~*~ Melissa ~*~

Yes, I think it is possible BUT I do believe it will be an adjustment period. If I were you, I would cut out all bad food options now making the transition easier- minimal sugar, low carbs, nothing fried, etc. seems as though many refuse to let go of things like Diet Coke and struggle fighting the cravings afterwards. I cut Pepsi and Coca-Cola slurpees months ahead and it was the best decision I ever made. On occasions, I do wish to have one in my hand but simply say no because those things were on the list of terrible choices that got me to my highest of 295 pounds. The decisions made now will only help you in the long run. Also, no rush but since you do have time, check out the recipe section and other bariatric recipe sites and build your own cookbook. The same food gets old after awhile Congrats and good luck!!!

I have the same regret. Just hit six months post-op and I'm down 113 pounds. My health is so much better and I now possess this thing called confidence. Congrats on going through with it

Congratulations!!! I was sleeved in July and am down 112 pounds! My sixth month surgiversary is on the 19th and I plan to post pictures that day. I work out 4-6 days a week and have fallen in love with Water classes; water aerobics being my favorite. I LOVE going to the gym now versus pre-op. I have much more confidence and I always look forward to see the scale drop. The joys of the new me

GREAT question! I wondered the same thing myself when going through the journey. Protein is number one- I usually order fajitas because I enjoy all the fixings without the bread. My mom says she benefits as well because we usually split an entree since I only eat around 3 ounces. She has been losing weight and is happy to share portions

I chewed a piece today and was fine. They just dont want you to accidentally swallow the gum and have it result in damage to your new sleeve.

Hey Christy! I'm working on it. I tried getting them up by Thursday but I couldn't find my make-up and didn't want to scare everyone. Oh the joys of moving. I also have before pictures for comparison but am extremely embarrassed to put them up. I truly didn't realize how big I was. I am taking the day off from the gym so hopefully I'll get the courage to post everything by 11:59p Sunday :/

For those who don't know, my luggage was lost on the way back from Mexico. I was going to take it as a carry on but was forced to have it put below the plane because the flight attendants weren't allowed to help me lift it, placing it in the bin above my seat. Why? If one attendant became hurt then the flight would automatically be cancelled. After almost six months, my luggage was found in the state of Minnesota!? Yep, it was placed on the wrong plane. I am picking up my luggage Monday and will send an email to everyone from our surgery date just as I hoped to do once landing in Michigan after the surgery. Never flying that airline again Hope all is well Melissa

I spend roughly $60.00 a month on protein drinks alone. It's what I need so I can't complain

^ I agree- call your surgeon. All the vomitting bouts could slow or even pause the healing time your stomach needs. Additionally, you are missing valuable liquids, foods, vitamins, etc. the last thing you want is to be dehydrated- trust me

Mongo- Just curious... how long have you been drinking Pepsi? How do you feel when drinking it?? I used to drink Pepsi and coca-cola slirpee a like crazy before the surgery. I am going to stay away from both since they got me to my highest weight (well, part of the reason). I'm just curious

Never experienced anything with water since I squirt small amounts of water in my mouth frequently, however I did have one experience within the first couple months where I drank too much milk too fast and it came up. Now that I'm farther out, I can handle everything much better. I'm sure you could up chuck water if too much is taken too fast

I had the hardest time finding a Protein drink that I could tolerate day after day. After going to a weight management office for follow-up, I purchased a hot item-- two drinks (16 ounces) gives me 46 grams of protein! What helps me is that it's a warm drink and is very thin/smooth. Hot chocolate by Healthwise. It is 15 grams of protein for one; however, I make it with milk giving me 23 grams per cup. Maybe you can try to find it? I pay a little over seven dollars for seven packets- well worth it! They have different flavor s like mint, raspberry, cinnamon, marshmallow, etc. I'm a plain Jane and pass up the variety packs for the traditional mocha Just a suggestion. The drink is very satisfying and really fills me up You are doing great!

After struggling for months, trying to get down unsatisfying protein drink after protein drink, I finally found my groove and am getting 90-100+ grams of protein a day! TWO eight ounce cups gives me 46 grams alone. And thank goodness I can still tolerate dairy post-op because I usually get three glasses of milk in, giving me 24 ounces right there. Drinks alone- that's right, 70 grams of protein!!! Add in meals and a protein bar and I'm good to go Thanks to all my VST friends for your continuous support during my protein struggle.

The only negative for me would be the same as above- not being able to guzzle water. It took time but I have easily adjusted to the change. I always bring a squirt bottle in with me and drink squirts frequently during my workout. This is best for me as I sometimes slip with bottles and take too much. I stay hydrated and actually don't feel 'blah' like I used to from chugging. Last but not least, research states that only small drinks should be taken when physical activity like working out occurs. So I guess it's for the better

^ I agree! Walking is the best thing you can do but I would carefully walk in short intervals due to the soreness you are currently experiencing. This way you don't hurt yourself and can get the exercise in. Some people rush and get set back for months. Just remember 'slow and easy wins the race' If it makes you feel any better, I had complications due to dehydration and was in the hospital for over a month. During this time, I lost my ability to walk. I am walking now, working on decreasing my wobble. I usually ride the bike for 20 minutes to work on my quads and then walk a half mile to a mile. Depending how I feel, I'll toss in weight machines, too. Since starting last week, weight has been flying off. I'm a prime example of slow and easy winning

Congratulations! You look A-MA-ZING

Did you try it? I'm curious to hear how it tasted!

I find myself eating the same foods over and over to ensure I reach my Protein goal for the day but I've learned to switch it up now that I can eat more. For example, I made chicken enchiladas the other day and they were beyond soft and amazing! I stuffed them pretty good with chicken and ate at least 20 grams of protein for one (20 for sure but I bet it was a bit more since I loaded the tortilla for protein sake). Not sure if these are appetizing but refried Beans and eggs have a nice amount of protein in them. I always add a bit of 2% cheese to each to increase the protein count, too. Turkey taco cups are my fav because you can make them different every time and never get sick of them I'm not sure how far out you are but those are my suggestions.

I started with purchasing few clothing items- the last being a winter coat since mine disappeared. However, I just crossed that idea off the list for awhile since everything I buy is now too big. Don't get me wrong, I'm much happier floating in a large shirt versus swimming/drowning in an extra large. For now, I'm going to place money I would have spent aside in an envelope to use when I have reached what would seem to be my lowest. That way I'm not regretting big credit card bills at that time My other treat/reward involves food. If I've done well on my weight and committed to the gym as planned for the week, I allow myself to eat a frozen whipped yogurt. Usually happens biweekly. Granted, I dont eat near half (four ounces) because of the sweetness and large amount; however, it's Protein and it satisfies my sweet tooth

Wow! I was so excited about my post that I never included the drink. My apologies It is hot chocolate by Healthwise. It has 15 grams of protein for 8 ounces, HOWEVER, I make mine with milk giving me 23 grams of protein for 8 ounces. I buy it at a weight management office, along with other goodies. I am picky and only drink the regular mocha packet, but there are seven flavor s to choose from- mint, raspberry, marshmallow, and cinnamon, to name a few. Only 80 calories (made with water-- milk is obviously more) and has only 4 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of sugar. I highly suggest purchasing if you can find it. I pay a little over seven dollars for a box of seven- roughly a dollar and some change for a cup of goodness Hope this info helps

I, as well, regretted the surgery due to complications with dehydration. I am over 5 months out and down roughly 110 pounds. Despite the hospital stays and becoming so weak that I lost the ability to walk, this process taught me much about myself. I am walking now thanks to positive motivation and confidence... two things I never had post-op. I honestly would go through everything again in a heartbeat. Congrats on your progress thus far!

Same exact experience for me! My parent's took the family out when I was 7-10 days post-op and I didn't want to miss the gathering. I had the broth of my chicken noodle soup (less than a cup). Wow, was I full or what. Then I smiled and laughed because before the sleeve, I would have ate a bowl of the tortilla soup, dinner entree and drank at least 3 cups of Pepsi. Never felt so good leaving a restaurant

You need to increase your Protein intake and possibly take a mild stool softener. Complications can result if you don't increase the number of bowel movements Good luck. We've all been there