lsereno

Hi all,I'm a couple of days behind, but here's my info for the first three days of the challenge. So far so good except for the cookie on Sunday. I'm only 10 weeks out, so my portions are still smaller, but I am getting in 65 grams of protein per day and averaging 600 calories per day. I'd like to be at 180 on August 17 (Currently 188.5), but I think that's a bit aggressive. If I can get there, I will have lost 10% of my total body weight in the first month post-surgery (Started at 222 on May 16, was 200 by June 16) and another 10% in the next two months (From 200 to 180). My Labor Day Goal is 179, so I would blow that out of the water if I can make the 10% goal. Lynda Sunday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 145 calories Lunch: 1 oz. low fat salami, 1 oz. low fat string cheese: 15 grams protein, 140 calories S: 1/2 C. Watermelon, 1 small Cookie: 100 calories Dinner: 2 oz ground beef patty, 1/8 C. steamed summer squash, 4 bites corn on the cob, 2 T. ketchup: 14 grams protein, 175 calories Late Night Snack: 1 scoop Unjury Chicken Protein, 12 oz. water: 20 grams protein, 90 calories Protein: 64 grams, Calories: 650, Water: 64 oz Vitamins: Missed bi-weekly iron Exercise: Free Day! Monday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 145 calories Lunch: 1 oz. low fat salami, 1 oz. low fat string cheese, 1/3 C. watermelon: 15 grams protein, 155 calories Dinner: 2 oz ground beef patty, 1/8 C. steamed summer squash, 4 bites corn on the cob: 14 grams protein, 155 calories Late Night Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein: 71 grams, Calories: 610, Water: 64 oz Vitamins: On schedule. Took bi-weekly iron tonight because I missed it last night. Exercise: 30 minutes with the trainer. Tuesday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 145 calories Lunch: 1 oz. low fat salami, 1 oz. low fat string cheese, 3 grape tomatoes: 15 grams protein, 140 calories Planned Dinner: 2 oz. meat kabobs (chicken and pork), 1/4 C. mixed veggies from kabobs and grape tomatoes: 14 grams protein, 160 calories Planned Late Night Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Planned Protein, 71 grams, Planned Calories: 600, Water: On track - 5 down, 3 to go. Vitamins: I've been skipped my calcium every day at lunch. I just really hate taking it three times a day. Maybe I will get some calcium chews for lunchtime. Exercise: 45 minutes fast walk with walking group this morning.

Try the Greek Yogurt in a smoothie. It hides the taste a bit. I like to use 1`/2 C. yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 2 strawberries, and a couple of tablespoons of Splenda. Blend it up and try it. It's 10 grams of Protein. I prefer Fage 0 brand. Here are some of my fav high protein foods that are not meat: Low fat cheese sticks. They have 8 grams of protein in 1 stick and 60 calories. Baby Bell Lite cheese, which has 6 grams of protein. Anderson's Split Pea Soup with bacon has 10 grams of protein per cup. I ate 1/2 cup for lunch for 5 grams of protein. Dennison's 99% fat free chili has 20 grams of protein per cup. I eat 1/2 cup for 10 grams of protein.

I was an evening smacker while I watched TV. Since I no longer snack (3 meals and one Protein shake per day), I spend less time watching TV in the evening. I tend to play on my computer more and read. During the day I actually spend more time eating. Before retraining, I was a fast eater, often gulping down Breakfast and lunch in 5 minutes or so and finishing dinner in about 10. Now I spend 30 minutes on lunch and dinner and about 15 on breakfast. Lynda

First off, Dud2Stud, what a cute user name! But I don't think you're a Dud now! I'm 10 weeks out. I've posted what I've eaten today and what I plan to eat this evening. Don't worry about never being able to eat again! I think most people who have posted are fairly early out. I just got to where I can usually eat 2 ounces of Protein. I started out only able to eat 1 ounce. VST superstar Tiffykins is more than a year out and at goal. She has posted more than once about how much she can eat and I think she has a small sleeve. She manages to eat a small steak, have an appetizer, and enjoy a couple of drinks. Sounds good to me!! Can't wait till I'm at goal so I can do the same!! But for now, here's my typical day at 10 weeks out. It is 64 grams of protein. Breakfast: Yogurt smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda) Lunch: 1 oz. low fat salami, 1 oz. low fat string cheese, 1/3 C. watermelon Dinner: 2 oz ground beef patty, 1/8 C. steamed summer squash, 4 bites corn on the cob Late Night Snack: 1 scoop

I agree with Janae- dehydration will make you feel sick and then you feel even less like drinking so it is an evil downhill spiral. Start logging your fluids and any foods you eat NOW so you have an accurate picture of what you are getting in. Call your Dr. - they may bring you in for IV fluids. The lack of weight loss is somehting to mention to the Dr. - perhaps it is a sign of dehydration? And if you're not dehydrated, your Dr. may have an idea of what the issue is and why it is affecting your weight loss. Till you are feeling better, I recommend trying

Sorry about the mis-post. See my reply below. l

Hi all, Yahoo! I hit my first mini-goal this week: I'm in the 180s! I got there on Wednesday when I stepped on the scale and saw - drumroll please! - 189.9!! I haven't seen that weight since I tried hypnosis to control my weight around 2000. This week I'm down 2.1 lbs. so I'm still slightly ahead of my schedule of two lbs per week to reach goal. I'm at 189.5 today. Only 3.5 to my next mini goal: I'll be Overweight, not Obese!!! This week has been more fairly easy for me. I've given up the snacking that was creeping in and I have exercised 4 days this week. Lynda Labor Day Goal: SW-197...............CW-189.5...............Labor Day goal-179 July 4: 197 July 8: 193.7 July 15: 191.6 July 22: 189.5 July 29: August 5: August 12: August 19: August 26: Sept 2: Labor Day!:

Hi all, I did good yesterday, eating as planned except for 7 grams of Pork Rinds with my evening Protein shake. I'm on track so far today with a yogurt smoothie for Breakfast and walking fast for 45 minutes this morning. Not sure about lunch and dinner yet, but I will report back tomorrow. Lynda

The scale can be tough! Of course you weigh more later in the day. Everyone does. No big deal. I weigh every morning, but I only track my weight on Fridays. I weigh first thing in the morning wearing the same thing. A lot of people are tracking measurements and clothing fit as well. I do notice sometimes that my weight is staying around the same, but clothing is mysteriously fitting differently. I'm postmenopausal, but I see women who are still having their periods report it can really affect even weekly weigh ins. Even without a period, may weight goes up and down over the week. l

So today I stepped on the scale and was greeted with 189.9. It's the first time I've been in the 180s since around 2000, when I used hypnosis to lose about 25 lb.s and made it down to around 185. Thank you VSG!! I am two months and a few days out. 32 lb.s gone since surgery, 32 in my pre-op diet. Only 4.4 lbs. to go till I am merely overweight!! Thanks to all who post their successes and struggles. Reading your stories helps me every day. Lynda

I'm in! I'm only two months and a few days out, but I've already discovered that I can eat sweets and salty Snacks. So for today: B: Smoothie: 1/2 C. Fage 0 Greek Yogurt - Plain, 1/8 C. OJ, 2 Strawberries, 2 T. Splenda, blended into a smoothie L: Wahoo Fish Tacos: Inside of 1 Grilled Fish Taco and 1 bite corn tortilla Planned D: 1.5 oz. smoked pork chop, 1/4 C. steamed veggies (left-over side dish from Pollo Loco) Planned LNS: Iced Latte Protein Shake: 1 scoop French vanilla Gold Standard whey Protein, 1 C Plain Soy Milk, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast Water: On target - drinking glass 5 now. Vitamins: Ugh- taking them all and adding Iron today. Went with Kaiser Fremont's recommendation of Ferrimin 150. I had to order it online. Lynda Lynda

Hi Becky, I'm tow months out and I have lost 31 lbs. post surgery and 32 lbs. following the pre-op diet for three months before surgery. My starting weight was 254, 222 day of surgery, current weight is 191 and I am 5'6". My goal weight is 135. I weigh and track everything. Although I'm not a rabid low-carber, I am a de-facto low-carber because I eat Protein first and I simply don't have room to stuff carbs in after eating protein at Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.I do get my Water in almost every day. And I'm working out up to 5 days a week for 30-45 minutes. I hope your nutritionist has some tips for you. Lynda

In addition to lactose, you may have an issue with artificial sweeteners. Although I used them pre-op, after the surgery I ate a lot more (popsicles, Jello, Protein drinks) and I think that contributed to my "potty" issues. After I eliminated most artificial sweeteners and lactose, I was down to 2-3 poos per day. To get rid of most of the sweeteners, I switched to the

I'm a little over 9 weeks out. At 6 weeks, I had lost 27.5% of my excess weight following surgery (Goal weight is 135, Day before surgery weight was 222, I am 5'6"). Excess weight % is going to vary because everyone has a different goal weight/BMI. Mine is at the lower-end of normal. Lynda

Don't let your Dr. just toss it off. I took Wellbutrin for a few years after my husband mentioned that I was never happy anymore and I realized he was right. Might be the surgery or any number of other things. The only thing for certain is you don't have to just live with it. Lynda

Edamame is the Japanese name for soybeans cooked in the pod. Shelled they are good in salad or eaten like a snack. They are typically served at Japanese bars and restaurants with the shell on and accompanied by soy sauce/ wasabi for dipping. You dip the pod in soy sauce/wasabi mixture then suck out the beans. McDonald's Asian Chicken Salad has edamame. You can make a similar salad at home by using snow peas, mandarin oranges, edamame, and a little jarred red pepper on a bed of lettuce topped with Newman's Own Low-Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing. Yum! Lynda

Hi Carolina, My family is from the south too (southeastern Oklahoma in the Ouachita mountains). I feel your pain! I am so glad you are going to take charge of your health and make the changes you need to ensure a long, healthy, and happy life. With the Vertical Sleeve you will be able to eat special family dishes at events and gatherings. It's one of the reasons I preferred the sleeve over the bypass. It would be a shame to never have biscuits and gravy, fried catfish, cornbread, or banana pudding with vanilla wafers again! Welcome to the forum! I look forward to hearing about your journey! Lynda

At Kaiser Fremont, our plan recommends returning to full liquids or Clear Liquids for a day or two if anything upsets your tummy, Try adding one new food per day so you can judge whether it is bothering you. Stop as soon as you feel full: When I first started soft foods, I overate and had a tummy ache. I just assumed I could eat a couple of ounces. Now that I quit as soon as I feel full, even if it is only an ounce, I feel much better. Be more careful in the morning: I (and others on the list) have problems with many foods early in the day. I can eat them later, but at Breakfast I cannot. Hope you are feeling better soon. The first few weeks are the hardest! Lynda

Hi all, On Sunday, I'm two months out from my surgery. It's been quite a ride so far! Post-surgery, I have lost 30 lbs. I lost 32 lbs. on my three-month pre-op diet for a total of 62 lbs. I have met some mini goals on the way: I'm now merely obese, not morbidly obese. And I'm in onderland! My surgery was uneventful except for a small, undiagnosed hiatal hernia that my surgeon repaired. That added about an hour to surgery. Recovery has been pretty smooth too. I did discover in the first few days that I am now lactose-intolerant. I'm hoping that will go away in a few months. I've read here that many people become lactose-intolerant for a few months after surgery. I also had a couple of weeks of diarrhea, but that resolved by itself. So far, I've tried to be very compliant: eating on plan, taking my Vitamins, getting my fluids in, and exercising 5 days per week. I'm following Kaiser Fremont's post-op plan. Currently, I'm downing around 600 calories, mostly low-fat Protein, in three meals and one evening Protein shake per day. I have had a few uncomfortable incidents after eating. Sometimes, food just doesn't sit right. I've had the slimeys twice, spitting up copious amounts of foamy saliva. I got sick and threw up for the first time since surgery this week. I had eaten 1/4 c. fresh peach and 1/4 c. greek yogurt in the morning. I can eat fresh peach later in the day, but first thing in the morning, my sleeve is p-i-c-k-y! One good thing: I had been worried I physically could not throw up because I've felt really sick but hadn't puked since surgery, but I know that is not true now! My energy level is still not 100%, but I feel stronger and better the more time goes by. I'm back to my pre-op exercise routine of five days per week, but I am moving less throughout the day. I've been doing less yardwork and housework and just generally moving less. I hope my energy is back to 100% by the end of this month. In the last couple of weeks, I have eaten some foods I shouldn't, such as salty Snacks and sweets. And last night, I had popcorn, Cookies, and fruit instead of my evening Protein Drink. Not a lot of any of them, but I can see they are the devil. I'm going to try a diet trick I've used before: Cheating one day per week only. So for this week, I've already had my cheat day on Friday. I'm looking forward to being three months out. I expect to be gaining energy this next month and meeting a couple mini-goals: A weight that starts with 18, and A BMI that's merely overweight, not obese. Do I regret the surgery: No I don't. I can see it is just a tool, but it's the best tool I've ever had! Lynda

I'm still slightly ahead of my schedule of two lbs per week to reach goal. I'm at 191.6 today. Less than 2 lbs. to my first mini goal: A weight that starts with 18!!! This week has been more challenging for me. I've eaten some foods I shouldn't and I had some intense dental work done so I missed exercising on three of five days. Lynda Labor Day Goal: SW-197...............CW-191.6...............Labor Day goal-179 July 4: 197 July 8: 193.7 July 15: 191.6 July 22: July 29: August 5: August 12: August 19: August 26: Sept 2: Labor Day!:

I am 8 weeks out and I follow my post-op plan, which is three meals per day, with a Protein shake in the evening till I can get in 60+ grams of protein at meals. My day looks like this: Breakfast : Somewhere between 9 and 11 a.m. Lunch: Somewhere between noon and 2 Dinner: Somewhere between 5 and 7 Protein Shake: Around 9 p.m. Lynda

I think it's do-able with a break every 2-3 hours: Before work/breakfast: 8 oz. Eat Breakfast On way to work: 8 oz. First break (2 hrs in ): 8 oz. Second break (5 hrs in): Eat lunch Third Break (7 hrs in) 8 oz. Off work and on way home: 8 oz. At home, relaxing before meal: 8 oz. dinner After dinner Protein drink with 8 oz. of fluids Late nite drink: 8 oz. It's gonna take some effort. I recommend buying the bottled Water in the 8 oz. bottles. It makes it easier to tote and measure them. Also, I do think its a good idea to let the boss know. The biggest issue is eating lunch and getting liquid in. I know for my plan it's not preferred, but maybe have a Protein Drink for lunch. That way you could skip one of the drinks after work and get more hydration mid-day. With 1/2 hr. break to eat and drink, I don't see another way to get both in for lunch. Best wishes for a speedy recovery after surgery! Lynda

My BMI was fairly low (just over 40) and I heard that a lot from people. Here's what I said: You're not big enough: Thanks! I carry my weight well, but it is a health issue for me. I want to be healthy and have a long life. Why don't you just diet and exercise? I wish I could take the weight off another way, but that hasn't worked for me. WLS has the highest success rate and I want to be healthy. Surgery is so risky! Yes, WLS surgery has risks, but those risks are less than the risks that come from being overweight. Best wishes on your journey! Lynda

I had diarrhea the first couple of weeks. It went away on its own. I did discover I was lactose intolerant and after cutting all milk products except hard cheeses and yogurt, I got down to 2-3 poops per day by day 5. Like others here, after a couple of weeks, I developed a little constipation and finally got things on an even keel- with an occasional need for a stool softener. One thing my Dr. told me to watch for: Is the diarrhea really smelly and is it getting worse? If so, that's a sign it might be an errant bacteria that has taken up residence in your intestinal track. The first few weeks are the worst! Hang in there. Lynda

Besides what others have mentioned: Small spoon like a tiny dessert spoon or a baby spoon. One oz. cups or shot glasses (shot glass generally holds 2 oz. when filled to the brim) Measuring cups ( I used these like a pitcher so I could drink 4 oz. per hour without getting up every few minutes. Extra pillows if you don't already have a few ( I slept propped with lots of pillows the first couple of weeks) Flushable wipes ( I had diarrhea for the first two weeks and most people do) Only Protein powder I tolerated at first was