PdxMan

This is quite common, actually. I believe I read somewhere that there are really only about 3 major manufacturers of laundry detergent. They package the same stuff in different containers, call it a different name and even charge different prices.

I was one of those walking 5 miles on day 3, but believe me, that didn't last. I went back to work a couple days later and had to leave at 2:00 because I couldn't keep my eyes open (I have a desk job). I was like that for a week before I could stay at work all day, but still took naps everyday when I got home from work (kids, 6 & 8 ... I love my wife!) About a month of doing this, I talked to my NUT about fatigue and she advised me to add more veggies to my diet to increase my carbs. You need carbs for energy. I did as she advised and I noticed a huge change. Now, you're still early out, so adding carbs really isn't an option as I'm sure you're struggling just to get in your liquids and Protein, but the day will come (and soon) where you are getting closer to those goals. Bottom line, now is not the time to be implementing a low-carb diet. I know it has been shoved into our heads that low-carb is the only way to lose weight, or to lose weight quicker, but believe me, you just had 85% of your stomach removed. You will lose weight. This is not a race. Good luck and keep posting about your progress.

I hear you, MissMeow, but if you have been reading the threads, then you also see that this is a reminder which must constantly be reinforced. There are so many sleevers who have not, IMO, researched the process thoroughly enough to be fully aware of what they are getting into. There are soooo many threads from folks who post things like, "I'm 4 months out and not losing any weight! I admit I am not eating the healthiest foods and am not exercising, but I should still be losing weight, right?" So, this type of response is a reminder that this is a tool which they must work. The sleeve is not a magic bullet to solve their weight issues. Now ... if we could only get folks to use the search function prior to being sleeved ...

Do a search on ketosis on this site. Acetone gets secreted in your mouth and it throws the flavor of everything off. Once you are able to get your carbs and calories up, you will get out of ketosis and things will start to taste normal again.

Just to throw this out there ... Protein shots are bad for early sleevers thinking this is an easy way to get their protein in. It isn't. Serious athletes and weight lifters prefer the blend of whey and collagen based Proteins. Google for more detailed info. But, for our purposes here on the board as sleevers, the girls are correct ... stay away from protein shots.

I'm so jealous ... 28 ... nice.

You really don't know. If they did an endoscopy, they could tell you, but my surgeon did not do one. And it really won't change their procedure, anyway. You will still have restriction, especially if you follow the rules. The difference between eating 3 oz of food and 5 oz of food is really not something to lose any sleep over.

I was self pay and I didn't have any complications, but this was one of my motivating factors to having my surgery in the US. I figured if I did have it in Mexico AND I had complications, my insurance would basically say, "Yeah, right. You had a non-covered procedure in Tijuana and you want us to clean up the mess ... right."

Did they have the Premier brand? I love those.

Hmmm ... not here. I would say I was/am just the opposite. Early on, the food and flavours did get monotonous. The textures were all the same and the flavors, while good, became stale. I seeked out bold flavors such as sharp cheddar and blue cheeses, vinegar based sauces ... anything with a bold flavor. And now, since I am over 10 months out and can eat anything, I can honestly say my post-op food selections are pretty much EXACTLY what I was eating pre-op. Just FAAAAR smaller quantities. Now what might be the issue ... IMO ... is fear. I did worry about what would happen if I return to my old eating habits. Before I started seeking out bolder flavors, I was afraid. I was losing weight doing what I was doing, eating the same foods day after day, so why should I change? What if it hurts to eat those foods again? What if I gorge myself and stretch my sleeve? Well, I didn't worry about the last one as I had a talk with my surgeon about stretching the sleeve, but I know that is a big concern amongst a lot of people here. So, he may just need a kick in his complacency, but I think it has to be a self-kick. You can suggest, but it is a demon he has to address and conquer himself.

Whew! I was worried there about my guys ... "Uhhh ... Doctor ... there's something you didn't tell me you were going to do ..."

I didn't lose length, but width. Went from wide to normal. Down 120#

Well, if I find myself on fire, I think I have other things to worry about. But barring that, I think there are other ways to survive and thrive than feeding on our fellow Earthlings. Yes, they are tasty, but I think they may object if they had a say in it. But that is another topic for another thread.

Congrats! I am happy you are happy with your decision. I know I am with my sleeve.

No ... you just supported a long held mystery of women and sex.

What exactly does THAT mean?

You'll know if it doesn't feel right. I hope you are with a partner who understands what you are going through and is OK, if you say, "Wait, something doesn't feel right", but lose the anxiety surrounding it. It really isn't a big deal. Just go nice and slow. You may actually enjoy it. Ever hear of scissor position? Not a problem.

One day, this too, is my goal. I have done it before, but my relationship with food was so poor that I could not see it for what it needs to be, for me. With the sleeve, that relationship has changed and my confidence in being stronger over food allows me to think that I can do it. Just like when I was first sleeved, I have to set myself up for success and be sure that I am mentally ready for that next step. I am not there now, but I can see a day when I will be. As far as ability to get the needed Proteins, I think it would be difficult to do early out. But now, at 10 months out, I have learned what I can eat and how to work the sleeve to my needs. I'm pretty sure the average vegan is not a food gorger and now, neither am I, so, I know I can do this.

4 days here. Just do whatever feels right and no swinging from the tightropes.

I forgot to add about fruit. As I work out a lot, fruit is one of the best ways for me to get my carbs in. I don't recommend this for the average Joe Sleever, but if you are working out at the levels I am, it is difficult to get healthy carbs in. I don't really eat breads, Pasta and rice as, for me, they are nutritionally void. I know a lot of folks go for the low carb route, but if you are active, your body needs carbs.

I had only been able to follow a diet plan for a few weeks, maybe a couple months in previous weight loss attempts, so I know what you mean. What will make this different ... ? For me, as a participant in other 12 step programs, I had to come to grips with the fact I was powerless over food and I could not do this on my own. I needed help. I needed a fundamental change in my relationship with food. If a candidate cannot accept this as a fact, I think their WLS journey will be a more difficult one as the demons in your head don't leave just because your stomach has been shrunk. A change must also occur in the head.

Catracks, my salads and Soups always include a lean meat. My soups usually have chicken, turkey or ham. My salads have tuna, chicken, ham, turkey or shrimp, and I don't spare the quantity, either. Usually 3 to 4 oz, at least. Yes, it does take me half to an hour to eat the salad, but since the soups have a liquid composition, I can get them down much quicker, for sure. About once a week, I will grab a 6 oz beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon. My daughter helps me out eating a few bites. I will do this a couple days before a race to get my Iron up. Takes me awhile to eat it, but I get 'er down! It is just too good.

LOL!! I wondered this, too. Now, 10 months post op, I don't want it back. We all have our relationships with food. Mine was unhealthy, for sure. I went for the quantity and snacking, not necessarily the unhealthy. After the surgery, I was a little sad that I could not gorge myself like I used to, but then I was physically becoming the person I had always envisioned myself to be. At that point, I was so happy that my relationship with food had changed. Yes, I still eat. Often. But the quantity is soooo much less. With the sleeve, it still gives me the feeling of satiety, which is what I always yearned for pre-sleeve. For me, this is exactly what I needed.

I have excess skin, but would I call it an issue? No Do I have a lot? No I can pinch half and inch on my thighs and arms. About and inch on my hiney. My torso is where I held most of my fat as I think most guys do, so that is where I have most of my extra skin. I can pinch a good 2, 3 inches just about anywhere there. I also have the turkey skin under by chin. 2 years post op, I will assess where I am at with the excess skin. I am relatively young (45), but I was a smoker and have gained and lost weight over the years, which will cost me in the skin elasticity department. I'll wait until then to worry about what I am going to do, but until then, I am going to work out and get my fluids. There is a great post that has been stickied concerning excess skin. I'll definately take the turkey neck over the high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heavy breathing climbing stairs ...

Rough outline 7:00 - Wake up with Protein shake 8:00 - Go to work 8:30 - Eat banana 9:30 - coffee 10:00 - prunes 10:30 - Water 11:00 - apple 11:30 - Soup 12:30 - coffee 1:30 - orange 2:30 - water 3:00 - something sweet from HR 3:30 - water 4:30 - water 5:00 - crackers/cheese 5:30 - water - running 6:30 - water - Protein Drink 7:00 - salad 7:30 - water 9:00 - snack 10:00 - water 10:30 - bed 11:00 - sleep.