Tim H.

I do the same exact thing. I guess it's just habit to shovel in food as fast as I can. I'm going to take some of the tips in this thread and hopefully do better.

I use MyFitnessPal and highly recommend it. I've logged everything I've eaten in the past month, and it's been a tremendous help. I especially like the barcode scanner feature.

I had my surgery on March 18th in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia. So far, everything has been great. I've lost 70 pounds, and I'm feeling awesome. I still have a long way to go, though.

You look so different!

I had my surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia. $5200 for those with a bmi over 50. It was a very good experience. The doctor and his team were very professional and I never felt unsafe. I understand your dad's concerns, but there are some great doctors in Tijuana. Good luck

Congrats! I'll try the more water tip, although I struggle sometimes to get 64 oz. And yes I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia at Mi Doctor. Good experience.

I'm going through a stall, too. I'm frustrated. I'm seven weeks out (sleeved on March 18th) and have been stuck for two weeks now. It seems the same 2 pounds keeps going away and coming back. I keep my calories between 700-900 a day, and try to get in 75 grams a day of protein. I'm hoping to kick this stall soon. I know everyone says it's normal, but I'm still worried a bit.

Are any of you March 18th sleevers using My Fitness Pal to log your meals? If you are, and if you don't mind adding me as a friend, my username is TimH_ok. Looking at other people's daily food journals gives me good ideas and helps me stay motivated.

I'm really craving that nice juicy cold dill pickle. How far out from surgery were all of you when you enjoyed your first pickle? Would this be considered a soft or a crunchy vegetable?

I had egg drop soup once during my second week post op, but I was careful to eat as little of the egg as possible. It was good and really hit the spot as a type of comfort food.

Sleeved March 18 . Doing well. Down 49 pounds since March 1st . Did a lot of work in my yard the past two weekends. I can now breathe when I bend over to pull weeds or pick something up . Amazing! I'm averaging 700-900 calories a day. Protein around 80 grams. I'm still on pureed foods. My stomach is tolerating everything I've given it so far, but I'm not rushing things. This weekend I may try adventuring beyond purees. I also may start taking Miralax tomorrow. Without going into detail, I've had a little trouble with regularity.

Hi aonthehill. Wishing you lots of luck

Hey, I flew to Tijuana a few weeks ago for my surgery. It was also my first flight, and I was really worried about fitting into the seats. I decided on an aisle seat with my mom sitting next to me. It was cramped and I did have to use a seatbelt extender, but it worked out okay. In hindsight, I would have preferred a window seat. I was sleeved with Dr. Garcia, and my surgery pain wasn't bad at all. Maybe a 2 or 3 out of 10. After a day or so, it was a breeze. I did have pretty bad nausea the afternoon of my surgery and vomited up quite a bit of dried blood, but they assured me it was completely normal. I know recovery can be different for everyone, though. I'm not sure about the excess skin -- I'm still too early on my journey. It's something I worry about too. But, I'd rather have some loose skin than be stuck in the body I'm in now.

Good luck to you. Dr. Garcia performed my surgery on March 18th (at Mi Doctor hospital). So far, everything has been easier than I thought it would be. Tonight, I had my first non-liquid food. I ate about 1/8 cup of cottage cheese and a small piece of babybel cheese. Filled me up so much. As far as what to take with you to Tijuana, I would recommend a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a pair of slippers for the hospital, and your basic toiletries. I'd also take some small bills for tips. Also, if you plan on doing much shopping at places like Wal Mart, they won't give change in American $$, so the smaller bills you have, the easier it is to pay the exact amount. I took my Kindle Fire and used it a lot at the hospital and hotel with the wifi connection. There really wasn't much else that I needed, but I'm pretty low maintenance. I did take Gas-X strips, Mio flavoring for my Water, and chapstick, but didn't use them.

Timhatridge@Yahoo.com could someone add me? Thanks!

I bought the Jarrow unflavored protein from Amazon. So far I've only mixed it with pudding and cream soups. I can't tell that it changed the flavor at all.

I haven't had any trouble yet. I'm getting around 70-80 grams of protein a day. I'm also fortunate that I don't have much trouble with drinking liquids, so I'm able to get my fluids in easily. My biggest challenge right now isn't directly related to my surgery. I have a condition called gout that is a painful form of arthritis. It's in my foot/ankle right now, and I've been unable to walk for 5 days. My typical treatments (either strong NSAIDs or steroids) can't be taken this soon after surgery, so I'm pretty much stuck right now, just waiting it out.

Yes. I start phase three on Friday.

I just had some cream of broccoli soup with an extra scoop of protein powder. Did it hit the spot? Not exactly, but it was a nice change. Last night I simmered some beef broth with pickled ginger, garlic, and a couple drops of sesame oil. It gave it a nice Asian flavor.

I'm still on full liquids for a couple more days, and I'm really ready to move to the next stage. I really haven't lost much weight since surgery, but I'm hoping that changes soon.

How are all you other March 18thers doing today?

I am a week out from my sleeve and have no trouble with protein drinks either. I can easily drink a 14 oz shake in 15 minutes. That worries me a little that it's so easy to drink

I can't wait until I can have some refried beans with a little salsa and melted cheese. That sounds so very good right now. I think my doc wants me to wait another week before I try those, though...

Thanks for the ideas. I might try some cream of wheat or thinned mashed potatoes.