Spooney

Hi Everyone, I was sleeved in December, and am down 90 lb. (from 301 to 211). I am a teacher and off for the summer, and decided to clean out my closet. Well, I've packed away bags and bags of clothes, but I'm having a really hard time actually letting go of them. Every time I've lost weight in the past, I've ended up needing to buy the bigger clothes again. All I'm seeing is thousands of dollars in those bags... I am committed to sticking with this way of life long term, but something in me is making this really, really difficult. Anyone else feel like this?

Hi! I had my surgery at Mt. Sinai in December. I live in Westchester. Happy to be a buddy.

I really like both the Quest bars (but only some of the flavors) and the Think Thin bars. The Think Thin bars have more calories in general, but not a huge difference from Quest. Both have 20 grams of protein and were recommended by my nutritionist.

You look great! To combat the chip craving, I would recommend roasted chick peas. (I love the Good Bean brand ones, and they come in lots of flavors, if you don't want to make them yourself.) They have the crunch and the salt and are very satisfying. I order them from vitacost.com-best prices.

Congratulations!

Thanks for posting this! I have been thinking about the future NSVs I am looking forward to as well! (I am also pretty excited to be getting closer to them!) I also can't wait to be able to wear clothes that are not plus size! I also look forward to: -buying tall boots in a style that isn't determined by the ones that fit over my calves -sitting at at attached chair/desk comfortably (and not freaking out when I go to a workshop that has them about whether I am going to fit) -sitting in a seat at the movies/in an auditorium without "spillover" into the seat next to me -sitting comfortably in a restaurant booth, even when the table is bolted down I am already seeing some of these, and I'm sure that there will be more that I haven't even considered a possibility as I get closer to goal!

I really like the Mediterranean Snacks brand baked lentil chips. There are 20 per serving, and I usually eat half a serving with tuna. A serving has 120 calories and 4g of protein, so higher in protein than most crackers/chips. They come in a few different flavors. Vitacost.com carries them at (more) reasonable prices, but I do find them at my local upscale supermarket and natural food store.

These are some of the things that are in my regular rotation, along with the things you listed. I didn't put in meat options, since you said that you mostly eat vegetarian. For snacks: -The Good Bean roasted chick peas -Babybel light cheese -roasted edamame For breakfast: -Quest Protein bar For lunch: -high protein lentil chips with hummus or Peanut Butter and sugar free jelly

I was sleeved the week before Christmas, which gave me 3 weeks off. I had a tough recovery for the first couple of weeks, and By the times I went back to work, I was tired but able to teach. I didn't tell anyone I had WLS (said I had a "feminine issue" that needed surgery), and no one is the wiser. Good luck with your WLS journey!

My hiatal hernia was repaired during surgery. I had horrible GERD after surgery (4 weeks ago-sleeve), but the dr. said that as I heal, it will improve to the point of not needing meds at all (on omneprozole now). He said it should take about 3 months.

I am a third grade teacher. I was supposed to get sleeved last July, and due to a variety of factors (insurance issue, family issues,...), I was unable to have the surgery over the summer. I didn't want to wait another whole year until next summer, so I got sleeved on December 16th. I took four days off prior to Christmas break, and went back to work immediately after break. I have not told anyone at work what kind of surgery I had. I just told my principal that I was having "stomach issues" and needed surgery. When I went back to work following break, the note from the surgeon just said that I had surgery on December 16th and was cleared to go back to work on January 5th. Personally, I felt that the longer I waited, the more likely I was to convince myself not to have the surgery and try yet another diet, which has never worked in the past. I am nervous by nature, and more time would have meant more worries. Best of luck to you on your journey!

I was sleeves on 12/16. Have lost a total of 30 lbs. so far (including 12 lbs. lost leading up to surgery) from 301 to 271 lbs. Other than my face looking a bit thinner, I haven't noticed any significant difference in the way I look yet (maybe because I'm very critical of myself). I haven't noticed a substantial difference in the fit of my clothes, other than every time I put on a shirt, the sleeves are too long! It's amusing me that this is the "big change" so far. (I'm assuming my arms aren't getting shorter-lol)

I found this recipe online, and I LOVE both chick peas and avocados. I blended it really well, and replaced the green onion with roasted garlic (which is what I had in the house), and it was DELICIOUS! I highly recommend it. Enjoy! http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/smashed-chickpea-avocado-salad-sandwich/#_a5y_p=1409813

I add a little bit of mashed banana and cinnamon. Yum!

Thank you! I only use Premier Protein as far as protein shakes. Gonna put the $10 towards new clothes as I need them.

My doctor said 3 weeks.

I eat about 1/4 at a sitting, slightly more with some foods. (I get a bit more yogurt down than I do pureed fat free refried beans, for example.)

I got sleeved by Dr. Daniel Herron at Mt. Sinai on 12/16. He is fantastic-thorough, kind, caring, and a great surgeon!

I know that someone mentioned a protein powder that that is unflavored, and has substantial protein in one tablespoon. I am hoping to add protein by using something like that, since I am not yet able to eat enough/drink enough protein. Thanks for any help with the name of this unflavored protein powder!

Thanks for the help! I have been using protein powder from Bariatric Advantage, but adding an entire scoop to something is FAR too much-and alters the flavor terribly. I just ordered Genepro from Amazon.

I got sleeved on 12/16, and am eating a limited variety of pureed foods. I have heard some recipes posted, and I'm wondering if anyone can give me links to websites, or information about books, etc., where I can get recipes. My doctor has me on this stage for a month, so I am really looking for some ways to add variety. Thanks so much!

I was having the same issue, but I am finding that the pre-made "Premier Protein" pre-made drinks (available at Costco) are far more tolerable than the ones that I had to mix myself. Maybe try some different brands?

I had the same concern. I am an elementary school teacher, and I work with almost all women-who feel that they need to all know everyone else's business. I got sleeved 4 days before our two-week holiday break. I told my boss that I was having "stomach surgery". (No one talks to her about anything, so I have no concerns about her discussing that with anyone.) I told all of my colleagues that I was having "female issues" involving hemmorhaging. I have about 140 pounds to lose, so I don't think the loss will be noticeable that fast. By the time it is, I think people's memories will be short about the fact that I had surgery. Either way, I'm going with it being a New Year's resolution. I also didn't tell most people in my life, other than immediate family. "High protein/low carb diet" is my story-and I'm sticking to it! Best of luck to you!

When were you sleeved? I was sleeved on 12/16, and I'm on the pureed diet, but the doctor gave me a (very) limited list of foods. Beef is not on the list, and the dr. said it will probably be awhile before I will tolerate it. I know every dr. is different, so if yours says that ground beef might work-can't hurt to try it. The only thing that I might suggest (from my very limited experience) is trying each item on its own before combining them, so if you can't tolerate the combination, you will know what the culprit is. Good luck!

THANK YOU to all of you who responded! I am happy to hear that this is nothing to worry about. I am already a bit better. I guess I got concerned when I saw that others were up and about and doing (somewhat) regular activity by day 5, and I was still in need of occasional pain meds. I am SO APPRECIATIVE of the helpful people in this forum, and plan to participate often. Thanks again!