tigerbelle

I am actually impressed with myself that I was able to almost completely avoid temptation while spending the day in N'awlins in the French Quarter today...I went with my cousin visiting from CT and some other family members...I avoided alcohol, even though the Hurricanes at Pat O's were a few steps away...avoided getting a daiquri even though every other adult had one in a go cup...at lunch while my companions had fried seafood po-boys, fries and onion rings, I had a small bowl of shrimp and andouille gumbo without rice and ate about 2/3 of it...didn't even have a cracker much less a slice of yummy French bread...went into Cafe DuMonde and watched most people downing delicious beignets, and of course didn't have any...went into a cafe and had a cup of coffee, and our table ordered two desserts to share...by this time, I do confess I did have to cheat and have one small bite/taste of each dessert--a small splurge but worth it, especially the yummy cheesecake bite...all in all, as far as food temptation avoidance, I was fairly proud of myself...now let's not talk about the non-food shopping temptations and how I dealt with that

like you said it's a learning process...trial and error...good luck

just sent a message to the admin via the "contact us" feature...I will report back if and when I get a response

I know we as users/members can add new topics, but I feel certain only a site admin can add a new forum...we can hope that an admin or a moderator will read this topic and address our suggestions. I see there is a "contact us" option for the website...I can try sending a message that way...depending on the site, those are monitored at least on occasion...worth a try I guess

well char-broiled or grilled seafood is not a bad option (or so I tell myself LOL)...and it was difficult not to grab a fried shrimp off my cousin's po-boy...for some reason the french fries weren't tempting me at least

I love pancakes, so I understand your craving...on my dietary plan, pancakes aren't allowed until at least 6-8 months out

MIJourney: I did not realize you had reached onederland...congrats, girl! I am jealous! perhaps in a couple of months, I will join you there

we are around the same stage since I had my surgery May 6...doesn't sound like you are really off-track, at least not in my opinion...at our stage, I think it is natural to be trying new foods to see how you tolerate them...not sure what types of new foods you are talking about though...in my case it is things like salad and some raw veggies (I find that I can tolerate a few bites of salad with a meal)...I am also trying more red meat options on occasion, since I have mainly been eating chicken and turkey....if by new foods you mean starches like potatoes and bread, then I can see where you would consider that off track...on my plan, I cannot have things like that until at least 6-8 months out...I am on very rare occasions (like out to dinner with friends) allowing myself a single small bite of a dessert; so far no issues with that and it hasn't triggered any cravings, but if it had, I would know not to continue that practice even rarely...I think this whole thing is trial and error in many ways...I also struggle with the protein issue, but most of the new foods I am trying are ones that are helping me reach my protein goal each day, and I haven't had to rely much lately on the protein shakes as supplements...all the best to you!

I agree with Kim...I would only opt for that if the clothes were costly ones (like the formal business suits you describe)...I am considering the same option for some formal dresses I have that I only wear for "elegant" night on cruises...I am going on a cruise in October and will need at least one formal dress...I think it will be more cost-effective to alter one or two of the ones I have than to go buy new ones (since I don't expect to be at goal weight by October by any means)...also, I actually love the dresses I have and am not sure I could even find replacement ones I liked as well

keep up the outstanding work as you continue to heal

I understand your fear and doubts, and it took me a long time to decide to proceed with the VSG, which I considered a drastic option. I had major complications with diabetes pre-surgery, though, and that prompted my decision. Plus I was 51 years old, so no spring chicken. About the only advice I can give is not to proceed with getting sleeved until you are confident and feel it is the right decision for you...I don't think anyone can ever feel 100% sure--that is just how life is--but you need a high level of confidence in the procedure itself and the surgeon you choose...the best to you

that is one way of looking at it...but I offer the alternative of taking the stance that you don't need to prove anything to anyone...you are accountable to one person only--yourself! focus on your own initiative in making this decision and having the courage to go forward

I second what Joia said

I also think that only an admin can sticky a topic...maybe our plea will be heard

what do you think caused it? I ask because whatever food you ate most recently before the vomiting started is probably something you should avoid for at least another couple of weeks before trying again...I had a couple of foods that I tried too early...hope you are better very soon and back on the road to healing

in my opinion, there is too much going on with this recipe for the soft/puree phase...I would save for use until I was about 2 months out...ground beef is something I wouldn't try on puree stage...same thing for olives and some other ingredients I see listed....for the puree stage, if you are craving Mexican food, I suggest refried beans with some grated cheese melted on top...nothing wrong with the cream of chicken soup and perhaps you could add a little bit of enchilada sauce for a Mexican taste...you are less than a couple of weeks out, so I would go slowly...I know it's difficult and seems like it will be forever until you can eat solid foods, but truly these early phases go by quickly

that Monistat gel zenandnow mentioned is the product I was talking about...great product

I wish I lived in Plano!

ha ha...I sort of liked a "bing" change...reminds me of Chandler Bing from the Friends tv show

mine is sponsored by and held at the hospital where I had my surgery, although it is open to the public...the hospital's bariatric nutritionist organizes and leads the meeting...there is a discussion topic (such as eating out at local restaurants) and then time afterward for sharing experiences and asking questions...no clothing exchange but that is a good idea...no name for the group either--I think it would be best to let the members suggest and vote on a name

I used cornstarch powder, and that helped a lot...I also recall that there was this anti-chafing gel they sold at the drugstore near where they sell the feminine care products...not all stores carried it but when I could find it, that was a great product

I second arts' advice...I felt ok but didn't have a lot of energy to get out and about...I recall that around that time I had someone drive me to the store, and that little outing tired me out...I was also still trying to adjust to getting in the required protein and liquids...physically, though, I had very little discomfort and pain--was blessed in that regard...best to you!

congrats on the NSV and your upcoming wedding! keep up the great work

you look fantastic...congrats on your surgiversary and success

it continues to amaze me the difference in protocol for post-op diets...as for coffee, I had been told pre-op that I wouldn't be able to ever drink caffeinated coffee post-op; however, since then my NUT has permitted it...I could not have coffee at all the first two weeks post-op but could have decaf after two weeks...at four weeks, I could have regular coffee..I have been drinking regular coffee daily since four weeks post-op with no problems as for salad, at about 4 weeks out, I was allowed to eat it as tolerated, but my NUT doesn't recommend it until several months out--not necessarily because of tolerance with the sleeve but because it fills your sleeve but doesn't provide much nutritional value and can take up room that is needed for your lean, dense Proteins....for that reason I rarely have more than one or two bites of salad with a meal