rewind

I haven't been to the movies yet but do plan to have popcorn. Will buy a small, put a cup or two into a small bag or cup and that's my portion. Count it toward my daily totals....and enjoy. I was cleared for all foods, which includes popcorn, at 8 weeks. I have had it, and have had no problems. I am now 10 weeks.

Two months, and chew well! Enjoy

Don't even give it another thought. I lost 13 pounds the first week, then NOTHING FOR THREE WEEKS. ZIPPO. I was so depressed. So discouraged. I was following instructions, but still nothing. I talked to the surgeon and NUT and that helped. The surgeon told me it will come. It's a math problem. And a lot is up to an individuals biology. He didn't buy much into the 'starvation theory', although some NUT do. Rather he said it will happen depending on my biology, and everyones is different. You will drive yourself nuts comparing to what others lose. Sure enough, on week four, 2 came off....then 7, then 3, then 3...and in 2 months it's 53 pounds. Also, don't weigh every day. Pick one day a week and try to stick to that. But truly, it will come off. Honestly it will.

So true....initial post. I have noticed it as well.... the snide comments from the same people. It happens when someone (even me) posts the decision/s one made that were probably not the best. Instead of suggestions, understanding, empathy....they post critical judgements and near personal attacks. Obviously very immature. I will unfollow the post if they chime in. It would be helpful for them to remember that we all got here because of bad choices. Surgery is not going to cure an eating disorder. For me, it's one foot in front of the other, and I hope each day affords me the chance to learn and make the best choices for my success. And in the words of your mother and mine....'if you can't say anything nice...don't say anything at all'. Good words!

Don't beat yourself up about the nachos. Just count them and own up, which you did. It is a good idea to keep a few protein bars or nuts in your car. I hit the concession stand as well: popcorn. Ate slow and counted it on Myfittnesspal. And we move on.

I didn't even ask my insurance company (BCBS). I just paid it myself. Actually, I have a brother who helped. I didn't even want to go there, with all the commands and hoops. Just get it done.

You could try. I'm able to work from home and did so after after a few days. I was surprised I felt so good. I did go to my office part time the following week. I don't think you'll know until after you have the surgery. Some people rebound very quickly, others need more time. If you can, take a week off. Then if you are feeling well, maybe you could go in half days after all. I would imagine your surgeon would like you to take at least that next week off. It can take several days to lose the affects of the anethesia.

I try not to drink about 15 minutes before eating. As someone mentioned, though, I have also taken a tiny sip or two during a meal to help a food slide down. This was approved by my NUT. I do try to wait 30 minutes afterwards, for any significant amount. ALso, My NUT told me, however, to eat a popsicle with my meal, to count it as a 'dessert' right away. And that is actually a liquid. She thought by waiting it might give me permission to start snacking. I do think one has to experiment a little bit and see what works for them. We are all little different.

I am 8 weeks out and have always been a very fast eater. I have thrown up many times in the past 6 weeks. So eager to have food, and eating too fast. There are warning signs that I have ignored by eating fast...a pain/pressure in my chest, burping, salivating. If you get any of this, STOP eating. Slowly, I am doing better. There is a learning curve for all of us. If you can learn from what othes say, you will be ahead. I have learned the hard way. Hopefully I will continue to improve.

I am two months out. Don't worry about eating too much if you are measuring your amounts. Just follow those guidelines and you will not be overeating. Your stomach has had a big change, and as the days tick by and you begin to add foods, you will know when you are full and if you are eating too fast.... because you will begin to experience symptoms. I have thrown up many times over the past two months as I try to learn the signals, and test the limits. Just keep doing as you are. Be glad you are feeling well after eating recommended amounts. You are doing a great job.

I crave the salt snacks: chips, popcorn, Doritos. I don't buy them. If they are in the house, it will be so hard to ignore them. But realistically, these are foods I am probably going to have in my lifetime. I think if you are going to have chips, you have to be accountable for them. For example, if you have a piece of chicken for lunch, definitely eat the protein first. And then slowly....ever so slowly....nibble on a few chips. Make sure you count them toward your calorie and carb count for the day. Accept responsibility for them. Own up. I did this and found I could only eat 3 or 4, and was completely satisfied. And the counts were quite low. This was several weeks ago and I have not craved them since. For me, I'm afraid if I deny deny deny I may binge. But (again for me) that did not happen. i used the chips in a meal plan, and was satisfied. You will have to decide what is best for you. Just be careful that you are not giving yourslef permission to binge and disregard NUT advice. But I think if you are accountable and plan, most foods can be enjoyed. Even if it's a very small amount.

I am two months out and Quiche was a favorite of mine early out. You can make them with veggies, or bacon and sausage, if finely chopped. Should be okay for a toddler, too. I was also able to tolerate very moist meatballs, or meatloaf. You can add pasta or potatoes for your son. Depending on your surgeon, you could have some mashed potatoes. I did, and was very satisfied with a teaspoon or two. Also soups with finely chopped chicken and very soft veggies. I think your son could have all of these, as he will be nibbling on finger foods. One of my favorite things to do was to put a whole fryer in the crock pot, breast side down, with a cup of chicken broth and also a cup of white wine. Add onions, carrots, celery and let it cook slow, all day. The white meat is really moist. You can then pull off the meat and have options of eating the chicken, or making soup. You could also make a pot pie, or fix some buscuits for your son, with gravy. You can have the gravy, but skip the biscuit of course. Cheese in any form has been good to me. You and your son can have fun with similar meals, and many finger foods, of soft veggies, meats, and cheeses. And don't forget fish. It's an excellent source of protein. Good luck to you.

Popcorn. Once my lifeline. White popcorn popped on the stove the old fashion way. I am two months out and was cleared to have it. I have had it twice, and have been very careful, counting it as my meal. I am well aware, from numerous posts, that it slides down and can be a trigger. If you are a popcorn lover, just be aware of this and tread carefully. It tasted as good as ever. Ate slowly and savored every bite..... maybe two cups. Had no ill effects.

Everyone that has come this far....to have the surgery, is unique and their recovery and rate of weightloss is an individual thing. Rates of success will vary for each of us. Some will lose a lot, some a little. But I will say that no matter how gifted a surgeon is, his hand will not cure an eating disorder. Certainly his instructions are best if followed, but does everyone also floss everyday? We are creatures of free will and some of us will stray and learn the harder way. I am two months out and found myself eating Doritos in my car and spitting them out. Why in the world would I do that? The answer is, I have an eating disorder. I'm a work in progress. I will fall. I just want to be able to pick myself up again and try. It has nothing to do with being smarter or more motivated....or being better at accepting personal responsibility. And if I can't get a handle on it, I need to head to a professional to help me sort it all out. For those of you who don't stumble, a hearty congrats. For those of you, like me, who do.... let's keep putting one foot in front of the other and try again.

Hang in there. Don't weigh yourself often, maybe once a week. And focus on a heathly diet, not weight lost. I was sleeved Feb 25th and lost 13 pounds the first week, following 17 from my preop diet. Then I stalled for THREE WEEKS! Talk about depressing, reading about those who lost 100 pounds in 5 days, lol. Much of the result is up to your biology. I stalled for about three weeks, then I lost 2, then 7 in a week, then a few more, then 0..... I weigh again tomorrow. After 8 weeks my total is 48 pounds. Probably not breaking any records, but I think we have to remember it is an individual journey. I have struggled with it too. I thought the first month was the hardest. If you have protein shakes, add some whey to them. There is a strawberry one that really enhances the flavor in a shake. Also, try making a quiche. I put bacon and sausage (both finely chopped) in mine, and ate it for several meals a day for several days. It felt great to finally eat some real food! I'm sure others will comment and I hope to learn from their experience too.

I am a new sleeve, one week out. OK'd for pureed/mush diet. It seems like different programs offer different strategies on starches. Are mashed potatoes okay? How about pulverized mac and cheese? Don't want to go down the tubes with carbs, as that is part of what got me in trouble in the first place. But can anyone offer their expierence on whether or not they include carbs.... potatoes, rice, pasta, in their diets post op, and when???? Thanks for any advice/support anyone can offer.

I am three weeks post sleeve; 276 lbs. Lost 13 pounds the first week, now the last two a big fat ZIP. Sooo discouraging. I will say that the second week my caloric intake was very low, and I did not hit my protein and fluid targets. But now for the last 4 days my calorie intake is just over 900 and my protein is at least 85 grams. I am walking daily and have been all along. please someone tell me that weighloss will follow!!! Sooo sad.

Thank you for reinforcing what I really know, but was looking for validation to cheat. My nutritionist said a few potatoes were okay, as long as I got my protein in. But from all my reading, I know I should stay away. I also gave those things up for a month pre-op, and lost 17 pounds. Appreciate your advice...

I was sleeved a week ago and am also going to begin some diet changes. I also cannot stand to think of pureed meats... too gross, lol. And I don't care for cottage cheese. Are some mashed potatoes ok? Do I want to go down the road of starches?? Any other ideas for soft menu???

I was just sleeved a week ago and can't wait to get back in the water. Swimming is my exercise of choice. I swim laps. That gives me the best bang for my buck. Goggles and away I go. I swim laps non-stop for 25 minutes, and hope to do more. I also use the "barbells" that float, and do many arm exercies under the water with them, which really works my arm muscles. My goal has been 3 times a week. I'm in the pool an hour. Good luck to you!

I am also new; sleeved Feb 25th, 2013. At one week appointment today, I am down 13 pounds and now weigh 276. I was 289 on the table; 306 at first surgeon appointment. Just remember all the hoops you jumped through to get to this point. Keep the fluids going down. DO NOT get dehydated. The first week is hard, as I was tired of the liquids and wanted to move on. Self-discipline is the name of the game now. Follow the instructions from your program. Looks like lots of support here, which we can all benefit from. Best of luck... and wisdom to you!!