7 Bites_Jen

A couple of things I agree with you on, but I STILL can't eat and drink together. I think that one's pretty universal with most sleeve doctors - the reason why has nothing to do with stretching your tummy, but more about filling it too fast. If you need a sip, I'm sure it'd be okay - but to drink a full drink while eating is going to fill you with liquid rather than food. Also, a LOT of sleevers get really sick when they eat and drink together - I happen to be one of them. There is a TON of conflicting information out there, true. But ever surgeon has his/her own opinion and it comes from personal experience with doing these surgeries and what has happened with their own patients. So, I guess it all boils down to: "follow your doctors orders". Good luck!

They. Are. NAAAASSSSTYYYYYY!!! Run. Run far far away ...

I've been completely open and honest with my surgery - but then, I've made it a living to talk about, so that's no surprise :-) I think that what you tell people and how much is completely up to you. Like I've said, I've told everyone. But then, everyone knew my life long struggle with weight and obesity, so it was really no shock to them when I decided to go with surgery. In fact, they applauded my decision and were very supportive. I've only had a handful of people ask about it being the "easy way out". When this has happened, I've just explained to them the ins and outs of the surgery, what I had to do before and after, and what I've had to do recently. Once they understand the true "nature of the beast" (so to speak) they realize that it really isn't an easy way at all. The only ones that have said anything like that are obese themselves and said it around a mouthful of cake (I'm seriously not exaggerating on that one either ...) Whatever you tell people, remember that you are making the very best decision for YOU - it's about you, not them. <3

I wonder how much he's lost vs how much he needs to lose? My mom only lost about 60 lbs with her band - which is why she revised to the sleeve.

I can't believe this thread is still going strong, LOL!!! Going to the renaissance faire with my hubby and some friends this weekend. I'm sure I will return with a ton of debauchery to report come Monday Funnel cakes. Turkey legs. Scotch eggs. Cider. Beer. Mead. More cider. Pirogis. Even more cider. Some more mead ... LOL ...

Here are two really great cauliflower recipes!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that our second episode is up, if anyone is interested! This week's episode is short and sweet. Let us know what you think and if this show is helpful! What would you like to see? http://7bitesshow.blogspot.com/2013/10/episode-2-something-for-everyone.html

It's better for you in a lot of ways - more fiber, fewer carbs, and more vitamins/nutrients. Where did you see active content removed? I may have to check that ... :-/

You do - and can - count your protein like this. 4-6 bites of protein should equal out to between 1-2 oz, depending on how big the bites you take are. As long as your getting your protein first, counting isn't as big a deal (unless your nutritionist insists on having you log it, which some do). And - you're very welcome! That's what I'm here for! :-)

What our nutritionist said (and this is where the show title comes from) is this: "Plan on seven bites. Four bites of Protein. Two bites of vegetable. One bite of starch. Wait ten minutes. If you're still hungry, go have another bite or two of protein or vegetable." In all, you should be able to eat about a 1/4-1/2 C meal within 30-45 minutes, and that will usually equal out to 7-10 bites.

Same! I did Weight Watchers for three years, lost 30 lbs then STOPPED LOSING. I was doing everything right, and it just quit! I was blessed that my PCP is 100% supportive, though. But there are still a lot of other people that didn't get it - my OB/GYN for example ... She still makes snide remarks about how "easy" it must've been. She has no idea ...

Oh my goodness, that is awful! They deserved a slap upside the head for that one ...

LMAO!!!! Love it. I'm not quite sure how I'd respond to that ... LOL. So, they think he didn't like you before or something?

It works really well with frozen cauliflower! Let me know what you think when you try it! :-)

Hey everyone! If you're interested, we have our new episode up. This week we've got a couple of cauliflower recipes that are really good. If you watch, please let us know what you think! Thank you!

Let them worry about the food and you make it about the entertainment and family aspects :-) Hopefully they will be understanding and respectful about your situation. Will you been on full liquids during thanksgiving? If so, you could probably enjoy a nice cup of turkey broth with a touch of sage added for the familiar flavor. Actually, if your doctor has you on Clear Liquids that works too :-) For Christmas, will you be on purees by that stage? You can run some things through the food processor to finely chop them and add some broth or gravy so you don't feel deprived. Either way, have fun with it! Enjoy the time you have with the family :-)

Just eat until your full. You might not be able to get it all in yet, as your sleeve may still be tight. Don't worry. Just try your best and do what you can and don't force it! You'll be fine :-)

I do want to clarify something - I've said that I don't agree with lying about it - and I don't. Out right LYING can cause problems down the road. Now, if you chose to not tell people the whole truth, or to just flat out not tell people, of course that is not the same. NOT telling is not the same as lying - I just wanted to clarify that

Wow! Thanks for posting that. I'm glad to see them speaking out on this!

Glad you found it! Let me know what you think!

I know so many women with exactly that mindset. I've heard women that were 110 lbs say they're fat. It's the mindset of society in this day and age. I feel bad for them - most of them look AMAZING and think they're fat. It makes me very sad.

I love my 600 lb Life. I was never that big, but I can still relate to their struggles. Ruby is still around. She's on Facebook and, as far as I know, still working on losing weight. I'm not sure how much she's lost right now, though.

I have Mirena and love it.

I told everyone. If they had issues, it was theirs not mine. My goal is to inform and educate about the surgery and the WLS community in general. There are so many lies and misconceptions out there - even among people that have had WLS! Although there is nothing wrong with not telling anyone, or even telling them it's none of their business, I think that lying about it outright can come back to haunt you. Just saying, "I'm having medical issues and need stomach surgery" should suffice in both what's going on and in why your losing weight (anyone that has had to have surgery on their stomach for any reason is going to lose weight as a side-effect). Sounds to me, though, that the issue is the people you work with/for rather than the surgery!! Good luck!

I am a year out and still losing (I am not at goal yet). One thing I've learned is that when I up my carb count, I don't lose. So, for me, it would be including more carbs into my diet to maintain. Most people stop on their own, though, believe it or not, so it's not usually an issue!