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Here's my story: I am almost done with month 4 of my 6 month pre-op The dieting is getting tougher as I get closer. My brain is thinking of all the things I will not be able to eat for along time. I have been able to lose 15 lbs using Weight Watchers (yeah!!). I am finding working with the nutritionist is difficult because I have been eating a vegan diet for the past 2 years (no I have not lost weight on it), not because I like it but for health reasons. My NUT is not into plant based Protein, and wants me to add whey protein. I understand the need for quality protein so I have added greek yogurt and string cheese-- which I like. But I always thought protein was protein! I tried to eat red meat this past week and it just did not agree with me, it is certianly not worth feeling that bad and I don't plan to eat it again. Is anyone out there a lacto-ovo vegetarian and successful with their sleeve? Is anyone using plant based protein supplements? Thanks!

If you want to find out about a way of eating that is amost entirely vegetarian, Grab a copy of the "The PH Miracle for Weight Loss", or the original version of the book, which simply the "PH Miracle", by Dr. Robert O. Young. This book is not about Vegetarianism per se, but the principles it teaches in terms of eating make it a book in that category. It's about "eating alkaline", and I will tell you that this book changed my life, and my entire outlook on food and Water. HH

I would most definitely have her check for PCOS. I was tiny until I hit puberty and then my weight problems started. My Mom took me to the doctor out of concern but they just said it was a phase and to watch what they gave me. My Dad is a vegetarian so we never had anything other than chicken and turkey burger in our house and only because my Mom refused to be a vegetarian lol. I was diagnosed with PCOS until I was 28 and my husband and I had started trying for a baby.

My friends 11 year old daughter has been gaining significant weight over the last year. She has quite a belly on her, very round face, and thighs on her. I am very concerned for her health especially knowing what her future holds if she continues to gain weight. Her mother is a bodybuilder and strict organic vegetarian. Her daughter is very active, swimming and horseback riding and still continues to gain. I am wondering about PC OS or insulin resistance. Diabetes does run in their family, but her pediatrician that barely looked at her and said her blood glucose level was normal. I am wondering if anyone has any insight. At what age did anyone here start to have symptoms of PC OS or insulin resistance? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The first two items are the only ones I get from fast food. Though there are some other options that sound good, they aren't as healthy as that might first appear. Panera low fat chicken noodle Soup - 13.5 oz - 120 calories 1.5g fat, 1380mg sodium, 22g carbs, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein fruit and yogurt parfait from McDonald's - 130 calories 4g protein, 25g carbs, 2g fat fruit and maple oatmeal from McDonald's - 250 calories with changes below (It is actually 2 servings of oatmeal.) ask them to skip adding in the sugar and substitute hot Water for the cream add in the fruit 5g protein, 5g fiber, 49g carbs, 2.5g fat (That's a ton of carbs!) Wendy's apple pecan chicken salad - no pecans, no dressing - 350 calories As served - 570 calories Wendy's spicy chicken Caesar salad - no croutons, no dressing - 470 calories As served - 770 calories Wendy's small chili - 210 calories 6g fat, 40mg cholesterol, 880 mg sodium, 21g carbs, 6g fiber, 17g protein Panera low fat vegetarian black bean - 240 calories 2.5g fat, 1270mg sodium, 50g carbs, 9g fiber, 12g protein You can go to just about any fast food/restaurant web site and see their nutritional information.

So I thought I found the perfect lunchtime meal. Delicious, cheap, low cal and easy: miso Soup with sauteed greens and tofu or grilled cod. However, I have now eaten this every day for over a month. I'm so tired of it. So what is everyone else eating? I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a huge meat loving person. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

updegraffyou are not alone -- for some reason, a lot of americans do not know cheese from socks (though some good cheese should smell like socks =])!! I would tell you to go to a good cheese shoppe and ask lots of questions. Processed cheese is a lot of the stuff you will find in a grocery store... a lot of the mainstream cheddar, and like 2911plans said, velveeta and "american" --aptly named-- cheese are not really even cheese, but "cheese product" - kinda like the stuff you'd get out of a can. a lot of good cheese is brought here by other countries, and in more recent years, you can find really great cheeses made in the US -- especially from Vermont. I try to buy cheese that I know isn't made from factory farmed animals (animals kept in horribly tight spaces and not treated right, to say the least) and also ones without rennet, which is an animal product, but you can get vegetable rennet... but I am a vegetarian which is why I don't want to eat rennet... Also, if you get cheese made by animals who are treated right, from a smaller farm, it's going to taste much better... You can get non-processed cheeses in a lot of grocery stores, but I recommend going to a cheese shoppe at least to learn about them. There are endless amounts of cheese - from cheddar, to gouda, to bleu, to ...it's endless. Enjoy your learning! P.S. - as a general rule, it's much healthier for you to eat non-processed foods of any kind... start with whole foods (not the store, just whole ingredients) and make your own wonderful foods, or if going to a restaurant, a place that is real food - not fast food (and also fast food is really bad because of all of the red meat - red meat causes colon cancer among other things)... oh one other thing -- these days there are a lot more pre-made foods that ARE healthy... like things from Kashi

Hi i just got banded 6 days ago and id like to start planning my shopping menu..Does anyone have any ideas for all my stages .. started my journey at 245lb im 5'2.. im now 213 but im starving ....but im gonna keep to it and stay positive..I have a great fiance...

I'm glad I found and read this whole thread before posting. I will likely go with the 90%/90% approach. I have done all low carb before, and it led to a binge. I lost 100 pounds through low carb and Hcg, and eventually felt like I "deserved" cake and McDonalds, and of course, gained half back. I was SO tired of punishing myself. I LOVE healthy foods...all kinds of fruit, every veggie, some vegetarian options, wheaty/healthy tasting things, all of that. I can do without Doritos, but I think getting yelled at over a mango or oven roasted potato wedges or chick peas is CRAZY and SUPER unhealthy! I am only almost 3 weeks out, but I don't want to obsess over food anymore, eating it or not eating it. I want to focus on my family, friends, and living a life free of food addictions. For everyone who is relaxed and regains, I have seen the post of someone who was super-strict and then regains. I just wish everyone well. And remember, if you are super-relaxed, and it's not working, it's never too late to revert to Atkins induction-style eating!

I have Kidney Function tests annually, a full CBC, Liver function etc, This is because I have one Kidney and a fatty liver. Also a thing called MGUS. Anyway, my nephrologist, hematologist, both told me, as a Kidney Donor, avoid red meat. Eat any animal meat rarely if ever, but especially red meat. I am close to being a pesca-vegetarian, but eat meat occasionally. The RNY reduces the amount of protein we adsorb, so I think we should stick to whatever our program or surgeon recommends. Ask your Dr to include Kidney function tests in your next blood work, and do so annually. That should help alleviate your concern.

I eat more like a vegetarian now - I eat a lot of chicken and fish. I don't really have red meat that often at all, maybe 2x a month. I used to eat red meat all the time! I have said that I could never be a vegetarian lol. It's not really on purpose I just don't crave it and it sickens me a little with the fat content in hamburger meat while cooking it in the pan.

I think we have to change our mindsets about ‘dieting’ on this journey. I don’t follow a particular ‘diet’ or consider that I’m on a diet anymore. ‘Diet’ has such a negative connotation & has been a negative experience especially to those who’ve struggled with obesity like we have. I look at my food choices as just how I eat, what I eat, what I don’t eat or what I rarely eat. It’s not a temporary thing but a lifetime change. Honestly, I never really had cravings. Sure, some days I’d think oh some ice cream would be nice or those chips looks yummy. I never craved them as if I’d go crazy if I didn’t have any but if they were there I’d eat them. So, like @kelly Lake, I stopped keeping any unhealthy snacks in my house. If it’s not there I can’t eat it. I cut out a lot of sugar too & that includes artificial sweeteners & sugar alternatives. It’s hard because artificial sweeteners are in so many foods which is why I try to prep & cook my own food. If I do eat anything sweet now, which I do on very rare occasions, it tastes super, crazy sweet. Take the time after surgery while you’re losing & first in maintenance to research & introduce healthier & more nutritious food options, methods of cooking, etc. You may decide to become a vegetarian or vegan. (Wouldn't work in my family we’re big carnivores 😆.) Then work out what works for you to maintain your weight & still allows you to enjoy your life. You’ve mentioned how many sleevers have regained some or all of their weight. I would expect they had returned to their old pre surgery ways of eating & food choices & had not dealt with any emotional issues that may have driven them to eat & that includes cravings. I don’t know what the future will bring. I accept I’m a weak human & there’ll be many, many days when I may be tempted. But I’m going to work damn hard to keep on my new path. (Keep thee behind me Satan - lol.)

Today I went to costco. One of the "demo products" was a new Protein shake powder that was the best I have ever had so far, by far! I recommend it highly. I came right home and whipped up a delicious chocolate shake that far surpassed any others I have ever had. (And I have tried many.) Please try it if you have the desire and motivation. I would be interested to know what others think. Here is the information from the Costco website: http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=11758117&search=vitamin+shake+mix&Mo=1&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search〈=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=vitamin+shake+mix&Ntt=vitamin+shake+mix&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1 Nature's Bounty® Optimal Solutions® Complete Vitamin Shake Mix is a new and exciting way to get the nutrients you need. Each serving provides important protein, Fiber, B Vitamins, antioxidants, electrolytes, prebiotics, Probiotics and more! Energy Metabolism† - Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12 along with Niacin and Folic Acid Immune Health† - Vitamin C & D Bone Health† - Calcium and Vitamin D Digestive Health† - Probioguard™ proprietary probiotic blend & digestive enzyme blend Cell Growth & Function† - Complete profile of Amino Acids hair, Skin and Nail Health† - Biotin Contains balanced electrolytes and Omega-3 Gluten Free Excellent Source of Fiber - 5 grams per serving Excellent Source of Protein - 15 grams per serving Optimal Solutions® Shake is composed of a proprietary blend of protein. Each serving contains 15 grams or protein and provides 100% daily value of all B Vitamins along with prebiotics, probiotics and enzymes, to support energy metabolism and digestive health.† The B Vitamin Biotin also supports the health of hair, skin and nails.† Optimal Solutions® Shake is an excellent source of fiber, at 5 grams per serving, and promotes intestinal and colon health.† One serving of Optimal Solutions® Shake also provides 800 IU of Vitamin D, twice the recommended daily value for Vitamin D, which supports immune and bone health.† †This statement has not been evaluated by the food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Directions: Mix two (2) scoops (33 grams) with 8 ounces of Water. To increase the protein content to more than 20 grams per serving and enjoy a creamy texture, mix with 8 ounces of skim milk. Shake can also be enjoyed by mixing with your favorite vegetarian milk alternative. Best served cold. Supplement Facts: Serving Size: 2 Scoops (33 grams) Servings Per Container: About 27 Amount Per Serving - % Daily Value:* Calories 120, Calories from Fat 20, Total Fat 2 g - 3%, Cholesterol 10 mg - 4%, Total Carbohydrate 13 g - 10%, Dietary Fiber 5 g - 20%, Sugars 5 g - **, Protein 15 g - 30%, Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)60 mg - 100%, Vitamin D (as D2 Ergocalciferol) 800 IU - 200%, Thiamin (Vitamin B1)(as Thiamin Hydrochloride) 1.5 mg - 100%, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 1.7 mg - 100%, Niacin (as Niacinamide) 20 mg - 100%, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 2 mg - 100%, Folic Acid 400 mcg - 100%, Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg - 100%, Biotin (as d-Biotin) 300 mcg - 100%, Pantothenic Acid (as d-Calcium Pantothenate) 10 mg - 100%, Calcium 193 mg - 19%, Iron 2 mg - 10% Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide) 38 mg - 10%, Sodium 140 mg - 6%, Potassium 250 mg - 7%, ProbioGuard™ Probiotic Blend (which contains 1 billion active Lactobacillus acidophilus, B bifidum, L. bulgaricus at time of manufacture) 850 mg - **, Digestive Enzyme Blend (Bromelain (from Pineapple), Papain (from Papaya fruit)) 200 mg - **, Flaxseed (which typically contains Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) 168 mg an Other Fatty Acids) 888 mg - **, Stevia Extract (Stevia rebaudiana)(leaf) 114 mg - **. *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. **Daily Value not established. Other Ingredients: Chocolate Flavor Proprietary Protein Blend (Pea Protein Isolate, whey Protein Concentrate, Rice Protein Concentrate), Cocoa (processed with alkali), Fructose, Inulin, Natural Flavors, Maltodextrin, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Soy Lecithin. Other Ingredients: Vanilla Flavor Proprietary Protein Blend (Pea Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Rice Protein Concentrate), Fructose, Inulin, Natural Flavors, Maltodextrin, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Soy Lecithin. Contains milk and soy ingredients. No Artificial Color or Flavor, No Preservatives, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Suitable for Vegetarians. Typical Amino Acid Profile (milligrams per 33 g serving***) Essential Amino Acids Histidine 329 mg, Isoleucine 671 mg, Leucine 1,264 mg, Lysine 1,031 mg, Methionine 209 mg, Phenylalanine 715 mg, Threonine 683 mg, Tryptophan**** 150 mg, Valine 757 mg. Nonessential Amino Acids Alanine 610 mg, Arginine 983 mg, Aspartic Acid 1,618 mg, Cysteine 188 mg, Glutamic Acid 2,450 mg, Glycine 5017 mg, Proline 953 mg, Serine 764 mg, Tyrosine 547 mg.

Hello everyone! I'm about 3 1/2 weeks post-surgery (sleeved on 4/26) and I wanted to share with you all some resources I've found helpful in tackling this part of the journey. Apps/Websites Labdoor.com (Free) - "Labdoor is an independent company that tests supplements. We find out whether products have what they claim and if any harmful ingredients or contaminants are present. Then, we grade and rank those products, write reports, and publish that information for free, so consumers can confidently buy the best supplements for their health." My surgeon and medical team has me on a daily multivitamin, B-complex supplement, probiotics, calcium + vitamin D, iron, and a protein drink. I used Labdoor to find the best ones for me. ***The top protein was Muscle Feast Whey Protein Supplement so I bought it and I recommend it. The flavor is really mild, like a watered down chocolate milk. It mixes really well in my blender bottle, and there's no added sugar. Thumbs up! Amazon Subscribe & Save (Prime) - All those supplements are expensive, so I use the subscribe & save feature on Amazon to get the 15% off and the supplements get delivered every other month. It still kind of costs an arm and a leg, but if you already have Prime it's really worth it to get the extra 15% savings, plus then you don't have to worry about running out because it ships automatically. My "mini-pharmacy" (as my boyfriend and I lovingly call it) is set to arrive tomorrow. MyFitnessPal Premium - I used the free version of MyFitnessPal for the year leading up to my surgery and it was great. I decided to go with premium after surgery since there are such specific needs with grams of protein and carbs and stuff. The main difference (for me) with the free vs. paid is that I can set more personalized goals (ex: 70 grams protein, less than 50 grams of carbs) and track the nutrients I actually care about; carbs, protein, fat, sugar and nutrients/vitamins. It also allows you to change the names of meals in your diary so instead of using breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I use blocks of time like 7AM - 9AM, 9AM - 11AM, 11 AM - 1PM, etc. Since I don't eat traditional meals/snacks yet, this works much better for me. Glow App (Free) - A period/fertility app. At my highest weight(s) I stopped menstruating as the result of my weight and my form of birth control (Nexplanon Implant). I would still experience some PMS symptoms but not menstrual fluid, so I had no idea what to expect with my cycle post-surgery. Since my period did return (just one week after surgery) I wanted to be able to properly track it and Glow has been fantastic. It's easy to use, the app is attractive, you can set it to "avoiding pregnancy", "trying to conceive", and "pregnant/nursing". It gives you helpful insights based on your unique circumstances, like if you have Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome for instance. It also syncs up with MyFitnessPal which sends your weight data - this has been great for me because back in the day, I would consistently gain about 2 pounds of water weight right before my period which gives me a warning it may be coming. Gadgets Garmin Index Smart Scale - First off, I'm a total nerd for data. I love charts and statistics and graphs. BUT, I hate calculating those things myself. I really enjoy math, but those things are usually just a bit above my level of ability. So, I really love things that figure the data out for me. So this scale measures weight, body fat, BMI, bone mass, lean muscle mass, and hydration. I find the weight, body fat and hydration most useful. It reports automatically to the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth or wifi, and I sync that directly into MyFitnessPal. You can set up multiple profiles, so it recognizes individual users. I have a profile for myself and my boyfriend (and also my cat because he likes to sit on it). Garmin VivoFit - A more affordable version of the Fitbit that syncs up with the Index Smart Scale perfectly. The reason I chose this activity tracker is because it syncs with the scale and MyFitnessPal and I don't need any of the more advanced features that other trackers come with. I love that it gives you a little warning light and beep after being inactive for too long which is a good reminder to get up and away from my desk and take a short walk. I also like that it sets walking goals for each day based on my habits. The app that collects the data from both the tracker and scale is great and easy to use, it even measures my sleep! HydroSpark Water Bottle - This hasn't arrived yet because it's on back order but I saw an ad for it on Facebook and wanted to give it a try It's a water bottle that measures your daily water intake and can report it to MyFitnessPal. Like I said, I love data but I'm terrible at recording it myself, so I like that it's automatic. Really the water was the only missing piece of my health tracking puzzle, so I'm excited to see how it works out. Supplements ***Note, these are what I picked based on my individual needs and Labdoor ranking information. I'm a 27 year old woman without other major health concerns except anemia. Your needs will likely differ, this is just a quick look at what works for me. 1. Citracal with Calcium D Slow Release 1200 2. Garden of Life Vitamin B Complex (Vegan) 3. Garden of Life Whole Food Probiotic Supplement - Primal Defense ULTRA 4. Garden of Life Multivitamin for Women (Vegetarian) 5. Celebrate Iron+C (Chewable - Mandarin Orange) 6. Metamucil Fiber Capsules 7. Muscle Feast Hormone Free Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate 2lb I hope you find at least one thing that's helpful to you. I'm a research fanatic, so if you have any questions about other stuff - please ask! I may have already looked into it and can share at least a little insight

First of all let me say that I'm really sorry that you are having a hard time. This process can be difficult. It took me two years and a lot of tinkering to figure out my band. I wish I could update my photo but it won't take my change. Anyway, I just wanted to know if your doctor had follow up care and nutritional counseling? If he/she did they should have told you about foods that are often difficult for banders. chicken, fiberous veggies, eggs, rice,shrimp, baked goods and meats in general can be difficult in quantities over one or two bites. I went vegetarian for the first 2 years because meat just didn't work for me. Two bites and it was stuck but I really missed it. It was very hard for me to get used to eating only 2 ounces of food at one sitting and eating out became more of a hassle than it was worth. It took me lots of trial and error to finally get this band thing down and I still have sticky days occasionally. I would highly suggest sous vide cooking for meats. It is a Water oven that cooks meats slowly and at low temperatures, thus making them ultra moist and tender. Google Dr. Simpson, he's a bariatric surgeon in Arizona who has a great website that explains why things like chicken stick and how to sous vide cook so you can still get your Protein and not have to live on Protein shakes. You can even look on youtube for some videos on sous vide cooking. Read up on it and try it at home before you spend a ton of money on a sous vide oven. The first time I did it I took an electric crock, stuck a thermometer in it, and sat there and made sure it stayed at 146 degrees for chicken. I cooked it for 50 minutes and it was so soft, moist and tender and IT DIDN'T STICK! I actually ate 3.5 ounces and it didn't stick! I've got 4 cc in a 10 cc band and that's pretty snug for me. Now I have a sous vide oven on order because I can't sit there for 50 minutes eyeballing a thermometer every night. :0 And because it cooks low and slow and never goes above the temp you set you can cook meat for 40 minutes or 72 hours and it will never overcook, it just stays moist, and tender. Many high end restaurants use sous vide cookers. From what I read it sounds like maybe you are experiencing the wrong foods in the wrong ammounts but it's hard to tell. To this day there are still a few foods I simply just live without but being 159 and a size 8 instead of 265 is worth never having a scrambled egg or pizza again! I wish you all the best of luck. It's just a suggestion. I wish you all the best and hope you find the aftercare support you need and deserve! Lots of love and hugs.

Yep, all I can eat is meat. It's called the protein-sparing modified fast diet. I am so sick of meat that I'm thinking of becoming a vegetarian. hehe That probably won't happen but for now, I don't want to see another slice of deli meat for the rest of my life. I have to do this for 5 days. Doesn't seem like that long, until you're actually doing it. I started on Monday. I go to see the nutritionist tomorrow and a urine test will be done to see if I've been compliant. This diet puts you in a state of ketosis, and ketones are measurable in the urine. I'd be shocked if I don't pass the test. I have been 100% compliant with this diet all week. The only slight issue was that I got a green tea (black, no sugar) from Dunkin Donuts the other day and when I took a sip of it, there was cream in it. I immediately stopped drinking it. I am pretty sure that won't affect the outcome. After passing the test, I'm going out to eat. I plan on having REAL food. After doing this, I'm dreading any pre-op diet I may have to do. I'm asking the nutritionist for ALL the dieting info (pre-op and post-op) at my appointment tomorrow.

Welcome! If you don't drink milk, you may be a bit limited. It depends on why you don't drink milk. If you are vegan, then the protein water won't work as it has whey protein in it. If you are lactose intolerant, you may find that some of the drinks with whey protein will be okay, as will lactose free high protein milk. I would recommend bone broth, again, that will only be if you eat meat products. Also, pho, hot and sour, and tom yum broth can be awesome too. I didn't have 4 weeks of just liquids after surgery, only 1 week, then I could have yogurt. After two weeks I could have things like refried beans, which were great. Will you be able to have purees? There are many foods (like bean soups) that can be pureed. I would ask your surgeon what they recommend for you since you do not drink milk. I believe there is a vegetarian/vegan thread on here you can check out.

No, I don't eat any red meat, chicken or fish at all. For protein I eat eggs, cheese, TVP, Beans and nuts. I never really counted protein grams, so I couldn't say exactly how many grams a day I eat. When I eat out I usually just order from the vegetarian section of the menu (99.95% of the places I eat at have this) And when there isn't a Vege menu to order from, there is usually something that suits me. I didn't become vegetarian for any ethical reason (I don't have a problem with seeing other people eat meat) I was just never a big meat eater, and I found that I was eating less and less meat as time went on and just thought to myself "why not just become vegetarian?" and within a couple of weeks I had eliminated meats from my diet all together. I am what's call and ovo-lacto vegetarian, meaning I still eat dairy, eggs and honey. There are other types of vegetarianism that are far more restrictive in what can be consumed, but I love my cheese and yoghurt, so I don't see myself becoming vegan any time soon.

I love sushi too but I think I will skip the rice part of it . I am not remotely interested in being a vegetarian I cant stand kale or quinoa. I prefer the Pure Protein chocolate shakes first thing in the morning. 35 grams of protein. My NUT told me to avoid the whey protein so I don't bother with it. I don't like anything raw and since my stomach is still suffering with this reflux, I wont risk it with raw food. I will be trying asparagus and cauliflower today so I will see how it goes.

So just a little vent... I think i have been pretty good on here lately with keeping my mouth shut. lol... i can think what i want... Anywho. The amount of people come on and saying they are getting them band to "control" there eating... ONLY.... Because they eat "healthy". People that eat healthy are not fat.... have you ever seen a fat vegetarians ... or a fat organic eating person? I haven't... Those people eat Healthy.... WEEEEEE are fat because WEEEEEE eat McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell..... Just because you go to Wendy's and order a Salad to go with your burger instead of the fries... Dose not make you a "healthy" eater.....What kind of delusional world do some living in. And i'm going to the all caps now...... IF YOU ATE HEALTHY, YOU WOULD NOT BE NEEDING THE LB..... WAKE THE HELL UP!!!!! We all needed the LB because we ALL eat too much and eat not the best choices. Be real people.... if you can't come here, in a forum, of fat and former fatties and be honest... what do you have too look forward too. I tell you what you have too look forward too.... blaming your band for not losing weight. I know why i have gainded back 7 lbs in the past few months.... because 1. my hubby lost his job and has been home and I have been making bad choices.... 2. i have been eating way too much junk. 3. I need to get my butt back too the gym. End vent... Peace and Love...

Some days I think I eat a lot too, but I weigh myself a few days later and I lose more weight if I feel like I eat a little more than when I think Im doing great. I do get worried sometimes, but I know that tomorrow is a new day and I can try harder. On a normal day I usually drink a slimfast, eat chinese food (only sauted), and then a little for dinner of whatever is cooked or if we go out to eat then I order something sensible. Since I have some trouble eating poultry breast, I order fish or some kind of grilled beef, or even a vegetarian dinner. Its all about what works for you. Signs you have eaten TOO MUCH! Or just the wrong thing: *You feel sick to your stomach *Your next bite WONT go down (like a dull knife stabbing you between your breasts) *You feel lathargic *You feel bad for eating it

Well, it has now been 1 year since my gastric bypass surgery. Looking back, the year really flew by. There were ups and downs along the way, but I wouldn't change a thing about it... well, my only regret is not getting the surgery done sooner. I have stuck to my diet, which is primarily vegan/vegetarian, for the entire year. I don't crave junk food and really feel like I've hit a groove and can keep this up for life. It's no longer a diet... it's simply the way I eat now. A year ago I thought a lot about my own funeral... I was convinced I'd die by the time I hit 50. Not healthy thoughts for a 35 year old with 4 kids. I pictured my parents, brothers, kids and wife being at my funeral. I told my wife I wanted her to promise to cremate me as I couldn't bear the thought of all the people it would take to carry my coffin. Happily, those thoughts are a distant memory. The stats to date... my "high" weight (I know I was higher) was 425lbs. On the day of surgery (October 1st) I was down to 404lbs. October 1st, 2016 I clocked in at 217lbs, so 208lbs down. I've gone from 56 waist pants and 5/6XL shirts to a 34 waist pant and size large shirts. I do have the much talked about loose skin around my midsection and inner thighs... but it's actually much better than I anticipated after viewing pics online before surgery. I figure I'll start looking at plastics in 6-months to a year... but honestly, I'm not that worried about... loose skin beats being over 400 pounds. Things I've done in the past year: Traveled on an airplane a few times with no worries about being forced to buy an extra seat or seat belt extenders... no worries about infringing on the space of the passenger next to me. Started playing ice hockey again in a beer league after a 14+ year hiatus. Took the family to Universal Orlando and rode every ride. Trained for and completed the couch to 5k program. The last bullet was a big goal of mine. I've always hated running, but I wanted to do something big for my first surgiversary, so with the help of my cross-country running 14-year old daughter, I began the couch to 5k program 10 weeks ago. There was a local 5k that just happened to be held on October 1st... the exact date of my first surgiversary. So I was able to run it this past weekend with my 14-year old daughter and 12-year old son. I really wanted to do it in under 30 minutes... which I just missed with a time of 30:34. My daughter finished first in the under-19 female with a time of 25:45 (4th woman overall) and my son (who didn't train and has never run anything beyond a mile) finished 1st for under 19 men and 4th overall with a time of 21:44. Bottom line, I feel like I've been given a 2nd life to live thanks to this surgery. I couldn't be more happy with the decision. Big thanks to my family, my surgeon (Dr. Garth Davis in Houston, TX) and to all of the great posters here on BariatricPal... I wouldn't be here today without the support and kindness all of you have shown through this journey... while I may not post as much as others, I read this forum daily.

Congratulations glad you maintain your weight lost. I was also planning on becoming a vegetarian. I wanted to know when does the weight stop coming off?

Dang.....I had a whole list of things but they are not vegetarian! My favorite snack is something I really never cared much about before surgery. Bacon! I love bacon now. There is nothing better than a piece of baked crisp salty bacon. Mmmmmm......

Chicken and broccoli with pork fried rice... The only chinese food I like but broccoli makes me sick...I had the foamies the two times I tried it...no pizza - wouldn't try it , chicken makes me uncomfortable , ice cream makes me nautious , living on salads , tuna fish , and nuts ... Practically a vegetarian not by choice ...in the end it's still worth it ...we will all get through it