Indymom

I had a bit of a "last supper" complex pre-op. I didn't binge, but I did have some of the things that I knew would not be allowed for some time after surgery (steak, really spicy food, etc.). Post-op, my cravings are primarily in my head. I have had some days where I didn't make the best choices (for example, snacking on pretzel crisps instead of protein), but nothing that would equate to my pre-op poor eating habits. My carb intake has increased slightly in the last week or so, and I think it's being reflected in my weight loss - so I've had to consciously get back on track. To me, it doesn't feel any different than all the pre-op dieting I did - I know when I've made a mistake or a bad choice, and I have to rectify it. The only difference is that I'm not able to eat inappropriate portions of the foods I did before . . . so the battle seems much easier.

I ate a piece of cheese pizza a week ago and felt MISERABLE. Luckily I wasn't much of a pizza junkie before so I won't miss it.

Check the complications board, there are a few stories there. Thankfully leaks are very uncommon.

There are a number of options - I happen to use fitbit.com because that's the fitness tracker I use and I have everything in one place. Make sure you pick one that will let you add foods if they aren't in their 'library' - so for example you can add the info off the nutritional guide on a can of soup or box of crackers, and then you can select that food for your tracker.

I'm guessing it's normal also. I have my first protein/coffee drink in the morning, followed closely thereafter by breakfast. I'm usually not even thinking about lunch and have to remind myself to eat around noon, but then by 3:00 or 3:30 I get the hungries. I haven't made the best choices with my afternoon hunger (I'm getting home at that time with my daughter and I've found myself grabbing a few pretzel crisps or animal crackers . . . . damn you carbs!) but I am going to start grabbing an oz of cheese or some other protein. My meal plan doesn't call for snacks yet but I think if I'm going to need something in the afternoon I'd rather it be protein than empty carbs. I also considered doing my second protein coffee drink at that time rather than at night, so that's a possibility too.

Do you like chicken? Costco has carmelized onion chicken burgers that are really yummy and a half-burger has about 11 grams of protein (2 oz). What about sliced lunchmeat? Do you like any kind of cheese, because you could spread a thin layer of laughing cow cheese or cream cheese on a slice of deli lunchmeat and roll it up. That sounds yum!

I'm thinking the IRS will be breathing down my neck when they see the deductions I am taking for clothing donations.

I put on 12 pounds from the morning of surgery to the next morning! Like the others said, I got rid of it quickly and started dropping "real" weight shortly thereafter.

I had my surgery at 8:30 a.m. I was in recovery by 11 a.m. and in my hospital room by noon. I stayed 2 nights in the hospital - they would have sent me home after 1 night, but I decided to stay the extra night because I was REALLY tired (they made me get up and walk every two hours the first day/night). I had little to no incision pain . . . the meds in the hospital kept the pain under control the first few days, and I think I only took one dose of my pain meds once I got home. The gas pain was pretty overwhelming but getting up and walking really helped with that, and it passed pretty quickly. I was on clear liquids for 3 days and then went to full liquids, my transitions between food phases have been great. I haven't had any vomiting or problems with transitioning to any new foods. I consider myself VERY lucky in that regard. At nearly 2 months out I'm walking/jogging 3 miles 3-4 times a week, taking a strength training class 2 times a week, and feel like a million bucks. This is the best decision I ever made!

At about a month out I had some sporadic bouts with nausea; I never pinpointed what was causing them but I feel 100% now. That said, always good to touch base with your doc's office if you're not sure what you're feeling is OK. Hope you feel better!

I've been living off the carmelized onion chicken burgers from Costco but really need some variety in my life. Today they were sampling Kangaroo cheeseburgers at my Costco - they are half-burgers in a thin pita pocket with cheese . . . 2.15 oz for the whole thing, 150 cals, 10 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs and 9 grams of fat. They were really good (just microwave for about 30 seconds). Not something I would eat regularly but I bought a box for when I need a quick lunch or dinner on the go. I figure if I put some thinly-sliced tomato, pickle and mustard they'll be really tasty.

I did the BIG closet purge today . . . cleaned out ALL the 3x stuff (HURRAY!!) and organized everything else by size. I was previously wearing a size 24 jean and I got into my old size 20s . . . and they were LOOSE!! I also put on a dress I wore when I first met my husband (I think I was around 200-210 then) and it fit . . . snugly, but it fit. I'm SO excited!

Great baby bump!

Indymom ~ 239 SW . . . . . 230 CW . . . . . 200 GW . . . LBS to GOAL: 30 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) Had a big loss this week! I was very surprised as I think I'm getting ready to have TOM . . . I was gearing myself up for a mini-stall. I'm sticking to plan pretty well with my eating and exercising a bunch. Feeling good!

Costco has it pretty cheap too!

I couldn't stand any chewables. I am doing the calcium citrate petites (6 per day) and then for my multi I take a Nature Made Complete with Iron multivitamin softgel. It's big but my surgeon OK'd it because it is a softgel.

We haven't been eating out a lot just because we're trying to save money for a vacation next year. I do miss drinking socially with friends and I look forward to being able to do so soon (my doc said at least 3-6 months). I was at a concert with my husband on Thursday and actually had some sips of his draft beer (not too fizzy) and honestly, I felt pretty lousy for the following two days. Not hangover lousy, but just something didn't feel "right." I think that was a good sign for me to not rush it and wait until I'm well healed up and closer to goal. I've read a lot of posters on here who still drink socially and drink a fair amount, especially once they are at goal. I definitely plan for that as I have always been a social drinker (if all my thin friends can manage to do it and still stay thin, I guess I will need to figure out how to do it too!).

I thought I would update - I am nearly 7 weeks out now and eating between 650 and 800 a day now (including protein shakes), 75-85 grams of protein, 25-35 grams of fat and 25-40 grams of carbs. I'm still losing steadily.

I'm about 6.5 weeks out and I've noticed my acid has kicked back up (even though I'm taking omeprazole 2xday already). Sounds similar to what you're experiencing; I'm actually going to see if it continues through the weekend and if so I'm going to call my doc.

I do the Nectar unflavored protein powder with decaf and milk every morning and evening. Drink it out of a closed-lid cup (like a travel mug) - I sometimes think I can smell the protein when the lid is off, but really can't taste it.

If you browse Tiffykins' posts you'll find lots of pregnancy-related info. My surgeon recommends waiting at least 18 months post-op before getting pregant.

I'll sh#% my pants the day I can shop in juniors!! Congrats on your loss!!

I think most stores will have some pretty lingerie . . . do you have a Kohl's near you? I know they have a nice foundations section and they are ALWAYS running sales.

I haven't checked this board in a while, didn't realize we had check-in threads. I'm 5 1/2 weeks out and down about 26 lbs (my 'official' weekly weigh-in is tomorrow morning). I've been released to full exercise so I've been doing C25K and on the opposite days doing Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred. I posted this somewhere else too but I'm pretty sure I've replaced the food endorphins I used to get with exercise! I'm in the Halloween challenge and hoping to hit onederland by then. I've been eating between 600-800 cals/day and usually about 2.5 to 3 ounces per meal. I'm focusing primarily on Protein but also including fruits/veggies. I'm feeling great!

Debbie, I think your weight loss is great! I am just 2 days after you and have lost about 26 lbs. I am averaging between 600-800 calories a day and continue to lose. I am OK with slow losing because I'm hoping it will help my skin elasticity and also help me to avoid gallstones and potential kidney issues. Slow and steady wins the race, right?