4ALongerLife

B - Protein pancake, rolled up 1/2 of a scrambled egg in it and crumbled a piece of turkey bacon over it. Rolled it up and dipped it in sugar free pancake syrup. L - Skinny sloppy joe (1/2 serving), 5 shrimp, cantaloupe. D - no idea yet. Hubs is making Greek chicken (chicken dredge in spices and greek yogurt).

I have yet to do rice. It's only due to my dr. telling me, as he had sleeve surgery 2 years ago, that it fills him up way too fast. I know the carb content, so I have just chosen to avoid it. One day maybe, but it'll be in small portions (very small) as it expands in your tummy. I agree with sleeve 4 me... balance.

Ask your dr. Whenever I got a leak and asked mine, I was shocked to know it can happen a lot longer out than I thought. But more than likely it won't happen. Ask your dr. to be sure pls.

hey, you will lose more weight on that stage than any other. and since you just had surgery and you have now cut 85% of your stomach off, that's why you have to do liquids for 14 days we all have done it..... believe me, i so totally understand. but this too shall pass. hang in there!

So I went for my CAT scan this morning. It was actually two CAT scans, one of my chest and one of my upper abdomen. Jeesh that crap is expensive. Thankfully on this insurance policy, I've met my deductible for the year. Unfortunately I begin a new job next week so I'll have a NEW deductible soon. I am praying that I won't be eaten up with more bills. I am thankful (or rather, trying to be) that God has given me the options of being able to make arrangements to pay most of these bills thus far. I'm praying that continues. And I'm not going to think of Bora Bora or Tahiti, my life long bucket list places that I dream of going, and how I probably could have if I would not have done all of this to myself. Anywho, I digress. Yeah I'm a rambling queen, what's new? So the CAT scan was "interesting"... as interesting as having my large toe cut off slowly. The technician was someone that I knew from prior experience, very nice man. He said that the results will probably get to my pulmonologist either Wed. or Thurs. So then I'll know "what's next". My pulmonologist is a little bit 'different' so I'm praying that experience with him isn't as jarring as the last one that I had with him! You go in and have to drink these two large bottles of clear liquid. It's very sweet stuff, not far off from a protein bullet but not quite as alarming as one of those. I choked down the 1.5 bottles the tech told me to do, then off I went. After the CAT scan was over, I took hubby to lunch. Least I could do since I "made" him take the day off. He was going to 'work from home' and just go with me but I didn't want him half here you know? That was the other day whenever I cried so much I swole my eyes shut that I made him take the day off, but c'est la vie. I am better today after having spoken to my bariatric dr. yesterday. I fully trust Dr. Meyers. He is a skilled surgeon who has helped me so much in all of these bills and figuring out what is next. He told me that if they find a cavity or area of trapped cells somewhere in between my diaphragm and lungs, they would probably have to get a cardiac thoracic surgeon to drill it out. It would be done laproscopically, but still he said to call him and let him know so I can discuss who is on my plan and who is good to do this if needed. If it's not a cavity or pocket of cells, then it might just be 'water' in my lungs leftover from the first surgery... then my pulmonologist can drain that himself per my bariatric dr. I hope that's the case. And I'm praying all of this just gets resolved. After lunch with hubby (btw, we made a 'good' choice today in managing my environment... we went to cowboy chicken and had rotisserie drumsticks with campfire veggies and watermelon and split it). Then I went to macy's... every year I try to remember in August to go look at bathing suits for next year. So this year, I reallllly needed to. I got 10 pieces for $48! And I even got one bikini. Who the hell is this girl buying a two piece? IDK but whenever we hopefully go somewhere next year (or the year after, we'll see) then I'll be wearing that. But not at the community pool, like I need to see PTA peops in a bikini with my scars. Who knows though... I might just get that daring after all. Thank you to anyone and everyone who has been praying for me. I truly don't have words to tell you how much I appreciate it. Felicia you are the bomb btw. She may never see this, but I sincerely appreciate all of your texts and prayers. tc, write soon... xx

Thank you so much SleevenChica. IDK though if I would have know this to be the price of looking as I do, would I have done it then? I just wanna be "fixed" (back to normal, and by that I mean not sick off and on continually).

I'm wondering too how you are! Hope all is going ok kimberlee!!!!!!!

You can get back on track hon. Be strong! And hey add me on MFP! Try doing anything else whenever you get bored. Go for a walk. And make a list of healthy 'boredom' grazeables like cantaloupe, blueberries, 3 pieces of canadian bacon (97% ff jones brand is 50 calories), etc. then post it on the fridge and if you get bored, only limit those to 2-3 times a day. Just suggesting. Good that you are getting back on track. I hope your pain dissipates and your boredom does too! xx

I came across this website the other night that really hit a resounding clang with me. First, in my non sensical rambling sort of style, let me explain..... at night, I truly struggle with grazing more than any other time of the day. So what I've "resorted" to doing is instead, drinking more water and more water and more water as well as searching for recipes to keep my diet interesting and low fat. In my menu search, one of my stumbles was a site called "canyoustayfordinner.com", written by a lady that has lost 135 lbs by sheer determination and a year of working out. She is also very kind to share her thoughts and insight on why she had issues with food. One of the things that she wrote about was her compulsive eating... "Because my compulsive eating is a problem of psychology, it is deeply rooted in my emotions and it will only be "solved" when I allow myself to feel the things that I run away from." Hmm, so what do YOU run away from? I can so easily see this in others, but in myself, it's a bit harder - as always right? So point to ponder .... She continues to speak on books that helped her with these thoughts (i.e. Geneen Roth's 'when food is love', 'feeding the hungry heart', and 'women, food and god' - all of which I hope to find soon), but she continues to speak on the 'inclination to bolt', defining this as 'the intense desire to leave yourself, to flee, when life becomes difficult. It is the wanting to be anywhere but where you are.' And she describes that 'Food is the place to go and escape.' These thoughts really hit something in me. IDK that I'm 100% a bolter, but I do understand the sentiment, especially of food as the escape. And I know that I have triggers with these sort of emotions, in just the way she described as well. But it's funny/odd, I didn't realize it until I read it from someone else. I never thought of it in that context! THAT is the kind of support that I am searching for in my journey. Learning from others experience and seeing ourselves in their reflection. Just not centering it around food in the process (i.e. let's get together over lunch/dinner/etc). She went on to say 'obsession in any form, is an avoidance of the present. It's a way to survive life.' I know for me, for a while, ashamedly I used food to survive. Once my mom died, it was like my heart was ripped out. To say my father was hateful after her death specifically to me is an understatement. His becoming ill with cancer and the way that he and my siblings treated me, as well as dealing with missing my mother, let's just say I did whatever I could just to survive. Once I 'got it back together' again (which took a while), I could NOT lose the weight. Part of it might be the thyroid issues that I have, but part of it was not. So I had WLS. The point of reading this article for me was what she said she did to overcome her obsession with food. It was the realization of this tendency to bolt. It was learning how to live in being uncomfortable. She went on to say that you have to deal with uncomfortable feelings, emotions, situations in order to not miss the opportunity to grow, learn and be strong. To me, that translates too as learning to 'live in the moment.' And it also leaves me points to think about - how else am I uncomfortable in life lessons that I've turned to food to deal with things previously? We all hear of "mindful eating" right? But it's not only applicable to eating. It's being mindful of the moment, any moment, in which we are living. That's hard. C'mon with all of the distractions that we have (kids, blackberries, conflicting schedules, back ground noise, etc etc etc). And I know it's especially one I struggle with whenever I'm out with a group, out with a comfy set of friends and especially once food is added into that mix. So what does that mean for me? IDK yet. I can't "escape" from food, it's a daily thing I have to have. However, for now, I choose to manage my environmental influences. I choose to remove possible situations and/or people that could result in influencing me to make toxic decisions. Toxic choices against the weight loss that I've already achieved. It means that I have to be mindful and I choose not to have too many toxic choices available in my life. At least for now, as I'm still learning how to deal with this weight loss, I feel that it's what I have to do to be successful. IDK if it's right or wrong, but I know one thing. I am almost to goal but it's funny how I KNOW the food addict just wants to come back out. I don't realize yet that I am that 'skinny girl' that someone is referring to. That I am 'the workout fiend' or whatever. I still am "just me", whatever that is, IDK quite yet. But I am mindful that the evil food addict still lives in me. I'm just not fully cognizant yet of all of the ways she comes about to rear her ugly head. So I'm glad to have stumbled across "canyoustayfordinner.com" because it was one more way for me to consider how to deal with this deeply psychologically rooted issue. It is something that I have to do every day (eat), but I have roots that go beyond just food that I'm dealing with, or rather trying to deal with! And I'll do whatever I have to to be in the 80% that are successful. I want it bad enough that I'm willing to give up things that might be wonderful, but could be toxic for me......... at least right now. Sorry to those that don't understand it, but best wishes to you. This choice, for now, is what I am going to do to hopefully be successful for me. Additionally, a funny item that was included that I'd like to share... "Thinness is like Ikea furniture. It looks great in the showroom, but you have to get it home and assemble it yourself. Most times it doesn't look quite like you hoped." From looking at my naked self, now after 97 lbs lost, all I can say is..... so freak'n true, so true!

Yep Premier Protein drinks were pretty good. I liked vanilla, but now it's way too sweet. I also liked the muscle milk lights, but I have heard many a person say they are nasty. Unjury's strawberry sorbets and chicken Soup are good. nectar Syntrax is good too but most protein powders I honestly prefer mixed with milk. The cytosport drinks I suggested are good clear Protein Drinks and already mixed so I didnt flub up. Just don't buy too much of anything. Tastes change throughout this journey. Fyi, Vitamin shop has a great return policy and a refrigerated section. Worth buying from them. Just say'n. Good luck!

Hey if you have a Vitamin Shop (sorry IDK where you are) but you can buy out of their refrigerated section on any RTD's (ready to drink drinks) and if you don't like it, keep your receipt and w/in 7 days, return the container with the receipt and they'll credit you your money back. As for Protein powders, "they" say they are as different as people in the world, as are our preferences. I liked unjury strawberry Sorbet, but after a while, I tried to watch the calories and I like that with milk. My dr. gave me some Chike samples that are 'ok' (hey you can't beat free). But the chicken Soup unjury IS good. Just don't nuke it in the microwave or heat your Water too much or it curdles. nectar Syntrax was good, I bought a vat of the latte but it's sitting here now. I also got unjury unflavoreds in order to make protein jellos and puddings, but after a while, in all honesty? All protein powders made me sick. I just switched as my diet progressed to real protein sources (i.e. fish, shellfish, chicken, meat). Oh another popular RTD Protein Drink is Premier Protein shakes. You can get them at costco or Sams. I liked Vanilla (but now it's too sweet). I also liked Muscle Milk lights but many many many a person says they are disgusting. My apologies, but keep trying them. You will find one for yourself. But yes, try the samples. And Vitamin Shop!!!! Good luck!

Ok guys, I've had enough medical crap going on to last me a freaking lifetime - at least for the next 10 years at minimum I want nothing else to be wrong with me. Through all of this, I've been focused on my goal and trying to remain positive. But I have something that is bothering the obsessive compulsive part of me. Dare I come to post it to get a proverbial slap of sense into me? Ok I'd RATHER some polite perspective on ways for me to reframe my state of mind. I'm finally at 160! (Yay me!) I am 5'7" and FOR ME that equates to a size 12 (I wear a size 11 shoe, yes trannie territory I know... but gives you a point of reference that I'm no string bean.... women's size M shirts now, even sometimes rare small mixed in). I work out 6 days a week, heavy on the cardio (60 mins at a time), not as much on the weights anymore because I bulk/muscle up easily and wanted to reach goal asap. My goal is 150, maybe more (like where I am) to 'settle' for life. I doubt seriously I can get to 140 ever, but IDK on that yet. Why am I posting this thread? Seems like many people at my height, 5'7" and weight, 160 are much smaller than I am as it relates to size. I have some "give" in some of the 12's I'm in, but mostly I am a 'solid' 12/mediums now. The 'dream' (obsession) for me is an 8. Am I kidding myself? I'm thinking durn it, at this point, I might just have to be 'over the moon' with a 10. So what suggestions to get me there? (I've been avoiding the personal trainer in honesty, I don't want someone that'll make me puke and they scare me... yep, I said it. The workout fiend that I am, the personal trainers frighten me. They push your limits. Maybe I need that, but maybe I'm ok sitting in the fetal position sucking my thumb in my size 12s, lol). Or do I just need to be patient and give the ol' body some more time? (I'll be at the 6 month mark 9/5 and I worry that I'll hit stallsville, so yeah OCD with pressure.) As I understand it, I've been told that sometimes it's 5 lbs between the smaller sizes. Do you find that to be accurate? Hey tell a fat lady (me) because for all of my life (seriously i've never been below a 14 so a 12 is an accomplishment!) but I could lose or gain 30 lbs and still be in an 18, barely getting into my 16s. For real. I gain everything in my trunk, and now, at 160 - it's the LAST place it's leaving, just like "they" say, it's true! Ok be kind please for my silly (trying to be humorous) post. And yes, I did search first and didn't find anything on this one. Surely I am not the only OCD-ish woman that thinks this way? Well I'll admit my craziness for the hopes that someone else might benefit from it as well so.... let's see... (hoping y'all will 'be kind')! Thanks for your time.... xx

The cytosport whey isolate's RTDs are "clear" liquids. Yes.

stevia rocks!

Iggy, it gets better... in time. Hang in there.

If you are in my area, I would give you some for free to taste. Sorry I won't ship... but I loved them. They are a bit tart at first, but not puke-y like Isopure IMO. I liked these in a 28 oz mug with ice and it was do-able!

:wub: :ph34r: I have your answer... http://www.cytosport...-ready-to-drink << it's a link to Cytosport's RTD whey Isolate drinks. Straight up... yum! I was on a clear liquid diet for a LONG time and it sucked. I hate isopuke (my apologies to anyone who likes it but YEEEEAKKK) and I hate Protein bullets. But this drink in green (tropical) or orange (tangerine) ROCKS. I bought them at Vitamin Shop. They have a refrigerated section where you can buy these individually and try them. Try anything, but keep your receipt. You have 7 days and even if it's open and you hated it, bring it back for a refund. (hello, protein bullets... how do you think I know their return policy?) And yes, your tastebuds DO change, so remember Vitamin Shop has a great refund policy (that stuff is expensive, any of that stuff that is!). Good luck!

Can you PUHLEASE post me a good ceviche recipe? Omg my peruvian mami (friends mom down here) makes it so stinking good. Ok here's a recipe I really enjoyed. Shrimp packets. Very low cal from what I remember, but I'd have to look in MFP to say fo sho .... http://theworldaccor...-and-boobs.html Many ideas on eggface's site. I have a few places where I "collect" recipes, her's is one! BTW, what food phase are you in? Is it solids? I just wondered since you said you are working up to salmon.

i believe it's cheddar singles that we use... i know the cheddar melts better!

1 lite English muffin (about 100 cals per muffin) ---- (or use the carb free cloud bread recipe you can find it here: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/41676-no-carb-protein-bread/page__hl__%2Bcarb+%2Bfree+%2Bcloud+%2Bbread 1 egg white (15 calories) 1 slice FF cheese (25 calories) 1 slice extra lean turkey bacon (about 20 calories) OR canadian bacon Cook bacon, set aside. Scramble and cook egg white (you can add a drop of yellow food coloring for more of an "eggy" look). While the egg is cooking, pop the english muffin in the toaster. When the toaster pops, assemble with cheese on the bottom, then bacon, then egg. Eat it open faced to save 50 cals and only use 1/2 a slice of cheese to save approximately 12.5 cals. Your nutritional values will vary based on what you use to make it. You can calculate it via myfitnesspal by going to recipes and create a new recipe. This serves one person.

Call your dr's office. IDK if it's maybe just the muscles in sympathy with all that your body's been through or part of the healing process, but I'd feel better to know you had called and got a medical opinion on this. Good luck.