liannatx

For the first few months I couldn't eat more than 2-3 oz at a time. I am almost 7 months and am full on about 3.5 oz of solids. i can eat a little more of soft stuff like yogurt, just shy of a full container. I still weigh most of my meals. I do get hungry! I have an early lunch at 11:30 and usually have a small snack between lunch and supper. I pretty much eat 4 small meals a day since there isnt much difference in the size of a meal or snack : )

Track your food... Log every meal/snack and get an honest idea of how much calories/carbs/protein you are getting. It is very easy to underestimate without logging it somewhere. Dont use guesswork at all until you get back on track, and then keep logging to stay on track . Take your calories back down to 1000-1200 calories a day. (I really think 1200-1400 is too high for weight loss.) Focus on high Protein foods and aim for at least 80g protein daily. Limit your carbs, under 40 g per day. Go back to how you were eating in the beginning (when you were losing). Also, make sure you are getting in all your fluids. Lean beef, chicken, seafood, eggs, and low carb veggies should be the main solids you make meals from. Avoid high carb foods like potatoes, breads, rice, and fruits for now. Keep smart snack choices handy if you need one between meals. Light n Fit greek yogurt, beef Jerky, sugar free pudding cups, cottage cheese, a boiled egg, etc... Go back to the basics. I know that if you recommit yourself to this that you can do this!

I went back to work a week post op. I was tired still, but in no pain. I tend to bounce back really fast, so I pretty much expected to recover fast... which I think helped.

Yay! You will be so glad to get this done and get over that first week! I am stoked for you : )

You sound like you are very well prepared and have a great mindset going into this! This place is a wonderful resource and nice source of support. Glad to have you join us on the losers bench!

200 lbs. Thanks stephh!

You look great! Well done! I dont think it is a bad thing at all to keep a pre-surgery item of clothing. I kept one pair of jeans. It is nice to try them on occasionally and see just how much difference the loss has made. Pictures work, but there is something so tangible and real to hold up those big pants and think that they used to fit... and remember how much we never want to go there again. Trying them on is a great way to realize the progress and stay motivated!

If your at a stage that your doctor approves of drinks, Vodka and Crystal Light is one of the best options. Vodka has 65 calories per ounce.

I agree with BestDayEver. Things that don't work well at the first month or two often become well tolerated a month or two later. Beef was hit and miss for me at first, but I now can eat steak, ground beef, meatballs, etc Try making turkey meatballs and see if they are more friendly for you, and in a month or so cautiously try a regular meatball again!

Yay! You will soon find yourself a point where even the smallest stuff you have doesn't fit : )

Premier Protein ready-to-drink and Syntrax Nectars mix in the large tub. Premier Protein are tasty and convenient. The Syntrax comes in a huge variety of flavors. I love the Cappuccino flavor over lots of ice for Breakfast. The Caribbean Cooler is like pina colada flavor. Fuzzy Navel reminds me of Tang. They are a nice change from Chocolate/vanilla.

I join the others in enjoying spicy foods, salsa, and hot sauce. I have eaten them since about 4 weeks out. I was spicing up broths/soups after the first week. I never had an issue, but I also take an acid blocker daily.

Thanks for the heads up. I don't have them often, but I do love them.

Ice water! Are you sipping on plain Water? The body loves it. Maybe you could save the sweet for nothing but the Protein shakes, and they won't seem as tiresomely sweet. Have you tried low sodium chicken broth? I boiled some with carrots, onions, and celery... then strained it. It is much more flavorful than plain chicken broth, and maybe it will appeal to you more than the beef broth. You can also simmer a little taco seasoning and cilantro in some chicken broth and get a great flavor almost like chicken tortilla Soup. Experiment. I assume you are still on Clear liquids, but when you get to have pureed Soups they really help to satisfy the tastebuds. Hang in there. These stages seem like forever when you are going through them, but they actually pass quite fast in hindsight.

I use Stevia. I pretty much only use 1 packet in my morning coffee though, so I don't know if it would make much difference what I used!

@jesskrismom Very noticeable difference! You are doing great!

Tilapia! I love this fish. Spray a skillet with a little Pam, or lightly coat with Olive Oil, sprinkle Tilapia filets with lemon pepper, and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Super easy and super tasty. You can buy a large pack of individually wrapped frozen filets at Walmart or most any grocery store.

You lost 36 lbs in a month? And you think that is slow? That is 15% of your entire body weight lost in one month. That isn't slow, that isn't even average, that is actually a very big loss. A stall is common around 3 weeks post op. Do a search and you will find literally 100s of threads on the "Three Week Stall". The weight loss has not stopped, it has just stalled so your body can adjust to this new and prolonged calorie deficit. You have probably even noticed that while you haven't lost but a few pounds during this stall that you seem to still be losing inches and size. Your calories/protein/carbs look to be on point for this stage.... keep doing what you have been doing and the loss will resume! Your results are already great and show that this is working for you.

Well done, you look fabulous and I'm sure you feel fabulous too!

No to all in the weight loss stage.

Awesome!

I am a revision from Lapband and I am a slow loser too. I have averaged 1.5 lbs a week, but it has stayed pretty consistent. I am not disappointed at all! I feel great, and since it has been slow but STEADY I know the weight will continue to come off. I think of it like the Turtle and the Hare.... I might not get to goal as fast as some, but I will still get there.

Yes, it really shows in your face and around your waist! Doesn't it feel great? You look radiant by the way!

I would get back on the medication if it helped... it is only for a short time. Yes, you will also lose on the preop diet, probably easily back under 200 in the 2 weeks. I don't think you would be turned away if they have already approved everything!

@Karenlrn I am the same. I have fine hair, but lots of it. I am 6 months out and haven't really had any thinning or loss. I didn't after Lapband surgery either. I guess it is really the luck of the draw sometimes.