6 week update

[Aussie Girl]

Hi all

Interesting journey so far 6 weeks in, particularly enjoying getting to know my new stomach and new way of life.

Eating and other stuff
I have been on whole foods for a week or so, probably earlier than advised. Still trying to learn when I'm full before getting that over full feeling. I thought I was a great chewer and slow eater from having a lapband for 10 years but this is next level. I still feel I need to slow down a bit. This is my biggest challenge at the moment. The feeling of fullness is nothing like the band which was just a painful blocked feeling which needed to come back up, this feeling of fullness is real and coming from all of my stomach not just the top part. This I think is the key to the success of the sleeve.

I'm eating around quarter to half a cup of food per meal, all protein at the moment with a bit of fat and carb. I'm getting those fancy scales recommended in previous post (thanks Beeza ) along with electric scales so I can keep closer eye on my cals and protein. I notice carbs with flour fills me very quickly as did potato when I tried it. I'm loving all protein. My desire for protein drinks has waned, I am a bit over the protein powder flavour. I still have Optifast protein bars at work and I make sure I get my vitamins in given the lack of vege atm.

Sometimes foods go right through me and at the beginning of a stall I get constipated, almost like my body won't let go of a thing!! My digestive system is certainly still in flux - I haven't had normal number two's since surgery.

Recovery
The fear of leaks and other post surgery twinges/side affects have now passed,my stomach should be nice and healed. This was one of the easiest surgeries I've ever had in terms of recovery and the smallest incisions that healed well too.

Hunger
It was greatly reduced when I started on whole foods ie I am hungry every few hours - this is good and normal says my specialist - I need to eat frequently so its good my body knows this! When I eat I am completely satifiyed. My surgeon told me only few few people actually completely lose the hunger feeling (and that there are different areas of the stomach that produces ghrelin, he tells me most people experience what I am, again good to know I'm in the bell curve.

Drinking water
I continue to struggle to drink enough water (particularly at work where I do drink lots of instant coffee with milk and added collagen powder). Mostly I don't seem to enjoy drinking water, but then sometimes I get an incredible thirst that isn't quenched by water, milky drinks do though. My surgeon says this is normal re difficulty with water and most people struggle and it will get better. I'm staying positive on this one.

Weight Loss and stalls
I have lost a total of 10 kgs (22 lbs) - GREAT!! I lost 8 kgs in the first 12 days post surgery. I stalled when I started puree foods and went back to work. That lasted 2/half weeks then I lost 2 kgs one weekend and then stalled again (which I'm still on). So for me its been loss/stall/loss/stall. I mentioned this to my surgeon who said that is very common. As Pugsley said in her post -its a stepped approach (maybe more like the great pyramid of Giza for me lol ). I think this is where I remind myself that not only is everyone's journey different, but most of super losers here do not represent the average sleever but importantly never compare yourself to others .

I feel like I have tried everything to break the stall, including taking on some of Tinman's advise on fats and carbs. I have tried mixing it up but the scales are fixed (sometimes I think the scales are broken ). It seems my body wants to do its own thing so I just need to be patient and take one day at a time.

NSVs
Despite the stalls I have dropped 2 dress sizes, can wear clothes I haven't worn in years - love the fact I kept them waiting for this day !!
I can fit into airplane seats, my double chin all but gone, I can now buy my fav knickers in the largest size they have for the first time in years! I feel great, my work colleagues and friends are so so happy for me losing weight (they have witnessed my struggle). BTW I have only told few close friends and my partner. I have told no one at work, just telling folks I determined to lose weight after the last joint surgery and on a high protein low cal diet. Most people can relate to this approach. Not particularly happy telling half truths but as its been said on here before - its no ones business but my own.

So sorry for the large rave, hoping this might help the uber newbee's as it helps me in my journey by having a great group of people to share with and feel supported by.

Love to you all xxx

[Stacey03]

YAYYYYYYY ONYA!!!! So please for you possum xxxx

[Dutchie]

Indications for fullness can also be: hick ups, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, sighing...

[Aydensmomma]

Awesome!!!
I start to hiccup and that's when I know I'm done. I'll take a bite, then another after a min, and another and then take a break, if I hiccup I'm done, if I don't there is room for another bite or two
I'm 3 years 3mo out and still have a lot of restriction

[shrinkvi]

What a great update! Sounds like you're doing really well. It must be nice not to be afraid of complications from surgery anymore.

[AnnieG]

What a wonderful post! I hear you about the water but keep working on it. I do not feel hungry in the way I used to, rather I can feel blood sugar change (diabetic). My nutritionist says eating frequent meals is okay, grazing is not. But I think like water finds its own level of purity in a river, we all find our own way through some of this.

Keep up the marvelous work! So tickled for you.

[Beeza]

Nice write up, surgery date buddy.

I am also struggling to get enough water. I can't tolerate really cold water at the moment. It sometimes hurts. Tea is my thing. I've been drinking gallons of it. But my pee is still really dark, which is not a good thing.

What alternatives are there to sugary juices, fatty milk-based drinks, caffeinated tea or coffee, or carbonated soft drinks? Not much really.

[Marsh17]

Congratulations on your success and thank you for taking the time to share with others. It really helps those of us about to embark on this journey.

[Aussie Girl]

Indications for fullness can also be: hick ups, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, sighing...

Mmm so far I don't think I've feel any of those, maybe sighing.... I'l try to be more aware, thanks !

[Aussie Girl]

Nice write up, surgery date buddy.

I am also struggling to get enough water. I can't tolerate really cold water at the moment. It sometimes hurts. Tea is my thing. I've been drinking gallons of it. But my pee is still really dark, which is not a good thing.

What alternatives are there to sugary juices, fatty milk-based drinks, caffeinated tea or coffee, or carbonated soft drinks? Not much really.

Thanks SDSB! I read somewhere that milk is more hydrating and quenching than water ?? but one must never forget the empty cals even if it has protein....

[sraebaer]

So happy for you! It just keeps getting better and better. Don't shop too much as you will "undergrow" your clothes in a heartbeat. It is just so much darn FUN!

[AnnieG]

Nice write up, surgery date buddy.

I am also struggling to get enough water. I can't tolerate really cold water at the moment. It sometimes hurts. Tea is my thing. I've been drinking gallons of it. But my pee is still really dark, which is not a good thing.

What alternatives are there to sugary juices, fatty milk-based drinks, caffeinated tea or coffee, or carbonated soft drinks? Not much really.

I actually like Crystal Light, although not a fan of artificial sweeteners/cancer survivor. I get the generic individual sticks, and carry a couple with me. I do have to mix them up or I get burned out with them.

How about water with a fresh lime, or lemon, mixed up in the frig? Or cucumber water (do guys do that?) Just a couple of thoughts.

[HMaryn]

Thank you so much for your post! I am almost 7 weeks out and I love reading posts from people who are around the same place as I am. Sounds like you are doing amazing!

I had to hide my scale, as others have suggested in posts I've read about stalls, because I was getting way too caught up in the numbers and freaking myself out. I've decided that, for now, I am going to wait to weigh until my follow-up appointments with my surgeon to save myself from going a little crazy. I just do my best to get enough protein and water in a day and make that my main focus. I do a lot of Crystal Light to reach my water goals. I like to put a bottle in the freezer and let it get to the point of being slushy. Makes it feel like a treat instead of a chore.

Thanks again for sharing! Good luck!!

[Christie13]

Way to go Aussie girl!! You are doing great! I totally hear you on telling half truths and keeping your surgery to yourself. I am the same. I feel it is personal and I don't want the judgement. And I am laughing about all your old clothes waiting around for your weight loss. I did not really have to buy clothes until the end. I had hoarded all my sizes over the years. LOL. I am a little embarrassed to admit that now.