NMJG

@@Bandista try Barlean's fish oil in lemon flavor. You drink it and it tastes good.

Great topic. When I first started after surgery I went "diet" and low fat everything. Now I don't do low fat anything. I discovered that when they take the fat out they increase the carbs. I do go for sugar free and low carb, however. Low carb is my new lifestyle. I do eat carbs on occasion, but i would rather spend my carbs on something real that I really want. I prefer stevia, as it is a natural sweetener, but will have splenda on occasion if it is in something sugar free.

I plan to use Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey. Others on this site have used him with excellent results. Check out Cowgirl Jane. When considering Mexico for PS, remember that there, they keep you close by for up to a week or longer after PS surgery and the doctor visits you daily. In the US, you go home the next day. Bariatric surgery and plastics are very different from each other in how they are handled in Mexico. Of course, there is always a chance of complications, regardless of where you go.

@blackie220@blackie220 Complete your profile . Then we will know more about you.

Xylitol can cause diarrhea. Stevia may be a better choice if it is available.

I agree with Lipstick, real mayo is fine. I don't worry about sugar free. I eat such a small amount of it I don't even bother with low fat. Makes your chicken or tuna salad much more enjoyable.

I agree with watching the carbs. I lost most of my weight on max of 60 carbs a day, and those carbs were from dairy and beans mostly. 60 is pretty high for low carb. 20-30 g carbs is best for weight loss. Fats are fine with a low carb diet, I don't worry about them at this stage, although I did limit fats early on.

I got in 300-400 calories a day at that stage. Took me months to get up to 800. It took a good month for me to recover from surgery and get energy back. Some people bounce right back. Not me tho.

4 months for me per my dr, although it still disagreed with me until about 5-6 months.

I still like softer foods, even 8 months out. I eat beans frequently. I learned about dark meat chicken on this forum. Was a white meat eater before. Although I can eat white meat now, I have learned to prefer dark, like boneless thighs. You gotta listen to your tummy and go at the speed it wants. I guess I am still ruled by my stomach lol.

I am so sad. My favorite store Coldwater Creek is going bankrupt. They will start liquidation of stores in early May. You might snag some good deals (I did online today), but this is a real bummer. Apparently Chico's is also not doing well. Let's hope we don't lose them, too

8 weeks and you are trying raw veggies and lettuce? No wonder you are having trouble. I think that is a very aggressive progression. I couldn't eat lettuce and raw vegs until 4 months out, and didn't really enjoy them until 5+ months. I had well-cooked vegs (very soft) up to that point, and only a bite or two at that. Try dark meat chicken, much easier on the sleeve than white meat. You are still healing, so take all the time you need. This isn't a race. Baby your new sleeve. You won't regret it.

I know a lot of people like them, but I think Quest bars are nasty. You can try them at GNC without buying a whole box, see if you like it. If I am going to have a Protein bar, I prefer a lower carb bar, but truly, I rarely eat protein bars. I do keep a couple stashed in my drawer at work for emergencies when I can't get lunch or dinner, but they sit there for months. I don't have a brand that I actually like.

Wow, you are gorgeous! You need to update your profile pic. I think a smile is sexy, especially is you'll be wearing nothing but.... teehee

I gave up soda and honestly I don't even want them anymore. I do have an occasional glass of champagne, but I sip it slowly and it lasts an hour. I guess it isn't as carbonated as some drinks. Tried a sip of beer twice and the carbonation was very unpleasant so I will continue to avoid it. Beer is very carb-heavy, too, so another reason to skip it. I am a huge fan of Chick-Fil-A diet lemonade. Lemon juice, Water and Splenda

Those are grams of Protein listed next to the foods. That is a great list. I would say stick with dark meat chicken during the soft food stage, and ground at that. I ate a lot of Beans, whole or refried.

Just a stall, stick with the program and you'll get through it. Completely normal.

You will get through it, just stay positive and hang in there

Don't trash it yet. Your tastes will change over time and in 4 months they might appeal to you. Search on this site for Protein shakes and you will get lots of recommendations. Personally, I like Syntrax Matrix brand (Peanut Butter cookie - yum), Chike protein coffee, and unjury chicken broth flavors. I also use Beneprotein powder, a medical grade whey protein that dissolves into anything. Great to add to any liquid or puree.

I'm with you. I guess I need counseling, but our mental health professionals in my town aren't very confidence inspiring for this sort of thing. It just makes everything harder when you think about food all the time. I am diligent about my eating and exercising, but I think about food constantly. Sort of the food equivalent of a nymphomaniac I guess? ;p

I haven't done the pouch test, but I suggest you try this to jumpstart your sleeve restriction: For 3 days, drink 3 Protein shakes a day plus your noncaloric liquids. No solid food. I find this really helpful to keep my restriction tight and I think it has worked for others on here, as well. I know it seems hard, but it is only 3 days. Once your restriction is improved you can return to your protein first, veg second, starch last eating program and I bet you find it much easier to stick with (as long as you eat very slowly and stop before you get full - don't want to stretch it back out again). Good luck getting those kilos off. If you try it, let us know how you do with it.

Thanks, folks, this is the stuff I need to know

DH and I are going on a cruise next month for 7 days to the Caribbean. I am almost at goal (will be 9+ months out on the cruise) and I don't plan to worry about keeping to my diet on my cruise, however, I also don't want to come home 3 lbs. heavier. What have you done when cruising to enjoy your cruise, and accommodate your sleeve, and insure you don't pick up any cruise pounds? Some interesting stuff I've read: You can order appetizer portions of any entree. This sounds great for sleevers. There is a beautiful gym on board or you can walk the decks Lots of walking opportunities on shore The Drink of the Day is usually discounted. If I do that I can limit myself to one a day (frou-frou drinks are high calorie, but what's a Caribbean cruise without umbrella drinks?)

Weekly.

Unfortunately, for some people, nothing helps with the hair loss I started losing at 5 months and I'm still losing at 8 months. I've lost over half my hair. I am taking Iron, Biotin, and MSM. I also have always gotten all my Protein. Stuff that helps hide it: Aveda has products that help a lot with adding volume. I use a spray plus a mix of two gels - stop by an Aveda salon and explain your problem. This has helped hide my hair loss well. There is a product that is basically a powder (get it in the color of your hair). You sprinkle it on and it hides the scalp showing through. There are several brands so google "hair loss powder" and they will come up Get a wig if all else fails Best of luck to you. Sending hugs.