MINI-Me

I am 5.5 months out. Here is a typical day for me: Breakfast - 6oz of Carbmaster yogurt with 1/2 scoop of Any whey Protein powder Snack - 1 or 2 string cheese lunch - 2.5 to 3 oz protein with Del Monte No Sugar Added Peaches Snack - 1/2 Protein Bar or 1 oz Jerky dinner - 2.5 to 3 oz protein with either a few bites of veggies or mashed potatoes Snack (not every night) - 10 mini pretzels or Russel Stover SF peanut brittle I may add a small glass of wine instead of a snack depending on protein intake for the day.

Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

The small utensils is a great trick. You can get cocktail forks and spoons at many stores - perfect size for small bites!

Congratulations ... we are moving over on the loser's bench to make room for you!

WOW! You did great with your first egg. Mine seemed to grow larger on the plate. The more I tried to eat, the larger the remains seemed. Are you allowed to have sunny side up eggs at this point in the game? For some reason, they are easier for me than scrambled. I just cook mine in a little bit of Pam spray. Congratulations on adding some soft foods in. You are right about not feeling full on the shakes - they just go right on through. The more solid foods you get, the better you'll find your full point. Happy Eating!

WOW! An 8 pound drop must have felt fantastic. I can see me moving the scale around the house too! LOL CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome! We love "LOSERS" here. Tell us more about your surgery - where are you having it? What questions do you have?

Congratulations ... looking forward to hearing about your progress!

I occaisinally eat the Oscar Meyer Fat Free ones. Yummy!

Thanks. Luckily, my husband, kids, and in-laws are here and support me. Just wish the other half of my family (the ones that have known me all my life) could do the same. I really do appreciate the support system here. You guys are awesome!!!

So I went home to see my family last week. I finally told my mom about my surgery 3 weeks ago since I knew she wouldn't believe I lost so much "on my own". She had questions, but seemed supportive. Well ... my mom is a typical southern woman & likes to share the news with everyone. When I got home, people made some comments about my weightloss, but not much. I found out that everyone thought I had been doing Weight Watchers. Mom hadn't told anyone about the surgery. When I asked her about it - she said that it was my "news to share if you want to". So, I slowly started telling family members as the week went by. I don't want to be unfair, I had some support, but most people just told me of all the weight regain stories they knew. I was also told that I had "lost enough". (I am in no way thin - but I am on my way to a healthy BMI.) One friend of the family even told me "Well, you haven't gained too much over the years." Are you kidding me?!?!?!? I haven't been this weight in my adult years ... well, maybe a day or two, but it all came back and plus some. Do people really look at each other? I must admit, I felt shattered. I've always been told I was a pretty girl if I could just lose some weight. So, I have taken off the weight & hardly anything was said. Just felt like everyone was waiting for me to gain it all back. People seemed disappointed that I hardly ate anything. Yes, my family is obese and morbidly obese. My father passed away last year from its complications. Why can't they be happy for me or at least encouraging? I didn't think I was, but I guess I was expecting more. ok ... I guess the pity party is over. Time to get back to losing weight and being proud of myself!

How are you doing? This is the BIG week!!! We will be thinking of you.

I have those concerns too ... Not with losing the weight, but keeping it off. Part of my family keeps telling me stories of people they know that have "gained it all back" like it is inevitable for me - like they are just waiting for me to be fat again like they are. Luckily, my husband and kids are very supportive. I am trying very hard to focus on the support and not the stories. But, after so many years of failure (read as regain), it is hard to really believe I have finally conquered obesity. Well, there is my vent ... Back to focusing on the things that keep me successful and on the right track.

I would be glad to help one on one (I guess since I'm in my 40's I'd be the parent-type mentor :biggrin0:). I am just over 5 months out, but I know what it's like to research and endure the first few weeks of lots of questions. Also, feel free to ask your questions - lots of people can chime in and offer their advice.

One thing I do for the sweets is Russell Stovers Sugar Free Peanut Brittle. One square is about 45 calories, but it takes a while to eat. It's the perfect portion for an after dinner "treat".

Anna - it sounds clich?, but it just takes time. I had some of the very same feelings when I was about the same time period out. Just take a deep breath and try to relax. You can have a little of anything you want. You do not need to be compulsive. If you ever need/want to talk, send me a PM and I will give you my cell phone number. I don't have all the answers, but I can share my journey so far. You are doing great!!!

Maybe a little of both. Does sucking on a SF Popsicle help?

Don't put so much pressure on yourself for the first week or two. You are swollen and recovering. The next few days are going to get easier and easier. Very few sleevers get the protein in the first week. You are fine (easier said than believed, I know)!!!

Kathy - you WILL be wearing those shorts and tanks. And, you will be movng more and loving it!!!

That is awesome!!!!!! I wouldn't stress about the weekend. Our bodies are odd creatures. It probably has more to do with Water weight than anything. You know you cannot possibly gain wait from eating a few extra calories (even a few hundred) over the weekend.

That is terrific. Isn't it a wonderful feeling???

You are welcome. I can't claim it as my own idea though ... A friend that had WLS about 3 years ago suggested it to me. When I am having a down day, I go back and look at my weight and measurement changes or days that I thought were "bad" when they really were just blips. I also keep monthly pictures in there. It really helps. :thumbup:

You should be safe with just a little bit.

Thanks for sharing about your mom. That's what did it for me too. I lost my Dad early in 2009 from obesity complications (type II diabetes and heart issues). Shopping is definitely more fun. I'm having a ball at thrift stores. I love putting things back that are too big! Just focus on your health. When you want to reach for something "bad", think about your mom. Then, if you decide you really want a treat, just have a small bite or two & be done with it. Congratulations on your journey! If we can help, just let us know. This is a great place for lots of information and ideas.

It's called the "Last Supper" ... and, many of us had many, many, many LAST "Last Suppers". It's easy to do and you are human. Just try to tamper back a bit ... don't give up everything (you won't have to anyway with the sleeve - just less of it at a sitting). If you have a Coke/Diet Coke addiction, try pulling back from that a bit so you can be caffeine/carbonation free before the surgery. You don't want to be in withdrawal while you are recovering from surgery. Here's to Monday!