Ashlegal

@@Inner Surfer Girl

Thank you! Another year older and getting skinnier!

Today I turn 33 and have been looking into, researching, talking about and watching videos on Yoga for a damn decade.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to my first Yoga class and it was amazing.

I have a horrible auto-immune disease that makes simple tasks some-days unbearable. And not only has my PM and my PCP but my rheumatologist have recommended Yoga and or Pilates for several years.

I too was afraid that some of the poses would cause pain but what I discovered is that with any exercise, the pain is temporary. The body needs exercise, it needs its core to be strong, it needs it's muscles to be used and it needs flexibility to be completely utilized.

A body in motion, stays in motion. Good luck!

*Big Hugs*

I didn't lose a boyfriend in post-op but I did lose a best friend to suicide three weeks before surgery. I don't compare the two, both hurt, especially during a time when YOU (general) need all the support you can get. It's a rough road.

With that said, his loss and your gain. When someone drops us like a bad habit we can't rationalize the idea that it isn't our problem, our fault, we are the bad guy, we are the not good enough in the equation and those thoughts will tear us apart.

Then of course that stress makes even a well person ill and for all intents and purposes, you're not well. You are recovering from surgery and the body needs everything you have to heal itself.

You need to heal. You need to know that his decision is no reflection on you, your journey, your transformation and your worth. Focus on making you whole again from the inside out and I can guarantee the time will come when being single is the best.

When I started going to the local support group while in pre-op, I met a lot of people in different stages of their journey. A common thread among those who were less than a year post-op had this vigilante, "I'm never eating carbs again and I'm never going to even tempt myself with candies, Cookies, Snacks and I'm always going to work out 3-5 days a week; I cannot FAIL at this drastic decision!!"

And most of the members who were 2+ years out would comment with "your surgery was a tool, not a punishment and you have to be realistic about maintaining the weight loss because no matter the size of your stomach, you're still human."

I was confused as to why the huge discrepancy between ideas about the way one should eat after surgery. But the further out I am post-op the more it makes sense. I realize the idea behind remaining strict on diet is the fear of slipping into bad habits and the idea of going a little lax on the diet is a human reaction to enjoying pleasure.

Never having a cookie is extreme. Having a homemade cookie that you have prepared using great ingredients, tweaking the recipe to include less sugar, less carbs, more Protein is the balance between the two.

I believe balance and moderation is the key to long term success. It is something that is taught months before surgery and in most of us will be "perfected" months after surgery. You (general) have to know what fuels your desire to have a cookie and changing those behaviors to ensure a cookie is just a cookie and not a coping mechanism.

I don't personally drink Crystal Light but I know several people who have had WLS and drink all varieties.

I have never heard of there being a dye restriction and because of that, I'd stay away from all flavors.

Here is what I have been drinking pre-op and post-op. It may give you a few ideas!

Sobe Lifewater:

http://www.sobe.com/#!/product/index/category/4

All flavors are great but the Fuji Apple Pear is AWESOME!

Hint Water:

https://www.drinkhint.com/#?offset=0&limit=40

I have stayed away from the "fizz" variety but the cucumber, peach, blood orange, watermelon and lemon-cayenne are yummy.

Decaf Herbals Teas:

http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/herbal/country-peach-passion-herbal-tea

http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/herbal/lemon-zinger-herbal-tea

http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/herbal/red-zinger-herbal-tea

Congratulations on your new journey!

I'm not a sleeve patient but I was told by my Surgeon no raw/fresh fruits/veggies until two months.

My doctor tried giving me Valium in the hospital and I ended up spitting them out.

I didn't want another "crutch" to have to overcome post-op.

But I understand the need.

Wow. How much did you lose during pre-op? I had surgery the day before and have some time before I lose 100 pounds.

Congrats!

Three nights ago I wasn't feeling well and went to be too early. When I woke up a little after midnight, I was really hungry.

I had some cheesy Soup with a few shrimp. This is something I have had at least a dozen times since surgery and during all food transitions. Never had any problems.

When I finally got around to heading back to bed, I started to feel so horrible. I laid down hoping to sleep it off. Nope.

When I woke up a few hours later for work, I was even worse than I was before I laid down. The feeling lasted all day and by late in the evening I was finally feeling some relief.

Sometimes the foods we eat just don't sit well. Just as some did before surgery.

@@Elode

You'd be one hell of a sexy wolf. My what big eyes you have!

@@2goldengirl

My sister who about eighteen months started eating Paleo/clean. She is doing great and is her health is wonderful; she is always making Kale chips. They are pretty tasty! She also roasts chickpeas in the oven and those turn out great as well.

I should consider making my own Kale chips. Do you have to worry about moisture?

@@msgal2181

I was on Dilaudid in the hospital then I was on Oxycodone while at home. The pain meds worked well for any discomfort outside of the parts that are healing.

The left incision will hurt even with pain meds. It does get better, it eventually goes away and you just need to be patient with it.

Every year a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker,or a distant relative end up handing you a plate (or tin or Ziploc or tupperware container) full of Holiday treats. Cookies, brownies, truffles, rice krispie treats and other goodies that not only can you not eat but don't really want around the house.

I also make foodie goodie plates. This year I am taking on a different approach and picking 4-5 items that can be enjoyed by all including a few Vegans, those that are lactose intolerant, those that are WLS patients and those that don't worry about the 5-10 pounds they gain during the holidays. With the plates I will have the recipes for each item printed on index cards, this way they can make their own anytime and it is food for thought. If something can taste THIS good and still be healthy, then so can many other food favorites.

I will post recipes (in this thread) that I think will make great Holiday treats and then maybe some of you will find something you'd like to make.

First Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup crunchy natural peanut butter

• 1/4 cup finely chopped salted pretzels

• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted

Directions

1. Combine peanut butter and pretzels in a small bowl. Chill in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes. Roll the peanut butter mixture into 20 balls (about 1 teaspoon each). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze until very firm, about 1 hour. Roll the frozen balls in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

2. Tip: To melt chocolate, microwave on Medium for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving on Medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted. Or place chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, Water. Stir until melted.

3. To Make Ahead: Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

4. Protein 2g

Like most girls I know, chocolate, especially chocolate Desserts are a weakness. I am no exception. My Aunt is a chocolatier and all my life chocolate was the masterpiece at all holidays, birthdays, celebrations and even at a few memorials. The answer to any of life's problems has always been "chocolate!" Followed by "wine!"

I am going to make this recipe and wanted to share it with you all. Hope it makes someone very happy!

These delightful flourless brownies can satisfy your chocolate craving with only 3 grams of carbs per serving.