MINI-Me

I normally do the same as Beverly above. If my husband orders something I don't want, I usually can find something on the appetizer menu that either fills me up or leaves me some leftovers for lunch the next day. I'm really into non-breaded wings right now for some reason. Probably because they are (1) Yummy (2) Take a little longer to eat and (3) No one would ever think you were "dieting" eating those. It takes time to figure it all out, but you really can enjoy a restaurant and time out with friends. Glad to have you on the boards. I look forward to hearing about your progress and your journey this time!

It's been said above and I will say it again ... you look awesome. Great job in working your sleeve.

:001_cool: :wink1: :lol0: :lol0: :lol0: :lol0: :lol0: :lol0: :lol0:

I didn't have any fresh fruits/veggies until 3 months out per my surgeons/nut recommendations. I probably would have been fine, but for some reason, those type of foods scared me. What does your diet plan say about tomatoes?

That is awesome. Glad to hear that you are doing well.

Congratulations! Glad things went so well for you.

I agree ... heating pads ROCK! post-op. Glad to hear that you are doing well. I grew up in Virginia so I know what you mean about the heat. Sorry you had to go through that.

I will try to answer question by question: I have a question though, all the information my hospital has given me (an information pack) tells me only to expect to lose only 20% of my excess weight. Does this sound correct ?? Not from my personal experience and what others on the board have shown. Doesn't seem possible to only lose that little bit with the little you can eat from the restriction. Seems a very low percentage? I realise that I may never get back to a 'normal' weight again but after reading about different successes on this forum it seems that most lose more than 20% of their excess. Do most surgeons do this or is this hospital I'm going to being very cautious ? Sounds like they are being VERY cautious. Most studies I've read say 50-60% of excess weightloss (and this included stomachs made with 60 boughie). Or could it be to do with the size of the stomach that they leave behind? Yes, I believe so. Also, some surgeons have been known to make goals that are very conservative so that you don't come back and say "You told me that I would ..." Definitely talk to the surgeon and ask him what he expects for your results. Talking averages is just that, an average. I have had my down moments, but when I look back at where I was just 19 weeks ago, it is amazing!!!!

WOW! That seems like really dense food for this early out. What does your surgeon/nut say? How much food and cake did you eat? One bite or a "normal" serving?

Glad to hear that your doctor was so proactive and got you the medical attention that you needed. As far as the weight, please don't let it get to you. I'm sure they pumped you full of so many fluids that your body just isn't sure what to do with it all. You will start loosing weight soon. Right now, just focus on getting better.

So, I'm getting ready for work this morning & kinda got frantic. I tried on one pair of pants - too big. Tried on another pair of pants - too big. Went to the smallest ones I have and thought "whew! this works". Typical morning - rush, rush, rush. Drop the youngest off at daycare & drive into work with my hubby (we work at the same company, same building, same floor - LOL). Thursday are free coffee days in my department, so my hubby always comes by to chat. Yeah right - we all know he wants free coffee. Part of his "charade" is to stop by my desk. He walks in my office & sees me standing up. He's like "What are you wearing? Those clothes are falling off of you." I was crushed. I was like "it's all that would fit". He says back "Those do not fit. You need to show off how you are looking, not hiding behind those clothes. At lunch, we are going shopping and buying you some clothes that fit." Luckily, there is a decent thrift store near work, so we went at lunch. The pants I had on were 12's. I went over to the 9/10 section, held up pants and went "no way" ... but, decided to try them on anyway. Every single pair I tried on fit!!!!! Some were too short or I didn't like them when I got them on. But, THEY ALL FIT! Some were even a bit loose. I can't remember the last time I fit into 10's. Maybe for a week or two in my twenties, but that's it. WHAT A DAY!

Hot was definitely my preference in the beginning. The warmth seemed to soothe my healing tummy. Enjoy your tea!

For the first time in my life, I am so glad to have someone tell me "I told you so"! :scared0:

Congratulations!!!! Doesn't it feel great to finally win the battle of the bulge???

Yep! I've got a good one for sure. Plus, I think he wanted to show off my um, how should I say this ... "assets". :thumbup:

Yeah! Enjoy the journey. Glad to have you on the Loser's Side.

Thanks for your responses everyone. I think my moment of panicking has passed. You guys are great!

For now, I wouldn't worry about the carbs ... your doctor gave you the products so I would assume they are ok for his plan. What were your instructions for nutrition?

Thanks ... this has been such a journey - weird, wacky, wonderful, WOW!

I too couldn't get past the smell and taste of Protein powders. What FINALLY worked for me was the unjury chicken Soup. It's a little salty in flavor, but none of the issues I had with other Proteins. It is 21 grams of protein. I also use [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-Protein-2-7-Pound/dp/B000GIUQOG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1276226079&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: 100% Any whey Protein: Health & Personal Care[/ame] and add 1/2 scoop to my yogurt and or sugar free Cocoa powder. I cannot taste it at all and it boosts my protein by 8.5 grams. Good luck in finding what works for you. I know it was a struggle for me and many others.

Jillian - Glad to hear that you are feeling better and that you had a wake up call. One of the best things about this group is the tough love and the responsiveness of the people here. Please take our comments and suggestions in the way they are intended - we do care. Please take care of yourself. Keep in touch with us & we will help where we can. But, get that therapy started immediately. Sending cyber hugs your way ... you can defeat this & be the healthy you that you want to be!

I just love stories like that - good caring staff and doctors make such a difference. Glad things are going so well for you. Are you doing ok at the hospital by yourself? Make sure to track your meds and walk, sip, walk, sip. Congratulations!

Congrats to all of you on successful surgeries. It's good to have company on the Loser's Bench!

I would not be concerned with those stats. 1 issue out of 1000+ procedures sounds reasonable. Of those non-sleeve procedures, how many were DS?

Hopefully you are doing better now. Please don't take this as slamming you - I mean it with the best of intentions. But sweetie ... that is a lot of food to be eating so soon after surgery. (At four months out, I don't think I could even consume jello, a couple of yogurts and 1/2 a protein bar in the course of an evening.) It could be that your stomach is rebelling from the volume you've pushed into it while it is still swollen and healing. If you aren't better ... Do you have a coordinator or number to call for your surgeon? If not, you should consider going to the ER. You could have some issues that need medical attention. Best of luck. Let us know how you are doing.