NikiS

@BigManIndia and Missjanab - congratulations to you both. That is simply amazing. it's only a total of 30 lbs for me and it's been 6 weeks. Guess I shouldn't say "only" huh?! LOL!! Anyway, congrats on all of your hard work. It's really paying off.

Congrats on your surgery. I'm sure you won't see this post for a while but still... I had a slight delay in time but nothing like yours. I was scheduled for a 7 AM surgery and was told to get to the hospital at 5:45 AM. I had on my hospital gown and waited from 6 AM until 8:45 AM when they wheeled me into the OR. It was around 9 AM when I was put under so only a 2 hour delay. However, 2 hours later I was in recovery and here I am 6 weeks out.

I too am 6 weeks out but I am no longer on mushy foods. In fact, I never really did them. Bad right?! It was easier for me to do the greek yogurt and eat fish (talipia). I tried puree-ing meats and...yikes! Anyway, in answer to your question, I was told at some point I would be able to consume 6 oz comfortably, but this would take some time. Now for the crazy part, at 3 weeks out I could eat the entire 6 ozs of Chaboni Greek Yogurt - go firgure. I even told my doctor this and he told me yogurt is a slider food. It goes through the new stomach with ease. The 6 ozs that I'll be able to eat will/should be a meat (first) vegetable combination and I'll probably be around 9 months out. Keep in mind, each doctor is different so some people may already be able to eat 6oz with ease.

Congrats on your surgery! You're well on your way. I agree, for whatever reason I am able to get down a lot of hot tea - much more than cold or room temperatured water. It's still early so the weight loss may not be as evident but trust me, it will definitely start melting off and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results. Get ready...

Sad to say I have yet to measure out any of my food. Like you I don't know how much I can officially eat, but I have pushed the envelope several times. Things that I don't think should fill me up as much as they do, do and then I'm miserable. However, when I eat carbs, it seems to take longer for me to get full...go figure. No worries though. My intentional bad carb eating days are behind me. Getting a food scale is on my To Do List. So is measuring out a serving. Calorie dense foods that are great sources of protein are shrimp (1 large is 9 grams of protein), and talipia. I think 1 piece or a serving is 90 or less calories and 20 grams of protein.

Don't worry, your energy will return. Your procedure was less than 2 weeks ago and your body is probably still in "what in the world just happened" mode. I promise...it'll get better. Each doctor gives a separate set of instruction. My surgeon tol dme to take Vitamins as soon as I got home - which was 1 day after surgery. Also, when I am my most tired I seems to give up a pound or two. It's a little too early for you to seek Protein from other sources. Definitely stay hydrated and drink all 3 of your shakes each day. All the best, Niki

I hope everything works out for you! Don't give up and be encouraged! All the best, Niki

Christmas of 2010 I got my mom a pair of dress pants as one of her Christmas presents. She couldn't fit them and in all of the Christmas rush and confusion, I couldn't find my receipt so I just kept them. You know how you have that pair of pants or that dress and you don't get rid of it/them because they are your "one day I'll be able to get into that" item. Well, just on a whim, last Friday I tried on the pants and although the scale has been moving at a snails pace not only could I fit the pants they were loose!!

@Newleaseonlife, thank! I'll try that site to see if they have anything here in Philly re: walks/runs/exercise.

CONGRATS!!! It's such a get feeling to having new found energy in addition to the weight loss. Keep up the good work.

I saw a few protein bars at 7-Eleven this weekend. They ranged from 28 grams to 32 grams of protein. There was this one bar - I wish I could remember the brand - but I do know it was 32 grams of protein and 340 calories. I haven't tried any bars yet but I'm certain I will in the near future.

In a word...WOW!!! Paul, you have done a fantastic job! Congratulations on all of your hard work, dedication and success! Thanks for sharing! Niki

Thanks so much for sharing and for the motivation! You've got the victory!!!

@ PhatGurl80, not that I am trying to encourage you to try it, but breads (at least for me) go down with no problem. Jus this week for breakfast I had 2 pieces of bacon and a piece of rye toast and not only was it delicious but it went down without a hitch.

I realy needed to read this post as I am in the same boat. I just entered week 5 of being post-op and I am so not motivated to exercise. I don't have much of an apetite and I know in order to work out I'll have to up my caloric intake. Between figuring out what to eat (the mushy phase has no been my friend) and the lack of exerice... I'm batting a thousand - LOL. I have been walking and I actually look forward to doing so it's getting to the gym that's hard. I'm sure I would have more weight loss if I incorporated a regular routine. We can do this DallasMomof Twins! Onward and upward!! Gym/exercise/workout...here we come! Niki

As of today I am 5 weeks out from surgery and sad to say I have had my fare share of cheat treats. There's this trail mix that I like. I don't eat the whole bag, not even half, but I do snack on a few peanuts, almonds, cashews and raisins...yummm! I have also had a few cheese curls and some doritos. Not bags but I've eaten around 7 cheese curls once or twice and maybe 3 doritos another time. Carbs...why are they so good?!

OMG!!! You look absolutely FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations on all of your your success! Your hard work has truly paid off.

Any amount of walking is better than no walking at all. Walk 5 minutes if you can, rest and then do another 5 minutes. Take your time and BE CAREFUL. The more you walk the more energy you'll have. Remember, don't overd do it.

WONDERFUL!!! You look amazing. Congratulations on completing the walk and for all of your weight loss success!

CONGRATS on losing 100lbs! I think that's awesome! In my opinion, I don't think it's every too late. You've worked too hard to just decide to give up. Everybody had or will have a time when they indulge. You've done it, it's over and now it's time to get on the ball. You already have the tool and you know what you have to do - Protein, Water, Vitamins, exercise -- not necessarily in the gym -- and enjoy the results of your hard work and dedication. Before you know it you will be at goal! Be encouraged! Niki

Initially, I didn't use a straw. I was told that it does cause air to get into the tummy but now I use one just about everyday and to be honest I don't really notice a difference. I never get hiccups or anything else. Oh well.. - LOL

It's like you're in my head. So many times I have thought "oh forget it, I just won't eat." I am one month out and have been both frustrated and turned off by food. I thought I was doing a great job getting in all of my Protein and liquids but I haven't been. Proteins yes, Water and other fluids...not so much. Like you I don't get that hungry but I know that I have to eat. I am so determined to work this wonderful gift!! You said it, protein, water, Vitamins and exercise. We can do this. Here's to a lifestle change, Niki

Salt seems to be the general consensus. I have been craving cheese curls, doritos and of course pepsi which is crazy because I wasn't a pepsi-aholic.

Here's wishing you and your husband a very speedy recovery. Although you were injured I'm grateful it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Be well and take care, Niki

Such a wonderful testiment of uncinditional love! He sounds awesome! I wish you contiinued happiness and much success! All the best, Niki