The New Kel

It is amazing what we used to do, isn't it? Eating without any consideration of calories, carbs, etc. I think I just stopped caring, and was only conserved about the pleasure of it.

@@saramarie, fellow recovering Big M addict! I had the same thoughts. One of those menu items equals all the calories I am getting in these days. On the subject of Big Macs. Allow me to bore you with a story of how I became addicted.. At age 14 I got my first job babysitting 1-3 year olds at the YMCA. It was stressful, the screaming babies! The manager paid me in cash. After my first week, I took my $ and went down the street to McDonalds. Growing up, my parent really limited junk food, and we never ate at fast food. So, I bought the Big Mac, probably due to a new surge of independence, because I could, and also I was stressed from the job. I can even remember the day. It was mid summer, 1984, and the Olympics were being held in Los Angeles. McDonalds was putting Olympic game pieces on food. It was my first Big Mac, and I thought "what is the main wizardry that made this?" I was hooked on first bite, not online a drug addict's first hit. Needless to say I became a regular of that McDonalds. As an adult, I continued to enjoy them, probably about 3 a week. It was my greatest weakness, until the day I began my pre-op diet. I literally had dreams about them, and also Carls Jr Super Star burger. And now, close to a month post op I can say that finally, the craving is almost completely vanished. I think those da** fast food joints put something in the food to make us addicted @@Babbs, It would literally take me all day to eat a fast food burger now, even if I wanted one!

Here's a way I eat chicken that sits well: Put some pieces into a food processor and pulverize the hell out of it. Then add some non fat plain greek yogurt and mix. This works for me and is very high protein!

LOL!!! Right on the sink....now that's funny! One night post-op my husband made dinner for him and the kids. Home made pizza. the next day I found cheese all over the stove and mushroom in the bedroom carpet...wtf? At least he was trying.

@, great recipes! I wish I had know about them when I was on full liquids! Anything that tastes like cheesecake is a win for me. @@TanishaP, Beyond my Protein shakes, I ate Oikos triple Zero yogurt, and strained Soups. My favorite was (and still is) Tomato Basic Bisque (strained). I wasn't very creative in that stage.

Nighty-Night! Have a good nap! that's literally what it feels like. The next thing you know, you'll be here on the losers bench. take a breath, you got this.

Your fears are valid, but I think you will see post surgery that your new sleeve tool will really, REALLY launch you into success. For me, I like to feel good and not sick. Therefore, I am daily discovering what feels good (soft, healthy Protein mostly). Your body will tell you what it wants, and I would't be scared about failing. You will begin to want the good stuff. Post surgery, don't be too hard on yourself. You might have craving for crap (it's mental), but that goes away. With your new stomach, it is hard to "fail", unless you deliberately try and sabotage yourself, which from what you wrote I can tell you don't want to do. I think your confidence will sail after you get used to your new life post sleeve. And when the clothing sizes start to drop your confidence in yourself will grow even stronger. Good luck! You'll do great.

Congratulations on the beginning of your fantastic journey! Complications are rare during surgery. You will get wheeled to the OR and within seconds you will be under and the next second you'll wake up! When I woke up, I was amazed it was over. Literally a blink of the eye! Good luck and best wishes. You will be fine!

Best wishes for an easy surgery and fast recovery!

Tylenol is OK but no Advil. (Advil was my friend too!) I am allowed to swallow them whole, but since surgery I have gagged on pills/vitamins a few times. Have you thought about crushing them and putting them in a bite apple sauce?

I was sleeved October 3, and so far, I'm doing well. I am on soft foods (my NUT and surgeon let me pass the puree stage). I have had nausea with Protein drinks, so what I do first thing in the morning now is take my Pepcid and the medication that my surgeon gave me that says "take 15 minutes before meals" which reduces nausea. Then I attempt a Protein shake for Breakfast so that I am off to a good start first thing: 30g protein. Some days I just can't stomach it. For meals, I now eat things like rotisserie chicken, sashimi, tuna, greek yogurt, low fat cheese and deli meats. Tonight, I am making the WLS famous "Ricotta Bake" and also making a new recipe "Huli Chicken", a Hawaiian specialty. I substitute sugar free apricot preserves for the brown sugar, so it's really healthy. Occasionally, I get an uncomfortable feeling in my chest and upper stomach after eating. Its usually when I eat too fast. I am now doing cardio (elliptic) 3-4 days a week. I was OK'ed for this on my two week f/u. I love it! I sleep like baby, and wake up refreshed! Better than before surgery. I'm only weighing myself every three days, otherwise I'd go crazy. HW: 239 Weight on day I started two week pre-op diet: Sept 19, 2016: 236 SW: Oct 3, 2016 219 Current: 206

Tomato Basil Bisque, strained. I love it. Just have to limit it, since the sugars are not super low.

How did it go?

@@megan1971, are you drinking Protein shakes? In the food you mentioned, I didn't see any protein (other than the wingettes?)

I agree that the term snacking is somewhat vague. Like many of you who already posted, I eat about every 3-4 hours, Protein "meals" which consist of about 2 ounces of yogurt, sliced turkey, cheese or Protein shake or maybe chicken. Usually fish for "dinner", again 2 or maybe 3 oz.

Who's spouse doesn't want you to lose much weight? My husband says not to lose over 30lbs. And he is very very slim. (Too slim). I feel he is undermining why I am doing this. Like 30lbs will not make me healthy. It makes me feel like he thinks this is a cosmetic choice instead of a medical need. In fact he had called this elective surgery over and over like I am getting a nose job. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App @@Joy@boman, Your husband seems a bit controlling. It's your health, your body. He shouldn't try and control that. Do you think it is an insecurity issue? I am lucky to have a spouse who has been my advocate since the day I went to my first consult. He is thrilled that I will be healthy and fit enough to join him in hikes, exercise, and just enjoy life more. However, from what I've read, lots of significant others have a hard time dealing with the changes. It makes me wonder about the dynamics that the relationships are built on. I think that in some cases the non-obese partner feels happy and secure having an overweight partner for many reasons. But honestly, it's selfish. It might be good to explore what your husband is feeling uncomfortable about. Losing you? Having amore confidant wife? Do what you feel is right for you alone and your health. Good luck!!

Welcome @@wyominggirl, @@sarahblu and @@bigjake_35! I have found this site to be fun, supportive and very helpful. Look forward to hearing your stories of success! Kel

I had a couple food dreams pre-op while on the liquid diet and starving. In one dream I went to Carls' Jr and ordered one of those big 'ol juicy burgers. I got in a car and started speeding down the road. I was trying to avoid anyone I knew. I parked on some lawn of an unknown house and was enjoying the hell out of the burger. Then my husband came up to me out of no where and was staring at the burger questioningly. I knew I was caught but played it off. Then I saw a police car go racing past us, turn around, and come back towards us. And I woke up. I haven't had any food dreams since surgery.

@@karen.del I'm glad! I posted for those who are going through what I through, fear of always being hungry. It goes away, I promise! Good luck you!!

Hi Sheri, I am 47 and I'm 20 days post op. I'd love to share stories and support!

Hi everyone, happy Friday! I was just looking at the back of my hands, and suddenly they look very aged, wrinkly and dry. I used to have nice looking hands, even if the rest of me didn't. It must have something to do with what I am now eating/drinking compared to a month ago. I am almost 3 weeks post-op. I've been drinking enough Fluid, so I don't know. Anyway, this led me to go online and suddenly I was looking at spas near me. Since I have been heavy, I have only dreamed of going to a spa to get skin treatment, massages, nails done, all that fancy stuff. I never go to spas, because I don't feel secure or that I deserve it. I think of all the pretty women going and getting pampered. So when I am at my 50% to goal, I am going to go. I want to reward myself and feel pretty. Even more than shopping for nice clothes, I have wanted to go to the spa, and feel "normal" there. I would feel so privileged! I predict I will hit my 50 percent sometime around April, early spring. A perfect time for a spa treatment! I'll treat myself since that's my birthday month. Can't wait to come out of this shell of shame I have been in for decades, and start treating myself now and then. PS: any ideas on how to rejuvenate my hands at this stage? Anyone else having this?

I don't have a physically demanding job either, and I went back after one week. I don't recommend it though. I had to leave early three times in a week due to pure fatigue. I would come home straight into bed for a nap. Week two I was much better and more suited for work.

I was the same way. Around days 10 and 11 I began to get physically sick from my protein shakes. Weakness, nausea, and discomfort with drinking protein. I managed to stick it out until I saw my NUT on day 16. I was then granted soft foods. Even though most the soft foods don't make me nauseas, I still get discomfort after eating a lot of them. I think this is totally normal, and I expect it to get better. You will find, on soft foods, that some goes down very well, and others not so much. It is trial and error. But if you are like me, adding the variety of soft foods for the most part eliminates the sickness you are getting now. Good luck!

I was, and still am a major "foodie". Pre-surgery my weakness as burgers, the big juicy type. So, now almost 3 weeks post op, I am becoming more creative in the kitchen. When I get triggered by an ad, I ask myself how I can make something similar but using healthy ingredients. I have replaced all red meat with fish, chicken and turkey. I had a terrible craving for Chinese food a few days ago, right after I drove past Panda Express. So I went to the store and bought chicken and made "sweet and sour chicken" but made it sugar free, and pan cooked it with Pam instead of frying it. I could only eat two bites, but my family ate the rest and loved it!! I am finding it fun and creative to turn the massively high calorie foods we see on ads constantly into low- carb, sugar free meals. So, Bring it On, Ads! I'll make something better!