rebecca_dsu

I tried the essential oil concoction in response #3. The fennel smell overpowers all of the others. I suppose that would not be so bad if I like black licorice, but I don't. I smell like black licorice all day if I use that stuff (usually a dab on each wrist).

I also tried the roasted fennel. I ate it because I bought the stuff and cooked it, but won't do that again.

Anyway, if you like licorice, the essential oils might be a solution for you.

Yeah I don't like that smell either. But I do love lavendar, and have it in a roll on (with jojoba oil)...I may try to be more consistent with that and see if it does any good.

My biggest hurdle is getting back over the carb (mostly sugar) addiction and eating so many slider foods. I look forward to getting back to the basics and focusing on Protein, fats and veggies. If I really focus on that Protein goal, I think it will keep me full and satiated.

I don't have anything to add to the advice given, which is great, but I do want to say

you can do this!

and we'll be here to encourage you if you need that. let us know how you're doing.

Thank you so much! And I will!

You should start with the "5 Day Pouch Test", which you can google for the specifics. It's basically an abbreviated version of post-op food stages to help you identify your restriction and kick your carb habit.

From there you should do the following:

• Aim for 80-100 grams of Protein per day
• Always put Protein first at every meal/snack
• Drink at least 64 oz. of Water per day
• Take your Vitamins
• Eat probably 5-6 times a day, but include protein every time
• Don't worry about stopping drinking before eating, but definitely DO NOT eat and drink at the same time
• Don't drink your calories
• Avoid slider foods (anything with a high liquid content or anything that begins "desolving" in your mouth
• Avoid grazing. Make sure you eat a set number of times per day on a regular schedule.
• Track your food
• Start walking or some sort of daily exercise/activity

Might also be worth putting in a call or email to your original nutritionist. And I would also recommend getting/using an activity tracker to start keeping track of your steps/activity each day

Thank you!! This is exactly the kind of direct/instruction I needed. I had WLS in Mexico (self paid) so I never had a nutritionist and the ones here in TN aren't great (they are more on the band wagon of "lean cuisines and skinny cow ice cream" vs. clean, whole foods (which I prefer)).

I have a fitbit...but I find it doesn't motivate me even when I see that I haven't walked much. However, I do have a toddler to run after, so I'm going to be more intentional to take him to the park to run around so that I inevitably have to run around too...ha!

Thanks again!

Hey gang,

I'm a long time "vet" in terms of length since surgery (June 2013), but I completely went about using my pouch incorrectly. I got pregnant "accidentally" 4 months after surgery. We had a lot of stress (financial, "difficult" baby who never slept until 11months old, moving, etc) and I turned to food for comfort...those slider foods I was at my lowest adult weight EVER 3 days after having my son....185lbs. But now I'm back up to 203 and miserable.

Well, now I'm almost 3 years past surgery, finally have life mostly under control, and well, I'd really like to see if I have a tool that still works, but honestly I don't even know where to start. I can't remember what to do... eat Protein first right? how much? was it 80g? Then Veggies? No Water 30 minutes before/after a meal... Is it just 3 meals a day?

I feel like a newbie all over again. How do I restart? Is tracking calories in MFP (or similar) really helping any of you vets who actually made it to goal?

I'm praying my stomach still small enough to help me get to goal. I know when I do eat protein first I can't eat too much (though certainly way more than I could 3 years ago)...and I can't eat more than a slice of pizza, so it must still be somewhat small. But Cookies...well I can eat several of those *sigh*.

Words of wisdom, encouragement, plans that work all accepted! And I promise to come back and hang out here more for encouragement!!

Actually the new FitBit Charge does have caller ID...it's a watch style tracker and does sync to your phone to show you incoming calls. She did mean Caller ID...not Calories

https://www.fitbit.com/charge

I just wanted to tell you ladies you are so inspiring! I have decided to give the 5:2 approach a shot (I have read the "how to", and think it is doable). Just a little background on myself...I was sleeved in June of 2013, got pregnant 4ish months later (not on purpose...apparently that whole 99% effectiveness on condoms caught up with us since we'd had sex way more than 99 times since being married...), and had a baby in July of 2014. The lowest I ever got down to was 185, one week postpartum. I am now back up to 195, and am desperately trying to get back on track to reach my goal. I admittedly did a very poor job of following the "basics" with my sleeve such as Protein first, etc, and I'm paying for it now with the carb cravings, and slidder food addictions. But I'm slowly getting back to using this tool I still have, and that does still work when I use it right.

Looking forward to hanging out with you guys here as we cheer each other on with the 5:2 and just sleeved life in general. (I'll check in as often as one can who has a 6 month old...haha!)

What a fantastic goal!!! I love to bike as well

Are you a member of a gym that has spin classes? If so, take advantage and do the class twice a week over the winter months.

The good news is even if you can't train over winter, you have plenty of time to train in spring/summer to prepare. Do a ride a week and start building your distance (just as you would build your distance each week if you were training to run a race).

Do you have a road bike? I couldn't imagine doing 55 miles on anything else..ha! If you do have a road bike, you can buy a Trainer to make your bike a stationary bike and can ride inside too

And I'd also suggest joining a biking club in your area next spring...get out and ride in a group, as it's so much more fun an encouraging.

Good luck to you! You can do this!!!

If you are eating 1000 calories and only getting up to 40 grams of Protein, I really encourage you to rethink your food choices. Eat more protein rich foods and less carbs and you will stay fuller longer

And you look Fantastic!!! Great job woman!!

Talk to your NUT, I bet he/she would agree with you...

I don't know that I agree with that....I've known several nutritionists who don't know jack either. They'll recommend lean cuisines and 100 cal packs of oreos.

I think maharet is right on track with what works for her body...and a *high five* for eating real foods!!

That PA is an idiot...

I wish I liked coconut Water. I've tried 3 different brands and just don't like the taste. But I'm glad it worked for you! I know a lot of hikers who drink it as well! It's definitely good for ya

You are awesome!! I love to bike, but mountain biking scares the crap outta me... I just see myself hitting one tree root and slamming to the ground..ha!

Way to be adventurous!

"shake it up...." I think your nutritionist is nuts to tell you to stay at 600 calories when you are working out that much. How about this... why don't you up your calories by 200 on days you work out for the next week and see what happens?

What do you have to lose?...oh yeah, some fat

PS...how's your Water intake? Getting in plenty of fluids? If not, up that too!

I say go for it! Your tummy will let you know if doesn't like them. I think they sound yummy...ha! But then I grew up eating the big ole dill pickles from the huge jars.

I so remember the day I could have refried beans! It really is the best (especially with a bit of taco sauce and melted cheese on top). Enjoy!!

Whoa, your parents are a bit, well, crazy. Get up in the mornings before school and go for a walk...I don't care if you do have to fight for it. Tell them you are NOT their live in maid, that you will do a fair share of chores, and that you appreciate them letting you stay there, but you are NOT a slave. That is ridiculous! You have to fight for yourself girl. They can not stop you from walking out the door to go on a walk.

I think a lot of your triggers stem from your relationship with your parents right now and I hope you find a way to get out on your own soon.

As for journaling, why not set up a private blogger, blog? It feels good to blog and they could never find it if you have it set to private and don't give them your log in info? It's free!

Thank you guys so much! I'm planning a "restart" right now! Your words of encouragement and plans of attack really help.

I'm cleaning out the cabinets now. And I'm with a lot of you, the first bite slips me up every stinkin' time.

Hey guys and gals,

I'm reaching out to you as my sleeve sisters and brothers asking for a little encouragement. I'm 10 weeks post surgery, and I've not made the best decisions regarding my food intake over the last couple of weeks, and not surprising but the scale isn't moving a whole lot.

I knew the surgery wouldn't fix my head issues, or my love affair with sugar and carbs, and I am just struggling to not put junk in my mouth. My stomach prefers the feel of frozen yogurt and sadly jelly bellies to chicken, eggs and cheese...the junk just goes down so easily. But the junk does make me feel lethargic and yucky later, so I so badly want to stop the cycle.

Thankfully I am getting in exercise (started training for a half marathon this December), and that helps offset the calories, but I need to find a way to put down the "junk" and get back to low carbing it.

Any words of wisdom from post-opers who have gotten off track and been successful to get back on? Or just words of encouragement will greatly be appreciated.

I think you look fantastic, beautiful, and confident!! Great choice, and good job on all the work you've put into that body!!

It definitely gets easier. There may be a few foods that your stomach doesn't like, but over all, you will feel much better. (I'm 4.5 weeks out and it got better for me). Hang in there!

Watermelon was on my "full liquids" list... weird I know, but it is mostly Water anyway.

scared of what? I'm sure your "innards" are just as protected as they were before your surgery. If you feel fine, I'm sure you are fine.

Sorry you fell though

I wouldn't suggest a loan to someone who isn't employed.

But just because you don't have the sleeve, doesn't mean you can't start losing weight to help you become mobile again. Start using MyFitnessPal, and start walking just as you would if you did have the sleeve.

Start saving every dime you can, and find ways to earn money...there has to be something you can do... can you babysit, buy clothing cheap at garage sales and sell it for profit on ebay (my sister in law does this and makes great money). There has to be something you can do to earn money.

I do hope you find a way to pay for surgery, but taking out a loan is not the way if you can't pay it back.

Also, I can't harp enough about the miracle of Fish Oil. The pre and post op diets don't usually contain enough good fats -- that's why skin dries out and hair falls out. I am taking 2,000 mg of Fish Oil in Coromega packets. It's a gel pack, orange-flavored and avail at GNC.

Cindy, thanks for this suggestion!! I'm going to pick some up!

Hey Ladies! I got both of your addresses, and am mailing out the packages today. Some bars are made with Stevia, and some with Sucralose, so try the different ones and see if you like both or either or neither...ha!