I was about 7 months out. I think I've only lost 10 lbs since January. My doctor says I should've lost more by now, and I agree. Its definitely my fault as I have not been able to kick the sugar habit or maintain a strict enough diet and excercise plan. I do notice that when I up my protein, I tend to lose more that week. I'm now trying to get back on track with my food and working out, so figured updating here would be a good start.
Overall, I'm really happy with where I am. On the day of surgery, I weighed in at a miserable 258 lbs! Now I'm down to 185 lbs :). I feel good and healthy and it's amazing to go shopping and not worry about clothes fitting...cuz now, they always do! What's even crazier is that in H&M I've had to buy a size medium in tops!!!! (What?!)
As for my diet, I try to eat healthy and usually have a smoothie or an egg for breakfast. I always pack my lunch and usually make my dinner too, which is some meat and veggies, or a sandwich or yogurt. The reason I haven't lost as much as I should is the sugar I still put in my coffee, and the too frequent chocolate treats. :(
As for my body, I actually think I looked better a few years back at a slightly higher weight. That coulda been because I was younger, or because I had lost the weight through rigorous exercise and diet, so my body was more toned. For sure, my big booty has gotten a bit small, so I know I need to hit the gym and tone it up!!!
As for my skin, my doctor was absolutely amazing and you can't even see my scars on my stomach...actually, I've started rocking high wasted jeans with midriffs with relative confidence :) My skin definitely isn't as firm though. I would like to lose another 20 lbs, getting me down to 165 (93 lbs lower than surgery) and I'm a bit scared of what my skin will look like. I know I will need some reconstructive surgery after I get to goal. Namely for my breasts, arms, thighs and possibly my tummy depending on how it looks. I know it's not something I should focus on now as I still have a ways to go...but it does worry me a bit.
Overall, this has definitely been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and although I'm far from perfect or over my "food issues", life is a hellava lot better post sleeve!
For those I was talking with and who were following me at the beginning of my journey, I'm so sorry for the lack of updates. In short, I'm doing well. I didn't have any complications with the surgery, and once I got back into my routine, the weight really started falling off. At first, I was able to maintain an excercise routine, but as I've been busy with work and hunting for a new job, it's kinda fell by the wayside. As for my weight, it has slowed down to a snail crawl since January, so once I was about 7 months out. I think I've only lost 10 lbs since January. My doctor says I should've lost more by now, and I agree. Its definitely my fault as I have not been able to kick the sugar habit or maintain a strict enough diet and excercise plan. I do notice that when I up my protein, I tend to lose more that week. I'm now trying to get back on track with my food and working out, so figured updating here would be a good start.
Overall, I'm really happy with where I am. On the day of surgery, I weighed in at a miserable 258 lbs! Now I'm down to 185 lbs :). I feel good and healthy and it's amazing to go shopping and not worry about clothes fitting...cuz now, they always do! What's even crazier is that in H&M I've had to buy a size medium in tops!!!! (What?!)
As for my diet, I try to eat healthy and usually have a smoothie or an egg for breakfast. I always pack my lunch and usually make my dinner too, which is some meat and veggies, or a sandwich or yogurt. The reason I haven't lost as much as I should is the sugar I still put in my coffee, and the too frequent chocolate treats. :(
As for my body, I actually think I looked better a few years back at a slightly higher weight. That coulda been because I was younger, or because I had lost the weight through rigorous exercise and diet, so my body was more toned. For sure, my big booty has gotten a bit small, so I know I need to hit the gym and tone it up!!!
As for my skin, my doctor was absolutely amazing and you can't even see my scars on my stomach...actually, I've started rocking high wasted jeans with midriffs with relative confidence :) My skin definitely isn't as firm though. I would like to lose another 20 lbs, getting me down to 165 (93 lbs lower than surgery) and I'm a bit scared of what my skin will look like. I know I will need some reconstructive surgery after I get to goal. Namely for my breasts, arms, thighs and possibly my tummy depending on how it looks. I know it's not something I should focus on now as I still have a ways to go...but it does worry me a bit.
Overall, this has definitely been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and although I'm far from perfect or over my "food issues", life is a hellava lot better post sleeve!
ShelleyP's provider
UPDATED FROM ShelleyP
17 days post
17 days post op...Woosh!
Hey All,
So after my last post where I was frustrated with my stall so early out, I did some research. There's something called a "woosh effect" (this is a scientific term). They did studies on men who were on a low calorie/starvation diet and noticed they started dropping weight slower and slower. Then when they reached a goal they celebrated with a high calorie meal. The next day the men all lost a considerable amount of weight. (The fat was like..."Whoosh, I'm outta here!") So after checking in with some people here, talking with my Dr. and doing some research, I realized that I was not getting nearly enough protein or calories. The next day I switched to having 2 protein shakes as opposed to 1 and added a poached egg. And WOOSH! After 3 days I'm down to 110kg/242! So that's a loss of 3 kg or 6.6 lbs in 3 days. Crazy!
As for exercise, I'm still walking 25-40 min day. I had added some low impact aerobic and toning videos, but then after one I noticed my stomach was really sore where the doctor sewed my muscle...it almost felt like I tore it a bit. So now, I'm taking it easy as I don't want to mess anything up! I'm getting a bit restless and bored though because I really want to be out and about hiking and kayaking etc, and instead I'm just kinda lying around. Hoping my tummy soreness will be gone next week and I can start doing a bit more.
Hope all my fellow sleeves are doing well. Will post again at 3 weeks out. Much love!
So after my last post where I was frustrated with my stall so early out, I did some research. There's something called a "woosh effect" (this is a scientific term). They did studies on men who were on a low calorie/starvation diet and noticed they started dropping weight slower and slower. Then when they reached a goal they celebrated with a high calorie meal. The next day the men all lost a considerable amount of weight. (The fat was like..."Whoosh, I'm outta here!") So after checking in with some people here, talking with my Dr. and doing some research, I realized that I was not getting nearly enough protein or calories. The next day I switched to having 2 protein shakes as opposed to 1 and added a poached egg. And WOOSH! After 3 days I'm down to 110kg/242! So that's a loss of 3 kg or 6.6 lbs in 3 days. Crazy!
As for exercise, I'm still walking 25-40 min day. I had added some low impact aerobic and toning videos, but then after one I noticed my stomach was really sore where the doctor sewed my muscle...it almost felt like I tore it a bit. So now, I'm taking it easy as I don't want to mess anything up! I'm getting a bit restless and bored though because I really want to be out and about hiking and kayaking etc, and instead I'm just kinda lying around. Hoping my tummy soreness will be gone next week and I can start doing a bit more.
Hope all my fellow sleeves are doing well. Will post again at 3 weeks out. Much love!
Replies (5)
July 24, 2015
Oh, so here are my goals...Doc said I could lose 26 lbs in the first month, so that's my first goal.
Aug 7: 232
Sept 2: 220 (My birthday! and they weight I met my ex at on my Bday 2 years ago)
After that my next big goal is to get to onderland by christmas. I'm not sure yet what my final goal will be. Maybe 165/160. I dunno. At this point I can't even imagine myself smaller, but doc says he sees me losing 100 lbs! Crazy!
Aug 7: 232
Sept 2: 220 (My birthday! and they weight I met my ex at on my Bday 2 years ago)
After that my next big goal is to get to onderland by christmas. I'm not sure yet what my final goal will be. Maybe 165/160. I dunno. At this point I can't even imagine myself smaller, but doc says he sees me losing 100 lbs! Crazy!
July 24, 2015
I completely agree with you on that! My doc said 100 lbs also, I can't imagine, but I am hoping he is correct.
July 24, 2015
Definitely the protein boosthelped. My doc told me high protein is key for rapid weight loss and every time I miss my daily recommended amount of 60-70 grams a day, my weight loss is slower. Glad you found something that works for you!!!
July 30, 2015
You are doing the right thing. Heal up then attack. Make sure you are up to around 400 or more calories and 4 weeks out from surgery before you start really attacking your workout. I just had my 3 months fallow up with my dr. I was down 92 pounds. He sat a goal of -130 pounds and I said no way. Not attainable. Now I understand it's possible. It's gonna happen. 38 more to go. So believe it. As long as you work and believe it will happen. Don't drink your calories. Protien first and lay off the carbs and sugar it will happen. Crazy but it works if you just listen.
July 30, 2015
Hey Vikes, that's awesome!!! I'm only 21 days post op and down 31 lbs, and my doc said I should lose 100. I'm just starting on soft food, how can I maximize my weight loss by doing what you mentioned, not drinking my calories? I was told the fastest way to get my 70 grams of protein is by mixing a scoop of protein that is at least 20 grams of protein with 3-4 oz of liquid, 3 x a day. I find it very difficult to get this protein in along with all the water, don't even mention anything additional, it just won't go in. Any suggestions, you seem to be breezing thru this.
UPDATED FROM ShelleyP
14 days post
2 Weeks Post-Op: Not happy :(
Hi Realselfers,
Today marks my 2 week post op surgervirsary...and I am not happy. I have been having 1 to 2 protein shakes a day and eating a little bit of soup, purred veg, and/or lentils in between. I've even been walking daily and doing a light exercise video and yet....I haven't lost an ounce :( In fact, the other day I was back up to 115 Kg! I read that your body can go into starvation mode and not want to drop any weight, so the next 2 days I tried to eat more...yesterday I ate the most, having 1 protein shake and 3 small meals, and this morning it did go back down to 113 kg. But ugh! Doc said I should lose 10% of my body weight in the first month (26lbs) with 5% the first week (13 lbs) and the other 5 over the next 3 weeks. I've only lost 9 lbs total and that was in the first 5 days...then nothing after.
On another note...I think I dumped the other day. I was watching a video by a US doctor who was talking about the food stages and he said adding fruit to a protein shake was ok. So...I added a small banana (you know the little ones?) to my shake in the morning. Well, I felt sick for the next few hours, frequently running to the bathroom and just feeling bad all together. That day I only had 2 protein shakes total. So I'm guessing that the banana had too much sugar and my body can't handle that right now.
Today I moved on to poached eggs and yesterday I had a soup with soft veggies and tofu that I didn't puree...so food-wise, I think I'm moving forward. It's crazy how little I can get down, and honestly, I think I push it at every meal cuz I'm always a bit uncomfortable after eating. As for water...I'm struggling. Its very difficult for me to get it all in, especially since we're not supposed to drink anything for 30 min before or after eating. Back home I loved water with lemon, but here they don't have lemons (crazy, right?) just limes, so I'm making do. I really wish I could find something like crystal light over here, but so far the only diet beverages I found are sodas. I typically don't drink that stuff cuz its full of chemicals, but at this point, I don't care. I just want something refreshing!
So my plan this week is to continue walking, try to eat a bit more or get at least 2 shakes in, and get more water. Hopefully, next week I'll have some better numbers to report.
Today marks my 2 week post op surgervirsary...and I am not happy. I have been having 1 to 2 protein shakes a day and eating a little bit of soup, purred veg, and/or lentils in between. I've even been walking daily and doing a light exercise video and yet....I haven't lost an ounce :( In fact, the other day I was back up to 115 Kg! I read that your body can go into starvation mode and not want to drop any weight, so the next 2 days I tried to eat more...yesterday I ate the most, having 1 protein shake and 3 small meals, and this morning it did go back down to 113 kg. But ugh! Doc said I should lose 10% of my body weight in the first month (26lbs) with 5% the first week (13 lbs) and the other 5 over the next 3 weeks. I've only lost 9 lbs total and that was in the first 5 days...then nothing after.
On another note...I think I dumped the other day. I was watching a video by a US doctor who was talking about the food stages and he said adding fruit to a protein shake was ok. So...I added a small banana (you know the little ones?) to my shake in the morning. Well, I felt sick for the next few hours, frequently running to the bathroom and just feeling bad all together. That day I only had 2 protein shakes total. So I'm guessing that the banana had too much sugar and my body can't handle that right now.
Today I moved on to poached eggs and yesterday I had a soup with soft veggies and tofu that I didn't puree...so food-wise, I think I'm moving forward. It's crazy how little I can get down, and honestly, I think I push it at every meal cuz I'm always a bit uncomfortable after eating. As for water...I'm struggling. Its very difficult for me to get it all in, especially since we're not supposed to drink anything for 30 min before or after eating. Back home I loved water with lemon, but here they don't have lemons (crazy, right?) just limes, so I'm making do. I really wish I could find something like crystal light over here, but so far the only diet beverages I found are sodas. I typically don't drink that stuff cuz its full of chemicals, but at this point, I don't care. I just want something refreshing!
So my plan this week is to continue walking, try to eat a bit more or get at least 2 shakes in, and get more water. Hopefully, next week I'll have some better numbers to report.
Replies (5)
July 21, 2015
The difference between your diet and mine during the first months is I only had protien. Almost no carbs at all. I also didn't use protien shakes. If I were to use s shake I only would've used one without sugar. Eggs, fish, chicken ... things like that. At week 3 I was eating 300 calories and probably 50 grams of protein. Week 4... 400 calories. Almost no carbs. Low or no fruit. Very little vegetables. This isn't a great long term diet but it worked for a short time. I think you are eating way to many carbs for this phase. Ultimately I'm not a dr or an expert. Talk to your dr. Look at carbs before you eat stuff. Try to eat less that 10 grams of carbs a day for as long as you can. Cut fruit all together. Retried beans are the exception. Eat one or two servings a day to keep regular and give you some natural healthy carbs. That's what I did. It worked.
July 21, 2015
I can't imagine eating food and meat yet. What I am able to eat, cottage cheese, soft veggies, tofu, lentils, doesn't feel so great going down. I had a poached egg this morning which made me feel stuffed, but ok. Will try to eat at least an egg everyday and cut out the fruit. Thanks for your response!
July 21, 2015
My diet is quite a bit different than both of yours. Only liquids, yogurt counting as liquid, for the first 2 weeks. Puréed foods weeks 3 and 4. Soft foods weeks 5 and 6. My nutritionist also told me only fruit if I have gotten in my required protein...so I won't be having fruit for quite sometime.
My protein shakes don't have sugar, but I am so sick of the taste....looking forward to puréed food stage.
My protein shakes don't have sugar, but I am so sick of the taste....looking forward to puréed food stage.
July 21, 2015
Hi Shelly, I guess every Dr is different with the post-op diet. I was doing an all liquid (jello, freeze pops, water, juice, and Gatorade...all no sugar added) diet my first 2 weeks out of surgery. We were told to not drink any alcohol until 6 weeks post-op and NO CARBONATED drinks until after 3 months. I put that in caps because I see where you said you're drinking sodas. I lost a total of 30lbs my first month. I'm now 4 months post-op and has lost a total of 60lbs. Don't let the amount of weight you're losing stress you out. You will eventually get there. It's only been 2 weeks and some weight loss is better than no weight loss. hopefully before this week is out, you will see the scale go down. Keep your head up, it'll get better. TRUST ME
July 21, 2015
Nope, no sodas. I just said the only diet drinks available are sodas. I'm just drinking water. Sometimes tea.
July 22, 2015
Thats good....You will have your ups and downs. I went throughit all my first month. I was depressed, had my doubts about this surgery, and stressed over my weight when it slowed down. It eventually had gotten better. It will get better for you too!
July 21, 2015
I was strictly clear liquids only for the first two weeks. Nothing even remotely close to anything solid. The next two weeks, I was allowed to go to full liquids, which basically allowed me milk and soups other than straight broth, but still nothing solid. It wasn't until week 4 that I could have solids, and even then only puréed. I agree with the other posters that you're probably doing too much, too soon. It's also possible there's too much sodium in what you're consuming and that's causing your body to retain water. I struggle with the fluid intake, so my medical team gave me permission to start drinking 15 minutes after eating instead of waiting 30 minutes. Maybe yours can do the same for you.
December 2, 2015
I had the same situation...after my first appointment I did not loose a lot of weight and I found myself being disappointed. I started drinking ALL my water and BOOM! I started loosing weight again. I would suggest staying away from sugar and just have a cup of water with you... And drink zips every few minutes...water is the big difference
Replies (2)