Indymom

I couldn't tolerate any of the sweet protein flavors for long - I did do a lot of the syntrax nectar flavors (the roadside lemonade and the lemon tea were tolerable). But I eventually switched to unflavored protein and mixed it with decaf coffee, a little 1% milk and splenda. That was OK but I'm glad I'm getting all my protein from food now!

I am supposed to get at least 75 grams/day. I get pretty darn close most days but I refuse to still do shakes or supplements. I do a lot of chicken, lowfat cheese, etc. to hit my targets.

I still enjoy watching cooking programs (I love to cook for my family) but I agree, watching MVF would probably disgust me now. We got rid of cable a while back so I don't have a chance to watch much food TV, but I do like to watch the cooking shows on PBS. I am typically grossed out watching my stepson eat (he's 15) - the volume he eats and the pace at which he shovels food in his mouth is astounding. It hurts my sleevie just to watch!

Mine started at about 4-5 months and is still going strong. I have a ton of hair so I haven't worried about it thus far, but it is pretty bad. I'm hoping it stops soon!

I haven't been very good about taking my BP since I had my surgery, but at my last doc's appointment (my gastroenterologist, not VSG-related) my BP was 110/70. My BP med is basically just a water pill, so I may be able to eventually discontinue it, but if not I'm not too concerned about it. Both of my parents are on BP meds (they are both overweight but not excessively so), as is my brother who is very fit, so it may be more genetic than weight-related. I was lucky to not have issues with diabetes, and I suspect I was borderline-apnea pre-surgery and my husband says my snoring has all but ceased.

I believe my doc used a 36 and he oversews to strengthen the staple line. My restriction is great.

Sorry you have to deal with that but at least you know what's wrong now. I'm not sure how they remedy a stricture but good luck!

Congratulations!! You look PHENOMENAL.

I got back from vacation Sunday and can't get back on track. I haven't tracked my food all week, haven't worked out, and am making not-so-great choices. Ugh. Tomorrow is a new day!!

Are you tracking your food including fat, calories and carbs? You might back off the carbs a bit and see if that helps. Also if you're not exercising much you'll need less calories to maintain.

I agree with the other posters - allow yourself the treat if you are craving it. You'll be very surprised when you can't (or won't want to) finish even a small. I'm that way about Starbucks lattes - I used to get a regular venti mocha with whipped cream and guzzle it down; now I get a tall, nonfat, no whip and usually can't even drink half of it. I was on a cruise for a week with a soft-serve ice cream bar open nearly 24/7 and didn't have that first cone (just a few licks here & there from my daughter's cones satisfied me more than enough). Any Desserts ordered at our table I was happy with just a bite or two. I tried lots of "bad" foods during meals but limited myself to just a taste of them.

Ugh just discovered a new slider . . . cheez balls (you know, the iridescent orange ones!!!). Thankfully the kids just finished off the bag before I could eat more than a few - I've already told the husband that he's not allowed to buy them again.

Congratulations!! You look fantastic!!

Popcorn is the one food I've noticed is a complete slider for me . . . luckily it's not too much of a trigger food, I don't crave it often so it's not likely to be a problem for me. I don't care much about sweets so they would probably be a slider but I haven't had enough to find out.

My doc's scale always weighs heavier than mine at home. I do my weekly tracking based upon my scale so I don't really worry about what his says. My appointments are usually in the afternoon while my weigh-ins are in the morning (naked, after I've had a BM if possible!!) and of course I'm clothed at his weigh-in. Don't sweat it, your loss is great!

Yum, I forgot about those unwiches! JJ delivers to my work too, so I will try to remember that. I want one right now!!

You look great! Great loss for just 2 months. I'm jealous of your curves, too.

Congratulations! Shopping will just continue to get more and more fun!! Forensikchik, I found the same thing with the ON jeans I bought . . . when I put them on in the mornings they are snug at my waist and super-tight in the thighs/butt . . . . but by the end of the day they are comfy on the thighs and WAY too loose at the waist. Any suggestions for good "curvy woman" jeans that aren't womens' sized? I can't buy in the W section anymore because I'm in a 14.

I'm with Catracks, I allow myself a treat here & there. I just went on a cruise and while I focused on my protein, I let myself have treats during the trip (wine, cocktails & tropical drinks, a few bites of dessert, a small piece of french toast in the mornings some days, I even had some bread & butter with dinner a couple times!!). I was very active during the whole trip and ended up losing 2 lbs. I felt like I was eating like a "normal" person!! It was very liberating.

My capacity increased gradually, I think it was at about month 3 that I moved to 4 oz . . . month 4 & 5 I was at 5 oz . . . now that I am at almost 7 months I can usually eat close to 6 oz per meal (depending on what I'm having, i.e. how dense the protein is, etc.).

NcBreez, I was also at a starting weight close to yours (I was about 265) and I'm 5'4". Way to go Jai!! You look awesome!!

I was 6 months post-op on February 10 and left for a cruise last Sunday. For the first time in I don't know how long I didn't mind having photos taken in my bathing suit! (I erased my daughter out which is why there's that weird white spot) I actually LOST 2 lbs during my cruise! All the up & down on those stairs made up for my not-so-terrific eating and drinking habits, apparently. I am including a "before" picture as well for comparison. Only thing I'm not loving is the leg-jiggle but at the end of the day, who cares!!

It gets better - hang in there! I was sleeved 8/10 and like the previous poster, can eat nearly everything (foods that are greasy or really high in fat don't sit well, but otherwise I'm good). I love Mexican food too, and I enjoy it on a fairly regular basis. I get a fajita steak or chicken salad without the fried tortilla shell, and enjoy primarily the protein with lots of grilled veggies, pico de gallo, salsa, and a bit of sour cream. I even treat myself to a few chips with salsa before the meal!

Size 24 was my starting point too! I'm also in a 14 and loving it . . . congrats on your weight loss!!

Congrats! I SO wish I would have kept smaller clothes but they would be SO outdated now it wouldn't matter.