Teachamy

I agree with all above. As far as raw fruits and veggies go, I was not allowed them until 12 weeks post-op, as they can be difficult to digest. (AKA dumping syndrome.) Protein is vitally important, at least 60 grams a day. Starches/carbs. are the least important part of this diet, as they slow weight loss. At first, it may be difficult to get in anything other than protein, but as your sleeve stretches, you'll be able to eat more. 600-800 calories a day, 60+g. protein, under 80 g. carbs.

Don't be nervous. You won't be able to eat much, and if you stick to the usual suggestions, cottage cheese, yogurt, cream soups, you'll be fine. You won't have a tummy explosion. Don't worry.

I was told low fat everything. I tend to look more at calories, but whatever works for you. RD's are in dispute over this one. And I am a sleever--could be a difference based on WLS? As far as lactose intolerance, it could be the culprit. Some people develop it post-op. Lactaid should help, if that is the case. As a lactose sensitive person, I get a lot of cramping with loose stools if I have too much dairy. I also have Celiac, which has the same symptoms. If this doesn't clear up with dairy changes, you can get a pretty simple blood test to check for Celiac, and an upper-endoscopy if the bloodwork shows an issue. Good luck. Hope this resolves soon!

You should expect to lose 1-2 pounds a week, so you're losing very quickly right now. Don't get discouraged when this slows down. Also, don't set yourself up for disappointment by setting arbitrary weight goals (10 pounds by Sept.10) You may well achieve this goal, but if not, you will lose 10 more pounds as your body dictates. My concern for you is you are being far too hard on yourself. Your weight loss is excellent right now. Eventually, it will slow down, but you are doing NOTHING WRONG!

Me too. May try a day of liquids too.

I find I don't really know what I am doing if I don't log. It's good for me, but I know there are others who don't seem to rely on it like I do. I do think it helps you recognize patterns as you go through different stages of weight loss, so don't rule it out completely.

Yahoo! Happy dance for you!

Are you eating maintenance calories now? I think I am more or less maintaining right now, eating between 900-1000 calories a day. But I haven't weighed in about a month at my bariatric center. I've weighed in at other doctor appts. and seem to be maintaining based on their scales. But looking back at my log, i've noticed my carbs creeping up a bit lately, so I am heading back to basics and eating about 800-900 a day. I know plateaus happen when one is as close to goal as we are--but I would say keep plugging away at it. Log everything, get your protein and water, and if you are exercising like crazy, make sure you are eating enough calories.

My kids love my string cheese, quest bars, popsicles, yogurt--basically anything that I set aside for me. I have had to buy them their own protein bars, yogurt, fruit juice popsicles, etc. One plus is they are eating healthier because they always want what they see mom eat. (and they often get my leftovers!) But I feel I am justified to go to great lengths to keep my food for me. (Including hiding it!)

I hurt myself trying to hoist those girls up everyday! I have thought about a breast lift, but after a recent mammogram (my first) I decided there was no way I would ever consider implants. The technician explained the difficulties associated with cancer detection and augmented breasts. She was supportive of lifts and reductions, however. My breasts look exactly how you described, but for now I have decided to deal with them. Underwire bras and bathing suits are fine for me. And DH likes them no matter what. Good luck with your decision!

Yes, you should be able to eat more when you exercise. It's important to remember your body will hold onto all the calories it can if it's not getting enough nourishment. Can make ramping up exercise feel counterproductive. So go slow and see if you need more calories as you go.

I agree with Miss Mac. Early on, you won't be able to do anything but "keep a strict diet". Initially, If you attempt to do something reckless, like eat a cheeseburger for example, you threaten not only the sleeve, but your life. Later, once the sleeve has healed, the choices you make are completely up to you. You can eat that cheeseburger, those fries, that soft drink. If you see yourself doing this, WLS is not for you. It is by no means an easy way out.

The rate at which you lose is largely dependent on where you started. A higher BMI tends to mean a higher rate of loss. That being said, you must make sure you are getting in enough calories for your body to function. Are you getting at least 600 calories a day? Protein is vital for your body right now. Try anything you can think of that might be appealing, even if it is adding extra protein powder to yogurt or unflavored protein powder to other foods. If you can not get in enough calories, you can't lose. Your body needs fuel or it will hold on to every pound you are trying to get rid of. Good luck--you are so early out, it is easy to be nervous. But you can do this!

Welcome! I am a type I diabetic (autoimmune, can't be cured), but I can tell you that my diabetes is much easier to control, hypertension is gone, as is high cholesterol and sleep apnea. Life is good with the sleeve!

7 months out, about 900 calories a day, working to maintenance. I am getting really sick of meat, so I am working to eat more hummus and Beans. Also learning to make some smoothies that are lo-cal, fresh fruit, and Protein powder. I eat a good deal of cheese--always measured. Dannon fat free greek yogurt is a favorite. I don't eat many grains, the occasional lo-carb. tortilla and quinoa are about it. I need treats, so I eat sugar-free popsicles a lot. And iced-coffee with extra cream is always included in my log. A must-have for me!

Silly me, I ordered a sugar-free Dilly Bar. 190 calories and 13 grams of fat. Luckily it was packaged with nutrition information, and into the trash it went! Next time I will go for the orange vanilla bar!

Oh--you are so not alone. I thought they had gotten smaller, but truth be told, they just got lower. It takes an extra-super dooper strong over- the- shoulder -boulder -holder to hoist those things up. 36 DD (long) is my new size.

Congratulations, Alex!

I miss eating a bag of Cheetos. Not gonna lie! But honestly, once I had surgery, I started noticing other heavy people around me, especially at restaurants. I got the salad, they got burgers and fries. I ate !/2 c., they cleaned their plates. Truly, it was eye-opening. I started to get it. Food is about 85% of the issue--at least for me.

AND I very much agree with McButterpants! I weigh no more than once every 2 weeks. Otherwise I would go nuts!

YESSSSSSSS! Feels so good! I bought a size 8 the other day and started where you did. It's a few months (or LESS) away for you! Rock on!

I hear you and I get it. Notice my weight loss. And I had my surgery in December. You are nearly half way there! I applaud you!

Very much agree with MaxClimax. If you do that much cardio, you won't lose weight on 800 calories. Your body needs more fuel. If upping your calories scares you, cut down on your cardio for a bit. You'll see the scale drop. I know it seems counter-intuitive, but right now your body is fighting to hold on to all the calories you put in.

I didn't experience this personally, because I couldn't really eat much of anything at 2 weeks post-op. I know everyone will stress to you that this is dangerous--and it is. But I know that's not what you're asking. Yes, we've all had various struggles with temptation. Food will always be there to tempt us. My worry for you is just that if you're tempted to taste ribs and burgers now, what will keep you from eating these tempting high calorie foods as your sleeve heals? I am not judging you because I've been there--I have met a giant cookie in a local store that keeps trying to seduce me--but maybe you can talk to your counselor or social worker about your issues with food while your body is healing. Give yourself a little extra strength to fortify your already brave and determined nature. (Because we are all courageous to go though this process!) Best of luck!

Haa! Yes,I am surprised you didn't read about it. I exploded after I downed a Diet Pepsi! The bubbles are supposed to stretch out the sleeve, make you believe you have room enough to eat more. I haven't touched the stuff since surgery, except for one sip of my husband's seltzer one day. It felt really weird in my tummy--so I've stayed away. I know a few people on this forum who have soda or beer occasionally with no issues.