Carrie's Journey

I made some Protein balls and LOVE them...my husband loves them too. He wants to always have these things in our freezer. They're probably not super healthy and low cal, but if you want something sweet, these satisfy that craving. And they fill you up (I had 2 and was full). 1 cup old fashioned oats 1 1/2 cups Protein powder (I used chocolate) 1 cup Peanut Butter (I used crunchy Skippy) Handful of dried fruit (I used cranberries) Dash of SF Torani syrup (to taste) Splenda (I used 3 packets) Mix the glob together with a little Water until you get a consistency to roll into balls. Roll into balls a little smaller than golf balls and freeze. Take them out and defrost when you plan to eat. They're good frozen and defrosted. Yum!

He was and is awesome. I kinda have a crush on him. Lol He is very straightforward and always asks for my questions...although I don't really have anymore now. I had surgery at 5 or 6pm (it was an hour late) and was discharged the next day at 2pm. So it's normally one night. He also fixed a hiatal hernia i had. No swallow tests...he'll tell you why he doesn't do them. I'm 6 months out. I'm pretty much at goal but he'd like me to lose 10 more so it's easier to maintain here in the long run. I'm not sure what the lowest bmi he'll operate on but he didn't flinch at my 32. He believes it's better to get obesity under control now before things get worse...why wait? He does have patients fly in to see him. I'm lucky enough to live in the Bay Area so I see him once a month or two.

I'm someone you'd like to talk to probably! Dr. C is THE best! I was bmi 32 and self-pay was $17,500. Included all pre-op testing (EGD, etc) and follow ups for like 5 years.

California - I paid $17,500

Oh awesome!!

Yep! Probably not until you are allowed solids but it's totally fine now.

I'll have to make them again and I'll let you know. I made the last batch a little big too...

I'm 6 months out too, with similar stats! High weight: 220, surgery day: 190, current weight: 142. No regrets either!

My c/s was WAY worse than vsg. I was surprised vsg recovery was such a breeze...

Dr. Cirangle in San Francisco. He's the best, but pricey.

I'm sure other nut butters would work but regular peanut butter helps with the consistency. The natural stuff would be hard to mush up into a ball with the other ingredients...maybe add agave or maple syrup? Or combine everything and press into a pan so you can have little bars instead.

Ribs in the crock pot! So easy and fall off the bone. And maybe some chili dip (no bean chili mixed with cream cheese on stovetop). Fritos are perfect for this, but maybe celery?

Just want to say you're definitely not alone. Although I'm 6 months out, I still have issues with food (specifically carbs) at night. The sleeve doesn't allow me to overeat most foods, but I can certainly still overdo it with crackers, chips, candy...and then I crave those things. I can't keep all junk out of the house with two small kids so I need to make better choices. I like the idea of postponing those crackers or whatever til a later time. If I still want them at 7:00, I can have them...or drinking a bunch of Water and then after 30 min, see if I still want them. Having good things available always helps...string cheese, yogurt, boiled eggs, lunch meat. I told my doctor I have issues with eating at night. He said he doesn't care if I eat at night...but choose a Protein not a bad carb. Anyway, there are a lot of good ideas out there. I've just been reminded that the sleeve is not a cure-all. We still have to make the right choices. Be proud of how far you've come and have a great day today!

I love this thread and I'm thinking I'm no longer a newbie! Just got to 6 months out and I'm struggling to get the last 10 lbs off. I've thought of going back to basics and doing liquids for a few days but it is so much harder now. I know what I need to do - stay away from the bad carbs. They are the devil and I always find my way back to them! Anyway, I feel like a normal person now and can tolerate anything. If I don't lose the 10 lbs I will still be very happy. Best decision ever.

I'm 5'5" and am at 142, which I'm very happy at. However, since it's common to gain back a little after about a year (according to my surgeon), my goal is 130 so I can hopefully maintain between 130 and 140. I'm in a size 6/8 now. Crazy!

Bmi started at 32 and I don't have a single regret. I haven't had any issues, no complications, and no sensitivities to any food. My blood pressure was high (on meds) and it has gotten better...I will hopefully be off meds soon. I'm in a freakin 6 now from a 16/18. No regrets.

Highest: 220, day of surgery: 190 CW: 145 5'5" Surgery 7/31/12

I had only lost 13 lbs in the beginning and then hit a long stall. My dr laughed when I told him maybe that was all I'd lose. He said no one has ever had this surgery and just lost 13 lbs. He said to NOT up the calories...follow the plan and the weight will come off. He did suggest increasing protein if possible.