TipTop in TX

I've lost about 47 pounds now and notice that my neck and inner thighs are looser. it is not quite a turkey neck, but I am kinda missing my double chin! At least those chins weren't loose and wrinkly. I've noticed my shorts are also a little longer to cover up the loose skin on my thighs. think I will start lifting some weights and doing some of those machines. I have been so busy that I have only been walking about 4 times a week since my surgery. I guess I am going to have to step up my exercise game.

I am also a newbie. I am also older and don't tolerate much foolishness. I've read the posts from newbies that start a few days pre-op to a few weeks post op about whether they can eat bacon, or had a slice of pizza or say I am going on vacation and can I drink alcohol. I read those posts, shake my head and think, "Why the hell did you have surgery, especially when you are making bad decision so soon after surgery?!!!" I followed the rules post op because I had major surgery and wanted to change my life for the better. Many think of this as a quick fix and it is obvious from their posts. Others haven't addressed their food addiction or food behaviors prior to surgery. Have I been perfect since my surgery, No, but I have been able to stay on the right path based on the guidance given by vets to other members. I appreciate ALL the vets input, responses and tips. I would hate for the vets to leave because your successes, experiences and suggestions have made my journey successful so far. Like others, even though I might not post often, I do read the forum EVERYDAY. I think a FAQ for newbies is a good idea and when somebody asks some of these "stupid" questions, the vet can just post a link to a section of the FAQ that explains what to eat and what not to eat post op and keep on going. Kindle, I would love for you to reconsider your decision to leave. Your postings, along with the other vets, are appreciated by many of us newbies. .

OMG! That was funny. Thanks for making me laugh the first time today.

@@jess9395 - I noticed from your profile that you're 5'7". Generally, I think at 135 pounds you would be very thin You mentioned your husband likes where you are with more meat on your bones. I have seen a few people go that extreme and not be able to see their true body. I know you mentioned you felt more comfortable seeing your ribs and hip bones. Not to imply anything, but have you considered seeing someone to make sure that how you are seeing your body is accurate and appropriate?

@@KristenLe, I really really regret not practicing this. If I had, I think I would have had a better grasp on when to eat and when to drink. Right now even though I am three months out , I still do not and have never gotten in my 64 ounces of Fluid per day. It's funny because you really don't think about sipping, I mean really everybody knows how to sip! Well evidently, I didn't. LOL

I'm not an old timer but there are couple of things that I wish I had done and prepared for. I wish I had practiced eating and sipping before my surgery. By that I mean not drinking 30"-1hr before and after I ate. I am a Water girl and I always drink during meals. This is been extremely hard for me to break and I wish I'd started earlier practice thing. I also wish I had practice sipping fluids. You don't think that's a big deal, but it is because your stomach is so much smaller and I was used to taking big swallows. After surgery I could only do small sips and I would feel full and burpy. I can now take bigger swallow, but still get burly if drink too fast or too much.

I don't like the premier chocolate shake cold, but heated up it's like a hot chocolate and wonderful. I also drink the vanilla and strawberry premier shake. I buy it by the case at costco. Right now strawberry is my favorite, but it wasn't when I first had my surgery three months ago. Sometimes the strawberry taste really sweet to me and the vanilla sometimes not sweet enough. I've also tried GNC whey Protein powder brand of Cookies and cream and also their unflavored. I use the unflavored to add to other foods. The unflavored hasn't really changed the flavor of any foods. The cookies and cream was OK, I may try to blend it up with ice but I did find that both of their protein powders worked better if I use my stick blender vs my magic bullet. Using the magic bullet caused the powders to foam too much.

I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to school on Monday. Full days sitting at a desk. I was a little tired, but I was not in pain. I felt good. I couldn't lift heavy weights or bend over very well but everything else was fine and nobody could tell I had surgery.

45 seems low. My surgeon said 65g/day, but even that was low compared to most of the people on this site. I shoot for about 80/day. I am three months post sleeve

I personally wouldn't. The first ingredient is cane sugar.

@carlissa, are your Italian ice sugar free? If not, that may be contributing to your diarrhea. About the loud burpy/stomach noises...completely normal. I am 10 weeks post op and I have the gurgling, burpy feeling and sounds all the time, esp. When I'm full or have eaten/drank too much, but sometimes for no reason. Lol

I'm envious because my butt is flat and it's getting flatter. Of course it was before surgery too, lol. Thanks Mom.

Are you drinking enough fluid? Often times the cramps may occur because you're dehydrated. I am two month postop gastric sleeve and I am supposed to get in 64 ounces of fluid. I have not made it there yet. I am sitting around 40 ounces a day. I did have Charlie horses the first week but since then.

I eat them and it's very convenient. I like the smoked turkey.

I'm not in the 70's club, but this website has a lot of recipes and information that you might find helpful. You also might want to check out Pinterest and search for weight-loss surgery recipes or gastric sleeve recipes. You all are so inspiring and congratulations on this new phase of your life. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

I like GNC unflavored whey protein powder 100% and 24g per scoop.

The lose it app also calculated my daily calories too high, but I upgraded to the premium and it would let me put in whatever calories I wanted. Actually, I had to take their daily calories and either subtract how much I wanted her and how much I wanted to make it correct. I'm not sure if it allows you to do that in the free version, but like you that was another thing I didn't like in my fitness pal. I just thought $50 was too much to pay for the premium upgrade for my fitness pal .

I Initially used the my fitness pal app, but I switched to LoseIt about a week and a half ago. I was really disappointed that my fitness pal did not track fluids in ounces and the only option was cups. It looks like users have been requesting for them to add ounces for a few years without them doing that simple addition. Under Armor bought out my fitness pal and their premium rate is $50 a year. I tried LoseIt and liked it a lot. I decided to upgrade to the premium which was $30/year through iTunes. You can set goals for steps, hydration, measurements, nutrients and many other things. I just liked it and it was easier to use for me than MyFitness Pal. The free version is good too but I like the upgrades of the premium version.

I Initially used the my fitness pal app, but I switched to LoseIt about a week and a half ago. I was really disappointed that my fitness pal did not track fluids in ounces and the only option was cups. It looks like users have been requesting for them to add ounces for a few years without them doing that simple addition. Under Armor bought out my fitness pal and their premium rate is $50 a year. I tried LoseIt and liked it a lot. I decided to upgrade to the premium which was $30/year through iTunes. You can set goals for steps, hydration, measurements, nutrients and many other things. I just liked it and it was easier to use for me than MyFitness Pal. The free version is good too but I like the upgrades of the premium version.

I've always hated buying jeans or pants because they never fit right. I have a wide waistline that was totally out of proportion to my thighs and hips. I would buy stretchy fabric pants with elastic waist or leggings. They have been perfect for my weight loss because they just Shrink to the size I currently am wearing and they don't look baggy as I'm losing weight. You can get them that looked just like jeans or real pants. I love wearing them and they are so comfortable.

Which surgery are you planning on having?

I am about eight weeks postop sleeve and I generally drink a protein shake at night to make sure I get all my protein in. It's the only thing that works for me. I have been better at Integrating high-protein foods in my diet during the day, but I can't to get in all the protein without the shake because I can't eat that much.

Jill H, with your health history you will probably want to do some very extensive research, including searches involving Factor 5 Leiden and WLS. I would consider, if it was me personally, seeking a third opinion with a specialist who works with patients with Factor 5 Leiden thrombophilia because you will have considerations and a higher risk for clotting complications that others may not have. Your surgery may need to be a coordinated effort with your surgeon and Factor 5 specialist to ensure the best successful outcome from whichever surgery you select. Remember that everyone is different and that a surgery that was appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for you. I would not let posts from a forum decide which surgery you select. The post may be helpful for information about that person's journey,, but you are a separate individual. Good luck with your research and finding a great factor five specialist.

I am about eight weeks out and very similar to @@Sajijoma in that some days I'm not hungry at all and then some days it's all I can do to not grab something. I'm not craving stuff like chocolate or sweets, but when I go eat out with friends or hubbie, the food looks so good. Even if I'm super hungry it doesn't really matter because usually I can only eat about four or five bites at the most. I am realizing that sometimes when I'm considering is actually thirst. I'm still not getting in my 64 ounces of fluid yet but it's slowly increasing every week.