wishes

I was just thinking, where do deviled eggs fall on the post-op plate? I know they are pretty good for Protein, low in carbs, but high in calories because of the Mayonnaise. How "bad" would they be considered? And are they considered a soft food?

Wow, good ideas! I definitely want to keep this topic for later.

I love my straw.... you can't take it from me! Lol, my surgeon didn't say anything about it either, but I just tried it to see if it bothered my new tummy. It didn't. End of story.

Hey, I remembered reading a post by LoquaciousLaura about getting plastic surgery after WLS, and I called about the CPT codes:
1. Mastoplexy (breast lift): CPT code - 19316
2. Brachioplasty (arm lift): CPT code - 15836
3. Pannulectomy (tummy tuck w/ muscle reconstruction): CPT code - 15830
4. Thigh lift: CPT code - 15823
I spoke with a UHC Choice Plus representative today, and she said that each of these procedures "could" be covered with a pre-determination from insurance, even the brachioplasty but each has the potential to be cosmetic so they would need the information from my PCP or surgeon why it is medically necessary.

That was a great thing to see. I never really worried about the healing over the staples, but I am more comfortable seeing the 8 months later photos.

I love my straw.... you can't take it from me! Lol, my surgeon didn't say anything about it either, but I just tried it to see if it bothered my new tummy. It didn't. End of story.

To keep things lively and low carb in the kitchen, I have been experimenting. eggs will always be a love of mine, and as I was scanning the interweb I found a Paleo Fajita Frittata recipe. It looked delicious. I would have definitely loved to try some fresh peppers and onions in this recipe but it wasn't what I had on hand so I modified it a bit for my budget and pantry. It turned out delicious!
1 bag of moe's seasoned fajita veggies (3 in a package at BJ's for less than 5 dollars)
16 oz of round eye steak (Flank steak would probably work even better)
2 tbs chili powder
1 tbs cumin
2 tsp cayenne pepper (I might have added more, I like things HOT!)
2 pinches of pepper
10 eggs
1 cup of finely shredded mexican blend cheese
First, grease the pan with a no calorie olive oil spray and set the oven to 350 degrees.
Cut the round eye steak into cubes. Add your spices, and stir until spices are well mixed. Don't cook the meat through. Add frozen vegetables. Cook until softened, and cook the meat until desired color. Add cooked meat and vegetables to a 9x9 circular casserole dish.
Scramble eggs. Add to casserole dish. Place in the preheated oven. Let cook for 20 minutes. For the next 10 minutes place on broil. Remove dish. Sprinkle cheese. Place back in for two minutes or until cheese is melty.
Serve and enjoy!
P.S. This is SUPER easy to make and really yummy says the boyfriend. Also, it has ridiculous amounts of Protein. I set the servings to 8, but I couldn't even finish a whole slice. However, it still calculates pretty high even if you finish 80% of said slice. :smile1:

Fajita Frittata.bmp

Boca burgers with cheese, Gardein products, tofu, tuna salad, egg salad, boiled eggs, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, and cheese cubes. Also, since you eat fish, don't forget to consider things like clams, scallops, crab, and shrimp.
P.S. Also, don't be afraid to incorporate things like peanut flour, almond flour, soy milk, almonds, Peanut Butter and other nut products for more Protein.

wish3s

I need a way to keep track of the calories I am burning doing my Couch to 5k and just being active. Is the Fitbit worth buying for this purpose? For those who have Fitbit's do you like them? How do they work?

jasleeve, I am also 5'3" and I weight 241 right now. However, I started at 257 with weight to lose where I can also still maintain my BMI over 40. It starts getting tricky for me if I go below that. I only have one co-morbidity, so I would not be eligible for surgery if I dropped below 40. I am trying to lose weight, but I have to make sure I don't lose too much. However, I definitely second the suggestion to record your food. I do that religiously, even for that bagel bite I had in the Sam's club while shopping. It is a good habit, and really lets me keep track of what I am putting in my mouth.

When we get to TT time we are going to have to post how the consults go.

If I didn't loathe cottage cheese, I would so try this. I am just so curious about what the functional volume of my sleeve is.

If I didn't loathe cottage cheese, I would so try this. I am just so curious about what the functional volume of my sleeve is.

Lol, I can see myself being on the same boat in very short order.

I love this thread!!!

Buffalo Shredded chicken
http://allrecipes.co...ken-sandwiches/
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
http://allrecipes.co...er-pulled-pork/
Sour Cream and Bacon chicken
http://momswithcrock...ockpot-chicken/
Green Chili Chicken
http://crockpot365.b...ken-recipe.html
Vietnamese Roasted Chicken
http://crockpot365.b...ed-chicken.html
Also, don't be afraid to just pick up a marinade from the grocery store and throw it over any type of meat in the slow cooker. It will turn out awesome, and doesn't require a lot of work.

Buffalo Shredded chicken
http://allrecipes.co...ken-sandwiches/
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
http://allrecipes.co...er-pulled-pork/
Sour Cream and Bacon chicken
http://momswithcrock...ockpot-chicken/
Green Chili Chicken
http://crockpot365.b...ken-recipe.html
Vietnamese Roasted Chicken
http://crockpot365.b...ed-chicken.html
Also, don't be afraid to just pick up a marinade from the grocery store and throw it over any type of meat in the slow cooker. It will turn out awesome, and doesn't require a lot of work.

wish3s

You could actually buy a 2% or full fat greek yogurt and make frozen yogurt yourself. Better Protein to carb ratios and it is soooooo cheap.

How are things going with the sleeve? Things are great now. Some days I don't even think about my smaller portions. I just made sloppy joes two nights ago, portioned out my 2.5 oz and topped with a serving of mexican blend cheese. The day before that? I made crockpot honey garlic chicken. I ate one thigh. It really isn't anything special. I just make my boyfriend's plate right along side mine, but I get the cuter plate, lol. It is just a way of life now making sure I get enough Protein and keep my carbs down. I use myfitnesspal religiously to make sure I am getting the nutrients I need.
How long ago were u sleeved? I was sleeved 7 months ago.
Has the adjustment gone well? Yeah, I was doing low carb six months prior to being sleeved. Soon as you get past the Fluid and mushy stages, I really think life perks up. Before that though, you gotta remember you are healing and relearning to eat with a totally new stomach. And sometimes there are hiccups, I didn't get any Protein in my first two weeks. I had a really hard time with anything not a vitaminwater, but it gets better. Don't rush the stages, sometimes you have to linger a little.
How has adjusting to so little food been? It was a mind trip at first. I really liked my big portions. Before VSG, I could eat an entire hot-and-ready pizza by myself in about 15 minutes. Now? I eat about 3/4 of a slice. I just tear off the crust. You get used to it. You sigh, you cry, you have a little fit where your SO laughs at you, and you move on. This is life.
Side note, I really hate leftovers now though. I didn't before surgery, but post-op I really can't stand dried out chicken or even one of my favorite foods ever, pulled pork. I loathe eating reheated stuff. My boyfriend laughs and says, I got picky post-op. It is okay though. I just make a smaller meal that night and remake it in a couple of days so the meal is hot and fresh.
Have you engaged socially yet? Haha, yes, and that is where I go a little carb happy. I may not be able to eat like I used to, but I sure can still get down my fluids. I am really only limited by how much I feel like. I can drink 2 large unsweet iced teas from McDonald's in about an hour if I tried, and 3 or 4 of my low carb daiquiris like it is nobody's business. I have no problems getting down fluids. I like to keep a decaffeinated beverage in my hand now because I almost passed out on campus once when I forgot a Water bottle all day. I definitely learned that lesson well.
When I go out with my friends, I order things without bread, and I just don't eat Pasta. At Chipotle? I get my burrito bowl without rice and Beans, lots of veggies, double meat, and pile on that cheese and sour cream please! I eat about a third of the meat, cover it and bring it home. Okay, I will always eat Chipotle leftovers. I lied, lol. If I go to Buffalo Wild Wings or an Ale House? I get wings. If I go to my favorite Mediterranean place? I get the fried jibneh or kabobs. Indian? Paneer or Tandoori chicken. Vietnamese? Pho with extra beef. If I go for BBQ, I always get my ribs and just refrain from smothering everything in the sauce. I get the things I want, try to stay on plan, and just try to keep my protein up and be happy.
I can eat whatever I want, but I feel better when I am not eating bready things. They just don't sit well for me. I get really uncomfortable. At parties, I take a beer and chat. Carbonation doesn't bother me too much anymore.
Have you had a glass of vino yet? Err... lol, I guess I got ahead of this one. I will have to say yes. I have had wine, beer, vodka, tequila, bourbon, rum... Can I use my college student excuse? I admit I like going to parties and the club. What can I say?
Just talk to your surgeon about when it is right for you, and definitely wait until your stomach is healed.
Did your body respond differently than previously? At first, yes. I definitely could get tipsy off of a few sips of Riesling. Now? Tequila shot, you say? Don't mind if I do. Alcohol hit me hard and fast at first and it tapered off just as quickly. Eventually, you will definitely be able to hit the tapas and restaurants with your hubby again, but it might take two or three months. Again, talk to your surgeon about his or her recommendations.
Don't worry, life goes back to normal. Just follow your plan though for the most part and the weight will come off.
How will I stay engaged at social or family events that ,as always, revolve around cooking, eating and appreciating copious amounts of food? Well, for me, I just do what I normally do, chat up a storm. I carry my unsweet iced tea (blashphemy in the south, I know), grab a deviled egg, and play with my cousins. Same old, same old. I am just not carrying a huge plate anymore.
When I have friends over for a meal, everyone knows I eat low carb, so I just grab a little meat and a couple of veggies and do the same song and dance. I eat slower. I enjoy my company more. If I go out, I like not having to worry about eating an appetizer, entree, and dessert all by myself. I enjoy a little of everything in moderation and take the rest home along with my shrinking waist line.
Hope I answered all your questions and didn't come off as an alcoholic, lol. I really don't drink that often. VSG is just life now, and I really am happy with my decision. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

9 months post-op. Kind of hard to believe, but at this point. I have to just say I am very thankful I have my sleeve. For me, everything is normal. I eat what I want and when I want. I almost always eat Protein first. I have a glass of wine (or three) when I want to. Only word of warning is to not skip your vites. I had low Iron last blood work, and I am really trying hard to get it back up! Anemia sucks.
I am still losing weight and well on my way to hitting my goal of 120 pounds, and only 3.6 lbs from my surgeon's goal of 140. I think I can lose the next 23.6 pounds by my 1 year surgiversary, but I know I am going to have to up the exercise if I really want it. I lose about 6 to 7 lbs a month right now.
There have been so many scale and non-scale victories. I don't even know what to say. I wear a size small and a size 6 jeans (from a XL and 24). I don't even think about when I walk into a room if I am the fattest in there. I have soooo much room in the lecture hall seats... I can sit Indian-style! It just really makes me happy to walk across campus and not be winded and huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath.
It really meant a lot to me to see pictures of different stages post-op so I wanna make sure I post mine.
Highest Weight: 271
Surgery Weight: 230
Current Weight: 143.6
*Weight Loss by Month*
Month 1: 16.0
Month 2: 11.6
Month 3: 6.0
Month 4: 11.0
Month 5: 11.6
Month 6: 4.0
Month 7: 12.4
Month 8: 6.4
Month 9: 7.4
Also, I just want to say. I am not the fastest loser by any means. I have lost 86.4 pounds since surgery. Everything else pre-op. Don't get discouraged. The loss will happen.

Unsweetened Silk Almond Milk, 30 calories per cup, 1g carbohydrate as Fiber, 1g Protein. Win in my opinion.

Wow, amazing transformation. The new you looks so happy, sexy, and full of life-ready to conquer the worls. You are an inspiration. Congrats!

Wishes, you look fantastic. Congrats on your transformation!