IveGotThePower

I did 5:30 last evening to 9:30 this morning and cut off at 5:00 tonight. This is totally doable. If nothing else my night time snacking will be alleviated. Going to try to stick to this plan for a few weeks and see how things go. I would love to hear anyone else's long term experiences. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I like the after dinner idea. That does sound easier. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I agree. No need to do it for quite a while. I am readinng the book The Obesity Code and it makes a lot of sense. Been stalled and finding my balance since about 10 months post op. Now I want to see if I can loose a bit more. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks Outsidematchinginside. I may give this a go

Agreed. I can't imagine not having cheese in my diet. I have no digestion issues with it either and have lost 93 lbs while enjoying lots of high fat dairy. I have read that there are several variations of Paleo and that you can modify it to what works for you. Some people include beans, some dairy and some include certain sweeteners.

Yep. I froze for a few months. It was almost painful to go to the grocery store without a sweater b/c I was so cold. Had to run in and hurry to get out before I turned into an icicle...lol But at 15 months out and with my weight leveled out, I don't have the issue so much now.

Have you tried the Real Good Pizza? I have made my own chicken crust pizza and it was pretty good. I almost bought these, but waiting for reviews.

This is one of the posts that I like.

I thought no carbonated drinks ever until I saw my nut last week. She said at this stage (15 months), that she did not have a problem with certain carbonated drinks without the junk in them. So, per her recommendation I tried Aquafina sparkling mango pineapple in a can. I used a straw and had no issues. It has 2 ingredients - Sparkling water and natural flavor. 0 calories. It's a nice refreshing change that I am enjoying.

I agree with the previous posts and wanted to add something I wish I had done. Take some video of yourself. Full body. Maybe turning around and talking to your future self. I did photos, measurements and pictures along the way, but wish I had that first video. I do keep a journal at the suggestion of my program nurse. I started it when I started the program (6 months before surgery). I do go back and read it and I add to it every few weeks with my new measurements/weight. It helps to keep your head in the game and focused and to see how far you've come. I also recommend if you can get a nutritionist who specializes in Bariatric patients. I have one and at 15 months out, I absolutely need her as much as I did in the beginning. The sleeve is only a tool. It is one piece of the puzzle. Your journey WILL be a head game also. You are taking drastic measures. Don't be afraid to seek additional help if you start to struggle. This is a long term process and you will need many other tools to make and keep yourself successful. Welcome aboard, we all wish you the success you seek. Keep us posted

I like Syntrax. I did a lot of the fuzzy navel. It tastes like orange juice to me. Also did a lot of chocolate truffle. I still do them here and there, but I add chia seeds, and coffee extract (chameleon) and ice and make a chocolate coffee smoothie. Sometimes I use Fairlife Milk also for the chocolate truffle. The fuzzy navel is nice because sometimes I want more of a fruity protein drink rather than a milky type drink. Amazon sells them. I also use Vega protein mixed w/frozen berries, ice and chia seeds. Sometimes I'll add a banana or touch of honey. I don't know if the Vega protein is acceptable for early on, but I like the berry flavor.

Yes, just made the skillet pizza for the first time 30 mins ago. I've seen the videos also. It was easy, quick and had the crunch I have been missing w/o the carbs. Google the videos and when you are ready, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Congratulations on your loss so far. I would say to follow the rules you were given. That is so important. Also if you have access to a nutritionist who specializes in bariatrics, that can be very helpful. I have seen mine for over 15 months and consider her to be a huge help and motivator. I would also read and start planning your phases so you move through them with ease and confidence. You are just beginning there is so much to learn and a lot of work to do. But this time you have a new powerful tool. You can do this. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I had tightened behind one leg while in the hospital. They did an ultrasound and found nothing. It went away quickly. I would tell your surgeon just to be safe. May be nothing, but you want to rule out other possibilities so you can move forward without worrying. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

You bring up a very interesting point. I was doing research on the Keytogenic diet and the one thing I couldn't wrap my head around was that if I ate one apple, I would probably go over my carbohydrate limit for the day. It didn't make sense to exclude this and other nutritious foods from my diet. I lean more towards Paleo now. Always learning

Congratulations on your success. You look amazing! Thank you for posting your experience. It means a lot to hear from someone who is as far out as you. I am 15 months out today and am at a stage where I feel like I am finding my balance. I could certainly loose more, but keeping what I already lost off is my biggest priority. So I see a nut and am learning as much as I can along my journey. Your story is inspirational

Agreed, meal planning/prep can get old. I do Paleo recipes and low carb on YouTube along with Keto. These keep it fun and interesting. And theworldaccordingtoeggface.com is a great website. Keep on keeping on. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 15 months out and am very happy with my sleeve. I have learned that the sleeve is not the answer, but it is part of the answer. This is a head game. Do a lot of research. Go to meetings, talk with professionals, read books and articles from credible sources and if at all possible get a nutritionist who specializes in bariatric patients needs. Get to a place where you are very comfortable with your decision before moving forward. And I agree that you should consider a therapist if needed. And be fully prepared to dig in and learn for a long time. I see my nutritionist every few weeks and have a list of questions every time. The more you learn, the better your success will be. The very best in whatever you choose. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Would love to hear your experience when you get back. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

So....where does the weight redistribute to? Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I have basically stayed within a 5 lb range for the past 4 to 5 months, but still went down a size without exercising....what the heck! Anybody else doing this? Seems my body is still changing, just not on the scale. I wonder if there is a weight drop coming... Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes, this is still tricky for me too. I agree with sharing a plate. That helps. Another thing I do is say I'll start with this and see if I'm still hungry. Or I'll say I had a big breakfast/lunch and my eyes were bigger than my stomach. We can't change how servers react, I think we have to develop a technique/dialog that works for us. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Holy cow, from 14 to 8! That is amazing. I was a 14, but now 12 for sure. This is a wild and wonderful ride! Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I just did a 7 day cruise a few weeks ago. Just before I went, my nutritionist told me not to be afraid of sugar. I was like...uh what!? I had been avoiding sugar like the plague for 14 months. Anyhow, I trust her and enjoyed ice cream, desserts and a little bread. I was surprised that I could barely eat one scoop of ice cream in a sitting. I shared 2 or 3 fruity drinks with hubby and didn't feel loopy. I got home and was 5 or 6 lbs up. Figured now I need to work on this. Going back to my normal diet was just habit at this point and it all came off in 3 days! My nut said my hormones have changed and that is consistent with my new ability to control sweets where I was out of control before. She also said if it came off that quick it was really water from the sodium. It is a head game. You know you better than anyone. Don't be afraid to trust yourself. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I do dress differently now. I didn't like the clothes choices (or lack thereof) that I had as a larger person. And now, I love having so many more choices. I agree with a previous post that I wear less black now and more colors and white. I remember trying a pair of white pants in size 22 or 24 and thinking ....uh No! I thought I would never look good in white pants. But now I have at least 4 or 5 and I wear them often. My plantar fasciitis (extreme foot pain) is gone, so I am having way too much fun buying and wearing cute shoes with and without heels. Could NOT wear them before at all. Might even be self sabtoging not loosing more weight because I would have to buy more clothes and I'm loving my current clothes. NEVER NEVER thought I would see a size 12 again.