1-4-Many

I still get hungry. And I still get hungry fast. One minute I'm not, then bang! I need food. But 2 bites of something immediately quiets the hunger. Very different these days. It's very easy to distract myself too. So even if I think I want more, this tool really helps you to put aside the food desire that isn't really related to hunger.

I'm no where near ready but yea for you!!! That's pretty good when walking just isn't good enough. Was there a time when you huffed and puffed to walk? I sure do!

Geisel - (or anyone else) did you try those sunkist shots? I'm thinking about giving them a try but I don't want to add more to my growing pile of icky protein. Thanks.

I'm going to hold off on celebrating too soon but my weight loss, as I've said, has been very, very slow. So I decided to throw caution to the wind and switch from the wonderful "healthy" foods like baked cod (3 oz piece and 90 calories) to a Glucerna Protein bar with something like 200 or 220 calories and extremely pureed beef, much higher calorie content than fish. I can eat a bit less in terms of bulk, but what I am getting is more calories. Every food opportunity I am trying to think of ways to ramp my calories up from the 500 per day I was getting. I have been about 650- 700 per day since Saturday. And since my weigh in Saturday morning I've lost 2 pounds. Might be a total accident, but I certainly feel better at 650 than 500. If it continues, then I'll be a very happy person! And since I'm in this for (hopefully!) a very long haul, it was worth the try. (Just a P.S., I can really tell the difference in my stomach. Lots of grumbling and gurgling but no discomfort. I think it's just having to work harder.)

Regarding the chewing, I was on 2 weeks of liquid pre-op and 3 weeks of liquid post op. I've never been a real fast eater but during that 5 weeks I lost any speed at all. When you are drinking things that are not all that appealing, it becomes a very slow process to get it down. And obviously, there's no chewing at all during those 5 weeks. I think that works well in teaching the person. At the point I was going through it, it was lost on me but now I see it. And regarding the making a meal last 30 minutes, we do not do that. For instance, I am able to only eat about 80% of a single egg scrambled. Scramble one and see what that quantity looks like. As long as we put 1 minute between bites, we do not have to force the meal to take 30 minutes. I bought a little egg timer and I sit with it on the table and turn it over as I take my bites. It takes me 20 to 23 minutes to eat that portion of a scrambled egg. Ask if you need to make a meal to last 30 minutes or if it's about how long you wait between bites. If you are very small portions like I am, there's no reason to drag it out any longer than you have to. And in the beginning almost everyone is very small portions. For the most part I've been very lucky. Things have fallen into place so easy for me I can't even believe it. I wish I were losing weight faster but I think a part of the reason I'm emotionally able to cope with that is because the overall process hasn't been that difficult. I miss my caffeine because I am so tired but I'll get that back soon. And way more than food, I miss being able to take Advil. But the thing I miss most, I just can't have so I have to get over it. I smoked for many years and gave it up when I bought my first home as I was very low on cash. I think about this in much the same way. There were some rough spots, but now I look back and I'm really glad I had the good sense to just do it. I can't even imagine myself as a smoker now and I smoked close to 20 years. I hope some day I can't even imagine myself as ever having been fat. (At least with my clothes on..pretty sure the skin will be a reminder otherwise.)

That's interesting. My doc told me to eat saltines early on for my low blood sugar issue. I asked about eating something crunchy...I mean it's only 1 or 2 but still. He didn't give an explanation. I've read here that toast goes down well but bread doesn't. If I ever get to where I can eat more than 3 ounces, I would not mind having to toast things at all.

A good friend who had gastric bypass had her only horrible moment on a taco out to eat with her husband. She's never eaten a taco since. This was like 3 years after her surgery! That's always in the back of my mind........ and not a pretty image. Oh...and what was your surgery date? I can't wait to be able to test fresh veggies.

I actually wonder why someone doesn't make a capsule with pressed Protein powder in it. I'd think it would be pretty easy to get 6-8 grams in a capsule for those who are down the line and can swallow a normal sized one. I can see where 1 gram per wouldn't be worth it. On the protein shots, I've tried about 6 flavors and brands and found a grape one I actually like. It's not all that sweet. There was one that was like a fruit punch that just about gagged me it was so awful sweet. So there's quite a range out there. I think I'll keep picking up one here or there as I see different brands. Never know when you'll hit on one that's just right.

When did you get caffeine back? Seems to be the only thing my program is liberal one. They say I can have it back at 60 days. (They know I drink 1 cup of coffee per day). I've read others saying a much later time frame so I'm a bit nervous since I've had nausea issue....but I sure would like that coffee back and at 6 weeks out, I"m getting close.

They gave us that stat a few months ago in the support meeting and it was not that much, something like 20 grams. Sorry, I don't remember what they said but I do remember they were talking about eating 6 times a day (which I can't do yet) and to try and get 10 grams per meal as that was the best way for your body to adsorb it. The amount you can absorb was more than 10, they were just using it as an example. I want to know too so it's another question for me to ask.

This is very helpful to think about. It seems odd to be losing so much less and slower than when I was actually still eating quite a bit. I'd bet my "diet" calories were at least 1400 to 1500 a day. But I guess it might actually make sense in this odd ball body. You know, I'm already off one of my two blood pressure meds so I try to think about that angle. I'm going to try and remember to ask around at my next support meeting which is next Thursday and ask the folks there is they see this pattern.

Plenty of water, logging every bite. I have yet to exceed 500 calories and, as I said, virtually everything I eat is packaged food so I don't think there's much error on the calculation. I am at a 3 to 4 ounce capacity so it's hard to explain, but I couldn't "cheat" even if I wanted to right now. And right now, I don't have much desire to. I'm lucky. I don't have an aversion to eating like some folks go through but it's certainly not a joy. The only real shock will be the day I exceed 500 calories. That's my own personal goal right now. The eye opening part to me is the days when it's 6 p.m. and I'm still under 300 calories. I hate having to eat after 7 p.m. so those days I have to stay up later. Talk about feeling old. And no I am not getting all the protein. If you do the math, without the protein shots, it's almost impossible to get 60+ grams on less than 500 calories. We are not to be doing liquid. I occasionally cheat as the protein is more important than the rules but I try to honor the program. Considering my capacity I am getting in the 50's which I think is decent.. I am also not counting carbs. That would be an exercise in futility on an almost all protein diet. They tally on the program I use but my NUT said to ignore carbs until I am at least at 650 calories and have a bit of shimmy room to get some in. It's okay that you ask this. But I will say that if I was eating 1k a day I would still find it shocking that at 250 poundish now, that would be keeping me from losing weight since 1200 calories is the sort of gold standard for a classic diet. But as an FYI, my ex was asking all of the same things. He's in the process of being approved for gastric bypass and I think it scares him to see what's happening with me. So now he's decided it's because I can't eat enough. As I said, he's my ex. Oddly, he's a nice man tho so I just let him talk. My weight loss dream is to feel better. While I don't feel horrible, better feels a long way off at this time. But I actually think I'm lucky as this has so little to do with the number on the scale that this doesn't bother me all that much. I want to work it out and I wish I were losing faster, but I don't have a gun to my head. But if there's someone else out there reading, I do want them to know they are not the only one and to have an understanding of the issue.

Yes, that helps a lot! (Oh and I like your screen name!) That seems to make my plan logical. I don't intend to drink an entire shot, but break it into 10 gram servings in a shot glass I have and take it with the fruit/veggie meal. I was planning to swig it first, but with this advice, I will leave that last bite or two's space and drink it after the meal so that it can work with the fruits and veggies. That was actually the only negative I had heard before, that drinking a large vile of the protein shot at once, most of it would just go right through your system and you'd only get about 20% of benefit. Personally I like the grape flavored shots and I only need the 8 to 10 grams of protein to go along with the non-protein foods. Thanks again. I think I can make this work. I really don't want to live life without at least fresh cantaloupe and ripe nectarines at least once in a while.

As another poster said about the mushies, I am so over this. Only for me it's Protein. I have about a 3 to 4 ounce capacity so my life is baked fish, tuna or chicken. Honest. I lost weight pretty easy on Adkins but I didn't want to have to do Adkins the rest of my life so I was sleeved. You know the perfect sleeve fantasy. Eat anything but in small portions. Still have some pleasure in food, just reasonable. Well when you top out at 3 to 4 ounces being able to eat "anything" becomes protein. Protein. I am so sick of protein. So, down the road does anyone know if the liquid Protein -- specifically the protein shots of whey -- is as beneficial to your body as ...well, chicken and fish. Even if I get a little stretch at 6 months, I can't see eating this way forever. Going through the summer seasons without fresh fruits or veggies just sucks. So frankly, I don't care what the rules are about not drinking protein. But I do want to make sure it's of actual benefit for my body. My plan to cope with my small capacity is to take a swig of the high test protein shot and then the fresh fruit or veggies. Without that protein at each meal, if I lose 1 meal I'm way off for the whole day. And back to my original point, I just can't see doing this forever. And even if my capacity doubles, 6 ounces is still pretty weak. I really want tomatoes from the vine and fresh snapped Beans. Is that a bad fat person's dream? So share with me what you've read and know on the subject of liquid protein. I really want to hang onto my muscle if at all possible. But I also sooo want some garden peas this summer.

I had the antibiotic issue too. One day in particular it hit me hard. I called the doctor and they were able to give me a different one. If that part gets really bad, you might want to check about a substitute. The second one they gave me seemed to work as effectively and stayed down easier. And the hunger does sedate after a couple of weeks. At least that was my timeframe. About the time I was able to leave liquids, I felt better hunger wise.

I judge no one on issues like this. I held off on surgery for several months because I am almost phobic about vomiting. But I needed to occasionally vent and take time to adjust. It happens. Now an update on my hair situation: I stupidly built a home that is largely white and I have almost black hair. Natural very dark hair. It's short. Well I spent Memorial Day weekend spring cleaning and was very proud of the work I was able to get done. It's one of the things about me as a fat person - I don't work out or exercise due to very, very bad knees but I don't sit still either. I mopped, swept, sweepered, washed down.....house looked great. Now what I can see is hair. Lots of hair. Lots of single 4 to 6 inch dark hairs all over those white floors and counters. ( Bet you're all just wishing I throw a great big dinner party and have you all over huh!!!) Mine is clearly not waiting until 3 months to start falling out. So I checked and sadly the places I am really losing the most are the spots where it was thinnest...although logically I think it's just showing more there. I've been on Biotin for almost 2 years. I suspected I was headed into a rough road when I noticed that 6 weeks out from being sleeved I have not needed to shave my legs even once. They are a big stubbly, but not in need of a shave. And my fingernails used to grow like crazy. They are not either. So hopefully this won't be as bad as I expect but next weekend I'm going into town ( I like in the country! ) to a wig shop and checking out a style or two. What the hey? If I have an emergency I'd rather have a wig that looks very "me" to fall back on rather than having to attend an event bald or at least baldish. I want to know my options. My hair is kind of thin to start out with so I guess I'd like a back up just in case. I can live with this. At a 3-4 ounce capacity I was ready for this to be a possibility. Might just go with a Jamie Lee Curtis cut and be done with it.!

Tylenol was all I had for pain and no one mentioned anything about chewable or liquid. I sometimes hate to think about how much I actually did wrong from lack of detailed info. I never even knew (I think because I didn't have kiddies) that it came in chewable or liquid~!

Yep, I was a fantastic dieter. I would hate to even begin to add my number up but then I'm much older. As I said, you were just among the smart ones who nipped it in the bud bless your heart! Anyone can deprive themselves for a window of time, but forever wasn't in the cards for me. And I will just say that I have learned a lot from reading what you've shared. Guess I'm hoping you actually know what you are talking about. (JK, you know)

If you are only getting 20 ounces of liquid and not keeping all of that down, you need to go in for an IV IMHO. I think that what your doctor was trying to say was that you are feeling so bad because you are dehydrated. But it seems to me the first best step to get you past that would be an IV. That would help you to feel better to start taking and keeping more liquid down. Could you give them a call and ask if they could rehydrate you and help you?

No question that Tiffyikins is expert. But I'm convinced some of it depends on you as an individual. And I firmly believe a component is how often you have dieted and yo-yo'd in your life. I have watched several friends go down this path and the two that did the best the easiest were the two who were not "dieters". Yes, they tried to lose weight but frankly, if they stayed on any plan for more than 3 or 4 weeks, I do not remember it. Those of us who have lost large quantities, swung back and forth, I think we've done a number on our systems. This is another reason why I think it's great that young people like yourself are getting on board and doing this early to take back your life. And attitude. The fact that you are going in determined this will be your life and lifestyle without a second surgery is going to go a long way to get you there. And it is hard to believe that someone under 30 could not settle into a 1k calorie a day diet and be very trim and healthy. But you'll do what your body tells you is necessary. And I'll bet you do well.

Mushies has been the biggest surprise to me diet wise. I love crunch. I am not a sweets person but I might commit a crime to get my hands on movie style popcorn. So I thought mushies would kill me. Well, maybe it was being on full liquid for 3 weeks that made me so happy with mushies and hearing one comment in my support group: "you can eat anything with the sleeve now, or try anything, as long as you can make it mushy" With that I was off to the races. I put the greek yogart down and picked up the Beef Pot Roast. That was dinner tonight, about 3 ounces of beef pot roast pureed with cooked carrots and a bit of gravy. In my mind, I think it will all end up together and mushy after it's eaten anyway. And so far my stomach is accepting everything. So while I do not like being so low capacity, nothing food wise has upset my stomach yet so I'm very happy from that perspective. I'm so sorry to hear you are having such problems. I wonder if you went to the store and tried to find something you have never had before if it might help. Maybe if you tried something with no expectation, no prior knowledge of what it should taste like? I know my stomach being able to take 3 ounces of beef has greatly helped me in the pursuit of Protein. I sure hope your desires will turn around when you get your crunch back. Since that's where my weakness resides I'd actually considered staying in mushy land.

The only suggestion is to make sure you have the supplies you will need as you probably won't be able to drive for the week. If you can afford to do it, overbuy a little bit. Otherwise, I would have had no trouble either. As a matter of fact, I think the most irritating event of the week was my SO going to the grocery store for me with a very specific list and coming back with the "man" version....absolutely nothing exact to what I'd asked him to get. I couldn't believe that he didn't even get the milk right. I asked for skim, he bought 2%. So now I know it would have just been better for me to have made sure I had what I needed and enjoyed the peace and quiet of being alone.... and control of the TV remote. You'll be fine.

Excellent info. Thanks.

I was looking at the supplements section at the grocery today and noticed a lot of new chewable items. One I am interested in is a chewable Omega oil supplement. I tried buying it a couple of times and the pills were so huge I couldn't get them down. Does anyone know if there are any rules regarding taking other supplements after this surgery? Just the other day Dr. Oz was talking about a couple of supplements that address different issues (in this case memory) and my first thought was "wonder if it's okay after WLS". Has anyone been given any guidance? Just winging it? And is there anything outside of the norm that you take on a regular basis and feel is a true benefit? I didn't get the gummy fish oils but I might. The label swears they don't taste fishy but if they do I might just dip them in tartar sauce. Thanks.

So since I am no longer using a PPI I can use the calcium chews I had from before that are not citrate? I bought 3 bags right before surgery not knowing I needed citrate. I would like to mix them in with the citrate chews I have to use them up but thought there was a bigger issue than just being about acid and absorption. Also Tiffykins, I'm sure you've answered this before, but do we need to stay on chews for the rest of our days? There is a pill form of calcium I really like as it's a blend of 3 kinds of calcium. Same thing, I'd like to at least be able to mix it in with the calcium citrate that I take but didn't know what the rule of thumb was on these kinds of pills. For instance, I have some B Complex pills -- will I be able to take them again? If it's just a matter of not getting full bang for the pill because it will go through me faster, it would still be better than throwing them away. Any thoughts?