BLERDgirl

I add protein powder to greek yogurt and let it set back up. I pretend it's pudding. It's especially goof id you mix in a bit of nut butter.

I've never worried about someone judging me, that's just who I am. I'm also good about shutting down a conversation if I don't want to share any further. One person texted me asking if I had surgery. I said yes and kept it moving. No need to explain anything further. Then again I've always been a take no crap type of gal.

Nuts (I prefer pistachios) Hummus String cheese (sometimes I cut it up and mix it with a tbsp of salsa) FAGE 0% with a bit of crushed pineapple Cottage cheese with crushed pineapple or peaches If it's a good day ½ a navel orange. (it's only 1 gram Protein but it's good fiber) Hot chocolate with a tsp of chocolate protein powder

I have a size 18 wool coat with leopard print cuff and collar. It's really a lovely coat and I paid a pretty penny for it. I haven't worn it in YEARS. I'm pretty good about donating things to charity, but I held onto this coat because it was just so pretty. I'm hoping to get back in that bad boy this winter.

What powerful tale. Thank you for sharing. Other than a bladder condition none of my health issues were weight related. However my weight made them difficult to manage. Unsurprisingly they are much more manageable post op. Do not be ashamed. You did something about your disease You took that very big step and had WLS. You should be very, very proud.

Green leafy veg such as spinach. Honestly it may surprise many but there is protein in just about everything. Half a navel orange has 1 gm of protein. Alternative milk sources are everywhere. I drink almond or rice milk. There's also hemp, cashew, soy, coconut & hazelnut.

Not everyone gets one. I had one because I had gotten a really deep abscess from a previous surgery. I didn't want to risk that again. However mine was pulled when I was discharged.

Different scales get calibrated differently. Unless you have a new home it's difficult to know for sure if the house is perfectly level. You actually do weigh different weights at different times of the day. First thing in the morning after you have "fasting" all night sleeping, you weigh the least. As others have mentioned you can control some of these factors by weighing yourself at the same time, in the same clothes, on the same scale every time, but why make yourself crazy?

You'll be fine. This is why it's called a lifestyle change. You have to change and relearn so much of how you previously lived. I think I had a jump on some things because I'm a vegetarian with multiple food allergies. I often ate differently than my friends and family. Processed foods also triggered my allergies. After one bad allergic reaction that caused anaphylaxis and caused the ER doctor's to put me into a medically induced coma, I realized I had to take things seriously. Instead of thinking about what you can't have, think about what you can have. Even better think of the things that a thinner you will be able to do. Those fast foods and take out you love? Start doing research on how you can remake those things only healthier. Missing zumba? Do it at home. Check your cable provider for On Demand work outs. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

My health issues were affecting my quality of life. Multiple allergies, chronic health issues and not being able to fit in a regular chair was holding me back from enjoying my fabulous life. I've always been outgoing and active. So I did my research chose my doctor and the rest is history. *For more of the long, boring story, check the link in my signature.

I drink it because I dislike bananas and I can't have gatorade or other sports drinks due to the artificial dyes and sugars in them. It's a good source of natural minerals and electrolytes. I can't remember the last time I drank cow's milk. I only drink Almond Milk or Rice milk. I am particular about the brands I drink as well. I prefer Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk or Rice Dreams unsweetened. I was discharged on full liquids so I mixed my Protein powders with these.

I wish! This tip works for some, but not me. Oddly enough what does work is closing out my MFP diary. When I am done for the day that's it! I'm sure it's just a mental thing but it works for me.

Five. I think. Some have faded and I also had a hysterectomy laparoscopically ten years ago and may be getting those scars confused with my sleeve scars.

Thankfully I was sleeved laparoscopically so no gas pains for me. Just keep walking and you'll be fine!

I don't focus necessarily on low carb. Instead I look for complex carbs such as those you get from veg or whole grains. I stay away from breads, white potatoes, white rice and pasta. Same thing with fats. I look for healthy fats such as avocados, coconut oil, and olive oil. I also avoid heavily processed food and fake sugars. Meanwhile I still focus on getting in my protein and drinking water.

Patience. It's only your second week. Your body is still adjusting. Just keep following your food plan and drinking your Water. If your doctor has cleared you exercise. If not, get out and take a walk. It will happen.

@@PartOfMyCharm - That's it in a nutshell. The body is tricky! It learns to adjust and adapt. That's why I can't be married to the scale. The scale doesn't tell me when I have increased range of motion or my knees no longer ache because my flexibility has improved. As long as I don't regain, I'm good. I'm going to always look for non-scale victories.

I'm not sugar free or carb free. I do low carbs, but I also try to limit myself to complex carbs. What I don't do are simple carbs like those found in Pasta, breads or white rice. I do sweet potatoes, brown rice and whole grains. Same thing with sugars. I am allergic to a lot of artificial sweeteners and stevia. I just make sure the majority of my sugar comes from fruit where I can also get a bit of Fiber along with the sugar. I do occasionally use a little organic sugar but not often. I also eat healthy fats like avocado and try to avoid processed foods as much as possible.

I am taking regular vitamins. My doctor tends to be more on the conservative side. He was concerned that a new sleeve might not be able to absorb all the nutrients a whole Vitamin. For the first 30 days I simply crushed them. It was less work for my body to break down. Since they were all natural, the taste wasn't that great, but once mixed with almond butter I could barely taste them.

Larabar makes several gluten free options.

I look at it this way. Years ago people who would have nose jobs or boobs jobs would remain silent about. Some would say it was makeup or they had a deviated septum, or they were working out more. Truth is for a lot of people they had something about themselves they wanted to change and did so. Now these procedures are more common place and people are often more open about it. I feel the same way about my WLS. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed that I did it. With the health issues I have it was something I needed to do for my quality of life. Now I may not go around shouting it from the roof tops, but I'm not shying away from it either.

Try to get to an in person support group meeting. Also come up with some contingency plans. Buy a coffee maker and make your own at home. List 10 things you can safely have that will curb your sweet tooth and not sabotage healthy eating. Join a gym or a dance class. Find an activity you like and sign up. This is entirely up to you. If you don't figure out how to maintain, you will regain and then all this work will have been for naught.

I've told a handful of people. I'm not ashamed but I don't share a lot of my personal business with others. So far it hasn't come up because I'm still within the range of what I've been able to lose before. Some of the people that I did tell have shared it with others and when they ask, I'm completely honest about it. I doubt I'll be one of those people who goes into details about it, but that's just me. There are people in my life now who still don't know I had cancer 10 years ago. I think it's important to be honest that WLS gave you the jumpstart in addition to eating right and exercising. It takes the stigma away from it and helps dispel the "she took the easy way" mythology regarding this away. So in short, I'm not broadcasting about my surgery, but I'm not running away from it either.

I think it depends on the way the surgery is done. I would have been okay going home after one day. I was bored and spent half the 2nd day playing candy crush on my iPad.

That's a better idea! You'll be able to avoid extra sodium and fat because you can bake or broil your chicken and you can leave out half the fat making your own mashed potatoes. You can do this! FYI - I just checked and a KFC chicken bowl is 560 calories 68 carbs 23 fat 19 Protein 1,520 sodium 6 sugar You deserve better!