PdxMan

How far out from surgery are you?

I'd like to say it gets better, however ...

I think what you are experiencing is VERY normal. At a month out, most of us are in some level of ketosis. During this phase, your body secretes acetone, which is in your sweat and mouth ... gross ... I know. Been there, smelled that. So, the taste of food is a bit off, but once you are able to get your carbs up a bit, this will resolve. As far as eating being uncomfortable, it sounds like you are doing everything right, chewing to a mush, eating slower and smaller bites. My guess is that you are taking one bite too many. At this stage, your tummy cannot tell you when you are full. It will come, just not today ... so, if you have been taking in 4 tsp of food, move to 3 tsp. What I did was to put my utensil down in between bites and evaluate how I felt. Yes, some meals took me half an hour to eat those 4 bites, but it was what I needed. Just try stopping well before you have been and perhaps eat more often.

That is a great article. Thanks for bringing it here. One thing I would add is if you are working out, then … WORK! So often I see the same folks at the gym on the elliptical moving at such a slow speed. Now, I understand some people have physical restrictions, but I don’t think that applies to everyone. And each of us have difficulty giving 120% effort at the gym. I will definitely admit I have phoned in a spinning session. The problem is, you credit yourself with burning 500 calories when, in actuality, you burned more like 300 … and then you commit the sins listed above. If you want to make your cardio workouts count, my suggestion is to calculate your target heart rate, get a good heart rate monitor, and always try to maintain this heart rate during your cardio workout. … and of course, follow the guidelines pointed out in GMan’s post.

Well, thanks for the mention. For me, life is a wonderful journey. I had (have) so many obstacles keeping me from enjoying my life to its fullest. I have one go around on this experience we call life. I'm tired of not being a participant to its fullest. I'm happy to say the quest never ends, but at the same time, it does not monopolize my life, either. My usage of alcohol as medication robbed so much of my life, and I want it back. I'm happy to say, I am getting it back ... one day at a time.

Yeah ... drinking and AA are a tough mix, for sure. AA basically ruins the whole drinking thing, gosh darn it! Also, don't be afraid to get a temporary sponsor. It is difficult to understand now, but you are actually doing more for them than what they are doing for you. It is temporary or permanent, if you want it to be.

I am so happy to see you back here. Everyone's perspective is so important to get the full story. Welcome back, our prodiGAL PeaceQueen. (We need some peace around here, lately) Of course, I'm going to suggest going back to basics. Eat lean Protein first, then good veggies, then starches Don't drink before, during or immediately after eating Put the utencil down after each bite. Evaluate how you feel before taking the next bite Exercise - Your heart rate should be up there. You should feel absolutely exhausted when you are done. Welcome back!

I started with iceburg lettuce at about 3 months and slowly added romain into the mix. At about 4 months out, I was 100% romain and began adding spinach slowly. 5 months out, adding kale, which, is extremely hardy. Kale was a slow progression, for sure and of course, I don't ever have 100% kale salads, so ... You wouldn't think salads are that difficult to digest, but they sure are.

I agree, I can't fathom what life is like for a 400, 500, 600 ... pound person. Whilst the physical stuggle differences may be miles apart, I do feel the mental struggles are quite similar. And that is where the forum has helped me.

Yeah, there are folks who have had complications OR their expectations far exceeded their reality. Some folk do think all they have to do is get the surgery, sit back and about two weeks later, they don't understand why they aren't loosing AT LEAST 2 pounds per day and can't understand why their stomach feels uncomfortable when they eat something 2 weeks post. I have found a lot of people with this mindset give the warnings you mention. This surgery is not for everyone, that is for sure. Each of us has to weigh the risks and decide what our tolerance is for that risk. We each have our own journeys and reasons to have the surgery. Some folks are looking to get skinny while others are looking to get off of meds and maybe lose a few pounds, but not all that much. I am on my own journey and have my own reasons for embarking on it. Whatever. WE all need to respect each other and not try to distinguish ourselves as being anything other than what we are ... and we are the only ones who get to do that. Try not to let other folks try to tell you what you should or shouldn't do ... who you are or aren't. Just like a$sh0l3s ... opinions are everywhere. Some are just smellier than others.

I need some help here ... why are you posting about your relatively 'low' BMI, then? What was your expectation? Here is the part that confuses me and I need some help on ... I am assuming 'low' BMI denotes a BMI lower than your insurance will cover and that is what you are seeking support about? Otherwise, is someone's journey, surgery-wise, different if they are a 33 BMI or a 53 BMI?? Don't we all have similar struggles? If it isn't about the insurance, then what is the motivation to point out the starting BMI? IMO, you were trying to separate yourself out from the 'fatties' by pointing out your low BMI, most likely looking to get the comments, "Oh, you're too skinny for this drastic of a move", although, you most likely aren't conscience of that ... IDK, when one starts trying to disect the mind, no good can ever come of it. If you seek support, you will find it. If you seek community, you will find it. If you seek confrontation, you will find it.

Jason, I am so happy to hear this. IMO, the key at this point is to be willing. Willing to listen to the similarities instead of listening for differences. Being willing to try something different. I remember after my first meeting someone told me that my best thinking got me there that day, so maybe it was time to try some different thinking. It has been working for me, one day at a time. p.s. Don't know where you are at on the whole higher power thing, but if it is an issue for you, just substitute the "AA" anytime you hear or read the word "God". PM me if you need my thoughts on this.

I'm guessing you have been focusing on doing the low-carb thing? Do you know what your carb intake is? This is a common falacy with new sleevers. We get sleeved and think we have to go on a diet. Huh? The sleeve restriction is going to do that for us. We need to focus on getting well balanced meals. Make sure you are getting enough Protein, fats and carbs. Get a good variety of foods. Don't diet, just eat smaller portions ... sleeved ... right?

I just want to echo what everyone has already said. Focus on your liquids and Protein, for now. The sleeve will take care of you. Just start getting in the habit of tracking everything in MFP or something of the like. I never was a BIG calorie counter. I knew my sleeve would restrict me and that is why I had the procedure. If I wanted to go on another diet, I probably wouldn't have gotten sleeved.

I think we just notice it more. We have undergone such a drastic change. I know when I am at a restaurant, I am constantly looking at everybody's plate. What they're eating, the portions and how quickly they shovel it down. I don't do it as much as I did early out, but I do still notice. Pre-op, I would have never given anyone's plate a second look.

I was able to eat chicken at 2 months, but steak was at 6 months, for me ... and that was a juicy tenderloin. Could only get about 2 ounces, but it was a start. Now, I can eat 4 oz with some veggies.

There is no food I have not been able to eat. That started at about 9 months post. I eat steak, fish, lobster, cauliflower, broccoli ... you name it. I choose not to eat breads, rices and pastas that often as I consider them nutritionally irrelevant. I have between 6 to 8 ounces of space in my stomach. These foods swell after eating, so am I really going to give that space away to a piece of bread when I can enjoy another bite of steak or ribs? Perhaps two more asparagus spears ... easy choice, for me.

9/3? Oh, you should be fine. As always, just make sure you chew well. Cashew butter, if you know what I mean.

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** edit ** Forgot the quote from Laura, for effect. See below

I think it's about time we heard from , don't you?

Would you like me to leave? Do you find my honesty refreshing or threatening? I'm sorry you edited (deleted) your last post. I was quite suprised reading it as you seemed to be going against your own request. It is difficult to practice this, isn't it? Let's just all play nice and know that our disfunctional family is alive and well. If you don't want people's advice, don't ask the question. If you ask for people's advice, be ready for their truth, even though it may not resonate with you.

Man, I wish someone would be nice enough to send me to Hell. It's like this post: Is there any negativity in there? Or in the initial post this refers to? The bottom line is just like what I told my wife on our first date: Don't ask any question you don't want the answer to

As long as you are far out enough, that should be no problem. When was your surgery? I loves me some nuts. Mmmm ... goood ...

Thanks! You too. I hope you find the serenity you, and each of us, deserve.