DebiC

That's funny because my surgeon told me to NEVER measure out my food-only to weigh it!! He also says "Eat when you're hungry-Eat until you're full"-My "full" sounds just like what you describe-Up to the rim. When I was only 1 month out-I think I ate the same amount as you are. I am now 3 months out and still pretty much at that same place- 3oz Protein 1/2 cup veggies. I eat 3 times a day (about every 4 hours) with no Snacks. I don't see how you can measure out meat unless it's ground up. Maybe he didn't understand you?

Looking for a buddy who-like me-has a LOOOOONG way to go. I think that having to lose 250# is a WAY different journey than even losing 100#. I have lost 60# in two months-but you can't even tell. I am a 57 year old female. I live in Utah. I am 6' tall. I have been at my this-my highest weight for at least 20 years. Which means that for 20 years I haven't been able to go into a store to shop. Before I can go anywhere I have to take into account the seating arrangements, I seldom go into other peoples home or ride in their car. I graduated from college 2 years ago with a degree in Social Work, but would never think of even applying for a job until I lose a LOT more weight. I would love to have a buddy or two-male or female-who might have something in common. Debi

Emlefe: It's been two weeks since your first post. How are things going now? Are you at the mushies yet? Please fill us in on how you are doing.

What a good attitude you are having about this tragedy. I'm sure your faith really helps. Sorry you had such a bad time. Glad you were in a good hospital-and that this didn't happen after you went home! Hang in there. You might want to tell a few more friends now so people can come help and visit. Good luck.

Although not a vegetarian, I have started using TVP in my families food to boost the Protein, cut the cost, cut down on fat etc. I but the already flavored TVP (Taco) and add it to my ground beef after cooking-the seasoning serves to also season my ground beef. I started out small, but now we do 50/50. This works for tacos, Soups, spaghetti sauce whatever. My family is adults so they know it is in there, but even so they swear they can't tell any difference in taste or texture. I have also bought the sausage flavored and added it to soups, or spaghetti sauce. As for the PB2-I have only used it when i was doing shakes. I have never actually tried it as Peanut Butter, but I had better since I bought a 2 pound bag!! I have been thinking of making it up and mixing it half and half with real peanut butter.

I was going to mention OA, but I see someone else already has. If you can't afford a therapist (or in addition to a therapist) this is a great place to go. These groups have years of experience dealing with addictions, which I'm sure at least 99% of us have (whether we are ready to admit it or not). I can totally relate to how you are feeling, and part of the problem with addictions is that even if you know you are harming yourself, it doesn't matter as long as you feed your addiction. It takes more than a couple of weeks to stretch out your stomach-but that doesn't mean you didn't damage it, since it is not done healing. Also, if things are this bad now and you don't get a handle on it, you really will be setting yourself up to fail. I personally have known several people who gained their weight back after undergoing WLS-so it can and does happen. Thanks for sharing that video. I had studied up on the procedure before having surgery-but not actually watched a procedure. I just have 1 comment-Why the heck couldn't they suck out all that fat while they were in there???????? Wouldn't that have been nice? I see now why my surgeon said my surgery was very difficult. Too much fat to even see what he was doing!! I have to say this has been both the hardest and easiest weight related program I have done. And I know we all deal with temptation. But unless we can deal with the emotional stuff, in addition to the physical stuff, we will have a much harder, if not impossible chance of long term success.

I never thought about the swallowing thing-I have been chewing gum. No one said not to. I'll have to be extra careful.

Yecats-I watch TV on Netflix. Actually have no idea what is on or off the air!!

Yeah-Don't drink mouthwash. You might get drunk! 80 oz! I have been having a rough time getting in 64!

Besides snacking I add them to salads (cold) or stir fry's.

Roberto's is about the only place I can still go out to eat. (I'm guessing it's the same one-but maybe not) I usually get a beef tostada and eat the toppings-leave the tortilla-I can only eat half. Or mine has a carne asada taco ($2) that is 2 unfried corn tortillas with about 6oz! of carne asada and then pico de gallo. That's it. Easily 2 meals!!! Mexican food has been a real life saver on my plan. Lot's of flavor and texture. And much can be made low fat or fat free!!

I did find that Water tastes much different. I used to drink water that had been through a Brita filter. Now I can't stand it! Some people find that they no longer enjoy cold drinks, while I need to have my glass full of ice. I just started buying the gallon jugs of water and tried several brands to find one or two I liked. I really enjoy Fiji Water, but it is soooo expensive. I save it for a special treat!! They say different water's have different ph's so maybe that's why they taste different. Then again you may not notice any taste difference at all and tap water will taste just fine to you. Every one is different.

Got my fingers crossed!! I've been looking at shoes online. I'd be happy just to go from a WW to a W!

What do you mean not drinking plain water? That is what we are supposed to drink. I don't get it about the vitamins either. Mine aren't hard, they are adult Gummy kind. Maybe they stick to your teeth and cause cavities?

I gave up Pepsi when I started this journey. I know that if I took even one sip I would be back to the 44ouncers in no time! I wish I could find a good substitute. To make it worse I can't tolerate any artificial sweeteners so no Crystal Light or MIO or flavored waters or sports Water. No sucralose, no Stevia, no Truvia, no Aspartame. Just plain old water. I know that around the world many people drink nothing but water their entire lives, but I'm so bored with it. Today I "splurged" and had 8oz of lemonade. But that is over 100 calories!! I know that I am flirting with dehydration, but even 3 months out, i just can't force myself to drink even 48 oz of water a day. I do try and get in 16oz of skim milk and 8oz of juice along with my water, but I just get so tired of plain water. I have even started buying different brands so that it seems like a different beverage.

Can I play again? I'm going to anyways. If I could go back to high school I would take classes that would apply more to the real world. I actually think that HS is just about worthless and took all 5 of my kids out and put them in college at 16. My youngest just graduated with her Masters Degree a month after she turned 22! I think unless you are taking AP classes or really enjoy the social parts, it doesn't do much to educate you in the things you need to know. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and could only take 2 books, 2 CD's, and 2 DVD's (and something to play them on) what would they be?

Lynda-Even before I saw your post, I had done the call a friend and whine. Seemed to do the trick. I guess I was just feeling lonely (I just started living alone for the first time in my life a month ago), bored and as I said irritated. Luckily my sleeve did not allow me to eat so that didn't happen. Bored because all I had done today already was read and watch tv because it was snowing too much to go out unless necessary. I so get the whole what's the point of cooking, I only get to eat 4 bites. My daughter and her family come over for dinner most nights, and I always try and prepare enough for both her and I to have for lunch the next day. That way I do get to have seconds of my delicious cooking!! But at least having them to cook for makes it worthwhile to make the effort. Plus they do the cleanup!!

I am seeing a therapist about my food addiction/low self esteem. After writing the above I started to think and realized what was really making me want food. Besides being bored I just received some irritating news about a current legal issue with soon-to be ex. So I think what I was really looking for was some comfort. As of yet I haven't found something to replace food as my go to comfort item. I realize it should be exercise-but I'm not to that point yet.

I have an ounce of cheese a few times a week. My surgeon says to only go with low-fat, but since I don't care for that (i wish I could learn to like string cheese-it's a texture thing) I just have a smaller amount, less often. I ditto the PB2. It is basically dehydrated Peanut Butter. Only 40 calories for 2 Tlb vs. 190 for 2 Tlb of regular. But my biggest concern would be that cheese is considered one of the worst foods for, how shall I say it, stopping you up intestinally.

Hoo. I thought paying $25 for 18 was outrageous. But then again I am the one who paid $20 for a dozen "spa" waters on amazon and then couldn't stand them. I think that if you can find a Protein drink that is palatable, it's worth it at any price. Too bad you can't find them locally. I just bought a case. Didn't see on the label that they contain sucralose which tastes horrible to me. I know I can return them, but I hate to do that. Tried making ice cream with one carton. The texture came out OK. Not like real ice cream, but nice for a change from shakes. Why can't they make an honest to goodness taste free, unflavored protein??

I love pepper, but personally I would treat it as a seed. My surgeon allowed seeds at the same time as I was permitted a full diet, which for me was 4 weeks.

Sorry you are off to a rough start. Just remember it gets easier every day. Especially as you see the scale go down and the clothes get worse. You'll realize this was all worth it. If it's not a problem I would say definitely stay with your mom the few extra days and let her pamper you! Good luck. And sip sip sip.

Frpringle-I'm so glad you found us. You are doing so fabulous. You are especially an inspiration to me because I think you are the only person I have seen who started with a BMI as high as mine! And look at how you are doing. 100lbs by 3 months! I got sleeved the week after you (11/14). I have lost about 75lbs (getting weighed today) and hope to hit 100# by my 5 month. It is amazing the self control you seem to have and what you are doing sure seems to be working for you. Do you even eat the chicken for Breakfast? I occasionally eat leftovers for breakfast. I have found that my taste buds don't seem to differentiate between meals anymore. They all seem interchangeable. Plus I don't eat my first meal until 10:00 so that my eating schedule is 10-2-6 so that I can have dinner the same time as my family. Do you exercise? I have just started a walking program my surgeon put me on. But I have to say I have taken more days off than I have actually walked. I know a lot of people here do the gym and stuff, but I am still too heavy to even think of doing anything besides walking. I so know what you mean about not seeing any difference-i have said that here many times. When you have as much to lose as we do even 100# barely makes a noticeable difference. At least you are getting to wear a new size in pants! I wear those old lady black stretch ones that seem to fit every weight I ever am! It's also hard because I am 6' tall. I finally found that Woman Within had tall jeans up to a size 44T. One style. So I ordered a 40T and was so excited when I was able to pull them up and button them. But then I looked at the legs and they could have held an additional leg!! I don't know if they were "wide" leg pants or if my hips size is WAYYY out of proportion to my thighs, but I guess I'll have to wait until I go down a few more sizes to get a pair of jeans. I haven't worn jeans in about 12 years so that is one of the first things I am looking forward to. Even if they are a size 38!!

Not quite sure what Forum this should go under-so i'll try here. First off, i have never worn shapewear (I have been a 6X for years-so wear loose clothes anyways). So I am looking towards the future. Here's my question/dilema. I have to lose about 250# and will need to wait to have any plastic surgery done. So lets suppose I lose most if not all of my weight. That will mean I will have A LOT of excess skin hanging around. My question is-will shapewear really be able to handle that much excess skin? I mean it hardly seems fair that if I lose all this weight that I have to go around with my stomach hanging to my knees for a year or two until I can get plastic surgery. I guess I should be happy just to be able to enjoy the health benefits of weight loss. But seriously, who doesn't want to also look better, and if I work this hard I want to be able to wear something besides a muumuu or stretch pants!! But how will I fit in anything if I still have so much skin hanging down?? Anybody here actually lost a significant amount of weight and had to deal with this problem?

It's not uncommon for our Significant Others (and sometimes friends and family) to sabotage any diet plans. Or for that matter any types of changes we might make. They feel threatened. If you lose weight you might leave them (actually this happens a lot-but don't tell them that!) or sometimes it's a control issue (many obese people are in relationships where they allow the partner to control them-due to low self esteem), sometimes it's jealousy (if they need to lose weight also). Lissa (and the others) are right that your first step needs to be to talk to him, Then if that doesn't work you probably need to take a look at your overall relationship. Is he supportive in other ways? Is he controlling in other ways? This program is too hard, too emotionally draining, and too expensive to allow ANYONE to sabotage you.