prettylittleheart

I will be 6 weeks out this Thursday. I don't regret it. I went through a couple days (3 at most) early out after surgery of depression and freaking out thinking WTH did I just do to myself, to my life. But, that's over with. I found ways to make me feel not even deprived at all. I also come from a huge Italian family & I'm from New Orleans. My family is one that feeds you just to shut you up lol & New Orleans - the food is simply amazing. My life, my family, my friends, sadness, holidays, recreation, whatever the occasion was little or small - it was centered around what I was going to eat, with who, and where. Even at meals, we'd talk about what we wanted to eat next. My whole life literally revolved around food. Now sometimes I have to remind and force myself to eat to keep my metabolism going. Honestly, I don't miss anything. I was never really a sweets person per say, so that aspect has been obsolete because I've never had a taste for it to begin with. I was big fried food, and condiments person. But, honestly I don't miss those things either. Soft drinks as well, but now I feel so much better drinking just Water. The three days that I mourned, I cried over the social aspect because I missed my family and eating with them, but now I still eat with them - just smaller portions & I love seeing the results of enjoying them & not feeling deprived. It is not an easy journey & I think most of us here go through mourning/regret. I wouldn't change having this surgery. If I had to do it all over again, I'm positive I would. I'm 21 & I finally feel like I am in control & I have a chance of getting my life back. I can say no to foods I shouldn't eat & when I'm ready I know I will be prepared to moderately treat myself. I have followed my diet to a "T" and was so creative even on purées that I haven't missed much of anything.

But if that were really true the '35g rule' at a time - why would they make protein shots with 40+grams? Hmm.

I make 'one shake' but split it up into 8 ounces.

Yes- the burning sensation! I felt it in the incision they actually pulled the stomach out of. Asked my surgeon he said that was normal. I'm 5 weeks out today and it's pretty much subsided. Every now and then I feel it, but it really doesn't happen anymore. I just started being able to sleep on my side. Bending is getting easier for me too.

I do skim milk with my shakes usually either in the afternoon or around midnight (sort of like a midnight snack) because it fills me up at night, cures night hunger and puts me to sleep. Also - just a suggestion not sure if you are using a certain kind but you can inquire about a Protein powder called Body Fortress they have several different flavors and with two scoops and 16oz of skim milk I get in 78g of protein just from shakes alone. But what made me think of mentioning this was the 'Cookies and milk' - Body Fortress makes a powder called Cookies and Creme. You might be interested in it. Right after surgery I had issues with protein because the powder I bought was Vanilla Creme (vanilla became repulsive to me after surgery - even so much as the smell of vanilla perfume) so I switched to Body Fortress chocolate Peanut Butter and most days I look forward to drinking it. Sold at Walmart for approx. 15-20$ for a huge tub.

Body Fortress Chocolate Peanut Butter - tastes like the Reese Puff Cereal. I add two scoops w/ skim milk 16oz. 78g of protein then I eat 3-4 meals a day. Cheap too. 15-20$ for a huge tub of the powder. I buy it from Walmart.

One my personal favorites!

Oh & I was sleeved 2/28/13

My stall lasted for about a week and half and broke on its own. The best thing I could have done for my sanity was to stop weighing everyday. I know it's easier said then done, but in the beginning stalls are very common (I had this conversation with my surgeon and this is the information he gave me.) try upping h2o, that's big & pick one day a week to weigh in just for the beginning! Stalls are sooooo discouraging!

I make buffalo chicken. Great spice. 2-3tbsp of the chicken in the can, 1 teaspoon(you can increase it as tolerated/spice craving), & a tbsp of FF ranch dsg. I've had this through purée stage and now on soft foods. It's really only about 60 calories at most & it's healthy and has protein. I found this recipe under recipe sharing tabs and it's been my absolute favorite. My tummy tolerated it fine. The actual recipe I got the idea from uses bleu cheese crumbles too. I'm not that crazy* about bleu cheese, but just a suggestion. I also started getting creative and heated up the canned chicken with a tbsp & 1/2 of plain Greek yogurt and salsa. I also melt shredded cheese with the chicken, but topping it is good too & that's flavorful and packed with protein. Your tummy could be different but I did this on the purée and now soft foods too & my stomach has tolerated them fine. Sometimes to mild the flavor I use the butter spray to mellow it out a bit. Just some ideas with spice that helped me!

I'm 21 also - I'm only a little over 3 weeks out too, so I really can't give an input about loose skin yet. As far as dealing with this change - I don't regret it at all. There was a period of about a day & half of depression where I mourned my former best friend (food) and that made me say to myself - you've just removed 85% of your stomach, what did you get yourself into. After this, I reasoned with pure logic and knew that if I didn't break this addiction that I have with food - I may never be able to live or love life like I fully want to. I realized that I haven't ever truly lived - I've just simply always existed. My life doesn't revolve around my next meal anymore. I missed the social aspect for awhile, but my support system has made this extremely easy for me thank God. When I eat now, I usually end up being satisfied before I get full. I've lost 38# in a little over a month (about a month and four days). My starting weight was 326 CW 288. I have not seen below 300# in 3+ years. One more thing, the mind plays cruel jokes on you, but don't let it or anyone talk you out of taking this opportunity and turning it into a change you deserve. It isn't easy, and it is just as much physical as it is emotional. What calmed me most is the thought of where I'd be, what I'd look like, and what is the next co-morbidity that will be added to my list within just the smallest time frame if I don't make this change and break this addiction I have with food.

Go on a hot spring break excursion and send him another picture in the swimsuit with a guy who would love to have the chance to appreciate you. There are so many who would! You've come a long way & you look fabulous! Do not let one insecure comment shake your progress. Confidence is key. Truly, in my opinion, you look totally happy in this picture & no one is in it but you. Continue being happy for and about yourself, you deserve it & you're young! Life is too short to be with someone who can't foster your dreams along side of you.

Tried the purée buffalo chicken with Moore's Buffalo Sauce & FF ranch dressing was so yummy! 4tbsp = 12g protein.

I've seen a lot of people on here getting creative with pizza & thought I'd share this! http://skinnymom.com/2012/08/09/portabella-mushroom-pizza/ I must say this looks SO yum.

Welcome!

So I read a lot of people looking for creative, healthier way to make pizza & I found this & thought it was cool enough to share! Also posted in post-op section! http://skinnymom.com/2012/08/09/portabella-mushroom-pizza/ I must say this looks SO yum!

Prevacid comes in a dissolvable tabs, I know for sure. Not sure about the others. But yes, I would definitely call - no sense in suffering! I hear it also curbs appetite too. hope you get to feeling better!

Are you on a proton pump inhibitor? (Prevacid, Prilosec, etc) if not, call the doctor & ask him to prescribe one. If you are- call and inform them it isn't working, they may need to up your dose or change the medication to one that is effective for you. I'm pretty new ( a little over two weeks out) I take Prevacid 30mg/daily and I don't have any problems. Hope this helps!

Bleu* I hate autocorrect!

Btw - mushroom cordon blue looks soooo delicious!

That recipe actually went into my favorites! Cannot wait to try it! I also posted a recipe for bacon or cheese taco shells (these look amazing) & feta stuffed chicken with spinach! I've been craving salad - I found parmesan cup Caesar salad recipe & also for a treat (healthy, but still high in a components) I found cauliflower tater tots! If y'all are interested let me know I will share!

Feta is one of my favorite cheeses, but if you want to up the Protein even more you can use ricotta cheese instead or moisten with some plain Greek yogurt & top with cheese. http://skinnymom.com/2012/06/29/feta-stuffed-chicken/ Also would like to point out - this site has some REALLY great ideas for people who are out a ways from diet restrictions. However, I am still in the beginning! Purées/mushies!

I am like this right now with tomatoes & Italian dressing. That's what I'm craving! & a garlic pickle! Can't wait to be able have those things again in moderation! YUM. & it's so odd because pre-op I wouldn't touch tomatoes or tomato sauce for anything! Now I'd love to have a v8 just to satisfy the craving!

Some things that I have learned about this journey. One - I do believe as a requirement instead of one visit to a psychiatrist for the evaluation - you should be followed monthly as a prep to get your thoughts together - I don't see the harm as in you are already waiting anyways. Another - family support works miracles. There is no way I could have done this without my family & my friends. Prayer - another big one. If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it. As for me, I have not experienced any nausea. Gas pains are just that - a pain. I'm tolerating my fluids well, just get full very quickly. Another point I'd like to make - as for a person whose WHOLE life revolved food, since the surgery - I have not had a hunger sensation yet which to me is amazing. I've also had my weaknesses ate in front of me such as pizza, Chinese, and it didn't phase me the least. I feel most pain when coughing or getting up off of the sofa to walk. Walking HELPS soooo much. Best remedy. Good luck to everyone in recovery or pre-op! So happy to have the surgery part over with and behind me & now to get through recovery! Just a couple of questions - when did everybody start feeling better with soreness/pain? When did you start being able to sleep on your side?

http://thehungrydudes.com/bacon-and-fried-cheese-tacos/ Found this recipe today and I thought I'd share. It's a creative, yummy, & easy way to eat tacos & healthy with a shell. Low carb. Calories are listed for shells on the website.