Teachamy

7 months out, about 900 calories a day, working to maintenance. I am getting really sick of meat, so I am working to eat more hummus and Beans. Also learning to make some smoothies that are lo-cal, fresh fruit, and Protein powder. I eat a good deal of cheese--always measured. Dannon fat free greek yogurt is a favorite. I don't eat many grains, the occasional lo-carb. tortilla and quinoa are about it. I need treats, so I eat sugar-free popsicles a lot. And iced-coffee with extra cream is always included in my log. A must-have for me!

Silly me, I ordered a sugar-free Dilly Bar. 190 calories and 13 grams of fat. Luckily it was packaged with nutrition information, and into the trash it went! Next time I will go for the orange vanilla bar!

Oh--you are so not alone. I thought they had gotten smaller, but truth be told, they just got lower. It takes an extra-super dooper strong over- the- shoulder -boulder -holder to hoist those things up. 36 DD (long) is my new size.

Congratulations, Alex!

I miss eating a bag of Cheetos. Not gonna lie! But honestly, once I had surgery, I started noticing other heavy people around me, especially at restaurants. I got the salad, they got burgers and fries. I ate !/2 c., they cleaned their plates. Truly, it was eye-opening. I started to get it. Food is about 85% of the issue--at least for me.

AND I very much agree with McButterpants! I weigh no more than once every 2 weeks. Otherwise I would go nuts!

YESSSSSSSS! Feels so good! I bought a size 8 the other day and started where you did. It's a few months (or LESS) away for you! Rock on!

I hear you and I get it. Notice my weight loss. And I had my surgery in December. You are nearly half way there! I applaud you!

Very much agree with MaxClimax. If you do that much cardio, you won't lose weight on 800 calories. Your body needs more fuel. If upping your calories scares you, cut down on your cardio for a bit. You'll see the scale drop. I know it seems counter-intuitive, but right now your body is fighting to hold on to all the calories you put in.

I didn't experience this personally, because I couldn't really eat much of anything at 2 weeks post-op. I know everyone will stress to you that this is dangerous--and it is. But I know that's not what you're asking. Yes, we've all had various struggles with temptation. Food will always be there to tempt us. My worry for you is just that if you're tempted to taste ribs and burgers now, what will keep you from eating these tempting high calorie foods as your sleeve heals? I am not judging you because I've been there--I have met a giant cookie in a local store that keeps trying to seduce me--but maybe you can talk to your counselor or social worker about your issues with food while your body is healing. Give yourself a little extra strength to fortify your already brave and determined nature. (Because we are all courageous to go though this process!) Best of luck!

Haa! Yes,I am surprised you didn't read about it. I exploded after I downed a Diet Pepsi! The bubbles are supposed to stretch out the sleeve, make you believe you have room enough to eat more. I haven't touched the stuff since surgery, except for one sip of my husband's seltzer one day. It felt really weird in my tummy--so I've stayed away. I know a few people on this forum who have soda or beer occasionally with no issues.

Hi all, Just wanted to share that I am nearing my goal and feeling great! I may go a little lower than my goal, I am not sure, but 6 pounds from now I will be a "normal" BMI for my height and readying myself to post before and after pics. BTW, I bought some size 8 white jeans a few days ago. Never thought I'd see a size 8!!!! Good luck to all of you! Keep the faith. We can all do this.

And you look REALLY fabulous! Way to go!

It depends on how far you are out from surgery. Initially, I wasn't able to eat more than 1/4 c. when I tried. Remember, just because you CAN eat it doesn't mean you SHOULD. If you are eating small cups of yogurt, use that as a measurement. Allow yourself time before you drink so the food doesn't just wash through you. You want yourself to be nourished from the food you eat.

Hello all, Here I am, all 156 pounds of me. Feeling happy, successful, filled with energy and health. (Have I mentioned lately I have normal cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, blood sugar, no sleep apnea, etc.???) I am proud of my success thus far, and feel confident if I continue to maintain the status quo as I was taught, I will have the ability to lose my final 16 pounds. Now that I am getting close to a normal BMI, I find my 2 NUTS telling me 2 different things, and I am wondering exactly how I will proceed from here. First, let me say that my research into this surgery and what it could do for my autoimmune issues was pretty extensive. I looked at medical trials, I talked to every doctor I have (and I have many) about the possibilities for this surgery. I took a risk, and it has paid off. That being said, I am certainly not professing to be a doctor or an RD, but I feel I know my body, and I don't see 140 pounds as an unachievable or unhealthy, nor do I see it as some sort of panacea. I'd like a normal BMI. Call me crazy. I have low muscle tone at the moment, skinny little fingers, small feet. I am not big boned or overly muscular, so a few extra pounds isn't masking anything. Yet, my dietitian (and CDE) who I love and trust has told me I am a perfect weight right now. And a new bariatric center dietitian who sees my weight as slowing down (despite the fact that the least I've ever lost is 3 pounds over a 2 week period) tells me to shoot for 145. I dunno. I see my long-trusted dietitian in a week, and she is planning to start me on maintenance. I figure we can talk about it, but I also plan to work on losing more. I will be up front with her, but man I'm the good kid who follows the rules. It will be hard to tell her no, not yet. Anyone else stuck in a goal dilemma? Best, Amy

Well, my pump malfunctioned yesterday and I didn't realize it until the symptoms appeared. Super thirsty, aches, exhaustion, stomach cramps, nausea. Checked my blood and it was 400. great, huh? Checked my urine, high ketones. Called the doctor and spent the rest of last night fighting the symptoms while fighting the evils of Type I. Today I still feel exhausted, foggy, and weak. Aside from that I feel pretty defeated and a little blue. I know it is all part of the physical toll it has taken on me in the past 24 hours, but I am at work and realize I probably shouldn't be. Could use a pep talk form those who "get it". Best, Amy

My last 10 pounds are coming off slowly. I started at 210. But I am doing what I should, and weighing only every 2.5-3 weeks or so, so I don't drive myself crazy. You broke your foot, there isn't anything you can do about that. But track everything you eat and follow your plan to the best of your ability. It is not a race--you will lose. You can do this!

I like "FOCUS". Thank you, Alex!

Looking good, lady! Keep up the good work!

My doctor told me nail polish remover.

I am not sure I would call this transition an easy one, at least initially. Even though I was prepared for EVERYTHING, it was still a shock that I felt like I had the flu and couldn't believe I had done this to myself. That lasts a few days. Then the fatigue is sort of shocking--it takes most people a few weeks at least to overcome it. Then it gets progressively better every day--the more nutrients you get to eat, the better you feel. And as the weight starts to fall off, you will remember why you made this decision. My biggest word of advice is to throw your scale away. Stay off it. Many people obsess about a number and obsess about weighing themselves. There will be times when your weight will plateau, by no fault of your own, and if you stick to your bariatric team's plan, you will continue to lose eventually. That's how weight loss works, it won't always be a continuous downward loss. I weigh no more often than once every 2 weeks at my bariatric center. Their scale is properly calibrated, and I always see a loss. If you weigh every day (or several times a day as some people do) you will not see a dramatic dip. Good luck.

OOH OOH! You look Fabu!