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It takes a while after surgery to get to this point, because early on, every food is questionable. But as you settle back into eating real again, is when the hunt is on for things that are Protein based, nutritious, etc. Im not going to use Labels here just the item. We all in different states and countries with different product names. 3 months post-op, or whenever my 'Food Phases" were over. I was so gung-ho, anal, paranoid. I bought the Surgeon recommended Protein powder, chewable vits, Water bottles, listened to all the YouTube video bloggers. Bought the latest and best workout clothes my bank account would allow. Cuz, you know, I wanted to do all the recommended THINGS. Be a good WLS'er. This is not a bubble bursting thread. It a REAL thread. I was anxious to get started on a normal eating pattern. And one my dietitian & nutrition agree would be good for me. I trust them, their professionals. In short, I was testing lots of foods (not dead foods) and either loving it or throwing it away. But after all this time, I have I finally have 'staple' foods I will never be without. I even make sure when I'm at a restaurant I have a good portion of them in a meal somewhere: vegetables: Spinach, Bell peppers: all colors, Mixed greens, any kind of Beans, olives, cucumbers, Kale, celery, broccoli, mushrooms and onions. Non-negotiable. Any other veg I buy is to go along with these staples, I'm always trying new veggies, like okra, turnips, cauliflower, I even try foreign vegs if available, most I don't like. But at least I tried them. All vegetables are welcome except lima beans, not so fond of those. Fruit: All fruit, except kiwi & pineapple, not so much for me. So the fruit category is huge. Meat: All meat, except cow or anything that comes from a cow (personal choice) Dairy: none, (personal choice, not really the surgery caused lactose intolerance, I'm that 1%) Grains: oatmeal, flax seed, wheat germ, millet, Quinoa. Whatever grain I do buy, thess guys are still in the cart first. Vitamins: Here is a category that has hundreds of variations, according to our doctor orders. But in the beginning I did buy all the designer Vits, WOW.. was that some expensive pee, it glowed for Christ sake!!..sorry TMI..but the dollar amount was to high every time I needed a refill on a vit. It was my dietitian who told me to research vit stores near my house, with a price tag I could manage. Good call on her part, more practical advice than my surgeon pushing their product. This thread would be to long with the other things I eat, and try, but these are a few my staple foods, I'm sure there are more, you get the idea, everything else is just filler. Thanx for listening. Another thread about what I drink, including cocktails.

Lol Cutie miss, yess..but I only ate like one ounce, omg i think I dont like pudding anymore By the way tmi....Miralax is working, I just had my first bm

I too have been relying on my scale up to this point. I did slip on a pair of jeans yesterday afternoon to run some errands and frankly was pretty disappointed. I thought that a nearly 25lb loss would make my jeans fit a little better, but they were still very snug which bummed me out a little. But then again, I am still pretty bloated from the surgery last Monday and my abdomen is still somewhat distended so I'm not going to freak out just yet. I got on the scale this morning and was only down .6 (yes, that's POINT six) so not even a pound. Since arriving home from the hospital I've realized a loss every morning on the scale but now I wonder if I might be at my first "stall" that I've read about from others here. This may be TMI but I ended up steeping TWO bags of Smooth Move tea in water last night before bed because it dawned on me that I hadn't been to the bathroom in a week or so. Of course all I've had are liquids since 12/30, but with the pre-op shakes I was still "regular" in that department. Since my surgery I hadn't gone, until this morning following last night's tea. I am wondering if that could be part of my stall so I'm anxious for tomorrow to come so I can weigh again and see if 'going' made any difference. I'm really trying hard to tell myself to NOT freak out and worship at the altar of the almighty scale but I have to say - that's easier said than done. I really don't want to get on that emotional roller coaster...wondering why my body is betraying me when I'm trying so hard to do everything right. Those feelings are so reminiscent of past failures with dieting...I'm sure a lot of you know what I'm talking about here.

I am doing okay with salads. I don't choose them often though because I go for protein instead. I can tell a slight difference in urgency to get to bathroom, but not diarrhea. Sorry, TMI. I seem to be stick in 190's. I need to pick up the exercise. I need to stop letting things get in the way of my exercise time. It's tough when as the Mom you are always taking are of others. I will figure out a routine though.

Not too much actually. Just remember you haven't had much really except shakes...down the road I would suggest taking a stool softener, I'm almost 7 weeks out and have had horrible constipation (tmi sorry). Getting 65ounces of water in on top of 65 gm protein is my struggle!

So I am literally giggling to myself while typing this up, but I couldn't help it. I had to share this. So I've always like to be clean shaven "down there", but it was always a struggle to reach cause of my big tummy and ended up being a LONG process. Last night I decided to give it a whirl and about 3 minutes later I was done! Woo hoo!!! I was so excited that it was so easy! Hahaha no more hairy scary monster!!!

I'm 4 days post op and I feel better than before. My stomach is healing and does gurgle alot and gets gassy but the gas has no problem coming out .. Burping is kinda hard sometimes .. I'm not constipated either. Sorry if TMI my first check up is tomorrow

OK, let me just start by saying, this may be TMI for some of you but I really just need to get this off my chest. Anyway, what has caught me by surprise with this surgery is that I’m having some self-image issues. I’ve always had self-image issues as an overweight individual but I assumed that as I lost weight, I would feel better about myself. And I do. In some ways. Maybe it’s not a self-image issue at all. Maybe it’s just anger and resentment? Perhaps it's a mix. I don’t know. The problem is this. DH had reached a point where he was no longer interested in being intimate with me at all prior to my weight loss. Now he’s enjoying my weight loss. He keeps telling me how I look like the person he married and how hot and sexy I am. He’s constantly trying to get me to have sex with him. He's always "grabbing and pawing" at me. He keeps me up at night arguing about whether we're going to have sex or whether I'm going to sleep. He wakes me up in the morning way before I need to be up just because he wants to have sex. Why is that a problem? Because it pisses me off. His disrupting my sleep and I'm not a morning person and I don't like when people screw with my sleep schedule anyway. I am paranoid about having him see me naked. I don't like how I look right now. I'm um, well....I've always been "well endowed" and never had any issues with sagging. Now that I've lost quite a bit of weight, the girls are looking all sad and droopy and deflated and quite honestly, it really bothers me. It makes me mad that he’s all interested in sex now and he wasn’t before I started losing weight. If he loved me so much, he should’ve wanted to be with me then, right? And if he didn’t want me then, why should he have me now? If I wasn’t good enough then, I’m certainly not good enough now. And now he’s acting all jealous all the time. He thinks every man out there is looking at me and makes all sorts of comments about how they better not be looking at his woman, as if I’m property. And I don’t like it. And I’m not even sure how to deal with it. I mean sure, I’m glad he likes what he sees but then, it makes me angry that my appearance seems to be more important to him than who I am on the inside. I don’t know...I suppose it’s just part of the process but I’m not sure how to deal with him right now. And maybe he just doesn’t know how to deal with the new me? Heck, I don’t even know how to deal with the new me.......

First night was really rough, but after that getting out of bed was easier and easier... I have a lot of built up gas.... (TMI). It's the gas they use during the sleeve procedure and natural one. I actually had surgery on the Monday the 13th. Trying to get as much liquid and protein down now!

Hi guys...Monday was filled with ups and downs. Came out of surgery in a lot of pain from gas that pain meds couldn't do anything about. Slept then i got gas medicine then I felt better but then the nausea took over like crazy. I was so nauseated I couldn't even speak. Next day felt much better walked around and then I got discharged. At home pain was worst from incisions but now I'm doing better.. Thank God for forts that's all I can say for now. I know that TMI but for future sleevers that's the best advice ever. I hope everyone is doing well and hanging in there...Later

My doctor told me to take something called simethicone as it's sole purpose it to reduce gas, and it's been working wonders (just since yesterday though). I can tell when it's time to take another dose as I start to feel like I need to burp/fart really bad (TMI sorry). I'm in Canada and it's called Ovol and it's over-the-counter. I'd ask your doc about it for sure as it works well.

This is the worst I have felt since having surgery on dec 10. Everything makes me nauseous!!! I threw up last night was up all night with sweats and other things that are tmi!! Did anyone experience this later on after surgery?

Past couple of days have been good! Then today I hit the bottom again. I have been getting all my protein and vitamins in but feel so weak. Also, sorry tmi but everything has been going right through me. So annoying!

Dorrie, I am so sorry you are going through all of this. HUGS to you my friend. Nothing is TMI in this group. We are here for you when you need us. Sometimes I just come on here and type away. I get my feelings out that way. There are times people don't even comment and I'm ok with that. I just need to get it out. I'm the type also, that hides under a shell when I am upset or stressed so it's nice to be able to come here and talk to everyone. Sheryl, I don't think depression has anything to do with 5:2. I agree with what Dorrie said about it. I bet if you put up a poll on the main page of the forum that you would have 90% of the people say they suffer with this. That is if they are honest about it. I think that those of us in this group feel much more comfortable opening up to each other rather than the thousands of people plus on the main forum and that's why you see if more here. How did the appointment go? Denise, who else wants to join? Not sure what to do about that situation. Did you remove the people from the group that haven't been a part of it? I'm worried about Laura, too. I completely understand needing a break but it's not like her to even get on the forum in days. Maybe Butter knows what's going on with her, they are close. Butter are you still here reading? If so, can you let us know how Laura is? I have some exciting stats to share with you. Things have really changed for me since starting 5:2. I will share them tomorrow though because I need to get my measurements tomorrow night. Today my trainer did body fat. Exciting news to come...stay tuned... Sheryl, I train with a trainer and do hard workouts. What kind of questions do you have?

Wow! losing a job is a stresser... you say you have two teaching gigs, hope the other is safe... best of luck there... it will be an oppertunity to make your art a carreer too if you want. I find its really hard to do a job, and do art as well... just don't have enough energy I guess. I just found out last minute that I have work installed in a giant great party in SF this weekend (the Edwardian Ball) So taking a little time off to deliver the work, then go down and party at the party... all costume, tons of music, art, plays and circus... been wanting to go for years, and just dropped the guy a line showing interest a few months ago.... you never know when the ship you set sail will come back loaded with gold! I am worried about Laura too... If you didn't know, there was a blowup on another thread with a crazy she-bitch that flamed Laura for something sassy she directed at a friend who didn't mind at all.... The creeper was kicked off the site.... Laura needs to come back and claim her territory! Girl! If your reading this! Don't let that creep harsh your mellow any longer! Before I got this surgery my doc told me it is common for WLS people to have increased depression after surgery/weight loss, and to keep an eye out for it. sounds like lots of salt.... I have been having more snacking urges... I think Im still getting over the holiday treat fests.... I keep doing my fasts (like today) and that has kept the scales in line... at the top end of the range today... but not lower end sense earlier December.... I know what I have to do... but finding the will to do it a little low..... No such thing as TMI here girl. Sorry you are going through this... Drugs and babies.... oh my. It is hard to let go, and let them live their lives.... especially when a defenseless little one in going to be in the mix. Just do the best you can. Sending best wishes.

Sheryl as a mental health professional I know that I have a chemical imbalance going on with my neurotransmitters. My body in the last two years has gone through a lot of chaos due to this extreme weight loss and then the daily fluctuations in my weight plays havoc on me also. But to be honest, we probable had a bit of a chemical imbalance going on before we had surgery and the food we ate was a form of self medicating. Now we can't do that and we have to work on the chemical imbalance in a more healthier way. By dealing with our negative thought processes instead of self medicating.. I know that for me I need to exercise. Today I'm going to the park and taking a walk with nature.... this helps with producing more of the neurotransmitters we need to feel good.. I have recognized that I have had a bit of a depression going on and resorting to extreme periods of where I feel anxious. I have to remind myself that I have choices and if the anxiety is about something I can't control, then I have to learn to let it go. It's not easy especially when I'm dealing with a son who just got out of jail, he's a manipulator, he lies, he told us that his wife who also is a dry methamphetimine addict is pregnant. This terrifies me, but I can't control any of this so I am choosing to stand back and let the drama unravel. He is making impulsive decisions still and his wife is even worse at making impulsive decisions. OMG I just gave way too much info. Sorry for TMI> But this is my struggle and contributes to me over eating... Have a wonderful day everyone.

I had my sleeve done on Wednesday (8 January) and came home on Thursday, after my leak test and after sipping liquids and proving to the nurses I could urinate on my own. (Sorry for the TMI.) I'm still pretty sore. Taking my pain meds every four hours as prescribed. I've been walking as much as I can stand to; my mom walks with me around the cul-de-sac my parents live on, although I don't walk very fast yet. I haven't been hungry, but I've eaten a little Jell-O and some applesauce to carry certain medications that I can't swallow whole. I feel pretty good, all things considered. I hope everybody else has as easy a time as I'm having so far.

I hear you all on this! I've been big/fat ALL my life even though I was really active. I was a nurse until I got breast cancer then my 18 year marriage ended, got back on track, worked mental health and then something less stressful, a Phlebotomist. Then 2.5 years ago I was forced into retirement at 48 with a broken back and neck due to some F@@k wit running into me! I met a man in that time, married and thought life was perfect. Oh, I had the band put in to help with weight loss for my back. Now, I find I am SO depressed. Nothing I do seems right, I'm in constant pain with my back and neck, I've just had shoulder surgery also re the accident, yes I'm on anti-depressants, but no matter what I do I can't shake this cloud, plus, I'd really love to have an orgasm... Nothing's working... Sorry, TMI

----hi Jaime I'm exactly 4 weeks out today; surgery was 12.12 Struggling with Hernia repair recovery and scared to really try more soft solids such as tuna and grilled fish or even eggs I tried thinned out oatmeal at one week out and it literally sat in my chest like a bag of sand -- and that was only one tablespoon that took me 45 minutes to get through My doc prescribed me carafate about 2 weeks ago to help with the pulsing pain and pressure so things have gotten Better but I'm still nervous. I'm going to try egg whites this weekend in the comfort of my home and see how it goes I'm getting in more Protein shakes and Water these days which is giving me more energy --- I was super super weak for the majority of the past 4 weeks I think I'm stalled at 210.4 now -- been here since Monday jan 6 after a streak of coming down a pound or so a day Started losing weight on my own in oct 2013 -- from 260 to about 237 Then surgery on 12.12 and now steady at 210.4 after 4 weeks -- I'm 5'7" My ultimate goal is to maintain 165-170 so time will tell; I think it's realistic with all the carb and sweet restrictions and of course our automatic portion control device dde09 I plan to start spin classes in a few weeks depending on how I feel -- I loved spinning prior to vsg and miss it dearly So where are you now? How's recovery? I was still pretty miserable at 2 weeks out; was even hospitalized for dehydration on day 11 and just came over a bout of painful constipation (TMI but I wouldn't wish that on anyone) Be sure to Stay hydrated!!!! Wow, sounds like you have been through a lot over the last 4 weeks. I too had 2 hernia repairs but my recovery has been pretty easy. My main complaint is that I HATE drinking the Protein Shakes and wish I could move into regular foods soon. I started at 220 and am now at 206, the scale hasn't moved since Wednesday so hopefully that will come soon. I was able to get the most amount of protein and liquids in today so I am happy about that. As happy as I am it also makes me think if it only took 2 weeks to be able to drink more I am sure I will be able to eat more too. I know this is a tool but I have read a lot of people saying that everything is going slow and it's a bit discouraging. I guess I will have to wait and see. Good luck to you - I also hope to get back on my spinning bike, I miss it greatly but want to be ready when I walk back into the studio!Keep I touch! Feel good.

I've struggled with that as well. People who don't understand often view any kind of weight loss surgery as a cop out. My weight loss began May 1, 2013 and I had surgery on Sept 23, 2013. In that time frame I lost a lot of weight. Whenever it came up I would tend to defensively point out how much weight I lost before surgery - like I wanted credit for doing it "the right way" or something. There was an element of shame about it that made me uncomfortable with sharing. I think this was more about me feeling good about myself than anything. Now I find myself being a bit more reasonable about who I tell and who I do not tell. I usually share important things with people who are important to me and usually do not share important things with people who are not important to me. The public (co-workers, neighbors, friends of friends and causal acquaintances) has no need or right to know. With important people in my life we mutually share successes, failures, hopes, disappointments, medical conditions and important life events. There is no shame in doing what you need to do to live a better life. We all, however, have a right to privacy and to live without the unwanted opinions of others being forced upon us because tmi has been casually tossed about.

Last night I had a chocolate unjury packet with a container of Jif single serve Peanut Butter. Put that plus 8 oz of skim milk in my Magic Bullet and OMG that was the best drink ever. It was like drinking a peanut butter cup! It was a great way to get that dab of fat grams I was missing at the end of the day according to my food diary. Shel - try that rather than trying to take in a thick pasty peanut butter ball. I'm back at work today. Can't believe surgery was only 2 days ago. Haven't noticed any weight loss yet, I still weigh the same as Wednesday when I went to the hospital. I haven't had a BM yet though. Plumbing is working though cuz I can fart! Ha! (TMI?). For any of you having that painful gas bloating try the GasX strips that melt on your tounge. I needed one after the milk and peanut butter last night. Cheers! Deb

There is a rec center near me that offers a pretty good variety of Water classes that I am planning to try. I'm only 3 weeks post op so I have to wait a bit more. Funny...that is where I lose first too. Probably TMI but my bras are not getting filled out, so I have a lot of bumpy fabric under my shirts. Although my son (8), held my hand the other day and said..."Wow...your fingers are so skinny. And they look skinny...that's kind of creepy". I am not horribly opposed to losing some up top but fingers??? That wasn't exactly on the top of my list of problem areas Keep up the exercise...good work.

I agree with all of the posters above, but I know how GCake is feeling. I have days where I go over my calorie limit, mostly because I failed to plan the day well. Or even worse...I have planned the day GREAT packed the Breakfast and lunch and then rushed out the door and left the bag sitting on dam counter! So now I'm forced to substitute and make adjustments in what is already a crazy day for me. Occasionally, I will get very upset and angry at myself when I can't do it all!!! Really it's true, I know I need to give myself a break and take it in stride and eventually I do...but in that moment I want to kick my own ass. I have to tell you GCake that KFC makes me sick. Upset stomach, from both ends...(I know TMI) ever since I have been banded and it really doesn't matter what bite of the chicken I have. I think it's the grease, but even their potatoes don't love me so I just steer clear of the place now. Our PH in our bodies can be changed in so many ways by the foods we eat and the way our body breaks down food etc. Don't worry about how/why the tubing got that way now. It's nothing you did or didn't do right. It happened and thank goodness your Doc was on top of it and replaced it all for you and you are healing focus on that. Soon you will be back in the groove rocking your new band, feel free to come and vent any time. None of us are above a bite or two of something that we know is not the best for us.

Gm my sweet inspirational family:). I pray that all are doing better and that its getting easier for you:). Ty Tami J:), yall truly made me strong during my time of need as well and Ik we will remain here for each other. Ur right, who knows, we all might one-day meet, it excites me to think about it. So, I go for my postop appt on Monday, Lord willing. I can't believe its been almost a month of only drinkn:/ but thank God I'm not hungry yet, phys or mentally:). I'm rdy for my second stage though. I'm reading what u all are eating, nd yummy, I'm rdy:). Has any1 been cleared to do more than walking? Oh, I got in 64 oz of liq yesterdayyyy, praise God, and 36 g of protein. I mixed a protein shot, punch, into my crystal lite...discusting, but I drank it w my nose plugged and that was 21g, then the 15g Atkins choc. TMI: two bowel movements, soft, bc I started the morning drinking a whole choc protein, n then came the rest. So no constipation. Did the same this morning, same results. So it may b worth a try for those havn trouble w constipation. Well, I look forward to reading ur post and helping out as I can, n Ty all for your help and encouragement:). Be blessed today as well as being a blessing:))))

Ohhhhh, emmmm, geeeee, you guys, this flatulence is ridiculous!! LoL!!! Sorry for the tmi comment but I'm weirded out because Beans have NEVER had this effect on me. Sheesh!! And I've made chili before and this has never happened. Anywhooo, I have about six servings in the freezer- and I don't care. Hubby better cover his ears for the next week or so.