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SleevePlicationTalk Newsletter Hey, Sleevers! Summer’s over and we’re into the beautiful days of early autumn. No matter where you live, we hope you’re getting a chance to get out and enjoy the weather! Any activity you do counts toward your weight loss, health and pleasure, so make an effort to get outside and get moving. Don’t forget to take your SleevePlicationTalk.com app with you so you can read the newsletter and keep up with the boards! Here’s what you’ll find in October’s newsletter. Member Spotlight: We’re still recruiting! Sleever Challenge: Lend a Hand! Having a Healthy Autumn: A Few Tips for Parents – and Other Busy SleevePlicationTalk.com Members! Weight Loss Surgery: Not the Easy Way Out! Can’t wait to get started? Neither can we! Enjoy the newsletter and please feel free to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support. Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder SleevePlicationTalk.com Member Spotlight: Still Recruiting! If you want to be in the spotlight or you want to nominate someone else, let us know in the Spotlight Forum or send Alex a private message. We’re always looking for outstanding members to highlight! Sleever Challenge: Lend a Hand! We like to challenge you to try something new or unusual in each newsletter. The Sleever Challenge is a non-competitive way to push yourself a little further and experience something new while gaining confidence. Why do we ask you to post what you did? It helps motivate others and give them ideas for their challenges! This week’s challenge is pretty simple. Before the next newsletter, we’re just asking you to help someone. It can be any kind of help, from helping an elderly neighbor take the newspaper in to volunteering to give a motivational talk at your local weight loss surgery support group meeting to making dinner for your spouse even when it’s not your turn. This challenge does more than make someone else’s life easier. It makes you value yourself more when you see how powerful you can be just by being kind to others. Don’t forget to let us know how you helped someone! What did you do? How did it make you feel? Let us know how it goes in the Sleever Challenge forum! You can always check out any of the previous Newsletter Challenges and give us updates on those. You can always see the old challenges in the archived newsletters. You’ll see challenges on food, fitness and more! It’s never too late to try something new and exciting! Make It a Healthy Autumn: A Few Tips for Parents – and Other Busy SleevePlicationTalk.com Members! Okay, we know that the autumn is a busy time of year. If you’re a parent, your children are back in school and their activities are in full swing. You may be juggling work with your chauffeuring, catering and cleaning business – aka, taking care of your family! Most of us are pretty busy even if we’re not parents. It’s easy to use not having enough time as an excuse for getting off track with your weight loss. You might eat foods that you know you shouldn’t because you feel you just can’t squeeze in the time to prepare a healthy snack. We’ve all done it. You rush out the door in the morning and are busy all day. Some of these happen along the way. You are starving by lunchtime and grab a few truffles that make you nauseous. you dumping syndrome. You go by the vending machine for a soft drink that’ll make you feel sick within minutes. You realize at the end of the day that you haven’t stopped to drink for hours, and you have a headache and your stomach hurts. You know you should be eating lean Protein, but the closest thing you can find is pepperoni from the company’s pepperoni pizza – so to be polite, you eat the entire slice and it causes an obstruction. You start to depend on Protein shakes because those are the closest thing to a healthy meal that you can find at the company cafeteria. You don’t have to let a hectic schedule get in the way of your health! What can you do about it? Here are a few tips to make the most out of every day Prepare some of your meals and Snacks at the beginning of the week. Wash your fruits and vegetables so they’re easy to prepare when you need them. Cook some your Proteins - chicken breast, fish, seafood, lean beef and/or veggie burgers – and freeze them in single-serving baggies or containers. Cook up bigger batches, put them in single-serving containers and freeze them so you can defrost them when you’re ready to eat them. This is a great option for healthy side dishes, such as whole wheat Pasta, carrots or Beans. (You don’t have to make too much, since your single portions post-surgery are pretty small). Place snacks in single-serving bags if you buy a multi-serving package Plan your Breakfast the night before so you don’t have to think about it in the morning. Take the time to make a grocery list. It’ll save you time in the end. Using a list will keep you from forgetting foods and needing to go back to the store during the week. You’ll be faster in the store because you won’t get distracted. Sticking to a list will keep you from buying foods you shouldn’t. Buy ingredients for breakfast Buy snack foods Make sure you drink enough. Stash Water bottles in your car and at work and keep them filled. It’ll encourage you to drink throughout the day and you won’t have to take the time to run to the kitchen each time you need to drink. Stick a pitcher of water in the fridge so you see it several times a day. Keep healthy snacks at work so you never find yourself starving with nothing healthy to eat. Beef Jerky and canned tuna, chicken, beans, vegetables keep for months. Frozen foods to consider keeping around include grilled chicken and fish, veggie burgers and vegetables. Yogurt, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese and deli meats are high-protein snacks to keep in the fridge for a week or more. The more you plan, the better off you’ll be. You’ll save time and be more likely to eat well. And remember – you’re worth it! We suggest picking one or two strategies and working on them until you master them, then moving on to a new tip. Let us know how helpful the tips are! That’s a lot to chew on for this newsletter, so we’re going to end it here. There’s no end to the news, tips and conversations over at SleevePlicationTalk.com, so come on over via your computer, smartphone or Kindle! You can always check out the old newsletters, too, in the Newsletter Forum. Thanks for coming along in this newsletter and for being part of our fantastic community! We couldn’t do it without you. Have a great month and take care of yourself and each other, Alex. ==============================================================If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}

hi; I had to be on liquids for 2 weeks pre op and almost lost my mind and my cookies (pun intended)! I spoke with a bariatric nurse at the Cleve Clinic where I had my band put in and she said you can have creamed soups and yogurt. It isn't easy but it will pay off in the end because it gives you a mind set about a new way of eating. Keep up the good work, you will be happy you did. Jugazi:thumbup:

Hi there :w00t: I'm 7 days post op and feeling pretty good. The first 4 days were tough. I was constantly feeling so icky. But then one of my friends told me that I need to eat more substancial soups. (I was living on cup-of-soup, and yogurt). Right when I started to make my own home made soups I started to feel much better. (Even before I got the band, if I was really hungry I would feel very sick, so it's normal for me) I have been out to eat and had soup as my meal. I really enjoyed myself. Getting out of the house made me feel much better. I'm back to my normal routine and feeling great. I am having some strange aches all around my rib cage (front and back). Not sure what that's all about. I also had my gall bladder and many many stones removed during the same surgery 7 days ago so it could be something to do with that too. Or the anesthesia. I have my post op tomorrow so I will ask the doctor. I'm eating pureed food now and so far doing ok with that. I just puree the meal I cook for the family and eat it. (But a tiny amount of course; approx 60ml) I feel satified for a while. When I feel hungry again I have some yogurt until the next meal. Works for me I'm having lots of cravings. Like salad! I love salad and I can't wait to eat it again! I'm going to miss steak! Unless I'm lucky and have no problem eating it. Anyway, I really feel great and I'm looking forward to 6 weeks post op when I can eat normal food again :thumbup: I love this website and I have learned alot from it. Thanks for those that commented on my blog that I just started. You made me feel great! Ladybug

Toddy, I'm with you, my doc says I'm in the green zone, I don't think so, I think I'm just about there, I usually can go about 4 hrs between meals and that's good but the head hunger is awful, I mean awful and my sweet tooth gets me really bad. When I do snack its usually a low fat string cheese or greek yogurt but that's not every day. Nights are my worst enemy. I applaud the Govenor and for coming out with his journey to the public. Like you Toddy, I too still get physically hungry and have to eat...

Really??? LOL I actually think it's pretty darn different. The standard advice is to eat your protein (and the word "protein" in that context almost always means meat or dairy) first and then if you can fit in other healthy foods, do it. (As you mentioned in your post, fitting in 1-2 oz of broccoli around your protein, maybe, if you have room.) In contrast to this Dr. Weiner strongly emphasizes eating vegetables first and fitting in protein around that. He also recommends plant foods - veggies and legumes and fruit and raw nuts - ahead of meat and dairy and has fairly low protein requirements - about 50g compared to many bariatric plans encouraging 80-100g. (Of course he isn't vegan by any stretch and I've seen him recommend yogurt smoothies and small amounts of animal protein, etc. He even said in one video that he doesn't think that a fully plant-based diet is "necessary for the general population." So yeah, while we're claiming him he's not necessarily "ours," know what I mean? Just a good resource!) While Dr. Weiner's diet is "low carb" compared to our pre-op sugary diets, it's certainly not low carb in the bariatric sense. You can't eat many fruits and certainly not any beans and whole grains and still remain under 30-50g carbs. It's also low-fat. Difficult to be low-fat and low-carb at the same time! He also promotes eating in abundance instead of focusing on calories, a huge difference from most bariatric plans. You just need to eat your abundance from healthy plant foods (Obviously you still end up eating fewer calories because you're eating high-volume, low-calorie foods but it's the mindset that helps make a difference!) So on a spectrum with keto/Atkins on the left and veganism on the right I'd say he's definitely well across the center line to the right, while most bariatric plans are basically keto except with low-fat dairy and some wiggle room for beans. Sorry for the long post, Fluff - I am fully carbed again, having eaten an abundance of fruit, oats, and rice in the last couple of days that I've been free from my liquid diet. So I'm all peppy and ready to argue again!!! Heehee!

No not really, I haven't noticed any change in my appetite at all in portion or selection. I ate as a banster as I had my fill 2 weeks ago and still am doing so as of today just so to keep me mindful of it but to answer your question, no no difference. I still am going about 4 and half hrs in between meals and a late night snack of string cheese or greek yogurt if I'm up at night.

I had the same problem the first couple weeks. Try eating yogurt or cottage cheese they are both loaded with Protein. I honestly have no nice remedies. I would take the Gas X strips and that would help me with that feeling. There are still foods that effect me that way. Those foods I stay away from and then 're- intruduce that food back into my diet a few weeks later to see how it lands. Some food are fine and some not so much. It takes time to learn your new body. When my surgeon told me I might dislike food I would normally love I thought he was nuts. Turns out he knew what he was talking about. Sorry I am rambling.... With all that being said.... I know this is a hard thing to do... however, try to be patient you will get it all figured out...... Best wishes!

I make two weeks tomorrow and Im still on phase 2 until the 5th week is when I can start eating eggs per the diet the doctor has given me. All I eat is soups, water, protein shakes, popsicles, yogurt, broth,jello and cottage cheese. My problem is making sure I get all my protein in and eating when I dont feel like it and for some reason I cannot stomach the sugar free pudding when I loved pudding before.

Good idea!! I am 2 1/2 weeks post op so I am in bandster hell right now, but still trying to stick to eating well. Breakfast--2 egg whites, 1 egg yolk Lunch--1/2 turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread and applesauce Dinner--grilled tilapia, and half of a bacon potato with ff sour cream I didn't add the calories up but from all of the weight watcher days, I know I'm good. Tonight I will either have a ff fudgesicle or yogurt.

Hi- first take a deep breath- breath and enjoy life... now- make your lists... lay out your vits daily or weekly... done... make a list of meals B-L-D. post on fridge... done...\ the thing I found is some days I can gulp Water, no prob- next day not so good... so take it slow... while you are rehabilitating, is the time to get organized, clean out cupboards etc. make your house clean- eating wise. now plan a time to exercise... the way it works is how you work the program... like any program, you have to make the effort. you are "all in" on this- now that 85% of your stomach is removed... the game is to make sure you become healthier, by following the program. I have had a coupla speed bumps in my road -3 weeks out... my first move is to get over them... mainly eating... it's a physical problem - I still went out and enjoyed live music tonight and the sunset. now my spoon of cottage cheese and a spoon of yogurt are going to be consumed. Good Luck!

I just got my 2nd fill last week and I've been having a hard time eating. I know that's kinda the point of the band, but I eat 4 bites and find myself with discomfort in my chest. The food does seem to go down though. I'm eating slowly with small bites, but now I find myself wanting more yogurt or slidey foods to supplement the 4 bites of real food. Is this normal restriction or is the band too tight?

I LOVE tofu egg salad!! It is better than real egg salad! The website hungry-girl.com has some great ideas!!! I like the fage greek yogurt- very creamy not runny. 60cal, 6carb no fat for 5oz I also like the tofu noodles shirataki they come in spaghetti and fettucini noodle shapes- 80cal no carbs. <TABLE borderColor=#ff0000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=100></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=left>House Tofu Shirataki Noodle Shaped Tofu </TD></TR><TR><TD width=10></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I was banded 3/25/08, and put on liquid diet for 2 weeks prior (ended up being 3 weeks as I caught a cold and my surgery was postponed a week, not enough time to stop and start again, so I stayed on it another week). Up until 4 days before surgery I could have a small amount of lean protein, which I saved for the evening when I tended to overeat the most. I had either 2 hard cooked eggs with salt/pepper, or 2 unbreaded chicen tenders grilled with salt/pepper. For liquids I could have broth, clear or cream soups, protein drinks, fat/sugar free popsicles, fat/sugar free jello, yogurt, water, tea, coffee. I knew I would be hungry during the day, but my job is busy so I was able to ignore it. I found I do boring really well. Don't have to think too much about what is for dinner, just keep the freezer full of popsicles and the cabinet full of soups and broths. I even found a way to have cheese. If you heat tomato soup, and break up a couple slices of Kraft Fat Free cheese, it melts and you have cheesy tomato soup, a liquid. It really jump started my diet. I increased my exercise with walking and by surgery had lost 35 pounds. The rest has come of since then. Good luck with your surgery.:behindsofa:

I bought the squatty potty too. It has helped me. Puts the rectum in a natural position like you're squatting to go. You could probably pile some books up on the left and right sides of the commode if you can't afford the squatty potty but they would not be as stable as a solid piece of plastic. I had AWFUL constipation when I went from the clear liquid broth stage to the Protein shake stage. Another thing that people don't talk about is movement--you have to move your body to get your bowels to move. You have to have the Water, the fiber, and movement of your body. I take probiotics too. Since I'm not eating Greek yogurt every day to get the beneficial bacteria--I have to take probiotics in a pill.

I followed my surgeon's directions exactly... first few weeks, was broth, soup, yogurt, ice pops. I had no issues and was back to work in 1 wk post. op.

I had the bypass 6 months ago. For the first month, I couldn't even drink water without feeling sick. I had to get a script for a nausea patch that is worn behind the ear. I could only drink Peppermint tea. By the second month, I could only eat Cream of Wheat, and a little bit of Oatmeal. I couldn't drink Protein drinks until my 4th to 5th month, and even now, I didn't drink them very often. I recently tried the Carmel flavored Fairlife, and I do like that one. I eat raw, unsalted almonds, and walnuts if I get hungry between meals. It is my go to food. I haven't had a problem with it. Have you tried to eat Cottage Cheese? I eat that instead of yogurt, because I don't like yogurt, and it has more protein. I still have a lot of mucus when I eat. I have to spit after almost every bite I take. I asked the doc about it, and they didn't seem concerned. Oh, and if my hubby cooked anything, the smell would make me feel so sick, I would have to go outside to get air.

My program says 2oz of yogurt, oatmeal or cream of wheat, 4oz of soups. And I think for puree it's similar mostly 2oz portions and some up to 4oz but I can't recall the specifics and don't have my book on hand. I know in general they don't want us to exceed 6oz at a meal. And its ounces by volume not weight.

At this point...you are probably not getting enough protein...so it would be a good idea for you to eat something like that or a protein drink....Later when your eating improves you can move to a 1/4 c of nuts or fruit, cheese or yogurt.....things like that!

After spending the last few weeks documenting all my food/calories, I've realized that I'm taking in more than I thought. I start off great with a protein shake and a mid-morning greek yogurt or oatmeal and a light lunch. It's typically the small afternoon meal and dinner that do me in. Those are usually time when I'm eating with others. I think I'm overeating when I see how much everyone else is eating. What kind of daily meal plan would you recommend? I'm open to a variety of foods. Please help me figure out a fulfilling 1200 calorie day:)

Protein shake and greek nonfat yogurt for breakfast, lunch 4oz chicken breast,SF jello cup or low sugar Mott applesauce.

I usually have a protein shake,Greek yogurt and sometimes oatmeal for Breakfest is oatmeal a good choice high carbs PLEASE HELP ME with Breakfest tips

I really like Greek yogurt with Stevia and I buy frozen blueberries. I put them in the microwave for a few seconds and they get all juicy. Mix it all together and it's like a dessert for me. It's very yummy. some people put sf jelly in there too. There are a lot of things you can do to make Greek yogurt very good. And they do make already flavored ones, but they have more carbs. Tiffy is right though. the sf cheesecake pudding makes it taste very good! There is a good chance your tastes will change after surgery. Many people say things they never liked before, they really like now.

Oh my gosh, last night was my first night back at the hotel. The broth was sooooo gross! It just felt like I was drinking grease. I don't even think I'll try it again. We went to Walmart this morning and bought the cutest little tiny yogurt cups (with 5.9 grams of protein a piece). I can finish a whole one (in the mini size) and it goes down easy and I'm very satisfied afterwards. I have no idea what they're called... Just something Mexican that we found in Walmart.

willsmommy, not all surgeons put everyone on the same diet, for example my dr puts his patients on liquids for 48-72 hrs after surg then mushy food for next 4 wks so you can heal, I will say mash potatoe and gravy is not on the list to start. you shld be looking at things like, a scrambled egg, yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed broccolli, carrots, sweet potatoe is much easier and better for you than white potatoe, canned boneless skinless salmon with a tiny bit mayo, you want to be able to eat comfortably and heal, don't overfill your new pouch, you probably wont feel any restriction for a while and it can be easy to over extend it eating the wrong thing. Your dr may want you on mushy food, but stay away from white starchy food, yeast and gassy.. go protein first,,then veggie, then if room fruit. right now make sure you mash, chew slow and very well, I would stay away from graveies and sauces for now too. You need to get use to just having the band put in and healing,, and your mind is adjusting to your band too remember. Good luck, but definately call "your" Dr office and clarify what they want for "you" on their program. then put a plan together for yourself. ok, goodluck

Thanks Tammydago, I too often get discouraged. Many from my group who had surgery months after me have lost more, but I know they are much younger, are lower BMIs than me, and my exercise is all in the pool and they are running and doing "boot camp" type things, which I am not up for now. I also choose to eat real food, not everything that's low-fat or whatever because I want to have my habits and portions reflect what I know I can keep up forever. I felt if I did all the yogurt (which I hate), no-fat cottage cheese, etc. I knew I couldn't sustain. So, eventhough I have had long stretches of no loss, I know I can maintain...and my measurements still change, so I try hard not to focus on the # on the scale.