Indymom

I can eat anything within tolerance at 5 months out, though there are certain foods that don't sit well in my stomach (anything overly greasy, dense breads, pasta). Some will say to avoid celery and coconut - I don't eat coconut but I've had celery often without issues (after the first 3 months, of course).

As my capacity has increased (I'm almost 5 months out), I've found myself sometimes tempted with making bad food decisions - and I've found that while I'm hitting my Protein targets, my calorie and fat counts are higher than what I would like them to be to continue losing. I've revisited a whole set of recipes I used to use religiously in my Weight Watchers days . . . and because the WW points model is based largely on high protein/low fat/low carbs, I've found that many of my old "standby" recipes are also going to work out great for me for my sleeve eating as well. My favorite food blog EVER when doing WW is www.skinnytaste.com - and I thought I would post some of my favorite recipes too (and some I want to try!) They are all chicken recipes, we're chicken junkies in our house. We made this one for dinner tonight again - we make it at least once a month - it's really awesome! http://www.skinnytas...rlic-white.html I haven't made this one yet but can't wait to try it . . . http://www.skinnytas...hetta.html#more I really liked this one - I might make this now without breading the chicken, though - I don't know if the breading would agree with my stomach as well now that I'm sleeved. I think it would still be really good though, either with just sauteing the chicken in the pan by itself or just lightly dredging in flour rather than doing the egg white/breadcrumbs. http://www.skinnytas...en-piccata.html I like this one a lot too - with my sleeve, I think the recipe "as-is" is too many carbs and not enough protein for the serving size, but I may modify a little bit. http://www.skinnytas...en-425-pts.html Enjoy!!

I would DEFINITELY wait. From the date of my surgery to 4 months out, I went down from a size 24 pants to a size 16 . . . you just don't know where you will be by that point. It's no fun to spend money on alterations!!

That just sounds INSANE. I hope she doesn't go through with it.

We don't have pouches, we have little stomaches that would be VERY difficult to stretch out. My meal plan from my nutritionist says 4 oz at each meal or as tolerated. I'm just over 5 months out and a typical day's menu is as follows: B - 1/4 cup egg beaters omelet with 1 oz canadian bacon, 1/2 oz 2% shredded cheese, a little diced tomato and sliced mushroom L - 2 oz chicken burger or 2-3 oz of chicken breast, 1 oz 2% block cheese, some sort of vegetable (sliced cucumbers, carrots, etc.) D - 2-3 oz meat (chicken breast, turkey meatballs, etc.), small portion of carbs (usually about 1 oz or so), sometimes a small salad I also have a snack in the afternoon, usually a clementine or a 1 oz portion of sliced cheese.

For those of you "cheating" or not following your food plan - I would warn you to be very cautious. Early on after surgery, your stomach is still going to have some numbness so you may not feel or realize when you are eating too much, OR if what you are eating is not appropriate for this stage post-surgery. Remember that you still have a healing staple line that is very delicate and sensitive. Eating foods that are too difficult to digest, or that aren't soft enough, can cause significant damage and could result in a leak, infection, or other complication. I'm not trying to be preachy but I followed my food plan religiously . . . it was really hard, and I had a couple breakdowns . . . but ultimately I kept reminding myself that I was going to have a few months of really hard but a lifetime of satisfaction from being thin and feeling so much better about myself. I hate to hear about people having a complication, especially if that complication is due to a bad decision.

Every nutritionist/surgeon has different requirements. Mine recommended 84 oz of fluids daily (including the liquids in my shakes, etc.) and 75-90 grams of protein.

I've figured out that I have a slight intolerance to some greasy foods . . . for example, I was running around today and thought a cheeseburger sounded good. I removed one of the buns and tried to eat the burger, but it just didn't go down well. Probably a good thing, really, since it wasn't the best food choice for me anyway! Other than that, the only other food that bothers me is a lot of mayonnaise - I can't really eat chicken or tuna salad anymore (but can do a small amount of mayo on a sandwich).

Indymom ~ 263 SW . . . . . 195 CW . . . . . 175 GW . . . LBS to GOAL: 20 January 9 ~ 195 (-3 lbs)

I'm here! Down about 68 lbs and feeling great . . . down from a size 24 pants to a 14/16 . . . XL or L in tops . . . had a big stall during the holidays but back on track since last Monday and down 3 more lbs.

Congrats!

After my 4th week I was allowed to start on purees, which on my plan was really more like mushies/soft foods . . . I ate canned chicken and tuna (made salad with a little mayo and dill relish); refried beans with cheese; scrambled egg; yogurt; cottage cheese.

I'm surprised by the 1200 calorie thing too . . . I'm 5 months out (on Tuesday) and typically only get about 800-900/day. To the original question, I think you might want to try to get to 700-800 if you can . . . and maybe increase the exercise (faster walking, etc.).

Your nutritionist might have a specific plan for you, but I know that my program didn't really have any set guidelines regarding this. I personally try to stay between 700-900 calories (more often leaning towards the high end) - at least 75 grams of protein and below 50 grams of fat and carbs.

Are you taking an acid reducer? Is it possible you have acid mimicking the feeling of hunger? When you eat, are you eating on plan (i.e. Proteins first, etc.)? I find that if I eat a meal that's heavier in carbs I feel hungry sooner than if I eat primarily Protein and veggies. Maybe you just need to rework your food plan and see if something works better for you?

Great slideshow, you look awesome and lucky girl, you kept your curves!!

It's typically best to follow your nutritionist/surgeon's plan. I had 4 weeks of full liquids and then 4 weeks of purees (although my allowed purees food list included canned chicken & tuna, soft cooked veggies, eggs, cheese, etc. so I had a lot of variety). Try the Eggface blog, I think she had a lot of suggestions for pureed food stage.

I haven't tried them, but I've seen someone else on here post about Wasa crispbreads that are fairly low in carbs and are a good cracker alternative. Crackers don't trigger me (with the exception of Ritz which I avoid like the plague!), so I usually have a box of reduced-fat Wheat Thins around if I want a few crackers with something I'm eating.

Can you have cottage cheese? That might give you a different texture than some of the other foods you're currently eating. Also, if you're having discomfort you might be eating too fast or taking bites that are too large. I was pretty miserable during my pureed phase because I wanted some variety . . . and it DOES get better once you can add more foods into your diet. In the meantime, try to find some combinations of things you like and if you can't get enough out of your food, you might need to add another Protein shake.

I'm with bedhead and megannadine! But, if it were me, I'd probably say something in advance too so I know exactly where you're coming from.

Yes, my nutritionist said that any fluid intake from my shakes would count towards my daily 84 oz of liquid.

I didn't go near 'em. I figured I could survive on cottage cheese and yogurt for a couple months without getting scurvy.

Positive thoughts to you for a quick recovery.

I'd be interested in seeing a normal daily food log for you at the ~500 calories - I'm hitting between 700-900 cals a day with 75+ grams of protein, less than 50 grams of carbs, and typically less than 40-50 grams of fat per day (and losing pretty steadily). Like the others said, it's likely what you're eating and not so much the total calorie count.

Congrats! Your pre-op diet isn't bad at all. Good luck!