Search the Community

You know our girl - I am so glad she is back - she is such a great motivator !!! Haven't you heard from the Navy doc's??? Well it's over now - back to normal - you gotta get back on the band wagon with the rest of us ... Ok gang - she's lying :w00t: She was getting hooked on Sangria for a minute there a while back on FB she was talking about it - I do good when around other pple on food - it's when I am home that I am bad - it's the closet eater in me Karla I am going to kick your freaking butt.. I think you need your meds ck'd - You are keeping yourself in a funk - no life's not perfect and it never will be - so get a grip.. Quit dwelling on the bad things and focus on the good. You have lost weight - not too far from goal - You had your girls home for Xmas - You are heathly (not counting your prolaspe) - have a roof over your head and a job and food in the fridge. I sent you that 2010 motto thing - I thought it would fit you to a t - did you read it.. Today is a new day - get the junk out of the house - go for a walk - I am glad you got w/a friend yesterday - that's good - You need to get out and be around other pple - or go to a homeless shelter and help feed them As to going to the gym - that was an excuse - no more excuses - go for you - those pple there can't hurt you - the only way they can hurt you is by stopping you from going - which in turn stops you from getting healthy.. I was thinking about you last night and figured you were in a funk cuz you weren't posting.. I wish I could help but I can't till you want to help yourself.. Now pull up those freaking boot straps and move forward. Make a plan and stick to it.. Ok off the soap box.. Yesterday food = popcorn - blackeyed peas - collard greens - sf yogurt - cherries = 1200 calories for the day Exercise never did my Wii I napped instead I napped on the couch till about 11 got up and went to bed - and was up at 5:54 (dogs) Going to get dressed - hit the gym and the go to the movies w/Debbie to see "It's Complicated" I will do anything to get out of the house so I don't have to deal w/taking Xmas stuff down Candice I agree w/Phyl you need to enter that pic some where it's great...

Well back from the gym - got bear & angel fed - my food is cooking .. Went to the funeral today - had a brownie w/a cup of coffee but here's the thing - I ate it with a fork - and it took me about 20 mintues to eat it !!! OMG it was deliouse - I think it's the 1st brownie I have had in 2.5 yrs :0) BF was yogurt/garnola 180 cal - lunch 2 oz of meat loaf 100 cal - and then the brownie (400???) - so so far I have had 680 - dinner will be fish tonite 150 c - spinach 30 - and if any room and with this fill I doubt it 1/4 c rice - I am better tight - I haven't be having any rice for the last week - Hell fill was thrusday so I was on Soup thrus/friday/sat - Meat & Veggies the rest of the week - did have popcorn last night - tomorrow is offical weigh in day.. Phyl I used my gps to get to the terminal - you will have no problem - once you turn in to the terminal you will see your ship - and ya 1 week at sea 1 little suit case - hell I took my carry-on just for my shoes !!! Talked to Kaitlin tonite she called me - she misses me :0) pretty good for a 15 yrs GD - I am blessed.. Well, I am pooped - going to go watch tv

Candice, the quilt room it DONE!!!!. I just love it, all cozy, of course if I had a fireplace it would be even better. Did the maga shop for groceries, so I am set for the month, did a little Christmas shopping. But I am TIGHT. Today I have managed to eat, 1/2 a carton of 100 cal yogurt & some veggie chips. I am going to try a stuffed portabello mushroom for dinner. It is just stress, I want my house clean before I go, but I don't know that it is going to happen. Unfortunately DD#4 let me down again. She was suppose to clean for her car insurance, but not. But at least she is paying for the insurance. Tomorrow won't be pretty when I give her the bill. I have some homework to get done & then I'll check back in. Candice it sounds like you had a glorious time!!! Phyl? Linda?

Janet, thanks for the suggestions. I need to get some deli meat, I think that will be agood idea. Anything 'creamy' (yogurt) seems to be giving me hell. AND I agree, it is the dehydration. This summer I drank at least 40 oz of water a day, now I am lucky if it is 8. So back to figuring out how to go about getting in the fluids. Linda, glad the surgery went well. Yep, babies are for young people. I don't know how some of these ladies have babies in their late 40's. I'll let you all know how the dr. appt goes, TTFN

Janet, you are SO organized!! I have never been to much into the picture thing. I use to be able to get an entire year of activities/holidays on one roll of 36. Fortunately, my children are much better. Yesterday I finally got in my 3+ miles. I felt like a bloated sheep. Did end up stopping 3 times to use the restroom. But this morning when I stepped on the scale it showed a 1/2 pound gain. I was SO hungry last night, I ended up having a bowl of blueberries and yogurt. I'm trying to tell myself that it was head hungries, but I just kept eating and didn't stop until bed time. I had about 300 extra calories...Okay...400. I assume it is stress, but WTF am I going to do about it. Last night was one of the first times I felt out of control. Hopefully the gain was a result of that bowl of blueberries & yogurt, otherwise, I am in trouble if I'm on a gaining cycle. It felt a lot like a TOM feeding frenzy and I haven't had one of those since my hysterectomy in 2000. This weekend I am going to try to get an extra walk in each day. Looking over the week of food, I did see some 'extra's' sneaking in. Tuesday had a 1/2 inch sliver of Huckleberry pie at friends birthday party. I removed all the whipcream. Tues & Wed, I only walked two miles each day. Saturday, I had 2 french fries dipped in melted cheese. Monday - Thursday, I had some broccoli slaw with sunflower seeds and dressing. I kept the dressing to a minimum, but the sunflower seeds are high in calories. So I guess if I look at it, I had about 1/2 pound worth of calories extra this week. I probably need to change up my exercise regeim (sp). I've been walking the same about for 6 weeks and I'm sure the body is getting use to it. I've been playing with making a weighted vest, some thing that will increase my mass to make me work harder. Payday, I'm going to join our local gym, the membership is very reasonalbe, only $25 a month, and no long term membership is required. It looks like a mechanic is going to take DD#4 dead Saturn. He is going to use it for parts. Giving DD#4 $175 for the tires and we will pull the battery. It is better than us having to pay to have it hauled aff. When they get done with the parts, they are going to send it off to have it dumped in the Pacific as reef building material. I kind of like that. Well best get going, everytime I close my eyes, I try to fall asleep, so if I don't get moving I will be asleep and miss school. Actually school is going well, the kids are bored, so am I. We are required to go over 'Procedures & Expectations', and at 45 min classes it is taking forever. Hopefully will get books checked out today, and get down to some fun science next week. I seem to be suffering from some ADHD, I just can't seem to focus and I'm hating sitting still to do paperwork or computer work. Sorry this post seems to be 'all about me'. I promise to be more other focused over the weekend. Janet, DD#1 has retained a lawyer to fight the unemployment block. She meets with the career councelor at Syracuse where she got her degree. Has lots of lawyer friends beating the bushes for a job. She would really like to get into environmental law, so maybe this is her chance. TTFN, I'm going to be late for work!

I'm taking quotes for a back alley surgeon that will take this damn thing out NOW! Wednesdays are date night so Lee and I make sure that we save enough money out of our budget to go out once a week and do something without work or my doctorate program interferences. So last night we went to Dave and Busters (which is like Chuck E Cheese for adults!) and I ordered some grilled shrimp, veggies and potatoes. Seemed to be going down fine until about an hour later when I thought I was going to have to turn the stools and people in the game room of the builiding into hurdles on a track...I was running like there was no tomorrow because it was all coming back up (sorry...TMI). Then this morning...yogurt up and out. I'm ready for anyone with some surgical skills to put in an offer I can't refuse! I suppose that since I have been dealing with a lot of this for months now that I can deal with it for one more month. Sigh...It's just that now I know there is something wrong and that it can be fixed and that it is just not me being a screw up...I am ready to get my life back. This has been beyond frustrating. Well papers are not going to grade themselves. Karri

Good Morning Linda & Gang You and I are the early risers aren't we - well it's 6 here so 9 there - I guess not that early for you :0) My dinner ended up being 2 100 c popcorn - 1 yogurt 100- 2 puddings 120 - 1 moon pie 130 c and 1 100 cal tiny choc pb thingie- I have decided that the 130 gave me more food than the stupid little candy that's 100 cal - I got 3 times as much if not more nd only 30 cal more.. pluse 3 gram crackers 1 with pb - so my total cal for yesterday about 1480 - but lets say 1500 not bad calorie wise but terrible nutrition wise I cooked my fish but had popcorn before it was done and I didn't want the fish - so will save it for tonite - It's suppose to be 117 today - I wish I could sent it your way cuz we are suppose to go to outside concert tonite - Michael Jackson Tribute show... It's going to be hot !!! Sitting here drinking my French press coffee - I love it but hate the mess of cleaning out the pot - I think thats why they invented filters.. That the only thing about the french press that's a pain - but the coffee is so good.. Everytime I drink my French press I think of you ;0) Well need to jump in the shower - Andrew has 8 a.m appt for tattoo removal - then who know what I am going to do for the rest of the day - til tonite - maybe nap ;0)

Phyl - you did very well on your food today... I am pretty sure Karri will take me to the airport on Monday.. Food for me - bf - greek yogurt 140 cal (pomagranite) it was good - lunch - pinto beans 1.5 cup - handful of chips - so far tonite 3/4 cup buttter nut squash - will have some meat in a little bit.. It's weird when you don't have to go to work - it's 8:30 i would be getting off the computer - by now - but since I don't have to go to work - I don't have to rush to bed ;0) Plan on getting up and going to gym before hair appt in the morning - gotta leave here by 9 - then after that going to Auto Club to plan Family vacation.. and that's about it for the day...

I was 3 weeks out yesterday and have done fairly well, but my sleeve is so picky I am running out of options for food and drink. I can't do plain water or any artificially sweetened drinks like Crystal Light. I've only been able to do Decaf iced tea and Syntrax Chocolate Truffle flavor for protein. For food I am lactose intolerant since surgery and can't even handle Lactaid milk. So no yogurt or cottage cheese or cream soups. The things I can handle are lunch meat, eggs, and baked potato. I can only take 2 oz at a time. I have tried tuna, chicken, and tilapia and get sick from those. It seems I'll have a really great day followed by a day sicker than a dog. Thanks for reading my long post! Any ideas?

My surgery was at Cleveland Clinic and they do not do a swallow test either (even though its mentioned in their handbook). I was thrilled. Water is a big issue for many patients. I too use to drink lots of water pre surgery. Bottled and/or from my faucet. I also did a lot of research. One wonders how can water be difficult to drink after surgery. But it was for me as well. Regardless warm, hot, cold or room temp. It just sat in my chest. Even the smallest sip. What I read and is true for me, you need to soften it with something, anything. Cyrstal light, ice tea, warm tea. When I do this, and I rarely use an entire packet I can drink my water just fine. I spoke with my nutritionist yesterday and she said, if I want just plain water, to try distilled water and I will find that easy to drink. Either way, she said, I will eventually be able to drink plain water again as I did pre surgery. I didn't ask her how long. I had an early appointment yesterday and since it was really my first day out on my own, I decided to run a bunch of errands. Its amazing how easy life interferes. By the time I got home at 1 pm. (I left at 8), I realized all I had drank was one 16 ou bottle of water (with crystal light). I thought about stopping and picking up water, but I knew its too hard to drink now. Here it was 1 pm. and I was far far behind on my Protein and water intake. My NUT cleared me for yogurt, but I didn't want to chance trying that on the road. By the end of the day, I just was kind of quesy so passed on introducing yogurt or cottage cheese into my day. I know this is a full time job now to stay on top of my liquids and protein.

I've got a grocery list started. My dietician recommends crystal light, propel, calorie free or sugar free drinks, broth Soups, and sugar free popsicles. These are "free" foods that you can have in unlimited amounts. Other foods like gatorade, reg. Jello, popsicles, light yogurt, or Protein shakes I can have in limited amounts because of the sugar. I'm not real excited about doing this, but the nurse expained to me that the longer you can do this diet, the better it will be for your surgery. Your liver will get smaller and be out of the way for the laproscopic surgery. I'm going to try my best! I'm going to the grocery store tonight.

Does anyone know about this lactose intolerance business? Does it follow through with the yogurts? I had some cream of potato Soup when I went out to lunch with my daughter. I felt like it was the only thing on the menu I could have. I spit the potatoes out. I have been so sick with painful gas and diarrhea, I couldn't even believe it. I finally remembered I had some anti diarrhea pills. Now I am afraid to have anything milk based.

My friend who is getting the sleeve soon sent me some info she got from Dr. Aceves office. I was surprised to read you can move to protein shakes on day 5 as long as they are made with water and not milk. I always make mine with water. Now I am not as worried about the clear stage. I am glad I am used to eating like a bandster so it won't be that big of a shock to me. I am glad to read you got your talapia. I love that fish too. Yay for the soft stage! Do you like cottage cheese? I used to hate it until my daughter told me to mix it with yogurt. It's good that way, and would be considered soft.

early on - i really limited my carbs and i'm not sure if that's why i was a slow loser in the beginning or i was just lucky:rolleyes: i try to cook as many meals possible on sundays & have my house fully stocked w/good Snacks, fruits & veggies to pick on. i found if it's not in the house - i don't eat the crap (husband is also banded). till this day i still eat off a salad plate, it more than holds all i need to eat to keep me satisfied..... i really eat what i'm in the mood for these days - for example: breakfast - WW toast w/cream cheese & smoked salmon / tomato, hummus & veggies, organic waffle w/peanut butter, greek yogurt w/fiber one Cereal, veggie black bean burger w/pico de gallo.....etc. lunch - egg/chicken salad in lettuce cups, sushi, Soups such as lentil / white bean chili, salads. diner - i like to have some type of Protein w/veggies & carbs (good ones) or a salad loaded w/all the "good stuff"....i do splurge & have Pasta & mexican food occassionally. snacks - cheese, edamame, nuts, greek yogurt, fruit. i exercise 5 days a wk - some days harder than others & i've realized on the hard days ... i will eat more.

There are a couple of different strains of bacteria you can take - acidopholous is one and L-Casei Immunitas - as I understand it they do the same thing. Here you can buy then in the supermarket. Usually near the milk or yogurt. They are big in Europe and are really taking off here. They make me much less bloated and I certainly am less gassy than I was before the op. I'm another lb down today! Hurrah.

We are doing enchiladas for dinner tonight!!! DH is having some issues with his esophagus, and we are limited to soft foods---so I thought this fit the bill, and would be yummy too!!! I guess I should get busy with it though or it will be midnight when we eat!! Mexican is my favorite too! Have you tried the drink of warm water before begining to eat? I am way tighter in the morning. I usually manage a half a container or so of yogurt, with some granola thrown in, but I have to push to get 1/2 in. By afternoon I can eat the entire container as snack and never have a problem! Good Luck!!! Kat

Yea, I tried to google it and it said to douche with pure yogurt with no sugar added with live bacteria.

Try these: Recipes for Pureed Foods - Entrees, Vegetables, and Salads I substitute for ingredients I don't have, like using yogurt or tofu instead of milk.

Looks average to me. I'm almost 8 months out and I can eat 2.5-3 oz of firm Protein, a few crackers or a /12 slice of bread, and about 1/4 cup of soft vegetables or fruit at a sitting. For example today's menu: 8 a.m.: Caffee Latte with 8 oz. soymilk 8:30 a.m.: 1/2 slice whole wheat toast, Yogurt shake with 1 cup greek yogurt, splenda, splash of OJ, and a couple of berries 12:30 p.m.: 2 oz. chicken breast, 1 oz. lowfat cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup vegetable barley Soup 4:00 p.m.: 1.4 cup greek yogurt dip (mixed with packaged ranch dressing), 3/4 cup mixed veggies (baby carrots, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and sugar snap peas), 1 tablespoon lite Peanut Butter and 1.2 graham cracker 6:30 p.m: 3 oz. ground beef, 1/2 cup vegetable barley soup (This is planned - I haven't had dinner yet) Lynda

for side protein I use Greek Vanilla yogurt (15 grams of protein tastes great goes down smooth) and for others I use the Atkins bars. I try to find the ones with lower calories but with higher protein. I just had a peanut butter bar one that had 19 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar...but has 220 cals...based on what I've ate for the day I was able to fit it in.

@planochick I had to travel for work on liquids. It’s not easy but a couple tips. I checked my suitcase and packed the single serve Horizon milks (1%) and packets of Unjury protein powder. Also bought yogurt at the airport and everywhere else I could and lots of Vitamin Water zero. There are also SF puddings that don’t require refrigeration. Packed some of those and SF applesauce in individual sizes. Hope that helps!

Mine is March 9. I had two weeks of mostly meat and veggies (yogurt and jello or popsicles for snacks) and now I am on two days of “liquid” which is protein shakes, jello, popsicles and yogurt. I am dreading dinner cause it’s going to be so hard to convince my mind that a shake is enough (although I was fine for breakfast and lunch so I know it’s in my head)

We all have such different programs. For me, it's the following: 1 week of clear liquids 7 days total 2 weeks full liquids which allows me to add yogurt, cream soups, and apples (with 30 mins gaps for water) 14 days total 3 weeks soft or what I guess you guys call purree (with 30 mins gaps for water) 21 days total So, for each stage, it increases in duration (one week long, 2 weeks long, 3 weeks long) Then at 6 weeks post surgery, full foods with certain requirements and at the size limits set and 30 mins before and after water

@BluesLily: None whatsoever. I tried eggs, no problem. Second time, cramps galore. Cottage cheese, first time, crazy pain. Second time ok until half way through. Pain with peaches. Pain with Greek yogurt, but not light yogurt. Fine with Tofu, until halfway through second portion. It’s random and VERY painful.

I had my surgery Feb 18th. It was a struggle for first 3 weeks, but now that I can enjoy some food it has become easier. I am down 32 lbs. I like to make my own chicken broth, has so much more flavor than cans. Yes, I know it has more fat & calories, but you need something in your stomach to make it happy. I do also have Bryers non fat fudge bars..this soothes my stomach. Water: at first I was sipping small amounts as directed. I am able to drink large amounts as long as there is no food to push it down and stretch stomach. I verified with my Dr. So basically I flavor my water with sugar free crystal light, lemonade country time and can easily drink 8-12 oz in 30 minutes if I wanted to. I am now eating sautéed soft fish with spinach. It digest well when your at 5 weeks. Poke is a good one too cuz it will digest, Cottage Cheese, scrambled eggs topped with tsp of non fat Greek yogurt. You can do it. It will be worth your suffering. 🤗