Catracks

Me, me! I'm overweight!

I call mine a modified Paleo diet. I eat quite a lot of dairy a some grains although I hold to small amounts of whole grains and things like quinoa which is very basic. I also use only animal fats, coconut and olive oil. I like the idea though, but I cannot give up cheese, yogurt and the occasional potato.. I think this might be a better place to start. The Wiki article is somewhat ... unfriendly to it. http://www.marksdailyapple.com/paleo-diet-research/#axzz2IZLr6EpF

I'm sure some fit people do. I will never be one of them. I eat almost paleo now and I've never felt better. I'm convinced that overly processed and additive laden food make for a poor quality of life. I also think that combined with genetics, this stuff is at the heart of autism, certain cancers and a host of other diseases. It's bad enough that the meats, milk and produce is tainted. Thank goodness I have my own hens. A least my eggs are clean. Sure, we are all going to die, but I want to be ambulatory like my German grandma that grew up on a pig farm, fried everything in lard and made everything from scratch. I want to live as long as she and my Italian grandfather who ate sparingly. Neither ever ate fast food or packaged food. 'Sides, most fast food sandwiches are from 500-1000 calories. I eat around 800 right now. It takes too much space away from other things. My tastes have changed considerably. I'd rather sink my teeth into a rare slice of tri-tip.Greek yogurt with pineapple is better than any slice of cheesecake to my tastes. So I've turned into a bit of a health nut and food snob, but "I'm loving it!"

But of course since I use the abstinence model as a way to stay healthy then I have a mental health problem and will most probably fail according to the academic elitists. Delta Girl: I take it to mean 60% of the weight above what is your optimum weight. You surgeon will base his stats on the goal he gave you. My surgeon set mine WAY too low. Mine was set at 110. that would have me wearing a size 0 or kids clothes. I ain't going there. 130 is well within the normal BMI for me. Take 10 pounds of skin from the panni and I will be 120. Still maybe too skinny. We shall see.

The studies also say that I should have expected to lose 60% of my excess weight. Well here I am at 90% I really don't give a damn about this study or that study. The truth of the matter is that a few bites of a Big Mac are probably not going to do irreparable harm, but why would you do it? It's crap food. This is what's in the bun alone. Why would I want to put this in my body? I used to love Big Macs, but now I usually do not eat foods with more than 4 or 5 ingredients. Big Mac® Bun: -- Enriched flour (bleached wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, enzymes) -- water -- high fructose corn syrup -- sugar -- soybean oil and/or partially hydrogenated soybean oil The bun also contains 2% or less of the following: -- salt -- calcium sulfate -- calcium carbonate -- wheat gluten -- ammonium sulfate -- ammonium chloride -- sodium stearoyl lactylate * -- datem * -- ascorbic acid* -- azodicarbonamide* -- mono- and diglycerides* -- ethoxylated monoglycerides* -- monocalcium phosphate* -- enzymes* -- guar gum* -- calcium peroxide* -- soy flour* -- calcium propionate (preservative) -- sodium propionate (preservative) -- soy lecithin -- sesame seed. * indicates: dough conditioner

Hmmmm, i choose not to eat fast food or packaged, extensively processed foods like frozen or boxed meals/foods because I don't like what's in them. I simply will not go to McDonald's, etc. because I can make a more wholesome and better tasting hamburger at home. Last night I made my own chili dog with a Hebrew National 45 calorie dog topped with chili and cheese. I fared better than Der Wienerschnitzel. I have a doughnut shop down the road here that makes doughnuts that would tempt a monk. It's called Donut Man and those of you who watch Huell Howser in California know what I'm talking about. For most things I am easy going, but there are certain things i just do not eat anymore and do my best to remove them from my sphere of consciousness. Potato chips are one of those things. Yeah, I guess it's a weakness or psychological defect (whatever), but this is my way of dealing with it. I could probably eat most of a slice of Knott's berry Farm boysenberry pie. One small slice has 510 calories. What I do is convince myself that I should have some berries with a dab of whipped cream instead so I can eat for the rest of the day. I don't eat white rice, white Pasta or white bread anymore. It is nutritionally devoid and a waste of time to me. I really do not see where abstaining is a problem.Sure I might eat something for a special occasion, but that's few and far between and it's going to be something good i,e,, not fast food.

Holodetz. I had to Google that one. As A rule, I do not like things encased in Gelatin. I'm cataloging a huge cookbook collect (great job for me right?) and the 30s-60 saw an incredible array of unspeakable Jell-O salads. If forced to eat an eyeball, I would expire on the spot.

Guffaw!!!

Inuit food. No wonder the Vikings came over and starved to death. I saw a film of this old guy eating green/spoiled blubber! I like fat, but that just gives me the heaves! I'm trying to think of the weirdest thing I ever ate. I think that would be jellyfish at a dim sum place. Not bad tasting, but sort of like eating thin rubber bands. The grossest thing I was almost forced to eat is calf brains. I simply will NOT eat innards.

Kids' meals even in the nicest places are a disappointment and not sleeve friendly. We are much better off ordering Protein rich appetizers, ala carte, senior portion of half portion meals. Kid's meals may sound like a deal, but they usually consist of [bad] mac and cheese, hamburger, hot dog chicken strips, grilled cheese, pizza and spaghetti.

I'm sorry, but that made me LMAO. I'm really punchy today.

I LOVE Peanut Butter and so does my husband. I also made my own almond butter and it was KILLER. I can portion it out. On my first few weeks post-op I stuck my finger in the jar and had a tiny taste now and again. I think it kept me sane. I can take or leave Nutella. I've had yak before. I'm convinced that they didn't cook it slow or long enough, but I still liked it. My kid liked EVERYTHING. Still does.

This is where this thread went way wrong. I am not engaging and this is my last word on this: Was this comment really necessary? Done there. My daughter was 18 and I tend to go into things with unbridled optimism so we didn't have the "What if I die on the table talk." I probably should have in retrospect. She was in middle school when I had one of my other abdominal surgeries and I only said that I would need her support and help with recovery. Again, in retrospect I should have talked about the what ifs. I have always been frank about things with her and she does not shy away from very frank discussions. We have had them about other things. She knows how much I love her and we do/did have a plan on where she would go if something happens and she was not under any circumstances going with her estranged father. I think both a letter and a frank discussion is in order. On the other side of it, I have a friend that does have Cancer and in my opinion, she has not prepared her younger son enough. It seems as if she doesn't acknowledge that the worst case scenario exists then it won't happen to her.

[quote name=Lisa ' timestamp='1358359455' post='636771] I am 15 months post op and have been in a stall for over 3 months now. I know that the reason I'm not losing right now is b/c I'm snacking way more than I should be. What's great is that I haven't gained ANY weight!! I'm also at, what I believe, is my "set point" (the weight my body wants to be at). In the past when I've gotten to this point, I give up and I gain it all back. Now, that doesn't happen!! My only regret is that I waited so long to do it!! I would do it all over again in a heart beat!!! I am right where you are one year out. Not stalled because I did drop a pound or two in the last couple months, but it's been horrible slow and I think my body is very happy where it is. I also think I have 10+ pounds of extra skin to boot. I do not regret this at all. I know for a fact that I could not have lost this weight on my own, let alone keep it off. On the note of missing food in type or quantity: I am still a total foodie. I still love to cook and love to eat. It's just that I am physically unable to eat in quantity and have attached my cravings to foods that are so much healthier. To me, it's turned into a hobby --- looking for new ways to make really good high Protein meals. The lady that calls herself "Eggface" was instrumental in realizing that I could lose weight and still be a total foodie. She has a website and Facebook page.

Of course my comments are based on recoveries without complications. They are rare, but do happen. Happily those heal too and most of those folks end up loving their sleeve and new lease on life.

For me, recovery was easy. I attribute this to positive attitude, surgeon skill and the fact that I also walked and sipped non-stop. One more thing: I do not like pain medication. I took one dose of morphine right out of the recovery room and it made me feel AWFUL! I had no pain meds after that point. The nurse the next day notice that I had not used anything and injected an analgesic. "Whatever," said I. They sent me home with Vicoden and there it sits. For the first two weeks I was on Clear liquids and drank that fruit flavored Isopure stuff. I got my fluids and 80 grams of Protein a day. I'm convinced that this also helped. On the day of my two week checkup, I asked if I could go horseback riding that afternoon. He said yes and so I did. The point is: Your mileage will vary. There are a lot of factors, but some of it is up to you. Compared to the two open abdominal surgeries I've had, this was a breeze. Come to think of it, those weren't so bad either. I've had skilled surgeons to be sure, but recovery is what you make of it.

I guess Beans and legumes are your mainstays now? I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't eat meat and cheese. Are you on My Fitness Pal? My food intake today is Greek yogurt and a bunch of shrimp - scampi style :-) Lamb has to be cooked a certain way. I like lamb shanks and chops, but fatty old mutton is really repulsive to me. I also like the Moroccan style lamb roasted in honey and spices.

I can eat anything, but only a little bit of hamburger unless I make it at home. A dense commercial patty will give me that rock in the stomach feeling - including In and Out. It's not that you cannot eat it, but 1/4 of the burger is all I want. Doughy bread is another thing I cannot do much of. That's why I like whole grains and REAL bread. The rustic kind. It's always better if toasted too. I can eat anything else without a problem. Some sleevers cannot eat lettuce, some become lactose intolerant. Some cannot handle bread or rice. Your mileage may vary.

I figure we just talk about things that are specific to people in maintenance, in the home stretch or those with a lot to lose that are experienced, but still midway in the journey. I know we will really miss all the drama right? There is still a need to keep sane. Trust me. This is a lifelong thing. For instance, do you know what I did last week? I stuck a spoon in a jar of cream cheese frosting and then dipped that into a can of mixed nuts. Man, that was good, but insane. Still was under my limit for calories, carbs and fat, but total momentary insanity.

I am simply terrified over the though of surgery to cut off skin, I wonder why my 3 abdominal surgereies didn't bother me, but the prospect of this does?

Rather have a chile relleno. Hmmm, egg, cheese, green chile = Sleeve friendly. Whoda thought!

Thanks Susan! Another empty paper sack here and just hit the century mark. I am 16 pound from goal and a little over one year out. I cannot believe it's been a whole year. A veteran named Cheri told me that the skin does shrink up somewhat one year after reaching goal or near goal. I will need a panniculectomy. I have saggy everything, but my lower thighs and legs are fine so I can wear shorts if not too short. I even have extra finger skin! My real issue is that it is taking forever to lose these last pounds. I cannot really call it a stall because I am actually losing but only about 3 pounds in the last month. It's just excruciatingly slow.

Mmmm, fish in coconut oil! I have both at home. You are right about McDonald's and I'm sure it true for most of them. If I must have a hamburger or fries, I make my own versions at home. I've got healthier recipes for everything from hot wings to pizza. Have you seen the ingredients for that craptacular sandwich the McRib? Half it it isn't even food. McNuggets are a nightmare. My usual was 10 McNugguts, 1 cheeseburger or Filet O'Fish and a large fry. GAH! Fiddleman, I've turned into a bit of a health fanatic, but I still occasionally grab a few potato chips or have a bite or two of pie. I guess I can trust myself because it IS only a bite and a few. If you cannot do this then I would agree that total abstinence would be the answer.

No, not weird at all. I can see the other side of it. I can understand tradition, but due respect to your MIL, it strikes me as presumptuous in the extreme. Naming a child is an intimate, private thing to me. Consider hers as a middle name maybe LOL. None of my business though. Just talking.