TheRealMeIsHere!

I don't eat many processed foods. Most foods I eat are homemade. I just use fat free dairy, and lean meats, baking/grilling instead of frying. The fat free foods that I eat are also low in sugar/carbs. I do sweeten food with Splenda, but that is usually only one of my 4-5 meals.

I hope you are kidding!!! Regularly eating foods that made us fat, in the first place, is a sure ticket to be fat again.

Did you have your endoscopy, yet? That is sometimes checked before getting surgery clearance. If/when they do that, they will be able to see if you have a hernia. Then your doc will let you know if he does it as a separate surgery or not.

Nut says that with time, my stomach will be able to accommodate more, which is why she prefers we eat fat free or low fat foods. It's easier to start good habits now, than to change them later.

Not sure if you're trying to be funny, but that comes out sounding rude AND not at all helpful

You can try things like egg beaters (very high in Protein, can even be added to shakes/smoothies) FF Ricotta ( sweetened & add vanilla, or seasoned like you would for stuffed shells and add a little low-carb sauce) Flan: 1/4-1/3 Cup of Splenda or other no-calorie sweetener 1 1/2 Cups Skim Plus 3/4 Cup egg substitute 1 tsp. vanilla Mix all Spray a ceramic bowl or pan with nonstick spray. place into a larger shallow pan. Pour in the above mixture. place in oven and add hot Water to the larger pan, 1/2 way up the inner pan. Bake at 300* till a knife inserted comes out clean. Custard 2 Cups Skim Plus 3/4 cup egg substitute 1/4-1/3 Cup no calorie sweetener 1/2 tsp vanilla pinch of salt Optional: 1/8 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1 Tbsp instant tapioca. Combine all. stir constantly till just about to boil over VERY low heat Egg Nog 1 cup Skim Plus 1/4 cup Egg substitute (Make sure it says that it is pasteurized) 1 Tbsp no calorie sweetener 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 Tbsp FF/SF vanilla instant pudding powder Mix all ingredients. Hint: If you want a shake just put into a blender with 5-6 ice cubes. Can also top with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Here is a recipe that can be used from the puree phase (I still eat it) tastes like cannoli cream 1 Cup of fat free ricotta 1 TBSP fat free/sugar free instant pudding mix (vanilla, cheesecake, etc…) 1/3 Cup of water 1/6 Cup powdered milk 1/2 to 1 tsp. extract (vanilla, rum, almond, etc…) Blend all in a blender or bullet. Nutrition for the whole thing (it is actually 3-4 meals for me) Fat-0, carbs-17.5, fiber-0, protein 25, Calories-185

Just spoke with NUT, she said absolutely do not add high calorie foods. She suggested maybe add one more snack of something like low fat string cheese. and 1 or 2 extra bites at meals, if I can.

I think I'm also TERRIFIED that the weight will creep back. All my life I would bounce between 275-115. I'm good at losing, but maintenance....not so much! I would maintain for a few years, then......275lbs again! I'm going to try to add small amounts of calories, till I find the right balance. Sleeve, PLEEEEEEEEASE help, I want to be this size forever!

Thank you, those definitely sound like changes I could make. Those are things that would up the calories a little bit at a time, till I find the right balance in order to maintain

[quote name=Lisa ' timestamp='1367199056' post='795572] Here's another question: Did your surgeon see you at the one year mark and do extensive blood work? If so, what were the results? Every time I go for a follow up, I have to have blood work done and my protein levels are tested (along with MANY other things). When my protein was low, I was told to aim for 100-120 (which was right after surgery). But now that it's normal/high, I've been told to aim for a minimum of 60. My blood work is all good, just had some, last week.

wow! You are doing wonderful!! Can I ask, what was your point, where you felt like 'this is it, I'm ready to change this'? I bet you can feel a big difference in your energy and health. You have lost a whole man, that you used to carry around 24/7!!! Bet you couldn't even lift 175lbs, imagine carrying it?

Sounds like you are doing AWESOME!!! Hopefully as you keep pushing and getting healthier, the health issues will be just a distant memory. Keep up the good work!!!

Those foods are lower in protein and my nut keeps saying that until I am easily reaching my protein goals, that needs to be my focus. She says that as long as I am taking my vitamins, I don't need fruits/veggies, etc..

I eat lean meats, greek yogurt, Ricotta, skim plus, egg beaters, cheese, nuts, cottage cheese, fish, an EAS AdvantEdge for breakfast. I'm supposed to be getting around 100gms of protein per day. I barely make 60-70gms. My surgery was January 23, 2012

I eat lean meats, greek yogurt, Ricotta, skim plus, egg beaters, cheese, nuts, cottage cheese, fish, an EAS AdvantEdge for breakfast. I'm hoping my body will just regulate itself.

I am also waiting for a reply from my Surgeon's nurse and NUT. Was thinking maybe a protein Ensure to replace the EAS AdvantEdge that I have for breakfast everyday.

See, that's the thing. My tummy cannot do more food/more often. If I eat less protein to add other foods, I won't even be close to my protein goals. I'm BARELY reaching them now.

I only have 11lbs to underweight, and I'm losing 2-3lbs/wk

If you are getting all your protein/water, exercising and limiting carbs, your body may just be taking a break. You can still lose inches during a stall, tho. I've gone down a size or 2 during my stalls. You can try changing things up for a few days, sometimes that will break a stall. More exercise, different exercise or intensity, more liquid, more Protein, etc.... It will happen, I know it is frustrating, though.

Tofu is very good at taking on the flavor of things it is mixed with. Silken is good for a smooth puree, sauce or smoothie. I like the extra firm for marinating/stir-fry and you can use is to make an 'egg' salad. Really hard to tell it's not eggs, just squeeze the water out with paper towels and mash with a fork, add mayo/mustard and whatever else you normally put into egg salad.

The stats look terrific!! I haven't heard anything regarding the bio-availability of that form of protein, you could ask your Nutritionist.

I'm so sorry that you are having a tough time. Stalls happen and are VERY frustrating. What helped you stay on track before? Keeping a food log? Support of family/friends? Daily weigh-ins? Exercise routine? Something else? If you don't get enough Water (or other calorie free liquid) and Protein, you will be hungry. Also simple carbohydrates can cause ravenous hunger and cravings. The more you avoid those things, the cravings/hunger will slowly subside. Please let me know how you are doing.

You can lose as much as you put your mind to. I am now 115 lbs, 5'2", size 1,2 or 3 depending on brand. The surgery is a tool, how you use it is what makes the difference. Learn healthy eating and cooking preparation. Start an exercise routine that you can stick with. Protein and Water are VERY important. You'll do GREAT!