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I understand It's not that simple to get back with the program once off it. In addition to posting and getting support here, I encourage you to get professional help. If you had a psychological consultation, maybe you can go back to the person who did that. If not possible, please find someone else. Because of the financial considerations, I hope your insurance will cover it. Also, if there is a weight loss surgery support group near you please go to it. Your doctor's office should be able to direct you to one. It's clear you recognize the implications of the problem here, it may be a matter of working through some issues.

Wonderful news that you are improving. This is a good group of people. Keep in touch.

As a temporary measure, try Gas X strips.

lilmissdiva posted a boot camp diet. Search "boot camp" and it will come up. It seems to be a good way to get back on program. I wish you well and we are with you. Please keep us informed of your progress.

I see. That's how I track my fluids, too.

I'm glad for you but I couldn't do it that way. In the "old" days I was addicted to food, especially carbs. If I had a pastry this morning, I'd have two this afternoon and even more tomorrow until they were gone. I'm not going to get back on that slippery slope. But these approaches are a matter of choice and yours works for your, mine for me. However, while I may have misinterpreted your post, it appears you are suggesting keeping track of Fluid intake is not necessary. Ask those who needed intravenous fluids or who have had a lack of fluids affect their body's organs.

You're doing the right things. I'm pulling for you to get your surgery on Oct. 9th. Please keep us informed.

I'm not clear on what you're saying. Are you meeting your fluid and protein goals?

Hurray!

nyxa, I don't think you seemed overbearing. You were very respectful of me and provided good information that supported your perspective and gave each of us something we can use.

As I said, I don't know whether the sleeve can accommodate that type of diet. To set the record straight, however, my nutritionist is a vegan. I agree with chubbyperthchic I will be incorporating some of those recipes into my repertoire.

Others may have heard something different, but my nutritionist said there is no way for vegans/vegetarians to do this. For you, I hope it is not true.

SCgravybits--"I bought the Nector, fuzzy navel and the crystal sky" put these in jello, the flavor of the jello going with the flavor of the protein. I bought Jay Robb's pina colada protein powder and it was delicious in orange and lime jello.

Obviously you are going to make your own decision which is as it should be. For me, the advantage of the sleeve over other methods of losing weight is that I am not hungry. That makes all the difference in the world. I knew before that the best flavor of anything is in the first several bites. Now I get to practice that. Sometimes out at a restaurant or for a special meal at home I think, "If only I could eat more of that." and I know I would if I hadn't had the sleeve. Then I realize that I am way better off with the sleeve because I would be digging into all of those meals and sabotaging any diet and exercise plan I was on. Let's face it. We have all been on many diets and tried various combinations of diet and exercise. Have we ever stuck to them? No. This was my best chance to take off the weight and regain my health and quality of life and maybe even save my life. I had no difficulty recovering from the surgery and it is nowhere near as difficult as childbirth.

I didn't get a message from you with your address, but I did find a lot of sources for the Gas-Ex Thin Strips on-line. Perhaps you would want to get them from one of those sources.

Once off the special diets, it is easy to start grazing again. I did that for a little while, thinking that grazing on healthy foods was all right. I got back on the program by asking myself each time, "Am I really hungry?" Of course, I never am hungry so checking on myself stopped the self-defeating behavior.

Welcome. My doctor let me have low fat cheese during that stage. I used string or farmer's and Babybel cheeses. They have a reasonable amount of protein and make good snacks. It seems you ought to be able to get just about enough protein during the soft food stage.

That is amazing. Congratulations!

My nutritionist said to get protein drinks/powders that have most of their protein from whey. She also said to avoid the drinks Scaredoftheunknown identified. In addition, she really pushed plain yogurt, the kind without the fruit in it, and said it doubles as a fluid. I have taken a fierce liking to Fage 2% plain yogurt which has 23 grams of protein per cup. The Fage tastes like sour cream, so some do not like it.

I had this same discussion with my doctor. He said that I will not have movements once a day as I used to do and that it would usually take several days between movements. I am making sure I have at least the amount of fluids I am supposed to have and drinking Smooth Move tea, which tastes just fine. He said Smooth Move is good for the short term but that for a longer term solution to use Benefiber or one of its clones. I've been unable to find Benefiber but my CVS pharmacist was able to direct me to a clone CVS puts out. I'm sure other pharmacies have their own clones, too.

I hope you're doing well now. "To sleeve or not to sleeve" is obviously your decision. My best to you for your future.

That is really funny. Your sense of humor shows in your response to the situation.

It's good you're seeing the doctor. It could be nothing, but it is best to hear that from the doctor.

Many, many hugs to you. When these problems are over you will be so happy with your sleeve. Best wishes and keep us informed. We care.

Walk, walk, walk and then walk some more.