Meonthelist

Today is my five month surgiversary (funny, my phone has that as a learned word in my dictionary now!). I'm happy with my new body but bummed that I feel like I'm on a little bit of a roller coaster. But I expected that. Stats:
HW: 293
SW: 267
CW: 212
I'm surprised that with that much weight loss my clothing sizes, especially jeans, haven't changed a lot. I was in a 24, albeit snug haha, and am just now in an 18. But that means I'm close to misses sizes so I'm excited about that!! No regrets though, ever!!

Hi ladies! I have a bunch of catching up to do! Everyone is doing awesome and I'm excited for us!!! For some of us who were sleeved in October are passing our 5th month on to the 6th. Keep up the awesome work guys!! I'm down 72 pounds currently and I'm in a stall phase, hope it passes soon I can't wait to see what 80 ponds down looks like!

Hi all, i finally saw this thread and thought i should check on in .
Had my revision from band to sleeve 13th Oct 2014. I joined this site a lil later but i lurked for a bit and then just joined in the conversations .
My stats so far:
SW 383 lbs
CW 279 lbs
GW 165 lbs
Its been a lil slow losing for me as i have only just started to add in exercise. I have lymphoedema on both lower limbs along with osteoarthritis on both knees. Since surgery my lymphoedema is diminishing, and oa gives me grief on the odd occasion. I don't get all my Protein in, i struggle with this and with Water intake every day. Since i was sleeved, i cannot eat meat or dairy, and have developed GERD which I'm on daily meds for.
I had an emergency surgery at the end of January 2015 to get my gallbladder removed and was restricted with what i could do physically for 5 weeks. So you can see why my progress has been a little slow. No excuses, just the facts. I got the green light a few weeks back from my gallbladder surgeon and have started going on slow steady walks. Im now walking around 21,000 steps a week compared to 2,500 a week! I am trying to get to 5000 steps a day as my mini goal for exercise, i will get there . Life is good! xox

I am so glad to see people posting on this thread again! I have been wondering how everyone is doing. I am curious how everyone is eating. I have recently seen the nutritionist and was told I can eat "normal" This scares me!!! If I know what "normal" was, I don't think I would have put my self in a situation to need bariatric surgery! LOL!! I am just curious how and what everyone else is doing. Are you "dieting" or following a meal plan from your surgeon of some sort? I have been focusing on Protein but was told I need to begin eating more and not relying on Protein supplements as much at this point. Are you all avoiding carbs or fat? So many questions!!

@@Meonthelist, people also post on "October sleever's check-in". Not sure if you follow that thread.
I eat normal for the most part, the only thing I haven't tried is Pasta.
I do eat a little rice,potatoes(sweet & white) & quinoa. However, I am seriously considering eliminating the carbs altogether since my weight loss has been so slow, at least until I get closer to goal.
I find that old habits are starting to creep up. I know I am supposed to eat Protein first, then carbs/ veggies. But sometimes I find that I start with the veggies or carbs first, depending on what I'm eating. Nothing makes me sick which is both good and bad.

Dear Bonnie,
I'm truly sorry, but it has to be done. I asked your body how it was doing, and it told me it needed a break from all the hard work of burning fat. So I obliged. It's what I do. In fact, me and my friends got together and decided around 3-4 weeks after surgery would be a good time across the board to give all our bodies we inhabit a break for a while. We also agreed to periodically do the same thing for no particular reason throughout your process. Don't question it. It's just what we do. You're welcome.
Bonnie, please be nice to me during this time. If you give your body lots of fluids, Protein, and maybe move a little, I MAY consider letting go. It will be hard, but I will. Eventually. Then you can move on.
Can't wait to talk again in about 5 months!
Your friend,
Starvation Mode

Hey Starvation mode, How are you doing? Well me, I'm just peachy. Its been a while since I've seen you and I honestly cant say I am happy to see you again. Here I am minding my own business and you come along and bring everything to a halt. I am eating 800 calories a day and I understand you are just doing your job. Hey I cant hate you cause after all you are a part of me and I need to just embrace you and what you were designed to do for me but I just wanted to let you know that I am not starving, I am actually trying to lose the fat that is on my body and you want to hold on to it. Listen starvation mode, I need to level with you. You need to learn to let go. Thanks for trying to help me but I dont need you right now.
Yours truely
Bonnie

I would like to follow this thread as well :-)
I am noticing a lot of hair coming out the past couple of weeks.
My Dr. said to double my Vitamins and that would help some. Also continue to keep Protein between 60-80 grams a day. Probably old news for you but just thought I would share JIC....

I could have written your post, @Lauriep. I lost a pound or two a day for the first couple of weeks then hit week 3 and things came to a screeching halt. Until just a couple of days ago, I had only lost 5 lbs in this whole past month. But then, suddenly I have dropped another 4 lbs in the past couple of days. I hope this is a good sign and will continue.
@@Rogofulm - you make some good points. While I wasn't losing, I had started eating a few more carbs here and there. Nothing excessive, but I'd have 4 crackers when my plan said no more than 2 a day. Or an extra couple of bites of rice or potatoes more than was recommended - that sort of thing. I didn't really think it would matter much, but it did add extra calories as well probably affecting ketosis. I cut those things back again and still no change for a week, then suddenly the drop. So, I do think that made a difference.

Ten months ago I weighed 302. Yes, 302. I was so blue.
My life was small and getting worse. Obesity was my lifelong curse.
I had a dream. A dream to live. It asked for all my strength to give.
I mustered strength and all my will. Every requirement I would fill.
I got my LapBand and then began
My new life of not "can't", but "can".
I can, I said, and walked a mile. You've never seen a bigger smile.
I can, I said, and rode a horse. "The hour trail?" I said, "Of course!"
A trip to Italy, climbing hills. My new endurance gave me chills.
A bubble bath is a luxury that once was for everyone else but me.
An airplane ride with a regular belt. I can't describe how good that felt.
The movie seats used to squish my hips. Now the room I have brings a grin to my lips.
My larger clothes become someone's prize as I donate them for a smaller size.
My dozen meds have gone away. One pill and a Vitamin today.
Arthritis pain controlled me so. I am so glad to see that go.
A hundred pounds have waved goodbye. There really is no better high.
Fifty more to get to goal. Not stopping now. I'm on a roll!
So if you're starting out, don't fear. This all can be in your new year!
Have faith, believe, work hard, and give
Yourself the best of gifts -- to LIVE!

@@Kathy812 Thank you for sharing this recipe!! I can't wait to make it. Sounds delicious.
I just returned from a week long work trip in Chicago. This was my biggest fear pre and post op. How am I going to do?! Are people going to notice I eat like a rabbit? Will my stomach give me problems? (either I can't go, or I can't stop going!) I was terrified!
I am so happy to say it was all OK!!! The first exciting moment was sitting in my seat on the plane! I fit!!!! I didn't have anxiety about a seat belt extender and I felt like I could move around!!! AMAZING!! Not one person commented on what I was Or wasn't eating. The only thing people wanted to know was where I buy my yummy Protein hot chocolate! Lol. Everybody is on some type of diet or another, so I had no worries at all.
I am not great about getting on here because I have to be on my computer to be able to figure this site out. I do read the posts and am so happy everyone seems to be doing well!
I don't remember who posted about having poop problems, but my Dr. recommended Miralax and that has been very gentle. I also gave it to my kids as babies so I felt comfortable trying it myself. Just in case y'all need another option!
Take care everyone!

@@Kathy812 Thank you for sharing this recipe!! I can't wait to make it. Sounds delicious.
I just returned from a week long work trip in Chicago. This was my biggest fear pre and post op. How am I going to do?! Are people going to notice I eat like a rabbit? Will my stomach give me problems? (either I can't go, or I can't stop going!) I was terrified!
I am so happy to say it was all OK!!! The first exciting moment was sitting in my seat on the plane! I fit!!!! I didn't have anxiety about a seat belt extender and I felt like I could move around!!! AMAZING!! Not one person commented on what I was Or wasn't eating. The only thing people wanted to know was where I buy my yummy Protein hot chocolate! Lol. Everybody is on some type of diet or another, so I had no worries at all.
I am not great about getting on here because I have to be on my computer to be able to figure this site out. I do read the posts and am so happy everyone seems to be doing well!
I don't remember who posted about having poop problems, but my Dr. recommended Miralax and that has been very gentle. I also gave it to my kids as babies so I felt comfortable trying it myself. Just in case y'all need another option!
Take care everyone!

@@Kathy812 Thank you for sharing this recipe!! I can't wait to make it. Sounds delicious.
I just returned from a week long work trip in Chicago. This was my biggest fear pre and post op. How am I going to do?! Are people going to notice I eat like a rabbit? Will my stomach give me problems? (either I can't go, or I can't stop going!) I was terrified!
I am so happy to say it was all OK!!! The first exciting moment was sitting in my seat on the plane! I fit!!!! I didn't have anxiety about a seat belt extender and I felt like I could move around!!! AMAZING!! Not one person commented on what I was Or wasn't eating. The only thing people wanted to know was where I buy my yummy Protein hot chocolate! Lol. Everybody is on some type of diet or another, so I had no worries at all.
I am not great about getting on here because I have to be on my computer to be able to figure this site out. I do read the posts and am so happy everyone seems to be doing well!
I don't remember who posted about having poop problems, but my Dr. recommended Miralax and that has been very gentle. I also gave it to my kids as babies so I felt comfortable trying it myself. Just in case y'all need another option!
Take care everyone!

@@shmeyers here's the stuffed pepper recipe: I only made two small red peppers & here's my disclaimer..... I don't really measure anything so this is not exact.
I used approx. 1/2 pd lean ground beef, 2 red bell peppers(I prefer the taste over the green). 1/2c chicken broth, cheddar or any cheese you like, 1/2c refried Beans, small can Tomato sauce.
Brown the ground beef w/seasoning of your choice, I used lawrys season salt. Meanwhile lightly boil salted Water, add your red peppers. Be sure to cut the tops off first & remove seeds before boiling .DO NOT BOIL ANY LONGER THAN TWO OR THREE MINUTES. just enough to soften the peppers. Remove and shake off any excess water.
Preheat oven to 375.
In a mixing bowl add your ground beef,beans, cheese & half can of tomato sauce mix well-stuff in peppers.
In a baking dish add the chicken broth& remaining tomato sauce, mix well. Place the stuffed peppers on top, cover and bake 30 minutes.
Some people do not boil the peppers but I like mine soft & so does my sleeve. The good thing is you can add anything you like to your peppers. When it's done, you can pour the sauce over your pepper. So good!
Let me know how it turns out when you make it.

@@chellede I hope you are feeling better! That is terrible! I have had some tummy trouble as well. I have just started "real" foods. I didn't eat for 3 days at first because I was so scared. Kinda crazy I was counting down to be able to chew and then being afraid once it was ok! LOL.
I wanted to share a couple of yummy finds with you all:
HealthSmart Hot Chocolate- this can be found online and comes in several flavors. 15 grams of Protein. I love this at night when I need to get in more Protein and I am not hungry. I have also mixed with Mootopia (additional 12 grams of protein)
Gladiator Protein Drink at smoothie King is DELICIOUS! 45 grams of protein and only 2 grams of Carbs. I had them make mine with banana and Blueberries. I have since purchased the powder and have this for Breakfast every morning. I love knowing that I am more than half way to my protein goal before lunch! This has really helped me to meet my protein goal for the day. I have also mixed pineapple and that was yummy as well!
I hope everyone is doing great. I love hearing from all of you!
Also, can I please be added to the Facebook group? My email is istu24632@hotmail.com.

I"m doing well thank you !!!!
Susan, check your email.. I tried to add you but it said you were already added...
ME !! ME !! - where are you that you also have Mootopia ??????? That's the best fortified milk ever !!!!!!!! Thanks for the recipes !! It sounds like you are doing fantastic !! So proud of you !
and yeah.. Smoothie King! There's several down the street. I might have to treat myself !!!!!!!

@@Meonthelist
Thanks! The closest smoothie king is about an hour away but next time I'm in Louisville, I will pick one up!

@shmeyers. I bought it at the store. I had them make the shake for me a couple of times before buying to make sure I liked it. It is a large tub of powder (only 1 size and I wanted to be sure I liked it). I was told that if I didn't like it I could bring it back for a credit which surprised me. I bought strawberry flavor. It also comes in vanilla and chocolate but strawberry was recommended as the best flavor by employees. I also asked them to tell me exactly how they make it in the store so there were no surprises at home.
1 scoop powder
3 tbsp of Water
1/2 cup ice
2 fruits of your choice
I have been making with
1/2 - 3/4 of banana ( I use frozen- makes shake a little thicker). Didn't care for the "airy texture"
2 slices can pineapple and just a splash of juice from can.
I also bought frozen peaches and blueberries to try as well.
My NUT said to just make sure all of the new fruits are blended up well and I should be good to go!
I hope this is helpful! Have a great day!!

@@chellede I hope you are feeling better! That is terrible! I have had some tummy trouble as well. I have just started "real" foods. I didn't eat for 3 days at first because I was so scared. Kinda crazy I was counting down to be able to chew and then being afraid once it was ok! LOL.
I wanted to share a couple of yummy finds with you all:
HealthSmart Hot Chocolate- this can be found online and comes in several flavors. 15 grams of Protein. I love this at night when I need to get in more Protein and I am not hungry. I have also mixed with Mootopia (additional 12 grams of protein)
Gladiator Protein Drink at smoothie King is DELICIOUS! 45 grams of protein and only 2 grams of Carbs. I had them make mine with banana and Blueberries. I have since purchased the powder and have this for Breakfast every morning. I love knowing that I am more than half way to my protein goal before lunch! This has really helped me to meet my protein goal for the day. I have also mixed pineapple and that was yummy as well!
I hope everyone is doing great. I love hearing from all of you!
Also, can I please be added to the Facebook group? My email is istu24632@hotmail.com.

@shmeyers. I bought it at the store. I had them make the shake for me a couple of times before buying to make sure I liked it. It is a large tub of powder (only 1 size and I wanted to be sure I liked it). I was told that if I didn't like it I could bring it back for a credit which surprised me. I bought strawberry flavor. It also comes in vanilla and chocolate but strawberry was recommended as the best flavor by employees. I also asked them to tell me exactly how they make it in the store so there were no surprises at home.
1 scoop powder
3 tbsp of Water
1/2 cup ice
2 fruits of your choice
I have been making with
1/2 - 3/4 of banana ( I use frozen- makes shake a little thicker). Didn't care for the "airy texture"
2 slices can pineapple and just a splash of juice from can.
I also bought frozen peaches and blueberries to try as well.
My NUT said to just make sure all of the new fruits are blended up well and I should be good to go!
I hope this is helpful! Have a great day!!

@@chellede I hope you are feeling better! That is terrible! I have had some tummy trouble as well. I have just started "real" foods. I didn't eat for 3 days at first because I was so scared. Kinda crazy I was counting down to be able to chew and then being afraid once it was ok! LOL.
I wanted to share a couple of yummy finds with you all:
HealthSmart Hot Chocolate- this can be found online and comes in several flavors. 15 grams of Protein. I love this at night when I need to get in more Protein and I am not hungry. I have also mixed with Mootopia (additional 12 grams of protein)
Gladiator Protein Drink at smoothie King is DELICIOUS! 45 grams of protein and only 2 grams of Carbs. I had them make mine with banana and Blueberries. I have since purchased the powder and have this for Breakfast every morning. I love knowing that I am more than half way to my protein goal before lunch! This has really helped me to meet my protein goal for the day. I have also mixed pineapple and that was yummy as well!
I hope everyone is doing great. I love hearing from all of you!
Also, can I please be added to the Facebook group? My email is istu24632@hotmail.com.

@@chellede I hope you are feeling better! That is terrible! I have had some tummy trouble as well. I have just started "real" foods. I didn't eat for 3 days at first because I was so scared. Kinda crazy I was counting down to be able to chew and then being afraid once it was ok! LOL.
I wanted to share a couple of yummy finds with you all:
HealthSmart Hot Chocolate- this can be found online and comes in several flavors. 15 grams of Protein. I love this at night when I need to get in more Protein and I am not hungry. I have also mixed with Mootopia (additional 12 grams of protein)
Gladiator Protein Drink at smoothie King is DELICIOUS! 45 grams of protein and only 2 grams of Carbs. I had them make mine with banana and Blueberries. I have since purchased the powder and have this for Breakfast every morning. I love knowing that I am more than half way to my protein goal before lunch! This has really helped me to meet my protein goal for the day. I have also mixed pineapple and that was yummy as well!
I hope everyone is doing great. I love hearing from all of you!
Also, can I please be added to the Facebook group? My email is istu24632@hotmail.com.

@@Meonthelist what about adding some Protein Powder plain or chicken Soup flavored to your soup or to mashed potatoes etc. from what I gather amounts and preferences vary greatly and they just want you to try.. Don't be discouraged if you're not into a wide variety of mush. I just got off the phone with my NUT because I was concerned that I never had any problem with taking my liquids and Vitamins, I thought it was too easy. Lol. She said it's fine. You sound like you're doing great! Two pounds a week!!!

@@Meonthelist, I highly doubt that you stretched out your sleeve. But to be safe, contact your nutritionist to find out how much Soup you're allowed. I was allowed one cup if it's broth & half cup if creamy. you'll find through reading the posts that there are so many differences with each doctor.

Hi Everyone! I haven't been super active on here but I have been listening and am so happy to have you all to go through this with! I appreciate all of the words of honesty and encouragement you all share. I had my sleeve and hiatal hernia repair on October 1st. For about 2 weeks I wondered what the hell I did to myself! I am happy to say things are better. I am on "mushy foods" right now although I have to admit I am not very creative with this. I eat an egg a day and usually a 4 oz container of greek yogurt and sometimes I get a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. I was told I need to get in 95 grams of Protein a day so this stage has been difficult for me. I can get so much more Protein through the drinks, yet wonder if/how I will sustain myself on food....? Anyone else going through this? I have begun walking to increase my stamina. I have a job that requires travel and walking around quite a bit. I feel like I am one day "on" and the next day is difficult at this point for me. I remember someone saying only 4 oz of Soup at a time. I tried soup yesterday and it was a welcomed change. I think I probably had 6-8 oz. Does this mean I could be stretching out my sleeve? I would hate to mess things up with soup!!! Best wishes everyone!
PS. I also did the stall for almost 2 weeks! I am now averaging about 2 lbs a week. I have a friend that had this surgery and said the weight didn't really start moving until he moved to real food. I found this encouraging and hope it help someone else as well....