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-Greek yogurt with berries and a couple teaspoons of Special K Protein cereal (can add Protein powder to the yogurt) -Morningstar vegetarian sausage patties with cheese and sometimes SF syrup (a couple of times I've had with half a low-carb English muffin or half a thin bagel but the bread fills me up too much and I can't eat enough protein, so I just stick to the patties) -Morningstar vegetarian meatballs with ricotta, parm cheese, and tomato sauce -Before I was on solids, I liked diet hot chocolate with protein powder -oatmeal with Greek yogurt on top, chia seeds (not eating these yet though), and a little SF jam -Refried or whole Beans with cheese, Greek yogurt and salsa (sounds weird for breakfast but I really like this--you might too if you like your grits savory) -Low-carb/high-protein pancake made from egg whites, protein powder, flax meal. I probably eat the veggie patties the most bc they have 10 g of protein each, so I can almost eat 2 of them or 1.5 with some melted cheese or part of a cheese stick.

I find that melted hard cheeses (like parmesan) work better for me than melted soft cheeses. A little goes a long way, too.

My surgery actually started a little late bc the pregnancy test wasn't back yet (even though I had been in pre-op for at least 4 hours and they did the blood test as soon as I got there). A blood test is more accurate than a urine test. I knew I wasn't pregnant but they have to do it to make sure. I guess it's possible someone could be a day or two pregnant when they have surgery and it wouldn't show up in the bloodwork yet. I'm sure that most people use BC prior to and after surgery, but it's not 100 percent.

I think you might be able to eat the whole sub because it's a veggie sub. Are you a vegetarian? (I am). I am wondering if you could eat it all (plus bread) if it included meat protein (I'm guessing not). Your calories don't sound like they are excessive. You might do better having some solid protein for breakfast instead of the shake--it would get your metabolism going and keep you full longer. My dr doesn't like us to drink protein shakes once we are on solids bc the protein in them is more bioavailable so your body doesn't have to work as hard to process it--which makes you stay full for less time and contribute to losing more slowly.

My surgeon has a strict rule about not drinking calories. We can't have anything that has more than 15 calories for 8 oz. (that includes diet hot chocolate now that I am on solids...boo). So I probably wouldn't have this while I'm in weight loss mode--maybe once in maintenance.

I would talk until at least through the 10th if you can, or 2 weeks if possible. I work at a desk job from my home office and was back working within a few days but it wasn't easy. My stomach was unpredictable. I had a business meeting one week out and had horrible diarrhea right before I left for it and ended up taking another shower (I'm excessive that way). Prayed all day that nothing would happen and it ended up being okay--but I would have avoided a meeting that close to surgery if possible.

Also, you might want to try to dilute the juice--my dr allowed 4 oz of juice per day diluted with 4 oz of water during clear liquids. I know you didn't use the straw...probably poured into a cup? That sounds like good progres...hope you are doing better every day!

My surgeon doesn't allow yogurt, pudding, or thinned cream of wheat until the puree stage (not full liquids)...it is so true that all surgeons are different.

Have you ever heard of a technique to treat epilepsy called brain mapping? Cleveland Clinic does it and I'm sure some other major institutions do too. You might want to check with your neurologist to see if you might be a candidate. It's minimally invasive robotic surgery.

That sounds like a good idea, Christie. The jellos and such (full sugar not sugar free) might have been more during clear liquids rather than full liquids? I would ask about how much Fluid and Protein they want you to try to get in too. Good luck!

Everyone is different, but I would say for exercise that rigorous, you will likely feel up to it by about 6 weeks. You could use low-carb protein bars or nuts as fuel once you are on solid foods and/or approved to eat nuts (my surgeon approves nuts at 4 months).

a couple of Morningstar veggie meatballs (soy protein)--especially with some ricotta cheese or parm cheese melted on top Greek yogurt, but only if I eat it with some berries or raw veggies--otherwise it doesn't hold me over long enough a little salad with hummus and low-fat cheese on top (mini portion)

That's wonderful, Tiffany!!

It really depends on your surgeon. Mine differentiates full liquids from clear liquids in that you can drink the "milky" protein shakes, keifer, skim milk, 8 oz of 50 percent diluted juice per day, etc. My surgeon does not allow pudding or yogurt at this stage, although some doctors do. We were also allowed pureed and strained soups. Can you get a handout or diet from your surgeon or nutritionist since it varies so much from doctor to doctor?

Way to go--once you get to the gym, the working out part is so fun! I always remind myself of that when I'm not feeling motivated. Such a great feeling post-workout!

not easy...but very rewarding!

An hour is probably too long to eat once you are a month out, especially if you are able to eat those types of foods. I'm 8 weeks out now, and I stop eating after about 25-30 minutes and I am always full. I could probably have room to keep eating again about half an hour after that, but that would defeat the purpose of having the sleeve. Plus you need time to get in your fluids.

Are you in maintenance or still trying to lose?

You will be fine...I'm a vegetarian and having no issues getting in protein. Check out the "Vegetarians unite" thread. It is very important though that you work with a great registered dietitian (RD) who is knowledgeable about both bariatric surgery and vegetarianism, preferably both before and after your surgery.

I'm 8 weeks out and I even have a light scar in the shape of a square around the incision for my drain; it's from the bandages! I think I had an allergy or something.

I guess I'm relieved that it's unlikely that my chest hair will cover my scars....

I don't think you are being petty at all and sometimes it helps to vent. But remember that her reality is her reality--it actually would suck to have to get all new clothes from gaining weight, even if it is a size 2 to a size 6. I would try not to compare yourself to her (I know it's difficult!) and think of her as an ally. Remember that she may be trying to be supportive in her own way...and if not, you can distance yourself. But remember...keep your friends close, and your "enemies" closer! LOL. You never know, she may end up being a great part of your support system! If she is trying to be healthy too it will be nice to have someone else there who is eating healthy, and maybe you can even go on walks together at lunchtime--etc.

Amazing transformation, inside (health-wise) and out!

The breath smell and nausea are because you are in ketosis--which means your body is burning fat. You should see a loss on the scale soon.

sounds delish! I love using the Torani SF lemon syrup in my greek yogurt and I eat it with a few raspberries and/or strawberries and/or blackberries sometimes. I can't eat nuts yet (my surgeon says 120 days) but when I can, I'm definitely going to add to yogurt. My mom just had a birthday and I made her a pavlova with a lemon Greek yogurt sauce and mixed berries. It was a big hit! No one even asked what the "sauce" was made out of it--they didn't even know that it was healthy for them. :-)