Joni

I took a workshop called "The Hunger Within" and what you're doing Lissa is exactly what was recommended. The example was Oreos. You love Oreos and in the grocery store you want them bad. Get the package in your cart, put it back, repeat. We were taught, okay if you have to have them - they come in a small pack of 6 - buy them and enjoy the hell out of them while you're eating them. Take your time. Then you don't have that big package sitting at home waiting for you to come back again and again to it. And you've had your fix. The little single serving size bags of cheetos or chips would be perfect for that.

I'm trying to stop consuming anything with aspartame, so I look for the drink mixes with other sweeteners like Splenda (sucralose) or stevia. Crystal light pure is one along with some other brands.

Very inspiring blog post ChaCha! I missed you! You've made some major food changes for your diet. I was just at Whole Foods and looking at better quality foods, thinking that just might be the way I want to go. I'm 4 wks postop now, and eating soft foods. Quantity is still very small, and I too always put more on my little plate than I can come near to eating!! Which is okay with me. Weight loss has been slow, but who cares?! I'm fine with that too. Congrats with your progress!

For me - mushies week 2 to 4, soft wk 4 to 6, then regular!

They look yummy! I copied a few to try. Can't wait - glad to hear you think they're really good.

I'm 4 wks postop and still tired! Dr says it's normal and can take up to 6 wks or so to feel normal again. Then add the low calories and trying to get enough fluids, well it's no wonder we're tired. Throw in some crazy hormonal changes in the mix too! I would take a shower to try and recharge, and have to rest after cuz the shower took all my energy!! It just takes time.

Just saw my dr today and asked about signs of dehydration. #1 she said is feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up. Drink more fluid!!

Good luck ladies!! See you on the loser's bench!!

Well your sleeve will have limited capacity, so that alone will have you cut down on the amount you drink.

what are extreme smoothies? Do they contain sugar?

Welllll, I bought the Premier Chocolate RTD. I could only take 2 sips. Yuck. My daughter likes them though, so I gave them to her.

Usually one scoop of protein powder in 8 ounces of fluid will give you the 20-some grams of protein you need at one time. But read the labels carefully as some list it in 4ths or nutrition facts for 2 scoops on label.

Future - No, you do not have to be an RN for this job; in fact, most are not. DKNA - I think with your RN degree, you would be a highly desirable candidate. You don't need to take a course unless you don't know medical terminology, which you must already. I would simply apply to all the hospitals in your area, although some require in-house training for a period before you go home to work, but I bet you can find some that don't require that. I guess you could start making by making phone calls. That website should have some job postings as well. Or look for transcription services in your area or nationally.

How about transcription? I know a lot of RNs who wanted to be at home and did that. You already know all the medical terminology, and if you can type, you can do it. There are many hospitals and transcription services all over the States that allow you to work from home. Hospitals will pay more than services. I make 20/hr doing it. If interested, you can go to the website of Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and find out more. Good luck!

I bought the premier chocolate rtd's with high hopes and didn't get past 2 sips. Nope,, nada, not me. My daughter really likes them so they won't go to waste! Good idea, I think I'll have tilapia for dinner.

Sounds good! Thanks Jailyn and Jerry. I haven't started my diary but I will soon. I'm jonitoby.

Will you share your fitness pal name? I'm really looking for mentors in the way of eating, tracking, etc. I follow Lissa and Dorrie right now.

Lissa - you're the best! I was just going to look into the torani syrup and order the big bottles which would have last me 30 years probably!! I'm so glad to hear they sell small ones!!! Where in walmart would I find them?

oh and another trick, try adding 1 TBSP any flavor of SF instant pudding.

I know all about hating protein shakes. I had a heck of a time with them. I went for a period where I could barely stomach them about 2 wks postop. You have to try different ones and play around with them. Mixing with water, milk, half water/milk, I even tried a little less than a scoop so they weren't that strong tasting. And I would go in spurts where I could only tolerate Unjury vanilla in milk. Now I'm on Nectar Strawberry Mousse or Unjury vanilla in orange classic crystal light. Any of the premixed drinks I've tried gag me. I also have Nectar strawberry kiwi which I liked then grossed me out. I'm going to try it again with more water this time. A lot of people also like adding the sugar-free torani syrups to them to change or add different flavor. You need your protein, so please try to experiment.

I know some people have gone back in as little as 3 days. I was going to take 2 wks off but I was so incredibly tired that I took 4 wks. I go back tomorrow. I work from home too!! I suppose I could have gone back a week ago, but I'm glad I took this time to give myself the rest and get used to the way I'm eating now. Good luck!

jailynn - what does a typical food day look like for you??

Thanks Lissa!! It's good to hear that from you!!!

Since when I eat, I can only get in 3 or 4 bites before I'm full, I really cannot count much protein from food yet. The only answer I know is the protein drink. First thing when I wake up, I make a protein drink so I know I have the right start to my day. Then in an hour or two, I have my 3 or 4 bites of food. Afternoon, another protein drink. Couple hours later, 3 or 4 bites.... and then later another food thing and if I can add all the food I've eaten up to 20 gms of protein, I'm good for the day. If not, I have another 4 oz or 8 oz protein drink. And all day long I'm sipping to get the fluid in. I'm 4 wks postop tomorrow.

What pure joy!!! Congrats!!