DebiC

Made these for dinner tonight- 1 was more than enough for me (plus salad). The other adults in my family each ate 2. We all voted this is a definite do again!!!! Portion controlled. Lasagna Cupcakes 2 cup marinara sauce (I just used 1 jar) 3/4 pound ground beef or turkey 24 wonton wrappers 8 ounces shredded mozzarella 3 ounces Parmesan cheese 4 ounces Ricotta cheese (optional) basil for garnish Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin tin (12) with cooking spray. Brown beef and season with salt and pepper. Drain. Add sauce. Mix. Begin with a wonton wrapper and press it into the bottom of each muffin tin. Spread with a small spoonful of Ricotta cheese. Top with a little meat sauce then some parmesan and mozzarella. Use around 2 teaspoons of all the ingredients depending on your personal preference. Repeat layers ending with cheese. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. To remove use a knife to loosen the edges then pop each lasagna out. Garnish with basil (if desired) and serve.

Had my surgery in Nov/2011. Lost 100lbs by 6 months. In the past 4 months however I have lost about 10 lbs. In 4MONTHS! I had a starting total of 250-300# total to lose. So while I have lost 110# I am still a size 5X which means I haven't even gotten to buy any new clothes yet!! I cannot talk to my surgeon about this because he charges $245 for a followup visit!!! and my insurance won't pay. Yes-I know I should exercise. But I am still so large that that is still nigh impossible. Even walking as I can't find walking shoes that fit yet. Yes-that is all just an excuse I know. Here's the problem. I am consuming 1200-1500 calories a day. Is that high for someone 9 months out-(who currently weighs 390)? When I did WW a few years ago I was allowed about 2500 calories a day and lost an average of 2# a week. So why am I not losing more when I am eating so much less calories? The natural laws of physics and all that-that say a pound is 3500 calories and it takes 10 Calories per pound just to maintain a stationary body. So since I am taking in less calories than I expend (even being a couch potato) I should still be losing at least 4 lbs a weeks. But 10 lbs in 4 months!!! It would be difficult to take in less calories than I do unless I went back on liquids or fasted. I eat semi healthy and about 1/4 the amount I did pre-surgery. I'm not unhappy with my surgery-I just didn't expect to stop losing so quickly and while I still have so much to lose. Help!!

Not asking for advice, or ideas. Not even hungry Just venting. I miss eating-some. Like tonight I made taco's for dinner (we soften the tortillas by spraying with Pam rather than frying in oil). I used to have 4-easily. Now I can barely finish 1. But I miss having two. It's like I work hard to fix food. It smells so good, and then tastes so good, that I don't want to stop eating even tho I'm full. I do stop. Otherwise I'm in pain. But it's almost like I'm mourning eating. Any one else feel this way sometimes?

I've been toying with the idea of the Boot Camp for awhile now. I think that is what I'll try. Also-now that the hot weather is past I can get out more (until the snow comes!). I'd love to do swimming-but there is no local pool. I have seen the sit and be fit videos. I recently bought a Richard Simmons Sweatin to the Oldies. I just need to get off my butt and get moving. Hard to overcome 20+ years of sedentary habits. Thanks everyone for your help. I'll get to goal yet!

I keep coming to this forum to look for currents posts-but there are none! Now I know that I am not the only one out there who needs to lose 200+ lbs (or am I?). If you have 200+ to lose whether you are just starting or near/at goal, you know that our needs are totally different from those who need to lose less. Not that they don't have a journey, it's just different. I know for me, I find I need more encouragement, my family is supportive, but they don't really understand. I know that my journey will not end in a year (unless I have results like Paul!) and even tho I have already lost 60+ lbs you can't even tell a little. I'm doing great, feeling great, so that's not my issue. I'd just like to hear more from those of us who have had a slightly different/longer road to travel.

I am almost to my 100lb lost goal!! I had hoped for 5 months-but I guess I'll have to settle for 6! I want to reward myself with something special as a reminder. I want something more permanent and memorable than clothes, or makeup. Just got a new haircut. I have considered a nice bracelet-but my wrists are still too large to just buy one-maybe for my 200 goal! I don't wear earrings or rings. Not that fond of necklaces either (it's that size thing again-plus I'm more bohemian style) I got a makeover the Last time I lost 100 lbs (and then quickly proceeded to gain it back). Taking a cuise with my kids in December (hoping to lose another 50lbs before then!) So what did you do to commemorate? Or what do you plan to do? Do you Celebrate every 10 or 25 lbs? Just looking for some ideas.

When I had my surgery 5 months ago th e doctor said I had lots of gallstones and he wanted to do surgery after I lost 150#. I have never had problems from the gallstones-that I know of. Today I started having pain in the upper left side of my abdomin-towards the middle. There is slight nausea. the pain is not excruciating-but it is constant and bothersome. Could this be gallstones? or maybe gas? I had an angiogram and they said my heart was great so I don't think it's that. It started before my first meal today-so it's not from eating too much or too fast. I ate a small amount and it didn't affect it one way or another. It's Friday afternoon here so I hate to bother my doctor or surgeon at home if it's nothing. Any ideas or suggestions?

My daughter just came over. She said the pain was no where near my gallbladder and suggested I take some Gas-X. If that doesn't help I'll call the doctor even if it is Friday night!

I bought the Gas-X strips and Beano (never needed either). I bought beef and chicken soup base (more flavor than bouillion). Spicy Top Ramens (prepared as directed-gave away noodles drank broth). Apple Juice/White grape juice. Tons of finely crushed ice (some people have trouble with ice after-but i didn't). Jello. I don't do artificial sweeteners but if you do then Crystal Light's are nice to have around. Herbal Teas. My doctor started us on Soft foods very soon after surgery-so I bought some soups I could puree easily and also refried beans. I did buy some ramekins to cook/heat/serve smaller portions of food in. Prepared or served in regular bowls makes it look like you are being deprived. I did use baby spoons for a day or so then switched ot regular.

I needed spicy too. I would make the spicy chicken Top Ramen as directed and then give/throw away the noodles and drink the broth. If that's too spicy mix half/half with regular chicken broth. When do you start on soft foods?

I don't think it's about the calories or the stomach stretching as much as it is about the addiction. Diet or Regular I think it's a slippery slope for many of us (not all). I have known several people who went back to "just a sip or two", "I'll limit myself to one can a day" or whatever. It just gradually creeps back up. I was sleeved 5 months ago and still battle with this almost everyday. Especially if I'm eating something I used to always have a Pepsi with (pizza, Chinese). Pepsi was sooo my go to comfort item. Almost daily I have the desire for just one! But I know me-and it might be just one today but it wouldn't take long for that one to become two and so on. I also agree with the write above who said that even drinking diet soda was making her crave more sweets and carbs (that actually has been proven by MANY studies. Everyone has to chose for themselves and maybe it would never be a problem for some (just like not everyone who drinks alcohol becomes an alcoholic), but if it was a problem before surgery-It will most likely be a problem after surgery if you start up again.

I do every two weeks. On (or near) the anniversary of my surgery (the 14th) and around the 1st of each month. I stop by my PCP's and just go in and weigh. I don't want to have a scale at home.

I have been remiss in posting lately. It just seemed like I was reading the same 10 questions over and over and it was getting boring. But knowing that my journey from surgery to goal is going to be more like 2 years than 6 months I thought I need to build up a better support system than I have. So many people responded to this forum that I thought we really need to keep it alive. So to those of you who started out needing to lose over 200 pounds- How are you doing today?? What are your current challenges, successes or goals? I am exactly 4 months out. I should go weigh today-I don't own a scale so I go to my PCP's office to weigh. My current goal is to have lost 100# by my 5 month anniversary. Even if I don't make it I will be close. I tried on a dress i wore to my daughters wedding 10 years ago and it fit-but a little too tight. I am hoping to surprise her and wear it Easter Sunday! I haven't worn a "dress" since then. I wear skirts and big blouses-so this will be a shocker to every one. I even bought a new shoes to wear with it. I just ordered some new clothes this weeks (going from a 6X to a 5X still doesn't mean shopping in regular stores). Don't want to spend a lot on interim clothes, but neither are there options of buying used. I'm just so excited to FINALLY be able to feel like I've lost some weight. The scale says I have, and my energy level says I have, but my clothes were so multi-size that there was no difference. Anyways-things are going well. I find myself over doing it some days, and sometimes forgetting that I need to take it slow (today I vomited for the first time-ate my Breakfast toooooo fast because I was late-and it all came back up) of course that only made me later. Otherwise things are going OK. Even when I do "indulge" the amounts are such a small percentage of what they were before. Still so happy I did this. Already it has changed my life so much. I just feel so much better about myself and while I still only have the energy of a 70 year old-6 months ago I only had the energy of a 90 year old. So still improved. Plus I can PUT ON MY SOCKS WITHOUT HUFFING AND PUFFING! That alone is worth the surgery!! Looking forward to hearing from all of you...

Isn't it fun to go out to eat and actually have food to bring home? I haven't done the buffet thing (I don't know of any around here). But I have done it at regular restaurants. when I order I just plan on it being for 2 or 3 meals. I learned to order my steak medium rare-eat around the more well done edges. that way it doesn't get dried out when I reheat it at home. But I do miss not having the desire or the room for baked potatoes and rolls!! As for the sugar-I find that sweeter or really creamy sauces no longer appeal to me at all. I figure as long as I stay away from the Pasta, rice, potatoes when eating out that I don't worry too much about the meat. With Chinese however I do try and stay away from (or just have 1 bite of) the deep fried dishes. i tend to eat too much of them and the frying makes me feel queasy. I have 2 small granddaughters I can usually share a meal with-but actually for the first time in my adult life, I prefer to eat at home. it just seems so much easier.

Now-I have never had a problem with chocolate. Mine has been citrus (oranges, pineapple, strawberries etc) and vinegary things. I've been sad about the fruit and occasionally eat some anyways. I'm not a huge chocolate fan-but I'm still glad that it doesn't bother me.

Can They Cause Weight Gain? Many people use artificial sweeteners to cut their caloric intake, but the very opposite effect can occur. New research shows that artificial sweeteners stimulate taste receptors that sense sweetness in both the esophagus and stomach. Anticipating energy, the pancreas releases insulin, an important hormone for accumulating body fat. At the same time, chemicals are sent to the brain’s satiety center, which becomes confused as to whether or not the body is actually receiving calories. The result? You feel even hungrier and less full, which can lead to weight gain. Are They Addictive? First, artificial sweeteners are substances some people feel they can’t live without, a sign of an addiction. Second, artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than natural sugars, such as those found in whole grains, fruits and skim milk, and can actually reset your taste buds. The body then builds up a tolerance, which can cause overuse, another sign of addiction. The theory between artificial sweeteners and weight gain extends to include addictive behavior. As the sweet receptors in the esophagus and stomach become “tricked” by the zero-calorie sugar substitute, you crave more food and become susceptible to addictive eating habits like binging or overeating. Are They Linked To Diabetes? Since artificial sweeteners cause your body to crave more food, you can put on weight, which increases your risk for diabetes. Whether you’re diabetic or not, limit yourself to no more than 2 servings of artificial sweeteners per day. (A serving size equals 1 sweetener packet or 1 diet soda.) Can They Cause Cancer? When artificial sweeteners like saccharin were first marketed, some animal studies showed an increased rate of cancer in animals. However, the FDA has done due diligence in their research for these sweeteners, and no evidence exists that moderate use in humans can cause cancer. http://www.doctoroz.com

Happy Birthday to Me! Still in the 50's tho. At least for 3 more years. Hopefully I will be entering my 60's in much better shape than I did my 30's 40's or 50's!! My parents took me to dinner-I told them it was a waste of their money! But we went anyways-ate half my salad (I can't seem to get past this life long habit of "eat your veggies first") one bite of steak and 1 bite of free birthday dessert. Well-I brought home enough steak for 2 more meals (it was only 6 oz to begin with) as long as I don't do the veggies first! Not only can I not eat as much (which is good) but the whole going out just doesn't have as much appeal. Not only is it a waste of money-it just doesn't seem like it's worth the effort when you don't enjoy your meal. While it was a very nice restaurant, and the food was excellent (i'm sure) it just doesn't have the appeal it did for me 5 months ago. I'd have been equally happy with half a grilled chicken breast and some steamed broccoli. Have you noticed that food just doesn't have quite the same appeal? Not that it tastes bad or anything like that. Just like it's not worth the effort?-especially if I have to cook it (there's usually just me for dinner) I'd almost rather just eat the same thing day in and day out. It's like the whole eating experience isn't as fun-again probably a good thing!!

Sleeve stretching aside-I just came across this article regarding sodas: Diet-Soda Belly It's not surprising that drinking all the sugar in sodas would cause weight gain, but what is surprising is that even diet soda will pack on the pounds: Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center monitored 475 adults for 10 years, and found that those who drank diet soda had a 70 percent increase in waist circumference over the 10-year study, compared with those who didn't drink any soda. Those who drank more than two diet sodas per day saw a 500 percent waist expansion! A separate study the same researchers conducted on mice suggested that it was the aspartame, which raised blood glucose levels, that caused the weight gain; when your liver encounters too much glucose, the excess is converted to body fat. Also: Researchers looked at people’s diet soda consumption between the years 2000 and 2002, and then screened them for type 2 diabetes between 2002 and 2007, People who drank at least one diet soda a day at the beginning of the study had a 67 percent higher relative risk of type 2 diabetes compared with the people who drank none. Zero-calorie soda also increased the risk of metabolic syndrome—a group of risk factors linked to obesity that increase your chances of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke—by 36 percent. So even diet sodas have their problems

I was watching "Ruby" the other night and she was having her Women's Fat Night group each share a healthy eating tip with the group. So I thought it might be fun if we shared some. They can be WLS related or just healthy related in general. Here's mine: When you are making Mexican food-instead of frying corn tortillas, you can spray them with Pam type spray and then cook them on a griddle type pan. They will soften enough to fold into tacos or enchiladas and they taste GREAT to boot.

You have always been such a ray of sunshine of positive attitude to us. I'm sure that positivity will help you get through this also. Time does help. Just remember how much we all really care about you and are here for you any time you need us. Good luck. We'll be looking forward to your return.

it's funny how we all tolerate things so differently. My doctor has us on Full diet no Protein shakes by 4 weeks. I was able to eat salads-he said No iceberg or celery-but that and the usual bread, Pasta, rice were the only no-no's. I haven't had problems with any meats or veggies or the few carbs I have eaten. What bothers me are citrus fruits/juices, pineapple and really spicy things-I haven't given them up, just have to be careful. As many others have said, make sure meat is moist. Although I do treat myself to a nice steak every so often. I buy 1 and divide it into 3 or 4 meals. I enjoy that because of the small amounts I consume I can afford to be a little more indulgent in what I buy (there is only me to feed).

Judging from your ticker you originally had 225# to lose. They are doing your surgery after only losing 136#? I thought you had to lose all your weight and then maintain it for 6 months to a year before they would do surgery? I have worried about that because I need to lose about 250#-275# and my stomach was already past my privates. I have worried about what if it goes to my knees before I finish!!! Is your insurance paying for this? Will you have to have it done again if you lose 90 more pounds? Are they doing muscle tightening at the same time? I have heard most insurances won't pay for that part. I have never had anything but laproscopic surgery (WLS and a Hysterectomy) so how can I prepare for this. Please make sure you post after so we can know what to look forward to. Congratulations and Good Luck!!

It's barely been a week, almost everyone has "buyers remorse" about this time, and many begin to suffer from depression. There are the hormone imbalances, after effects of the surgery and anesthesia-and of course the dreaded "full liquids" then "Mushies" diet. You are probably also struggling with water weight gain from the surgery. Fortunately my doctor realizes how sick people get of the soft foods and moves us right along quickly with a full regular diet at 4 weeks instead of the usual 6 or 8. Not advocating you go against your doctor-just saying different doctors have different programs. One thing that really helped me was to treat myself during this time. I went to Olive Garden and order soup to go. It lasted me about 4 meals. Well worth the cost. Many restaurants have good soups, go out to dinner and enjoy some time with your husband. I have seen that many people have good luck with Wendy's chili, you could even put some over your "liquidy mashed potatoes". Have you tried refried beans heated with cheese? There are some places here that have lists of protein shake ideas. Check out egg face's web site. She makes protein ice creams and tons of flavors of shakes. Anyways you are not the only one that has gone through this. Check out some of the forums for newly post-op people. Almost every post says the same thing. Good luck and hang in there.

I was just at my therapists Monday and he said if focusing for 24 hours was too hard, do it for 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second. I have been coming to this site for about 5 months now and it's only been in this past week that I have seen so many people writing about being a failure. This is a HARD thing we have chosen to do. Harder than most of us ever thought it would be. And we all knew that the surgery would not help with the emotional issues that got us where we were in the first place. My surgeon said to tell him immediately if I ever started getting hungry and he has a PA who deals only with that. If you can't afford a therapist, at least look into going to Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous (it's free). You are not the first person to have to deal with a food addiction, nor will you be the last, so let others help you get back to where you want to be. Good luck, and keep us posted how it's going.

I had not heard of people who got the sleeve having dumping issues. i thought it was strictly with bypass. But here is what I found: Gastric Sleeve Complications: Dumping Syndrome Dumping syndrome is also one of the least common gastric sleeve complications. This happens when foods or liquids with a high content of sugar moves rapidly to the small intestines, but it rarely ever happens since the digestive system is not altered, only the stomach size. However, if this does happen you may experience shaking, sweatiness, lightheadedness and sometimes even diarrhea. So it is a must to go easy on deserts, alcohol and sodas as well.