CelticHarpist

quoting from above: "unfortuanately many candy stores have now had to lay off people or have totally gone out of business"
Thought that was soooo cute!
I also have wondered about cheese sauce from the bariatric diet foods companies. I think they might taste great on cauliflower or broccoli.
I actually tried the health food store Annie's whole wheat Pasta shells mac and cheese, and added more cheese to it. I didn't eat much as I'm not eating much, and it lasted 5 meals as an adjunct (and fed my dogs, too). I can eat whole wheat bread (I take off crusts) but found I didn't really enjoy the pasta all that much so that one try quenched my interest.
My dietician encourages me to have some special snack every other day. If I want something, it would be a weight watchers dark chocolate singlestick raspberry ice cream pop, or a ww wildberry ice cream stick. They satisfy me for any interest in something sweet. I only seem to crave Protein. I am seeing more and more that when I feel hungry, I am actually thirsty or haven't been drinking my liquids like I should.
Reminder to get another drink! hehe

I do and like it. I usually use it on days I workout, gives me that complex carb that my muscles need and also helps with my overall protein. I'll put it in spaghetti and meatloaf (both with lean turkey).

Binging for me is a horribly scary, out of control feeling. It was before the sleeve and is more so now. I have binged twice - each time with chips. I liken my reaction to one bite of potato chips and onion dip to Gollum and the Ring. I can see how I might eat around it and go right back to where I started from: A 5'1" woman on her way to 300 pounds and DEATH!
I hate to get all serious on you guys, but I think I was close to death. I couldn't breathe, couldn't sleep and I was starting to feel sick ALL the time. I could not stay awake driving or at work. food wasn't even enjoyable, but I'd still stuff my face. I became a recluse. I would send my husband to get-togethers alone. I would hardly go camping anymore or even for a walk.
I don't know what would have failed first: My marriage or me.
I became diabetic. I had sleep apnea so badly that I literally woke up once every 10 seconds. Doesn't sound possible does it? My doctor was checking for cirrhosis of the liver due to fatty liver disease. My knees were giving out. My blood pressure was through the roof as was my cholesterol.
Well, I got sleeved and withing two weeks my blood sugar was normal. Three months and 58 pounds down my A1C (anther glucose level test) was normal as was everything else including my blood pressure. My sleep apnea disappeared.
Here I am 7 months later. I am 30 pounds from goal. I wear a bathing suit. I hike up mountains and paddle my kayak. I ride my friends horse without killing it. I slide effortlessly into any booth or amusement park ride.
Next year I'm hiking half-dome and around Tuolumne Meadows and the Yosemite Valley, I am going on a raft trip down the Colorado River, I'm taking a mule down to Phantom Ranch (if I can get a reservation that is!) I might even go to Maui this November.
My husband and I are doing wonderfully and will renew our vows in October. I am now two sizes smaller than my wedding dress.
Why would I sacrifice all that for a slab of macaroni and cheese or cake or chips? With me, there is just no control with some things. If I cannot make or find a good substitute then I don't touch it.
Before I got sleeved, I found a website called: The World According to Eggface.
She is my height and was over 300 pounds. Today she is a total knockout. Get her recipes. She taught me that I didn't have to deprive myself. She showed me that I could make healthier versions of pizza, lasagna and snack foods - even doughnuts and ice cream. She can also make a Protein shake that tastes like it came from Starbucks- but with more flavors.
I just thought I'd post my feeling about moderation vs. abstinence from certain foods. This is what works for me. Thank goodness I love meat, seafood, cheese, dairy, vegetables, legumes, fruits and nuts because those are the mainstays of my diet. I'm far from suffering. I had a taste of my daughter's ice cream and cake and the sugar made me sick in a minute.
Again, this is what works for me. I'm not trading all I have now for food. No way!
Thanks for reading and God Bless your journey.

I had pain after surgery but only because the hospital staff tried to put me in a bed that was way too tall for me. Once my dr found out he was angry and got me a step stool to use. He made the comment of how can she get up there when she's been gutted (a joke he liked to use and warns you about). I had a quirky/funny surgeon and can see him making a joke about being stabbed. When I asked what I'd feel like after he said high on pain meds and laughed.

THat was a really weird way to phrase it. It felt sore. The pain was about 50% less than what I thought. I never even took any of my liquid lortab once I got home. I did take toradol in the hospital nad had a PCA that I hit a few times. My gall bladder two years prior hurt about 50% more than I thought it would.

It's true. Many surgeons have very poor bedside manner. They may be amazing with a scalpel, but terrible at human relationships, which is why they l,ike their patient's asleep. Believe me, as an RN of 33 years, I have seen and delt with a lot of surgeons. NOT ALL are like this, but certainly, many are. Take what he/she said with a grain of salt and chalk up their insensistivity, to their own social awkwardness. The incisions with likely hurt to some degree, but how many of us actually know what being stabbed 5 times feels like?

When I read your surgeon's statement I laughed. But I probably wouldn't have if I had heard the same statement before my surgery. I agree with everything everyone said. Sore. Hard to get in and out of bed. Pain meds are a god send. I would add too that if you aren't on a morphine pump where you an medicate yourself, make sure you ask for your meds BEFORE the pain gets really bad. Nurses are busy and sometimes you might wait longer than is comfortable for them to get to you. This was my first major surgery and it took me awhile to figure out that out. It think my first day was more miserable than it had to be because of that. You'll do great!

It is sooooo worth it in the end, so be patient.
I had trouble with the pre 3 month weight loss program my insurance required. The PA was not nice, was shaming and critical. One session I told him he had never told me a certain thing and he lambasted me saying the other three ladies in the group that day would tell me differently - I reminded him I had never been with this set of ladies before as they had stuck me with a different group each time I came. He always made me cry. They kept mixing up appts and times. I came for an hour visit at the assigned time to find out they had moved me to a 3-hr group from an individual hour appt. The group wasn't to start for another over 30 minutes later, and they hadn't notified me about the appt changing to three hours either. I had to work following the scheduled hour appt. It was a mess each time I went. I kept telling myself it's only three months, only three months like a mantra and I would never have to see these people again.Whew! thanks for letting me vent, too.
Soon it will be all done, with some followup appts, but after surgery it is really about YOU, your program and you using this wonderful tool of VSG well. Don't let the turkeys get you down.

I appreciate your understanding in the hastiness of my original post. I hate to admit it, but the post before yours actually got to me. I feel stupid for letting myself cry over something someone said that I don't even know, over the internet at that. I'm not a mean/rude/hateful person by any means. I love the people I work with, which is why I work with them. I know they weren't intentionally making me feel the way I did, it was my choice to feel that way...but the fact is, it happened. Anyway, again, thank you for being understanding. I appreciate your kind words. I'm doing my best and saying prayers.

Kimberlee, if your surgery is that close, part of what you are feeling is fear. Does any of this sound familiar to the voices going on in your head: Am I doing the right thing.. omg I'm scared... what if this happens... what if this doesn't happen.... what about my love for food, how is that going to change.
C'mon EVERYONE.. give the girl a break. We can all say that was a bratty moment if that's the wording you wish to use, but stop raking her over the coals. I know my arse has had quite a few of such moments.... especially right before surgery and especially whenever I've lost so much weight too fast and my body hasn't realized it and is making wayyyy too much estrogen. So here's what I got for you! What you are feeling.. it's NORMAL. I believe these co-workers can probably understand some of that too if you are close like you said you are, so they surely blew it off.
All I can do is this - encourage you. Please do NOT worry too much... your surgery and recovery will go fine. Just FOLLOW THE DR'S ORDERS. Do not rely on this board to give you all the right answers or directions. All of our dr's are different in some sort or fashion in the diets they use, views they express but they are the ones that know best (due to experience and years in medical school).
What I can provide for you is this - if you ever need a friend, pls know you have one right here in Dallas, TX. (You can always reach out to me if needed.)
Remember this mantra - you will need it for the next several weeks: THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Reach into your depths of emotion and find your inner strength ... this journey will make you find it, several times. It IS NOT easy. It IS NOT a magic wand. But one thing you have to remember - rejoice that you have the blessed opportunity to change your life because THIS WILL change your life. So no fears my dear ...... just hope. You got me?
Prayers and blessings wished for you as I wrote every single long winded word (and continue to do so) .... hang in there! xx

I think because you are on the pre-op diet, you feel more emotional and frustrated than you would normally. After surgery, after you return to work, you are going to have many more times and experiences such as this one. It is a learning experience (plural, as several more experiences are sure to come) for sure!
You'll be surprised several times too about ppl that you think are your friends and how they will change due to your weight loss. And your own changes are going to be so many. Every day my head still has much more work to do than any amount of weight loss.
Hang in there! It has only just begun.....

Just as a side thought....when better to learn to deal with the reality of food being around you than before your surgery?? Like all the other behavior changes we were encouraged to make prior to surgery (eating with tiny utensils, using small plates/bowls, taking tiny bites and chewing the living daylights out of them, putting our fork/spoon down between bites, limiting sugars and increasing protein, etc etc), living with the sights and smells of food is going to continue...for the rest of our lives. The earlier you learn to live in harmony with them, the easier your life will be, when you REALLY can't indulge in the foods that go along with them! You might consider reading "The End of Overeating"....a great book that will make you think twice about what your co-workers are eating. It really helped me come to terms with my own reaction to commercials, smells, etc...because what I was seeing/smelling became almost revolting to me!

Hehe, poisonous hissing queens......
Wow, from size 26 to size 18! Amazing. Just think you are able now to buy clothes in regular shops at large and XL size, right? You don't have to go to the Big Girls shops if you don't want to. Isn't that AMAZING!?!?! You've done it girl. Strut it. Let us be your supports and cheering section. Anyone for a pompom?

So glad you are having this opportunity and build in one for post, too!
I am planning a working trip to Florida in November and am just starting to let it in that I might actually look pretty good while I am there. New place, new people who will only know my new self.
I also will make sure I have a pool to work-out in and an exercise room to continue my journey!
Happiness is from within, but there are paradises to travel to. Enjoy! Bring photos to share!

My weight loss is way beyond noticeable now (50 pounds in 6 weeks) And, ironically, most of the people in my office who have commented on my weight loss (in a good way) are the straight guys! Everyone knows I'm gay, so imagine my surprise. The women just gnash their teeth and look at me somewhat suspiciously. The other gay guys in the office are mostly of the "poisonous hissing queens" species, so I knew I'd get nothing from them except bitchy gossip behind my back. Go figure!

Define "not one person". Does that include your family and close friends? Did they know you were having surgery? Sometimes people shun the idea of WLS because they think it's the wrong choice, the "easy way out", etc. So maybe they're just bitter that you did it and it's working for you. Remember, at least you found a way out!

I checked with nutrition data.com and It looks like this is the breakdown.
Protein 29 g,
Carbs 10 g (11 g.)
Sugars 3g.
Sodium 785 mg. (752 mg.)
Fat 15 g.--saturated fat 9 g.
Fiber 2 g (1 g.)
Cholesterol 84 g.
The difference is that I used onion powder not onion salt, based on recipe I used 12 oz. cottage cheese-1 % and 15 oz. ricotta part skim. Also sprinkled tops with a wee bit of Parmesan. The numbers in parenthesis are the data using 2 cups of fresh zucchini or yellow summer squash grated-instead of the spinach(my garden runneth over--ha ha )
I hope this was helpful

I love cooking shows! My husband calls it food porn Regardless, I get great ideas, then tweak them to be what I like. I will be the first to tell you I am NOT a foo foo cook (I love to watch it, but have you priced saffron threads??) Anyway - I don't even cook with raw onion or shallots - I use the ground up stuff from my spice cabinet....and no one has complained yet...and it simplifies my life....
So on with my latest and greatest!
Preheat oven to 350
Spray your muffin tin - I have a 6 cup tin that works great for this - regular size muffins...
In a bowl mix
1 small container ricotta (I used part skim)
1 small container cottage cheese (drain moisture off - I use paper towels, use a cheese cloth if you have one)
half cup mozzerella
half cup of the REAL shredded parmesan - not the white powder out of a can (see - I can be a food snob!)
I package of minced spinach (I used the steam in a bag stuff from HEB, then SQUEEZED the heck out of it with paper towels!)
1 large egg yolk
some onion salt
garlic powder
Mix well
Spoon into muffin tin, top with some provolone (I love cheese! - can be mozzerella if you want)
Bake for about 35 minutes - watch you cheese on top - no burning!!
Let set for about 7 minutes and enjoy!
I am almost a month out of surgery and eat almost a full muffin tin - but not quite -
So yummy!
I know someone smarter than me will plug it into your online doomahickie and tell me the Protein and calories...each portion is about 4 oz. I did have some mix left over.....my dog loved it too!
Enjoy!

after weeks of being all stressed out about finding the dress..... and without having any idea of the size, I found the strength and went out shopping for a dress!!! I found one! and it was a size 8! I almost cried!!!! I think last time I wore a size 8 was in elementary! hahH! i looooove my sleeve! i hope to reach my goal weight someday, but I sure am happy today just the way I am!!!

Mine healed fine. If you are having issues with healing prior to surgery from other abrasions or cuts with your healing then I would suggest telling your surgeon ahead of time. I have never had trouble with wound-healing, and I didn't post surgery either.
The nice thing is pre-surgery I was on a diabetic medication that cost $500-600 every three months or close to $200 monthly. I emerged from surgery with my blood-sugars under control daily. Mostly I run 102-105 blood sugars every day since surgery (lowest 92-94, highest 115-117). I am off any medications. Now that I am starting more exercise, I will monitor for low blood sugars!
Hoping things go well for you.

I can only speak for what's been successful for me: Next to no sugar, lots of protein, low carbs, and plenty of exercise, specifically lifting weights. I work out 3-4 times a week with a combination of cardio and weights and I'm very happy with my results. I see that the weight loss is now slowing down but it hasn't stopped. I'll be at 6 months on September 7th and I'm just a few pounds away from 100 pounds lost.

Congrats! Sounds like you feel great. You are losing a bit faster than I am, I think. (Sleeved June 11). As the Japanese say: Gambatte! Go for it!

lol I love this discussion - soda as gateway drugs, and diet coke addictions. I do miss my diet coke. It's still worth it without any, and going okay for me.
They are having me drink some coffee each day now starting last week, telling me it helps lessen constipation (seems to work).

I've lost over 120 lbs in a year and finally have a couple pictures to show the difference. The after shots are from my recent bike trip to Sturgis, South Dakota and the Black Hills. All I can say is I feel great!!

omg folks so my doctor (and it seems most all of them) says NO diet coke, no carbonation, and no caffeine.. the doc I talked to recommends at least a year without after surgery.
So here I am 5 weeks before surgery trying to quit coffee and diet coke.. can I just say ARRRRRGGGGGH. LOL I think I was displaying some homicidal tendencies yesterday hahaha I felt like I had PMS times 100 hahaha I went and bought a real caffeine-filled diet coke on my lunch break at work because I was afraid to speak for fear of what horrible things I might say to people LOL
so instead of cold turkey I decided to decrease by one cup of coffee/ can of diet coke each day til I'm caffeine free. I also had to write a list of all the reasons I'm doing this as encouragement for myself
it WILL be worth it...