I am almost four months out now. (10/04/04) I am down 80 lbs. I Make it a point not to weigh myself alot just at the dr. office otherwise i would go crazy. I Go by the way my uniforms fit. I lift weights every other day and walk bike 40 min everyday. I am so happy with vbg. I can eat everything except fi**** doesnt feel well going down. Still haven't had bread or red meat. But when i do want a treat like ice cream of a small piece of chocalte i have one and never worry about seeing it again. I read the other forums and alot of RNY pre op are hoping for the dumping and malabsorbtion as the secret weapon but the real key is self control true most including myself had little thats why we did this, but if dont really try and value the sacrifices you have to make then why do it. Dont compare yourself to how others do otherwise you might get discouraged or complacent with the losses you WILL MAKE!!!

I am almost six months out and I have lost 76 pounds. I can tell you I was walking two days after I came home. I walked around the block, slowly, but within a week I was able to walk a mile. Anyhow, I walk about 2 miles a day and that's usually 5-6 days per week. I try not to snack, but sometimes it happens (special occasions, holidays, etc...) Another big piece of advice I have is to STAY OFF THE SCALE!!! I did not do that so now I am addicted. It stinks when you weigh frequently because you see all the ups and downs in the weight fluctuation. I know before my surgery I was constantly wondering if I was going to be the one person this didn't work for. That was a lot of worrying for nothing. Also, take your measurements before you have surgery. I didn't and wish like heck that I did.

My doc had me eating regular food right off the bat, so I am sorry about your liquid diet. (That used to mean something very different for me when I was a young one.) I have a smoothie in the am to help me with my protein. I use No Whey Powder (Spinnelly website) 1 scoop of protein 1 scoop of carnation chocolate 8 oz skim milk 2 tablespoons of peanut butter 1 banana I think it's like 35+grams of Protein. If you can have this it's good. This is the only way that I can get my protein in. You won't even taste it. Hope this helps. Heather

Hi Myrtle, Really the weightloss during the first year is very similar to the RNY. We VBGers just need to be more careful about calorie intake since we don't have any malabsorption. Exercise is also extremely important for us to reach our goals. Don't worry...u will lose weight if you follow your doctors orders I am 4 1/2 months out and I have lost 74 pounds. That is pretty comparable to the women in my bariatric support group who had the RNY. But some people no matter what surgery they had will lose faster or slower than others. No one can predetermine how much weight they will lose in a specified time frame. Some people continue to lose for almost 2 years while others stop much sooner. I only say this to caution u if people give you very specific numbers. Just remember that its not about the number on the scale its about your health and general well-being Best wishes to you on your journey! Hugs, Sara 356/282/175

Why are doctors so different? I was only on liquids a week and then was told I could start eating solid food, but to chew good and be careful. I would call your surgeon and let them know how you feel. Maybe they can give you some advice or put you in touch with a post op that would help support you in your area. Good luck and hang in there...this is definitely worth it in the long run. Take Care! Natalie 281/207/125