alwaysvegas

I put oils in my bath! I've used all of the following at one time or another: avocado oil, apricot oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil. They all work great! Just a tablespoon and soak several times a week. It does wonders for winter skin!

I felt like my sleeve was too big when I started on post-op liquids. I was able to drink 64oz a day by the 4th day after surgery. So I thought maybe my sleeve was too big. Until I started on purees. Once you go to purees, you will feel the restriction. And once you return to solids you will feel it even more. I think the fear of failure is a healthy fear. It shows commitment. Your confidence in your ability to success will grow very quickly as you start passing milestones...both scale and non-scale victories. Best of luck on your journey!

I have found that 'sticking to the program' has simply become my lifestyle now. And it's really about the choices I make about eating and exercising. However, I'm conscious that I have deviated from 'the path' pre-surgery and gained back the weight I had lost and more. I'm trying to find that balance with food, exercise, satiety, happiness, and all that good stuff.

The recovery will quickly become just a blip on the radar of your life. You're making it through the hardest part...but you are DONE...you are SLEEVED! You've accomplished so much already. Every day will get better and better. Best of luck on your sleeve and hopes for a quick recovery!

It is very daunting to see all the lifestyle changes. Remember that no one will force you to make these changes. They are still up to you. However, keep in mind that your long-term weight loss success level may depend on them. The sleeve is going to restrict your stomach size and remove the hunger hormone (ghrelin). That's it. Everything else is up to you. The point of making some or all of these lifestyle change before surgery is that making many changes all at once (just after surgery, for example) can be difficult in the long-term. Making them slowly over time can allow you physical and mental time to adjust. Whether you wait until after surgery is up to you. The food restriction and hunger components will be taken care of by the surgery and they are a massive help. However, your "head hunger" will not be taken care of by the surgery. So continue learning about your relationship with food, what triggers your eating, and what small changes you can make to be successful. Study the pre-op/post-op eating phases and what sort of foods you'll make that you enjoy. How can you add extra exercise in your day? Bets of luck on your journey!

I've told my family and everyone I work with. Everyone has been very supportive. I've also stirred alot of interest in people who didn't understand the surgery beforehand.

Having no hunger hormone (ghrelin) and a limited capacity for food have helped me tremendously. I generally want food when I need energy and if my head hunger is pushing me to overeat, I simply can't. However, for long-term success, I am still in charge of what goes into my body. I still make choices not to eat calorie-dense/innutritious foods. So I still have to deal with the head hunger and turning to food as a coping mechanism. I still have to make a choice to exercise. Just as it was before surgery...too many calories in/not enough out=weight gain. The sleeve is a wonderful tool, it truly is. Best of luck to you!

Check out...http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html and http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/228097-puree-stage-recipeideas/ You can puree just about anything by adding broth or sauce. Just think of the consistency as "pre-chewed." I know...not pleasant sounding, but it's not bad at all, especially after the liquid pre-op and post-op. You chose a great doctor by the way.

Wow...just...wow.

What a horrible thing for him to say. Time to make a small penis comment to him methinks. Then start filing those divorce papers and find yourself a good man who loves you for you.

The pre-op diet was mentally very challenging and (in addition to the obvious liver rationale) helped fantastically with the post-op eating lifestyle. We're battling a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits, which isn't easy. Best of luck to everyone and I hope you do not compromise your surgery by not following your surgeon's directives.

Yup I went from a 10 to a loose 9.

I bought appetizer forks and spoons at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I also bought some toddler flatware for fun at Target. For plates/bowls I bought appetizer ramekins and plates at various stories (Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Target; World Market). I have found that using the appetizer-sized dinnerware really does make me feel like I'm eating a full plate or bowl of food. Of course, sleevie helps too!

I drank over 2 litres of Diet Coke per day before I opted to stop drinking in preparation for surgery. I haven't had a soda in a year now and do not miss it at all. Now the thought of a soda seems like it would be harsh.

Thanks so much for sharing! You're doing so well! Continued success on your journey!

I actually try to find somebody who's willing to split/share a meal. Sometimes it's just not convenient taking food to-go when eating out, but I find that splitting a meal is often more than enough food and half the cost. Sometimes just an appetizer will work as a meal. I had a shrimp cocktail as my meal one dinner. A cup of Soup can also serve as a meal. Just check that it's mostly Protein and not high in carbs (depending on what your nutritionist's orders are of course). Other than that...I stick to low carb options if possible (eat only the protein and non-starchy veggies). I really don't eat much fast food at all now, except for Subway (eating the 'guts' of any of their lower fat options are great!) or omelettes (though often waaaaay to big) at restaurants that serve Breakfast all day. Even in a pinch, most all fast food places have some sort of chicken sandwhich. Get the non-fried, unbreaded type and you're good to go. I think someone on here recommended this site: http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/ The site is not fully fleshed out, but will give you some great ideas for the lower calorie options. You would still have to be selective about the carbs and fat content, depending on your nutritionist's plan.

I thought my sleeve was too big also when I was on liquids. Although I didn't feel hungry, the liquids didn't make me feel full for long. But once I went on purees...wow...totally different feeling then. So hang in there..once you start adding in real Proteins, you will very likely feel a huge difference in satiety. Bet of luck!

About 5 months from my first appointment to surgery, but my surgeon was also backlogged on surgeries a bit.

Congratulations on your choice to sleeve! Call your insurance and ask about the BMI requirements. It varies from insurance to insurance. My insurance (Aetna) allowed me to lose as much as I wanted pre-op. My BMI dropped below 40, but not all insurance companies allow this. Your insurance company should have all the pre-op requirements detailed out for you. For insurance topics, see the Insurance and financing sub-forum: http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/392-insurance-financing/ Best of luck on your journey!

1/2 scoop Premier Protein Chocolate protein powder 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese or 1/4 cup notfat greek yogurt 1 tablespoon Torani Sugar Free Almond Roca syrup (or the Belgian Cookie or S'More syrup flavors) 6-8 ice cubes

I started training pre-op to help with the weight loss and to get into a healthier lifestyle. Post-op, my surgeon cleared me for cardio about two weeks after surgery, then cleared me for strength training after a month. I took it very slow to compensate for the decreased calories and surgical recovery. Best of luck on your journey.

eggs and cheese are good 'soft' sources of Protein. I love making egg drop Soup still; the soup always seems to go down easily. With purees, I used alot of sauce to keep the protein moist. I sometimes ate the protein as one meal and a snack a few hours apart. Great sauces are like alfredo sauce, Ragu double cheddar, thai peanut/coconut sauce, etc. I also learned to love cottage cheese, which is great with herbes de provence or italian herbs, or even mixed with eggs or tofu.

2 weeks, which was a great amount of time to rest, recover, and get used to eating/drinking with my new sleevie.

Stalls are very common, especially the first stall that most people hit around three weeks after surgery. But each stall does end and weight loss resumes. The reason for the stall can vary, including too few calories. A stall can be difficult to pinpoint. Don't worry about starving...fat stores are fuel. I felt the same way soon after surgery...like I'd wither away with so few calories. Nope, didn't happen. Your surgeon's request for 800-1000 calories in 3 meals with no snacking does seem impossible so soon after surgery without calorie-dense foods. What foods are allowed by your surgeon at this time? I also don't understand not allowing Protein shakes. Does your bariatric center provide a nutritionist? Best of luck on your journey!

I was already on the following plan when I started my 3-month supervised plan: 1200 calories a day + exercise calories Low carb (10g or less per meal) Lean Proteins Exercise 4-5 days a week (3 days weights + cardio, 2 days cardio only). My cardio preference is HIIT on elliptical. My nutritionist approved my plan an I continued doing that until my pre-op. Best wish on your journey!