The New Kel

Aww thanks! I do appreciate that, you've been a great inspiration!! 🙂

Hi Mom2tess, first, congratulations to you because 53 lbs in 9 months IS a success! You're getting there, and wow, do I know about stalls. My formula has been low carb, higher protein. I wasn't counting calories or fat for 8 months, until I hit 147 lbs and a major 8 week stall. At that point my nutritionist told me that at my new smaller size I had to start considering that I only need 1700 calories a day. (A bit more if I exercise). I had gotten used to eating any and all protein like peanut butters, mixed nuts and lots of cheeses. I am now eating those in moderation, since they are so high in calories. What was happening was I was eating more than 1800 calories even on no exercise days. Another thing is that I like a glass of white wine at night. Now I am mixing a small glass with seltzer water and it's refreshing and saving on unnecessary empty calories. Another thing I did to boost the final few pounds off is I stared eating only lean cuts of chicken and turkey, stopped red meats and even eating a healthy whole grain piece of bread once a day! Since doing so the stall ended. So I guess what it is, is that I have balanced my diet to a regular healthy rather than a dense calorie protein anything goes diet. These slight changes not only are working but I feel better all day. I feel like I eat like a normal (healthy) person again, fruits, veggies, occasional whole grains, and lean protein. As for water I drink about 60-75 oz a day. I do cardio approx 3x a week. Sometimes I hike instead. 🙂

I forgot to mention- in regards to dumping. It has only happened to me twice in 9 months. Once with a protein shake and once with steak. Both times, I drank or ate WAY too fast. I'm a wolfer by nature, and I alway eat too fast, still to this day. You have to learn to slow way down and chew, chew, chew! Something I haven't mastered yet!

I am 9 months post op. You pose a valid and common question, about what we have to give up forever. Everyone will travel a unique journey but for me, I could technically eat anything I want without getting ill now, however, I literally do not want to. My body now craves the better proteins and good fuels. In the early stages post op I did crave the bad stuff: bad carbs, etc. But I chose not to eat them, at all. Now it's just a lifestyle and I'm not even tempted to go back. I don't eat any sugars except for natural sugars in fruit, and I stay away from all white, refined flour and most processed carbs. You mentioned chocolate, and I found that Lilly's no sugar added chocolate bar is the bomb! I only eat a little piece at a time with a spoon of peanut butter now and then, and it's delish! (In fact I have to HIDE it from my kids or else they will devour it!!) I also still enjoy coffee. My surgeon and my nutritionist both told me to give up coffee but it is the one vice I held onto, and I've been successful regardless. (not telling anyone to go against doctor's advice, but just saying that I confess to having coffee every day. No sugar, just cream). Best of luck to you in your journey!!

I've been successful by avoiding most carbs. I'd skip the rolls, tortillas, buns, even brad until you reach your goal, and then only incorporate the quality, complex carbs, and do so sparingly. At 8.5 months post op, and just 10 lbs away from my goal, I just today ate my first slice of bread. It was whole grain, and I had it with turkey. I also worked out today! I feel great, but I wouldn't have (and don't suggest) you eat bread early on. Carbs are way too addictive and plus they take up and waste. valuable space in your tummy.

Wow!! You look truly amazing!! Great inspiration to me!!

Absolutely!

I love sashimi! And my body loves it too!

I've been making this lately and it's so good and satisfying! (Im 8 months post op so no food restrictions as long as they are healthy) BLT, but I use iceberg lettuce instead of bread. For me personally, I watch my carbs and don't worry as much about fats. I use crisp bacon, tomato, mayo, and iceberg.

I'm 8 months post op and haven't been able to enjoy tomato sauces because in the USA, they put sugar in everything! It's sooo annoying. I even went online to find a recipe, but it calls for tomato paste, which in the store has added sugar!! Does anyone know of a true low/no sugar tomato sauce? Store bought or recipe? I don't mind the small amount of natural sugar in the tomato itself. It's the added sugar/corn syrup/fructose crap that add I want to avoid. I found a recipe for lasagna using portobello instead of noodles and all I need is a no-sugar added tomato sauce. Why does the US have to add sugar to everything?

Thank you! I went and bought tomatoes today. I'll post results!!

One of the great things about the surgery is that it forces us to develop healthier eating habits based on actual hunger. As months go by, you'll find that your desire and dependency on food for mental reasons will decrease significantly. Especially for you since you are wisely in counseling. I had bad food cravings for crap food for about 4 weeks post-op. But those were mentally generated and after 4 weeks my body's desire for healthy eating, just when actually hungry, took over. I too was fearful of the mental addiction to food. But surgery gave name the tool to move beyond my addiction. It's good that you are acknowledging this issue ahead of time. It's better to know that the struggle is real, even though in most cases temporary.

We were sleeved the same day and have lost the same amount- I am down 93 lbs. I have had 4 major stalls along the way, the most recent ended yesterday. I didn't lose an ounce for over two weeks, in fact I gained 3!! Just today the scale finally went in the right direction. hang in there, stalls can be frustrating, I know! Looking forward to a summer challenge with you!

Hi Facebro29, my fellow Oct. 2017 pal!! How are you doing?

Man, I wish I would have been involved in this challenge. Anyone up for a Summer Challenge??? I need to challenge myself to lose my last 10 lbs!!

I would definitely get my neck done if I could afford it! Oh yeah, and a boob lift.

I can remember that phase all to well. I felt exactly like you. After 2 weeks pre-op then 3 weeks post op, I wanted to gag and cry everytime I had to drink a shake. The good news is you're almost through it and are well on your way to other stuff. I really, really missed salty and savory, and I hated the sweetness. I agree with the previous post, try a little bowl of warm broth in-between shake meals. The saltiness does break up the monotony of the sweet shakes.

@AngieK72 Wow, what a journey! Thanks for sharing your story. you've really been through a lot. Congratulations on your surgery! I can only imagine what great things are in store for you. I never had diabetes but I have heard many accounts of people who have overcome their diabetes and so many other medical conditions. I bet that walking and being active will be so much more enjoyable for you! For myself (I never had hip or bone issues but general joint problems due to weight), I now love being up and active. I hope the same for you! I can't believe how much better my body feels. My blood pressure is now normal to low. My husband used to work nights, too. I know all about getting take out on nights he was away. After surgery, I didn't want to do that anymore. Surgery is such a great tool to help us make better choices. I hope you post often with your updates. Your story is exciting and I look forward to hearing your triumphs!

@2-Liter Wow, your weight loss is really brining out your handsome face! You look much younger. I have the dreaded post-weight loss induced turkey neck skin. But I use vitamin E cream, and stay hydrated and find the turkey neck skin is way less prominent when I drink lots of water.

Here's an obscure skinny bucket list item. I know its weird but all the years I was obese I daydreamed of going into my favorite coffee shops in the winter/holiday season wearing cute fuzzy sweaters and boots. Just the soothing image of looking and feeling cute and cozy, ordering a warm cup of coffee has always been a dream. So this winter, that's going to happen!!

bacon, in moderation, is fine by my NUT. I only have this about once a week. I don't care much for turkey bacon, so this is a treat that I enjoy occasionally!

I'm trying to find a good gym in my area. The irony of this one is amusing.

Thanks!! I guess I didn't search hard enough. This looks great, I'll try it this week.

I can!! Its about 4 oz altogether.