lsereno

Hah. Just today, after a year at goal, I got a glmpse in a mirror and thought "Who's that?"

I strongly recommend coming to grips with your overeating issues now. In a few months, what seems impossible will slide down without an issue. You can't count on restriction in the long term. Yes, you will always have a restricted capacity, but you'll easily be able to eat enough to gain it all back if you nibble or choose a lot of calorie dense foods. Right now, I am totally ignoring the caramel corn sitting in the kitchen calling my name. Lynda

I agree with John that eating 1/2 cup, mostly Protein at 3 months is a reasonable goal. My program recommended trying to get your protein from food, but having a Protein shake at night if you didn't manage to get enough during the day. They also recommending avoiding bread and other starches, mainly because it isn't well tolerated by a lot of people (myslelf included) early out and when you can eat such tiny amounts, its not nutrient dense enough. Had to look at my book, but when I did, they recommended around 400-900 calories per day from 6 weeks to goal and around 1200 per day to maintain.

At six weeks, I was cleared for all foods. I did not tolerate rice, bread, or potatoes till much later. Also had a problem with anything acidic or spicy till I was several months out. Lynda

I used a clock with a second hand. Chew small bite for 30 seconds. Swallow. Wait 30 seconds. Repeat. Don't stress that it will be permanent. At two years out, I eat as fast as I ever did. Lynda

Hi all, I'm celebrating my two year surgiversary today! In honor of that, I've finally finished my profile, adding pictures of me at goal and writing my surgery story, which I've copied below. I'm looking forward to another successful year at goal weight! Lynda My surgery story: I joined VSG in December 2010 after deciding to pursue WLS in November 2010. I'd been lurking for about a month. I originally thought I wanted a lap band, but after learning more on VST and other sites, I decided to become a sleever. For those interested in the Kaiser Fremont process: I met with my primary care Dr. in Nov. and he signed me up for the next Overview meeting in Santa Clara. Because of the holidays, that was Jan. 11. After a couple of hiccups (correct weighty wasn't documented and Dr. misunderstood my request for referral), I was referred to Kaiser Fremont Bariatric program and attended Orientation there on Feb 13. I read the book we received in that meeting and began taking the Vitamins and following the 1200 diet immediately. Also, at the end of Orientation, I scheduled by next appt for 3/3. At the 3/3 appt. I met with the nutritionist, who was pleased with my diet, vitamins, ,and exercise routine, the surgeon, who reviewed by med history and declared me a good candidate for the sleeve, and the program coordinator, who explained the next steps I need to take. Next steps for me were a chest xray, EKG, tetanus shot and anemia blood test (all other tests are current), and attending at least one F2F support group meeting. After I was within 10 lbs of goal I got an appt with the psych. When I lost 10% of my weight, my surgery was scheduled. It took about another 6 weeks after that before I had the surgery. During those six weeks, I practiced chewing a lot, sipping slowly, and I gave up coffee. I had a undiagnosed hernia, which was repaired during surgery. Post-op, I developed severe lactose intolerance. At two years out, it's not completely gone, but I can enjoy the occasional ice cream or latte. I hit onderland on June 22, 2011, a little more than one month post op and goal weight on March 25, 2012, about nine months post-op. I've been maintaining goal within 5 lbs. since then. My blood pressure dropped enough that I was offf all meds for a few months, but it slowly crept back up and I now take medicine again, although not as much as before. I also no longer take cholesterol medication. My hair did thin beginning in month 4, but by about 18 months out, it was thick all the way to end again. I was cleared for coffee at three months, and the occasional drink at 6 months. For me, WLS surgery has been a life changer. I love life at goal.

I ordered off the appetizer section or had soup till I could eat more. Shrimp and Crab Cocktail were my favs early out. Lynda

I liked sleepy time tea early out. Also, I had to really sip slowly. It took 15 minutes to get an ounce down for the first few days. If I went faster, I felt sick. Cold and hot Water bothered me too. Had to be close to room temp. Lynda

Fat free greek yogurt is also good choice. It has less lactose than other milk products. Lynda

Watermelon is one of the first fresh fruits I could enjoy. Also did well with cantaloupe and bananas. It was several months before I could eat more acidic fruits. Lynda

Two years out. Soy latte at 8 a.m. 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 oz low fat ham, 2 strawberries at 9 a.m. Soy latte at noon 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 oz low fat ham, 1 slice velvetta cheese, small can V8 at 1:30 p.m. 2 3oz glasses of port at 5 p.m. 3 oz filet mignon, 1/4 cup mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup green Beans, couple bites French bread at 6 p.m. 3 oz port at 7:30 p.m. This is my treat day this week. Hubby and I are celebrating 32 years. Tomorrow is my two year surgiversery. I have been at goal for 14 months. Lynda

For me, happiness is at the same level as pre-op. I was a pretty happy person then, and I'm a pretty happy person now. What's changed is how happy I am when shopping, working out, and fitting in small places . Also, I notice that people treat me differently now that I'm thinner. That pisses me off when I think about it much, but there it is. Lynda

Hey Globetrotter, I don't know what the answer is. I know some people have to eat way less to lose and maintain. I'm always amazed at how little eggface eats per day to maintain and she completely avoids breads, crackers and other carby foods. Only suggestion I have is maybe a slow thyroid? Lynda

I'm not sure, but I was very lactose intolerant post op and still have a problem if I have too much milk, ice cream, etc. I was able to eat greek yogurt very early out and at first the only whey Protein that didn't make me sick was unjury. My theory -and it's just my thought really - is that the smaller stomach size and less food in to mix around really highlights any intolerances that might have been there pre-op. Lynda

Although I liked unjury and it was the only Protein I tolerated well immediately post-op, it is a good idea to buy the samples and try it first. Lynda