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you must post a photo when you are done! very kind of you to do this. glad there isn't any temptation! sensory overload maybe. like when you work in a restaurant and don't want to eat the food.

Great post...way to go!

Looks good--wonder how it would be subbing the cream for milk or almond milk? Would be pretty high in fat.

Loved your blog title. Your perspective is good! This too shall pass.

Wow, what an amazing journey you have had in such a short time. Wishing you all the best!

Wishing you all the best!

PS--three pounds a week to me would be uber-fast! I guess it's all about perspective. It always fascinates me how people can have such similar weights, energy intake and output, and have such wildly different speeds of weight loss. As the poem that my dear grandmother loved (Desidirata) says: "Do not compare yourself to others, for there will always be greater or lesser people (weight loss), and you will become bitter or vain." This is easier said than done, but I work very hard to do it and count my blessings! I'm down more than 60 lbs (including pre-op) that I'm sure I wouldn't have been if it had not been for this journey.

Interesting blog. Half-fast is better than half-assed!

I would have taken plenty of time off of work if I could do it over. I am self-employed so was working really the same night I had surgery (answering emails on my iPhone from hospital) and sitting at a computer working a few days later. If I had a job with medical leave/sick time, I would have tried to take at least 3 to 4 weeks off and I don't think I would have been so exhausted the first couple of months.

I love it too. Like to drink them over ice with leftover morning coffee.

I think I'm just weird about my food. Things like potluck with food prepared in people's kitchens whom I don't know freak me out. LOL! I like having my own little lunchbox that keeps everything cool. It's so easy to throw it in the freezer too. I don't really even need the ice packs in the bottom. It's a Rachael Ray lunchbag and they make neutral patterns. My husband bought it for me for my bday a couple of years ago and it was one of those things that I didn't know I needed until I had it!

I have a lunchbag that I can freeze in the freezer and then I also put freezer packs in the bottom--keeps my food cold enough that I don't have to put it in the yucky communal fridges.

refried beans with cheese are a good bet, soups... that might be about it right now. I'm a vegetarian but I thin some people do flaky fish and chew well. will you have a little fridge and microwave in your hotel room? I might rely on that and eat yogurt etc. I didn't eat out for at least the first 2 months.

P.S.--less is more, especially at first--try to undereat your sleeve. As long as you hydrate, you should be satisfied.

Does your surgeon provide guidelines? I would go by that. At first I measured everything because your nerve endings are still healing and it's tough to have that too full cue until you are full healed.

I've never experienced dumping syndrome but I stay away from junk (I'm 5 months out).

My medical team implied that I should be at about 500-700 calories that far post-op. It sort of happens naturally if you try to get in at least 60 g of protein a day and limit carbs.

Wishing you all the best. I think that one good thing is that you are honest with yourself. You know that you can lose more if you are able to work the sleeve to its fullest potential. However, the health setbacks have to be really frustrating as far as a consistent exercise plan. Do you have a desk job? I am wondering if sitting at a desk 16-20 hrs/day is taking its toll on your body. I do that sometimes and I know that it's not good. I try to make up for it the next day by getting up early and exercising if I've had a big deadline the day before. Hope you are feeling better soon.

I would probably eat before going and then go with the late lunch excuse (which would be true if you eat before going). Honestly, people get so busy worrying about themselves, it probably won't even be noticed or mentioned.

I would be cautious about cutting your doctor's prescribed pre-surgery dietary plan short. He or she may be recommending it for a reason unrelated to total weight loss, such as decreasing the size of a fatty liver to make surgery more successful and to make it easier to operate. Good luck--it sounds like you are off to a great start!

I would go see your PCP and see if he/she wants to do any bloodwork--wondering if you might have some kind of infection or virus. I had pretty close to normal energy by 8 weeks out (I am a little over 4 months post op now). About how many calories are you getting? Protein grams? Water? (dehydration can make you very tired--I aim for 70 to 100 oz of water a day and feel extremely tired if I don't get it--I feel like I need more water than I did pre-op...maybe bc I can't get in as many veggies and fruits that contain water).

Just remember that they zip on the opposite side!

<< Our relationship is changing, and while I'll still partake of you, I need the best you, you have to give.... things that will make me strong and healthy instead of weak and lazy.

Wonderful post--love what you said above. You can do this!! You are clearly mentally prepared, you already love exercise and being active, and I have no doubt that you will succeed. You will be amazed at how the whole dynamic between you and food will change. You will be on the offensive and not the defensive. You may even become friends again--a healthy friendship though.

Great job. No one needs that crap--whenever I brought something into the office for a bday or other event, I would always bring a traditional sweet but then a healthful option too. For example, a decorated cake but then also a big bowl of fresh strawberries or clementines. Maybe you could start a new trend at your office next time you are asked to bring something. I was always shocked by how popular the healthier foods were.

Isopure is at Vitamin Shoppe or GNC--I would buy a couple of individual bottles first to see if you like it. You could also have Crystal Lite with unflavored protein powder instead of the Isopure--cheaper, and in my opinion more palatable. Good luck!