paigep

Deb, I'm so sorry you are having regrets. I did for a while but I've able decided it won't do me any good so just go with it. I really am getting better every day. It's sad that I can't drink a whole cup of coffee anymore but at least I'm getting some of it down.
I'm the same with the prilosec. I have to take at least 1 a day, sometimes too if the acid is getting really bad. I can eat about 4 spoonfuls of whatever I'm trying. I learned that Wendy's chili goes down good except for the air bubbles I posted about on here.
My first day back was yesterday and I'm telling ya now, I needed the 3 weeks off. I could actually handle another 2 weeks!
I drank a Protein shake for the first time since surgery and it went down fine. I got in a little over half this morning for Breakfast and that was a huge plus for me. I'm not getting in my Water or protein so I'm expecting to be completely bald by the fall. Oh well, there's only so much I can do and I'm not forcing it or I'll just end up throwing up.
The only protein shake I have been able to stomach is the Premier Protein shakes found at Sam's Club. They're already mixed and taste pretty darn good compared to some other mess I tried. I put them in the freezer so they're super cold and then drink with a straw. I know we weren't supposed to use one at first but it's the only way for me to get anything down. They say it isn't a problem as long as it's not bothering me. Why not try that? It may help a little.
I'm thinking of making some tuna salad for lunch tomorrow so I'll let you know how that goes down. Hang in there! I keep telling myself it gets better and it really has considering.
But oh what I wouldn't give for a salad from Chipotle right about now!

I highly recommend Dr Garcia. I had major complications (not due to the surgery) and they absolutely saved my life. I don't feel this would have been the case if I had not been in a fully equiped hospital with an amazing staff of specialists right there at my bedside. On-site lab, radiology, etc made difference between life and death for me.
The hospital is small, yes, and very modest by American standards. However it is spotlessly clean and they have all the equipment and most importantly, specialists, to do anything needed. If you are looking for a luxury hospital Mexico isn't a good choice for you. If you are concerned with no-frills, excellent care, Dr Garcia is a wise choice in my opinion.
Dr Garcia's support staff (coordinator, personal assistant, driver) are all excellent, and I can't speak highly enough about his staff of warm, caring nurses. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me directly.

I just got back home late last night from Tj with Dr. Garcia and had a wonderful experience. I would have to echo everything Jeff said in his original post....it was like he was telling my story. The care, the greatness of the hotel and the bed. I literally felt like I was with family at the hospital. My husband was with me and knows a little spanish enough to communicate better than I could and more times than not he was giving the nurses English lessons and it was so funny to hear them and we would all laugh.....it was just a nice, peaceful trip.

To me, the only "easy" part of this is that there is no "way out" of eating less. How many times have we (me) started a diet and then a week or two, maybe even a month, later... we go back to our normal way of eating. After the surgery, it is physically impossible to eat as much as you used to.
And that's a good thing.

PRE OP Diet starts May, 2 2012 244.1lb Size 22/24 jeans
Surgery Day May 16, 2012 231.5lb
Today Aug 8, 2012 12 Weeks POST OP 202.2lb, -42lb, -33.5in total, Size 16 jeans

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I am 6 months out and it is still the same. Eat too fast and regret will follow. One needs to pause before eating like Michael Jordan at the free-throw line. Visualize what you are about to do, follow through, don't lose concentration, stay in the zone. Beats "shouting Europe at the toilet."

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I can understand worrying about that. But I seriously want to be one of those girls people look at and tell to eat a cheeseburger :-)

I am 4 weeks today too. Lost 25 lbs. Went back to work today too.

I think this really depends on what you mean "by sweet tea"
To me sweet tea is 1 gallon of tea & 3/4cup of sugar. To other people in my family it's more like 1gallon of tea & 1/2lb of sugar.
Lightly sweetened tea probably won't hurt anything in moderation. However if "southern style" is your preference then you probably need the artificial sweeteners.

Part of the problem is how some people resort to hyperbole in criticizing how others are eating. I had started a thread last week about how I drank a little bit of flat, watered down, caffeine free Diet Coke and you'd have thought I had eaten live babies. People were outraged and all I did was say how I was amazed how it made me feel better to be just a little normal again. But I was told I was going to cause a leak, ruin my weight loss, etc., all over a few ounces of soda.
Yet when I started another thread asking if anyone had actually gotten a leak from making poor eating choices, you could hear crickets chirping.
It's become the equivalent of "your face is going to freeze that way."
People need to stop acting like they know everything and know what's right for strangers on an Internet message board. They don't. Only your doctor and nutritionist know what's best for you. The lesson to be learned is, if you have a question, call the doctor, don't look for a reasonable dialogue here because it's not going to happen. I'm almost 3 weeks out and spoke with my doc and nut about how I've had no problems getting anything down, no vomiting, no reflux, but I'm having trouble dealing with puréed food because it's just too gross. They said to move on to softs and just chew well. If I had asked people about that here, my head would have been chewed, rather puréed, off.
People should just say, "if you have a question, call your doctor, but I did ____ when I was in your situation." I'm not sure why that's so hard to do.

It never ceases to amaze me how many absolute judmental jerks post on this board. Everyone here has a problem with food, so you would think that would bring people together and they would have sympathy for eachother. The point of the board is to SUPPORT one another. Instead I see post after post from people that get up on their high horse and talk down to those that are having a tougher time than they are. That isn't helpful it is hurtful. Didn't your mothers ever teach you that if you don't have something nice to say then keep your mouth shut? Izuri - you could have made the exact same points you wanted to make, but in a supportive way, instead you sound like a stuck up, know it all, that clearly never did anything wrong ever in your life. You are not the worst one on here, so I am sorry for singiling you out, but you are the last I will read. I am through with this site, and will find one that is actually supportive. I hope for the sake of new people that come here looking for help, that you people realize how detremental you are being to those in need.

Ok, no need to call anyone on here an idiot. I think she's just asking clarification on what she's feeling and what can happen. She didn't say she was going out to eat this stuff just that she was having cravings. We all do! And if you say you don't have cravings, you aren't being honest.
Anyway, we need to be civil on here and have a little more compassion for people that are going through the same thing the rest of us are. If I ask a question and get a response like that, it's going to make me leave the boards and this place is important because I don't know everything. The info I get from everyone here has helped me so much and I don't know if I could have made it this far and still be positive about my decision without it.
OP, you are not an idiot! Your cravings are normal but just put them at bay. Get creative with things you can eat now and talk to a nutritionist. There's also tons of recipes around that can help you.

Regular pudding was on my list as well. I am allergic to most artificial sweeteners. I didn't eat it but twice I think but it didn't kill me, or hinder my weight loss. I'm 7 months out 90 pounds down.
Good luck on your journey. It is a tough one at first but so worth it! I went to counseling before surgery to deal with my food issues, that with the motivation that this was it, My final chance and I made it through. So will you. Just reach out when you need help.

Wow!!! People are so rude on here sometimes!! So sorry RissyRoe that someone responded like that =( I am not on these boards too much any more because of the aggressive posts... I love the support this board brings but some of these aggressive posts make me just stick with my "secret fb page" =) If you're interested in joining it let me know!
Don't get discouraged in that post, you will do fine! Like Paige said, focus on other things and sip your Water and eat your popsicles!! This too shall pass!!