MrsSugarbabe

I thought the attached document might be of some help to those seeking some guidance that may not have been provided to them by their medical team. Even though I am 7 months out from surgery, I still refer to this document from time to time to remind myself of some of the details. Our life after surgery does take work. Now that we have a new tool to help us lose our excess weight, our success is up to us. GASTRIC SLEEVE INFORMATION - modified.docx

Yes, my weightloss has slowed down considerably. The positive thing is I'm still losing inches as my clothes can attest to that. We're in this for the long haul so be patient and keep doing what you know you're supposed to be doing. More importantly, don't compare yourself or your journey with others because we are all different and so are our journeys. Be sure to Celebrate your non-scale successes along the way.

Welcome back!! Wishing you success on your reset and recommitment to your health! You're headed in the right direction by going back to doing what you did in the beginning. It's very hard to keep old, bad habits from creeping back into our lifestyle. You CAN do this!!

It might be easier just to call your insurance company directly and ask them if they cover your Protein shakes and what they require to do so. They should be able to tell you. I have not called mine at this point because I did not think it was an option, but you never know.

All the best to you tomorrow and going forward in your journey!! You've done well on your pre-op routine. You ought to do well post-surgery. Yes, BP is a great source of information and encouragement.....and the occasional "chain yank" accountability when we stray off course.

Also, Syntrax Protein is pretty good. You can order a sample pack to try. You must call to order the variety pack - see link for phone number. It's a good deal. The Fuzzy Navel flavor is really good. Some flavors you'll like better than others. http://www.si03.com/reg_index.htm You can also order a sample pack of Chike protein powders. They're a combinate of protein isolate and protein concentrate. I prefer the protein powders that are protein isolate because they have a lot fewer carbs, i.e. unjury and Syntrax.

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Add me in again - goal 196. Maybe this time around I'll get below 200 since I didn't make it for the July 4th challenge. Perseverance will eventually pay off. Thanks for setting up another challenge, Steph!

You are headed in the right direction so keep the faith! The process can be very frustrating at times, but it is all very necessary for your health's sake. I can't even begin to imagine having all the surgeries and complications you've had over the years. It's so important to have a great surgeon, NUT, and medical team support. I wish you well and hope the new group you've found will be a better fit for you personally and medically.

Looking for some portable Protein snack options? Check out this article from SparkPeople for some ideas. Above all else, follow your surgeon's and NUT's recommendations. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1996

I'm sorry you're having to deal with the diverticulitis and the pain, unfortunately I do not have an answer for you on that front. Regarding using straws, my surgeon would like me to stay away from using them, but I have on occasion used one (use to use them all the time pre-surgery). I believe we're to avoid using straws because we suck up so much more air using a straw than when we just drink our beverages. Sometimes I'm so thirsty that a straw seems to help me drink more liquid.

A lot of times I will make my shake the night before and bring it to work with me. Since I know that not all Protein powder shakes can be made ahead of time, I called unjury (my preferred powder) and asked about premaking and they said that was fine. Even if I didn't drink the shake within 24 hours of making it, it still tasted fine36-48 hours later. I have two different shakers I'll use along with assorted empty orange juice bottles (12 oz. +/- variety) when carrying my premade shakes. Also, I've started keeping a container of my powder in our kitchenette at work so I can make a shake anytime while at work. I've also used the snack baggies to put powder in and reuse those a few times.

Awesome!!!! @@Elode!!! Keep up all the great work you've been doing!!! I know what you mean about going sideways....I tend to pull to the right....

Awesome progress!!! What a difference a lifestyle change can make! You're looking fabulous!!

I'm in the same spot....losing inches but not pounds (at least not fast pounds). I chalk it up to building muscle, burning fat, thus the inches lost, but not the pounds. I changed up my strength building/resistance workout a couple weeks ago to hopefully ramp up the weight loss, but that hasn't resulted in that change.....yet. My clothes keep getting bigger so that's what I'm going with, and to keep doing what I'm supposed to be doing food-wise.

This is a link to an article that was shared by another BP friend earlier this week. Good information to keep in mind. http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/ways-avoid-weight-gain-after-bariatric-surgery/

Do you like black Beans? They are one of my favorite foods right now. I make them like Cuban black beans and will sometimes add a little browned Jimmy Dean sausage. I freeze 1/2 cup containers of the beans/sausage mixture to keep at work for lunch. Believe it or not, that 1/2 cup can be rather filling. I eat a variety of Protein packed foods in any given week. I don't like it to get boring, and I've found that since surgery I'm wanting more highly flavored foods, not necessarily spicy hot, which I love, just lots of flavor. The more protein you eat over a period of time, the less you'll crave carbs, or have room for them. My NUT & surgeon's daily guidelines were at least 100 grams of protein, less than 50 grams carbs, and about 1000 cal. If you plan out your food well enough, it's amazing how much food you can get in 1000 cal.

Your best bet is to follow the program set out for you by your surgeon and nutritionist (NUT). Although most of us were given similar instructions, not all were the same. My thought is you should already be drinking Protein shakes which will also count toward your Fluid intake. Good luck on your journey!! It is definitely a learning process along the way.

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Veggies........fit them in wherever you can. Since my meals are comprised mostly of Protein, I only get a bit or two of veggies in before I get full. So, sometimes I will eat a snack of celery stick or two with pimento or cream cheese between meals.

@@CanyonBaby -- You and your hubby stay in my thoughts and prayers. (I imagine you understand the concept of "popcorn prayers.") 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Agree with @@Bufflehead's statement - it's the perfect response. You are doing this for your health because we all know that WLS is NOT the easy way out.....it takes a lot of commitment and work - before and after. True friends will be supportive of YOU despite what they've heard about others' WLS stories before now. There is a certain amount of risk in ANY SURGERY and they should know that. Now.....take a few deep breaths, refocus on positive thoughts, and relax.

Fruit can be challenging no matter how good it is. I love fruit and have a hard time getting some in each day since the priority is Protein and fluids. You can always eat half the apple and add a ounce of cheese to the snack. Cantaloupe is a favorite and quite filling. Good luck on your journey! I'm sure you will find a routine that works well for you. Everyone's journey is a bit different although there are many with a lot of similarities.

Awesome progress!!! Happy to hear that you are doing well in your recovery. Re: eating out - maybe share an entree with whomever you're dining; that's what my hubby and I do - saves $$ plus I'm not tempted to eat more than necessary. Keep up the great work you're doing!

Terrific!!! Congratulations!!! Stylin' and profilin' Enjoy your new suit!