teach5

It has been awhile since I posted. Just had my 6 month check up. Down to 224 started at 347 when I began the process. Feeling great, so much energy, off of bp meds. My appetite is very strange though. Some days I feel like eating often and some days I have to make myself eat. Anyone else feel this way?

I haven't checked in in awhile. Work has been hectic, like most schools budget cuts, layoffs, etc. I was sleeved on 9/24/12 and am down 75lbs since surgery and 110 since I began the process. Funny thing is when I look in the mirror I look the same to myself. I definitely know I lost weight, none of my pre surgery clothes fit. I get extreme reactions from people I haven't seen in awhile. I wonder when or how long it will take for me to see the new me in the mirror? Did or does anyone else go through this?

I am lucky enough to not be craving the junk food yet. However, I was never a big sweets eater but couldn't lay off the chips. When I started the sleeve process I bought one of those microwave chip makers. The chips come out really good. Granted you probably should not eat them all the time, but if you made them that way they wouldn't be so bad for an occasional treat.

My tastes really have changed also. Some other proteins I eat are hummus, different beans, i like veggie burgers. I also make "sandwiches" with low fat cold cuts and cheeses and use lettuce in place of bread. I am sort of hooked on those right now. I don't know if you like tofu or not, I think it tastes like what ever you cook it in. Shrimp is one of my favorites because you can make it so many ways. I also make cheesburgers on th george forman grill with lean ground beef. A lot of of the extra grease drips out and again I replace buns with lettuce. You can also add some nuts to salads. Just watch serving size. I also have a natural peanut butter that I use with apples or bananas. Just measure it accurately. Greek yogurt is high in protein, not a fan of yogurt since surgery though. Also I tried Quest bars, very high in protein. They have a weird chewy texture, come in tons of flavors, maybe you could find one you like.

Happy day. Surgery date was 9/24. Lost 67 pounds since day of surgery, 97 since starting the process. Down from size 28 to between 18-20.

I have 5. Three of which are very small. Only one still looks bad, but it did rip open. The rest are fading nicely. My doctor said to keep them from the sun for 6-12 months and they will fade greatly.

Today is 2 months out. Just left my post-op appt. I have lost 45lbs since surgery 9/24 and a total of 78 since beginning this journey. Bought my first pair of new pants, size 22 having started as size 28, I am thrilled. Funny thing is they look too small to me when I go to put them on, but they fit with room to spare! The road has not been the easiest, I had many bumps along the way. Surgery complications, anemia, lactose intolerance, nausea, days of dry heaves, and more tears shed in two weeks than anyone should shed in a lifetime. But I pushed through and am now reaping the rewards. For anyone struggling, know it gets better. Take it one day at a time!

Horse back riding, karate lessons, and buying a bra from Victoria's Secret!

Just wondering if anyone uses quest bars? My NUT recommended them today. Just looking for other people's opinion. Thanks

I know it has been a while since I made this post, but I wanted to let you all know I am finally feeling much better! Thank you all for your encouragement and support through those rough weeks!

I also hope it isn't "Atkins for life." I was given a binder with some info pre-op and it only lists lean meats and their protein values. On this soft food stage I was allowed canned fruits and veggies, but canned fruits are way too sweet. I don't much miss breads, but I would like some brown rice now and then. It is so odd to me that there are so many variations between surgeons and NUTs

I am almost two months out and have an appointment with my NUT next week to be put on the "regular diet for life," but for some reason I cannot stop worrying about it. I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on the types of things I will be allowed to eat. I am so craving fresh produce, I hope those are on the new list. Are whole grains usually allowed?

It is also normal to feel like you want to cry. Your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes and getting used to the major surgery you went through. I went through the same thing as dis many others I know. Mine urge to cry lasted for about 10 days and was gone as quick as it came on. I am 2 months out now and feeling so much better. It does get better, give yourself time.

I am also struggling with ideas for soft food. I have been on soft food for 2 weeks and still cannot eat 1/2 of food at once. One other thing that I like are the Boca meatless burgers with a slice of low fat cheese melted on it. If u could eat the whole patty it is around 15 grams of protein with the cheese. I still can't eat it all though.