M2G

Thanks! Unfortunately I figured out this wouldn't work today. I have leftovers from lunch yesterday with my girlfriend, and even though it's 2pm, I just heated them up and ate them. So now I'm at 622 cals at 2:25pm. And I suppose my family will expect me to feed them dinner...gah!! We don't always eat meals as a fam, but usually for dinner we try to. Does anyone else try to hide their "dieting" habits from young to pre-teen to teen girls living in their house? I have two girls (ages 11 and 12.5) and I do not tell them "oh gee, today I'm eating 500 cals and I'm fasting" I worry about what that does to them and their own eating habits and behaviors. My 12 yo is already over 5'4" and probably 125-130lbs (I don't see her weight except at the dr. visits each year) so there is NO WAY IN HE)) that I need her thinking she should fast. I talked to hubby about it (he is sleeved also) so it's not like it a big ole secret (he is supportive but not partaking...yet), but I do find that most people's reaction to eating 500 cals a day is not very "understanding" shall we say? So the short vers. of the story is I will probably need to eat dinner with my family tonight, otherwise I could call it a day and not eat again until tomorrow. Pfffttt!

Thanks for the advice ladies, I did NOT fast yesterday and actually ended up eating out twice (impromtu movie with the fam, and then impromtu dinner out after, and yes there was popcorn but I did 2 micro bags before we left for the theater and divided them into 4 baggies for the 4 of us, way better than the theater popcorn!) So today IS a fast day. I'm taking the girls tomorrow for a mini vacation up to visit my family (they live 4 hours away in the mountains) leaving hubby here because of work. But I'm already anticipating it will be hard to try and fast while visiting family. So I'm thinking of just really trying to keep things on the low-cal end and start fasting again next thurs. Sigh. Oh and just wanted to ask how many weeks before the bouncing stopped for you ladies who have been on this since June? I'm so tired of the scale going down when I fast then back up when I feed. (admittedly my feed days have been in the higher range, like 1500-2000 whereas normally I try to not go over 1300-1400). But put me down as "in the bounce zone" because that is what I keep seeing! Aargh!

G- you are so sweet to say that thank you! But just know that I do NOT weigh anywhere near 135lbs...OMG! Don't you worry, there are still come curvy girls around here!

Hope the baby is better today! And just so you know I got a huge laugh out of changing "registered user" to "sarcastic little mean person" hahahaha! I'm still a "registered user" after all these years. Never bothered to get creative, but I love the idea. I'm supposed to have my "fast" day but a girlfriend and I are going out to lunch. Has anyone done a fast day whilst eating out? Not sure what I should do? Move it to Fri or try for today? Thoughts?

BEAUTIFUL GEORGIA!!!

Haha, Coops! That is awesome! Yeah definitely some jealousy there Cheri! I have never been the kind of girl to roll out of bed, throw on some sweatpants and look CUTE. I always worked at it, even when I was at my largest. Makeup, classy jewlery, carried myself well. So I love that you are taking care of yourself and showing your best ...if they are jealous it's on THEM, not you!

Actually I had my usual Splenda in my coffee in the am and the rest of the day was clear water. No other artificial sweeteners. But I did some googling and found this: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/hormones-oral-health It could be because it is TOM for me. Or could have been a combo of ketosis and TOM...so much fun. At any rate they seem fine today, and my dentist knows that I'm sleeved. Maybe I will ask her about it next time...except that doesn't happen until Dec. lol I will call her if it persists! Thank you Cheri! :wub:

Coops my dear friend! Thank you first and foremost for your friendship. I can honestly say that you are one of the biggest reasons that I have stayed here (VST) because of our friendship. You know we are sleeve sisters not because we share a sleeve date or anything but because of the way we have bonded over our struggles and triumphs! And there will be many many many more triumphs to come!! Congrats on staying the course and not regaining weight. I love your spirit and your diligence, it has served you well. Someday one of us will cross the pond and finally have that cuppa!

Cheri - amazing insight, as per usual. I think most people tend to slink away in shame with regain... sadly. That is when we need the MOST support! Coops - Just doing the happy dance accoss the pond for you! ***Chuffed to beans*** ha ha ha! Love that and I'm sooooooooooooo thrilled for you! UK Cathy - Well, that is sweet (literally) and just goes to show even the best laid plans can go astray. Hope you enjoyed the treats and can get back to it when you are ready! L-V - OMG you are soooooo close, hoping the 150's find you soon! And finally an update...after fasting on Mon. the +2lbs from the weekend are poof gone, so I'm back to -4lbs. And actually I started this whole 5:2 on July 16th but only got in one day of fasting last week, so truly it has been exactly one week since I started and I'm hoping the -4lbs sticks around for a while and takes some friends with it. Yesterday, during fasting, I noticed something odd and wanted to ask if anyone else had this happen. My teeth hurt. WT?? I was grocery shopping (good time to do it when you aren't actually HUNGRY) and my teeth started hurting. I have excellent teeth and generally have zero issues when it comes to good dental health, so why did my teeth hurt? I'm wondering if it was a bit of ketosis related? Anyone? TIA...

Ah, FYE, you said it perfectly (in both responses!!!) as usual. I still sometime struggle with exactly what your surgeon asst. said, but come hell or high Water, I am a fighter, so I'm usually pretty optimistic. There are days when I just want it to be "easy" without having to count the calories or put in the work at the gym. But then I stop and remember that no one ever said this would be easy (losing weight and keeping it off) and that everything that I value in my life (my faith, marriage, family, work) also takes hard work but the hard work is worth the results.

K, clocked in today at 586. Carry on soldiers!

Here and fasting today. ONE WEEK OF 5:2 = DONE! And while it was a good start, it was really only a 6:1 because I went to my back-to-basics class (which I covered in my blog in case anyone one wants to read more about it http://www.thisonebody.blogspot.com/) I had brought up the 5:2 plan to my NUT (who ran the class) and she had never heard of it but gave me the green light to try it. I'm meeting with her again on Aug. 20th so that will be just slightly over a month. So here is what happened with me last week. I weighed on Mon. and by Fri. after only one day of fasting I had LOST -4lbs!!! We darnit, +2lbs came and found me this weekend. We had a bday celebration for my 11 yo at Maggianos Italian restuarant, holy huge plate of food! I have eaten my 2 chicken breasts for 4 meals now. Had some Sat. Ate them twice on Sun. and finally finished them for Breakfast this am. Had a little of the angel hair Pasta but mostly haven't eaten that, but I did indulge in some chocolate cake on Sat. So my calories for Sat. were slightly over 2,000 and 1,700 on Sun. (and it's also TOM so that might have contributed also...) Anyway, short version of the story is that even though I only did a 6:1 last week and lost 4 but found 2 over the weekend that still nets me a -2lbs loss for the week. Excited to keep this going!!! And I notice when I do the crystal lite I DO CRAVE IT MORE. I do better to just not have it. But I'm an occassional Crystal lite drinker but I also do stevia and splenda daily in my coffee. I'm in the moderation camp on articial sweetners.

I'm sorry to hear this and sorry for your pain. I hope the bypass resolves the issues...you might get better results by posting here: http://www.rnytalk.com/forum/24-band-to-gastric-bypass-revisions/ Even though the technical category is band to bypass, there are some sleeve to bypass revisions in there. Best wishes!

Sheila...that is such a GREAT idea...TY! It would be a great sub for rice. I've made cauliflower pizza before (where you steam the cauliflower, "rice" it by chopping finely and mix with egg to form the pizza "crust" and then top like a pizza.) Here let me find that recipe to share in case anyone wants to try it. I did it once when I was maybe 3 months post-op and it was yummy but my stomach made the strangest sounds after, so I never did it again. I think it was just too many veggies for my little sleeve. I really should try it again... Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe Ingredients for pizza 1 small head of cauliflower, leaves and stems removed 1 teaspoon basil 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon parsley 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup Manchengo sheep milk cheese (or Mozzarella) 2 eggs cornmeal, to dust the pizza stone 1 jar marinara or pizza sauce 1/2 cup sheep milk cheese 5-8 basil leaves Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Chop cauliflower florets into chunks. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles a fine grain, like rice or couscous. Pour cauliflower into a large bowl. Add herbs, and salt, then cheese and eggs. Spread a tablespoon or so of cornmeal all over a pizza stone. Place the cauliflower mixture (note- this won't resemble a ball of dough) on the middle of the stone and use your hands to press it into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 then an additional 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Crust will be done when it turns golden brown in color. Remove crust from oven. Change oven temperature to 450 degrees. Add pizza sauce, cheese and whatever toppings you would like, then bake again for about 5 minutes or until cheese on top is melted.

Okay as promised here are the stilts my 12 yo and I made last week. I agree with Coops about the feeling on a non-fast of not being hungry and seeking food. Side-effect maybe from fast days? Love it though, it reminds me of being a newbie sleever!

Ok, YOU have a 22 year old and are about to be a grandma? I would have never GUESSED that from your profile pic. Wow! Sorry about the struggle, I think we've all been there. And yep the hunger does come back, but from what I can tell it is mostly fueled by the carb monster. When I avoid the crap that I *shouldn't* be eating, my hunger seems to disappear. Just my own personal experience...

Yes and -2lbs on the scale has me happy! We are trying to finish this project before my birthday girl comes home from sleep-away camp on Sat. am. Her real bday is Sat. (we already had her party tho before sending her to camp.) But I'm excited to see her reaction...I will post pics of them after we paint them. Who would have ever thought that an 11 yo would want such a low-tech thing...stilts. HAHA. I can see her losing interest quickly in them and putting them in a garage sale. LOL

I'll start. I saw this on FB yesterday and actually tried it. It was delicious. However, I cut the recipe in half and it made 8 patties. I put all the ingredients in calorie count and it came up with 41 cals per pattie. I didn't have Panko but subbed Progresso bread crumbs and used that in my recipe analyzer. Oh the family gave them a thumbs up also! Cheesy Cauliflower Patties 1 head cauliflower 2 large eggs 1/2 c cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 c panko 1/2 t cayenne pepper (more of less to taste) salt olive oil Cut cauliflower into florets & cook in boiling Water until tender about 10 minutes. Drain. Mash the cauliflower while still warm. Stir cheese, eggs, panko, cayenne & salt to taste. Coat the bottom of a griddle or skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Form the cauliflower mixture into patties about 3 inches across. Cook until golden brown & set, about 3 minutes per side. Keep each batch warm in the oven while you cook the rest.

Well I'm glad you don't post stones either...hahaha. I know it's a little thing but it makes me so happy not to have to convert your numbers! Yes, losing a bit gives me such a lift! Esp. now that the Orlando weight-gain-while-on-vacation is gone. Woo hoo. Onward and downward. Oh and yes please share pencil sketches of your "man" hahaha! Hugs to you Coops!

THAT IS FANTASTIC! I'm so happy for you!!!

Well, in all honesty, I hope that NO ONE ever told you "this will solve all your problems" because that just isn't the truth. Everyone says (and repeats) this is just a tool. And yep, here I am getting close to 3 years later and guess what? I still have to weigh and measure my food, I still have to be ON my game, or some weight can slip back on. So on one hand sure it can be frustrating sometimes to have to remain diligent. I did NOT get skinny from this surgery and did not pick to be in maintenance when my body decided to quit losing. But I have made peace with being where I am. (I am battling a bit of a regain +15lbs which I AM refusing to accept and will continue to battle until it's gone) but I have made peace with the fact that I will not have a "normal" BMI. I'm okay with that. On the other hand, this is ONE piece of the big puzzle. Why did I eat, when did I eat, and what did I eat pre-surgery? And because of having surgery and dealing with some of the issues around my own eating puzzle, I'm forever grateful for having this surgery. Would I have ever been able to lose -85lbs and KEEP IT OFF for 2 years? Nope. Not this girl. I would have already gained it all back by now. So the answer to the question is the rose colored glasses are MY CHOICE and how I want my journey to be. I've learned that there is NO finish line, there is no DONE and now I just get to eat whatever I want and not gain weight. So I've accepted that this is MY battle MY cross to bear and I refuse to accept defeat. Attitude counts...it's really all up to you and it always has been. The surgery is the tool to help you, not do it for you.

Wow, amazing transformation! You are beautiful...congrats on the new you!

I'm sorry for your struggles, and I'm sorry you are facing a revision. However, it seems that you have a wonderful dr. and hopefully he can guide you through this process. I agree with whoever said that there are liquid/mushies that are not considered low-calorie and you might have to consider that in order to keep your weight from slipping lower. I'm glad you shared your struggles here, because not every surgery is going to be perfect, easy, and without a struggle. My heart breaks for those who have complications and it's a big fear going into this type of surgery because it is elective. We all question ourselves and wonder if the benefits outweigh the risks. It sounds as if you have found some peace and acceptance, but there is probably more to come after the hernia repair. Hopefully, once you are healed from that, and your weight stabilizes in an area you can be comfortable with, things will look much brighter. Hugs to you!

Wow, congrats on your loss! You look amazing!

Yes, FYE, I thought the same thing as Swizzly that used to be your profile pic...really neat art! Thanks LV...I'm not sure I knew that when I started the day I was going to be building stilts. Haha. Your collages are really cool too. I have a bachelor's degree in art with an emphasis in graphic design, but never took the fine art path (though I'm jealous of those who make a living doing fine art!) I've been a graphic artist on and off for the last 19 years, which I love but now that I took time off to raise my kids, the technology is changing so fast getting a job now seems bleak. I went back to school in Jan. and took 3 classes and then stopped for the summer. I will resume classes this fall and hopefully come out with a "certificate" of web design. YAY Coops! Soooooo happy that 164 is NOT the number on your scale. Do you actually weigh in lbs vs kgs? Or do you weigh in kgs and convert for us? Either way my brain is so happy that you post in pounds...lame I know but I'm often too lazy to look up kgs conversions...lol. So I love that you do that AND SO HAPPY that you saw 163. Cheri, don't give up yet. I know how hard it can be when things don't go as planned, but you will find a day to fast and when you do, just take advantage of it! Apparently my first day of fasting netted me a -2lb loss. So now the fun begins. Eating in moderation today and hopefully NOT see the scale bounce back up as a response to my body feeding. We shall see...