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I used Saxenda for 18 months. I lost about 8% of my weight and it stayed off. The most tangible benefit was that it really helped manage my hunger. My appetite was significantly reduced.
The only reason I am not on it now is because I actually had a lot more to lose and decided to pursue the surgical program. I used Saxenda until I started Optifast.

*TWH* Referral - December 2017; Orientation - March 2018; SW Assessment - May 2018; Nurse Practitioner - June 2018; Nutrition Class - June 2018; Psych - August 2018; Dietitian - August 2018; Appt. w/ Surgeon - November 2018; Surgery date - January 2019
Weight loss
Pre-surgery: 14, M1: 18, M2: 9, M3: 8, M4: 10, M5:6 , M6:9
Seriously do not cheat. You're only adding risk to your surgery and it's just not worth it. This is step 1 of a long process, which will require discipline and a lot of changes in mentality and behaviours. I know 3 weeks seems long, but it will pass. The first few days are hard, but then I find most people are in cruise control.
Optifast for me was the hardest of the stages. I used my time on Optifast to really strengthen my resolve against cravings and prove to myself I can do this. I broke the recovery process down into levels in my mind - for example, level 1 - opti, level 2 - clear liquid, level 3 - liquid, level 4 - puree and level 5 - soft diet. I showed myself each level gets easier and easier, and that has in fact been true.
All the best for you on this process! You can do this.

*TWH* Referral - December 2017; Orientation - March 2018; SW Assessment - May 2018; Nurse Practitioner - June 2018; Nutrition Class - June 2018; Psych - August 2018; Dietitian - August 2018; Appt. w/ Surgeon - November 2018; Surgery date - January 2019
Weight loss
Pre-surgery: 14, M1: 18, M2: 9, M3: 8, M4: 10, M5:6 , M6:9
Thank you for the tips. I'm amazed how such small amounts fill me right up! So exciting.
I actually like oatmeal and was looking forward to it after weeks of liquid diet, but I couldn't have it either was way to heavy sat like a lump. It's hard to believe in the early days that you can survive on so little, but don't worry, concentrate on getting in your fluids/water as dehydration is your enemy, the rest will come in time.

57 - 6'0" - HW:288 SW:260 CW:185
TWH: Referral Aug. '16, Orientation - Nov. 30 '16, Surgeon Oct. 6 '17, Start Optifast Feb. 5'18 - Surgery Feb. 26'18
Opti -25; M1 -23; M2 -17; M3 -7; M4 -5; M5 -5; M6 -6; M7 -0; M8 -2; M9 -0; M10 -2; M11-0; M12-4;
Thank You! I thought the same when I saw oatmeal on one of the menu choices. Never liked oatmeal anyways but was trying not to stray away from the choices given. Not doing that again.
Congrats and welcome to the Loser's Bench! The gas is no joke and can be painful - just keep walking around and that should help get rid of the gas. I don't remember trying oatmeal so soon after surgery? I think it was a few weeks before I had anything that heavy. Just take it slow and easy and don't push yourself to finish your portions. Some people don't struggle at all and others have a very hard time getting in your portions at first. Give yourself a break - you've been through alot and your body needs time to adjust to all the new changes. Best of luck!!
Good morning everyone, and welcome to your weekend. No exercise again today, I'm staying home with my conehead kitty to make sure he doesn't bump into walls.
QOTD: What are some fish recipes that you like? This ones for you Meg. I saw this on TV once, tried it and liked it. Take a white fish (cod, halibut, haddock) make a paste of chopped almonds, a little sriratcha, cilantro or parsley, a few drops of sesame oil. Put the paste on the fish and bake until done. The toasted almonds and Asian flavours are yummy.
The eats today at 4.5 years post-op are:
B. Coffee, coffee, coffee
S. Protein coffee
L. Scrambled eggs with bacon
D. Taco without the shells, just all the fixin's - taco beef, shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, hot peppers.
S. Protein latte
Have a great weekend.
CENTURY CLUB MEMBER at 6 months post-op.
Referral to Guelph Feb/13, Sleep study and all bloodwork and ultrasound May/13, orientation July/13. Nurse, NUT,SW Sept/13, 2nd NUT, nurse and SW, 3rd round and cleared for surgery Dec/13. Pre-op Apr 7/14, Surgeon May 2/14, Opti Jul 3/14, surgery Jul 17/14.
Good news that you are doing well. Don't try to finish a portion if you are feeling discomfort. There were so many times in the first few weeks where I would have to split the 1/4 cup serving a few times and reheat it for the next meal. The most important thing is to get your fluids in. Don't worry about the low calories, that's when our fat stores kick in to fuel us. You are doing great.
CENTURY CLUB MEMBER at 6 months post-op.
Referral to Guelph Feb/13, Sleep study and all bloodwork and ultrasound May/13, orientation July/13. Nurse, NUT,SW Sept/13, 2nd NUT, nurse and SW, 3rd round and cleared for surgery Dec/13. Pre-op Apr 7/14, Surgeon May 2/14, Opti Jul 3/14, surgery Jul 17/14.
I added cocoa powder and ice, still not great but it was drinkable. By the end of week one your just get into a routine. Good luck!

Orientation July, Surgeon consult Sept, Internist Nov, RD/RSW/RN Dec.
RNY March 2, 2018 HRRH Pam (49 / 5'5 ½)
HW: 237, PreOpti: 226, Opti: -10, M1: -20, M2: -12, M3: -13, M4 -10, M5 -9, M6 -7, M7 -2, M8 -3, M9 -1 CW 138