tryingTeresa

Hey Natalie, I agree with Aubreanna 's advice "Protein first, veggie or fruits next, carbs last." I make my kids do this also and it has been AMAZING how much less snacking goes on during the day now that I make sure they fill up on protein first. Other than sodas I don't consider any food off limits. I pretty much stay away from sweets also - but every once in a while I have a bte - just a bite. It's so nice to have such self-control (love my sleeve!). I wasn't told to stay away from fruit, so I eat fruits a lot. In fact I was encouraged to eat real food - fruits, meats, veggies - anything not processed. I was told to stay away from artifical sweeteners and sugar alcohols. Adkins products are FULL of sugar alcohols. About a month ago I tried the Adkins bars and LOVED them, but I noticed I was always hungry - very hungry. The only thing I was doing different was eating the Adkin's bars - so I chalked the hunger up to the sugar alcohols. Sure enough once I stopped eating them - hunger gone. SO even though they had a ton of protein - I'm not eating any product loaded with sugar alcohols again. Honestly I didn't even look at the carb count - usually I do, but maybe since it was a "diet" food I neglected to? Anyway, usually my rule of thumb is to NOT eat anything in a package that has more sugar than protein. If you aren't getting the answers you want from your nutriontist & you are paying for your appointments - it's time to find another one. Call other bariticians in your area & see who they recommend. You are doing great - don't give up!

Best compliment was from my daughter just yesterday. I bought a new outfit (size 18 which I haven't worn for YEARS!!). I tried it on at home & my young skinny daugter who is truly my best cheerleader said - "Wow, it they have that it my size, I would totally wear that outfit." Wow - this is huge coming from her!! You can't see me but I'm still doing the... "I'm wearing something my daughter would wear - DANCE"

Congratulations!! You are doing great!

I think that the fear is what keeps us on plan. I paid cash, so I really had no BEFORE surgery story. I went in to the dr. decided to have surgery, two weeks later it was done. Best thing I ever did - down 100 lbs since May. But maybe it was because I didn't do a "before" surgery program that "after" surgery has been my verision of detoxic. I dreamt (asleep & awake) about sodas (Dr. Peppers) and salty junk foods for at least 3 months. Honestly whoever said it takes 28 days to break a habit apparently wasn't addicted to anything! After surgery I reallly realize how addicted I was to food. I love the feeling, the energy I have now. I've lost 100 and have 100 to go - so I know its only going to get better. Yes somedays I eat small bites of food that I shouldn't - but never, never soda. I'm terrified that if I let myself drink even one soda, I'll let everything slide - then 'll be that ONE that the surgery didn't work. I'm just shy of 6 months out & I still dream of food also. I don't expect it to stop - we just have to be strong while we are awake!! Good luck as you recover - we can do this!! Teresa

Are you taking an Iron supplement? I was sleeved 5 (maybe 6) weeks ago. A month after surgery I had no energy. Lack of energy (needing a nap) is one of the signs of iron deficiency. I was taking a Multivitamin that didn't have iron because the one with iron I couldn't keep down after surgery. I went and bought an iron supplement at GNC & it has made all the difference in the world. I haven't needed a nap since. Before, I HAD to take a nap! Also I make sure to take the Bariatric Advantage D & sublingual B12. All three are supposed to help with maintaining energy. Good Luck Teresa

I used Dr. Stowers. I think when you meet him you are going to love him - he is very laid back & friendly - never seems to be in a rush. I was sleeved on May 7th. I highly recommend him - no complications. After the surgury you really don't see him anymore, he has staff that helps with everything. His staff is great. Twice I have left messages for his dietician after she was gone for the day. She called me from home that evening. The exercise guy has been just as prompt. Also the Decatur hospital staff is really great - fantastic hospital for a small town. I would recommend Dr. Stowers in a heartbeat. Good luck with your decision.

Hi Madeforme. I'm a mom of 2 (Ages 10 & 6), my biggest worry is that I can't be (I am not being) the mom & wife that God wants me to be because of the way I feel, becasue of my relationship to food. I don't feel like I am a bad mom or wife, just that without this extra weight I wouldn't be tired & therefore grumpy), I wouldn't be so self-consciencous therefore not always wanting to go places becasue I feel as if I look horrible. I wouldn't be teaching my kids some of my horrible habits. I too have had doubts - biggest one being "Have I trusted God enough" with the weight issue - is surgery a cope out. Of course I've tried different Christian weight loss support/bible study and bookgroups, never once did I complete one though. So although I pray & pray about weight issues, I've never had the strength to say no to overindulgence with food for any significiant time. I worry that I didn't truly lay my struggles in front of God & trust him to make me strong. I'm guilty of gluttony, I'm guilty of seving the false god of food & I'm hoping this surgery is a tool in making me spiritually stronger! As far wondering if having the surgery will change the journey God has intended for me. Before we were born God knew we were going to have these struggles, he knew we were going to be having this surgery. What's comforting is that even if he wanted us to make a different choice, he still loves us. I believe if we keep having faith & keep giving him the credit due for ever success he allows, this struggle (& hopefully triumph) will do nothing but glorify Jesus & put us on the right path he has planned for us all along. Noticed we have the same surgery date. I'll be praying for you.

Hey y'all, I'm scheduled for May 7th also. I can't believe it is getting so close. Wishing you all the best. Have a blessed day!

Celebrate now & keep doing what you've been doing! 5 months & 100 lbs - that is very motivating for those of us just starting this journey. Kudos!!

Can't wait to experience all of these - so much on this list I forgot that I do or don't do because of my size. Thanks for the motivation!

I want to be able to wear my husbands coat/jacket when he offers it to me. This weekend at a baseball game, it was freezing & I didn't bring a jacket. My husband stood up & gave me his. No way would it fit, so I just draped it over my chest & legs - all the time thinking .... this time next year, I'm going to wrap myself in your jacket!

Cerenatee - I feel exactly like you. I am so scared to have this surgery, but I am also scared NOT to have this surgery. Although I have 160 lbs to lose, I have been so fortunate that I don't (yet) have any other health issues -mild high blood pressure, but no aches & pains or diabetes that you would expect. But I too have tried 100s of times and 100s of times gained back all that was lost, plus more. I don't want to look back a year from now wishing I would have had the surgery in May 2013. It's so scary - emotionally, physically & spiritually. But I am not going to back out. I am just going to pray, follow the plan & exercise. Looks like we will be recuperating at the same time - I wish you all the best! Teresa