Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum (VSG)

happyteacher’s Posts

happyteacher
on 4/6/12 3:25 am

Agree- solid dense protein makes a huge difference :)

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

1Mo: -21 2Mo: -16 3Mo: -12 4MO - 13 5MO: -11 6MO: -10 7MO: -10.3 8MO: -6 Goal in 8 months 4 days!! 6' 2'' EWL 103% Starting size 28 or 4x (tight) now size 12 or large, shoe size 12 w to 10.5 150+ pounds lost

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happyteacher
on 4/6/12 3:11 am

Topic: RE: 2 months out. protein bars?

I only use them when I cannot get to a better choice meal. It has spared me from poor choices on multiple occasions. I use Tiny Meal- 145 cals, 15 protein. For some, protein bars can be a little triggery so use with caution. I have no problem leaving them in the closet at school until I have a day I forget a lunch, so it is ok. So much better than a slice of crappy pizza from the cafeteria :)

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/6/12 3:02 am

Topic: RE: Not loosing fast enough

I am 6'2'' and lost less than you in the first month, eating less calories, and working out more. I think you are doing just fine :) It truly adds up over the months, so patience is a virtue :)

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 10:39 pm

Topic: RE: opinions sbout DS

What USAFwife said, plus I don't want to deal with the malabsorption issue in general. I also need to keep open the use of all forms of medicine due to some medical conditions I have or is prone to developing in my family. In the end, I guess knowing that I could revise to DS or RNY helped to make the decision also. Not that I have any intention of going that route, it is just good to know that I can start with the easier procedure that causes the least havoc on my physically and give that a go first. DS does have some nice stats though :)

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 10:33 pm

Topic: RE: Rewards!

Just picked up a Coach wallet that I had been wanting for some time. When my weight drops under 200 I want to repeat a family trip where we went horseback riding in the mountains. I went on it, but was so heavy the horse attempted suicide with me on it. No more cruelty to animals, and I would like to experience that at a lighter weight.

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 11:51 am

Topic: RE: Words of Wisdom for a stupid mistake please

I had a heart to heart with my girls (they stilla are at home). They have been a huge help. The one time there was ice cream in the house and my youngest knew that it would be inevitable that I would get into it, she asked permission to throw it out. It was for a birthday party that had finished, and she never even blinked tossing it out. If you can educate your kids in a develpmentally appropriate way you may find that they can help! They will benefit from making healthy nutrition choices too!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 11:23 am

Topic: RE: OK Guys this might be TMI

Oh yea, you don't want to be messing with an obstruction. My docs had me taking Miralax and colace. Go get yourself some :) I was restricted to those two products though- don't change brands unless your doc Oks it.

I would take a dose of mirlax at night with 2 colace, repeat in the morning. i would keep doing that until it started to work. Then I would usually wait a day to see how it went, then add in 2 colace and 1 miralx dose a day until I could see how it affected me. Get tons of fluids in too. Check with your doc before you start any of this. Feel better!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 11:16 am

Topic: RE: Words of Wisdom for a stupid mistake please

I had a nasty run in with a box of girl scout cookies. I learned then that I seem to have huge capacity for carbs. I exercised like a demon to make up the calories, but also battled the carb monster something fierce for a few days. I also learned that even though I planned on shipping the damn cookies to my son who is away at college, I can't keep any crap food in the house- even short term. I got back on the wagon and have not done it since. I am not perfect, but I am determined to make the most of each day :)

I think you are wise to banish the cookie jar, and know that it is not the end of the line. Long term we have to learn how to deal with occasional mishaps in order to be succussful at maintence, not just weight loss.

Hang in there and learn what you can from the experience.

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 10:05 am

Topic: RE: Why-Loose Skin....???

I didn't start to notice any until I lost over 70 pounds. For now, it is most noticable in the neck- doing my best turkey imiatation. Now I am notcing it in the inner thigh and a tiny bit in the stomach. But it doesn't bother me. Anytime I feel a little bummed about it I think about how much more active and happy I already am, and I am not even that far along :)

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 9:48 am

Topic: RE: VSG v. RNY ... My decision to get the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, when I wanted RNY to begin with.

Very thoughtful post :) It seems like you are well versed overall. The only thing I didn't see in your post is the benefit of keeping the pyloric valve intact. It keeps the food from your stomach from emptying right away- thus, feeling full and satieted longer. Frisco has a great post about the pyloric valve that you may want to review. I wish you the best of luck with whichever procedure you elect to have done!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 9:43 am

Topic: RE: Anemic Already?

I was a mildly anemic pre op and still am post op. They have me on iron supplements. Only problem is that they make me terribly constipated, so I end up taking them on alternate days- hence I am still a little anemic. Your docs will let you know what to do, but I don't think that it will be substantially worse then what you are right now. You may find that it goes better since you will be monitored closely as a result of the surgery :)

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 5:44 am

Topic: RE: I'm BACK... on track!!!!!!!

I am so happy to read that you were able to reverse your trend- and 5 pounds is a lot since Monday! Congratulations!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 5:07 am

Topic: RE: Sleep study... Kind of annoyed...

Any chance with the comorbidity your insurance will cover it now?

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 5:06 am

Topic: RE: 8 Month Surgiversary...100 Pounds Down

Woo hoo!! This still amazes me, that so many of us lose 100 pounds and that it stays off. Such a beautiful thing!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 4:10 am

Topic: RE: Everyday I get the orders for VSG and wonder...

Try not to worry too much about the fluids. In my humble opinion, people who were big water drinkers before have an easier time of it. I was also very worried about that, as I needed to drink way more than the average person presurgery. Granted I did not chug right out of surgery, but I also had no trouble getting the fluids in- especially non-shake fluids. The shakes filled me up pretty fast. You will do great at it as long as you remember to sip and keep a drink with you all day! I hope you get your date soon!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

Join the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker group for recipes and tips! Click here to join!

happyteacher
on 4/5/12 2:37 am

Topic: RE: Sleep study... Kind of annoyed...

Oh, forgot to mention... my husband also worked in a sleep lab for forever. When the asked me about apena and scheduling a sleep study I told them that I didn't exhibity ANY symptoms, and that my highly skilled husband also saw no evidence of apnea or hypopnea. I did not have to complete the study as a result. When I say no symptoms I do mean none. It is a lousy idea to go under anesthesia with untreated apena by the way- so confirm before surgery!

symptoms:
snoring
waking gasping for air or choking sensation
don't feel rested after a normal night of sleep
falling asleep in inappropriate places (doctors office, reading, driving, etc.)
headache in the morning
somebody comments that you stop breathing when you are asleep
somebody comments that you "wiggle around" or some similar comment when you sleep
feel sleep deprived depsite 8 hours in bed at night

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/5/12 2:31 am

Topic: RE: Sleep study... Kind of annoyed...

Used to work in a sleep lab for many years...

If they indicated that it is for a cpap, pretty normal. If they indicated that they "did not get enough information" then either you didn't fall asleep enough (less than 2 hours) or there was technical errors. Usually it is the tech errors. If you had a reference lead go bad it knocks out the whole recording, and if the tech was sleeping on the job then it would wreck the study.

I would make them be very specific as to why you come back. if they cite not enough data, then make the explain. If it was tech error then there should be no charge nor copay. How do you know if the data is good? Ask questions like:

What was my sleep latency (how long to fall asleep)?
How much time did I spend asleep?
Was different sleep postions documented (back, versus side)?
If asleep, how many arousals were documented- how many average per hour?
Did my SaO2 drop as a result of these arousals (oxygyn level drops and rebounds in apnea)- If so, by how much and did it vary by stage?
How much restorative sleep did I get (stage c or d, some labs use delta and R.E.M sleep to stage)
Was there signifcant artifact present in the recording that made it difficult or impossible to score the recording (interpret the recording?- this is the technical error question)

Good luck, and if you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/4/12 10:00 pm

Topic: RE: OT prepping for a colonscopy

Ya know, the procdure itself to me isn't a problem. But this consuming an entire bottle of miralax, 4 ducolax, and a gallon of gaterade is no fun. 6 months ago all of the "prep" didn't work in time, so I started yesterday. Uh, wondering if I should have started even earlier. I will be so ticked if I have to repeat AGAIN. Here's hoping the vsg stomach just plain old has less to clean out and that it won't be an issue!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/4/12 9:56 pm

Topic: RE: I think I've found a partial answer to my protein woes

Kashi Go Lean Original has a fair amount of protein- I think it was 13 grams. When you add the protein from the milk it is an Ok protein source, but carby. I found on the days i ate that my carbs and cals would go a little high, so now it would be an evening meal on the not so often occasion I eat it. It does make for a nice change of pace though, and 1 serving of the stuff I bet most sleevers couldn't fnish.

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/4/12 9:48 pm

Topic: RE: 1,000 calories a day = my fastest rate of loss so far.

So this morning was about a half pound drop- absolutely at 800 cals or less now and carbs under 40. Enjoyed it while it lasted though!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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happyteacher
on 4/4/12 12:18 pm

Topic: RE: 1,000 calories a day = my fastest rate of loss so far.

Hi Amber, I am not advocating 1,000 a day. There is really now way of knowing what triggered the weight loss. My guess it is one of the three listed below or a combination.

1. Adjusting after the stall. I posted less that 800 caloreis and a ton of exercise during this period- no clue how I could NOT lose.
2. Read an article (someone posted here) about being cold, short vigerous bursts of exercise, and how that can kick start the metablolism. I started riding a bike in the week of loss- 3-5 minutes a pop several times a day in addition to my normal work out.
3. Higher caloreis kicked the metabolism in gear. (This is the one that I put the least amount of fath in- maybe I am too simplistic. Calories in - calories burned, so increasing the cals wouldn't make sense unless I was also increasing calories burned.

I wish there was a little flag that would pop out of us documenting what works and what doesn't work!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

Join the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker group for recipes and tips! Click here to join!

happyteacher
on 4/4/12 12:09 pm

Topic: RE: PLATEAUS SUCK!!!

40 pounds in 6 weeks is a ton of loss!! I am 6'2'' and lost maybe 27 or so by that point- and I exercise regularly! Just try to be patient- it truly adds up over the months. Hang in there!

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

Join the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker group for recipes and tips! Click here to join!

happyteacher
on 4/4/12 11:49 am, edited 4/4/12 11:49 am

Topic: RE: 1,000 calories a day = my fastest rate of loss so far.

I am ramping down because I am afraid that if I sustain it for a long period it will be very difficult to bring it down again. I have set a goal to keep it in the 800 range or lower, and so far that has been working well. On the other hand, I did extend the 1,000 calorie days until I saw the weight loss slow. From yesterday to today I lost 1.4 pounds- and that is showing signs of slowing down.

Just a little crazy. It is just so couunterinteruitive.

Oh, and protein is averaging about 10-15 grams higher than normal.

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

Join the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker group for recipes and tips! Click here to join!

happyteacher
on 4/4/12 11:46 am

Topic: RE: swimming suits!

Try Lands End. The fabrics they use are super slimming. They two piece options that look like a one piece (tankini). Some options are a skirted bottom. Not sure if they do the t-shirt style- never saw it there before, but I have not checke it this year.

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

Join the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker group for recipes and tips! Click here to join!

happyteacher
on 4/4/12 11:41 am

Topic: RE: 1,000 calories a day = my fastest rate of loss so far.

I stalled for almost two weeks. Then, my calories spiked up to about a thousand... not because I planned for that, but because I was struggling. Then the weight loss kicked in. I ate about 1,000 a day for 8 days now, and I have droppef 12 pounds. (That is SUPER fast for me.) I have no idea if it is just an adjustment from the stall or if there is something to the idea of a little increase in calories kicks in the weight loss. I am in the process of ramping back down- 800 or less and about 40 grams of carbs. I just find it interesting.

Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

Join the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker group for recipes and tips! Click here to join!

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