Indymom

I was able to go to full liquids and purees sooner than you, but I can't transition to most "real" food until 2 months out as well. Although I did find out from my nutritionist today that while the guidelines they gave me say "purees" I don't need to puree most foods as long as I chew thoroughly and eat slowly.

I don't know that it really matters as much during full liquid/mushies, since a lot of that food is moving right through anyway. However, I think it's good to follow the rule now since you're trying to establish that as a habit for going forward. My surgeon said he is not concerned with drinking before . . . I can drink right up to starting a meal. However, I can't drink for at least 30 minutes following.

First off, I don't want to come across as "lecturing" anyone so don't get the wrong idea. But those of you who indicate you feel like you're "eating 'round the clock" or assume a certain number of calories without weighing/measuring anything . . . be very careful. That's a slippery slope you might be on. I have been measuring religiously so that (a) I don't overeat my sleeve and ( I stay within a reasonable range of my targets for the day (calories, fat, carbs and protein). When I had my pre-op nutrition class, the nutritionist stressed the importance of measuring. Studies show that when someone is asked to eyeball a measurement of something, more often than not they go too high. Certainly I remember it from my Weight Watchers days when I was sure I was only eating an ounce of X or a cup of Y, and counted the points accordingly . . . but the scale didn't move. As far as scheduling, I find that if I don't have a schedule I will either forget to eat or will not keep on track with my vitamins/meds, Protein, and food. Here's my typical day: Between 7 and 8:30 - take morning meds, protein/decaf drink 9:00-ish - breakfast 11:30-ish - noon meds 12:00-ish - lunch 4:00-ish - pm meds 5:30-6:00-ish - dinner 8:30-ish - bedtime meds 9:00-ish - protein/decaf drink

I am 4 weeks out and getting between 450-650 calories a day. Now that I'm adding in some veggies my cals are going down a little, so I think I'm going to add a snack or two in of cheese or something to up my calories and protein a bit.

I haven't done it at all. Kinda wish I had, but I figure I'll just wait for my clothes to feel looser.

I was August 10th so as of yesterday (4 weeks) I was released to my second stage of foods. My plan calls it "purees" but it's really much more lenient than that. I can have soft moist meats (canned chicken/tuna), and other meats if they are slow-cooked and/or very moist; eggs, lots of fruits, some veggies like green Beans, mushrooms, asparagus, cucumbers, Water chestnuts . . . I can also have soft grains like cream of wheat, oatmeal, etc. but I'm not really eating any of those. Surprisingly carbs don't taste good to me anymore. My typical breakfast is an egg and a half a small banana. I am having sliced cucumbers with lowfat ranch dressing and an ounce of tuna salad made with olive oil mayo and dill relish for lunch. I don't know about dinner yet but I'm thinking rotisserie chicken from costco and either a veggie or some cheese. I'm also doing 2 Protein drinks a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Thanks Rootman. My nutritionist told me this morning that I didn't need to worry about taking my PPI with my calcium since I'm taking calcium citrate.

My doc's hardline on alcohol was "never" or at least until I hit goal (same for caffeine), but when I pressed him and very pointedly said that I would not be a non-drinker forever, he said 3-6 months and I should be OK. He reminded me that my tolerance could be significantly impacted so to take it easy. I'm looking forward to that experiment! I think a lot of people have returned to caffeine after 3 months or so.

Ugh, I've been taking one installment of my calcium with my PPI. What issues are caused by this?

I was the typical yo-yo dieter for years - Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach . . . exercise, etc. etc. I'd lose some, gain it back, lose some, gain it back plus more. I had lost a lot of weight before meeting my husband, then of course when we got together it crept back on slowly. Got pregnant right after we got married and then the baby weight stuck around, and I tacked a little more on as well. My mom had lapband last October and I finally started considering WLS (though I had always written it off as an "easy way out" in the past). I went to the seminar originally thinking about lapband also, but the surgeon recommended against it due to my ulcerative colitis. I knew I didn't want RNY because it impacted the intestines, but I had never heard of the sleeve. I was nervous about being cut internally but once he started talking about it (and once I started researching online) I knew it was the best option for me. I'm thrilled with it so far at 4 weeks out!!

Such an awesome update!! I always liked reading your posts when I first got on here, you were super helpful to all us "newbies." Glad you are so close to goal and doing so well!!

How awesome!! Has to be a wonderful feeling and I can't wait to feel that same way!!

If you're drinking regular Gatorade you probably want to switch to the lo-cal version or Powerade Zero. Also, if you're not tracking your food you should do so. That way when you have a period of no loss you can look at your food history and see what might be contributing to it.

I've had a phlegmy-type thing going on for a few weeks. I'm driving people at work nuts because I keep clearing my throat! I hope it subsides soon.

Hurray! They carry this at the health food store where my stepson works part-time. I can probably even buy with his discount. I hope they have the sourdough, for the extra carbs based upon the comments it sounds like good stuff.

I've not had any trouble with this yet. Though I am a big spicy food fan, so when I'm able to start eating spicy again I'm worried about needing a drink while eating! Any opinions there?

I'm 4 weeks out and getting between 550-700 calories a day, INCLUDING my Protein shakes (2x day for about 50 grams) and 3 meals. I eat about 2 oz per meal, and try to stress protein . . . while also getting a few fruits/veggies. So for example I might have an oz of tuna salad and an oz of sliced cheese, or an oz of cheese and an oz of applesauce. I can't imagine hitting 350 cals per meal already! You might want to double-check with your nutritionist on that. Good luck!!

Yikes . . . not sure, but are you sipping slowly and taking small bites? That's the only thing I can think of. Otherwise, you might call the on-call doc and just make sure it's not indicative of something problematic.

Congrats, you look great! I take NatureMade Multivitamin softgels (complete with iron). They are big but I have been taking since about 5 days out with no problem. I'm also taking the citracal petites . . . I have to take 6 a day but it's really not that bad. Good luck!

What are you eating? Are you tracking your food? The weight gain might be from upping your Water and you may lose that very quickly. If your diet is carb-heavy, you might try upping your Protein and reducing your carbs. I would recommend tracking everything that goes into your mouth so you can see exactly how many calories you're eating (and what the mix of protein, carbs and fat is). Good luck, I'm sure it's frustrating!

I haven't really felt any 'real' hunger since surgery, only in my head. I hope yours resolves soon, and I also suggest the PPI if you're not on one.

Hell no! I can't say goodbye to carbs forever, it's not in my nature. Plus, with my medical history anything coming near my intestines was a no-go.

I received this at the first support group meeting I attended. I think it's all good information to remember. As far as the 64 oz goes, my nutritionist said that my Protein drinks counted towards this total, as did any non-caffeinated and calorie-free drinks (like crystal light, decaf iced tea, etc.).

OK, officially weighing in! 239 CW . . . . . 200 GW September 5 ~ 239 lbs

I would recommend finding out what is exactly causing you these issues by doing an exclusion diet. Eat only one thing the first few days, and each day add in something new. When the symptoms start up again you'll know what was causing the problem.