Indymom

I was told I could drink moderately after 3 months (but they prefer I wait until goal). I actually have had a few drinks here & there starting at about 10 weeks out . . . I had a pretty high tolerance pre-op and that doesn't seem to have changed. I was able to drink beer out of a glass (sipping slowly) with no bubble issues, wine is OK but pretty sweet, but I seem to do best with a mixed drink like vodka/soda or vodka/pineapple/cranberry. I went out with friends last weekend and overdid it a little, and my hangover lasted much longer than usual . . . so I think surgery has changed the way my body metabolizes alcohol.

I'm only halfway to goal but I lost 50 lbs in 3 months (no pre-op weight loss) without completely eliminating carbs. I do find that eat much less carbs than I did pre-op (simply because after eating my protein and veg, I don't necessarily have a lot of room for carbs) but I still have carby snacks like pretzel crisps and wheat thins, and pair them with high protein cheese to balance it out. I went into ketosis early after my surgery and hated the way it made me feel.

Thanks all! Elixaveth, I've been tracking everything I eat and making sure I eat my Protein first before anything else. I have not found issues with carbs keeping me from losing quickly, so I do eat a few more carbs than some of the others on this board - but I'm trying to stick to good carbs rather than bad. I am eating a ton of boneless/skinless chicken breast, small salads, cheese, etc. Up until the last 2 weeks I've been exercising 4-6 days per week - taking a strength class and doing cardio (jogging) on the treadmill. I've had some medical issues due to an ongoing condition I have so I've not worked out for a couple weeks but I'm hoping to be back at it soon!

Check with the pharmacist at your local drugstore, they can point you in the direction of the ketosticks. If you pee on them and they turn bright purple you're in ketosis. There's a guide on the side of the container that will show what "level" of ketosis you are measuring. For me, I found that hardcore ketosis was really unpleasant and I did better when I ramped up my carbs a bit. Many sleevers will swear by the full-blown ketosis, but I didn't like it or do well with it. I hated the foul taste in my mouth the most.

Every surgeon/nutritionist will recommend something different with respect to Vitamin supplements. Because the VSG is so new (for bariatrics), many nutritionists are still following the same guidelines that they use for bypass patients. My nutritionist's guidelines originally recommended 3 Multivitamins a day, 1500 mg of calcium citrate, 1 B12 sublingual weekly and 1 B1 weekly - but I am only taking 2 multivitamins daily, 1000 mg of calcium citrate and the B12/B1. As far as post-op food intake, I agree that the veggies/whole grains may be difficult immediately post-op (but it will all depend on your nutritionist's food plan). I ate a lot of applesauce immediately post-op which covered the fruits, but I didn't eat much veggies or any grains until I could eat more solid foods.

I am so thrilled that I've lost nearly half my excess weight at the 3-month mark. I had my surgery on 8/10/11 so I'll be celebrating my 3-month surgiversary in 2 days. I didn't have a required pre-op diet so all my loss has been post-op. I'm absolutely over the moon that I've hit this milestone at the 3-month mark . . . I know that the "honeymoon" period is likely nearly over so I'm being realistic and know that the next 50 will likely be a LOT harder . . . but I've worked so hard and am so happy that I've made it this far, that no matter how long the rest takes, I'm in it for the duration!!!! I started out at a 24 pants and a 3x shirt size . . . I'm comfy in a 1x shirt (probably could pull off a XL but am still trying to get comfortable in clothing that is more fitted) and the size 16 pants I bought are getting baggy. WOOT!!

Congrats . . . what an accomplishment!

This early out, your stomach is still "numb" from surgery and you may not feel full. It's very important to measure everything and be strict based upon your surgeon's program. At 2 weeks out I was still on purees and liquids only, so I wasn't yet eating eggs (everyone's plan is different). I was on 2 oz of purees/liquids at that time so I was eating only cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. At this point post-op you don't want to stress your stomach due to your healing staple line, so I would recommend measuring everything religiously.

I just bought some new undies this weekend! That's definitely a NSV!

I didn't have to do protein shakes pre-op, but I also can't tolerate the sweet shakes/mixes anymore, so I do unflavored powder from GNC or Nectar in my decaf coffee with a little milk and splenda. It's not fantastic, but I can usually get it down with no problem.

FYI, the green color could be due to food colors (if you're eating a lot of jello, for example - certain colors can cause some pretty "colorful" BMs!).

Lots of good suggestions in this thread! I have been LOVING soups with the weather getting colder . . . had a great cup of chili today at Jason's Deli. I also like to order a side salad with shredded cheese and ask them to add grilled chicken to it. I get the dressing on the side, and I eat the chicken with some of the salad veggies, it's a great meal. It also allows me to have a splurge of a small chunk of bread/roll without feeling too guilty, since I know my meal is virtually carb-free otherwise.

I am very close to 3 months out and have lost close to 50 lbs, so I think your 40 lb goal is very realistic at 4 months (you'll probably have more weight off than that!). I just went on a 4-day trip to Washington, DC - did a ton of walking and didn't eat all that well, and still lost 5 lbs that week because of all the activity. You should be feeling great by then! Have FUN!

Yep, I did it a few times during the pureed phase!

I finally broke down and bought a pair of jeans . . . 16W and they FIT! I was wearing a pair of 20s I found in my closet . . . they fit OK but were getting really baggy. The 24s I had? Falling off me. I wore the new jeans to work today and no less than 15 people told me how good I looked and how skinny I was getting. It's amazing how clothes that fit can make such a difference!

Indymom ~ 239 SW . . . . . 215 CW . . . . . 200 GW . . . LBS to GOAL: 15 September 5 ~ 239 lbs September 12 ~ 237 lbs (-2 lbs total) September 19 ~ 235 lbs (-4 lbs total) September 26 ~ 230 lbs (-9 lbs total) October 3 ~ 228 lbs (-11 lbs total) October 10 ~ 225 lbs (-14 lbs total) October 17 ~ 223 lbs (-16 lbs total) October 24 ~ 220 lbs (-19 lbs total) October 31 ~ 215 lbs (-24 lbs total) So I didn't meet my goal, but I'm still happy with my consistent loss. I'm going to participate in the Xmas challenge too!

I've been doing a small amount of grazing on my daughter's Halloween candy since Monday. Luckily, my husband has eaten all the chocolate stuff already, and I don't like much of what's left.

I have had a few things here & there but really don't seem to have much of a taste for fried foods anymore. Usually one or two fries (or a few tortilla chips) satisfies me.

WOW - congrats!

She is BEAUTIFUL!! Huge congratulations to you and your family, and welcome to the world Tatum!

Indymom ~ 239 SW . . . . . 220 CW . . . . . 200 GW . . . LBS to GOAL: 20 September 5 ~ 239 lbs September 12 ~ 237 lbs (-2 lbs total) September 19 ~ 235 lbs (-4 lbs total) September 26 ~ 230 lbs (-9 lbs total) October 3 ~ 228 lbs (-11 lbs total) October 10 ~ 225 lbs (-14 lbs total) October 17 ~ 223 lbs (-16 lbs total) October 24 ~ 220 lbs (-19 lbs total) I'm not likely to meet my goal of 200 by Halloween, but that's OK - I'm really happy with my progress since the start of the challenge. I'm just going to keep on keepin' on!

Beautiful picture!! Congratulations!

Yep, this was mine too. The liquid was gross but it was a small amount (the huge volume I had to drink during my pre-op testing was MUCH worse).

That f'ing carb monster hits me every afternoon at work,around 2:30 or 3. I really need to remember to bring a high-protein snack in to get me through the afternoon . . .

Indymom ~ 239 SW . . . . . 223 CW . . . . . 200 GW . . . LBS to GOAL: 23 September 5 ~ 239 lbs September 12 ~ 237 lbs (-2 lbs total) September 19 ~ 235 lbs (-4 lbs total) September 26 ~ 230 lbs (-9 lbs total) October 3 ~ 228 lbs (-11 lbs total) October 10 ~ 225 lbs (-14 lbs total) October 17 ~ 223 lbs (-16 lbs total) Slow & steady wins the race . . . just trying to convince myself . . . !!