Puja

Coughing can also be caused by acid reflux. Are you currently on an antacid?

Thanks, Lissa! I get half my Protein in from my protein shake. It's when I don't drink that, that I end up scrounging for Proteins and find it in bad places. My nutritionist had told me to avoid Peanut Butter because of the fat, but it's so popular on here that I started eating it! It really helps with my calorie and protein intake!

Yes, definitely! Your body doesn't have the same nutrition reserves that a person without surgery does. You are giving your body the minimum requirements to be healthy and function optimally. Ever notice how one or two days with less liquids or nutrition totally brings your energy levels down? Drink some gatorade or pedialyte. Hydrate yourself with liquids that will help restore your electrolytes.

Have you confirmed the coloring is due to your vitamins? Did brushing help? If not, and your breath is still funky, you need to get to a doctor. Could be a fungal infection.

First off, I hate it when these skinny girls complain about being fat. Second, it pisses me off when girls say "I wish I could get the surgery. It would make my life so much easier!" Since when did surgery or the work afterwards become easy? Granted, losing weight is easier now than it ever was in the past. That, however, is relatively speaking. We still have to maintain our diets, our discipline, and our sanity. Goodness!

I haven't seen my weight once since my surgery, which was over 3 months back. I am the same as you! My history has shown that I will sabotage my diet when I see a lot of loss, and when I see a stall or gain, the diet goes down the drain. What's worse, when I eat something I feel guilty about, I find myself going back into pre-surgery mode, where I hide and eat, so that there is no one around to hold me accountable. Now, I don't check my weight at all, from fear of hurting myself and my health. I will get onto the scale backwards for weigh-ins. Not checking has helped my enjoy my life, and not feel restricted or guilty in any way. I eat healthy because I want to, not because the scale forces me to. I do, however, keep a vigilant journal (by hand) with my calorie and Protein intake. If I go over on a day or two, I don't stress about it anymore. I only stress when I see myself reverting back to my old, destructive self. Then I come onto this site, and these wonderful people help me pick myself back up. Good luck to you!

I hope it isn't too late to reply to this! I had my surgery, and then traveled to India 4 weeks later. Granted, I'm not living out of a hotel, but I haven't had difficulties with food and drink. I assume you will still be within the US, and food options should be available to you all over. A good hotel will definitely accommodate you! If you like, your doctor can write you a letter explaining why you may need liquids on the plane, or a special diet at your place of stay. By 4 weeks, you should be on cheeses, yogurt, Protein shakes, and lots of other foods that are easy to transport with you to a meeting.

Oops, I forgot to mention that they whey left behind can be re-used! Some people mix it with salt and spices, and drink it. I assume sugar works, too. I've never tried it, I usually just drain it into the sink. If making dough, the whey can be used instead of Water, and it will add to the Protein content (I haven't looked up the nutritional information on this).

This is the recipe I use: Ingredients: 1.1 liter milk (Nonfat, 1%, 2%, or whole are all ok. The lower in fat, the less soft the paneer gets. I prefer 1 or 2%) 2. 1/2 - 1 tsp of lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon citric acid. (If using the citric acid, mix the crystals in with a tbsp of Water first) Items needed: 1. A pot to boil milk 2. A spoon for stirring, spoons to measure out lime juice or citric acid 3. A colander or a muslin cloth (I will explain this in step 6) Instructions: 1. Take a large pot and wet all the inside surfaces with water. This helps prevent the milk from sticking or burning. 2. Pour the milk into the pot, and allow it to come to a boil, on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, or prevent the fat from coming to the surface. 3. Once the milk has come to a boil, add the lime juice or diluted citric acid, while continuously stirring. 4. You will see the curds separate from the whey, and create a white cottage cheese type mass. 5. Turn off the stove, and let the curds and whey sit for a few minutes while you prepare the next step. 6. There are two options here: a. The curds and whey can be drained into the muslin cloth, wrapped, and then pressed with a heavy object (i.e. the same pot filled with water) for a few hours. This gives the firm tofu-like consistency that is great for cutting and using in dishes. The whey will drain out, leaving the pressed curds. b. I take the easy way out and drain into a colander, and eat the curds immediately. This has a more cottage cheesy texture, without the rennet flavor or milkiness. The loose paneer is best eaten warm. I like it plain with a bit of sugar or honey. If I'm in the mood for something salty, I eat it with a bit of Indian pickle. That's it! The whole process takes probably 10 minutes, and is good for 1 to 2 servings. Nutrition information: This has been the most difficult thing, because ever site I've seen gives different numbers. Here is what I follow, though (I tend to estimate a higher calorie count and a lower Protein count, to stay on the safe side.) 1. The pressed paneer (Full fat. I assume this is what is served in restaurants): 100 cal per ounce, 7 grams protein per ounce. 2. The loose paneer (Also full fat, for comparison): 30 cal per ounce, 3 grams protein

Cooperstereo, paneer is surprisingly easy to make. Also, I make paneer from lowfat (can also be made from nonfat) milk, so the fat content is lower, while the Protein content is the same. If you'd like the recipe, let me know! Feedyoureye, I can't wait to get back to the states and try some of the foods you have listed!

Everyone, thank you so much! Firstly, I must apologize for not reading this earlier and consequently replying very late. I had some computer issues, and I'm back on now. Paola, your self control is amazing! I don't think I could do what you do (or would want to, truthfully), but I am so very impressed. All the best to you! Susan, thank you for letting me know that. It's good to see people on here living normally, healthily, and happily without feeling deprived. Sleeve of steel, I remind myself of that all the time! Sleeved Realtor, thank you for the compliment! I'm working very hard on maintaining my ground when necessary. Exoticheart, I love your avatar! You're right, I got this surgery so that I could finally feel normal. And for the most part, that has happened. Lissa, so much wonderful advice! In regards to the food not being labeled as "good" or "bad", your wisdom is genius. Why does no one tell us these things when we are overweight? I'm sure it would help a lot with the guilt. About meeting with the counselor, I really need to. In the last 3 months, I've found several issues I need to work on. One of which is hiding and eating foods which I don't think are good for me. It leads to guilt and overeating. If I had allowed myself that single slice or two, I could have avoided the third that came later, and avoided the guilt. You're so right. Thinoneday, how liberating for you! I want to be in that place, and I'm getting there slowly. Thank you! Longer life, I've found that the BF ends up eating his own food plus mine. Sometimes I can convince him to share with me. He's trying to control himself, as well. It's a work in progress! Sasicas, you're so right about many aspects of this surgery being mental! I think it's amazing that you can stock your house with goodies. I don't have that self control yet, and don't keep any junk in this house (other than some milk chocolate). I want to be where you are at eventually! PenPen, I have been on diets since I was 6, and I hate them so much! This surgery is so wonderful, because for the first time I feel a sense of satisfaction. Something I never had before. Earlier, I was always wanting something..a little more. Now, I'm happy with a normal amount. It's a wonderful feeling. I love cheese, and that helps! Do you eat full fat cheeses, or low fat? Dorrie Robles, people like that always baffled me! I wondered how they could do that, and why they seemed to be satisfied. I on the other hand, would finish my meal and be craving dessert. Now, though, I understand. I feel satisfied. It's amazing. I still find that I occasionally have the tendency to eat something, even if I am satisfied, but that is improving. LilMissDiva, I've read some of your posts, and you seem very happy with that philosophy. I hope it works for me! SoCalKurt, you're right! I was surprised that the pizza didn't seem as bad for me as I assumed it was. Even with the 3 slices, I didn't go over my calorie limit for the day. I suppose the unhealthy part is the excessive fats and carbs? NJmomof2, good idea! I'm going to try that from next time on. That way, I get to eat the same yummy and tempting food, but a healthier version of it. Thank you, again, every one!

I had lots of pizza last night, and not the thin crust kind, either. I feel so horrible (emotionally, not physically), and I can't stop thinking about it! I avoid keeping junk in my house, because I know that if it is there, I'm going to want to eat it. When going out to eat, it's easier to avoid unhealthy temptations somehow, because I get to eat my own exciting dish as it is. A few days ago, my boyfriend and I decided to order pizza at home, after ages. I felt like this was alright, since I hadn't had crap food in some time, and I should allow myself something like this once in a while, when I have the craving. I had one slice of thin crust with cheese and olives. I also had the cheese off another slice (hand tossed), along with 2 or 3 small bites of the bread. I felt very satisfied, and there was no guilt. Yesterday, my boyfriend was having pizza cravings (the pizza from a few days ago was delicious). While I told him it wasn't a good idea, and that I might get tempted, I didn't hold my ground firmly enough, and we went ahead and ordered the pizza. I did housework and drank loads of Water while he ate it, in hopes that I could ignore the cheesy goodness. In the end, all I could think about was eating it, and how I shouldn't. It was like I had entered back into my teenage years where my parents did not allow me to eat something, so I kept obsessing about it, and eventually ate it in secret. I lost the battle and ate the cheese, along with a few bites of the bread. After that slice, I was satisfied. A little guilty. A few hours later, I was still a tad short on Proteins and calories, so I did the same with another slice. Now, I really did feel like that girl with no control. I had healthier options in my house, why did I have to eat the pizza? The guilt and reversion to my childhood had me hiding and munching on a third slice a few hours later. I ate half of it. I wonder, if I had allowed myself to eat one or two slices originally, without feeling guilty, would the other slices have happened later? How do you all avoid this situation, when people in the house are eating food that you shouldn't, without feeling like you are on a forced diet? How do you avoid the guilt and temptation?

Ok! I'll look up some recipes and pick up a box of soy meat! I've found a Protein bar here in India that I enjoy. It helps a lot, because it adds 200 calories, and 10 grams of protein. It's not as high in protein as the ones in the States, but it'll do! Perhaps I'll give the Seitan another try once I get back to California. Thank you!

Feedyoureye, that's amazing! What were you doing here? My parents are from Agra, but I currently live in Bangalore. I've read that you're a vegetarian, so once I get back to California, I'll definitely be trying out a lot more of the foods that you have been eating! You're right about learning to use the weighing scale as my friend. I need to get over my fear. Thank you so much for your response, but I tried Seitan once, and the texture grossed me out! We do get soy meat here, which I have not tried. I'm not sure what the Protein content is like, but I'll have a look when I find it! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textured_vegetable_protein

Feedyoureye, I couldn't quite figure out how to quote your reply to me, sorry! I'm definitely not someone who thinks less intake will equal more loss. I know it's the opposite! I somehow just find it difficult to get in enough! I hate not meeting my calorie and Protein requirement. On days where I start out early and make it a point to eat regularly, I hit my goals. On days where I get caught up in work or stress, I don't hit them. I tend to feel sick or low on energy all day because of it, and then lose my appetite altogether. It's not something I'm happy about, and really need to change! I'm from Orange County, but currently in India. I know that it's easier in California, where more sleeve-friendly options are available. Here, I live primarily on lentils, dairy products, and Protein powder. It's not very exciting! Thank you very much for your encouragement! No, I haven't! I've been overweight since I was maybe 4 years old, and have been on and off diets since then. My parents always had me try different things, or forced me into sports and stuff. So, I've always had something against diets and the gym (even though I actually enjoy eating healthy and exercising). So, whenever I would weigh myself and see the scale move down, I'd use it as an excuse to "celebrate" and cheat a tad. When the scale was stationary or moved up, I'd feel guilty and lose faith. So, in the end, it was my worst enemy. Before I decided to get the surgery, i realized that I had to be honest with myself and my challenges. Initially, I did not want to fall into the same trap with the weighing scale as I did before. I wanted to live happily and healthily, and let the weight come off at its own pace. I've been very happy! For doctor's visits I step onto the weighing scale backwards, so I can't see the number. Now, 3 months later, I'm wondering if it is a good habit or not. I might be cheating myself.

Hi, all! I'm 3 months out, and have been lurking for a while. I have a few bad habits that have been eating at me, so thank goodness this thread was started! - After my Protein shake in the morning, I tend to not eat until later in the night (I might have a snack in between). By then, I'm trying to fit 400 or 500 calories and 20 to 30 grams of protein into a few hours. It is a bad habit I recognized pre-op, and have not been able to correct. I'll carry a Protein Bar with me during the day, but I don't always eat it. - I really get down on myself when I fall short on Proteins or calories. I feel like my metabolism will shut down, and that will be the end of my road to weight loss. - I don't exercise. I really enjoy walking, but for some reason I make excuses to myself. And then I feel guilty. - The biggest bad habit: I don't weight myself. I'm so scared of the scale that I have convinced myself it's best to not stress myself out over how much I lose. Ignorance is bliss. I know that in order to succeed, I should use the scale as a tool to see what does or does not work for me. Somehow, I need to overcome this. Has anyone on this forum not weighed themselves?

I'm in the same boat! I don't eat fish, though. I eat lots of lentils, dairy, and an Indian type of cottage cheese, called "paneer". Still, I have to do a Protein shake every day to meet my requirements. Have you tried soy products like soy meats or cheeses?

Jasleeve, I apologize if this is too personal, but do you find it intimidating having some of your closest friends be fitness-oriented people? I always feel a little uncomfortable (and still do, despite the surgery and my change in food choices) around people that are very diet conscious or fitness oriented. I somehow always wonder if they are judging me, based on what my body looks like, how I behave, or what I eat. I bet now, though, after the surgery, it helps to have those same people around to keep you active and motivated, though! Congratulations! Kr1sy, thank you for sharing your story! I'm glad that you are happy with your sleeve, despite having a tough and emotional time in the beginning. Even I have found myself to be incredibly unstable and emotional since the surgery. I haven't been able to figure out why! Ducker, it's so nice to see someone on here who is also a patient of Dr. Oliak's!! You had your surgery about a month after I did. I absolutely LOVED Placentia Linda Hospital, and all the staff there. I would love to go back and visit them to thank them for their care.

Hi, everyone! I've been lurking on this site for about 3 months now, and have only just decided to join. So, I thought I'd share a quick story about me, my weight, and my sleeve! I'm 27 years old, of Indian ethnicity, and have been overweight since I was maybe 4 years old. I have the usual story of trying this diet, that diet, meeting with loads of doctors, etc. etc. About a year ago, an acquaintance of mine (now a mentor) had a bypass done, and I was inspired to look into weight loss surgery! I was studying medicine in India (I'm born and raised in California), while I researched everything, and decided to get the surgery done as soon as I finished med school. I was sleeved on August 31st, 2011 by Dr. Oliak in Orange County, California. He's amazing. I recovered well, and have been on solids for a few weeks now. I'm currently in India while I finish up some paperwork to transfer back to the States. As a Vegetarian, I've found my options limited. In India, they are limited even more so, because it's hard to get a hold of cheeses, soy products, and all that good stuff! Still, I'm hanging in there and enjoying my sleeve so far. I don't know how much I've lost, since I have decided not to weigh myself for a while. I want to follow the diet plans without worrying about the outcomes, because I know I'll be a slow loser. Perhaps once I get back home I will be able to bring some variety into my diet, and will be interested in knowing how much of a difference it makes. I wanted to thank all of you for keeping these forums so active, because I've been able to learn so much from your experiences! My weight loss has been slow, from what I see in my body, but it's there nonetheless. You guys keep me motivated and interested. Thank you!

You're so right, Raine! I do have a good support network, but no one in the group is overweight or understands the toll that obesity takes on our emotional health and confidence. Just reading about other peoples' experiences gives me support, and lets me know that I can accomplish the goals I have set for myself. Thank you for the warm welcome!