MegaBob

I bought Premium whey Protein at sams club. I preferred vanilla and would add raspberry or caramel sugar free Syrup. I also used crystal light, any flavor. It tastes much better ice cold. MY NUT also allowed cream based Soups with skim milk. Using milk brought the Protein up to 12 or 13. I would strain out the mushrooms from the cream of mushroom, and the chicken from the cream of chicken. I added Italian seasoning to Tomato. Theses were great from lunch and supper and a nice break from all the sweet stuff.
Another thing the NUT let us do was eat greek yogurt, again straining out the fruit chunks. The guidelines I received were 15g protein, 5 g fat, and less than 10 sugar.
The combination was enough to keep from getting bored.

I previously lost 170# and started at 386. My flabby skin was not too bad because like you I worked out like a demon. I did marathons, 1/2 ironman, century rides on bike, MT bike races etc. then I put the weight back on over the next 2.5 years. I am 3 months post surgery and down 80# but I think my skin is way worse now than before and I still have 90# to go! I read some of the posts about the various surgeries and they all sound way worse than getting the sleeve. I may get the skin removed but my thought was to wait until I hit goal weight and kept it there for a minimum of two years. Are you going to wait or just dive right in?

I previously lost 170# and started at 386. My flabby skin was not too bad because like you I worked out like a demon. I did marathons, 1/2 ironman, century rides on bike, MT bike races etc. then I put the weight back on over the next 2.5 years. I am 3 months post surgery and down 80# but I think my skin is way worse now than before and I still have 90# to go! I read some of the posts about the various surgeries and they all sound way worse than getting the sleeve. I may get the skin removed but my thought was to wait until I hit goal weight and kept it there for a minimum of two years. Are you going to wait or just dive right in?

Congratulations! Keep pushing to hit your goal, then the hard part starts, eating right for the rest of your life. Take it day by day. I was on track to hit a 100# at four months but have been in a two week stall. I can still hit the mark if my body decides it is time to burn some fat!

There are two mistakes I make every now and then. The biggest problem is that I eat too quickly and end up feeling bad for about 30 minutes. I constantly have to remind myself to slow down. The second problem is drinking before during or right after eating. I get full too quickly then find myself "hungry" or wanting to eat before I am scheduled for the next meal or snack. It only takes a few times of over-filling your stomach with Water after food to remember to wait to drink.
I also prefer to take a big mouthful of Water, it just feels better for some reason. I then realize that it is too much to swallow at one time and either spit it out or have to let it trickle down my throat. I have to remind myself to sip sip sip.
so. long story short is drinking while eating is not as fun as you think. LOL

It is all going to be fine! I am saving a ton of money on food because you just can't eat much. Greek yogurt for Breakfast sometimes two eggs, Protein shake snack mid morning, chili or chicken salad for lunch, Protein snack like cottage cheese in the afternoon, and meat and a few veggies for dinner. A big chicken breast is about three meals for me. Be careful about losing the insurance after surgery because you will have follow up apt with blood work and blood work is expensive. The last tests I had done were $600. I shopped around to get that rate.

It is all going to be fine! I am saving a ton of money on food because you just can't eat much. Greek yogurt for Breakfast sometimes two eggs, Protein shake snack mid morning, chili or chicken salad for lunch, Protein snack like cottage cheese in the afternoon, and meat and a few veggies for dinner. A big chicken breast is about three meals for me. Be careful about losing the insurance after surgery because you will have follow up apt with blood work and blood work is expensive. The last tests I had done were $600. I shopped around to get that rate.

I bought Premium whey Protein at sams club. I preferred vanilla and would add raspberry or caramel sugar free Syrup. I also used crystal light, any flavor. It tastes much better ice cold. MY NUT also allowed cream based Soups with skim milk. Using milk brought the Protein up to 12 or 13. I would strain out the mushrooms from the cream of mushroom, and the chicken from the cream of chicken. I added Italian seasoning to Tomato. Theses were great from lunch and supper and a nice break from all the sweet stuff.
Another thing the NUT let us do was eat greek yogurt, again straining out the fruit chunks. The guidelines I received were 15g protein, 5 g fat, and less than 10 sugar.
The combination was enough to keep from getting bored.

I am not perfect. I did do exactly what the dr said before surgery and for 5 weeks after surgery. Now I would say I am 80-90% perfect. I get my Protein, take my Vitamins, Prilosec, and something to prevent gall stones and usually all my Water. When having a meal I eat my Protein first then have some fruit or veg. Where I am not perfect is that I am 10 weeks post op and should still avoid carbs and sugar. I have a few chocolate chips now and then, and less than a serving of potato chips for a snack now and then. I also have been slacking on exercise. I am more active than I was and exercise a couple of times a week, but have not been diligent at the gym.
My weight loss has been satisfactory for me. Since 12-9-13 I am down 72#. This is 6# a week on average, but in the last month it has been 4-5# a week. I started out at 365#, 5'10", 45 yrs old. I know from reading the posts that I could eat more sooner than most people. I never got full after 2 or 3 bites of anything, rather I can eat 1/2 to 3/4 cup of yogurt or cottage cheese or 3 maybe 4 oz of meat.
I am eating more normal but am not at the 6 month or year post surgery mark. I actually love the fact that I fill up quickly but not too quick. I have not had a bad reaction to sugar but eat it in small doses and sparingly. I am working on moderation as my long term key to success because when I lost before I was either dialed in and doing well or off the rails eating like crazy.

Congratulations! Your story is a good reminder for those of us just a few months post surgery that any one week or one month may not be spectacular but the cumulative effect of all those weeks and months is spectacular! It teaches us that we can get through a stall and expect good loss after. I steady consistent effort will pay off. Thanks for sharing your journey.

I noticed at about your point metabolism finally kicked back in and had some hunger. Now I realize I am hungry when I don't get all my Protein in and when I am short on Water. Now a feel hungry a couple of times a week and am OK with it because it usually is followed by a good weight loss.

Walk walk walk. sip sip sip. rest rest rest. Water Water water. Protein Protein protein.

Congratulations! Your story is a good reminder for those of us just a few months post surgery that any one week or one month may not be spectacular but the cumulative effect of all those weeks and months is spectacular! It teaches us that we can get through a stall and expect good loss after. I steady consistent effort will pay off. Thanks for sharing your journey.

I read the big book and it was good. I supplemented it with many articles I found on reputable internet sites and surgeons' sites. Every surgeon has different pre and post op regimens they want you to follow but you can certainly learn about the surgery, concepts of how to eat at the different phases, and good options for each phase.

I love to cook but am short on time and ambition after work. My routine is to plan a menu for 4 days then go to the grocery store on Saturday. I prep four meals on sunday so when I get home we either heat it up or putting it together goes really fast. Some of the dishes I prep are grilled chicken for tacos. I season the meat, marinate it , grill it, then slice or dice it. dinner time comes I heat it up, serve it with low fat cheese, avocado hot sauce. My family loves sloppy joe, so every couple of week I make a few pounds with ground turkey. I eat it without a bun. Soups are great for the winter and can be low fat and a good way to use left over meat. To get your Protein with broth based Soup add Protein powder. French onion is a hit as is chicken noodle, use your left over chicken from tacos. Kraft has a good line of really easy slow cooker mixes. The pork and beef are very good. They call for fattier cuts of meat but I trim it the best I can before cooking and then remove extra fat as I shred the meat to eat. It is good in sandwiches, then put the leftovers over whole grain noodles, brown rice, or with quinoa. You may be tired of eggs, but I still love an egg beater omelet with cheese, ham and salsa for dinner. Pre portioned fish from costco or Sams club is good. If you take a couple packages out before work and put then in the fridge, they should be thawed or close to it when you get home. I like to broil it so when I get home I turn on the oven broiler, rub the fish with a little olive oil, and the season it. I love Cajun seasoning. Put it 4-5 inches from the broiler. By the time I change my clothes from work and get any side dish heated up it is perfect, takes just about 10 minutes.

I am 5'10" and started at 365. I my mind I was big but not huge. It is amazing what we can convince ourselves to believe. You will do great, you will be at your goal weight super fast! Get excited! The prospect of looking good and feeling great should carry you through the second thoughts and nervousness. The smaller you are the easier the surgery and recovery will be. My recovery has been a piece of cake. I think all of us that have trouble with our weight just want to get off the roller coaster and maintain. the sleeve will do that for you if you let it.

I love to cook but am short on time and ambition after work. My routine is to plan a menu for 4 days then go to the grocery store on Saturday. I prep four meals on sunday so when I get home we either heat it up or putting it together goes really fast. Some of the dishes I prep are grilled chicken for tacos. I season the meat, marinate it , grill it, then slice or dice it. dinner time comes I heat it up, serve it with low fat cheese, avocado hot sauce. My family loves sloppy joe, so every couple of week I make a few pounds with ground turkey. I eat it without a bun. Soups are great for the winter and can be low fat and a good way to use left over meat. To get your Protein with broth based Soup add Protein powder. French onion is a hit as is chicken noodle, use your left over chicken from tacos. Kraft has a good line of really easy slow cooker mixes. The pork and beef are very good. They call for fattier cuts of meat but I trim it the best I can before cooking and then remove extra fat as I shred the meat to eat. It is good in sandwiches, then put the leftovers over whole grain noodles, brown rice, or with quinoa. You may be tired of eggs, but I still love an egg beater omelet with cheese, ham and salsa for dinner. Pre portioned fish from costco or Sams club is good. If you take a couple packages out before work and put then in the fridge, they should be thawed or close to it when you get home. I like to broil it so when I get home I turn on the oven broiler, rub the fish with a little olive oil, and the season it. I love Cajun seasoning. Put it 4-5 inches from the broiler. By the time I change my clothes from work and get any side dish heated up it is perfect, takes just about 10 minutes.

I love to cook but am short on time and ambition after work. My routine is to plan a menu for 4 days then go to the grocery store on Saturday. I prep four meals on sunday so when I get home we either heat it up or putting it together goes really fast. Some of the dishes I prep are grilled chicken for tacos. I season the meat, marinate it , grill it, then slice or dice it. dinner time comes I heat it up, serve it with low fat cheese, avocado hot sauce. My family loves sloppy joe, so every couple of week I make a few pounds with ground turkey. I eat it without a bun. Soups are great for the winter and can be low fat and a good way to use left over meat. To get your Protein with broth based Soup add Protein powder. French onion is a hit as is chicken noodle, use your left over chicken from tacos. Kraft has a good line of really easy slow cooker mixes. The pork and beef are very good. They call for fattier cuts of meat but I trim it the best I can before cooking and then remove extra fat as I shred the meat to eat. It is good in sandwiches, then put the leftovers over whole grain noodles, brown rice, or with quinoa. You may be tired of eggs, but I still love an egg beater omelet with cheese, ham and salsa for dinner. Pre portioned fish from costco or Sams club is good. If you take a couple packages out before work and put then in the fridge, they should be thawed or close to it when you get home. I like to broil it so when I get home I turn on the oven broiler, rub the fish with a little olive oil, and the season it. I love Cajun seasoning. Put it 4-5 inches from the broiler. By the time I change my clothes from work and get any side dish heated up it is perfect, takes just about 10 minutes.

I really have to say it is so worth it! I love seeing the scale go down every week. I love not feeling hungry all the time. I love pulling out clothes I have not worn for a couple of years. I love stopping eating when I am full. Good luck on an easy recovery.

I love to cook but am short on time and ambition after work. My routine is to plan a menu for 4 days then go to the grocery store on Saturday. I prep four meals on sunday so when I get home we either heat it up or putting it together goes really fast. Some of the dishes I prep are grilled chicken for tacos. I season the meat, marinate it , grill it, then slice or dice it. dinner time comes I heat it up, serve it with low fat cheese, avocado hot sauce. My family loves sloppy joe, so every couple of week I make a few pounds with ground turkey. I eat it without a bun. Soups are great for the winter and can be low fat and a good way to use left over meat. To get your Protein with broth based Soup add Protein powder. French onion is a hit as is chicken noodle, use your left over chicken from tacos. Kraft has a good line of really easy slow cooker mixes. The pork and beef are very good. They call for fattier cuts of meat but I trim it the best I can before cooking and then remove extra fat as I shred the meat to eat. It is good in sandwiches, then put the leftovers over whole grain noodles, brown rice, or with quinoa. You may be tired of eggs, but I still love an egg beater omelet with cheese, ham and salsa for dinner. Pre portioned fish from costco or Sams club is good. If you take a couple packages out before work and put then in the fridge, they should be thawed or close to it when you get home. I like to broil it so when I get home I turn on the oven broiler, rub the fish with a little olive oil, and the season it. I love Cajun seasoning. Put it 4-5 inches from the broiler. By the time I change my clothes from work and get any side dish heated up it is perfect, takes just about 10 minutes.

Pre-op I focused how excited I was to be taking control of my weight problem, how happy I would be to see the scale going down, remembering how it felt to have clothes that fit, and that getting a sleeve was major but many people have successful surgeries far more extensive than a sleeve.
Post-op I did exactly like my doctor told me to. I set a timer for every 15 minutes to remind me to drink. I drank Protein drinks to kill two birds with one stone. I walked until I was tired or starting to get sore, usually 20 minutes every two hours. I slept in a lazy boy because it was much easier to get in and out of vs a bed. I did not rush to the next stage of food, I did not cheat at all.
After the first two weeks of liquid only ( my doctor requires 3 weeks of liquids) I was really ready for something I could chew, but I waited. I told myself it was a small sacrifice in light of how far I needed to go, and I knew that I had to learn to resist temptation if I wanted the sleeve to work for the rest of my life. I always take my Vitamins.
I weigh once a week at the most, and only if it feels like "a skinny day". I look to the future and sustaining the weight loss as my goal instead of losing X # of pounds. I think of future events and how I want to look, feel, and enjoy those events years down the road. This way of thinking helps me internalize that the sleeve is a life style change for the rest of my life, not just a quick way to get to certain size.

I am 5'10" and started at 365. I my mind I was big but not huge. It is amazing what we can convince ourselves to believe. You will do great, you will be at your goal weight super fast! Get excited! The prospect of looking good and feeling great should carry you through the second thoughts and nervousness. The smaller you are the easier the surgery and recovery will be. My recovery has been a piece of cake. I think all of us that have trouble with our weight just want to get off the roller coaster and maintain. the sleeve will do that for you if you let it.

Every surgeon is different but mind only allowed Liquid Protein for the first three weeks. I don't get carbs for 6 months.

Went to olive garden for lunch and could only eat one chicken meatball.

There are always risks with surgery but if you don't have surgery you know your future is bleak. Don't forget the influence you have over your daughter. She will learn to eat healthy from you, to exercise, to have a positive self image. In my opinion the risks are worth the rewards. I am a male and certainly can't speak for all men but thinner is usually better we don't care about some extra skin, and what we find really sexy is attitude. If you are flirty, confident, and feel sexy because you look and feel better we will want you.