lsereno

152 lbs is wonderful! I recommend joining the WL Challenges, such as the thread about April Fools Day Weight. Set something achievable and stop in every week to post your weight. Clear out the cupboard NOW. Get rid of the food that's causing issues and stock up on something you like that's good for you. Steak, costco roast chicken, and fresh fish are some of the Protein treat foods for me. Sometimes, I plan my meals a day in advance and have them all made up and waiting. That helps me stay on track because I just take it out and heat it at mealtime. Plan a treat for yourself that doesn't involve food. Get an immediate treat just for posting and committing to getting back on track. Get another for making it a day or a week. Think about the worst times of day for going off track and plan how you will beat that. For me, it's after dinner. I have to have fun things to do in the evening and a few low calorie Snacks on hand. You are worth it! Lynda

I took Loritab for the first eight days and still felt a burning pain when moving. I would call the Dr. on Monday anyway. What can it hurt? I had some weird lumps that didn't match up to the outside sutures and my big incision was dimpled in. After a couple of months, it was pretty much all settled. Lynda

So sorry to hear your issues. Have you cut out dairy? I developed lactose intolerance following surgery and at first the only Protein drink I tolerated well was the

I want the Vets board so I have a thread that includes topics that interest me now. That way, I don't have to wade through lots of "I can't poop, I can't drink, my surgery is denied" topics to find info on how fellow vets are handling life at goal. I think 6 months post-op is a fair way to describe a vet. I do visit the other boards to offer support and find the vet's posts on life at goal and beyond. Lynda

One more thing: Like Cheri, I weigh every day. While it's not for everyone, I strongly recommend weighing at least weekly to keep on top of things. Lynda

My hair started thinning in the fourth or fifth month. (I'm about 7 months post-op in my profile pic). It's finally back to pre-surgery thickness all the way down to below my shoulders. I was very careful to get my recommended Protein and Vitamins throughout and I do think it helps. Lynda

I don't count calories, but I have a general idea. I shoot for: 2 oz. of Protein, 1 serving fruit, and 1 serving non-fat dairy or soy milk for Breakfast 1 starch, 2 servings veggies, 2-3 oz. protein and 1 fruit for lunch 3 oz. protein, 2 servings veggies, 1 starch at dinner 1 serving non-fat dairy or soy milk after dinner. Under 200 calories for an after dinner snack. Several times a week I have an afternoon snack of under 200 calories. At least twice a week I have two cocktails or a bigger snack. For example, on Monday I had two lemondrop cocktails and yesterday I had buttered popcorn after dinner. I also exercise at least three days per week unless I am sick. I've been maintaining a year in March. Lynda

I shoot for 60 per day. I bet you got a lot more Protein than you realized pre-op because foods such as bread, milk, etc. have protein too. I didn't eat as much solid protein as I do now, but I eat way less overall. Lynda

I eat more firm Protein when I have crazy cravings. Usually that fixes it for me. When I am craving something junky, I tell myself I can have it later, I don't need to have it right this minute. Sometimes I try to picture the food in the store. For example, cases of candy bars or entire racks of donuts. I realize there is no shortage of candy bars or donuts and yes, I can wait and have one later. And I do something else. Like instead of heading to the kitchen looking for Snacks, I put on lip gloss and hand lotion. If I'm still craving something, I will try having a low calorie drink, such as tea with Splenda or 15 calorie lemonaide. I keep snacks that I like, but not too much. Such as cut up fruit and pretzels. Lynda

I've been at goal for nearly a year. I could easily gain weight back now. What helps me: Eating enough good food (Protein, whole grain, veggies, and fruit, dairy) early in the day. If I don't, I have a roaring craving for Snacks later. Limiting alcohol to once a week most weeks and limiting to two drinks, which is enough to give me a buzz. Eating protein first at all meals. Limiting after dinner snack to a lower calorie option that is filling on most days. Keeping trigger foods out of the house. Stocking up on healthy foods I like. Walking at least 3 days per week for at least an hour. I do enjoy splurges, but they are a splurge, not the norm. Lynda

Yogurt shake. 1/2 cup to 1 cup fatfree plain greek yogurt with 23 grams of Protein per cup, splash of OJ, splash of Water, Splenda to taste, couple frozen strawberries. Blend and go! Lynda

I've only gotten a handful in more than two years on the boards. I guess some of us seem more approachable and knowledgeable than others :-) I do agree if its a question that has been discussed to death (bougie size anyone?), suggesting a search is a good option. Lynda

Congrats and welcome to the goalie's bench! Lynda

I'm having left over beef stew for lunch. I make it myself, so I control how fatty it is by using low-fat meat. So yummy! I generally weigh my protein, but for stew, I eyeball 2-3 ounces of meat and scoop out a few veggies (carrots, potatoes, peas, and onions). I am almost two years out and a year at goal. Lynda

Kaiser Fremont has a list of them: http://www.permanente.net/homepage/kaiser/pdf/63283.pdf I've attended the one at Kaiser Fremont. Lynda

I found out about VSG and I knew it was for me almost immediately. I was afraid of the bypass surgery and when I found out more about the band, I was afraid of it too. I tried to lose weight for years and was not successful. I didn't want to face my family and tell them I was dying from a weight-related disease. Having VSG was the "hail mary" of weight loss for me because nothing else I had tried worked. Lynda

I find if I eat more solid Protein, I have less physical hunger issues. I still have to deal with head hunger, but with enough protein in me, physical hunger has not been a problem. Also, it might be acid tummy instead of hunger. Lynda

I consciously thought about it a lot: I pictured having a string running from the top of my head, through my shoulders and the base of my spine all the way to the floor. I pulled my spine straighter and dropped my shoulders back. I practiced in a mirror till I knew what it felt like and could do it without a mirror. I'm older, so I remember young Jackie K. I like to pretend I'm her and my posture perks up :-) Lynda

Hi Delta, It does get better. I still am surprised sometimes at nearly 2 years out, but I don't feel like an alien in my body anymore. First thing I noticed was I had to re-evaluate where I would fit, like a small aisle in a store. I would wait at the end for the other person to exit, till I finally realized now I fit down the aisle even if someone is standing there. Had to consciously remind myself of that for a few months. Then I had to learn to walk differently. I realized I was walking with my legs too far apart after I got skinnier because I was used to having fat on my inside thighs. That took a little work! Also had to work on my posture because I walked a little hunched over from carrying the extra weight. And my necklaces got too long. I wasn't expecting that. I had to buy shorter chains for my pendants. Lynda

I used it a lot early out and then to travel with. It mixes with plain Water so it's great to pack. I also used a thermometer to get used to what the correct temp felt like, then I was able to guesstimate it. Better a little too cool than too hot! Lynda

The things that I brought that I used were: Lip balm hand lotion hair brush Toothpaste and brush (our hospital has terrible ones- your hospital might provide nice ones) Robe and gown and slippers (wore their gown in hospital, but wore my own home) Cell Phone Lots of people recommend having a pillow for the ride home, but I live fairly close and didn't need one.

I mix a little Water or OJ to thin it a bit and stir in berries and Splenda. Lately, I've been adding blueberries. I buy them frozen and just defrost a handful in the microwave, add some Splenda and stir them in. Later in the year, I like strawberries smashed with Splenda to make a juicy mess. Frozen blackberries are good too. In summer, I use peaches too. Lynda

I couldn't eat enough to have room for more than a bite or two of any grains for probably six months post op. And all grains except crackers and well-toasted bread did not sit well till around then. Colace was my friend. I had to use it occasionally to keep things moving. I also eat veggies and fresh fruits, but early out I couldn't eat enough of them to really add any fiber. Just getting the Protein in kept me pretty full back then. Now that I'm further out and my capacity and tolerance have increased, I enjoy eating whole grain crackers, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole wheat Pasta. I also like sweet potatoes and butternut squash, which I believe also have a lot of fiber. I rarely need Colace these days. Lynda

Happy Sleeviversary! I bet you look fabulous in that small! Lynda

The first crackers I ate were saltines. We were allowed them pretty early on my program. Just one or two with meals. Next, I ate wheat thins and Special K wholegrain crackers. I try to only eat whole grain crackers because they fill me up better and the whole grain is good for me. I do eat triscuts occasionally, but I don't keep them in the house because I like them too much. For me, I try to keep Snacks I enjoy, but not too much or they are too hard to resist. I've managed to find quite a few that fit the bill and have quite a list of foods that only get to visit my house occasionally. Lynda