youthguy80

Normally I use a scoop with 22 oz of water (fill a shaker bottle to capacity) and a single packet of Crystal Lite (usually a store brand). It dilutes the protein taste.

Thank you for the water tip AND recipe!

Not only did I find out last night that I've officially lost 100lbs since my first appointment with surgeon (also highest weigh) in March, but I enjoyed a guilt/misery/shame free Thanksgiving! I ate two thanksgiving meals and stayed under 900 calories for the day! I didn't hit my Protein intake, but one day isn't awful. Just wanted to share this news with folks I know would understand! I was sleeved on 9/16. Here is the best before and right now pic I have at the moment.

Perhaps going to your surgeons nutritionist or another nutritionist for a few visits. They can help plan specific meals and give you resources.

I also just cook frozen (thawed) tilapia in a non stick skillet on each side with whatever seasoning I'm in the mood for. I just cook until it's flaky. I'll use the parkay butter spray or just butter or olive oil cooking spray. I also will bake it with a mixture on top of fat free Greek yogurt, couple tablespoons of freshly grated parm cheese and dill and/or other seasonings. Bake until flakey also. I eat/crave considerably more fish post sleeve.

Find out as much as possible about your insurance requirements. Also---EXERCISE! I'm a firm believer that exercise helped my recovery tremendously. I worked out 3-4 days a week for two months prior to surgery. I'm a month post op and I walked on the treadmill yesterday and I could do a higher mph than this entire year!

It's hard. Very hard. Intellectually you know how important the pre op guidelines are. But obviously most of us who are getting the surgery struggle with eating. It's kind of a paradox. Do the best you can. Keep trying. Just get through each meal. Rest assured after surgery you still have to decide not to make choices, but you have your small stomach to remind you immediately why certain choices aren't wise. Also, you won't have hormones bombarding you. I did stray from the pre op guidelines a couple times. But even when I did it wasn't a no holds barred binge. I'm not condoning it, simply stating that it's hard. If you do slip, don't beat yourself. Just keep going! Saying a special prayer for you this morning.

Can't wait to try these. I'd probably add a tbsp of Greek yogurt to each egg for fluffiness and Protein. Wonder if you could fill all the muffin tins and bake at once, then just reheat throughout the week? Thank you for sharing!

I received my EOB for surgery and pre op testing....62,000! I'm so grateful for insurance. Just curious if this was congruent with other folks costs.

It was! I added more dill than suggested. I also used a garlic and herb seasoning I have that's salt free instead of the fresh garlic. I can't wait to try it again with fresh dill!

My light headedness early on was due to lower blood pressure.

Don't beat yourself up. 50lbs in a year isn't awful. That's 50 lbs you aren't carrying around any longer. Studies show even 5% of total weight loss makes a difference. You are trying to educate yourself now, and that's important. Most surgeons and nutritionists offer a booklet for education. If yours didn't, ask if they have something. This one explains basic nutrition very well: http://www.muhealth.org/documents/bariatric/bariatric%20booklet%20vsg.pdf Also, I've found support groups to be very helpful. It's a wonderful resource. Many hospitals offer them for free, regardless of where you had your procedure. Keep educating yourself and keep fighting!

How many weeks out were folks getting most of their protein from food and not supplements?

Since surgery my arms fall asleep almost nightly while I'm asleep. I'm going to check with my surg, but just thought I'd throw it out into VST world.

I'm certain many of us have felt what you are feeling to one extent or another. No two people are overweight for the same reason. Habits, genetics, lifestyle, choices, hormones, emotions and other factors all contribute. Before surgery I was blessed to work with two nutritionists for almost two years on my issues. During that time I lost 50 lbs, and gained back that 50 plus another 40lbs. But, before surgery (9/16) I saw HUGE changes in my attitude, emotions and my life. I wasn't hopeless. And I remind myself daily that this surgery won't "fix" it all either. This is a chronic, lifelong disease that many of us are dealing with. It will take years to figure it out. Don't beat yourself up for your feelings and actions. Instead, use that energy fighting out a way that will help you move forward. As others have already suggested, therapists, nutritionists, pastors, friends, family---whomever. But no one can or will do it for you. You might have to be vulnerable or uncomfortable to work through this. This was all said with sincere compassion, in no way was it meant to be harsh it negative. Know this community supports you. You will be in my prayers!

Thank you for the thoughts too. I'll update once I talk to my surgeon.

I take all the vitamins regularly. I have a one month check up next week, suppose they will do blood work.

Very encouraging. I'd love to hear a bit about some tools you've used to make such a difference.

I've seen hard boiled eggs at some convenient stores too.

My surgeon said I was able to do whatever I felt I could do cardio-wise. He also said I could do light weightlifting up to 20 or 25 lbs. He said just to take it easy and go slowly. This was at my 10 day post op. Only restriction is swimming (or any activity submersed in water) for 6 weeks or until incisions healed. Can't wait to swim!!

My surgeon said I was able to do whatever I felt I could do cardio-wise. He also said I could do light weightlifting up to 20 or 25 lbs. He said just to take it easy and go slowly. This was at my 10 day post op. Only restriction is swimming (or any activity submersed in water) for 6 weeks or until incisions healed. Can't wait to swim!!

Don't forget hormones that have been flooding your brain for years are gone. I believe the post op is difficult because of that. Our bodies are going through a ton. This in addition to the physical and emotional....it's tough! There are days I intentionally go out with friends to eat to feel some sense of normalcy. Everyone has been so supportive of "where can we go that you can eat?" I've only done this three times or so on the last two weeks since sleevage, but it's felt so good. Sunday I ordered cottage cheese and a potato (skinned it and didn't use any toppings). It felt good to eat with the others at my table. Granted I only ate 1/3 cup of each one, but it was wonderful. Not to mention how good it felt to take home all the leftovers and I only spent $6 at a restaurant. Spend the time healing. Don't beat yourself up for the natural emotions you are experiencing. And it does get better.

Gamergirl....I love your posts.