It's all new

I am not much of a cook either - you find little ways to make healthy meals with little time and effort. The biggest difference might be that you plan ahead for what to eat rather than just pick it up on the go. Although I have resorted to Wendy's chilli in a pinch and that works. You will be able to find foods that work for you - but it may just take a bit more thought. It is only natural to be scared the night before your procedure. You are signing up for a lifestyle change and it's hard! I recommend that you do something soothing - read a book, listen to music (whatever works for you) and try to get some rest. You will feel better in the morning if you can. Good luck tomorrow - I hope your jitters subside and you are able to go into surgery strong in your convictions and excited for the new you! I wanted to add that you should think about signing up for MyFitnessPal if you haven't already. A great way to track calories, activities, and nutrition information - but also a fantastic opportunity to friend other sleevers and see what they are doing with their food journals and take inspiration. I'm Mtmw1975 on MFP if you want some ideas or support.

I'm 12 weeks post op and am trying to connect with people who have a similar approach to this journey. I am pretty much by the books, on the plan, trying to get to my goal every day. I've lost 58 lbs in just over three months, but have another 57 to go. I would love to find others taking the same approach with fitness and diet - I have a lot to learn still! Mary

I am 12 weeks out and measure everything. I can eat about 1-1.5 ounces of meat for a meal, and possibly a few bites of veg. If I eat too much, just one bite past full - it all comes up. I am very careful! I think measuring is the way to go, but I am sure you will find what works over time. Good luck!

As far as not getting enough calories, I occasionally add a tablespoon of Peanut Butter at the end of the day if I am under 500 calories. I do have to check first what my fat intake has been that day. It is my favorite way to boost calories and have a major treat, and it doesn't really take up room in my sleeve. I am three months out. I expect that with a little more time this won't be an issue. You sound like you are already adjusting your expectations, which is good. It is hard to wrap our heads around such an intense lifestyle change. You can do it!

I can't take iron AT ALL because it makes the constipation even worse. Even without it I have major problems. I am taking miralax but it doesn't seem to be enough to make the difference. I will be curious what other people have to say. Good luck!

I think the consensus is that if you are having problems with acid it makes you very hungry. Are you taking an acid blocker - and is it working? In addition, I was very hungry for about six weeks after surgery even with the acid controlled. And then - it got better. It was not head hunger. Some people are just hungry at first. Good luck! Oh, and I found that I could extend the time between being so hungry by drinking extra Water. Also, some people mistake thirst for hunger, so get plenty of fluids in general.

Tomatoes. Not even kidding - didn't like them before surgery, will eat them like apples now. A great snack.

I had 3/4 of a poached egg with 1/4 c of weight watchers shredded cheese for breakfast. YUM. Mid morning I had almost half a premier Protein shake. For lunch I had part of a tomato with a teaspoon of olive oil amd balsamic vinegar. I waited an hour and added an Isnerio's chicken breakfast sausage (40 calories and delicious!). Afternoon snack was another half Protein Shake. dinner was 1/2 of a low fat jalapeño cheddar chicken brat. Mmmm. I enjoy my food more than ever, just in small quantities and making healthier choices.

I started my pre-op diet May 3 at 255, had surgery May 10 at 245, and am down to 203. I keep my carbs low, try to get my water in (although probably more wouldn't hurt), and do cardio or strength training 6 days per week. MyFitnessPal is a big help!

Ok, I did it. I gave in. I got some frozen yogurt, about three ounces. It was satisfying and tasty, no ill effects. In the future maybe a sugar free fudge Popsicle would work- it really wasn't that much better! But I had built it up in my mind... And nothing else would do. Thanks for your thoughts!

Ok, I had decided to stick to the plan wholeheartedly until I reached my goal. I am twelve weeks out. It has been going great until I have had a tremendous craving for a kids soft serve ice cream cone. It is 180 cal, 28 carbs, 5 fat, 5 Protein. I will still come in under 700 cal and under 40 carbs an meet my protein goal. But just because I so desperately want it - should I? I am not craving protein ice cream, believe me. The real thing. Do you have some other treat suggestion if you think this is a bad idea?

I have had lobster and tolerated it when I was 2 months out. I sure didn't enjoy it much without butter though! I think I'll skip it in the future.

Be patient - stop comparing yourself to your friend. I am losing at a very similar rate to you, probably not quite as fast. I eat 500-650 calories a day, stay under 30 carbs. It sounds like you are doing the right things. I think everything is going according to plan. Stalls are a natural part of the process, although are INCREDIBLY frustrating!

What a difference! You look great.

I will say that I'm not that much farther along than you are - I'm at 11 weeks. But at 5-6 weeks I struggled. I missed comfort food! And it was hard to see other people eating. I'm still eating about the same amount, but have had time to adjust. It seems a bit more natural to see that bit of food and know that is all that will fit. And it's also easier to be around others who are eating - although every once in a while I still excuse myself to avoid being around a trigger food. What I am trying to say... Is that it gets easier with time! We have made an irreversible decision and with that knowledge adjustment may happen more quickly than you think! As for the depression, if medication helped in the past that is a good indicator that it may once again give you some relief. Good luck!

Congratulations! I hit 50 today and am very excited.

Beginning of challenge: 219 Last week: 206.3 Today: 204.4 GW: 199 Also, I hit the 50 lb mark today! I'm on my way.

I am glad you are documenting each step of your journey - your excitement is evident! I do think that you may have purchased many foods that aren't the best nutritionally speaking, but to each their own. Also, as far as quantity goes it is great that your food will last, because that is enough food for a very long time. At ten weeks out I eat about 2 maybe 2 1/2 ounces of meat, a quarter cup of shredded cheese (often less), part of one egg, and less than 2 protein shakes daily. It is canned food you got though, so you will have plenty of time.

I like the Pure Protein bars. 20 grams protein, around 180 cals, 3 net carbs (17 carb - 13 sugar alcohol - 1 fiber = 3 net carbs... At least I think that is how that works!)

I was 255. But it wasn't the weight that gave me the shock I needed - it was getting diagnosed with diabetes. I had the surgery within a month.

I know I can't offer advice in this area, because I struggle some with the thought. But here is my theory. While I am in my losing stage I plan on being very strict - I know that if I stray and have... a cheeto, that I won't have very good self control. That is how I got into this situation. So other than a few times when I have chosen vegetables over Protein, I have been really on track. But it is because that is the way I think I can reach my goal. And then as I get closer to maintenance and have more room to eat, I am going to slowly add foods to my diet that are healthy and balanced. I know myself, and food is so tempting to me that there are things that are now off limits. Ice cream, for example. I have classified it as a non food item in my mind. I know there may be times occasionally where I make a bad choice, but I'm doing my best. I think those who have good self control and are able to have little treats now and again are admirable. I'm just not one of those people yet. Good luck!

Sadly I slightly identify with that desire to know the details of my walk. Some sick obsession. Thank goodness for the Map my Walk app that gives you that exact info! If you have a phone that works with the app you might be out and about soon!

You look fantastic! Congratulations.