laffypatty

I see no reason why we couldn't. That being said, I did Ideal Protein in 2011 and developed diverticulitis after sticking to the protocol religiously for three straight months. I tried it again in 2012, and once again, I developed diverticulitis. While it's not a documented side effect, I know that my body cannot handle soy protein. Since surgery, I shoot for mostly plant- and animal-based protein.

Wishing you hugs and all the best in your next journey of life. I hope some of your pain melts away with the pounds. I've had my share of painful experiences but nothing near as great as you've described. God bless.

Just wondering how many calories per day I should be eating at four months post-op. Most days I try to eat no more than 800, and I totally beat myself up if I eat 1,000. I'm not getting much exercise because my 3-year-old and 10-month-old are completely sabotaging that. (But that is for another thread.)

You have all been very helpful. I do not have a reliable nutritionist as part of my program, which I know is a major flaw - especially since I paid for a service I'm not receiving. I will go back down to 800 calories per day. Somewhere along the way, I got off track. I suppose that happens in the journey. Making a conscience effort today to not exceed 800 calories, which is what I'd been doing until about a month ago. Could explain my current stall. Thanks again!

Well today is my 4-month surgiversary and I've lost exactly 40 pounds. It was a slow start, and I've had my fair share of challenges and stalls, but I'm excited about my success. I've got 35 pounds to go to reach my goal of 165 pounds. I'd like to know how you're progressing.

Thanks for this. I'm definitely reaching, and exceeding, my protein goals.

I had my first stall at week 3 and it lasted 3 weeks. I'm just getting over my second 3-week stall. I've learned that when I stall, it's usually because I need to add more calories. I've recently started eating six times a day. I'm taking in about 900-1000 calories and getting in at least 75 grams of protein.

Curious to know what your nutritionist's response was. Please do share!

Thanks for the encouragement. That's the problem. The scale hasn't moved in a few weeks. I KNOW I need to do some purposeful cardiovascular exercise and some weights. In the past, I've had better results with exercise. I'll get there. Eventually.

Yes, Catherine! I am extremely active between my two little ones, housework and full-time job. I do have a fitbit and get just under 10,000 steps per day without even exercising. On the weekends, i average 12,500 steps!

This post may be an eye opener for some. I'm writing it nearly as a confession because I don't know that there's anyone I'd actually feel comfortable sharing this with. More to come on that. Here's some background: Tomorrow marks 12 weeks since I was sleeved. I'm down about 30 pounds, so I suppose I'm a slow loser. I'm okay with that. I've lost fast many times before and gained it back just as quickly. Before surgery, I'd shake my head, never quite understanding how I let my weight get so out of hand. I've gained and lost 500 pounds since 1999. That's no exaggeration. My own husband would tell me things like, "We live together. I see what you eat." What I've realized since surgery is he never saw what I ate when I was alone. Here's where the confession comes in. I've learned, since surgery, that I'm a closet eater. I'm sure there's a clinical term for it that I'm not aware of. It didn't happen during those first few weeks post surgery when it's nearly impossible to eat, but now that I'm feeling better, I catch myself doing it all the time. When I get home from work, before my husband gets in, I'll run straight for the panty and eat the first thing I see; it may only be a bite or two but we all know bites add up and it's the nibbling that kills us. I sneak bites of forbidden foods anytime I'm alone. I NEVER do it when I'm eating with others but when left to my own devices, I'm a mess. I actually traced this behavior back to my childhood and adolescence and that's what prompted this post. I had a vivid memory that just came to me. When I was 15, I had right ankle surgery 10 days before Christmas. Not long after I returned from the hospital, while on crutches, I hobbled my way to the kitchen and ate cold chocolate cake and other yummy confections and holiday foods straight out the fridge with my foot propped up on the trash can. How pathetic is that! I remember chugging food as fast as I could before my mom got home and blaming the missing food on my brother and stepdad. Fast forward to tonight. My husband is out of town on business. I just vomited because I ate a handful of tortilla chips and some disgusting canned cheese dip. I often vomit when I eat this way because I do it so fast - so I don't get caught. This is so embarrassing. I write this full of shame. There are days that I want no junk whatsoever; my self-control is steel. The sleeve has certainly helped my binges. Then there are days like today when I nibble on Goldfish and Ritz Bits when no one is watching. I've got to get a handle on this! Anyone can relate? Nuggets of wisdom to share? Thanks, and sorry for the long post. HW 262 SW 239 CW 210 GW 170

What's so funny is, ever since I "came clean" on this post, my eating has been so under control. I've been eating in plain sight and not hiding at all. My plain sight eating has caused me to eat far less than secret eating and the scale has been moving handsomely!! Feeling really good these days. Thank you all for the continued support. This forum, and the people who participate, rocks!

My surgery weight was 240 and my height is 5'6. I lost about 35# in my first three months.

Sorry you can relate, but glad to know I'm not alone. I feel so foolish for never realizing (HONESTLY, I never did!) that eating in secret was a problem. I feel so foolish just typing that. I consider myself one of the most mentally healthy people I know and then BAM!

Thank you so much for sharing, Madam!

I'm in my fourth week post-op and craving steamed spinach. I use spinach in the bag and just steam it in the microwave. Anyone know if the sleeve can tolerate that this early on? I know spinach in its raw state is quite fibrous.

I read your stats and I'm further convinced I'm a slow loser and fearful I will never reach goal. My surgery weight was 239. My current weight is 218. I'm seven weeks out. Surely I must be doing something wrong. DEPRESSING

I am so jealous of how quickly you are losing. How have you already lost 55 pounds?? I was sleeved 9/16, and I've only lost 21! Would you mind sending me a PM with your average daily food intake and exercise? I'd REALLY appreciate it!!

I feel like I am a very slow loser. I was sleeved on 9/16 and have only lost 18 pounds. It is very discouraging. I am getting in 65-80 grams of protein per day and averaging about 750 calories (at the very most). I was hoping to lose 30 pounds by Christmas but I just don't see it happening. Some days I think that I'll never make goal. I'm 5'6 and weighed 239 on the day of surgery. I should mention that I had a stall for 2.5 weeks that started on week 3 post-op.

I love Unjury chicken broth!

I don't understand how a leak test can be performed without the drain. I thought that was the whole purpose of it.

I had a stall that started day 1 of my third week post-op. Scale didn't budge for 14 days. It's finally moving again!

It's very frustrating. I even hit a complete stall beginning on week 3. The scale didn't budge for 14 freaking days. I finally started upping my calories from 450 to about 700 and the scale is finally moving. Also started working out hard yesterday. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

I was sleeved 9/16. Surgery weight was 239. Today I'm 226. I think I'm a slow loser!!