want2bthin

Sounds great Megan, and I agree it's better to make your own and 93% beef shows as lean, if not leaner, than a lot of ground turkey brands. I'm curious to see if my stomach behaves any differently though. I did buy some Farm Rich turkey meatballs in Walmart yesterday - just because I saw them and we are in the middle of moving so I figured it would be easier to be able to just heat them up for now. Haven't tried them yet though so will post after I do.

I've just sent out several friend requests - my ID on myfitnesspal is "stlewis98". Please add me if you want to share food diaries, etc. I think this is an excellent idea and it will help me to be all the more accountable. I've only started using MFP 'faithfully' this week and it's fantastic!

Tomorrow is Day 22 since my surgery and I start my sugeon's Phase III diet. This consists of 3 meals a day of 1.5 - 2 oz. meat plus 1 oz. fruit or veggies and then one snack of 6-8 oz yogurt plus 1 oz fruit and then 2 Protein shakes to help boost protein intake. I am not allowed to have carbs other than fruit or veggies until I'm six months out. Of course I'm also required to drink 100 oz of fluids which I have not been having a problem with since Day 4 post-op. Thankfully my Lapband experience is helpful when it comes to this as I recall how much I just loved noodless lasagna. I just bought a new crockpot last night and intend to make real good use of that. The key thing I am interested in seeing is how well I will tolerate real food and how much I will even be able to eat. I have been so thrilled that on my current full liquid diet I have easily gone 4-5 hours between meals without hunger and have not had any cravings whatsoever. I feel the first real test of my sleeve begins tomorrow. So my plan for tomorrow is: Breakfast - 1 scrambled egg with a little cheese a.m. snack - Protein shake lunch - 1/4c part skim ricotta with 1 T spaghetti sauce and 1 t. parm cheese p.m. snack - 6 oz light yogurt and 1 oz fruit dinner - making Pepsi Pork in my crockpot - made with pork loin, cream of chicken Soup, onion soup mix and a can of diet pepsi (leaves no carbonation). Evening - protein shake I'm also planning on making salsa chicken in the crockpot this week as well as meatballs (recipes appreciated I realize that with the volume of food we can eat I may have leftovers for weeks so will do some freezing. Just wondering how others did at this stage and I welcome any other meal ideas. I have always hated fish; actually was OK with tuna salad when I was young but at age 17 was on Weight Watchers where I ate tuna fish every day for 6 months and have never eaten it since - and that's over 30+ years ago. I am hoping that my tastebuds have changed so I am open to trying different foods again - my husband grills a lot. I appreciate any input or ideas you have to share. On a very positive note - I am now down 25 lbs since my pre-op diet; my wedding rings and clothes are definitely looser and I can see my face slimming down - WooHoo! Excited to start this new chapter.... Thanks. Susie 2.0

Well since the day is almost done, I figured I would report back on how it went. Overall it went great. Scrambled eggs with cheese went down fine - I eat everything with a baby spoon or fork and try to chew for 20 times. That's a little hard with eggs and those small bites but you get the idea. Noodleless lasagna also was fine - yummy! Cooked the Pepsi pork in the crockpot - the aromas were wonderful all day long so I was really looking forward to it. Measured out my 2 oz of meat and added 1/4c of the juice. Cut real small and chewed well. Had no issues with eating it. In fact started wondering if I had a sleeve if I could already eat this much. Proceeded to work on my 2T of applesauce as my 1 oz fruit. Ate about 1T. of that and that's when the signal really kicked in. Unfortunately I must have taken that 'one too many bite" that I've read about from others because after that I wasn't so good. I was really trying not to throw up. I also quickly realized the major difference in living with the sleeve vs. the Lapband. When I had the Band if things got stuck I basically just had to get them through my pouch and I would be fine. To do that meant a variety of actions that I learned over time - like jumping up and down, swinging my arms overhead - excusing myself to the rest room so I could do these things in a bathroom stall as well as danging my arms down and bending at my waist. I do not miss that at all. With the sleeve I quickly realized the food had nowhere to go but back out of my stomach. That was a bit of an eye opener of my new reality. In any case it built up to the point where I just had to vomit but when I did it was just one time and only applesauce came out which I was glad to see and I felt immediate relief. I think that this happened for one of a few reasons - I may have eaten too fast - I spent about 10-15 minutes total eating; it could be that the broth with the pork acted the same way as drinking after eating would have. My nutritionist pointed out that people eat soup with meat and veggies all the time and have problems. They forget that it is having liquid after food and that the right way to eat that is to have all the liquid first and then have the meat and veggies. I still have one Protein drink to go on my plan for the night but I think I am going to skip it. I already managed 74g of protein and that's plenty. As far as why my nutrition plan calls for avoiding Pasta, bread, etc. for the six months, my take is that it is based on their experience with many patients to help them focus on protein first as well as maximize their weight loss in the first six months after surgery. I know they make adjustments based on their patients results - in fact they had only just adjusted their plan to staying in full liquids for 3 weeks after surgery; previously it had been only two weeks and I've read where the risk of leaks is greatest in the first few weeks. Anyway - I'm very pleased with how my day went. I felt a little hungry here and there - very minor. I take Pepcid daily but I don't take it until just before bed. Susie 2.0

Which frozen meatballs do you use? I've never really liked ground turkey anything but am willing to give them a try? Considering the last three weeks I've been on shakes, yogurt and applesauce I'm sure a lot of things will taste better than I thought they would I'd like to find some low carb frozen meatballs to keep on hand.... of course I'm sure it's better to make up my own batch so might do that on the weekend. I start my Phase III stage on Thursday which will include 3 meals per day with 1 1/2 to 2 oz Protein each plus 1 oz fruit/veggies. Thanks.

Some of my incisions are oozing a clear pink liquid - is this normal? This happened to me with two different incisions for a day or two where I literally went through bandages in a half hour. My surgeon kept telling me it was normal and that it was better that it drain then than not and that it should clear up in a day or two. Of course he was right, but I was anxious over it until it cleared.

I'm Day 10 post op and on a basically liquid diet for the first three weeks - 3 shakes, 1 serving light yogurt and two 2 oz servings of pureed fruit day... All has been going very well with the exception of diarrearh (sorry... to have to bring that in but need to give you the full story). I called the nurse yesterday to see if I could have Immodium for relief and she said I could. I also switched yesterday to Soy Milk figuring that I may have developed some lactose intolerance as I have read others have after surgery. I do recall having this same problem after my Lapband surgery and it lasted a good week or more then too. In any case the Immodium was a big help and I'm hoping the Soy Milk will remove any issues if I have lactose intolerance now (which actually I did as an infant also but grew out of it). So today all of a sudden I have had reflux a couple of times. Now mind you I never had it before surgery - my gallbladder was removed years ago. I laid down for a nap and found the shake I had drank sometime before coming back up. After my dinner shake the same thing happened while sitting up plus I felt a bit nauseous. I did try two new shakes today but still find it hard it would be either of them and the only other thing different was taking one Immodium pill this a.m. Other than that right now my diet does not vary. Just wondering if anyone else has had the same symptoms and if they went away on their own. Thanks. Susie 2.0

I keep thinking of these randomly in my head and have been meaning to put them down in writing. First I should share an update - I am SLEEVED!!!! Surgery went as scheduled on March 7th. They removed my Lapband, repaired a hiatal hernia (unexpected) and performed the sleeve gastrectomy. I cannot say enough good things about my surgeons (Dr. Marema & Dr. Koppman assisting), their staff, the hospital, and above all their overall Center of Excellence program. There is no way to compare it to the care I received with my Lapband surgery six years ago. Pain was very minimal afterwards. I was most pleased that I did not have the shoulder pain (from gas) that I usually get when going under anesthesia. They had me walking within 4-5 hours. I stayed in the hospital for two nights in St. Augustine and then at a local Hilton Garden Inn for another two nights after surgery so I would be nearby if any complications arose. They did not. They sent me home with all kinds of goodies from shake bottles to protein drinks, jello, broth, water, crystal light drinks, a pedometer, measuring spoons, etc. all packaged up in this nice carrying case. I'll be a week post op tomorrow and I've been doing very well at home - following my post op diet closely and virtually not hungry. Today was the first time I felt a mild hunger pain. I am continuing to walk each day. Yesterday I walked for 22 minutes and was a little out of breath so may have overdone it - cut back to 15 mins today and was fine. I plan on weighing myself tomorrow and will update my weight tracker afterwards. So now back to my "Ah Hah" moments that I am looking forward to - in relatively random order: Weigh under 280 lbs -- Achieved -- 2/29/2012 - 10 lbs lost during 2 week pre-op diet Surgery complete -- Achieved -- 3/7/2012 Weigh under 270 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/14/2012 Weigh under 260 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/31/2012 Size 2X clothes fit again -- Achieved -- 4/4/2012 Weigh under 250 lbs -- Achieved -- 4/18/2012 Weigh under 248 lbs (personal significance) -- Achieved 4/20/2012 Weigh under 240 lbs -- Achieved 5/9/2012 Start Jazzercise Classes -- Decide to join LA Fitness and work with a Personal Trainer instead -- 5/23/12 Weigh under 230 lbs Weigh under 229 lbs (lowest with LapBand) No longer have to wear airplane seat belt extender -- Achieved 5/1/2012 - WOOHOO!!! Flew on six planes (different models) over the next three weeks with no Extender!! Size 1X clothes fit again Weigh under 220 lbs Weigh under 210 lbs Weigh under 200 lbs -- ONEDERLAND! Size XL clothes fit again Weigh under 190 lbs Weigh under 189 lbs (lowest while on WW in 2001 after losing 105 lbs) Able to wear one of the cute sundresses I see at Flea Markets Go bike riding -- Achieved 5/20/2012 Bought a new bike and took it for a spin. Weigh under 180 lbs Size L clothes fit again Weigh under 170 lbs Weigh 163 lbs or less - Wedding Day weight in 1983 Weigh under 160 lbs Size M clothes fit again Weigh under 150 lbs Weigh under 140 lbs Go rollerblading Size S clothes fit?? Reach Goal Weight - 134 lbs!!!

Thanks for all of your encouragement - I sincerely appreciate it and hope to return the same. LilMissDiva - You are so right.... I just updated to reflect that today I achieved my 'weigh under 270 lbs' goal. I'm now one week post op and 268.8 -- almost 8 lbs down since surgery and almost 18 down since 3 weeks ago when I started my pre-op diet.

I can't believe how quickly the time is going by - no complaints there. I am actually thankful for these two weeks for me to get things in order - not only for my home and work but mostly for my psyche. I have followed the Pre-Op Diet the last week religiously and lost 7.9 lbs - I'm down to 278.3 now. I feel great. Thankfully my surgeon's pre-op diet is not liquids only like so many others - it is mostly liquids - protein drinks - but also includes 4 servings of fruit/veggies, 4 oz meat, 1 serving whole grain starch, 1 srv yogurt and my personal favorite - 1 oz nuts. It's been very livable. Today I went for my 3 hour pre-op education class with the nurse. It was excellent!! I was the only one scheduled for the class so lots of one on one. She still took me through the 1+ inch book that they provide which was specific to Sleeve Gastrectmy and so comprehensive and useful (it is only available to their patients, understandably so). I love the fact that my surgeon, Dr. Robert Marema, is not only a pioneer in this field but also a patient himself having had gastric bypass many years ago. The way the whole program is developed really shows that they understand what we go through. It is so like 'Night and Day' from my Lapband surgeon's practice which had no pre-op diet, seminars nor regular post op follow up outside of Dr. appointments - 15 minutes for another fill, that sort of thing. I guess it's time for me to figure out how to do the Avatar - I think that's what it's called - to show my results in my signature. I did it years ago on ObesityHelp. Then I want to go read up some more in my book and highlight things, etc. Susie Pre-Op Diet Start: 286.2 1 wk Pre-Op: 278.3

lovelylirpa - I really have found the Pre-Op diet to be a great experience. It has given me time to fully prepare - both mentally and physically. For the most part I have not even been hungry on it - I have followed it pretty religiously. Mine is not all liquid though which I think really helps and for the few times I was hungry I ate sugar free jello which helped. I can't believe I only have 2 more days to go then surgery. Just follow your instructions completely and be well prepared - go shopping, etc. That is definitely the best advice I can give you to plan for success. Expect the first 3 days to be the toughest which is about how long it will take your body to adjust; just knowing that helped me get through them. Best wishes for much success!!!

My surgeon took my Lapband Fluid out back in August and I gained 20 lbs between then and my pre-op diet so I know how you feel. But I sure will count those 20 lbs as I lose them. I've read a lot here about people having a stall around 3-4 weeks so I'm sure your body is adjusting - it is amazing what our bodies do go through.

Whoo Whoo!!! It's a great feeling... I know. April 3rd will be here before you know it. Congrats!!!

I just had my pre-op education class with a nurse the other day and she said they generally see and expect their patients will lose 10% of their weight each month. Well from what I can see you're even slightly ahead of that and the same with Nicky if I'm calculating from both of your tickers correctly. You are doing AWESOME. I want to put into practice after this surgery so many lessons that I learned after having Lapband and one of those main ones will be to try not to compare my weight loss to others.... OK - you can hold me accountable on that now Comparing myself to others - especially considering only three of the people in my support group six years ago had the Lapband, the rest had Gastric Bypass - was lethal. I would say it didn't bother me, I wanted to lose slower so I wouldn't have sagging skin, etc. but I now I realize subconsciously it did. Again - you are doing great.... You Go Girl!!!

Liberated Sleeve - congrats on completing Day 10 - it's my Day 10 today so you are one day ahead of me. I lost a total of 44 lbs with the LapBand. One of the things that helped even get me that far was I was part of an Awesome support group (since disbanded - we're talking six years ago mind you). The leader had gastric bypass and went on to do marathons so she encouraged us and I ended up training and completing a half marathon in 2007. That was when I hit the most lost but even that was shortly after my one year anniversary with the Band. I look forward to celebrating many successes with you - my fellow March 2012 Sleeve Sister

Sorry faddisc but I have not had to be on all fluids yet -- I will be next week for the first few days after surgery though. I've already stocked up on sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles and chicken and beef broth for when I return home. I think I will appreciate the sf jello the most since at least it has some consistency to it and even now on my pre-op diet if I get hungry at night I have a few spoonfuls and it seems to do the trick. Search the boards here because this is a frequent topic and I know a lot of people are on all liquids for pre-op so you're bound to find some more good ideas - I'll be doing the same to prepare for next week. Much success and best wishes to you!!!

I'm off to my last Dr. appointment before surgery in the a.m. so I'm so glad you asked this Priscilla and thanks to those who responded. I've just started writing a list with these so I don't forget. Otherwise I would probably leave the office and then think to myself "I should have asked.... I wish I had asked.... What about this...?, etc."

It feels like it has been such a long journey since I joined these boards and began my Quest to get a revision from a LapBand to the Sleeve. It took 2 insurance appeals with lots of mental and emotional searching and anguish along the way. I have learned so much here. I'm happy to say that today I received my date - March 7th. Ironically, I had my Lapband on March 6th six years ago. I start my pre-op diet on Wednesday, then have to get my blood/EKG tests this week, pre-op physical and educational class next week with surgery following the next week. I am so looking forward to my new life and getting this Lapband out of me! Susie

Thanks Becca. I have read many of your posts since last year when I joined VST and they have always been very encouraging and inspirational. I can't wait to get this band out of me - good riddens! I do know some people who have done well with it. I am so looking forward to having instant, permanent restriction rather than going through all the fill/unfill nonsense and the difficulties that came along with it. I'm on Day 6 of my Pre-Op diet now and am doing very well with it and already feeling like the start of a new person.

It's so wonderful to read about all of you who have had surgery and your successes. I have 9 more days to go. My Pre-Op diet really hasn't been that bad and I'm feeling great already. I know the time will pass quickly and March 7th will be here before I know it. Congrats to all of you who inspire those of us both pre and post surgery! Susie

My surgery is scheduled for March 7th also. Congrats!!!! We will be Sleeve Sisters

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. I just read your profile - and you call me brave? I'm so sorry to hear about your mom - I don't know that I could have done all that you had to do right after surgery. I hope you are healing well. Thanks for your encouragement. God Bless!

Welcome to the board Mickster40. You are among a great group of people who sincerely and truly support each other. I have learned so much here and I'm sure you will do the same. Congrats on your surgery date also. There's a slight chance they may change mine to the 5th - originally I was given that date but then they said someone else was scheduled who was not a definite so if I wanted a definite date to stick with March 7th and they would let me know if anything changes. In any case, it seems far away in some ways and in other ways just around the corner.

Cezann - That is such a good observation and one I never thought of before because people generally don't always post their height. Of course if you think of it, as shorter people we need less calories so it makes sense that if the surgeons put us on the same eating plans then those who are taller will burn faster than those who aren't. I will definitely have to keep that in mind once I get on the 'other side' on March 7th.

Thanks everyone - wow - we will be surgery week buddies Blondeej - Don't worry your date will come up soon enough - I've been on this board since last summer so I know how you feel. It's a bit of a process but I'm sure you know already that there's a lot of great people out here to learn from and who will be supporting you all the way! Susie My journey to Version 2.0 starts tomorrow with my official Pre-Op diet. I'm so ready!!!