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Good Sunday, and Happy Fathers day to all.

Some may remember a post I made a few months ago about non-invasive weight loss procedures.
Well I bit the bullet, and got my rear in gear, and signed up for it.

I lost over 25lbs from April 1st until the procedure on 6/7. I am now at 35.5 pounds lost.
I have been on a liquid diet for 2 weeks, and start on pureed/mashed foods tomorrow.

I feel good, and am proud of the progress I am making. I ultimately decided to move forward with this due to the progressive nature of my autoimmune arthritis, and worsening back (My lumbar spine is a disaster). I have to get my weight down to a normal BMI, which I haven't had in almost 20 years.
I knew I would not get there on my own.

I have to say that while it wasn't fun the first few days, it hasn't been awful either. So if anyone here is considering something like this I would encourage you to start moving forward, and get evaluations. I am giving myself one year from procedure date to reach my total weight loss goal of 100 lbs. This will put me at a normal BMI, and healthy for someone my age, and height.

Slow and steady will win this race. I am hoping with injections in my spine, and another 10-15 lbs lost I will be able to tolerate some light exercise and weight training.

Anyway just thought I'd update. I realize obesity is epidemic in our nation, and I'm not the only one out here struggling.

Congratulations, it feels so good to not carry extra weight. I have maintained my goal weight for over 2 years. You will feel so much better, and your knees and back with thank you.

My W lost 120 lbs with clean eating and exercise, she started competing in fitness competitions and eventually in bikini / physique competitions.

She got certified in personal training and nutrition, she helps encourage ladies that are overweight and have given up. She is a real hero, her before and after pictures are incredible and it’s a testimony that it’s never too late, and it’s baby steps. No quick fix.

Way to go Tush!!! That's fantastic!!! Losing weight is difficult no matter how you get there!!

I think I would chew my arm off if I had to be on a liquid diet unless I didn't have my usual robust appetite.

Congratulations! Best wishes on reaching your goal. Best wishes on a full, quick recovery.

Well that is one of the bonuses of the procedure, by decreasing the size of the stomach you feel full, and it helps decrease the amount of hunger hormones you produce.

The liquid diet hasn't been bad, however I do think they need to make protein shakes in flavors other than sweet things. I think a gravy flavored one would be a best seller. LOL..

Gravy flavor would be an interesting option. Maybe if there was a mashed potato flavor to go with it.

I have missed the first part of this. What minimal procedure?

I am about 50 pounds overweight in my opinion. I have had a knee replacement, rotator cuff surgery, hip fracture surgery, broken ankles, etc. etc., but I think most of it is mental for me. I used to have amazing willpower, and I used to do a 10 day fast every six months or so. But lately I just try to make it through the days, which is part of the problem.

So, I think the liquid diet part would work well for me, because the only thing I suffer from after my 10 day fast is that it takes me two or three days of eating normally to stop having pretty bad diarrhea. (Sorry). Can the liquid diet be whatever you want? Or is it a certain product you are purchasing? We love juicing at my house, at least my husband and I do. But that might not be what the program is.

So, I’m wondering what procedure you’re talking about and what kind of weight loss effort is it exactly?

[This message edited by WhatsRight at 7:34 PM, Sunday, June 19th]

The procedure is an Endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Basically a sleeve but done from the inside out with an endoscope.
I chose this because I know of the bad issues that occur with the laprscopic or video sleeve. Mine can be removed and be tightened up if there are issues.
Recovery time is much shorter too. I took 2 days off work.

The liquid diet is liquids of your choosing as long as you hot protein goals and don't go over carbs/sugars. I primarily have had protein shakes from Fairlane, and water. I'm a huge water drinker like a gallon a day. Initially there's a lot of swelling so sips are difficult. But now can drink 2 oz every 15 min without difficulty. The liquid and then pureed, and then soft diets are all geared to allow the stomach time to heal.

I chose this not because it it easy but because I truly cannot exercise without being in severe pain for 4 days after. My goal is reasonable and should help.
But with this inflammatory arthritis and spine damage any weight loss is helpful.

My pre surgery weight loss was not mandated or any special diet. It was clean healthy eating lots of veggies and lean proteins. No junk. It was slow and steady.

Wow that’s great, Tush! I am sure you will be successful!

Oh wow.

You are definitely "all in". I totally respect that.

Good luck with it.

Good for you Tush!

Congratulations on your progress and keep up the good, hard work. I hope you continue to feel better and find relief from the arthritis and reach your goal weight. My cervical injections seemed to help with short term pain but not the long term chronic problems, so I try to stay honest with my strengthening exercises and watch my posture, because I'll do anything to avoid spinal surgery. It's hard when things hurt, so I hope the injections give you the break you need. Good luck on your food transition.

I talked with a man today who has lost 120+ pounds and we talked a bit about his program. He didn't have surgery, and didn't focus on the cardio side, but cut out or back on carbs and gluten and limited his eating times, or intermittent fasting, varying the hours he would eat several times over the year. He looked and felt great. We talked about how it seems like you have to keep mixing up the diet/metabolism programs to get continued progress, and how much better he feels without the weight. We are in TN where weight issues and chronic health problems are very widespread, and healthy eating choices are limited. I hope things continue to go well for you and you find the progress you are hoping for and the pain relief you need.

I hope your biggest problem moving forward is figuring out what clothes to keep and what size you are now, and finding great bargains shopping for your new wardrobe. Best to you on this new journey.

Congrats to you. Better days ahead with less pain.

The liquid diet hasn't been bad, however I do think they need to make protein shakes in flavors other than sweet things.

You can try unflavored protein shakes, then add flavor drops (1-2 is enough). There are many flavor drops / flavored liquid concentrates available, even with flavors such as bacon, beef, cheese, mashed potatoes… I’m not a fan of flavor drops, I prefer unflavored whey isolate, but many people like them, so maybe it would be worth it to try.

Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Thanks all for the positive words.

I talked with a man today who has lost 120+ pounds and we talked a bit about his program. He didn't have surgery, and didn't focus on the cardio side, but cut out or back on carbs and gluten and limited his eating times, or intermittent fasting, varying the hours he would eat several times over the year. He looked and felt great.

See part of my issue was I have done weight loss significant weight loss too, 45-50lb at least 6 times as an adult. But I would hit a spot where I felt good, and happy w/ how I looked, and I'd eventually fall off the wagon and gain it back. I needed a more permanent solution. I needed something to get me over that satisfied hump that I hit every time. This is going to be it.

Oh and yesterday I had my first pureed foods, and after 2 oz of pureed chicken/bean soup I was stuffed, and felt full for 5 hours. It is quite strange, but honestly loving it.

Am i reading that right, you had the surgery? Wow, way to go! Glad you’re feeling well now.

You say its not that bad (how you felt the first days after) and that makes me laugh a bit… im sure as a nurse you think, "Hey! Self! You feel bad but remember when THAT guy came in with THAT awful problem (insert grossest medical thing youve ever seen). Well, Self, you dont feel that bad! So you are ok!"

Glad you are taking care of you.

No way would I ever do that Gotta, ok maybe once or twice.
LOL, I have BAD chronic pain, so a little belly soreness, and cramping isn't much to bother me.
Lots of people take a week off of work, but I really didn't want to after just having a week and half off for vacation in May, and taking a few days later this week for travel to see the best band ever.

I also threw my sons baby shower 4 days after. I was wiped on the following day and didn't get my rear off the couch for the most part.

But today I'm up and about, got my spinal injections, and getting ready to puree up some homemade bean soup. YUM!

Way to go taking care of yourself and your health!
You go Tushnurse!

Can't wait to hear more good news about your progress. And know you will get a lot of support here.

Gotta admit that I like my low-fat peach yogurt lots better than the though of gravy flavored protein but to each their own :)

Congratulations Tush!