Cape Crooner

I have been carrying these Kashi bars in my golf bag for lunch (one around the 5th hole and another around 14). 140 calories for 35 grams... https://www.kashi.com/our-foods/snack-bars/kashi-chewy-granola-bars-chocolate-almond-sea-salt-with-chia

Positive : I LOVE themNegative: I LOVE them Result: can't have hem ???? I bought some for my wife. 200 calories for a skinny little 40 gram mini-bar. http://www.kindsnacks.com/store/dark-chocolate-nuts-sea-salt.html Not a good calorie/mass offer. Better off with a Three Musketeer bar (240 calories for 54 gram bar) http://www.3musketeers.com/nutrition

I think the rapid sobriety is a bit of a blessing. I have been drinking on weekends for over a month and nothing resembling a hangover yet. Of course that could just because I'm drinking about half as much (or less) than before. I am consciously drinking much slower, but I'm not sure how long that will last. I think unless I stay vigilant, I could start drinking more. Wine seems to be the best drink to stretch out. I was at a Super Bowl party and drink about 9 ounces over the course of the 5 hour game.

I have the same question. I was never thin, but back in my 20's I was a competitive athlete (skier) and women seemed quite attracted to me. I weighed more then than I do now! Yet, I still feel that I can lose more weight and I can't really get my head around maintenance. I fear that I must keep losing or start gaining...

@@2goldengirl I think you nailed it. Alcohol addiction doesn't just happen, we slide into it. But I think if you were addicted to eating (or drugs, whatever) before wls, you may become addicted to drinking at any time. I was never addicted to eating. My problem was an oversized stretched stomach and misinformation about what to eat to lose weight. I'm the chef and we seldom ate out. I purchased and prepared all our meals and knew what I was eating. By the way, wls won't cure eating addiction, it will simply make it impossible to stuff your face at one sitting. I have no doubt that even at mid-honeymoon, I good consume 5,000 calories a day eating candy and chips without a drop of alcohol. I now plan my meals every morning and stick to my plan. On weekends, my plan includes 200-300 calories of alcohol and I log after each pour. Yesterday I totaled 1435 calories, so I walked 5 miles to offset the extra 225 calories of vodka. I also try to drink extra Water before and after to offset the diuretic effect. As long as I'm following this type of regimen, I'm not addicted to anything. That said, I'm 5 pounds away from goal and FULLY cognizant of the slippery slope that lies ahead if/when I stop logging! Stay tuned...

I'm 63 and fully agree. I took 5 months off (pre and post surgery) from socializing, eating poorly, and drinking until I was close to my goal weight. Then I started eating and drinking again in great moderation. Every other week we go out and I order what I want, leading with Protein. I do order French fries, but after my 4-5 ounces of protein, I'm lucky if I can eat 2 ounces. I feel like a big man with a little girls stomach it's great!

I'm relatively new (month 5) and my biggest issue going in was my ability to continue my social drinking post sleeve while still losing weight. For ME (not everyone), it's been a 100% success. I drink about half as much as I once did. I don't get any more drunk and enjoy it the same One man's story...

I had a VSG with zero problems, seriously I was expecting some, but have none. That said, even a sloppy band will do more for you than Jenny Craig, WW, or the new pills (tried em all). No matter what we try, we will still have to change our lifestyle and even if the band isn't as strong a tool as VSG, Gastric Bypass, or DS, it's still a real tool that can help. Embrace it for all its worth!

I had my VSG at Newton Wellesley from Dr Partridge. I had ZERO problems and lost 56 lbs since my10/6 surgery (86 pounds overall since the 8/10 orientation). Before I started my journey, I called a friend who is a highly recognized plastic surgeon in Southern California and he said "get it done in Massachusetts, they have the best surgeons"...

The first thing I would ask is why do you ask this question? Seriously, what information and/or statement were you hoping to make? I have been a 3-4 day a week social drinker for 40+ years. Since my VSG, I find that I drink less and enjoy it equally well. I discussed this with my surgical team and they agreed that the VSG would help me reduce my moderate alcohol consumption and it has!

Great since day one (10/6). Down 86 lbs (overall since 8/10). Living a new lifestyle that works like a charm!

I may be old school (63), but when did a spouse telling his/her wife that "eating Starbursts will make fat" become Domestic Violence? I've been married 36 years and along the way to becoming 80 lbs overweight, my wife told me "to stop eating so much" many times along the way. It was hurtful to hear, but absolutely true and probably helped motivate me to finally take action. Do you think anyone struggling with obesity should be eating Starbursts? Do you think any average weight person enjoys seeing their spouse gain weight (while continuing to overeat)? Do you think spouses should speak honestly about their feelings with one another, particularly in matters of health? I'm not saying preacher boy is in the right, but I've read nothing here that convinces me he's ready to be charged with a crime! I'm still waiting to learn if the OP has told him how SHE FEELS about her weight and his lack of support. Hi, Thank for sharing your experience. I did respond to your original response. Not sure if you saw that. You are right about Starbursts. Unlike many people, I had to GAIN 7 pounds to have this surgery. I enjoyed, and have enjoyed every second of that. For most of my life I have been dieting, taking diet pills, excercizing, and depriving myself...only to fall of the wagon and gain weight. It has been wonderful to eat what and when I want, for these last few months. I have been up and down 30-70 pounds over and over and over. My husband only met me 3 years ago, so he does not know the 70 lb heavier me that I am now. But, I had just lost 55 lbs right before I met him. In answer to your questions, yes I do believe you should be able to be honest with your wife about her health. But, to keep at it until she's sobbing is not the way to do it. I KNOW I have a food addiction, and a weight problem. That is why I am having this surgery. For my health, for my self-esteem, of my chronic pain, and for my husband. I don't think he has committed a crime. I just think being more supportive would probably get him a lot further, and we would have a much better relationship than the approach he is taking now. I have asked, screamed, and begged him to stop. He thinks he is helping me, and so he always manages to bring it up. He also does not want me to have the surgery. If this was an issue of health, he would realize that the surgery is for my health. Anyways, he is not a horroble man. He is just making his wife feel horrible about her weight. Something that I don't need any help with, I already feel bad about it. I can't wait to Feb. 23d, to have the sleeve surgery and start to lose weight. Thanks again for sharing. Thank you for sharing the additional info. My wife was "blessed" with a Mediterranean metabolism that allowed her to eat as she pleased and not gain weight until she was about 60. I am the home chef and I know we were both eating the same food in the same quantities and I grew to 275 while she stayed at 145. She would give me advice based in total baloney and sometimes it would get ugly. And, she wasn't that supportive about my wls decision at first. She suggested hiring a nutritionalist and a personal trainer for a year. When I lost 30 lbs pre opt, both her and my mother told me to call it off! Now I'm 4+ months out and down 86 pounds (overall). Now she tells me to stop losing! Just put your head down and stick to your program. The best way to get the upper hand is to do the surgery, lose the weight, buy smaller clothes and get your confidence back! You can do this...

I'm in month 5 and 6 lbs from my goal. I haven't tried pizza, but it was my favorite treat food (4-5 times a year) pre wls. As a long time low carb dieter, I never thought about eating the toppings. Does anyone know what the calorie count in toppings would be?

It's not quite that simple. I only told 8 people (all family) and thought I'd be fine. Unfortunately, one was my 90 year old mother who didn't get the "it's private part". She told at least 3 other people and now I'm not sure who knows. This all happened a month before my surgery, so I just crossed my fingers and didn't tell anyone else. Now I've lost 85 pounds in 5 months and everyone wants to know "my secret". It's making me ill to have to lie to all my friends. I am telling people that "I entered a medically supervised weight loss program" which basically true, but I still feel bad. Assume you'll lose 80+ pounds in 6 months and think through how you'll explain it when true friends excitedly ask you "how did you do it?" I have over 100 good friends and it's really the only downside of the whole wls experience.

As the chef, I'm just starting to think about this. Any ideas for food that's fun, tasty, but not going to destroy all our good work? I'm thinking about: Trader Joe's has some very tasty chicken Jalapeno sausages that are 100 calories each... Toasted Pita Points with Greek Yogurt Spinach/Artichoke dip... Grill Chicken Tenders with hot sauce and a little blue cheese dressing... What are you planning?

5'10" HW: 281 (8/10/15) BMI 40 SW: 251 (10/6/15) BMI 35 CW: 197 BMI 28 Weightloss - 84 lbs! 7 lbs to goal... Thanks Marcia for starting this thread❤️

I'm around week 15 and 9 lbs from goal. I am expecting my Weightloss to slow down or stall, but it's not. I have noticed a new pattern and was wondering if anyone else has experienced it and/or your thoughts. First off, I am a very conscientious logger of food, Water, and exercise. I am consuming 1000 calories, 70 grams+ of Protein, 64 ounces of water, and burning 3,000 calories a day. Monday - Friday, I pretty much stall. Then the weekend comes and I have a drink (or two) and the pounds fall off. I have now been observing this for over a month. BTW, I only drink red wine or bourbon/vodka and water. Around 100 calories per drink.

Thanks Ann... But as a point of clarification, I am far from grumpy about this topic (now), just the opposite, I now find that I can enjoy myself and eat/drink far less. This was one of the goals I had going in and I discussed it at length with my surgical team. I am a very disciplined person, but short of finding all new friends at 63, I cannot stop drinking socially. The problem was that my old stomach was very stretched out. It started with my parents prosperity in the 1960's (Ding Dongs, Fritos, etc) and continued as an athlete who could drink a dozen or more beers at a time without falling down. This all meant that I could and did eat too much and after eating, I could drink as much as I wanted and not get drunk. Some people might like this, but I did not. And like you, I did abstain for 7 months, which was interesting, but also uncomfortable because it also meant dropping out of most all social engagements (I am keeping my surgery secret). Anyway, I guess I'll just keep my questions and observations to myself in the future... SIGNING OFF THIS THREAD FOR GOOD! CC

I may be old school (63), but when did a spouse telling his/her wife that "eating Starbursts will make fat" become Domestic Violence? I've been married 36 years and along the way to becoming 80 lbs overweight, my wife told me "to stop eating so much" many times along the way. It was hurtful to hear, but absolutely true and probably helped motivate me to finally take action. Do you think anyone struggling with obesity should be eating Starbursts? Do you think any average weight person enjoys seeing their spouse gain weight (while continuing to overeat)? Do you think spouses should speak honestly about their feelings with one another, particularly in matters of health? I'm not saying preacher boy is in the right, but I've read nothing here that convinces me he's ready to be charged with a crime! I'm still waiting to learn if the OP has told him how SHE FEELS about her weight and his lack of support.

Thanks @indieflickers. I'm still learning my way, but closely monitoring weight, food and (occasional) alcohol is part of the process. I'm 63, retired, 36 years married, and virtually all our social life involves some alcohol consumption. Prior to WLS, I'd drive my wife crazy by "just saying no" to invitations to socialize where food and alcohol would be preeminent. I think my forced abstinence built an inner anger. You know, "it's not fair that I can't go out on a Tuesday night, when my skinny friends have a beer at lunch." Now, with my tiny stomach, I can socialize more while eating/drinking far less (understand, I'm talking about once a week, rather that once a month.) I've been on this site for almost a year and have come to the conclusion that there are many troubled souls here. Well meaning "newbies" report observations, ask veterans if they've had similar experiences, or just make light hearted comments and people jump all over them like they're stupid, lying, or just born losers! Kinda sad, but after suffering though the way society treats obesity, it is totally understandable.

The reason I asked what you liked pre-opt was to suggest that you add those flavors to your eggs. I loved mexican and BBQ. I added those seasonings to my eggs and refried Beans (along with cheese). I also added asian sauces to chicken. Made it all taste good and the low-carb sauces made them go down easier!

What did you eat/like pre-opt? Anything healthy?

I don't think I made myself clear. I'm suggesting two thoughts to the OP: 1. You're clearly fragile and he didn't say the things you needed to hear. I'm suggesting that what he actually said/meant might have been different than what you heard. No one knows this but you (certainly not a bunch of strangers on this forum). I've been married 37 years and my wife hears me say things all the time that I don't think I said and certainly didn't intend to convey. 2. Clearly, you don't like what you're hearing him say. Have you told him loud and clear that? Have you told him what you need from him to help you get through this? Women her nuances that guys can't. Guys are thick in this area and need to be set straight. Obviously, if you're certain that he spoke those words and meant to be hurtful and you told him as much and he doesn't give a ****, you need to move on. I'm just saying be sure first... How is he otherwise?

Certainly, the words you recall him saying are shameful and inexcusable. I don't know you or him, but I would ask you to consider something. Did he really say those exact hurtful words, or was he just trying to encourage you in his own warped way? Guys think tough love is a very loving way to motivate. I've been married 36 years and I know women beg to differ. I also know that after 45 years of struggling with my weight, I became very sensitive to anything anyone ever said about my weight (especially my wife who seemed like she could eat anything). As a Christian myself, let me suggest that you give him the benefit of the doubt and assume his heart is the right place, but his mouth isn't cooperating. I would try and win him over as your biggest supporter. You just have to open up and explain to how long and hard the struggle has been (cry, guys always melt when the girl cries). Most of all, make sure he knows exactly how much the tone of his words cut deep into your soul. Sometimes you have to hit a guy with a 2X4 - have you done that yet? That said, I'm 4 months out of VSG and I can assure you he'll be eating his words a year from now when your Weightloss struggle is a distant memory! Stay the damn course...

I was 275 on 8/1/15, surgery on 10/6/15 (251) and now 197 - 7 pounds from goal. The weight did just fly off (although I was very obedient patient). Now I'm struggling thinking about how I'll transition into maintenance. I think I've learned what I can eat, and how much is too much, but I'm kind of addicted to logging my food, which is a little scary. I'm thinking I'll start by stopping logging on weekends, but still weigh in - just so I'm not fooling myself. Any other ideas?