Rogofulm

See, here's the thing.... What you can't imagine today, will become your "normal" in a few weeks. For example, right before my surgery I was addicted to Buffalo Wild Wings, ribs, kung pao chicken, steak fajitas, steak and cheese subs, and sodas. I would have each one of those meals at least once, if not twice a week -- and in large quantities! I haven't had any of them for 3.5 months, now, and I don't really miss them. (Okay, I've had ribs since the surgery, but I can only handle one or two, not a whole rack.) I Sure don't miss the huge quantities of food that I was shoveling into my mouth on a daily basis. It's a gift, and you can have it too -- if you have the surgery and follow the plan. Good luck!

Gotta confess, I NEVER get tired of hearing it.

I drank Premier Protein chocolate 4-5 times a day for about 4 weeks. Sometimes I almost had to choke it down, but it got me through. And now, over 3 months later, I still have one every morning for breakfast for 30 quick grams of protein. I hate to say this, and I mean it in the most supportive way, but.... you kind of have to suck it up and pick a product that you can tolerate for a short time. There IS a light at the end of the fluids-only tunnel, but you have to stick it out until then. As for fluids in general, I have trouble drinking enough water, so I drink Crystal Light decaf, sugar-free iced tea by the quart. With apologies to some BP members may be getting sick of seeing this, I'm going to post my daily meal plan below. I find that the structure of the day helps me get everything in that I need. Give it a shot, and good luck! I have both the Syntrax Nectars and Unjury and both make me gag, I've tried the costco premier and I can almost tolerate them, but I'm getting sick of them. I can't even drink water, it makes me gag. I'm so looking for a solution for both fluids and protein as I'm not getting either of them, please if anyone has a recommendation I really need help! I think I'm starving myself to death slowly, and am praying my kidneys don't shut down. Okay,here goes.... Below is a "typical" day's menu: As for carbs, mostly I get them from my shakes, Greek yogurt, and the very limited veggies I'm able to fit in after my protein. Other doctors and nutritionists give you carb targets, but my doctor just says to limit them as much as possible. If you're not logging your food yet, I'd suggest using http://www.myfitnesspal.com/. It helps you keep track of your protein, calories and fluids, but also can help you figure out if anything is going off track and affecting your weight loss. Okay, here's an example of my day: I keep a 2-quart jug and a 24-oz Tervis tumbler (with a handle) both at home and at work. I count my morning protein shake as a meal, not a fluid. (30 grams of protein) 30-60 minutes later, I have a cup of coffee. (Count it as a fluid if you like.) After that, I drink a 24-oz. cup of decaf, sugar-free iced tea, like Crystal Light throughout the morning. (Lots of frequent sips) Then I walk for 40+ minutes. Then it's lunchtime - tuna salad or chicken salad, or leftover protein from dinner. (16-22 grams of protein) and maybe a bite of veggies, but there's rarely room. About 45 minutes after lunch, I'll fill another 24-oz tumbler of iced tea and sip that throughout the afternoon, finishing by 30 minutes before my afternoon snack. At around 4:00 or 4:30, my afternoon snack is usually a Greek yogurt (12 grams of protein) or V-8, or some leftovers. (This is also a good time to get in some veggies if you're getting enough protein at other times.) Maybe a cup of hot tea in the later afternoon. (Count it as a fluid you like.) Then dinner – again, getting 20-25 grams of protein from lean steak, chicken, fish, or pork, and maybe a bite or two of veggies. Finally, another 24-oz cup of iced tea or water 30-45 minutes after dinner that I sip throughout the evening. If I'm hungry later, sugar-free jello or sugar-free popsicles are good. And if I'm short on protein or hungry later, another yogurt or protein shake. (I'm not worried about the calories because this menu only gives me about 700-900 calories per day.) So that's 70+ grams of protein and 72+ ounces of fluid, with some exercise as well. If you have a regular enough schedule, you can follow it every day. If not, maybe a modified version will work. The big trick is in pre-planning your meals and your fluids, especially if you're going to be away from home or work. In those cases, I always make sure there will be something I can eat, or I bring along a Protein shake or some kind of meat to carry me through. I've also gotten pretty good at restaurant eating. I avoid the bread and salad, order chicken, steak, lamb, fish, or pork, trade in the starch for a second veggie, skip the dessert.... and end up taking half of the meat, and almost all of the veggies home. I know we need to learn to eat "normally", but I'm not there yet – especially when it comes to carbs. When I get to goal weight, I'll work on finding my new low-carb "normal". Hope that helps! Rog

Pork and chicken are particularly tricky because they tend to be drier. Try moistening them up with some unsweetened apple sauce, or some other sauce that's not high in sugar or starch. And, of course, you can try chicken salad or ham salad with light mayo to moisten it up. I don't seem to have as many problems with steak until I eat one bite too much. Then it may not stay down. Is it possible that you're overstuffing your sleeve? This can also happen if you drink fluids too close to mealtime. Good luck!

Don't freak out. We all figure it out one way or the other. I'm not sure if you mean before surgery, shortly after surgery, or down the road. Here's my down the road meal plan to get my Protein and fluids in every day. Don't know if it will work for you, but it works for me. Good luck! Below is a "typical" day's menu: As for carbs, mostly I get them from my shakes, Greek yogurt, and the very limited veggies I'm able to fit in after my protein. Other doctors and nutritionists give you carb targets, but my doctor just says to limit them as much as possible. If you're not logging your food yet, I'd suggest using http://www.myfitnesspal.com/. It helps you keep track of your protein and fluids, but also can help you figure out if anything is going off track and affecting your weight loss. Okay, here's an example of my day: I keep a 2-quart jug and a 24-oz Tervis tumbler (with a handle) both at home and at work. I count my morning Premier Protein shake as a meal, not a Fluid. (30 grams of protein) 30-60 minutes later, I have a cup of coffee. (Count it as a fluid if you like.) After that, I drink a 24-oz. cup of decaf, sugar-free iced tea, like Crystal Light throughout the morning. (Lots of frequent sips) Then I walk for 40+ minutes. Then it's lunchtime - tuna or chicken salad, or leftover protein from dinner. (16-22 grams of protein) and maybe a bite of veggies. About 45 minutes after lunch, I'll fill another 24-oz cup of iced tea and sip that throughout the afternoon, finishing by 30 minutes before my afternoon snack. At around 4:00, my afternoon snack is usually a Greek yogurt (12 grams of protein) or V-8, or some leftovers. (This is also a good time to get in some veggies if you're getting enough protein at other times.) Maybe a cup of hot tea in the later afternoon. (Count it as a fluid you like.) Then dinner – again, getting 20-25 grams of protein from lean chicken, fish, steak, or pork, and maybe a bite or two of veggies. Finally, another 24-oz cup of iced tea or Water 30-45 minutes after dinner that I sip throughout the evening. If I'm hungry later, sugar-free Jello or sugar-free popsicles are good. And if I'm short on protein or hungry, another yogurt or protein shake. So that's 70+ grams of protein and 72+ ounces of fluid, with some exercise as well. If you have a regular enough schedule, you can follow it every day. If not, maybe a modified version will work. The big trick is in pre-planning your meals and your fluids, especially if you're going to be away from home or work. In those cases, I always make sure there will be something I can eat, or I bring along a Protein shake or some kind of meat to carry me through. I've also gotten pretty good at restaurant eating. I avoid the bread and salad, order chicken, steak, lamb, fish, or pork, trade in the starch for a second veggie, skip dessert.... and end up taking half of the meat, and almost all of the veggies home. I know we need to learn to eat "normally", but I'm not there yet – especially when it comes to carbs. When I get to goal weight, I'll work on finding my new low-carb "normal". Hope that helps! Rog

Great -- congrats!!!

When I reported hunger to my doc at the one-week follow-up, has asked, "Are you sure it's not thirst? That's what it usually is." I worked harder to increase my fluids and the hunger went away. Now I only get "hungry" 3 or 4 hours after a meal. And that's normal, 'cause it's just about time to eat some Protein again. Good luck!

Please call your doctor's office. If it's nothing, they'll let you know that. If it's something, they'll tell you what to do about it. Follow-up care and advice is part of the service they provide. Good luck!

We all felt that way. I remember thinking while they prepped me for surgery that I could still bail out. I'm sure glad I didn't. You will be too! Good luck!

I agree with the rest. It takes a while for people to comment. I went to a neighborhood picnic this weekend after losing 73 pounds (roughly 28% of my former weight). One guy said, "Holy S---, have you lost a crapton of weight?" His wife said, "I didn't greet you because I didn't recognize you." But my across the street neighbor said, "Have you lost weight? I'm sorry, I didn't notice." So even though I'm almost two-thirds of the way to goal, some people just don't pick up on it. Hang in there! If you keep it up, they'll notice --- they'll have to! And it will feel great to hear it. Good luck, you're doing fantastic!!!

Hi Idaho! Like all the others here, I'm happy that you went through with the surgery. Remember, it's not that you couldn't keep him, it's that he was afraid he couldn't keep you. There's a HUGE difference!!! As for the intakes, for the first week or so, fluids are more important than Protein. Work on getting the liquid in first and just do your best with the protein. And try drinking Crystal Light (or generic) decaf sugar-free iced tea. Many of us have found that to be the secret to getting in our fluids. I bought myself two 24-oz. Tervis tumblers at Bed, Bath & Beyond (and the sold-separately handles). One for home and one for work. The opening in the top is a perfect sipping size! I drink one tumbler of iced tea throughout the morning, one during the afternoon, and one between dinner and bedtime. (With 30 minutes or more before and after meals, of course.) That's 72 ounces right there, not including any Protein shakes. Continued good luck and keep the faith. Only one of you is doing the right thing, and that's you!!!

Congrats on making it through "the conversation"! It's always good when the truthful approach is rewarded. And congrats, too, on your new found hotness – that's just fantastic!!!

Longhorn Steak House makes great salads with grilled salmon, chicken, or steak! I can't eat them anymore, but I used to love them – especially with Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. I ate them for years thinking that I was being soooo healthy. And then one day I looked closely at the nutritional info for the dressings. That wonderful Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing has 270 calories for a 1.5 gram serving. By comparison, their Honey Mustard has 260 calories, and the Bleu cheese dressing has only 160. Yikes! Who knew that Bleu Cheese dressing could actually be a "healthier" choice?

I've posted this before, but it applies here as well. Okay, here's one guy's perspective... I'd prefer to know beforehand. The surprises hidden under our clothes could "spoil the moment" if they are not expected. Besides, if you're anticipating intimacy, perhaps you can work this into "the talk" you probably want to have anyway. STDs and protection are not comfortable subjects to discuss, but we still need to have the conversation, right? So why not roll this into that already not-so-sexy pre-intimacy convo? If he's still on board, great! And if not, then you may have learned something about him while limiting your vulnerability. I wish you the best of luck -- hopefully he's a keeper!

14 weeks out, and I still have a Premier Protein shake every morning to kick-start my day with 30-grams.

Crystal Light decaf iced tea, here (diluted with extra Water to cut the over-sweetness). I drink about 72 ounces a day of the stuff!

Oh my gosh, what a horrible story! I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. Sounds like you're making the good choices she'd want for you. Continue to do that - and one martini is enough. Another one would only make you sadder, and could lead to making poor choices. Like my wife says, "One martini is never enough, and two is always too many." God bless you and her kids!

As a guy, I'm horrified by the ultimatum you were given! My guess is that he'll change his mind, at least for a while, when he realizes that you had the guts to do this. Maybe that will give you the time you need to get back on your feet as the new stronger you. I wish you the very best for your surgery and in the weeks and months ahead. It's a wonderful journey you're embarking on. Congratulations on being strong enough to go through with it! Please post back to this thread on the other side so we'll all get notified of how you're doing. You have a very caring and supportive group behind you here and we're all rooting for you!!!

Thanks for this great post, Suse! I try to do many of the things you describe (with varying degrees of success). The closest thing I can relate to your raisin experience, believe it or not, was eating flan. I loved it so much, that I would hold it in my mouth, then swish it around so it would hit every taste bud before swallowing. It was the only food I was able to eat small bites slowly, hoping it would never end. Haven't had it since my WLS, but maybe some day... I do take small bites now, put my knife and fork down, lean back in my chair, and chew, chew, chew. I used to always be the first one finished with my meal, and now I'm always the last. Here are a couple of AHA! moments I've had that other WLS folks may be able to related to or use: I now recognize the "I'm getting full signs" even when my taste buds think they want more. My head wants seconds, but my stomach says it's had enough. It's a very odd feeling to push away delicious food because you're already satisfied. AHA! So this is how thin people eat. Who knew?! I used to need to finish everything on my plate or in the container, even if I was full or sick of the taste. That's no longer the case. And since our stomachs are so small, it's rarely a case of, "Oh, that's not enough for a meal, so I may as well finish it off." AHA! It may very well be enough to save. And if it's not, I don't have to be the garbage disposal for unfinished or unwanted food.I've had these two realizations in the past few weeks and it gave me some real hope for the future. If I can ingrain these types of mindful eating cues during my honeymoon period, maybe I'll be able to keep them as I transition into "normal" eating. Thanks again for the timely reminder!

Okay, you can feel a little guilty about what you put on your plate, but NEVER feel guilty about what you didn't eat! Making good choices is what we're supposed to be all about now! By the way, I overpiled the ribs recently too. I thought I could eat two - count 'em, two, but I could only handle one. In the old days, I would have eaten a half a rack and gone back for more. Vive la sleeverence!!!

I'm 3 months out, and I must confess that I don't eat very many vegetables. I try to eat a few bites after my Protein, but it really is only a few bites that I'm able to cram in. That being said, I am getting the protein and fluids in, which some of you seem to struggle with, so below is a typical day's menu that helps me meet those goals. I'll keep trying to get in more veggies, and look forward to reading any posts with suggestions on how to make that happen. Okay, below is a "typical" day's menu: As for carbs, mostly I get them from my shakes, Greek yogurt, and the very limited veggies I'm able to fit in after my protein. Other doctors and nutritionists give you carb targets, but Brebbia just says to limit them as much as possible. If you're not logging your food yet, I'd suggest using http://www.myfitnesspal.com/. It helps you keep track of your protein and fluids, but also can help you figure out if anything is going off track and affecting your weight loss. And if you haven't checked it out yet, you might want to join the BariatricPal Forum at http://www.bariatricpal.com/. There are thousands of users online all the time, with a wide diversity of experience. If you post a question, you will undoubtedly get answers and/or suggestions. Okay, here's an example of my day: I keep a 2-quart jug and a 24-oz Tervis tumbler (with a handle) both at home and at work. I count my morning Protein shake as a meal, not a Fluid. (30 grams of protein) 30-60 minutes later, I have a cup of coffee. (Count it as a fluid if you like.) After that, I drink a 24-oz. cup of decaf, sugar-free iced tea, like Crystal Light. (Lots of frequent sips) Then I walk for 40+ minutes. Then it's lunchtime - tuna or chicken salad, or leftover protein from dinner. (16-22 grams of protein) and maybe a bite of veggies. About 45 minutes after lunch, I'll fill another 24-oz cup of iced tea and sip that throughout the afternoon, finishing by 30 minutes before my afternoon snack. At around 4:00, my afternoon snack is usually a Greek yogurt (12 grams of protein) or V-8, or some leftovers. (This is also a good time to get in some veggies if you're getting enough protein at other times.) Maybe a cup of hot tea in the later afternoon. (Count it as a fluid you like.) Then dinner – again, getting 20-25 grams of protein from lean chicken, fish, steak, or pork, and maybe a bite or two of veggies. Finally, another 24-oz cup of iced tea or Water 30-45 minutes after dinner that I sip throughout the evening. If I'm hungry later, sugar-free Jello or sugar-free popsicles are good. So that's 70+ grams of protein and 72+ ounces of fluid, with some exercise as well. Lately I'm finding that all that fluid is taking away my need for Snacks, so I have to make sure I don't miss out on some protein! If you have a regular enough schedule, you can follow it every day. If not, maybe a modified version will work. The big trick is in pre-planning your meals and your fluids, especially if you're going to be away from home or work. In those cases, I always make sure there will be something I can eat, or I bring along a Protein shake or some kind of meat to carry me through. I've also gotten pretty good at restaurant eating. I usually avoid the bread and salad, order chicken, steak, lamb, fish, or pork, trade in the starch for a second veggie, skip dessert.... and end up taking half of the meat, and almost all of the veggies home. I know we need to learn to eat "normally", but I'm not there yet – especially when it comes to carbs. When I get to goal weight, I'll work on finding my new low-carb "normal". Hope that helps!

Hey Dooter – You totally rock! This is EXACTLY the reason I came to BaritricPal. Like so many others, since the day I decided to have surgery, I've been terrified of what would happen down the line when it gets hard. I'm only 3 months out and still basking in the glow of my honeymoon period, but I know that the wolf is lurking out there. So I'm working now to get my head right for when it knocks on my door. Now here's a delicate question... Can you advise us as to what are the behaviors that lead to "cheating" our sleeves? I know that ice cream and fruit juices are the quickest path to weight gain. But what are some of the other types of eating that we should watch out for? What sneaks in unnoticed over time until it becomes difficult to stop? Is is starches? Pizza? Junk food? Candy? Desserts? In other words, are there some foods that would be best left permanently in the past? I worry a lot about my slippery slope, so for now I make choices to avoid all of the "bad foods". But at some point, we're all going to have to increase our calories from 700 to 1200. What are the safe and unsafe ways to do that? Since planning for meals is a strategy for not making bad choices when eating out or at events, I figure that planning for "normal eating", whenever that comes, should also be a good strategy. Thanks to all who had the courage to share their struggles. I wish you nothing but success in regaining control of your journey!!!

That doesn't sound normal. Please contact your surgeon's office immediately!

Broke the big 2-0-0 today! Only 15 more pounds until I'm "overweight". Um.. can't wait! Here are before and during pix. Cheers, all!

I agree with the rest. Drinking Water all day long (except for the hour around a meal) is the key to getting it all in. I bought two 24-oz Tervis tumblers – one for home and one for work. I drink one tumbler of Crystal Light (or generic) decaf iced tea throughout the morning, finishing it 30+ minutes before lunch; another throughout the afternoon, starting 30+ minutes after lunch (and finishing before snack); and finally one at home throughout the evening, starting 30+ minutes after dinner. That's 72 ounces a day, plus any coffee or tea I might also consume. I set drinks out for my family at dinner, but don't put one out for myself anymore. If I need a chaser to help get something down, I take a sip of their drink, or go into the kitchen and take a small sip of water. I hope this gives you some ideas – it's a system that works for me!