Daisee68

I never actually pureed real foods either. I ate fat free refried Beans with melted cheese, yogurt, shakes, sugar free pudding, mashed avocado, hummus, etc. I also LOVED the Ricotta Bake. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html

So I went to Mexico last week for 7 days. Exactly 10 months prior to that, I sat on the same beach in the same chair and emailed with my surgeon's office to make sure my paperwork was getting submitted before they closed that day at noon. It did get submitted and I was approved the following Monday. It was a couple more months before I had the surgery but returning to the same spot at around 115 pounds lighter was very significant. Here are the things I found different: - Easier to get up off those dang low beach chairs - Allowed myself to be photographed (which I never allowed before) & even bought one that one of the photographers took - Able to fit more than comfortably in the airplane seats - Able to walk down the plane aisle without my hips bumping in to the seats and people - Didn't panic when I got on the van and realized there was only 1 small seat left - Didn't sweat constantly (in fact I was annoyingly cold -- not so much an NSV) - Able to get in 10,000 steps several days and happy to walk on the beach - Customs officer looked at my passport pic and said "Congrats!" - Came back same weight as day I left I know there are more, but those are the ones that stand out. I returned from my trip and started my new job the next day. (Happy to be gainfully employed again after 2 months without work.) It was strange realizing that these folks had no idea what I looked like before (except the girl who took copy of my drivers license for my personnel file). This office is OLD and actually has stairs inside the office and I did not fear going up and down those stairs all week. (I would have been terrified before that I would be out of breath when I got to the top.) Still not 100% sure about the job but everyone was really nice and hopefully it will all work out. Now back to reality after 10 days away from home (I will be working from home and first few days of new job training where in a different city). I managed to maintain my weight in Mexico but not so much over the last few days at the new job - too much eating out and while I did limit the amount, I wasn't able to make the best choices. Looking forward to getting back to my normal life.... Had some struggles over these days but overall, I have not one regret about this surgery and am excited to see what else it brings and what life will be like on that same beach after I am able to have plastics!

What section in target are they in? I'll have to check the ones near me.They were on the row where they have all the trail mix / snack stuff. Sent from my HTC One M9 using the BariatricPal App

Agree with Mr cheese O's. My new favorite obsession! I get them at Target. Also love PB2 or other powdered Peanut Butter.

Yep, swimsuitsforall.com. They have all kinds of sizes and great prices especially under clearance.

@@Lisa_85 - You probably did post under sleeve forum but we can see all the posts so I just jumped in. Hope you had a good day!!

Just once now. There is actually quite a bit of discussion on here recently about whether a sleeve can actually stretch or not. Common theory was it couldn't but there is at least one poster on here recently who has been told her sleeve was stretched verified by an x-ray. But I digress.... If it went down in 10 minutes, you are completely fine. If you had food "stuck", the discomfort would last much longer. Just a learning opportunity for you.

Highly unlikely you could have done any damage. You likely just ate too much too fast. If you continue to have pain, call your surgeon, but otherwise, give it time and it should move down.

I take mine with meals which helps me to remember. But I really just wanted to weigh in to say, I was SO overwhelmed with this in the beginning. I just want to encourage you that once you work out what works for you, it just becomes habit and you don't think about it much.

If you use search for "alcohol", you will see you are going to get a myriad of answers. Many programs ask that you wait 6 months to a year; however, there are many people that imbibe much earlier. As you make that decision, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1) Alcohol is pure liquid calories. You need to track it and only use non-calorie mixers if you are going to drink. 2) Please know that MANY people struggle with alcohol addiction after WLS. It is very common so be very very cautious. 3) Do not eat when you drink. Don't let your drinking lower your resolve to stay on a plan. 4) Remember you are in a honeymoon phase and need to do everything you can to take advantage of that time. Does alcohol really fit in to that? 5) Remember that alcohol may hit you faster and could potentially make you sick. If you are going to drink, I would suggest trying at home first so you know how it will affect you. Will having a drink this early out kill you - likely not. Just because you can, does it mean you should - likely not. You have to make the best decision for yourself knowing all the risk factors. Also, let me say this - I am 8 1/2 months post-op. I have had 1/2 of a glass of sangria and 1/2 of a bloody mary during this time (1 around 7 months post-op and 1 about 8 months post-op). I am headed out on vacation to an all inclusive resort where in the past, I have enjoyed a few adult beverages. I talked to my NUT this week and she said I should try to restrict my drinks to 1 per day. That is not likely to happen and I told her that. I will be cautious. I will track it. I will exercise in hopes to keep the calories from stacking up too much, but I am going to try to enjoy my vacation and stay on plan in all the ways I can - Protein, Vitamins, Fluid, exercise and most importantly for me, I have to make sure that when I return I do not use it as an excuse to return to my old lifestyle. We have been given a gift in the form of WLS and I want my life to be different here on out. If alcohol turns out to be a stumbling block for me personally, then it is something I will have to stay away from.

That calorie intake this soon does sound too much but as others have said, be sure you are getting in your Protein and stop drinking 10-15 minutes before you eat and then wait 30 - 45 minutes after you eat to drink again. For what it's worth, I am 8/12 months out and my NUT just told me this week that it was ok to increase calories to 1000-1200 calories. Most of my weight loss has been in the 700-800 calorie range and was much lower early out. As everyone said, be sure to follow your NUT's program.

I use Precision Engineering Whey Protein Isolate and really like it - both the chocolate and the vanilla. To me they don't have that bad protein taste that I get from Synthrax Nectars (though meany people rave about those). Also have you tried the Premier Protein ready to drink shakes? They are really good. Sent from my HTC One M9 using BariatricPal

Yes. Normal unfortunately. If you aren't getting in your fluids or Protein, that can make it worse.

How annoying! Maybe it is the staff nit communicating the need. An apt where you can see him directly might be your best bet. Otherwise, do you have another dr you can ask? My endocrinologist wrote my letter.

This one is similar to @@LipstickLady suggestion. I have not worn them yet, but my sister quite liked them. http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/PRD~2100592FS3915/ASSETS+Red+Hot+Label+BY+SPANX+Flat+Out+Flawless+Mid+Thigh+++FS3915.jsp?navPath=Women/Shop/Intimates/Shapewear&ZZ%3C%3EtP=4294920872%2B4294918709&ZZ_PO=0&fO=Category_Path%3A%2FBelk_Primary%2FWomen%2FIntimates&ZZ_OPT=Y&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442511441&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302215401&bmUID=lbArrZb

Glad you are home! First few days are the hardest but it does get easier. Just hang in there. Sip and walk and rest. Sent from my HTC One M9 using BariatricPal

It will take time to work up to that amount. You are doing just fine with quarter of scrambled egg. You will be able to eat a little more each week. My best advice is don't sit with your food forever waiting to get full. Eat for 30 minutes Max and then put it away. Sent from my HTC One M9 using BariatricPal

Be glad you got real food. Many of us had liquid only. There is still calorie restriction in order to lose weight and shrink liver so they are limiting your intake. Day 2 and 3 is the hardest and then it gets easier. Hang in there! Sent from my HTC One M9 using BariatricPal

@@Chair1311 - So sorry this has happened. Hopefully the dr call will help. What was the reason they gave for denial?

You look so amazing! Did you book your surgery in Cancun yet? I leave (for vacation not plastics) on Monday! Hoping to meet you there!

@@librarianlk - Great question and you have received some great answers. I am only 8 1/2 months out, but not only did I have the same question as you pre-op, I recently had a similar conversation with my therapist about wanting to be "normal" with relation to food. In the beginning, I felt very food obsessed, so I completely understand where you are coming from, but now, I am just more mindful. Having said that, when discussing with my therapist she said something that resonated with me. "You aren't normal yet" she said. I obsessed about food for at least 40 years of my life and to expect that I would undo all that and be "normal" in 8 short months is unrealistic of me. I hope to reach a point in my life where I have a more normal relationship with food; however, 1) who is to say what "normal" really is? and 2) just as an alcoholic is a recovering alcoholic for the rest of their lives, I too will always be in recovery from my obsession of food. For the rest of my life.... That is daunting sometimes, but the struggle does change (and will continue to change) and I strive for being mindful yet not obsessed of every bite. I hope this helps a little. I am trying to explain that your fears are reasonable but please do not let them get in the way of making the decision of going forward with the procedure. It is an incredible journey and I would highly recommend therapy as you move through it. It will be the biggest tool you have (next to the actual surgery). There is a really good article posted today called "Food and Eating...the Extremes" that addresses the extreme obsessiveness on the other end of this journey. It is worth a read.

@@scarlep - What did your Dr say yesterday? Sent from my HTC One M9 using BariatricPal

@@n_green825 - will keep my fingers crossed for you! So glad your surgeon agreed to get involved! My surgery was June 4 last year. I'm down a total of 128 pounds (27 of that before surgery diet and liquid per-op diet). Sent from my HTC One M9 using BariatricPal

I dreamt about putting Franks on something last night. This post has ruined me..... ???? Sent from my HTC One M9 using BariatricPal

I was going to recommend Zantac until you can get stronger prescription from your doctor. Many people have that hunger feeling when it is actually reflux. I had it pre-op off and on for years and it would always take me a week to realize "OH! It's reflux!" I'm such a dummy! You think I would have figured it out after the first few times! I had same feeling post-op too. You have come to a good conclusion!