TakingABreak

I feel your pain on trying to find something that checks all the boxes: -Low Fat -Low Carb -Low/no added sugar -Low Calorie -High Protein -Low Sodium I use the Gardein meatless options for my staple freezer food. I always keep something in the freezer as my "go-to" meal. It's hard to always shop fresh and eat fresh all the time. I'm usually pretty good, but everyone needs something that is handy and doesn't expire in a blink of an eye. As far as your weight loss is concerned, you are probably at the infamous 3 week stall. I would consider increasing your calories here soon, you say 450 (without protein shakes), but how much with the shakes? At 4 weeks I was eating close to 800-900, and at 6 weeks closer to 1000-1200 probably. For me, I didn't break my stall until I increased my calories. Also, you are exercising, which would be another reason I'd increase my calories. I always suggest to folks on a stall, to make sure they are logging all food consumed.

Splenda gives me headaches, that's why I carry around the liquid stevia.

@Sleeved in DFW :-) I think Blizair09 is correct, you probably hit a stall. I've easily went 2 weeks without loss... It stinks, but it passes. Good luck, and hang in there.

Yeah it is good to see you again, @FluffyChix!

So glad that things are turning around, even if it's just coping with your situation. Glad you are sleeping, and higher energy! Keep thinking positively.

I'm actually going to try something from there for lunch. Probably the green bean chicken.

This is probably due to your body being in Ketosis and/or from a high protein diet. Here some light reading if you want to know why. https://ultradex.co.uk/ketosis-breath-causes-solutions-for-bad-breath/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/low-carb-diets-can-cause-bad-breath

You could talk to your doctor about NuvaRing. It's inserted vaginally and shouldn't be affected by the mal-absorption issue. This is what I am using. I decided to go this route, because my surgeon specifically warned me about the chances for pregnancy with oral contraceptives after RNY due to absorption issues.

Doritos. I had one of those snack sized bags.... it was delicious.... amazing truly.... until about 10 minutes after I finished it and I was MISERABLY nauseous. Ps. the Doritos came with a sandwich, just clarifying that I didn't pick it up at the grocery store. And just sayin' I thought about it 1000+ times. Chips were my weakness pre surgery.

We have a Panda, but that's it. I've gotten their beef and broccoli, come to think of it. I guess It just doesn't hit the "Chinese spot" for me.

Orchids&Dragons is right, MyFitnessPal has the option to make "recipes" and they save for future use. It takes forever to input all the ingredients, but well worth it.

I can't drink tea without sugar either, but I use liquid stevia. It's calorie free and doesn't upset my stomach. I've come to love tea. I order or purchase all my teas from David's Teas. Some do have tiny amount of added sugar, so if you are avoiding all sugar, then pay attention to ingredients. However, they are delicious and many caffeine free options! I also use water additives (Sturr brand is excellent) or do fruit infused water. Here's a link to some yummy fruit infused water recipes: https://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/fruit-infused-water-recipes/

LOL I don't belch all the time. I'd say no more than usual, and if I do have something carbonated, I don't notice a difference. I belch with certain foods more maybe...

I had a longer list of co-morbidities than you, and my doctor actually encouraged the sleeve at first. I came in wanting to do DS, but he said he would only do it in a 2 part operation, sleeve first, and then if necessary, the DS a year later. This wasn't something I was willing to do, so I opted with RNY. He was a big advocate for the sleeve. I think every doctor is different. You need to ask yourself, do you trust him? If you think the sleeve is the better option for you, maybe get a second opinion? I think he's recommending bypass for good reasons, but it is a bigger surgery with different components that you will have to live with for the rest of your life.

I was craving Chinese over the weekend and I passed on it after looking at the menu. Everything I thought I might want, was breaded, fried, sauced in something sweet.... it was disappointing to say the least. Plus I don't tolerate spicy as well as I used to. I'd love to hear other's suggestions as well.

Normal poops for me too. I do have bad gas but no “shart” experiences. I go on average every day, if I am stopped up for a couple days then I’ll poop like all day one day and loose a pound at least! My poops are soft but not diarrhea. I used to have bad constipation prior to surgery, but I don’t anymore. I take a regimented fiber dose every day.

Walmart has an excellent bone broth. It’s delicious and almost creamy. Def thicker and more savory than regular broth. They have chicken, beef, or veggie. The veggie is my favorite.

Thank you 😊

Very possible!

Great job!

Lol I’m right there with you!! I would risk it all Meh... Moe's is better, they actually have ground beef and, zero food poisoning issues. LOL I’ve only been to Moe’s once but Chipotle has Sofritas...mmmmm!

I feel your pain! I keep my hair up but my hairline and temples look really thin. The worst part is I’m going to look crazy when it starts to grow back, it will be short, super frizzy baby hairs. Here’s a pic of hair loss from one shower in the beginning.

I have eaten sushi a few times and it hasn't bothered me too bad. It does sit a little heavy on my pouch. I usually get a ginger salad and eat 1-2 pieces max. I've had salmon, spicy tuna, and shrimp. I always use soy sauce.

Glad to see you are posting more...

Answers: 1. I'd say yes. You are having the sleeve, so the likelihood of dumping with sweets is lower. I had RNY, and I eat almost everything the same as before. I have less things like pizza, pasta, or carb heavy foods, but I partake once and awhile. 2. Yes, probably. Hunger does not subside for all people. I was very hungry until I went to soft foods. After that, the hunger was very manageable, and easily diminished with a protein dense snack. 3. You should be able to take your medication just fine. However, I would review your medication list with your surgeon and your PCP prior to surgery. A lot of times you can get off of BP meds after surgery. If they don't automatically take you off of this, I would invest in a portable blood pressure cuff and keep a close eye on it. 4. I honestly don't know the answer to this, I would think that prolonged periods of little calories (like in the first 2 weeks) could have an impact on health. However, I am 5 months post op, and I eat close to 1200 calories a day now, which is absolutely fine and healthy for someone like me.