TheRealMeIsHere!

You look wonderful!!! Though I know that other people saying that does not help. I where a size 1, 2 or 3 and look ok with clothes, but I know what I REALLY look like, with all the skin, and still see myself as FAT!

TOTALLY understand the surreal, your too fat to be here, feeling. I am a size 1, 2 or 3, depending on where I shop, and feel almost like a fraud. Like I have no business buying such sizes. I look pretty good in clothes, But...I know what I look like naked, with excess skin, and it ain't pretty!!! LOL

As far as I know, it is not a chemical process to remove fat from dairy. In un-homogenized milk the cream rises to the top and is removed

It's NOT healthy, long term to not eat fruits/veggies. In the meantime I am taking my vitamins, as prescribed. Again, not a good long term solution, but as my stomach expands, will be able to have more variety.

I do eat peanuts, so am getting some good fats, there

I believe in moderation, which is why I used the word 'regularly' As my stomach expands, I will be able to have more variety. I occasionally have a bite or 2 of something else, besides protein. But, I feel great and am very healthy, all blood work has been perfect, and he checks EVERYTHING! It's like donating blood when I go, LOL!!

Some of the advice has been helpful, but I will not return to my old habits, that is how people regain the weight, after a few years. I am following a healthy low fat diet, not processed foods. I don't deprive myself, I just limit sweets and junk foods to an occasional bite. My nut told me to add a few extra calories at a time (1-2 extra bites at meals) so as not to increase calories too rapidly, that makes sense. I asked the question while I was waiting for a response from my nut. As my stomach expands, I will be able to include fresh veggies/fruit. My health is EXCELLENT and my energy through the roof!!

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