lollyfidy1965

The reality is....this is NOT an "easy way out"!! You will need to be so diligent regarding your diet, and work so hard, physically (exercising)....the only difference is that you will be limited in terms of how much you can eat, and whether or not you feel "hunger". If you have it in your head that this is a cop out, you need to get that thought right out of there!! You are taking advantage of an amazing gift...the "sleeve"...and getting your health, and your life, back under control. GOOD FOR YOU!!! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You know why you've come to this decision, and you know its the right decision for you....that's all that matters!
The only time I feel even remotely uncomfortable talking about my choice, and my progress, is when I'm talking with a loved one who is also in desperate need to lose weight, but hasn't been able to lose through dieting (and refuses to even consider the possibility of surgery as a solution). Its difficult to scream from the mountaintop, in celebration of my own success, when I know they're struggling, and failing, in their own journey. Unfortunately, I can't do much to help them...all I can do is help myself. And so....I keep on celebrating my little successes, and hope that maybe those successes will motivate others, in some small way.
I wish you great success in your own journeys!
Laura

The reality is....this is NOT an "easy way out"!! You will need to be so diligent regarding your diet, and work so hard, physically (exercising)....the only difference is that you will be limited in terms of how much you can eat, and whether or not you feel "hunger". If you have it in your head that this is a cop out, you need to get that thought right out of there!! You are taking advantage of an amazing gift...the "sleeve"...and getting your health, and your life, back under control. GOOD FOR YOU!!! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You know why you've come to this decision, and you know its the right decision for you....that's all that matters!
The only time I feel even remotely uncomfortable talking about my choice, and my progress, is when I'm talking with a loved one who is also in desperate need to lose weight, but hasn't been able to lose through dieting (and refuses to even consider the possibility of surgery as a solution). Its difficult to scream from the mountaintop, in celebration of my own success, when I know they're struggling, and failing, in their own journey. Unfortunately, I can't do much to help them...all I can do is help myself. And so....I keep on celebrating my little successes, and hope that maybe those successes will motivate others, in some small way.
I wish you great success in your own journeys!
Laura

I did feel guilty, worried people would think I was taking the easy way out and didn't want to tell people but ....2.5 months out and I can't help but giggle at that thought...this is sooooo NOT an easy way out!

The reality is....this is NOT an "easy way out"!! You will need to be so diligent regarding your diet, and work so hard, physically (exercising)....the only difference is that you will be limited in terms of how much you can eat, and whether or not you feel "hunger". If you have it in your head that this is a cop out, you need to get that thought right out of there!! You are taking advantage of an amazing gift...the "sleeve"...and getting your health, and your life, back under control. GOOD FOR YOU!!! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You know why you've come to this decision, and you know its the right decision for you....that's all that matters!
The only time I feel even remotely uncomfortable talking about my choice, and my progress, is when I'm talking with a loved one who is also in desperate need to lose weight, but hasn't been able to lose through dieting (and refuses to even consider the possibility of surgery as a solution). Its difficult to scream from the mountaintop, in celebration of my own success, when I know they're struggling, and failing, in their own journey. Unfortunately, I can't do much to help them...all I can do is help myself. And so....I keep on celebrating my little successes, and hope that maybe those successes will motivate others, in some small way.
I wish you great success in your own journeys!
Laura

The reality is....this is NOT an "easy way out"!! You will need to be so diligent regarding your diet, and work so hard, physically (exercising)....the only difference is that you will be limited in terms of how much you can eat, and whether or not you feel "hunger". If you have it in your head that this is a cop out, you need to get that thought right out of there!! You are taking advantage of an amazing gift...the "sleeve"...and getting your health, and your life, back under control. GOOD FOR YOU!!! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You know why you've come to this decision, and you know its the right decision for you....that's all that matters!
The only time I feel even remotely uncomfortable talking about my choice, and my progress, is when I'm talking with a loved one who is also in desperate need to lose weight, but hasn't been able to lose through dieting (and refuses to even consider the possibility of surgery as a solution). Its difficult to scream from the mountaintop, in celebration of my own success, when I know they're struggling, and failing, in their own journey. Unfortunately, I can't do much to help them...all I can do is help myself. And so....I keep on celebrating my little successes, and hope that maybe those successes will motivate others, in some small way.
I wish you great success in your own journeys!
Laura

Regarding your lunch tomorrow, I would strongly suggest you take lunch with you, so you're not tempted to eat things that aren't going to be healthy choices for you.
I don't mean to be rude, or harsh, but....if you're not going to listen to your nutritionist about eating Beans (and/or chili), why are you worrying about trying bread? My advice would be to follow your nutritionist's instructions...to the letter...if you're truly worried about foods making you sick. If she/he hasn't said anything specific about bread, then don't try it until you've gotten clarification from your nutritionist. Asking a question like that on this site will get you a million answers, at least half of which will tell you its perfectly fine for you to eat whatever, whenever, because it didn't bother the person posting. The only opinion you should be concerned with is that of your nutritionist....because they're the only person you're paying to have an interest in your well-being.
I wish you great success!
Laura

I too had a very long stall(or a very slow second month). I was sleeved aug 27. My highest weight was 256. My surgery date I was 236. And 2 months out I was 211. 45pounds. Today I am 206. And at the 50 pound milestone. The second month I was sooo discouraged. Because most of that 45 pounds was lost in the first 2 weeks. I talked to some fellow sleevers and discovered that my Protein and Water intake was way too low. You need a minimum of 60g of protein a day but 70 or more is better! And should also be drinking 60oz of water a day. The other tip I have is keep your carbs under 40(under 30 is better). I agree with everything lollyfiddy1965 says. Because my weightloss was slower then I liked I also began working out. I am on the elliptical 5x a week for 20-30mins. I do some weights 3x a week. And I play rec volleyball for an hour every Tuesday. And I curl every Friday for 2 hours. I eat a lot of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken and fish. My typical day is also very similar to lollyfiddy1965. I expect my third month to be spectacular as long as I keep following the guidelines. There are still many days where I struggle to meet the requirements. Max 800 calories, max 40g of carbs. Minimum of 60 protein(aim higher) And min 60 oz of water. Keep track of your intake. I use myfitnesspal...a wonderful tool. Hope our tips help you thru this difficult time! And try to remember that it's 35 pounds you'll never gain back! And stay positive it will come!!! I spent my second month in tears(which I'm told is normal) but I've had a much more positive outlook the last 10 days.

I've lost 70 pounds in the 4.5 months since my surgery, so I thought I'd share a few things about my approach. I typically eat between 550 and 650 calories/day, getting between 80-90 grams of protein/day, and limiting carbs (of any kind) to less than 30 grams/day. I'm able to eat about 1/2 cup of "solid" food at a meal, but no more (and sometimes not that much). I have 8 oz of Muscle Milk Light around 7am, before I go to the gym, then another 8 oz after I get done at the gym (between 9:30 and 10am). I have lunch around 12:30...usually 1/4 cup tuna salad (with fat-free miracle whip and sugar-free pickle relish), and 1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese (or a low-fat string cheese). I have a "snack" around 3pm...usually a low-fat string cheese. For dinner I typically have 1-2 oz of lean Protein, and a couple bites of non-starchy vegetable, or 1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese, depending on my mood. In the evening I usually have a Quest "chocolate brownie" Protein Bar, to ensure I get enough Protein for the day. I average 80-100 oz of liquid (water, coffee, tea, Muscle Milk, etc) every day. As for they gym, I typically go 6 days a week, for 2 hours...I walk in the pool (think "power walk") for 90 minutes, then do 30 minutes of abdominal Water aerobics, in the deep end. This equates to roughly 1300 calories burned.
Granted, I probably don't "need" to do as much as I do at the gym, and I "could" eat more calories, if I wanted....but....I want to get rid of the weight I have to lose, and I want to do it as quickly as possible. As it stands, I have about 58 pounds left to lose to reach my goal....with my current loss at 122 pounds, total. Its working for me....that's all I know.
I wish you continued success!!
Laura

I've lost 70 pounds in the 4.5 months since my surgery, so I thought I'd share a few things about my approach. I typically eat between 550 and 650 calories/day, getting between 80-90 grams of protein/day, and limiting carbs (of any kind) to less than 30 grams/day. I'm able to eat about 1/2 cup of "solid" food at a meal, but no more (and sometimes not that much). I have 8 oz of Muscle Milk Light around 7am, before I go to the gym, then another 8 oz after I get done at the gym (between 9:30 and 10am). I have lunch around 12:30...usually 1/4 cup tuna salad (with fat-free miracle whip and sugar-free pickle relish), and 1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese (or a low-fat string cheese). I have a "snack" around 3pm...usually a low-fat string cheese. For dinner I typically have 1-2 oz of lean Protein, and a couple bites of non-starchy vegetable, or 1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese, depending on my mood. In the evening I usually have a Quest "chocolate brownie" Protein Bar, to ensure I get enough Protein for the day. I average 80-100 oz of liquid (water, coffee, tea, Muscle Milk, etc) every day. As for they gym, I typically go 6 days a week, for 2 hours...I walk in the pool (think "power walk") for 90 minutes, then do 30 minutes of abdominal Water aerobics, in the deep end. This equates to roughly 1300 calories burned.
Granted, I probably don't "need" to do as much as I do at the gym, and I "could" eat more calories, if I wanted....but....I want to get rid of the weight I have to lose, and I want to do it as quickly as possible. As it stands, I have about 58 pounds left to lose to reach my goal....with my current loss at 122 pounds, total. Its working for me....that's all I know.
I wish you continued success!!
Laura

I'm making up for all the years my mother refused to buy me Flintstones chewables when I was a kid! I LOVE them....twice a day!!

I love Flintstones Complete chewables (make sure you get the "complete" version).....I'm making up for all the years my mom wouldn't buy them for me, as a child!!

I love Flintstones Complete chewables (make sure you get the "complete" version).....I'm making up for all the years my mom wouldn't buy them for me, as a child!!

Get a Gummy bear and put it in a glass of Water for a few hours....and you'll understand why many surgeons say avoid anything "gummy"! They swell significantly, and can cause a blockage.

Regarding your lunch tomorrow, I would strongly suggest you take lunch with you, so you're not tempted to eat things that aren't going to be healthy choices for you.
I don't mean to be rude, or harsh, but....if you're not going to listen to your nutritionist about eating Beans (and/or chili), why are you worrying about trying bread? My advice would be to follow your nutritionist's instructions...to the letter...if you're truly worried about foods making you sick. If she/he hasn't said anything specific about bread, then don't try it until you've gotten clarification from your nutritionist. Asking a question like that on this site will get you a million answers, at least half of which will tell you its perfectly fine for you to eat whatever, whenever, because it didn't bother the person posting. The only opinion you should be concerned with is that of your nutritionist....because they're the only person you're paying to have an interest in your well-being.
I wish you great success!
Laura

Regarding your lunch tomorrow, I would strongly suggest you take lunch with you, so you're not tempted to eat things that aren't going to be healthy choices for you.
I don't mean to be rude, or harsh, but....if you're not going to listen to your nutritionist about eating Beans (and/or chili), why are you worrying about trying bread? My advice would be to follow your nutritionist's instructions...to the letter...if you're truly worried about foods making you sick. If she/he hasn't said anything specific about bread, then don't try it until you've gotten clarification from your nutritionist. Asking a question like that on this site will get you a million answers, at least half of which will tell you its perfectly fine for you to eat whatever, whenever, because it didn't bother the person posting. The only opinion you should be concerned with is that of your nutritionist....because they're the only person you're paying to have an interest in your well-being.
I wish you great success!
Laura

Remember that small changes really do make a difference. Healthy eating is simply the result of all the positive decisions you make.
Michelle May, M.D.
www.AmIHungry.com

I'm also working with an 800 calorie-per-day goal, and pay no attention to the number of calories I burn through exercise. I eat primarily lean Protein, to ensure I get enough protein, particularly on days when I do circuit training. I also have 16 oz of Muscle Milk Light every morning (8 oz before the gym, and 8 oz after)...that's my "breakfast", and I look forward to it every day. In the evening I usually have a Quest "chocolate brownie" protein bar...very yummy, and packed with 20 grams of protein. You're welcome to look through my diary (Chad), to see how I'm getting to my calorie total each day.

As a rule, I don't eat more than a nibble of anything made of simple carbs (breads, Pasta, rice, potato, etc). In fact, the only time I've had bread, in the 4 months since my surgery, has been on Friday evenings, when we say the blessing over the challah, at our Shabbat dinner....and its literally a nibble.
I recently found (at BJ's....a "warehouse club" like Sam's) some Flaxseed, Oat bran, and whole wheat pitas. They have almost as much Protein (6g) as carbs (8g), and almost as much Fiber (6g) as carbs...and at only 30 calories for half, they make a GREAT substitute for bread (and taste amazingly yummy, with a little fat-free Miracle Whip, some honey mustard, and 2 oz of oven roasted deli turkey stuffed inside!!). If you can find something like that, it'll be a much better choice than bread of any kind.
As for the other starches...I have no interest in eating them. Rice, pastas, and potatoes are a large part of why I ended up needing surgery. They have no place in my post-surgical life.
Laura

As a rule, I don't eat more than a nibble of anything made of simple carbs (breads, Pasta, rice, potato, etc). In fact, the only time I've had bread, in the 4 months since my surgery, has been on Friday evenings, when we say the blessing over the challah, at our Shabbat dinner....and its literally a nibble.
I recently found (at BJ's....a "warehouse club" like Sam's) some Flaxseed, Oat bran, and whole wheat pitas. They have almost as much Protein (6g) as carbs (8g), and almost as much Fiber (6g) as carbs...and at only 30 calories for half, they make a GREAT substitute for bread (and taste amazingly yummy, with a little fat-free Miracle Whip, some honey mustard, and 2 oz of oven roasted deli turkey stuffed inside!!). If you can find something like that, it'll be a much better choice than bread of any kind.
As for the other starches...I have no interest in eating them. Rice, pastas, and potatoes are a large part of why I ended up needing surgery. They have no place in my post-surgical life.
Laura

Work out four hours a day?! That's hilarious. And ridiculous.
Yes, take advantage of the do-called "Honeymoon Period" to make healthy, PERMANENT changes. Going to extremes is what got us all here. And going to new extremes will not serve us well either.
Be aggressive, but be smart, too.

I also take Flintstones Complete, twice a day.
From Celebrate (online) I take a sublingual B12 daily, and their Calcium Plus Vit D three times daily.
I take a chewable Iron from Vitamin Shoppe twice weekly.
That's all the vitamins/minerals I take. My 3-month labs were exceptional. I've not missed a single dose in 4 months....and don't plan to risk my health by skipping in the future.
Please....don't risk your health after working so hard to improve it!! Get back on track, and take those vitamins!!

I recommend "The End of Overeating.". It speaks to how the food manufacturers intentionally manipulate the sugar, fat, and salt content in foods, in order to trigger a chemical response in your brain that is identical to the one caused by heroine or cocaine. It played a huge roll in my changed relationship with foods....particularly processed "junk" foods.

A packet of pretzel M&M's and I had a staredown last night at the drugstore checkout stand. I won, but it wasn't easy. I miss crunchy foods!

I've had challenges sleeping, and started taking melatonin every night. An hour after taking it, I'm more than ready for sleep, and sleep well all night long!

I recommend "The End of Overeating.". It speaks to how the food manufacturers intentionally manipulate the sugar, fat, and salt content in foods, in order to trigger a chemical response in your brain that is identical to the one caused by heroine or cocaine. It played a huge roll in my changed relationship with foods....particularly processed "junk" foods.