swizzly

If I'm reading you correctly, you DO keep down the hot dog and cheese? If that is the case, then eat those for now. And try to find other things that stay down. With the amounts we can eat, there is no reason to be all fat-free with everything. I don't use skim milk or fat-free anything (not much available here anyhow), and I still struggle to get above 800 cals for the day. I also have a hard time with Water and with artificial sweeteners (although I can force down anything, I just do it), but I found that watered-down juice also works well. Maybe try that? When you DO find that something stays down, then use that for now. Above all the rules and guidelines is the common sense that says, I have to have some calories, some Protein and some liquid -- what does it take to get me to that goal? You can do it!!

I'm also a non-teller, though a very few people know. I haven't told my family yet, god help me if they find out from someone else first. I can only say that this sleve has been, for me, ridiculously easy. I have had such a smooth time of it, I feel a bit guilty...and paranoid, waiting for the other shoe to drop. My optimistic nature shines right through there, eh? But really, for me it IS the "easy way out" -- and why shouldn't it be?? There is no intrinsic value or extra virtue in doing something the "hard way." (Not to mention the way that DOESN'T WORK lol.) It's just smart and clever to do something that is more effective AND easier, no? Good luck! You will do great.

Wow, that is awesome!! I think I lost like 20 lb in the first month. *ENVIES* Well done you!!

DUDE -- why did you delete?!?! Your stuff was great, and was an integral part of this awesome thread...?!? I wish you hadn't done that. What happened?

I did not have a pre-op diet, but I can 110% assure you that you will have a MUCH easier time post-op following the proper eating plans. You do still need willpower to stay away from the wrong things, but you will want them less and won't have room for them anyhow, b/c you need to get protein and veg in. I would say pre-op to post-op willpower needed is like 90% pre-op to about 20% post-op. For some it's even less, as they totally lose hunger and things taste funky and etc. Don't worry, you will be able to do this. So stick with that pre-op diet!!

Protein drinks are also not on my dr/nut plans, so I did buy one kind (the only kind I've ever found here) and try it a couple of times, but it didn't really work for me anyhow. And yes, their philosophy is that you should eat real food as quickly again as possible, as it's good for your system and etc. So I've been getting all my protein from food since straight away post-op. Most days I get 50-70g in.

Egg salad and deviled eggs are awesome -- and they don't need much mayo for the small amounts you can eat. I make egg salad with one small boiled egg and about a tsp of mayo + a little mustard and it's delish. I think deviled eggs don't need that much mayo either. Plus, we do need to eat some fat, it's good for us.

I have felt uncomfortably full a few times, but I have never had any pain or vomiting.

I like the depth and honesty of this thread, and I don't think anything posted here has been inappropriate. I have found it cathartic and touching.

Oh I'm very sorry to hear that. I am sending you my best wishes for strength and healing. Please do keep us posted.

I had a one-hour (ie, 50 mins) session with the program's psychiatrist, we had a great conversation. He then wrote a letter of reco/approval to my GP and the bariatric doctors and surgeons. Easy peasy, and pretty good too.

They are small coffees, probably like four ounces (quite strong tho), but that's just a personal preference. I wouldn't hesitate to have another cup, but I wouldn't drink much more than that (personally) because I can't tolerate that much caffeine. Plus, my NUTs say that three small (or one large) coffees are where you cross the line into the diuretic effect, so you have to drink more Water to account for that. When it's just smaller amounts, it doesn't have a net negative diuretic effect.

I hear you. I also started on serious weight loss (years ago) with the unwilling but irrestistible, resounding phrase in my heart/head/soul of, I WANT TO LIVE. Without being conscious that I was dying or slowly killing myself. I don't think of fat as any kind of moral failure. That I will not accept. So attempting to fix it that way leaves me cold. Trying to get happy and then skinny gives too much credit to fat. Fat is a symptom and I'd just as soon fix it -- I don't need to know what's causing my headache, I just need an aspirin. Maybe I'll also figure out what's causing the headaches...it's something to think about in life anyhow. Great post, Crosswinds.

Not sure about the MJ, but I drink normal coffee, have since four days post-op. No problems with it personally, and it's allowed on my program. Can you not ask your doctor about the MJ thing? I would ask my dr about it, without hesitation. Drs are meant to give non-judgmental advice from a medical perspective, not be the drug police, yes?

After I eat, I do feel full. Sometimes way too full. It's bizarre how I can feel so full on so little food.

I have only had one or two protein shakes ever, but I have done mostly just fine with getting my protein in since surgery. It can totally be done.

I never had a single issue with gas (and there is no Gas-X here, so I was very glad). I also didn't have pre- or post-op liquid diets, so I don't have much experience with protein shakes, but I do try for 60-80 g of protein per day. The sleeve is great, you will love it.

It IS hard to hit 1000 just eating very nutritious food, the quantities are just too much -- but I don't want to supplement with crap calories either. But I have been using 2% milk, and full-fat cheese, and regular cottage cheese, etc. I think if I'm only eating just small amounts, I want high quality and good taste, as well as calorie content. Besides, I don't think going too low-fat is that great for me. I also have Peanut Butter from time to time. It's still hard to hit 1000 now I'm only two months out.

I try for 1000 per day, sometimes I hit it, most times I get 800-1000.

Oh that's too bad, all good thoughts coming your way for a speedy recovery. Keep us posted.

45 minutes seems plenty of time to me, that is not too fast IMO. (Maybe not chewed enough, though?) I have never eaten that slow since surgery -- mostly because my NUTs say you should eat in 15-20 minutes, or else you will start digesting and making more room again. Are there other things you tolerate better than cottage cheese? I also get hiccups when I'm full or eat a bit too fast.

I got served coffee when I was still in hospital post-op. I have a cup every morning. Coffee and tea are both fully allowed by my doctors and NUTs.

Loved your post, congrats on taking such a positive step!!

I had a hard time to feel full at first too, but I started to feel the signals after a week or two. They feel different to pre-op full -- it's like a stuck burp for me, and then I know that's the last bite. I also sometimes get the hiccups when I'm full.

I'm late to the party, but still happy to celebrate with you -- WAY TO GO!! I am oh-so admiring of your success.