erieb2healthy_2014

I blogged all my high Protein, low carb recipes for the first year or so at www.twosleevers.com haven't cooked a lot lately but need to start again.
I started this thread because so many people felt like they would be food and taste deprived but really, we are not. meat, veggies and fat make for a lot of variety and taste.

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 Breakfast 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. tumbler 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 if there's 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.< /li> At around 4:00, my afternoon snack is usually a Greek yogurt (12 grams of protein) or some leftovers. (This is also a good time to get in some veggies or a V-8 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, fish, chicken, 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 still hungry, another yogurt or Protein Shake. (I'm not worried about the calories because this menu only provides 700-900 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.
An here's my secret weapon – Beef Jerky! (Or turkey.) A 3-ounce bag provides 30-39 grams of protein, and almost no fat for around 200-240 calories. Yes, there's sodium, so if that's a problem for you this may not work. When I'm super busy and eating meals in my car, a bag of Jerky will get me through. Lately I've been away from home for a lot of meals, and some days I practically live on Jerky. And I still lose weight. But you've gotta keep getting the 64+ ounces of fluid in every single day.
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

I am a little over four months postop. I have lost 78.1 pounds. Before the surgery I was 274 pounds now I am 195.1. I can't even explain how awesome I feel getting out of the 200s I started off 315 pounds in October of last year. I lost weight to 274 preop andnow I am 195.1!!! I have been dying to see the numbers under 200 I went through about a month of no weight-loss I was up and down 5 pounds all month. Finally I have again lost weight and is continually going down I am in a size 12 are used to be a size 24. I am just so excited this is happening I can't even believe it I just wanted to share with you guys because I feel so proud of myself! I'm gonna post up
Some before and afters )   

I've been doing very well with my sleeve. It’s said on this site all the time but I'm say it as well...Getting the sleeve was the best decision I've made and I wouldn't change anything. I had a positive outlook on the entire situation from the beginning and I truly believe that helped.

I started out at 262lbs, I lost 15lbs from doing the pre op diet, and today I weight 156lbs so total I’ve lost 106lbs. I started in a size 22 now I’m in a size 8.

No, I did not work out, however I did change my eating habits, I completely gave up sugar and only do sugar substitute or sugar free. I do Protein first and I eat a lot of Protein Bars, I can’t stand the shakes they make me nauseous.

In the beginning this was all like a fantasy or a dream, but now I’m actually living it and it feels wonderful.

Had surgery 9/4/14 and lost around 22lbs so far. At first I was disappointed, but after reading the experiences of others I felt better. Also even though my weight loss is a bit slower than I expected I've moved from size 18 to size 12 in pants. My body shape looks and feels completely different. Just a friendly reminder for us all that the scale is not the only indicator of success.

So what are you snacking on? There's really no Protein in pizza or egg rolls so they would be wasted calories at this point. 30g protein is actually a pretty low amount....most postop plans call for 60g or more. Too little protein now can lead to hairless later. here's a lot of stuff I snacked on....
Refried Beans
Hard boiled eggs
Baby bell cheese
String cheese
Avocados (I actually ate a lot of homemade guacamole)
Greek yogurt flavored with Protein powder
Spam
Deviled ham
tuna fish
chicken salad
Peanut Butter
P3 snack packs
Split pea Soup
Bean Soups
Cottage cheese
Quest bars are soft, come in a variety of flavors and have 20g protein each
For fluids I drank diluted fruit juice, diluted Vitamin Water and Sobe, skim milk (lots of protein there, too), flavored water, and herbal teas. I had a water bottle with me at all times and never stopped sipping. Even at 10 months out I drink a large protein smoothie everyday....30-40g protein and 24-32 oz Fluid in just one "snack". With so many different powder flavors and extras like Torani syrups, fruit or PB2, the variety is nearly endless.

Hello there! I am 4 1/2 months post-op and to date I have lost about 86 pounds! Getting the Gastric Sleeve was the best decision I ever made. I documented this journey from days after I made the decision to get the surgery, until just a couple weeks ago! I would love for you to come on an adventure with me as I make my way to Onederland....
www.journeyofonederland.com

A search will show you dozens ... and dozens ... of threads about the stall that happens around week 2-3 post-op. Your body just had major surgery. Give it a break and relax and get well. Put the scale away and don't bring it out again for a couple of weeks. Be good to yourself, let yourself heal. Stalls happen all the time, this isn't a sprint it's a marathon.

Hey everyone, I am going in for surgery tomorrow morning. Nervous but ready for the change. God bless everyone who has already had the surgery and those who will be having it soon. E.

Hi my name is Tina I was sleeved September 2,2014, so I am now 20 days post-op . I am glad that I made this decision and feel very excited about the journey to a thinner me! I started at 207lbs and weighed in at 190 today.
Having a hard time getting in all my Protein and fluids but food is tasting better now that I can eat eggs, cottage cheese, thinly sliced turkey & chicken.

I'm set for the 24th too????

I'm this Tuesday!!! 9/23 at 7:30 a.m.! Can't wait!!!!

My surgery is almost here!!! I get my sleeve on Tuesday. I CANNOT WAIT!!! So darn excited. I'm so ready for this. Been doing liquids for 12 days now and even that doesn't bother me. My husband is nervous and scared, but I'm not. I didn't know I had sleep apnea until I had pre-op testing and come to find out I do. Can't wait to ditch my C-Pap machine the very minute I don't need it anymore. Having to wear that sexy thing was the last straw. Made want to do this even more. Good luck to everyone scheduled for this week...Our new lives can finally begin. YAY!!!

I am still scheduled for Monday, September 29. On my liquid diet now and STILL wondering if I made the right choice. I guess I will be doing that right until the moment the anesthesiologist puts me out.

Yep! Going in this Wednesday. I'm so nervous!

Well I am finally home!!
Sleeved on Thursday , tad bit and have had my "crazy pain moments" but hey it can only get better. Still have a little gas pain but getting better.
Can't wait to sleep tonight I can tell you.

I am hearing you I constantly feel like I am sticking stuff in my mouth.. I keep a sipper bottle with me but boy oh boy it's hard. I don't get the full amount that's for sure

16 days post-op and doing great! Eating soft foods and energy is returning. Liquids are not a problem anymore and getting Protein is easier now since I struggled with the shakes my dr let me monitor protein by food instead :-)

Hi all!!! Had my surgery 9/17 and all has been well. Not much pain at all but today I'm finding a feeling of maybe fullness with my Protein Shake for Breakfast? Maybe I drank too fast.
I did has a day or so of nausea but the pills worked. I'm not able to tolerate Water straight but I have it mixed with a bit of g2 and that works.
I had my first bm yesterday and it was rock hard so I'm going to get some milk of mag today and see if that helps me.
For the most part all is good.

Hi, everyone!! I am 4 days post-op...had my sleeve done on Sept. 16. I am feeling great about my decision, and my only complaint is these stupid gas pains. Omg, sometimes they take my breath away! I have been walking and sipping all day. I don't feel hungry, but I am looking forward to the next phase of foods - pureed. I have to be on liquids for 2 weeks before I move on. Right now, I'm okay with that!
I hope everyone who got sleeved this past week is doing well!

3.5 hrs I will have my surgery. I'm excited! Trusting God. I know He is in control.

Honestly, I wouldn't take much. I did not need many things. I definitely suggest phone, phone charger, chapstick, flip flops, socks, and hygiene essentials. Keep it simple

I'm feeling a lot better physically. Emotionally, I'm really proud of myself and ready to start living my "new" life. No regrets.

Yes, I was Sleeved the 16th. Having the same experience. Sip sip sip, my entire focus right now. Have to walk n stretch a lot when I "sip too much" But so worth it????????????. Only think now I brought out in cold sores in my lips, not too pleasant ????

Pre op get ur fluids in n walk... Post op. Walk off the gas n major focus on getting ur fluids... Lol - sounds simple but really challenging n oh so important