kimini

For me, it is about education. I spent 2 1/2 years going to a functional nutritionist before deciding to have WLS. I learned so much about what junk foods do to our bodies that I didn't want to pollute my body in that way anymore. Do I still have cravings for them from time to time? Yes, but then I remember what I've learned and make the conscious decision to choose my health over the momentary satisfaction that comes with Cookies or chips. Have I given in on occasion? Sure, but then I pick myself up and get back on track. I am by no means judging anyone who is obese. The problem is with big food manufacturers. They have put so much money, research and effort into making foods addictive, so that they can make money off of us that they are like giant drug pushers. Here is a quick article I found about how they have engineered junk foods to keep us coming back for more. https://authoritynutrition.com/junk-foods-chemical-engineers/ If you would like to learn more, just google "junk foods engineered". The more you learn, the angrier you'll get about how they have hijacked our foods to make us addicted, all so that they can make billions of dollars.

I thought about ordering the Nectar packets. They are recommended on my surgeon's plan, but I haven't tried them yet. Are they good? That sounds like a great idea.

My sleeve was Aug 19 and I am doing well. I still have trouble meeting my Fluid and Protein goals most days, but it's getting better. My day looks a little like this: AM coffee - I drink 1/2 cup and put the other half in a (Premier) Protein shake that I sip on all morning Breakfast - Usually a scrambled egg with cheese or a Jimmy Dean Delights fritatta (it's the size of a small muffin and I can't quite eat a whole one) lunch - usually some form of leftover protein from dinner, such as a chicken thigh or baked fish; or I'll have tuna with mayo - most of the time, I can't eat more than 1 oz of any protein at a time (usually comes out to about 5 grams, a little more for fish) Afternoon - sometimes I'll have a piece of cheese or a small handful of nuts (maybe 8) Dinner - Again, some form of protein, as listed above PM - If I can, I try to squeeze in a protein shake, or at least half of one, to make up my protein goal for the day

@@rolosmom7, I've been wanting to try the ricotta bake, too. I think I'll get the ingredients and make it this weekend.

@@rolosmom7, I eat a lot of tuna, and it is high in protein, but I definitely won't eat it without a LOT of mayo! If you are worried about fat, use lite mayo. I need sauces/condiments to get most protein down.

I had that problem with brisket and have shied away from it ever since. I also have trouble with chicken breast. No throwing up, but intense pain in my chest! Chicken thigh meat is a little easier, and even then I have to have some sort of sauce to help it go down.

I'm in the same boat. Band to sleeve conversion 9/12 and I am dragging! Even taking a shower and raising my arms to wash my hair is exhausting. I'm going to start B12 injections to see if this helps any. “Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.” Ugh! I remember that phase. I would get winded just washing my hair and had no energy left to fix it. Went to work some days looking like death! It passed pretty quickly for me, though. Just work on meeting your Water and Protein goals and soon you will be stronger!

@@OKCPirate, I have to say that everyone I've met from OK is generally very nice, helpful and all around pleasant to be around. And that's coming from a proud native Texan!

I am struggling with this also. My scale is in plain sight in my bathroom and I share it with my husband, who likes to weigh often. I am trying to adopt a more casual attitude about it, but some days I just can't resist, and I am often disappointed I am not seeing more progress. @Inner Surfer Girl, I admire your attitude and strength, and I hope to have an outlook like yours in time!

It's appalling that some people would ever act this way and very disappointing that you have to live next to one! She sounds like a wretched, miserable person, and you are amazing for not letting it get to you (too much)! Who's the better person? YOU ARE!! YOU ARE!!

I have been having the same issue. Most days, I eat several very small meals. At first, I was only able to eat 4 or 5 bites, but as I progress (I am almost 6 wks out) the amount I can eat increases. Don't panic and just try to make up the difference with Protein shakes. If they get hard to drink, try mixing them with, pudding, yogurt, coffee (decaf if your plan does not condone it), etc. or get unflavored protein and mix into warm broth or other Soups. I think this is pretty normal and part of the process. Good luck!

Congratulations! You look amazing, and I'm sure you feel amazing, too!!

I use it to track my food intake and my weight loss. It is a great app! I never paid attention to the recipes. I guess I need to take a closer look!

Yes, it is a good idea. I can't tell you how many baggies of old, melted cheese I have found at the bottom of my purse! LOL

Everyone is probably right, and it's probably dehydration or maybe low blood sugar, but I would also like to comment on the Sumatriptan. I used to get migraines a lot and I took different versions of that (Imitrex, Ambien, Zomig, etc.) and they always affected me very strongly! On one occasion, my migraine was so bad that I had my husband rush me to the doc and they gave me an Imitrex shot. After I got it, I walked out to pay my copay and passed out in the waiting room. Maybe they never affected you this way before, but it could be with a change in physiology since the surgery that your body is more sensitive to it? Just a thought.

I see you, but I don't remember seeing a post about sleep.

Oh, and another thing... at first, I would try to eat a certain amount of Protein (say 2 oz.) so that I could stay on track with my protein goals, and this was a major part of the reason I would overeat and have pain. Some days you won't get to your protein goal, and there's really not much you can do about it. The sleeve only allows what it allows. Don't beat yourself up over it, and it's not worth the pain of trying and overeating!

I also had the shoulder pain from gas, but I was prepared for that. What I wasn't prepared for was when I overate/ate too fast, I also experienced shoulder pain, but much more intense in my muscles. It seems that the gas or full feeling somehow gets displaced and settles into your muscle tissue causing extreme muscle pain. The first time I experienced this, I suffered for 2 weeks. I went for a massage, thinking that would help, but the pain came back just hours afterwards, probably because I wasn't able to get enough fluids in to wash away the toxins that were released from the massage. At 5.5 weeks out, I still occasionally have a little muscle pain, but probably happens when I am not getting enough Protein or fluids. I'm good, though, as long as I eat slowly and stop before I'm full.

@@kalinicoled, I think it's a great idea to do something informational and inspirational for folks your age that are looking into or going through WLS. I am much older (50) and as so many have already said, my perspective is different than yours. I do think that most people your age get most of their information through social media (IG, Youtube, Snapchat, etc.), and that is probably what you should focus on, rather than a book, at least until you have a following. I disagree with one thing that was said about your age group, and that is that fewer people in their 20s are obese. Obesity, including childhood obesity is an epidemic in the US, and it is only getting worse. When I grew up, most of my classmates and friends were thin, and so was I. Now, it seems like more and more young people are struggling with obesity. My own niece, at 12 years old, was within 10 lbs of the same weight I was at my day of surgery. Twelve years old! If nothing changes, by the time she is in her 20s, she will be super morbidly obese. Not only that, young people are looking for role models, and someone like you can give them guidance and inspiration in a way that feels right to someone their age. All in all, I think it's a great idea! Good luck and keep us posted!

I had my first hangry moment at about 2 weeks out. My husband and I were running errands after a workout, and I had not packed enough protein for the outing. By the time I got home, I was so ravenous that I gorged on runny mashed potatoes (still on liquids), got the foamies and STILL hadn't gotten my protein! Finally, after that subsided and I was able to drink again, I had my protein and was better. It's a learning experience, for sure!

I've been hearing this from other posters, too. I did not have a drain (or at least if I did, they pulled it out before I woke up). I would ask your surgeon about this.

These stadium chairs are awesome!

I was 5 weeks out last Friday, and I can tell you that it does get better. You'll see a tiny bit of improvement every day. Just hang in there!

"I can jump out of an airplane without a parachute, but I will end up dead. So I shouldn't do it." One of the things my surgeon always says (after listing the things he doesn't want me to do) is "...and don't jump out of a plane without a parachute." LOL, maybe all surgeons should add this to their list of instructions!