Had sleeve gastrectomy

commissionette
commissionette Posts: 25 Member
edited November 8 in Health and Weight Loss
I had a sleeve gastrectomy in July. I am past the "easy" weight loss and am now trying to reteach myself healthy eating habits. Anybody else in this category? The "magic" of the surgery only lasted the first two months. I am not gaining but I am really at a standstill right now.

Replies

  • bahuber5477
    bahuber5477 Posts: 9 Member
    i have had the lap band and I have honestly worked hard for my weight loss. Its easy to fall into bad eating habits and eat whats easy. Nothing about weight loss surgery is easy. Its a whole lifestyle change. It is basically forced upon you if your ready or not. If you don't change your eating habits and exercise habits for life you will not be successfully long term. Good luck to you in your weight loss journey. Its exciting and fun however its a ton of work. Definitely worth it! :)
  • MKEgal
    MKEgal Posts: 3,250 Member
    commissionette wrote:
    I had a sleeve gastrectomy in July. I am past the "easy" weight loss and am now trying to reteach myself healthy eating habits. Anybody else in this category? The "magic" of the surgery only lasted the first two months. I am not gaining but I am really at a standstill right now.
    I suggest checking the groups for people who have had that surgery.
    The message boards in general are not kind to people who do anything other than eat right & exercise.
    Heck, I caught flack for using an appetite suppressant for a few months to get mine under control.

    Not trying to be mean, but I think it's sad that your medical team didn't do a better job preparing & educating you. :disappointed::confused::cry:
    You needed to learn how to eat right long before you had surgery (and beyond simply eating healthy foods, your needs have changed w/r/t amount & macros),
    plus you should have been warned that the surgery isn't magic, you still need to control calories in + exercise, and it's going to be a lifelong problem (not being able to eat normally) because half your stomach is missing.

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  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    No worries about being mean. I actually was very educated before going into it. Being educated and practicing it are two entirely different stories. Also, just a little background on me. I was quite fit, fantastic eating habits and exercise has always been an amazing stress reducer for me. However, six years ago I had major back surgery and they put me on Cymbalta for the pain mgt. I gained almost 70lbs while taking that. I took myself off of the meds when doctors didn't seem concerned about my weight gain. A month later my mom passed away, and two days after that, one of my four daughters was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She is now 9yrs old, expectancy is 10-14yrs. Needless to say, my life for these past few years has been about everyone else besides me. My dad just passed on Feb 1st at 61yrs so now both parents are gone. I would try and fail time and again with weight loss because of the stress of my daughter's illness, and then life in general being mom of 4 and a cops wife...you know, that normal stuff life gives you :) I would always fall behind telling myself I should just be happy...we never know when we'll die. Bad excuse but I needed the jump start unless I wanted to end up gone and leave my kids without a mother. This is why I decided on the surgery. I'm a strong woman so not afraid of being judged...we're judged no matter what we do. I'll overlook those responses. The "magic" was put in there because it is the biggest misconception about the surgeries for weight loss. That wasn't for my benefit, but for those who are a bit closed minded about the entire process. I've actually never worked harder for something in my life as far as self control. The difference now compared to life before surgery when I was very fit is that the stress levels I face are off the charts. Knowing you are raising a dying child in itself is a hefty load, add a daughter in college, one in her junior year of high school, and then the youngest doing common core :smiley: All of this with no parental guidance, no doctors who understand the ultra rare condition that is taking my daughter's life, and I'm not doing half bad. I am reaching out before anything turns bad. I did not go this far to fail. BTW, nobody should catch flack for doing anything to try to make themselves healthier! If you need to try to control your appetite, by all means, do what is right for you!!
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    Oh and as far as exercise goes, I have a personal trainer. I am at the gym with her three days a week, and cardio four days or more.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    commissionette wrote: »
    No worries about being mean. I actually was very educated before going into it. Being educated and practicing it are two entirely different stories. Also, just a little background on me. I was quite fit, fantastic eating habits and exercise has always been an amazing stress reducer for me. However, six years ago I had major back surgery and they put me on Cymbalta for the pain mgt. I gained almost 70lbs while taking that. I took myself off of the meds when doctors didn't seem concerned about my weight gain. A month later my mom passed away, and two days after that, one of my four daughters was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She is now 9yrs old, expectancy is 10-14yrs. Needless to say, my life for these past few years has been about everyone else besides me. My dad just passed on Feb 1st at 61yrs so now both parents are gone. I would try and fail time and again with weight loss because of the stress of my daughter's illness, and then life in general being mom of 4 and a cops wife...you know, that normal stuff life gives you :) I would always fall behind telling myself I should just be happy...we never know when we'll die. Bad excuse but I needed the jump start unless I wanted to end up gone and leave my kids without a mother. This is why I decided on the surgery. I'm a strong woman so not afraid of being judged...we're judged no matter what we do. I'll overlook those responses. The "magic" was put in there because it is the biggest misconception about the surgeries for weight loss. That wasn't for my benefit, but for those who are a bit closed minded about the entire process. I've actually never worked harder for something in my life as far as self control. The difference now compared to life before surgery when I was very fit is that the stress levels I face are off the charts. Knowing you are raising a dying child in itself is a hefty load, add a daughter in college, one in her junior year of high school, and then the youngest doing common core :smiley: All of this with no parental guidance, no doctors who understand the ultra rare condition that is taking my daughter's life, and I'm not doing half bad. I am reaching out before anything turns bad. I did not go this far to fail. BTW, nobody should catch flack for doing anything to try to make themselves healthier! If you need to try to control your appetite, by all means, do what is right for you!!

    I have no advice, but my heart goes out to you regarding your hardships. You indeed sound like a strong person.
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    Thanks :) Oh..and I just finished my first 5k :) My 16yr old is a runner so lots of support there. Just need the support with retraining my brain and it's relationship with food!!
  • hortensehildegarde
    hortensehildegarde Posts: 592 Member
    Wow, what a story!

    I was commenting the other day about how I felt like I didn't "deserve" to be overweight as I have pretty much unlimited time to devote to food prep and exercise, no health issues and don't really have anything proper to be stressed about yet still ended up more than a hundred pounds overweight. It's stories like this that make me feel kind of lame.

    I was (am) just lazy and spoiled. I never cease to be impressed with what amazing people there are in the world.

    I think a lot of us are relearning healthy eating habits. For me it was just a matter of adjusting what was present in the house and surrounding myself with good options. I agree with those who have mentioned seeking out the groups dedicated to people who have undergone surgery as I'd imagine those subsets of people could relate to your specific issues better. I know a friend who had surgery who barfs if she eats the wrong thing so from what I gather there are some surgery-related things that are unique to people who have had it.

    I'd have to say I think anyone who has a weight-loss surgery must be quite brave. The thought of it terrifies me and the thought of having to limit the amount and type of food I can comfortably eat for the rest of my life also terrifies me. So yeah you sure do sound brave to me on many levels OP! My heart goes out to you as well.
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    Thankfully I do not vomit!! My doctor said typically with the sleeve, that doesn't happen unless you overeat? I know with the lap band and the bypass it is much more common. I feel odd reaching out to a group solely dedicated on stomach surgery. I'm not sure how that sounds, but I feel my eating issues are overly obvious, (stress and emotion) and I feel like it's not an issue from surgery itself. Make sense? I thought maybe if I were here, with others who may or may not have gone through the surgery and are "stuck" like I am, it would help to connect? I'm more concerned with the stuck part than the surgery...I see how my first post makes it seem like I'm reaching out to only that group. I'm really looking for help with the getting past the stuck point that anyone losing weight faces.
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    and wow are you hard on yourself! Stop that!!! xo
  • Sharon_C
    Sharon_C Posts: 2,132 Member
    I know nothing about the sleeve but I know when I'm "stuck" its because I need to readjust my calories. Every so often (after about each 10 lbs lost) I need to reevaluate. Since I'm down to the last five pounds or so I have to be super strict with my caloric intake. I have less of a window to play with. Maybe that's what's happening with you.

    I'm sorry for all that's going on in your life. I can't imagine raising a terminally ill child. Just breaks my heart. My thoughts are with you.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    You have had way more than your fair share of problems! I'm so sorry you're going through all of that. People crack under much less pressure. You are strong.

    Most of us are on the boat of having to learn to eat better or at least differently. It's not easy, is it? But you'll get there. One day at a time...one meal at a time!

    I'm doing the c25k thing. Today is my first day of running in three minute bursts and I don't think I'm going to make it because I got little sleep. I am so I'm wildly impressed with your accomplishment.

    You're an inspiration! :)
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    Sharon_C wrote: »
    I know nothing about the sleeve but I know when I'm "stuck" its because I need to readjust my calories. Every so often (after about each 10 lbs lost) I need to reevaluate. Since I'm down to the last five pounds or so I have to be super strict with my caloric intake. I have less of a window to play with. Maybe that's what's happening with you.

    I'm sorry for all that's going on in your life. I can't imagine raising a terminally ill child. Just breaks my heart. My thoughts are with you.


    Thanks so much for this...I think this is what's going on with me too. I think the calories/protein issues are playing a role. I logged in here for the first time today in what's been months. I am tracking every bite to see if that's what it is!
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    Kalikel wrote: »
    You have had way more than your fair share of problems! I'm so sorry you're going through all of that. People crack under much less pressure. You are strong.

    Most of us are on the boat of having to learn to eat better or at least differently. It's not easy, is it? But you'll get there. One day at a time...one meal at a time!

    I'm doing the c25k thing. Today is my first day of running in three minute bursts and I don't think I'm going to make it because I got little sleep. I am so I'm wildly impressed with your accomplishment.

    You're an inspiration! :)


    Thanks...what is this running thing you're doing?? I'm trying to get into it a little. Back won't allow for too much. I did the one 5k and my daughter and I are signing up for another in December!
  • happyfeetrebel1
    happyfeetrebel1 Posts: 1,005 Member
    Kalikel wrote: »
    You have had way more than your fair share of problems! I'm so sorry you're going through all of that. People crack under much less pressure. You are strong.

    Most of us are on the boat of having to learn to eat better or at least differently. It's not easy, is it? But you'll get there. One day at a time...one meal at a time!

    I'm doing the c25k thing. Today is my first day of running in three minute bursts and I don't think I'm going to make it because I got little sleep. I am so I'm wildly impressed with your accomplishment.

    You're an inspiration! :)

    I didn't think I"d make it either, but I did. Wait til week 5 though, that one will kill you :)

    But..you're going to feel SO good when you do, and you can rock this thing!

  • 2BeHappy2
    2BeHappy2 Posts: 811 Member
    I feel odd reaching out to a group solely dedicated on stomach surgery.
    That's like saying you went to your regular Dr instead of seeking a specialist :neutral_face:
    Theres reasons why there are special groups for this type of situation...because They can relate!
    Id go there because its a group of camaraderie but you go where you can think you can get the info youre looking for :smile:
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    2BeHappy2 wrote: »
    I feel odd reaching out to a group solely dedicated on stomach surgery.
    That's like saying you went to your regular Dr instead of seeking a specialist :neutral_face:
    Theres reasons why there are special groups for this type of situation...because They can relate!
    Id go there because its a group of camaraderie but you go where you can think you can get the info youre looking for :smile:

    Thanks :) I knew it wouldn't make total sense to people..my mind rarely does..lol I feel like I relate to both groups though, I hate to limit to just surgery patients. We're all in here for better health and maybe someone who has never had surgery has opinions or options that would help!

  • bahuber5477
    bahuber5477 Posts: 9 Member
    I know you may be nervous to reach out to the weight loss surgery community however bariatricpal.com is a great site that has a forum for every weight loss surgery and everyone has the same challenges and stuff and everyone is pretty supportive. There is a LOT of people on the site.
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    bahuber5477 wrote: »
    I know you may be nervous to reach out to the weight loss surgery community however bariatricpal.com is a great site that has a forum for every weight loss surgery and everyone has the same challenges and stuff and everyone is pretty supportive. There is a LOT of people on the site.


    I actually have a local group from my doctor. I'm the queen of support groups..lol I am in one at my daughter's school too. Just thought I'd reach out here where everyone is while I'm logged in to track my stuff....it seemed easier..maybe not?
  • commissionette
    commissionette Posts: 25 Member
    I had an awesome person PM me a group specific to the SG so it's in there as well. I'd like to keep this open because like I said, I think I can benefit from advice from any well meaning, kind hearted person :) You guys are all so sweet for trying to help!! Thanks :)
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