gwbicster

I'll check it out! I just had the "pizza" it was delicious- I could only eat a little more than an ounce- I used the microwave.

You won't need pajamas they will have you in a hospital gown.

Oh Lord, what a nightmare. Praying for you.

That's pretty much what he wants you to do- get most of your protein from beans and nuts, and transition away from the protein drinks ASAP. I agree, that's a lot to eat in one day, and for me the best solution seems to be a combination of legumes and meat. And also I don't see the harm in adding protein powder as needed to make up the difference. I'm not sure if he has anything against protein powder or not, I think he does. I am badly craving vegetables (NEVER thought I'd say that) and fruit, but it is prohibited on my plan for another two weeks. I think this is weird, but I imagine it is done out of concern for protein goals. I'd just about KILL for a salad right now, believe it or not!

One of the amazing things is that since having surgery my tastes have changed much more towards healthy foods! Although I have occasional cravings they are not as extreme as before surgery (and I didn't crave much because I consistently (over)indulged.) I really find myself craving vegetables at the moment, but for some reason my plan does not allow for them for two more weeks! I bought a spiral vegetable slicer and I'm going to try some zoodles some time in the next week. With spaghetti sauce and protein powder. I'm excited about that too. But today it's pizza sans crust. I'm excited about that!

That's funny because as you were typing this I was typing the same thing in the Fathead thread. I am still curious and excited about the almond flour recipe (or maybe some other alternative) but I have some concerns about heating almond products. I was initially enthused by the no carb potential of this recipe but after reading further I have some concerns about heating almond products.

I decided that I'm going to attempt to satisfy this craving today by making a small portion of pepperoni and mozzarella cheese with some sauce- without any "crust". I'm still curious about the almond crust but I'm going to hold off until I can do some more research and ask my surgeon about almond flour. I'm thinking/hoping that the craving is more for pizza toppings than a "crust", and that this will satisfy it. The more I read about heating almond products the more concerned I get. I was initially enthused by the "no carb" qualities but I am starting to realize that I may end up doing more harm than good.

I agree about the red meat. Although, I don't want to totally cut it. There is a certain satisfaction from red meat that "healthier" meats don't always give me. But, moderation. I'm afraid about veg only meals, although sometimes with our small pouch we don't have a choice. Protein powder can fix a lot though. My doc's plan would strongly disagree with this- it's why I am hesitant. Regarding "some posters", when the comment is "every choice I see you make is bad". that is nagging and not at all constructive. It discounts any good advice that may be posted elsewhere in the comment. I block those people- life is too short.

I've seen this stated numerous times. I can't always say WHY... Maybe you have some advice on that. As an addict I eat for every reason. To celebrate, to mourn, to comfort, since I've quit smoking reefer there's really not a reason I WON'T eat. It's my last remaining vice and I'm struggling finding something else to channel this to. Usually I just have a craving for a particular kind of food (at the moment it's pepperoni pizza). I used to satisfy that craving by eating a huge quantity of that food, to the point of sickness. I am hoping now (and with the restriction I don't really have a choice) that I can scratch that itch with a very small portion of that food, and move on. Is that stinkin' thinkin'? Dr. Weiner says that head hunger is just another word for addiction, and that you can tell it's head hunger and not real hunger by the fact that it usually is for one specific food. This makes a lot of sense to me. Still, I have these cravings, and it feels right to have a small quantity of the food in an attempt to satisfy this craving. I feel like if I don't, it will build up and lead to a larger breakdown down the line.

Oh and by the way, I greatly appreciate the love and sensitivity in your comments. Even when you disagree with posters you always do so in a positive and affectionate manner that is not at all disconcerting, unlike a couple of others here (who I have had to block). We can disagree with others without being a Debbie Downer, and your posts always prove that. I have been watching Dr. Weiner's videos a lot over the last 24 hours. I had looked at them before, when I was considering surgery, but they are a lot more helpful now. What is interesting is that he disagrees with my surgeon in a number of areas, mostly regarding vegetables, but I really like what he has to say. Although I have always been a meat eater and don't intend to stop that, I would like to incorporate more vegetables and less meat sooner in comparison to my doctor's guidelines, but I am a bit nervous about that (getting enough protein). I'm still thinking about whether or how I want to change. But it's definitely food for thought. Thanks for steering me in that direction.

For me it was/is (simple) carbs. Sweets don't really tempt me at all. I had mashed potatoes a couple times and I regret that now. IMO the particular danger with carbs in addition to the addiction principles, is the fact that it passes so easily in our sleeve. So you can eat more of that than you can of "real" food, and it doesn't really keep you full. Still, I refuse to beat myself up about it- it happened, I am human, and I will remain positive and try my best not to let it happen again. And if it happens- oh well, my body will likely punish me for it and that punishment is sufficient. I think everyone has to figure out things for themselves and for some of us that requires trial and error. I've had to throw up a couple times to figure out what my limits are in terms of quantity of food. In some cases, for certain foods, that is LESS than the doctor allows. We are all different- what works for me may not work for you, "it takes Diff'rent Strokes to move the world!"

Yeah that's really amazing- you should feel proud! I lost 20 and I thought I was doing good!

Yes I've heard of people going back to work as soon as week 2. But I feel blessed to be a teacher, with two months off for summer. I had my surgery the first possible day I could, and I'm glad I made that decision. Even now a little over a month out, I could definitely go back to work if I had to, but I'm still figuring out things like diet and energy level. I'm blessed to have another three weeks to get it all down. This is a major surgery no matter what anyone says, and IMO if it's at all possible we should take our time and baby ourselves a little bit.

Good tip, thanks!

Yeah, one thing that I've found out is that crushing ER pills is DANGEROUS. Good that you stuck to your guns there.

I'm not seeing a ton about swelling, although there are some Sites that mention it (and "bloating"). Mostly almond flour is presented as an alternative to gluten to AVOID the swelling. However in my research I came across this: http://www.primallyinspired.com/problems-almond-flour/ Seems like there are some other issues. Many are suggesting coconut flour (which is listed as an alternative in the recipe) is healthier.

I wasn't aware of that. I'll have to research that some more.

It's not bread it's a "crust" made out of almond flour and cream cheese.

OOOHHH that's a good one. Never thought of that. I haven't been able to take my Metformin since surgery yet. Fortunately my sugar is quite low. My primary care wants me to take it again, as do I, but I was going to wait for 6 weeks. Maybe this will help- I'll keep you posted! Thanks for the great tip!

From what I understand the bariatric vitamins, although expensive, are worth it. I use Celebrate multivitamin plus calcium citrate. They are HUGE and you have to take four a day. The good news is that they kind of taste like candy. I suck on them as long as I can so they don't clog up my pouch too much. That's my two cents.

Went shopping today, bought the ingredients, waiting for my pizza stone, really looking forward to this. One piece has 220 calories. I don't think it's going to kill me to eat a slice and freeze the rest. I investigated the Flatouts. They sell them 8 to a package. I'll never finish such a large package before it goes bad. And I'd rather not have the carbs, I'll keep you posted, should be the middle of next week.

Good for you honey! You look terrific! If it works for you then how can anyone criticize? I hope to get to this point at the end of my journey. In my opinion there are some on here who take things a little too seriously. Losing weight can become just as much of an obsession and addiction as the process of gaining it! I will never, ever stop enjoying food- it's one of the greatest pleasures in life! I do hope to learn how to moderate my addiction to it and my propensity to be extreme. To make healthy choices, and to enjoy making those healthy choices! Already, since my surgery, I am witnessing my tastes change (for the better, and to the healthier side!) For now, my portions are tiny, and I'm learning how to change my mindset to enjoy what little food I can eat. As my portions increase (slightly) I hope I will learn to appreciate that, without getting out of control. I don't want to feel that I have put myself in jail with the choice I have made to have this surgery. Life goes on, and life is still good!

No that's not always the case. This morning it was running at the first bite.

I will be trying this next week, as soon as my new pizza stone arrives from Amazon. I will keep you posted.

A month out and sleeping on my side is still occasionally uncomfortable, but I can do it. After surgery I had to sleep on my back. Previous to the surgery I felt like I was too heavy to do this, but I adjusted. The drugs kept me stoned enough to have no problem sleeping- I think I could have done it standing if necessary!