JerseyGirl68

LOL I sent that article to my brother this morning.

It's tough to find substitutes, I like to keep the little packs of apple slices handy. Sweet and a crunch. Sometimes I'll dip in a little peanut butter. We should treat ourselves, within reason and sticking to our plan when at all possible. Good habits early will make it easier. I love that you didn't' pick something up to eat, but posted instead. Your good habits are starting already! Stay strong, we are here for support, we know what you're going through.

Added 9.1 miles over the last two days - biking and walking, total 82.45.

Congratulations on your surgery. It should get better. Try a heating pad, it helped me with some cramping and should warm you a bit. If the chills persist more than a few days follow up with your doctor. Best of luck!!

What a great post. I feel very much the same.

Aside from the above mentioned , another thing came to mind. Are you taking a PPI (Priolosec, ect?) to ward off acid? My doctor put me on one for a month or so after surgery, oftentimes increased stomach acid can mimic traditional hunger pains.

Fantastic! Congratulations on such great success!

Pre-op can be so stressful, and seemingly have no end, especially when you have to take care for and cook for everyone else. You are almost there and are holding strong. I also love to cook and enjoy entertaining and I can honestly say that though my choices have changed I still enjoy food as I used to. Much less of it, and better choices, but instead of carb-heavy meals, I focus on making the best and tastiest Proteins I can. I experiment with veggies and have had no issues going out to eat. Wine is unfortunately another story, and will have to be a choice you make for yourself. Most surgeons will say it is ok to drink after a suitable period of time, so you have time to heal. I have had a glass or two of wine in the past year, but I limit myself. Aside from the empty calories, increased potential to make bad food choices if I'm drinking and the fact that the alcohol hits me harder now, I dont' want to put anything in my body that will slow down my weight loss. My understanding is that while alcohol is in my system, my body won't burn fat, it will burn the alcohol first. I want to ride this wave of losing as long as possible, so I limit my alcohol consumption. It's a personal choice. Not eating and drinking at the same time is for a few reasons. It allows the food are you are taking in to digest slower, keeping you fuller longer. Also, if you eat and drink at the same time, you will have less "room" for food when you do eat. It gets easier and becomes second nature as time goes by. I think a passion for food gives you a leg up, you are more inclined to experiment and make foods that fit your lifestyle. Best of luck to you!!

I can understand your doctor wanting you to lose prior to surgery. What has happened in the past is over, you can do this. Track everything and make a plan. Follow it and you will do great. Challenge yourself to make the changes you need to, and don't be a prisoner of what has "always" happened before. You are getting a fresh start. Embrace it!! Set some small goals for yourself and take it one day at a time. Do you use myfitnesspal or similar app to track your food/activity? I have found it helps to have a record of everything I eat. YOU GOT THIS!!!

Last December I had surgery on Tuesday the 11th and returned to work Monday the 17th. I was a little fatigued at the end of the day, but no pain or discomfort. I work in an office only a few miles from my home.

I'm 10 months out and can't see them in the mirror. Very lucky in that aspect .. Now if I could only NOT see my legs in the mirror I would be a happy woman.

Oh good!! So happy you're doing well!

Awesome! Congratulations!!

Hi and congratulations on your surgery! I don't think there is anything "wrong" with your sleeve, I think you are just having a smooth recovery. Just take it slow and steady and just because you can take that quantity in you should remember you are still healing. You are swollen and numb inside so you should follow your doctor's instructions. Incision pain can last a few weeks, it should be getting better every day. My surgeon removed the stomach from my left side incision and that one was tender the longest (but only a few weeks) Do you think this is still gas from the surgery? If so, walking and moving in general will help that along. If you are feeling gas when/or after you are eating you may need to take prilosec or another PPI. Check with your doctor. I was told to take one for a month after surgery. I hope the rest of your recovery goes as smooth!

Hey there! Your story sounds like mine. I've been incredibly fortunate to have had a smooth surgery/recovery and journey so far. In short, it is exactly what I had hoped it would be. 10 months out and loving it. I knew hair loss might be a factor, and I did lose some. But that has stopped. I am also following my doctors instructions all the way. I portion my food, track it all and exercise. I don't drink and eat at the same times. (I made that mistake once recently and am not in a hurry to do it again) I was prepared for the loose skin, and changes I needed to make and consider myself very lucky that everything has gone as hoped. I do think it necessary for pre-op folks to read that Yes, everything does go according to plan, I think these posts are not as plentiful, so I'm glad you posted! Try not to feel guilty, enjoy it.

I have to try that, Laura. And Gamegirl.. I'll be watching out for yours too!!

I made this over the weekend. I used to have it all the time on Weight Watchers. I love it this time of the year. pumpkin Mousse 1 15oz. Can pumpkin 1 ¾ cup skim milk 2 1oz. boxes Sugar Free/ Fat Free Instant vanilla pudding 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie spice 2 cups Cool Whip Free ( You could add vanilla Protein powder or unflavored to boost the protein. I did not have any) Mix Milk, Pumpkin & Spice together until smooth. Add pudding and mix until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip Chill for a few hours , Serve. I sprinkled a little more spice on top and a small bit of cool whip. 8 Servings Calories: 93 Fat: <1gm Protein: 4gm Carbs: 18 Fiber: 3 gm

7 .25 miles on the bike yesterday morning and another 2.25 walking. Total: 73.35

Awesome everyone! Just totaled my week up. Total for the month so far 62.85 miles.

If you are cleared for all food... Shrimp cocktail, any grilled or broiled fish or chicken should be fine.

Three more days!! You got this! Stay strong. and good luck on surgery day!!

I have to do my totals for the week, but got in my longest ride to date.. 10.15 miles this morning

I try and keep a bottle with me when I can. I work in an office so I can always have something on my desk. I mix it up, water, vitamin water zero. I find I can drink the Vitamin water zero faster than plain water. I just feel so much better when I get in 64oz. plus. Forgetting you can work on, try a timer on your phone or watch. Good luck!

Your stomach very well could still be numb. Measuring is really helpful. I never take more than 4oz. and it is always enough, sometimes depending on what it is, just a bit too much. You'll get to know the signs.

I measure it all out also, and almost never have a problem. I say almost because last night I ate and then for the first time forgot to wait to drink.. I took a good size swallow and immediately felt uncomfortable and had the build up of saliva. It passed pretty quickly but a very good reminder not to over do it and follow my rules. At 8 weeks you may still be healing. Try not to push it, especially with the more dense Proteins. Sliders are another story. You'll most likely be able to consume much more and they won't fill you the same as Protein. You sound like you are very mindful of how you are eating, check in with your surgeon or NUT if you get too worried.