Mike4132

I moved into size 36 jeans today after a brief 2 week stint in 38's! I'Ve been in tight 42-44's for the last 8 years so this is the best feeling in the world. The fact that it happened in the middle of a 2 week weight stall is even better. I can't describe how much this changes my "head" in making me realize I am really going to be successful with this surgery. After so many failed diets and weight loss trials over the years I guess I just got programmed to expect eventual failure. This sleeve is changing my body as well as my head and I'm beginning to feel like I now have a tool that is more effective than anything else out there. Looking forward to 34's. Think I'll celebrate by going to the gym!

Every once in a while I eat a bite or two of thin crust, but I mainly eat the toppings if I have pizza. (Ham and pineapple since it's not greasy.) I haven't tried gluten free crust yet so let me know how it sits for you if you do try it.

I'm eating more "paleo'ish" than before but still enjoy some dairy and sugar free stuff. I've cut out most carbs and starches and am probably closer to an Atkins style of eating. (Which in all reality is very similar to paleo at the later stages of his diet.)

I'm a little less than 4 months out and mine are starting to change but it's not drastic. I still like beef but now it has to be a lean cut or it just doesn't sound good to me. (e.g. A small filet mignon tastes great but a ribeye makes me gag.) I can say with certainty though that ever since surgery I haven't wanted anything greasy or sugary. My sweet tooth used to be a real problem but now I don't need or want anything more than fruit to satisfy it. The thought of greasy fried food doesn't appeal to me at all now and even though I'll eat an occasional chicken wing it doesn't sit well in my stomach and I don't crave them. (I can only eat 3-4 max anyway instead of the 10-15 I used to eat.) I think what makes it easy post surgery is the fact that food just isn't as appealing at all anymore. I Still get hungry and still want something that tastes good but when you are full after just a few bites no matter what you crave you get physically full fast and it's soo much easier to control yourself. (Especially when you get to solid food stages) As weird as it may sound, if you are like me, after a couple months you will find that food can almost be a disappointment no matter what you eat. This feeling of disappointment seems to increase the further out I get but I just equate it my brain not yet being synchronized with my new stomach.

I think everyone just has cabin fever from the long winter. There's a lot of grumpiness and conflicts taking place lately, not just on this forum but on others as well from what I'm seeing. It's either that or there is just something in the air these days.......

I forgot to add that Green Chili is the best flavor IMO.

Here is a great low carb/no sugar addd jerky: route66beefjerky.com I order from them all the time. Shipping takes a while but it's cheap for what you get. With no sugar added it's a very dry jerky so a 1 lb bag is ALOT and it will last you quite awhile.

The protein shakes will make the liquid phase tolerable. Don't worry, surgery will come and go before you know it and you will be on your way to a new life. We have all been there and from what I've seen very few ever regret it. (I certainly don't!)

I get the hiccups when I'm full. If I pay close enough attention to stop eating at the first hiccup, it's usually perfect. If I keep eating after that it's always too much by the time my brain catches up and gives me the full feeling. (And that's not fun.)

You can put on your shoes without it ruining your day and almost making you pass out. Walking a few miles becomes almost effortless. You are willng to have pictures taken of yourself again. Your tailbone hurts if you sit too long. You can see hip bones. Your 15 year old daughter tells you "Dad, your moobs have gotten smaller......."

Same here.

Maybe it's too much at one time. Try smaller but more frequent sips until you can handle more.

There is pain, but nothing that that's not controllable with the pain pump and take home meds. A heating pad was also very helpful at home after discharge from the hospital.

My reflux was bad prior to surgery and is actually lessening now after at 3 months post op. I take Dexilant which is the best PPI I've tried. You may want to ask your Dr about it. (Protonix is also very effective)

Sugar alcohol is the devil.....and the number one reason in America for mid-day underwear changes.

I'm trying to limit my bikini competitions these days so I'm probably no help......

Frozen Atkins meals are high in protein and low in carbs. Some have high fat though. I eat them all the time but I'm not really worrying too much about fat.

Did you break through your stall yet? I was stalled for about 3 weeks but weight is suddenly dropping off again even though I haven't really changed anything. Hang in there, it will start coming off again soon!

You can do it and you will be surprised how much the sleeve will help.

It took about 2 months for me. I'm 3 months out now and everything feels 100% normal, just smaller.

Get ready for a new life! Congrats!!

I'm 3 months out and still telling anyone who asks me about my weight loss that I had surgery for it. I just tell people it's the best thing I ever did and how I now won't need to take medicine for diabetes, my sleep apnea is gone, and I run 5K's on the weekends. I am so enthusiastic and upfront about it no one has a chance to gossip. Usually it makes people curious and comfortable enough to ask questions about the procedure. I love talking about it actually!

I had a 3 month post op appointment with my surgeons nutritionist yesterday and it was a bit disappointing to say the least. When I started my doctors program they had a nutritionist that was very knowledgeable but she has since left and been replaced by someone who seems very questionable in my opinion. He claims there are NO differences in how someone should eat with the sleeve versus a bypass and some of the things he says seem a little crazy. For example: Eating more than 4oz at a time will eventually cause my stomach to burst and will lead to needing a revision. (When I told him I can occasionally eat 5-6 ounces he freaked out.) You should try to never feel restriction. (Instead of eat only until you just begin to feel restriction) We should chew our food for 20 minutes. (He said this multiple times. Who the hell chews for 20 minutes, that's not even feasible.) We can never eat fruit with skin again, including grapes, apples, etc. (previous nut said if you can chew it to baby food consistency you can eat it.) We can never in our lives eat berries with small seeds such as strawberries, raspberries, etc. (Maybe he's right on this one but I hope not.) The 4 oz we eat MUST include 50% Protein (2oz) and the other 50% must be vegetables, fruit, and starch in that order. (Eating 4oz of protein is bad according to him because eating mainly protein will lead to kidney problems.) We should only take Flintstone chewables for a Multivitamin, anything else is a waste of money. All in all, I think this guy is close to what's right but still far enough away that he is creating confusion. Am I crazy or is he a bit wacky? I get the impression that he is only partially educated on this stuff and he's reading off a list that he is seriously misinterpreting. Is this in line with what the rest of you have been told/educated on? I'm looking for any input you want to share as I don't trust my new NUT at this point.