Adri

My best friend has been tracking my weight weekly since my surgery. I was always the fatter one, by at least 20 lbs. I am now within 3 lbs of her current weight. I'm dreading what will happen when I pass her up...or down I should say. Wish me luck, I hope this won't change our relationship. But I have this awful feeling...

My doctor recommended Bariatric Advantage. But I did not have to buy it thru his office. You can buy it online. The chocolate and banana Protein powders are good as long as you add a little extra milk for richness. If you just use Water they don't taste so good. I hate the strawberry flavor.

Welcome to VST! I'm sure you'll find a lot of great information here.

My triglycerides used to be borderline high. I didn't pay much attn to this because my main problem was with diabetes. After surgery I've been watching carbs, not fat...and yesterday my doc said my total cholesteraol was 194. I figure that is pretty good considering I wasn't concentrating on trying to improve it. As a side note, I am also off my high blood pressure medicine ( my blood pressure was even a little low) and my diabetes #s are at normal levels. At this time I still take diabetes meds, but now about 1/4 the dose. Things are looking up!!

Yup, I love the Black Cherry Propel Zero. I've also had Peach and Lemon...pretty good!

I know this struggle; I still can't eat real slow. So what helps me is to measure first, so I know i can't over eat, and to cut everything up into teeny pieces so there's not as much chewing to do. Take care!

I'm 2 months and 2 weeks out. I just discovered that a Taco Bell Crunchy Fresco Taco (beef) is a perfect fit. Not too much, not too little. I better not start making these a habit!

Mine was:

1 day clear liquids

2 weeks full liquids (protein shakes)

2 weeks pureed/mushy foods

2 weeks soft foods

Then "normal modified diet". Basically everything except very fibrous foods: raw veges, popcorn, nuts.

I'm at week 11 now and the only thing that has made me slightly sick is eating too much salsa/raw Tomato.< /p>

whey is naturally the major source of lactose. But whey Protein isolate can be processed and filtered so it's virtually lactose free. That is why I have no problem with the BA shakes. I think you would have to check the label of any protein powder/drink before you buy it to make sure it's lactose free.

I am lactose intolerant; here are some Protein suggestions for the mushy stage and beyond:

-pureed chicken breast, tuna, deviled ham (watch out for fat content)

-scrambled eggs

-refried Beans, lentils, split pea Soup

-hummus

-tofu (you can put it in any type of sauce, e.g., sautee it then add marinara; or make it like you would egg or tuna salad)

-swiss cheese is lactose free; cheddar is low lactose and you can probably tolerate it if you don't eat too much at one time, great over refried Beans.

Also, brands of Lactose free "dairy products" usually only found in health food-type stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Mother's Market in So. California)

-Lactaid cottage cheese

-Tofutti cream cheese (delicious) and sour cream

-"Veggie Slices" (it is like american cheese, good for sandwiches later on)

-Lisanti brand almond cheese (I like the mozzarella and it melts when you heat it)

-various brands of soy yogurt (have not actually found one low enough in sugar that I like)

-Arctic Zero (whey Protein "ice cream"...it's so-so tasting to me, but I've never been much for ice cream in the first place)

Also try going to a blog called The World According to Egg Face, I have not tried yet, but many people love her wls-friendly recipes.

The protein shake powder I first tried was from Bariatric Advantage. They are very nutritious and lactose free. I would add some Lactaid to make them taste a bit richer; they are not that great mixed with Water only. If you order online, I suggest the banana or chocolate flavors, stay away from strawberry--it tastes like PeptoBismol.

Half of these items I found myself, the others were from other kind people on this forum. I hope it is helpful to you.

I had D throughout the first month...the liquid and mushy stage...yes, it was very frustrating. Thank goodness we don't eat much. And now I'm almost always constipated. Miralax hasn't helped much, I think I'll try Milk of Magnesia next.

I did the same thing...ate all the fried foods and sugary foods I could get my teeth into...since I knew that's what I wouldn't be able to eat after surgery. Don't worry, after surgery you won't crave them anyway...that's the beauty of it!

I know that caffeine withdrawal is a BEAR!! Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of sleep if you can. If you're at home, put your most favorite comedy in the DVD player or watch America's Funniest Home Videos! (honest, it helped me )

I wish you the best!

These have been satisfying my sweet cravings. They are simple and quick, no recipe needed!:

-Calcet Calcium Citrate Lemon Chewy Bites (delicious like dessert)

-Iced Decaf coffee with splenda and non-fat milk (also counts towards Water goal)

-Premier Protein shakes (taste just like chocolate milk to me)

-Low carb toast with 100% fruit spread

I'm so proud of you. Weigh to go!!

SW 240 ........ CW 212 ........ GW 195........17 lbs to lose in 8 weeks.

Woohoooo! I didn't realize I've lost 4lbs since I wrote this. I've started the exercise regimen and am still working on upping my water....maybe my stall really is behind me!!

Well, I've lost 9 lbs since my original post, but I think I've hit another stall, ugh! The elusive ONEderland feels so far away!

Aaahh, great point Rosalind, I hadn't thought of that!

Yes, I totally get it!

I've added chicken to my stir fry now along with the tofu so that my meal is a little more filling. Today I had my first full salad, with a scoop of tuna (and oil and vinegar dressing). I think I've found that I just need to have a more dense Protein with my veggies. And I think you're right, since veggies are so low cal, I shouldn't worry if I get hungry again...I can just have another serving and not feel guilty. That is one thing I love about the sleeve, I don't crave the bad foods and therefore don't eat them and now I can live guilt free! Thanks for your post, it's nice to know someone out there can relate.

I was a black coffee and diet coke addict. The first day of pre-op diet I had an EXCRUCIATING headache. I could barely function. It lasted one more day and by day 3 or 4 was gone. I'm sure it was due to caffeine withdrawal. It is a good thing you are cutting back now.

My NUT only really gave me numbers because I asked for clarification. Holly, just like your team, the first thing she told me was she just wanted me to eat til I am satisfied. Really?? I'm sure she is well educated and qualified, but she's young and thin and I doubt she has ever had any overeating issues like I have had all my life. Thank goodness I have you all and this forum where we can relate to each others' struggles.

Hi Bryn, I was in the same boat as you. I HATE Bariatric Advantage MVs and Calcium chewables. So then I bought tablets/pills and told my NUT and she discouraged them, saying we don't have enough stomach acid to digest and absorb them well. Since I didn't want to waste my time and money (again) I then ordered samples from Celebrate. Their chewable vitamins aren't too bad at all, and neither is their Iron and sublingual B12, they dissolve real fast and are not gritty. So I went ahead and ordered 90 day supplies from them. And I agree with Cindy-Lynn, Calcet Lemon chewies are absolutely delicious, I have them with my morning coffee as a treat! Keep in mind, as time goes on I think you will be able to tolerate the supplements better and better. Don't take them on an empty sleeve, that helped me. Good Luck, I know your frustration!!

Hi Jinjin, I just started week 10 post op. I had 2 stalls within 8 weeks.

My first 4 weeks were awesome...lost 30 lbs. Then at week 5 I came to a screeching halt...I even gained close to 3 lbs in weeks 5, 6, and 7. Yes, I had a 3 week stall and was freaking out the whole time!!! Reading these boards helped me so much. I stopped weighing myself every day, now just weigh-in every other day. Somewhere between week 8 and 9 I stalled again for a few days...BUT, after all is said and done...Since July 1st (the date my first stall started) I have lost another 7 lbs. And I'm good with that. If you look at some postings of long-time sleevers, you see the number of lbs. lost really go down after the 1st and second month. I've realized it isn't how fast I get it off, but that I KEEP getting it off...and ultimately that it stays off.

I was complaining on previous posts that when I stalled at about 30-35 lbs, this was the same amt I've lost on countless other diets, it felt like the same old bad vibe. BUT with my pre-op diet loss, I am at 45 lbs. lost. Now that is a new one for me! I have not seen this weight since I was a teen. And now I know, the weight loss may stall, but it will not stop anytime soon.

Stop worrying! You WILL keep losing and you will become happier and healthier! It took me a week or 2, but now I'm not worried, I am just trying to stick to the rules...and rule#1 for me, low carbs...40g or under a day if I can; less than 1000 cal a day if I can, and all my Water. Exercise is my issue right now, but it may not be a coincidence that when it increased, my weight decreased and my stall broke.

I am a very "the glass is half full" kind of person, and this is what I now say to myself: "I CAN'T wait for my next stall !!!" Because that means between now and then I will lose some weight, and then once the stall is over, I will lose again!!! Yay for stalls!!

(I know, I know...get over myself! ) Take care, I hope some of these words are helpful to you.

You look gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiring post.

Not too many posting this anymore. I'm in SF bay area. East Bay too.

I'm in So. Cal/Orange County/Santa Ana

I thought it was so great when I could start swallowing tablets. I'm 9 weeks out and my NUT says I still shouldn't take tablets. She says we just won't absorb them well. I decided to listen to her 'cause it sounds like they've been a waste of money and effort. So I just ordered some chewable Celebrate pineapple-strawberry mv's and the chewy Calcium bites. I give up already!!!! UGH!!! (at least Celebrate tastes a little better than bariatric advantage)