The New Kel

So I'm 'embracing the stall', but in the meantime I took this pic of me and my cat today. The image on the left side is me two weeks before surgery. Happy to see my real face coming back! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Before I even went to the classes and consults, I spoke to my husband about it. He was very supportive. After I went through the months of process of classes, tests and insurance approval, I told my parents and my daughter. I know they would all be supportive. I asked my parents not to tell extended family. I have some very judgmental aunts and cousins. All my cousins are very thin and fit. I can't wait to see them next year at the reunion, I am already imagining their reactions! I told my boss as well, but none of my coworkers. My boss is very professional and I am assured she will not mention it to anyone. I told her so that she would be aware of my post op recovery needs.

@@TexasguyEP, Hello fellow Texan! I'm from El Paso too, and I had my surgery with Dr Lara, Jose Acosta's partner! When you do go through surgery, let me say, you will be in great hands. I find the whole team to be exceptional! I think you are doing a great job, and you have gone above what was asked of you. Don't be too hard on yourself, just stick to at least one shake replacement a day, and aim for that 5 lb loss by your next appointment. Welcome to the boards! I look forward to hearing more about your journey, fellow South westerner!

Thanks for your nice comments! Despite the scale's recent stubbornness, it is nice to have other little rewards. My shirts are fitting MUCH looser, too. (My pant size hasn't changed too much...this girl's got HIPS ). @@LisaMergs, I agree with your post so much. The fat around my face was always what I hated the most. I felt like my identity was lost. I hated mirrors. So nice that the first thing to go is my face fat! I smile more now, already!

I'm just about 4 weeks out and have been doing pretty good with soft foods. Yesterday was really good- I managed to get in 80 G Protein through soft foods! Today suddenly I simply can't eat. I try, because I'm semi-hungry, but everything seems to hurt. It feels like a big lump or air in my upper stomach area whenever I swallow. Are there days when the sleeve just does not want food? I'm fine with liquids still.

It's ketosis. I chew cinnamon gum!

OMG. I love the photo!! Looks like me, LOL!

@@BigViffer, How do you make a Protein cake and how much protein is in a serving? How many carbs/calories? I'm trying to find a way to get in about 20 more protein grams a day. Thanks!!

I have heard that peppermint tea is great for upset tummies. I think I will try to start having it in the morning and late evenings when I tend to get a bit nauseas.

Going through my fitness pal app, here is what I've been eating. Some foods go down way better than others. Breakfast (workdays): Premier Protein shake Late morning snack: Oikos Zero Yogurt, or a cheese stick, or low fat cottage cheese Lunch: 1 or 2 oz canned tuna or rotisserie chicken with a dab of mayo mixed in, and a small pickle. Late afternoon snack (if I worked out): 1 tbsp all natural Peanut Butter along with a tsp of no sugar added apricot preserves. Or, 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese. Dinner: Sashimi (about 3 oz), or baked salmon, or mahi mahi, or chicken, or crock pot turkey chili, and often I have artichoke with it. (a few leaves). That's about it so far. I'm looking to add more variety as time goes on.

Nope. I have no desire. I'm going to be glad to hand out the bag of candy tonight, get it out of the house! I'm not huge on sweets anyway.

I was sleeved 4 weeks ago. I have been having a hard time eating. Same pain as you describe. After 2 small bites, well chewed soft foods, I start getting pain. Only one exception and that is when I eat plain sashimi. That goes down perfectly and no pain. I have recently been reverting back to a lot of liquids (soups, yogurt, and protien shakes) simply due to this pain after eating .

Hi @Sicilian_stephania, Welcome to the boards! Lots of help and advice here. It's a great place to share concerns, success, etc. As far as your particular pain, I believe aches are normal. However if it feels like tearing, burning or sharp pains, you should call your surgeon. I had pain in that area for 3 weeks. You are right about the food issue! I have had food addiction issues and like you said, we can't just stop food. It's a true learning and retraining process mentally. The good news is, at least from my experience so far is that your body stops wanting crap, and starts wanting good stuff. I'm 4 weeks out, and I literally have to make myself eat now.

The most important thing I've learned so far is that your body requires a certain amount of Protein and Water in order to burn fat. Before this journey, I lost weight by seriously restricting calories, and I always gained it back. I hadn't known that my body required a certain amount of calories, protein and water to fuel the fat burning process. There is a balance and formula that works for each of us. This is what I am learning daily and trying to get good at.

@@ella37, I too am currently trying to 'embrace the stall'. I am 4 weeks out and my stall began on week 3. However, my clothes are fitting looser, regardless of the scale numbers being stubborn. Have you tried anything on recently? You might notice it's looser! And that will help keep your chin up through the stall.

Thanks. I will call. I've been reading about strictures this evening and now I'm a bit concerned. I just don't know of pain when eating is normal at four weeks out.

I started the gym at 3 weeks, just cardio like the Elliptical.

I'm just about 4 weeks post op as well. I eat turkey cold cuts. I recommend taking little bites and chewing to oblivion. Take about 10-15 minutes to eat one slice. Works for me! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow.... That is fantastic! You look great! Way to go!!!!

I/m sorry to hear you're not feeling well. I would have thought the dizziness would be from dehydration, but sounds like you are drinking pretty good. I would keep going with that till you can get 64 a day. I know it's tough! Have you called your doctor about the vertigo?

I think I had an idea but shoved the thought away as eating that crap was more important than numbers. Thats how I tricked myself into eating that stuff for decades.

Hi everyone. I'm almost a month post sleeve and have found a couple recipes for chicken I really enjoy. 1) Huli Huli Chicken (Hawaiian), the healthy way: Mix together in a bowl make the marinade: 1/3 cup sugar free peach or apricot preserves 1/3 cup low sugar ketchup 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce 1/4 cup sherry 1 tsp minced garlic 1tsp minced or grated ginger Remove the skin from 4-6 chicken bone-in thighs. Put the skinless thighs in a large ziplock bag along with most of the above marinade. Reserve a bit for basting. Put in the fridge for 1-4 hours. Heat oven to 375. Remove thighs from marinade (do not discard marinade) and place in an oven safe dish and cover with foil. Cook until just done and cooked through but not dry, approximately 20-25 min. Remove the foil and add the marinade, cover with foil and let it sit for another 30 min. Fire up the grill. Grill the thighs to warm and give char marks. It won't take long since they are already cooked. Baste while grilling with the left over marinade. The original recipe calls for brown sugar and pineapple juice. I use the peach or apricot sugar free preserves instead. Sprinkle with green onions if desired. 2) Easy, healthy chicken salad Take a cup of cooked chicken, remove all skin and bones, and put it into a food processor. Pulverize well. Add 1/3 cup of plain, non fat greek yogurt, mix well. Add bacon crumbles to the top before eating if desired. Sorry no pic, but it's yummy! And I find it goes down better than a lot of other chicken.

Lol! Yeah, anything that resembles cat food...not so good! It really does taste good though!

Jean-cowgirl You- Rainbow Dash (My Little Ponies)