Teachamy

I have a bunch of the Quest version. (And no, this is not a commercial for quest products.) They are yummy, nearly calorie free, and nearly carb free. So worth it!

Nope. But the good news is...you won't do that again!

You can do it! My average calorie intake over my vacation week (which included Easter) was 922 calories. (And on some of those days, my carb levels were sky high!) So I am giving myself a week of being back on track, day by day, drinking and sleeping the amount I need, even though my body often misreads those signals as a need for food. I am a food addict too! This week my average shouldn't reach 800, and that will help a lot. I'll weigh in at the beginning of next week to get a sense of where I am. Remember, this isn't a race! Those last few pounds will be a struggle, but once you get there, the work becomes staying there. And you can do this!!!!!!!

OOH! Fabu! I know the "Everything is too big" feeling. It's kinda nice, eh?

As you've let the fat chick go, I think it's time to say goodbye to the formerly fat chick self image too. Allow yourself to be rediscovered unencumbered. You deserve it!

So hitting a 40 pound loss seems to have changed my appearance enough that I am suddenly getting more questions about my loss. What I notice is those more confident about themselves, especially my male co-workers, are complimentary and interested. (Not in an inappropriate way, btw) The women are different. I have a very good friend at work who opted not to have WLS, but she has been losing weight along with me, and is always supportive and complimentary. Then I have the super-skinny egotistical co-worker who looks me up and down and says nothing. And some closer co-workers who have recently gained weight and don't say anything to me about my loss, even in the presence of others who excitedly ask my secret. (Which I sometimes share, depending on the person.) When I lost 20 pounds, I got a few reactions. When I lost 30 pounds, I got a few more. At 40 pounds down, the reactions, positive and negative, are happening several times a day. So I am celebrating it all. Wondering what it will be like to be at goal. What will that egotistical super-skinny-b**ch ever do with herself?

I'm only bothered when people question the WLS decision of a 210 pound beginner (like I was). I was well in the obese category and was experiencing most of the health issues that others are trying to avoid. That being said, I don't think anyone voicing their own journey and negative self-image should impact any of us. I think we know we are all in this together. And RJ--we love you!

I experienced most of what you just mentioned, and yes, it's normal. I had some regrets a day or 2 out of surgery, because it felt like I had given myself the flu! Then I felt like I had signed up for mandatory anorexia. I was weak, sleepy, and achy. But it got better everyday. By week 3 I had some energy, saw how much weight I had lost, and got back into a normal routine. The energy got better everyday too, although I do enjoy a nap now and then! So keep the faith, you will be YOU again soon.

You'll surely survive! No biggie. Move on.

Congratulations! It's pretty easy to get in 1000 calories once your sleeve is completely healed. I find if I buy an iced coffee, that blows it for me because I like extra cream. So I usually make my own coffee so I can control the amount of half and half. Also, almonds are 170 calories for 28 nuts, so it doesn't take much to OD on them. Some days I am really hungry, most days I am not overly so, so I find it easy to stay at 650-750. Once I reach maintenance, I will only need to add 300 or so calories a day, which is about what a pregnant mom would be told to add to her diet. No biggie. You'll be amazed what your sleeve can tolerate in a couple of months.

I ate cottage cheese and yogurt and tomato Soup (Pacific--it's delicious) and an occasional bite or 2 of instant mashed potatoes. (Gotta watch the carbs in those, but they went down so easily and were heavenly at the time.) I also ate (and still do) sugar-free popsicles and occasionally Jello when I need something sweet. My exercise started about week 3. I don't do much compared to what I once did. 15-20 minutes on the elliptical and I count housework if it's enough to make me sweat. Best of luck to you!

Most likely your body is still healing. My bariatric team doesn't consider the sleeve healed until week 12. Also, if you are getting in your Protein and Water, it is likely the fatigue may come from certain Vitamin deficiencies. I was checked at 12 weeks and was OK because I have been on Calcium, Vitamin D, a B-12 supplement, and 2 Multivitamins a day. Give that a shot, and get rest when you can. You deserve it!

Try Think Thin Creamy Peanut Butter Protein Bars or Quest chocolate chip cookie dough. They are yummy! I also think it makes sense to weigh yourself daily on the pre-op diet. People tend to lose a lot on it, and I'm sure it is motivating! Either way, it CAN BE DONE. Know that you can do it. It is done to make you safe and to avoid complications. The end result is wonderful!

I have learned not to order sides in restaurants, even if they come with the entré. If I ask for potatoes, for example, they make far too many and I don't know how they were prepared, so I have to estimate the calorie info. The vegetables usually are useless to order too, so I stick with my Protein and do a lot better. I did have a soft chicken taco at a Mexican restaurant last week though, and it was a nice change! 100% corn tortilla--edible for Celiacs like me!

From what I've read, it seems like most programs have a 2 week liquid diet in order to shrink liver size and make the surgery easier and safer. During that time, you should have at least 3 Protein shakes a day, and sugar free Jello or popsicles, if they are permitted. Also, tell your surgeon/dietician your concerns. Maybe they can help you. I was not required to have a liquid diet. I had a 1200 calories diet for 2 weeks and was fine with that. Maybe that's an option for you?

No, one baby spoon of mashed potatoes shouldn't cause pain. Call your doctor!

I had a couple of days last week when I ate over 1000 calories too. I log everything every day, and that helps somewhat. First, a routine helps me. (I was on vacation last week) Second, have I been drinking enough? When I eat too much the answer is inevitably, no. Did I stop at a drive-thru for an iced coffee? (most likely...and that adds over 100 calories) Do I have chopped veggies and sugar-free popsicles on hand? (nope.) So I have remedied my evil ways for this week. Once again, I am glad I don't feel tied to a scale. I'll weigh next week. Also, keep in mind if you average your daily calories for a week or 2, you may find that you are hitting your calorie target despite your 1200 calorie days. There's a light at the end of that tunnel. Best, Amy

Yes, it will be easier to stop unnecessary eating now, so go for it. Yes, you will feel irritable, yes, your body with go into withdrawal. But the sooner you quit, the better for long-term health. You've tackled food--you can do anything!

The first couple of weeks you lose weight fast, but as it has already been said, it slows down to a nice, steady rate.

Talk to your surgeon but from what I have been told, alcohol is not OK. Empty calories and carbonation.

Yes--your body needs some nourishment. Make sure you are getting in some protein.

WOW! What a journey this has been for you! How is the rash now? I am sure all will go swimmingly. Talk to your doc. and keep the faith! You are ready for this!

1. Yes, no problems 2. Tylenol 3. NO--don't go there 4. coffee for me, after 6 weeks with cream only for me. Look for a sugar substitute 5. Yes, skim 6. No 7. Not me.

Yay! Best of luck!

I use a straw just about everyday. (Started at 12 weeks out). No problems at all.