NMJG

Keekee, I'm sorry to hear it hasn't been going well for you. What sort of eating plan are you on? If you haven't tried it already, give Atkins a shot. A lot of people get really good results with that. And going full liquid will do it, too. And don't forget your 8 oz of Water...even before surgery water is important for losing weight. Congrats on quitting smoking. That's a huge accomplishment.

Just a heads up: When you are early on you need to avoid seeds (like strawberry seeds) because they can get stuck in your healing stitched area. Most doctors prohibit seeds for a certain number of months. Just be careful. Also, many sleevers can't tolerate fresh and frozen fruit early on, so folks should check their plans to make sure those foods are OK during puree phase. Apple sauce and cooked fruit is typically OK.

Harlem, I know you are busy and need quick meals, but those frozen diet entrees are not going to keep you satisfied. You need 3-5 oz of firm protein, like chicken or beef or pork or fish. After you've eaten that, then try some vegs and after the vegs, then a couple of bites of carbs. I think you will be a lot happier if you try this. There are lots of frozen quick meats, like meatballs, grilled chicken, shrimp, etc. give it a try and let us know how you do. You've done so well, but i just get the feeling that you are not feeling satisfied with your meals. If you aren't happy with what you are eating, it's easy to slide back into old habits.

No soda at all. No beer. I have had a small glass of champagne twice, which takes an hour to get down. Carbonation is very unpleasant now. No desire to drink it. Used to adore sparkling waters, beer, diet coke.

The sweet stuff can really become a drag. I like unjury chicken broth flavor. Mix it with warm Water. When you mix with warm fluids, remember to keep it under 140 degrees or it will clump and get nasty. Also, early on, Protein isolates are usually preferred by doctors because it is much more available to your body, which you need right after surgery.

Great info, folks, keep it coming!

Thanks for the clarifying, CGJ, great insight

Agreed with everyone here - 4-5 hours is certainly long enough to get hungry. I eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. I will say I lost my hunger they way it used to be. Now when I'm "hungry" I'm really grouchy and when I get my food I have a really hard time eating slowly with small bites. I try to not let myself get that hungry.

Oh dear, thank you for sharing and I know you meant well to share an app that works for you, but comparing yourself to others during WLS is so not a good idea. Everyone is different. While that app will certainly cheer up some people, it's bound to be a downer to others. There are just way too many variables in individual weight loss. If you know you are following your plan, getting in your Water, exercising, etc. then be happy and enjoy your trip, even if it is a slow stroll instead of a freeway. The idea of what is a slow loser is so interesting. I consider myself a slow loser, but some people (not many!) lose slower than I do, so I guess it is all relative.

Did all my protein and vits. Still lost half my hair starting around 5 months out. Biotin didn't help. Sigh.

I used to love meetings with refreshments. Now I'm sitting here willing myself to stay away from the luscious cookies that are calling me......siren song...

Thanks everyone. I got through with my water bottle today and fought the cookies. Will take a snack next time, good idea.

Sending good thoughts your way!

Too funny. I especially love the "bless her heart." Are you in TX? We say that all the time, and it's always prefaced by something negative LOL.

That's a good visit You are doing so well. Yes, do weight training. I started it beginning of January. It is hard! And you stop losing on the scale while your body figures out what the heck you are doing to it, that's frustrating so be prepared. But you are building much needed muscle that will eventually increase your metabolism and make you so much stronger and healthier. I got a trainer and she's great. I am just past 6 months and still losing hair, although I think the flood is slowing. Ick. I agree about weighing too often. I'm trying to only weigh every 3 weeks or so now.

I do between 40 and 60 g of carbs a day. I think I lose better with fewer carbs, but I eat a lot of vegetarian Protein sources, Beans and seeds, dairy, etc. and so my carbs creep up even though I eat no bread, Pasta, rice, etc...I get plenty of Fiber and food based Vitamins, though, which for me is important. At the beginning of my program my nut told us no more than 60 g of carbs daily and no more than 20 g per meal. Lots of people do fewer carbs than that, some do more. It worked for me, but now I do try for a lower carb number and higher fat number. Still doing 70 g protein a day.

I do B12 shots too, give them in the butt. I am also able to get off of prilosec now. If I feel like my tummy is acting up I take a 14 day course of it, but am no longer doing it daily and its fine.

Awesome achievement!

Yes. Dumping is not that common with the sleeve, but it happens to some people. I had a dump at around 12 weeks eating frozen yogurt with fresh strawberries. Not fun at all.

Your doctor will give you the information you need. It is going to be similar as for any major abdominal surgery, likely 6-12 weeks, somewhere in there. And Bufflehead is right, you are protected by law FMLA up to 12 weeks (unpaid of course, unless you have sick leave to help cover it). After your surgery, this will be a great job to help you build muscle. You might want to hit the gym and do some lifting at that point, too, as it will help you adjust to the new load. The more muscle you have, the faster you will lose. We will want pix showing how buff you are in a few months.

Good question. I'm afraid I don't have the answer, I would call my doctor's office. I'm thinking 6-8 weeks at least, but I don't really know (very helpful answer NOT). What I wanted to say is that when you start seriously losing weight, adjustments become so much easier. The chiro can move you around easier and you can get into those weird positions now. You will really like it.

You can ask for sure. I'd be surprised it they would do it (she says cynically), but it never hurts to try. Let us know what happens. Personally I would never do a video like that for any amount, I'm too private, but that's just me. However, I love watching other people and those videos are so necessary. Glad someone is open to doing them.

I can't, they don't carry 34 Long LOL