Zazous

I'm seven months out and down 101 pounds. I also feel like I can eat a lot. 8 ounces is easily doable for me (I guess my stomach is long). But I agree with Dooter; just because it can hold a lot doesn't mean I have to fill it all. I also get in three meals and two snacks and get between 850 and 1000 calories a day, with the occasional treat on top of that. Exercise five days a week. And exercise will power at least five times a day every day!

I got an email from the HAPIfork people today. They're pre-selling the fork now prior to its Sept release (trying to get funds for production). The introductory price is $89, while the suggested retail price in Sept will be $99. I love the idea, but the price seems a bit high for me.

When I eat chocolate the gates of Heaven open and I get a glimpse of Paradise while I delight in the sweet music of harps played by the angels themselves... Goes without saying that I stay away from the stuff as much as I can. Had surgery in September of last year and tried chocolate in December. No problems whatsoever. I've had it since now and then and it goes down fine. Unfortunately...

I'm six months out and have lost 90 pounds. Still have another 90 or so to loose. After month three I have very little restriction and every food agrees with my sleeve. So, now I'm more obsessed with diet and exercise than I ever was pre sleeve. The fear of failure haunts me every day. I have to admit I went into this a little uninformed and believed it would be a magic cure. That was my fault. The truth is I have had to work harder at this than I have had at any previous weight loss plan. It does work. You just need to find a balance between expectations and reality that works for you remembering that this is long term. I'm still struggling to find my balance, but from reading this forum I know it's very much doable.

Spinning is awesome! I like how you're on the floor for the pic. That's usually where I end up for a while after spinning too

Congratulations!!!! We were sleeved the same day!

Oh, blooming oinion!!!! I have been thinking about one of those for months now. How bad could it be? It's just an onion. Vegetable... Kidding. That would send me right over the edge! I believe in moderation, but I also believe there are some things I couldn't handle. Sad, really...

For me (at 6 months post op) it's cheese (all kinds), peanut butter, chocolate, ice cream, crackers, cookies. I'm staying away from all of that now. Going Paleo!!!!

No problems for me as far as the procedure or recovery. No nausea, vomiting, pain. My biggest issue has been dealing with head hunger and staying away from junk food since I am able to tolerate anything I eat. It's a process.

Oh, he really is the best! You are in excellent hands. I have family in the DR (which is why I was thinking of having surgery there) and they know quite a few people who had the sleeve done by him. All good experiences.

Hey. Welcome. I considered going to the DR for my surgery. Who's your doctor over there? I was going with Dr. Dominguez in Hospiten, but ultimately ended up getting the procedure in the States.

I was self pay as well and wasn't required to see a nut or a psych. I admit I wasn't ready for the changes even though I had tons of info. One of the reasons I didn't have to see a psychologist is because I am one. However, even though I knew what to expect and how to deal with it from the literature, it was very hard to do it in practice.

You are NOT alone in this!!!! I started at 353 and 6 ft. I did look intimidating (as some people told me) because of my size and the fact that I am quiet but, like you, not afraid to speak my mind. Anyway, I have thought about this. 70 lbs lighter I do feel more vulnerable, but couldn't tell you if it's because I weigh less or because I have worried about this... Krav Maga, huh? Interesting...

I think you hit the nail on the head there. I'm almost four months out and rarely have I been hungry. Cravings and "head hunger" is another deal, though. That has been very difficult for me and I have had to really examine my relationship with food and make some changes that go beyond the food choices I make. I did regret it off and on for a while, but then I realized, as proudgranny said, that I was lucky enough to not have complications and that my biggest problem with the whole thing was that I was hungry. I'm bigger than that (pun intended). I can and must deal with it. It's a process, but it does get better. I promise. I just bought a new pair of jeans today size 46 to replace my size 50. It's a good feeling and it helps.

I was sleeved on 9/19. I've lost 70 so far and have about 110 more to go. The holidays didn't help much, but I'm getting back on track. Fingers crossed!!!

I've always loved spicy food as well. On my one week post op appointment I asked my doc if I could add spicy seasonings to my broth. He said it was fine, but to do it gradually. He also advised me to add seasonings one at a time to check for tolerance. I'm three months out now and have never had a problem with that.

Great suggestions. I will try the seeds. I am three months out and take metamucil clear dissolve twice a day (sometimes forget and take only once). That has helped, but I still think there's room for improvement on that front. Pre-surgery I used to take the regular metamucil daily and it worked wonders. After surgery I couldn't drink it fast enough and it would gel in my glass. As far as the question "is it normal?", yes it is. Unfortunately. It took a good two weeks for me to go for the first time after surgery and then another couple of weeks more after that. It wasn't until about a month ago when things got more regular (once every two or three days). Oh, they things we discuss in this forum! LOL. Love it!

I sure did feel depressed after surgery. I have battled depression in the past and can't tell you whether that bout was directly related to the surgery (hormonal changes) or not. I was experiencing "buyer's remorse" and stayed up nights watching the Food Network and looking up restaurant menus online just torturing myself with "all the things I would not be able to eat anymore". I also was feeling lost socially. My life had always revolved around food and now I was taking that component out of all my relationships. It was so bad that I didn't know how to go out with my wife since we couldn't go out to eat! Eventually, things started to look "more normal" for me and as I progressed through the food stages I realized that food wasn't out of the equation, but that it simply was different as far as quantity and quality. I also learned, or am learning (still struggle at times) new ways to related to people socially as well as things to do. Anyway, every person is different and every surgery turns out to be different. I would not dare to say I know what you are feeling since we all go through a different process. I can tell you though that in my case things did get better. I will be three months out the day after tomorrow and feel much, much better with every day that passes.

Alright, man! You're rocking that sleeve. Congrats!

I asked my doc when I was about three weeks out and he said it was fine. Just to mind my incisions and the lap bars, as someone mentioned. I didn't ride anything too big since it was Disney, but all was fine.

As you know, every sleeve is different and every doc is different and recommends different guidelines. However, mine cleared me for salt and other seasonings (even tabasco sauce) at my one week appointment. I use salt, tabasco and other hot sauces daily without any problem.

I am 3 months out and at the beginning I couldn't drink anything cold. Now it makes me a little queasy to drink cold liquids if I haven't eaten or drank for a while, such as when I get up in the morning. I found early on that it helps me to drink hot tea in the morning before I try anything else. It sort of sets my stomach for the day. I put my fiber supplement in the morning tea and I'm set on that front as well.

Hi Indian. That's roughly 13.5 ounces, which I can eat or drink in about 10 to 15 minutes. I am three months out. OP, I am short of the time period you specified and asked about, but I can tell you that so far I am taking in about 900 to 1000 calories and losing about 2lbs per week. My biggest struggle is fighting off bad carbs