VACookey

My nutrition materials say to have at least 50 grams of Protein FROM supplements in addition to the food I eat. I've had one Protein Drink today so far. But I've already had 95 grams of protein so I'm wondering if I need that extra Protein shake. I wasn't given a total of protein I should shoot for each day. Just the grams from supplements. Obviously, I need to ask the doctor but it's too late today. I'm just trying to figure out if I should drink that last shake tonight. What say you?

It does sound good. I may have to try those. As for the enchiladas with cabbage, it would be good if I liked cabbage. Actually, I do like cabbage. It just really really dislikes me IYKWIMAITTYD.

Nutritionally speaking, enchiladas are probably not the best thing in the world to be eating. I've been really good about my eating for 3 months (today's my anniversary!) but for some reason, I was really craving them last night. First time I've craved anything specific since being sleeved. So I don't have a problem with eating something like that once in a while. Today, I'm back to my regularly scheduled program of lean Protein and veggies. I need to figure out where I can get some good sushi. I used to go to the all you can eat buffet but since that's not an option anymore, I'll have to find a new place. Fresh Market huh? I found one but it's not that close. I wonder what Whole Foods has. I may have to check them out.

ok good news. I had 3/4 of a small chicken enchilada and I am sat-is-fied! I had a bite of the cheese enchilada but it didn't sit as well. So only chicken for a while. Thanks for the input. You've helped make me a happy Cookey this evening

Ok, my mouth is literally watering right now. That's how bad I want this. I think I'll try it and hope for the best. When I come back here later crying with acid reflux and upset stomach, please have sympathy!

Now that I have everyone's attention, I have a question. I've been pretty conservative with my meals over the last 3 months since being sleeved. I haven't tried sushi, or Pasta, or rice, or bread, or anything really. I've been eating grilled chicken, lean steak, veggies...basic stuff. But I have to admit, I've been craving enchiladas over the last 2 weeks and the craving is getting stronger. Can I even eat an enchilada? I've been too scared to try it. But then I read people here who are eating stuff I would NEVER eat because I'm afraid it's going to kill me. Fast food? Toast? Sushi??? So anyway, am I just being a pansy about a lot of things and should I try to broaden my horizons a little? Or is it still too early? Thanks!

I consider myself to be wildly successful. My nurse tells me I'm losing like a bypass patient. I couldn't be happier. So, just for comparison, I calculated how much I lost in the 60 days after surgery (after I subtract what I lost from the pre-op diet). You know how much? 33 pounds. So you got me beat! I mean, think about it: 16 pounds a month is INSANE! Congrats on your AWESOME progress so far!

How interesting. I didn't have a problem with the pre-op diet. In fact, I left behind a couple of shakes (because I lost track of what I had already eaten two of the days). I just spaced my shakes out perfectly and never had a problem. For me, the hardest part was the first two weeks. The pain of eating or drinking anything had me in tears. I totally regretted the decision at first. But that goes away pretty quickly and then the fun starts. It's really a fun process watching the weight go down and slowly regaining energy and mobility. I'm actually enjoying myself now and I'm not even at the 3 month mark yet.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. and Yes. Now, had you asked me the first month I would've said no. The first month was HARD. But I'm not even at month 3 yet and I'm so happy. I feel great, I can move again, I'm out doing stuff with my friends and family, I'm walking and exercising and dancing and just flat out enjoying life like I haven't in years. And I'm still 225 pounds! I just see things getter better and better as I drop more weight. So yes, I'd totally do it again.

Good question! I've had the kid, done the breastfeeding, lost 90 pounds, gained 100 pounds, and now losing another 100 pounds. I soooooo need a lift and several implants.

The protein shakes I liked pre-op were too sweet post-op and they made me sick. But after a few weeks, I tried them again and they're fine. The first couple of weeks is hard finding something that doesn't make you sick. But don't give up on it. Things will settle. Just drink what you can. Unjury.com has a nice little sample pack of protein drinks. All of them except the strawberry really worked for me and got me through the first few weeks.

I was having that problem and wanted to add more grains to my diet. I bought some Weight Control oatmeal. 7 grams of protein per packet and only 1 gram of sugar. I can only eat half a packet at a time though but ever since I haven't had a problem at all. I eat it every other day for breakfast.

I've been having a recurring theme in my dreams: I'm in some sort of eating situation and I scarf down half a sandwich before I freak out and say "oh no! I can't have bread!" and then I sit and wait for the pain to start. Maybe I'm craving bread or something. Very weird.

I've been exercising but just bike, treadmill, and light weights until I got my full workout clearance. I thought I was doing pretty well. I'm losing weight like a bypass patient (so I'm told). So I went to step class tonight. I finished the whole class but sheesh was I winded. I'm so out of shape it's not even funny. I can do 40 minutes of cardio on a machine but this was so much more intense. Wow. I'm totally feeling it right now. But I'm proud of myself. I didn't give up. I really wanted to about 30 minutes into it (ok, I lie. I wanted to call it a day about 10 minutes in! LOL) Anyway, I had my handy dandy heart rate monitor on. I burned 638 calories with 45% of that being fat calories. Not too shabby. I can't wait til the day I can come on here and shout "I took step and I ROCKED IT." That day is not today. Now I need a hot bath and a glass of wine protein shake.

I am 2 months out and still have that problem. In fact, I asked my nutritionist about it today. I'm going to start logging when I feel like that, how long after I ate, what I ate, and if I exercised that day. She says I shouldn't feel the hunger but I definitely do. I never forget to eat because if go too long my stomach lets me know.

Isn't crab and shrimp soft enough to eat now? I'm less than 2 months out and I've had shrimp already. I just chopped it up real good and chewed the life out of it. It was fine. Chipotle lime shrimp. mmmmmmm

My husband spent the night with me and I'm so glad he did. I told him he didn't have to but wound up needing him after all. We you're heaving and ready to puke, the nurse can't get there fast enough to help you. And when you need to go to the bathroom at 3am, I'd rather have my husband help me than to wait on the nurse.

*YAY*

Here's my advice: give it up completely. It's all chemicals and not good for your body period. Carbonated or not. And this is coming from a 4 bottle a day diet coke addict. My skin, hair, nails, and teeth are so much better since I stopped drinking that stuff. I'm sure Vitamins helped but I believe getting those chemicals out of my body has helped as well.

Oh wow, the first two weeks are rough. You just keep walking and do your best to manage the pain. I promise you it will get better!

Thank god for edit buttons

Their crab cakes are the best. Mostly crab, just enough filling to get it to stick together. I used to get the crab cakes and steamed broccoli with the salad bar but since I can't eat salad yet, I haven't been there since surgery. I've been dying to go since that's my favorite meal. Glad you enjoyed it!

*YAY*

I've been lifting weights since the day I got home from the hospital (Day 2). I got permission first of course! I'm still on a 10 pound restriction so I've been doing 8 pound bicep curls, one arm at a time, 10 pound with both arms triceps behind the head, 5 pound in each hand shoulder presses, 5 pound in each hand side arm raises, and 5 pound in each hand chest presses. It's not much and I'd love to be doing more, but I really feel like it's been helping. My biceps look awesome already!

Operation Sexy – I love it!