4ALongerLife

YESSSS! Thank you - that's it... TVP! Grr I bought some after surgery and tried it once. I figure it's going to be getting cooler soon, I'll be busting it out again to try (although I still say get your Protein sources from real protein: fish, chicken, shrimp, etc). TY GLSUN! Pardon my alzheimers....

Sweetie, all of the sudden, you ARE going to have huge dramatic weight losses. Don't rush it. Learn in the meantime so that the drama of such a loss remains to stay with you forever. Or at least that's my take on this journey. Good luck!

I am almost 5 months out (I was sleeved 3/5/12) and I'm trying to keep my caloric intake between 700-900, although I am not strict. Some days I do 500 (rare but it does happen), most days it's 700-800. I work out 6 days a week, usually burning 350 calories minimally but more like 600-700. You are welcome to friend me on myfitnesspal and see what I do, I do publish my journals (although I use the disclaimer now to say I am not perfect. I do sneak in my chocolate or whatnots here and there... hey I'm sleeved, not dead ok?). I do still have a drink once in a blue moon and cheesecake or whatever, but yes, following a low carb/high protein/low fat diet with exercise into my usual routine seems to be working for me, as well as logging what I eat in myfitnesspal (I do that EVERY day). Best of luck to you all! always...

Here's something I've found on my WL journey..... in the "bigger" sizes, there is more of a pounds spread (you can gain a bunch or lose a bunch and the size doesn't change as quickly); however, in the "smaller" sizes (below 14), the pounds spread is much smaller. I've heard that 5 lbs. is the difference between a size 6 and an 8. IDK because I'm not there YET, but I can tell you that I stayed in my 18's for a long time before I moved down to a 16. I lost track in all honesty, but hope that this reply might help encourage you some. Keep doing what you know you are supposed to and it'll happen. I just got into size 12's (a first EVER in my life, I know how sad right... ) as well as an 8/10 in some too tight yoga pants. They'll fit me w/in the next 10 lbs or so of my weight loss I bet though. So focus on what's right and I know it will happen! Best of luck!

How far out are you? I remember your beautiful picture whenever I first started coming here, or not long after, so I believe you are in "full" mode (regular foods). If so, then I suggest......... Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, laughing cow blue cheese wedges (or other varieties), greek yogurt, beef Jerky, pork rinds, shrimp, canadian bacon, eggs, fish, any meat (but watch your fat - that's why I can't eat too much avocado, fat makes me sick.. God didn't hear me correctly obviously because I had wished for it to have been sweets, sigh), ohhh and there is something you can add to Soups to make it higher in Protein. Grr it's on the tip of my tongue.... I am thinking TMP or TPV or something. Grr. I'll have to find it. I generally eat shrimp as a snack or canadian bacon or even turkey bacon here and there. Sometimes for lunch, sometimes for a snack. Greek yogurt - I buy plain then I get sugar free torani syrup and make my own mixture. Saves 50-90 calories extra that's in the good mixed up stuff (i.e. Dannon greek black cherry yogurt for example). You can always add Protein Powder into some of the things you are making as well. So if you are craving something sweet, perhaps make some sugar free Jello with

Recipegirl.com has the cauliflower crust recipe I think (search for this specifically: "Cauliflower Crust Hawaiian Pizza"). I've tried it and it was good. Also from "yourlighterside.com" there is an "Easy Crispy pizza Crust" made out of minced chicken breast and cheese. I have yet to try this one as we've been using the cauliflower crust recipe. (But on this site I also found a "grilled steakhouse pizza" recipe and it was GOOD). Tacos, I've seen the cheese theory as well. But that's it so far. emilybites.com has the wonton wrappers and has a taco cupcake recipe that would probably hit your craving mark for mexican. I haven't tried the taco cupcakes yet, but the cheeseburger ones and the lasagna ones are to die for. YUM. Best to you!

Wow what a great thread! Thanks to all new and experienced sleevers who provided some input. First and foremost, I'm shocked at reading your story Sherri. Girl, you have been through so much. Kudos to you to remain positive. Thank you as well for sharing your long term view at the sleeve, as well as many of you. I had sleeve surgery in March and have lost 80 lbs now (August 5th, it'll be 5 months) I JUST got into a women's medium and a size 12. I've never ever been smaller than a 14, so to me, this is a celebratory experience. And I know... I'm still not done. I just hope to remain to keep it off for life. Most days I do love my sleeve, but the journey hasn't been bump free. I appreciate reading your inputs and thank you so much for that and the time spent in giving your perspectives. Best to all of you, always.

It IS like breaking up with a boyfriend. It is normal what you are feeling. You are going to have many "ups" and "downs" during your journey... after you have surgery, you will have a time of a surge of emotions.....but I know one thing from my journey... it IS totally worth it. So yes, enjoy the breakup while you can, but one day, you won't really miss it. Yes I am finally at that point. food schmoood. lol If you ever need anything, pls feel free to reach out. I am in the Dallas area as well. Best of luck to you!

You can get most of the Torani SF ones at World Market.

I had a leak... one of my staples was rejected by my body. It was severe pain in my lower left flank (lower back) as my body took the leaking items and put it into my diaphragm and the pain ended up radiating into my shoulder. It's called an abscess then as it's your body's way of protecting itself (putting all of the leaked items into one area). I was a few weeks out from surgery and... I would do gastric sleeve again. I chose this surgery over lap band and bypass. I would still do it again.

I ate the last piece for lunch today and I have to say, it's a do over. A friend also sent me this - it's a recipe for "breadsticks" but they have a pizza crust in there too if you'd prefer. http://yourlighterside.com/easiest-breadsticks-ever/ It's just finding out what "tweaks" we can live with and be successful with for life. Hope this helps someone and continues you on your successful journey.

Ok guys, I miss pizza. So I've been trying different things to have a good one. This one, we made yesterday, and it was PRETTY DURN good. So thought I'd share. cheese (or try another kind!) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic (or fresh garlic) 1/2 teaspoon onion salt TOPPINGS: 1/2 cup tomato-basil marinara sauce (or pizza sauce) 1/2 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese 3 slices Canadian bacon, cut into strips 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits Directions: 1. Shred the cauliflower into small crumbles. You can use the food processor if you'd like, but you just want crumbles, not puree. You'll need a total of about 2 cups or so of cauliflower crumbles (which is about half a large head of cauliflower. Place the cauliflower crumbles in a large bowl and microwave them (dry) for 8 minutes (see Tips below if you do not have a microwave). Give the cauliflower a chance to cool. 2. Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet or pizza pan with nonstick spray (or use a nonstick surface). In a medium bowl, mix the cauliflower crumbles (about 1 1/2 cups since they shrink after cooking) with the remaining crust ingredients. Pat the "crust" into a 9 to 12-inch round on the prepared pan. Spray the crust lightly with nonstick spray and bake for 15 minutes (or until golden). Remove the crust from the oven and turn the heat up to broil. 3. Prepare the pizza: Spread the sauce on top of the baked crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese on top. Add the bacon and pineapple, spreading it out around the pizza. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Broil the pizza 3 to 4 minutes, or until the toppings are hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into 6 slices and serve immediately. chicken, green onions and smoked gouda *This pizza is best served on a plate with a fork.

I've always heard ppl rave over the neti pot. Then I saw something bad about it, I honestly don't remember what it was now grr. Damn alzheimers. Sorry you got so upset hon.... I need a good cry, maybe I should go start a fight with the hubby (kidding!). And I hyperventilate whenever I REALLY cry. It's embarrassing!

Ok hon, I went through the same thing - I wanted "onderland" so bad, I could have bitten off my right leg if it woulda helped. So what happened? I finally relaxed and just kept doing water, protein, exercise. I also measured myself. In one month I think it was 10 inches I lost. Little things like that kept me motivated... and the scale moved. So do what you are supposed to, log your intake and exercise, water, protein, and make sure you are getting sleep and it WILL happen. Just relax. Congrats on the shopping! I am into 14's now and all I can wonder is 'how much weight do i have to lose to get to an X?' lol! I have never been smaller than a 14... go figure. Hope you are awesome!

I don't see anything wrong with it. I use MFP and I KNOW someone's journal/diary I peeked at did their exercise on their Wii and it counted in MFP. The point of getting up and moving is just that - doesn't matter how - just make it count! U go hon!

Thanks Kiki V (just like on that Adam Sandler movie "just go with it" lol). I'm gonna get there, slowly but surely! and if not well, I look and feel much better than before - for sure!

ok giv110 what solids did you eat? u should be fine i believe, but do your best to stick to the liquid preop diet. it's more important post surgery to stick to liquids whenever you dr. advises (every dr. is different) as you can cause damage if you don't follow the basics. and marty mcskinnystein, i think you are ok hon... but lemme ask, are you post or pre surgery liquid diet?

I am wondering about how many lbs. between sizes. I've NEVER been below a size 14. Yes, NEVER. Sad, but true. So finally, I am 19 lbs away from goal and guess what? I'm a freak'n size 14. I know I am happy to be here instead of my heaviest 254/size 18. But how much do I have to lose to get to a size 10? Ok a 6-8? I'm an apple shape. Totally hate it, but my girth at my belly is not small, even at my smaller sized self, I carry most of my weight through my "trunk". Any ideas anyone on weight to size ratio? I know it depends on your body type, but ... I asked on MFP too and a couple of my girlfriends told me it's like a 5 lb. difference between a 6 and an 8. Really? I had no idea! I've always been 14 and up. Then someone said at 160 they were a size 6. Is that on average? Curious minds wanna know ... so if possible, educate me here pls!

Well I was one of the rarities that had complications. I was a self pay in the states. If I would have had the option for catastrophic insurance coverage, I would have taken it looking back. Better safe than sorry I believe. Good luck!

I eat pretty much anything that I want, but I do try to choose healthier. I know a couple of times I've vomited from high fat foods (like olive oil). Fried foods are not even appealing to me, but I have my days where nothing is. Feel free to add me on myfitnesspal.com. I share my journals on there and document everything I bite there, as well as my workouts. I wish I had a magic answer to tell you how to lose weigh faster, but in reality, I don't. And taking time to lose weight is good for your skin so you don't have too much 'hanging' from sudden weight loss. How much are you losing a week now?

omg rofl did you try it? i wanna read that blog next! and if you put the straps down on the top, omg no telling what that story will be... they should make your life a sitcom! xoxo

i read this to my husband, we both had a good chuckle... lol. get tan lines silly!

OMG girl.. two jobs and six kids! wowzers.... lemme know how that workout goes for you. i might have to do that next (i'm always looking to mix it up). you look mahvelous btw!

i TOTALLY mix up hunger signals for thirst signals. grrr

what level of diet progression are you at? i personally wouldn't yet, but maybe i'm being overly conservative. it also depends on what you dr. advises, so that's why i'm asking on diet progression that he or she has prescribed.