OKCPirate

One of the really cool things of being very limited in quantity, you can invest in quality. There was no way I was going to buy a "grass fed organic" steak at Whole Foods before WLS. Too expensive. But, when you are only eating 3-4 ounces...you know that changes things. A half a pound is now three meals. And that's what I am doing. Really great food, just less of it. I have not been back to New Orleans post surgery, but I am so looking forward to going back to Mother's (if you have never been, Google it, it's great).

@@kadi_o - First of all thanks for "YOUR" service. I am former Army and I realized that my ex-wife was every bit in the service as I was (albeit unpaid and woefully under recognized). I'd grab a copy of this and start working through it: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0 Anyone who has been depressed and had other emotional issues really needs to get those settled, and you can do it while you are jumping through all the hoops to get approved.

@@gettingsleeved1 - I think you are officially in the Cult of Protein, some one please get him a decoder ring and let's teach the secret handshake. I really liked the Isopure right after surgery. I was doing 1 to 1 1/2 per day the first couple of weeks to get Fluid and protein in.

@, @@sharonintx I am waaaay to libertarian to ever judge anyone. But if someone asks "is it ok to be drinking alcohol and eating popcorn three weeks post op" or "is it a good idea" I'd say no. But it's your body. No one has been appointed the food police, and if we did, we make it @@Dub, so we could get some ribs.

I know the people who have hernias repaired mentioned putting a pillow on their stomach when they got up and down. Not sure why it makes people feel better, possibly it keeps things from moving around, but hey try it out the next couple of days.

Naaaa, you are fine. Unless she changes it to, "The Crazy Pizza Lady Who Uses A Straw". That would do it . Can we change it to "crazy lady who eats pizza and drinks SODA with a straw" .... now that would be interesting!! Hahahhaha i can hear the WLS gods gasping in horror from here lol Ok, so the consensus seems to be "That crazy lady who eats pizza and drinks beer with a straw when she's smoking pot" would be ok? Just checking.

@@AchieveGoals - Strangely I have never really had a problem getting enough Water in. Initially I used a shot glass just to keep me from doing too much at one time, but after a week that wasn't necessary. The reason they want you to sip and go slow when you are fresh from surgery is your stomach is healing. The stomach is creating a permanent seal, but this is a time of transition. You just don't want to mess up that process. I'm a year and 3/4 post surgery and just don't have any problems drinking plenty of water. I do a little water with my meal if the food is dry. I prefer not because the sleeve seems to prefer it. I know my surgeon and NUT prefer that too.

@@juliawhatever - The theory is that when calories go too low, the body starts slowing down the metabolism to save us from a famine. So boosting says "famine over" and the body returns to normal.

@@kimmyco - I really don't say this that often, but dang girl you are hot. Just saying. Very excellent job and thanks for sharing.

Alex, the only thing I would add is be grateful. I can go out to dinner with my SO and we just get one entree. She doesn't eat much and I can't. When you start adding it up, that is a significant financial savings (by my calculations it pays for a Mexico surgery in a year).

Mine says I'm 14 pounds heavier than the one at my doctors and I'm keeping it, because it makes me nervous and on track. No sense in getting cocky at this point.

I was wondering about sleeve sounds. My poor girl friend...I keep reminding her that my gut makes some strange noises, after 8 months I think she is starting to believe me...

Ha! Lots of them, you'd be surprised. The main culprits are big stouts, some aged in bourbon barrels, that have a lot of residual sugar and hence a lot of calories. And we're talking about 12 oz bottles. They're delicious though! Yeah, but putting that in a 2oz cup and savoring the taste and not finishing the bottle can make a big difference in the "bottom line." I'm not judging. I have found that I can have a taste of something and not feel compelled to have a "normal" portion is enough. I have done this with craft beers and cake at events. I strangely don't feel deprived. Note: If you are pissed because you don't feel the soothing effect, there might be another problem lurking. Just saying, not accusing anyone.

I don't understand the BMI thing. It's a tool, but makes no sense. My BMI is what it is, but my caliper skin fold fat tests show that I'm around 18-21% body fat which is really dang healthy for a 53 year old guy. I (and my plastic surgeon) are about convinced that I won't be "normal weight" until I get rid of the extra skin which seems to be adding around 15-20 pounds. But heck, I'm healthy, doing things I never thought I would do again and living the dream. What do I care about their damn charts?

@@Kimba Marie Angelina Wiggins *How much weight will I realistically lose in the first 90 days after surgery? I'm 5'4" and 344 lbs now. - It depends. This is not a magic wand, it is a tool and it depends on how well you stick to the program and utilize the tool. Almost all of my weight loss was in the first few months. And it was a very fun ride. Going from 46" pants to 36" is really damn cool. *Will coconut Water be good to drink instead of regular tap water? - Probably not. Rather empty calories, but not the worst choice if that is what you really like. *Will I still be able to dine out despite being sleeved? - Yep. Pick the right companion and you will save a fortune on date night too. My significant other and I share an entree so I only have to pay for one meal.

@@Jonicrestwell - umm, yes? Is that an answer?

@@Sleeve it to Beaver - what a great moniker. Almost up there with sleevie wonder

@@Kaze - Congratulations. Welcome to the other side. It is a fun and exciting journey. The only thing I didn't really expect was the joys of the hormone dump that seems to happen after the first month. This varies from person to person but it can be profound. Mine was really strange...I would want to watch a chick flick one moment and have lots of sex the next. So the caution is try not to make any major lifestyle changes during the major weight loss phase if possible. (And as you become more irresistible, wear of a condom. I really wonder if we don't create a pheromone cloud when we are losing quickly). - see http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/219760-sex-oh-my-god-sex/page-22?hl=%2Bhormone#entry4005122

Not with my surgeon in Mexico I guess they didn't want to deal with any comparisons. (yes I am just kidding)

Yep, I am getting to the point of "fat revulsion." Thanks for the reminder.

Naaaa, you are fine.

@@Km77942009 - Thank you. Your response has been respectful and more than sincere. You have seen some tough love, and I greatly appreciate the way you to responded to it graciously. I hope you will feel welcomed in this community, there are many here who have come from a variety of backgrounds and genuinely want to help others succeed.

BTW, the fact you don't feel full is why they tell you don't drink with your meals. Liquids tend to go straight through your sleeve. Liquids on top of solids tends to push it out of your stomach, and you lose the first step of digestion of key nutrients. And if it's out of your stomach it tends to help you over eat down the road. (hint, hint - we really are here to help people succeed beyond their wildest dreams).

Well that sucks. Glad I am out of managed care. (yes I know that is of no help, but I am feeling rather smug about that decision).

@JennsJourney- Congrats on knowing these numbers so you are able to see a result of a change. Great job.