lsereno

I know what you mean! I've had to tell several neighbors who I am :-) I think after seeing how well it works that VSG is the topic at many dinner tables in the neighborhood. Lynda

Pasquini, You look fabulous! Looks like you dropped 20 years with that weight loss. And only 5 lbs to goal. Way to rock that sleeve! Lynda

1. Do as much family prep as you can. Make meals and freeze them. Buy things that are easy to pack for lunches, even if they cost a little more. Wash clothes, get hair cuts, wash the dogs. Whatever you can do now to make life easier on yourself. If kids are old enough to go to school, can they feed the animals for you? Buy some busy-time toys, color books etc. for the kids. Hide them and dole them out after surgery to buy yourself a little peace. 2. First couple of days, if it hits the floor, don't pick it up. You may feel better, but for me, I hurt if I tried to bend over. 3. Use a measuring cup as pitcher and a one ounce medicine cup or a shot glass as your drinkng glass. Keep an eye on the clock and down an ounce every 15 minutes. 4. Make sure you have a couple of nighties. I didn't want anything touching my tummy after surgery. Only wore my stretchy pants if I was leaving the house. Good luck on Monday. I will be thinking of you! Lynda

Sharon, Thanks! I am so happy to join you in the club! I have to admit, other than maintenance, these last few pounds scare me the worst, but I'm gonna work it. Lynda

Congrats Little Miss Diva! You've rocked that sleeve and provided an inspiration to all of us! Can't wait to see the pics when you heal a little bit more. And I think you should change your handle to Smokin' Hot Extra Small Little Miss Diva :-) Lynda

Low fat cheese sticks (at 6 months I also have 1/4 apple, and a few whole grain crackers) Greek Yogurt (at 6 months I also have1/2 slice whole wheat bread and 1/3 banana) Andersons Split Pea Soup (at 6 months I also have 1/4 apple) Soy Milk, vanilla Protein powder, a little pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice (yum! - now that I get my protein from food I sometimes have this sans Protein Powder - 8 grams of protein for the soy milk) Beans (any kind, I have a pot of Great Northern Beans on the stove right now! - I enjoy them with fresh spinach or kale now) At two months out, I could only fit protein and a bite of vegetable or non-acidic fruit (melon is good) - no room for starches. Lynda

Thanks Raine! I did feel like I have a golden key when I saw that number on the scale :-)

May 17, 2011 101 lbs gone (69 post op)

Don't stock up much pre-op. Your tastes and what your tummy can tolerate can change. Try to just get small amounts or sample packs and then buy more post-op. One thing I wanted after surgery was two large nighties. My tummy was sore and I didn't want anything around it. If you don't already have it, measuring cups, small spoon, food scale is handy. Lynda

Sounds like you will be 5-6 months out from surgery for the vacation. I've traveled at lot since my VSG almost 6 months ago. I do pack Protein powder when I travel - but it's just my backup. Everyone's journey is different, but I think you will be fine. Your energy should be really good by then too. I took longer than some to get my energy back, but by about 4 1/2 months, I felt better than ever. When I travel, I track protein and fluids using a sticky note pad I keep in my purse. I just jot down the approximate grams of protein at each meal and make a hash mark for each cup of Fluid I drink. I try to get 64 oz. of fluids and 60 grams of protein. If I don't get enough protein, I drink a Protein shake at the end of the day. I pack a shaker bottle, instant Starbucks Italian Roast Decaf, a scoop and vanilla Protein Powder. I mix the Vanilla protein powder with Water and the instant coffee. Tastes OK and it's super easy and compact for travel. And

A popsicle is just frozen Fluid. You will feel the restriction when eating semi-solids and maybe when drinking fluids. I could drink only about 1 oz. every 15 minutes for the first few days after surgery. I bet the popsicle isn't much more than one ounce and that it takes you about 15 minutes to lick it away, so that sounds about right. As for Protein, it depends on what your program allows. When I came home, I tolerated

Well hello skinny! You look great. Congrats on a stellar three month loss! Those arms will leave you. Probably like my thunder thighs-- they love me and don't want to leave, but they are being forced out baby! Lynda

Hi all, I'm in the Century Club this week! I lost 32 lbs. pre-op and I've lost almost 70 lbs. post op. Yahoo!!!! I have some sagging skin on my arms, legs, tummy, and behind, but it's not as bad as I expected. I'm 55, so things are only going to spring back so much and even life-long skinnies get lose skin as they age. Just 17.8 lbs. to go to my goal, which will put me at a BMI of 21.8. Lynda

I'm a few days away from being 6 months out. I can't tolerate greasy foods and can eat only a little of sweet foods. I used to love BBQ ribs but now they are a bit too greasy and don't sit just perfect. When I eat popcorn, I don't add butter. I also avoid extra acidic foods. I drink orange juice, but just a couple of ounces, not even 1/2 cup. Same thing with acidic fruit, such as strawberries. I eat only about 1/4 cup at a time. And I don't drink straight espresso anymore. I have soy lattes now (6 grams of Protein in 6 ozs!). When I eat sweets, I have a mini version or share it with someone because a few bites is enough. Lynda

Hi all, I forgot to check in last Friday. I was so stoked to get to 155 that I updated my ticker, wrote a long post in VSG Success Stories and completely forgot the challenge. I thought at 155 that I was at a normal BMI. But when I updated my ticker, I found out it's 154 for me. But this week I am really there! I weighed in at 152.8 this week. Hurrah! Less than 6 months out to a normal BMI. And I've joined the century club! I've lost 100 lbs. since starting the pre-op diet on Feb. 15. Just .8 of a lb. and I've lost 70 lbs. post-op. I hope to be there by my 6 months surgiversary next Thursday. I was a bit worried about losing weight this week too because we were on vacation and I ate more and more fatty foods and exercised less, I had a great time but I'm glad to be back home and back on schedule. Lynda My Christmas Goal also includes reaching the following goals: 154 lbs.: I'm a NORMAL BMI!!!! and I have 19 lbs. to goal 154: I've lost 100 lbs total - 32 pre-op and 68 post-op. I'm in the Century Club! 152: I've lost 70 lbs. post-op 149: My number starts with 14. I haven't weighed this since the mid-90s. 146: I've lost 10% of my total body weight for the fourth time since the operation. I have less than 10% of my body weight to go to goal, so it will be my last 10% loss. 145: 10 lbs. to go to my final goal! 144: My Christmas goal and I've lost 110 lbs. (32 pre-op and 78 post op). 9 lbs. to my final goal!!! Christmas Goal: SW-157.9.............CW-152.8...............Christmas Goal-144 Oct 28: 157.9 Nov. 4: 155 Nov. 11: 152.8 Nov. 18: Nov. 25: Dec. 2: Dec. 9: Dec. 16: Dec. 23: Christmas:

I am not a goal yet, but I am almost at a normal BMI. I agree exercise and tracking helps. I work out 5-6 days per week unless I'm travelling. I'm not good at exercising while on the road. I track my Protein, calorie, and Fluid intake every day. I also measure my food with a scale or measuring cups and spoons. Otherwise,it's too easy for extra ounces to creep in portions and then my tracking can be off. And I have not returned to drinking alcohol yet. I've heard that slows down loss. Lynda

My energy was good by 4 months, but didn't really return full strength for a couple more weeks. I think I am a bit slower than many on that front. My doctor said some people take up to 6 months, but most have their energy at normal levels by 3 moths. At four months, I could eat a small amount of non-Protein foods. Pack your Protein powder as a backup. The

Does your plan include a therapist? If it does, or your insurance covers it in general, take advantage of it. Face to Face Support groups are really helpful too. If you can, track everything you eat and drink. Get your Protein in first. It will limit the amount of junk you can cram in. Also, I like to plan little treats for myself. I buy myself a new lipstick, new perfume, or new hand lotion and use it when i need a little pick me up. I buy a book (less likely to eat whle reading as opposed to watching TV). Or download a new computer game. Sometimes I take out my smaller clothing, admire it and try it on. Getting out of the house for a walk or visit with a friend is good for me too. Too bad the surgery only works on our stomachs, not our brains! Lynda

I'm 5 1/2 months out. I get at least 60 grams of Protein, 64 oz. of Fluid per day and average between 700 and 900 calories per day. I also take all supplements recommended for my plan. I take my Calcium in tow doses in instead of three; my nut said that was OK because I kept forgetting to take it at lunchtime. I exercise 5-6 days per week. Two 45 minute walks at a fast pace, two 1-hour group workout classes, one 30 minute session with my trainer, and one other activity, such as a bike ride, walk, or yoga class. Lynda

Leslie, Congrats and Happy Anniversary! You've really rocked that sleeve this last year! You look fabulous in that little black dress. What a nice surprise for hubby. Lynda

I developed lactose intolerance following surgery. I can tolerate yogurt, whey Protein, and firm cheese but not milk, soft cheese, or ice cream. I'm going to try again though because I've read that many people develop lactose intolerance, but it fades after a few months. I'm pretty used to soy milk now though! Lynda

Congrats! And just three lbs. to goal. You look fabulous in your profile pic. Lynda

Congrats! You look great in those 4s!

Congrats! You look fabulous! Lynda

Kelly, Congrats on your speedy trip to goal! I posted the same message on your photo thread, but just want to make sure you see it. I hope you have a fabulous gift planned for yourself for getting to goal - besides the ton of cute new clothes and the improved health you are already enjoying. Lynda