tbearfan

Hello,
I'm only about two months out from surgery so I'm not an expert but you are correct about soda unless it is flat. You aren't suppose to drink from a straw either. You will have to make the consumption of protein and water a priority. If you get low on either your energy will be zapped, or at least that's how it did for me. You will also need to watch your carbs like if you were on the Atkins diet. The surgery is still worth things that we have to change. Good luck in making your decision.

Thank you Lissa. I didn't think I would ever be able to have Coke again.

Shortness of breath from just turning yourself over in bed
Arms that are too short to clean yourself properly
Clothing sizes that begin with X
Shame when you hear the whispers and giggles behind your back
The appetite of three people

I'm about 18 months out and have been at goal for 6 months. It took a while, but I can eat anything I ate pre-op. I choose to avoid a lot of pre-op choices to keep my weight at goal, but I occasionally enjoy them. For example, candy. I rarely eat it now, but I do occasionally. Same with chips and garlic bread. I am able to enjoy spicy foods, greasy foods, super sour foods, etc. I drink with a straw, especially at night because I'm too lazy to sit up in bed to get a drink.
I love the sleeve!
Lynda

It's a miracle really, how you don't even WANT some of the things that you used to.
If I want a bite of a "goodie." rarely- I have it. If it's a goodie that I used to gorge on- I don't even want it...I'm afraid to let those little things sneak in.
Do I like the idea of a big cheesesteak on a huge roll with cheese fries- yes.
But I'm free from really obsessing about it. The roll could be scooped out and
I could have a fry or two- if I wanted. Someday. But I choose to maximize this ultimate losing time in the first year by making better choices. Honestly we can't eat all that much and have this amazing satisfaction from the little amount.
Funny story. I was in Trader Joe's and they had a medicine sample cup of a fancy shrimp dish. Haha-Dinner! It's pretty awesome to fill up on hardly anything but also get the delicious taste and not feel deprived. I'm happy.
I was talking to this person who happens to be a WW coach yesterday and he asked how I handle the cravings with such little food and I'm like..you don't have them because you're free from that constant hunger/want for food-- the ghrelin- appetite/hunger hormone, is gone.
So strange how life is now...

Love this!
And I'll add:
Never being concerned if I fit in the turnstile
Never needing a seatbelt extender on airplanes again
Never being afraid to sit on someone's dining room chair

I'm still waiting to be sleeved.
My doc told me that I will eventually be able to eat/drink whatever I want in moderation. He said its not a diet.. It's a lifestyle change and he doesn't want me to feel deprived.
That being said, I think it's an individual thing some people end up not being able to tolerate certain things. It may come and go. And some people decide to give up certain things because they feel those things are detrimental to their new lifestyle.
I know people who drink pop and people who eat Pasta at times. Its a very individual thing.

My doctor didn't give me any "never again" foods. I am about 14 months post op and can eat a few bites of anything, but like the above posters bread is only a bite or two and I'm done with it. I do occasionally drink diet soda, but find I don't crave it like before. I also can't stand the taste of plain water. I use sugar free crush in orange, strawberry or grape flavor. Also sugar free hawaiian punch. Spicy food doesn't bother me at all so it really is what your own stomach will tolerate.

I'm sorry if this comes off as a brag post but I'm just so dang excited!
I came across a picture of myself from last Christmas (only 8 months ago!) that blew my mind. I don't remember EVER looking like that! Here's that picture along with one I took this past weekend. Please excuse my deranged smile, I was excited that that shirt fit me. Haha. -137 pounds!