AliveAgain

Closed account and had a party with my scissors after buying only size XS/S and 6/8 this weekend!

Organic, plain 2% Greek yogurt with 4-8 blue or raspberries is great at one month. I still eat it now with chia seed (not recommended until a few months out) or flax, raw honey, or goji berries/cacao nibs mix.

I would highly recommend "NO" and try to use this time when you're changing your eating habits to alter your drinking habits as well. This is the best time to kick soda habits - regular or diet. For me, soda has absolutely NO NUTRIATIVE VALUE AT ALL and is a waste of my body's energy and resources to try to digest. Many researchers and doctors believe, from recent studies, that artificial sweeteners are in general highly addictive, especially for people attached to their diet sodas. In some cases, the brain is just as "lit up" as someone addicted to heroin or cocaine! View this two part Dr. Oz episode to learn more. However, I believe all this in observant moderation are "OK" and that we shouldn't deny ourselves of OCCASIONAL treats once you're further out. For now, the carbonation is definitely not good for the healing stomach and if it's not on your doctor or dietician's plan -- don't do it. Best in health!

Thank you, I'm very happy with my results so far! If you search through topics I've participated in, then you'll see things I've done and advised to others. Really it comes down to listening to your doctor and following the plan. My three most important things: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Lots of Water, tea or healthy milk in moderation (i.e. Protein shakes). This keeps evething moving. sleep. Try to get 8 hours every night. So much research shows how not enough GOOD sleep affects weight loss. Your mentality must shift to understanding this is your NEW NORMAL - it's not a diet you will be on for a while then go back. This is your new life, it will have ups and downs, good days and off days -- but everything changes about what you decide to eat. The more you just get the swing of it and ride it out rather than fight it, the better.

Not to kill the mood here, but have you asked your doctor about endometriosis? I started having pain during sex, the deeper the worse it was, plus other symptoms. After a year of suffering, just has surgery to have it removed along with a 4cm ovarian cyst. Estrogen is a big problem for women with Endo, and losing fat stores releases a lot into the system. What was once dormant-ish, all of a sudden became a problem! Worth asking about.

It's made with natural senna tea, a stimulant laxative vs. osmotic. It's ok on occasion but I found my sleeve and my system prefers osmotic which just helps get more water into your stool. Stimulant can become addictive for some and not good for long term, cause painful cramping. I prefer stool softeners, magnesium citrate, lots of vitamin C and if desperate Fleet enema always does the trick.

I swear by mine, use them daily!!

One night. Checked in around 8am, checked out next day around 5pm. Laparoscopic, no complications!

Fried foods rarely agree with me now. Don't get me wrong, I can put it in my mouth and EAT it. But hours later I just feel lethargic and kind crappy. A real turn-off!

I'm curious if anyone knows or has had problems with donating blood. I can't imagine why? I'm 9 months out, feeling great and would like to continue giving to others as a universal donor.

Thanks! I'll ask my surgeon as well, was hoping to hear some vets had done it successfully. I'm a big believer in donating life!

Way to stay strong SleeveShelly! I have personally loved the cost savings we now enjoy going out to eat and food shopping. Leftovers last us for 2-3 additional meals!

I have been a long time headache and migraine sufferer for 20 years, and I also got headaches when I dieted or skipped meals. My doctor told me I was most likely dehydrated, to which I scoffed. But I think he was right, when we go without food we also forget to drink healthy fluids like water or tea. I have found that so long as I stay hydrated with 60-100oz per day, the headaches stay away. Granted, hormones are another beast, but plenty of water helps flush those right through the system as well. Since my surgery, I've actually had the fewest amount of headaches I've ever had. I'm sure my diet all those years with the refined sugars and carbs was not helping.

Just a little shout out that this surgery has been the best thing that has ever happened to me for my health, and I am so happy! I once again weigh less than my husband I am able to wear some of my favorite old clothes like college sweatshirts I was able to borrow my sister's size SMALL jacket on vacation (she's a size 4) I was able to run, play, slide and keep up with my two young nephews without feeling exhausted I hiked at 5000' elevation for over an hour, barely getting out of breath and feeling wonderful Little things like sliding behind a chair in a tight dining room and sharing a backseat with two other adults no longer puts a spotlight on my size I cannot wait to see what the next 3 months until my one year surgiversary brings!

Good luck tomorrow! You'll do great, and soon be joining me on that bench!

I'm hooked on Syntrax Nectar powders. I buy them off Amazon, keeping 2-3 tubs of different flavors to mix it up a little. They are so simple to mix and travel with, just using a Blender Bottle, water or any kind of milk, a scoop or more (depending on size and preference), maybe a little fiber and voila! - ready to drink.

I would agree with the other posters. I know long flights like that, and they are hard on the body period. My worry would definitely be the care you might need if there were complications, on the plane on where you land. Would you have language barriers, trying to explain your surgery? Also, it's common for some to have low electrolytes, dehydration, and overall weakness and fatigue in the first two weeks. Will you really be functional for your job on the other end of the flight?

It's the funniest thing to see this because just in the last few weeks, I've been itching for a taste of soda! I am also down to a size 8/10 from a 22/24. Wonder if there is something about this point in the weight loss? I don't think I'm ever going to break down and buy a soda any time soon. I'm betting my memory of how good it was will not match how it tastes now. Not to mention knowing that there is really very little natural of anything in them. Empty calories, artificial sweeteners, chemical dyes and colorings. Not even sure if the Water they use is filtered for the bad stuff! I don't think the cringe that goes up my spine thinking of what's in soda will override whatever this craving is... I would advise you or anyone looking to drink soda, energy drinks, etc. to please consider other options. Most of the time our body is just dehydrated and only needs water. Is it really worth it? Maybe try adding some fruit juice to a fizzy water, see if that does it?

I'm not in maintenance yet, but I've spoken to people who are and they say you learn to eat more healthy snacks throughout the day. You'll be amazed how you can almost double your caloric intake with small amounts of nuts, jerky, granola (homemade, low sugar), fresh fruit/veggie. I'm coming up on the nine-month mark and have already noticed I can eat almost 3-4oz of meat with dinner and a little more veggie than just 3-4 months ago. It is also easier to let the bad stuff in -- cookies, candy, chips -- you will always have to be on your toes with how little you allow them into your diet as very rare treats!

I came home 8lbs heavier, full of IV fluid. I dropped that about 4 days post op, then another 3 or 4 by the one week mark. Everyone is different. I noticed a difference once I was able to get a lot of fluid and protein down, and walking more.

If available in your area, I'd opt for natural Peanut Butter, or almond or cashew butter. They have to be refrigerated and mixed, but sugar or no palm oil added! Palm oil is not good for the liver and they are cutting down too many trees to produce it. Plus, the almond tends to be higher in protein! Since I can only do about 1-2tbsp, I use 3-4 small multi-grain crackers. It does settle the stomach

I'm about 8.5 months out, down 42% of my total body weight, and at 85% of goal. Another 20 to go!!

That sounds like another woman who was on Dr. Oz today! She went in her husband's robe!

The emotional part is different for everyone. Some never have it, some have it later, and some have it worse than most. But it's VERY normal and you will make it through this stage. The best advice I can offer is that "this, too, is temporary and will be over soon." I know it's hard not to think that the way you feel now is how you will feel forever, but that is a fallacy. Your body is recovering from a major surgery, the nutrition it's receiving is drastically different as well. What it needs most if rest and hydration. Protein will happen for you when your new stomach is ready to take on more, just keep trying the best you can and every night tell yourself, "I did the best I could today, tomorrow after more rest, I will do my best again." Our diets affect our hormones as well, men and women, and that, too will regulate with a little more time. Try to distract yourself with a good movie, book, or small project at home -- or even better, go for a walk and breathe in nature! Hang in there!

Unsweetened applesauce w/CC is the bomb!!