Holly5.3

I know exactly how you feel, I should have bought stock in Campbell's Soup before having WLS! Unfortunately, however, thick soups go down the sleeve much better than say mashed potatoes and poultry with gravy. I'm having a hard time with chicken and eggs still, I'm better off having a creamed soup when we eat out (i.e., Panera Bread, etc.) but still cannot open a can at home! Sliced low sodium Boar's Head turkey (or equiv. high quality deli turnkey) is ok. Chicken and tuna, not OK - the consistency seems to stick in my sleeve blocking much from getting down so I can only eat 4 tsps. - not nearly a meal, and if I eat one bite too much, the feeling of over-eating is verrry unpleasant, you don't do it often. My daily menu includes one shake (20 grams protein), 1 protein bar (20 grams) and a Greek yogurt (11 grams). My B/L/D usually add up to another 10-15 grams so I make my 60 gram minimum. If I feel its been lower, I'll have another shake or a 1/2 of one after dinner. I wish I could say you'll be eating like a Queen...you're eyes will be way bigger than your stomach and every meal you will discover what works and what doesn't. Good luck and happy new year!

I had hiatal hernia repair also, but they stitched it (I have a photo album - adorable!) with disolving thread. I believe most of my discomfort was from the hernia - my stomach never hurt and my incisions healed so fast I didn't believe they removed my stomach! But the hernia threw my through a loop - I returned to work a week too soon - I have to swivel and stretch a lot at my desk in a elementary school office, after my 1st day back, I left home at the end of the day buckled over in pain. Stayed home and rested another week (dr. suggested 3 weeks home anyway, this was the 3rd week). Thank you to Super Storm Sandy, I got another 3 days home (Oct. 29-31st) with pay (I used up all my sick time, so it was a blessing in disguise to get 3 days off without using my vacation time.) I have another two hernias that have to be repaired after I've lost 100 pounds - whoopie! Can't wait for more surgery! (Honestly, I don't know how people get addicted to plastic surgery, I hate hospitals, recovery and having boo-boos!) Good luck and be sure to rest!

Happy New Year and New You, Susan! Your stats are amazing! Could you imagine carrying 70 pounds of weights around with you all day long now? Good luck in making your goal to 180 - it won't be long. Question: How much exercise are you getting and how many calories per day to you consume?

New year - new mini-challenge: April 1, 2013 - April Fool's Day! Hey, we're no fools - working our sleeves to the best we can and making goals that inspire us. Encouraging and congrating one anothers accomplishments, taking advise (good and bad!) ... it's a very good thing! Today's weight in (1/1/13) - 209 Goal for 4/1/13 - 179 Total loss -30 pounds. (Lowest weight since had children was 178 - my daughters, 18 & 19, have never seen me under 200 lbs. This will be a very cool year for me, no doubt! My youngest daughter graduates from HS, it will be nice to enjoy the festivities without feeling ashamed of my appearance like I was last year at my eldest daughter's HS graduation.) Good luck everyone!

My official goal (1st post) was 220 My unofficial goal was 207 Today's weigh-in 1/1/13 - 209.5 Made unofficial +another 10.5 - YAA! (Missed unofficial goal by a stickin' 2.5 lbs. - my goal for next week!) So excited to be in onderland in 2013! I haven't visited that realm since my daughters were toddlers. Once I hit 207, my next lowest weight is 178 and that will be my next 3 month challenge - April 1st (April Fool's Day!) See new challange posted! Congratulations to all my fellow sleevers who have worked so hard to get to where you are going! Best of luck and good health to everyone in 2013!

Everyone is different; i.e. food funerals, etc. But for me, when I felt like I had enough of living inside a "fat suit" - enough was enough. As soon as I went to the WLS open house in July (the day after my 53rd b'day), the next morning I was done with the way I was eating. Now, almost 3 months post op, do I wish I had had one more Wendy's meal or slice of pizza - kind of, but not really. If I think about all the times I did eat whatever I wanted, regardless of my health or weight consequences, I had my pizza. I had my burgers, fried chicken patty sandwiches, gyros, whatever....I HAD them all. I will be able to "taste" them again, too if I want to, but to tell you the truth after being on low sodium, fat, carb, etc. since August, my taste buds have changed dramatically! I wanted to "taste" sausage with biscuits and gravy (I was down south in GA - had to!) and grits. It was too greasy for me. One itty bitty taste and I was good! Back to my egg and yogurt, thank you very much! Just keep in mind, every bite of food you decide NOT to eat, because you are listening to your head and not your "head hunger" makes you stronger and a tiny bit closer to your weight loss goals and dreams. It's worth it to start your future now, nothing is that delicious that can't be eaten next year when you are at least a much tinier person! Just my op....(PS - I lost 23 pounds from August 11 to Oct. 11th when I was only required to lose 7-11 pounds. My surgeon was blown away and suggested I may be one of his starring patients in his next commercial! Flattery will get you everywhere!) Good luck and Happy New Year!

I'm sorry, I neglected to add in my vitamins and water (plus the fact I do get my 60-80 grams of protein in daily), per Keith's post. I think of my chewable vitamins as my "snacks" and I try to drink as much water with Crystal Light as possible. I'm finally able to drink a little bit of room temp. water without any additivies like Crystal Light, but I can't drink a lot at a time (I sure miss guzzling ice cold bottled water!).

I'm 12 weeks out and still can't eat a lot, volume wise. Example of my day, while travelling from NY to GA for a family gathering, last Saturday: 6 am (as soon as I'm awake): 1/2 Premier Chocolate Protein Shake (pre-made 8 oz. Costco). 8:30 am (Buffet Breakfast @ hotel): 2 tsps. of cheese omlette (eggs don't like me still!), a tiny bite of a biscuit (too dry!) and the egg white only from a hard-boiled egg, 1/2 of a small coffee with Pumpkin creamer and skim milk (creamer tastes too sweet to me without skim milk added now). Between Bkfst and Lunch and Lunch and Dinner: Remainder of shake and 1/2 of a Total Protein Bar. Lunch: Campbell's white chicken and bean soup (1/4 cup serving of 2 1-cup serving can of soup) Dinner (Buffet of hors d'ouevres): 1-1/2 slices of turkey and 2 slices of American cheese. Snack before bed: 1 Laughing Cow Light Cheese Spread. It doesn't seem like a lot (because it isn't), but the point is, I was prepared with my shake and my bars so I could withstand the beast within me screaming to eat the mini hot dogs, quiches, pizzas, chicken, dips, bla bla bla at the party. I had a few rough days -- my will power and head hunger were both sorely tested on this holiday. But I survived. I'll weigh myself in the morning since we travelled home today and I hope I'm closer to my goal. The fact that I'm excited to weigh myself is a Christmas Miracle in and of itself. Who loses weight between Christmas and New Years...or between Thanksgiving and New Years, for that matter? We do...that's who! Happy, save and healthy New Year to everyone!

I feel you, Mrs. Sandy r! Except, it's true for me too, finally! (Only when I still have my bra on, though! ) TIM - but I LOL'd

It's funny, but the growling, burping beast inside me is my alarm clock that I should be hungry - I need to eat something, it's empty. I could go all day like never before without eating, so I'm glad that a little discomfort in the form of the burping is a reminder that I need to take a sip of a protein drink or a bite of a protein bar. When I ignore the burb, the other physical symptons occur - headache, short-temper/cranky (the beast needs a treat!) The "head" hunger or maybe even "memory" hunger has been more of a problem during the Holiday Season than I thought it would be. Just remember your body still needs fuel and since we can consume such small amounts, it's going to burn through it fast - we're lighter now, moving more and our metabolisms are speeding up as we lose the fat. When I've had some food, it's easier to be around people eating the foods you would love to be able to eat again, but can't. But some days are harder than others, too, depending on stress, etc. But listening to our bodies and getting to know when to eat, what to eat, and more importantly when to stop before any discomfort occurs is a skill worth having and will be worth it's weight in gold when we reach our goal! Happy New Year's everyone!

My best advice, like another poster mentioned above, just focus on your monthly weight loss - you will probably start to have an average monthly loss, maybe starting at 10 pounds or more a month or higher, depending on your starting weight. But as your BMI lowers, the average will lower too. I try to weigh myself only once a week, same time. Sometimes the scale reads that I lost .5 or 1 lb., then the next weigh-in will be -3. It's crazy! I'm not doing anything different from one day to the next, but the results are happening - at the end of the month when I think I haven't lost much, when I see the total number it's like a shock, I thought I was only losing a pound or two! It does catch up - if you are getting in your protein, vitamins and water, there's no way you can't lose! We are all winners in 2013! Happy New Year!

A glass or two may be way too excessive on your new stomach. My Dr. recommended waiting until 3 months post-op (for me 1/11/13) to try alcohol- and at that, it was suggested to try Vodka rather than wine or beer due to the way the sugar is ingested in the stomach. Anyway, at a family celebration out-of-town on Saturday, I poured about a shot-glass worth of wine in a glass and took tiny, tiny sips. It was just enough to "loosen me up (so to speak)" and I didn't feel drunk or even buzzed, just more relaxed. I ate a little cheese and a slice of turkey and decided to try another "shot" of white wine. This time, after a sip or two I became very warm and flushed, (the way I used to feel pre-surgery after over-indulging in heavy foods and after about my 2nd coctail.) so I didn't drink the rest of it. I believe I will try some Vodka on my husband's birthday, Jan. 25th, but I again will take a tiny bit and take a tiny sip. It's not worth it getting sick, especially if you are at a social gathering. Try just a dash at a time and see how you feel. Good luck and Happy New Year!

This is by far one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life! It's not a "quick-fix" like some people may think, although the weight loss is "quick", the pre and post surgery diets alone no doubt scare away the weakest of the frey looking into having WLS! Even now at 3 months post-op, I'm looking forward to the holiday season ending because it is hard, constantly making the right decision on what to eat and how much, when in the past over-indulging in food and drink was "tradition". (I've only had one pity-party, recently and I posted about it "Cranky Mom- Help!" LOL) but those who know and love me, also know my history with food and would rather see me alive and healthy than slowly dying! (I've reversed Type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea is cured and I no longer have back spasms daily!) It's only those who feel insecure about themselves who actually feel jealous when they see others doing what they themselves should do. All we can do for them is to pray that they one day make those hard decisions like we did, to better our bodies - and our lives and to be a positive energy! Happy New Year's everyone! Just think of next year when it'll be a year post-op...I'll be really celebrating then (and watch out haters, I'll be looking hot, too -- for an "old lady!")

Per my surgeon I take a Pepcid at bedtime and my prescribed PPI in morning to help with the belching. It really is annoying! At least I no longer snore- betweenthe burping and snoring I'ld sound like a 3-piece band!

For pain, I was prescribed Percocette (also had hernia repaired same time-ouch!) but it did nothing but make me hyper. Tried extra strength Tylenol rapid release caplets-took 3 - no more pain! Check with dr. re: heating pad. I was using one (per this chat room's advice -not my Dr's) and he told me to stop. It feels good but it could cause problems re: healing and infection-had no idea. Good luck!

My stomach growls and belches letting me know when it's empty-it kind of feels like hunger pains but a little different. Make sure you get protein in all day. As soon as my protein wears off I feel it. For me, 10 grams of protein gets me through one hour. My Premier shake has 30 grams and takes me from 6-9am every day. Greek yogurt gets me through to lunch. I hate the rumbling my tummy makes but I'm trying to use it as another tool for my success-it's my nutrient gage now. As far as craving sweets, I don't-I'm craving veggies which my tummy will not accept! Never, ever thought I'ld say that!

I also kept coughing and needed to expectorate (sorry -gross!). Def. hold a pillow to your stomach when you cough. The car ride home from hospital was brutal but it helped dislodge mucus. When I got home I was in so much pain anyways, I held my pillow and leaned across bathroom sink and coughed as hard as I could to get it up. It hurt like he'll, I was crying, but it worked! Reduced coughing snd the wheeze was gone. Good luck!

Thanks everyone who posted! I survived my self-induced exile! My husbands aunt felt bad, she didn't realize my diet was so restricted. I could have had just toppings or asked them to make me something but at the time my head hunger and the aroma of the Restaraunt was too much for me. We are visiting my husbands grandma (her 95th birthday celebration tonight) in Georgia, we live on Long Island, NY. I cried. I talked with my husband and he spoke to my girls about being more empathetic. They both apologized. No, I don't expect my family to suffer because of my decision (I cooked and baked up a storm this Holiday season!) but I still have struggles and good and bad days. This morning I put on my big girl panties, had some cereal for the first time, and am focusing on relaxing and resting to build up strength to make it through tonight's party.

Ok-so I'm now sitting in our car outside of a pizzeria where my family is inside enjoying pizza and beer. I was sleeved 10/11/12 and I have 2 teen daughters, 18 and 19. I can't eat very much and mostly rely on dairy for meals. I am so on edge that they just look at me the wrong way and I go off! My baby (17) rudely reminded me in front of my husband's family that I 'chose' to do this to myself - not being able to really eat much of anything yet, I was frustrated reading the menu-there wasn't anything I would even attempt to eat! So I said, I guess I'll just starve, that's when she made her comment. I left the Restaraunt and have been crying, having a big ole pity party again! I thought that I was through with this part of recovery 2 months ago! The holidays were hard but still not being able to eat is starting to wear me down emotionally. I feel conflicted now- I'm just such a b***h!!

Everyone's journeys different. Our Pre-surgery lives and relationships with food vary so it goes without saying that our post-sleeve lives will also vary. I've cheated -thank God no complications other than temporarily feeling like I wanted to puke my guts up and/or pass out! Every single day is a struggle with food-my head (and nut, dr. Etc.) say ok to eat chicken and eggs, etc. etc. Well, I can't. Two or three tiny bites and done! Veggies are not going down at all. Water must have addiditves. Am I tempted to eat other things? Sure. But I don't. Not when my own body is telling me "nah, can't digest that, sweetheart!" Whaaaaaaa! I'm surviving on Greek yogurt, cheese, daily shake and protein bar. I ate a few homemade Christmas cookies, they went down just fine (figures!) but couldn't eat my Cornish game hen, green beans, etc. This journey is not for the weak-choices and decisions need to be made with every bite of food or sip of beverage each and every day. I know that by next Oct. I'll be in much better shape, consumption wise, and without getting depressed, I've decided that this is my year to sacrifice my addiction for food for a healthier body. I've had my pizza. I've had my fried, greasy foods (you don't get to almost 300 pounds by eating salads!). I will have my salads and chickens-eventually! For now, I'm shrinking away and eating a lot of dairy -Mooooooo!

Hill I'm thrilled with the numbers on the scale and how my size 18 jeans are now fitting (down from a size 22/24)! But meals are hard for me still! Proteins like chicken and fish don't sit well still. Tiny bites. Chew, chew,chew abd still after about 2 oz. I'm uncomfortable. I still drink a shake every day and I try to eat slowly-painfully slow! Still, I ferl like it's stuck. I know I'm not supposed to drink anything for an hour but Ifeel like a sip of water helps the food go down. I told my nut and she said just to take it slow and make sure I get my protein in. Just wondering how everyone else is faring.

Wow-Ocober sleevers are doing fabulous! From close to 100 lbs. lost- we all are doing great and on our way to onederlnad in 2013-congratulations to those of you who broke past 200, or 300! I'm looking forward to getting below 200 soon! Yaaa! Best Christmas ever!!! Stats: 8/12 - 278 10/11/12 (DOS) - 255.5 12/26/12 - 212.5 -43 lbs since sleeved! Good luck everyone for continued success in the New Year!

My dr said to avoid beer and wine if I had to have a Coctail a 1/2 shot of good vodka was best due to the way the sugar breaks down. Maybe it's slower in vodka so the stomach can process it better since it's so small. She recommended having it with A sugar free beverage-not straight shots and to nurse it. Again, they recommend waiting 3 months which won't be until Jan. 11th for me. To tell you the truth, I'm struggling with food at every meal -I don't need more worries or issues by experimenting with alcohol! My husband's 50th B'day is Jan. 25 so maybe I'll indulge that night!