MistySkye

I think even if you can, does not mean you should. Pace yourself. Fluids go down much easier, you will not feel your true restriction until you move to solids.

No pre-op other than clear fluids for two days before. They did suggest stopping caffeine prior to surgery. So I did that about a week before. I think starting weight can play in too it as the Clinic I went to does have patients do Optifast, but I did not have to. My starting BMI was just above 36.

Would have been 5 weeks from the date I contacted the clinic. But due to Covid surge canceling all elective surgeries where I went, it was 9 weeks.

I had it pretty easy. Due to Covid it was small scale (8 people), we hosted for Christmas Eve. I cooked almost everything. i might have even ended up on the low end for calories… There were no snacks to contend with. I loaded up my plate with 3oz of Turkey - then then a tbsp or so of the other things I wanted to try. I 100% did not finish what I had on my small plate. Which I knew would happen, as Turkey always triggers my restriction. I was much too full to have Dessert when everyone else did. I set aside probably 1/6 of a piece that everyone else had, and had it has a snack a couple hours later. I'm only 7 months out. Merry Christmas!

I did not want to spend a lot of money but wanted a good brand. I went with the Horizon T303. The 101 or 202 would have been find too as I don't tend to use the bells and whistles. I use it with the walk/run (I walk) workouts on Apple Fitness+ in winter.

I have been hungry all along, that never went went away. I just balance it by eating six times a day. I read about people having trouble getting in their protein and such and I have have not had that issue. Avg around 90g. I stay within the calorie goal recommended by my dietician.

I just wore leakproof underwear (knix). They let me keep my own on.

Thankfully my program is 3 “meals” , 2-3 snacks. But really, calories wise they are all very equal. My “meals” might be a bit more, but not always. The “not hungry” thing has been elusive for me from day 1. So I just balance my target protein/calories in 6 smaller meals.

@Ale2010 Just go back to the basics. Focus on protein first. You still have the tool.

Everyone would be 6 months out now I hit 6 months today, so close to the goal I originally told my surgeon I wanted to reach. Like 0.4 close. I'm going to keep going, next goal is to reach a "normal" BMI

Sizing can so vary, that the “size” really means nothing 😜 I had a bunch of “Large” shirts - that are now too big on me, so I gave them to an aunt, she’s like some of these are bigger than 2X tops I have. It was just the style, they were oversized, and I really was XL/2X in sizing. Since my last post here in July, I’m into the size 13/11 Judy Blue Jeans I bought - they are stretchy. I can “fit” a 9 even, but not quite comfortably yet. The 13 is getting a “little” lose, but nothing a belt doesn’t fix. I need to stop buying clothes, because I feel like stuff I buy now, may still end up too big depending on the style. You get so used to having that L in your sizing, that it becomes weird when you realize the M fits. I’m less than 15lbs from a normal BMI. I can’t wait for that day.

I’m at the 5 month mark…and it decided to stall out for the first time, probably because I made the mistake of saying I have had no stalls. I’m 0.8 away from reaching 60lbs lost. I want to get that number now! It’s a 12-18 month process, so I’m not stressing it too much.

The Loaded Taco are amazing. Just like eating Tacos.

I have an Apple Watch and installed an app called Mindful Eats. So at least it helps keep me to a bite a minute. I aim for 15-20 mins per meal. I was a very fast eater before. There are stil moments I eat too fast. At least I don't get the nausea or vomiting, just sits "heavy" in my stomach.

I had mine removed 20 years ago - I do not miss that evil thing. Even back then it was laprascopic. I can still remember the gas pain, which in a way made the sleeve surgery easier because I knew what to expect. Recovery was easy...and that was with me being in the hospital for a week prior to removal due to pancreatitis triggered by a procedure to try and break up the stones. Hands down worst pain I experienced was those stones.

@CJEE I found it pretty easy to find options. Especially at the sit down restaurants. I always looked ahead of time to see if they had something I could eat. Sometimes it might be a Turkey sandwich …but I just ate the inside (well what I could, portions are huge). A lot of places have chicken breast as an option with the kids meals. If my friend wanted the same entree as me, we would share. My favourite picture to post is this one from Saana - kids meal is huge! I just ate about 3-4 chicken pieces with the toppings and and a few green beans. We we’re staying off-site so breakfast & dinner we’re at the timeshare. I also brought snacks - like cheese sticks, Turkey, protein bars to the park.

I’ll be 5 months post Surgery tomorrow. .8 shy of 60lbs lost…which when I first talked to my surgeon I said I’d be happy just losing 60lbs. I am comfortable in my body again, but the weight loss will continue. New goal - get to a “healthy” BMI. I made it thru a 2 week vacation at Walt Disney World …where I didn’t lose, came home up a measly 0.6lbs. Lost 8.2 in the 3 weeks since I got home. So that’s a positive. The trip did not derail my progress.

I use the weight I was the day I started the pre-op diet (in my case, just clear fluids 3 days before surgery) My highest weight was 20 years ago... around 20-25lbs more that my SW. I was heading in that direction; and I never want to see that one again.

My go to 90% of the time .... 1 egg, 1 egg white, 2 tbsp fairlife Milk with 1 oz cheese ..omlette. It fills me up, gives me my needed protein boost in the morning. ...and can I just say I'm jealous of those that live in the US and can buy the microwaveable egg and turkey sausage breakfast sandwiches in the frozen foods section (my fave was the one at Trader Joes). I had that while on vacation, 3/4 of it and I was good. So satisfying in the morning.

I have not been to Italy since pre-surgery, but I was just at Walt Disney World for two weeks, and I was 4 months out from surgery. I focused on my protein, and I did have carbs, but it was not a lot at one time because I was full from the protein. I passed on bread, I attempted to eat some Naan, but I probably only ate 2-3 bites, and that was more than enough. One breakfast was Stuffed French Toast with Turkey Sausage ... I ate the Turkey Sausage, and the cream cheese, apple bits in the french toast. It was decimated when I was done. I haven't really introduced bread to my regular diet (it was not allowed the first 3 months on my program). For Pizza - focus on the toppings Although Pizza in Italy is certainly different than America. I only eat Poultry, so I have not had steak. But I will say, any food I did try while on vacation, I fortunately had no issues with (including the sweet stuff). I just couldn't eat much of it. ..and don't be scared of the scale, I lost no weight while on vacation, then dropped 5.2 lbs the week after I returned.

The only ask of my surgeon was to stick to the plan for the first 3 months. Which I did. My first foray off plan was 2 weeks at Walt Disney World - 18 weeks out. I stuck to getting my protein & fluids, but I also had treats in moderation. I did not over indulge. The restriction definitely helped keep things in check, My weight stayed the same. I went back to what I regularly eat once back home. The weight loss is continuing. I did not go into this with the intent of avoiding certain foods forever. I want to be able to have things on occasion. (Caveat - I'm not a binge eater)

I had to come back here to say that today, I am the exact weight that is on my Drivers License 🤣 86KG (189.6lbs) May 2011 is the last time my weight was this low.

Wow, the goal of my program is for you to get protein from real food and not rely on protein shakes beyond the soft food stage. I only have them now if I want to add to my coffee, or my protein is lower for the day. But it’s probably no more than 1 every other week now. I do like using Devotion Angel Food protein powder for things like Pancakes. I have never actually tried it as a protein shake🤣

I’m on Week 19. Had my first post-surgery vacation, at Walt Disney World for 2 weeks. I learned I don’t have any food intolerances. Yes, some stuff will sit “heavy” but no nausea or vomiting. I still kept up my protein intake so that balanced things out. Shared most meals & snacks, usually I can only eat about 3oz protein and some veg/carb and I’m full. The nice thing, I’m only up 0.6lbs from the day I left. So, I’m expecting that water weight to drop off this week as I return to my normal diet that is much lower in sugar & carbs. Prior to vacation, my weight loss has been steady with no stalls. Anywhere from 0.6 to 4 lbs per week. I have lost 51lbs. i still don’t really have real cravings. I did pass up on treats I’d normally get at WDW because I was either full from regular meal or simply not interested. That was kinda weird 🙂

After 2 weeks…I’m up 0.6 from the day I left 🙂 …normal vacation pre-surgery I’d be up 5+ lbs. So, I’m fully expecting a swoosh as I return to my normal diet today. (As I had way more sugar & carbs than I normally do)