Debbieduck4

I didn't have surgery in Mexico but did have the sleeve done in December, and know San Diego like the back of my hand. It's my home away from home! I don't think you'll feel much like walking that soon after surgery, and for me, it hurt to sit for long periods so I'm not sure how much "sight seeing" you'll be up for. You'll be on Clear liquids at that point to, so dining out or even smoothies my still not be an option. If you had a hotel by the bay though, you might enjoy lounging on the grass, being near the Water, and getting a little sunshine. You might like to also go to Coronado, or Balboa park, put out a blanket and just read and relax. I think it'd probably be best to skip the beach with new surgery incisions. Best of luck on your surgery!

157.2 this morning. Thanks Steph!

I never want to cook anymore. When I first had surgery I was pretty interested in trying new recipes (mostly along the clean-eating line), but now that I literally take 4 bites of anything and feel full, I just have become uninterested in cooking. I find myself eating just anything with protein to get my tummy full and then move on. It's just me and my hubby at home now, so cooking for only 2 was something I was struggling with before, but now that I'm cooking for 1 and 1/4 it's a real challenge. I miss food and miss good meals. An example of my eating is yesterday I had coffee with Genepro protein powder for breakfast, a protein shake for lunch, and some cottage cheese with carrot sticks for dinner. I also ate a few nuts for a snack. I want a hot meal for goodness sake that isn't going to get thrown out because there's too much. Anybody else going through this or have ideas for me?

The real "party" is the fun time you'll be having in your own head after surgery. Right now, it may seem like its about the alcohol, but you are also self-conscious, comparing yourself to your friends, and feeling insecure around the guys. After you get some weight off and are feeling more confident and beautiful, the focus isn't going to be on the alcohol any more. Trust me on this! You'll be dancing, laughing, meeting cute guys, and having fun with your friends. And guess what, you can do all that without getting drunk. The thing is, you can have a drink or two after surgery. But, before you do go under the knife you might want to talk with a counselor or someone. If having drinks is seriously a factor in your decision, it may not be the right time for you.

Sitting with my legs tucked under me.... I actually did this at the movies in a movie theater seat yesterday! So comfy and awesome.

If you are madly in love with him he must be a great guy... don't sell him short then. Don't assume he will respond to your past with negativity. Great guys like him usually see great girls like you as strong overcomers and survivors of a difficult past. I don't think you have to sit down and have a big heart to heart or anything, but don't hide who you are either. Be proud of where you've come from and the person you are today. Just be honest as well. An amazing relationship can't be built on secrecy.

I wonder if it might be head hunger? I know for me eating was a coping mechanism during tough times and it sounds like you're going through some hard times right now financially. When you're feeling more stressed do you also feel more hungry? If so, try to find other ways to cope. I've been taking a walk (far away from the kitchen LOL) which helps to clear my mind, gets me breathing, and stops that craving to reach for food. Congrats on your loss so far and best of luck on the rest of your journey!

Congrats on your success! you look wonderful

I'm at 158.2 this morning

Sorry I'm late here. I'm in. Starting weight 160.2. Goal is 155. Thanks Steph!

I've been using GENEPRO for several months now and absolutely love it! The package does say 30 gr Protein per scoop which is equivalent to one tablespoon. I also have heard some folks say this may be a physical impossibility as well. Here's what I do because the powder is literally tasteless and mixes into anything hot or cold. I mix a little scoop into my coffee in the morning, then one more into each meal during the day. Now if I were getting the full 30 gr of protein technically I would be eating 120 gr of protein each day. But often I cannot finish a cup of coffee or a meal... and I do think about the claim that it may not really be a full 30 gr of protein... so in the end of the day I estimate I probably eat around 60-90 gr of protein which is exactly where my doctor wants me. This is in addition to any other protein sources I might get during a day which isn't a lot because I am a vegetarian. I just had my 6 month follow-up visit yesterday and all my lab-work came back awesome, I feel great, My dr and nut are on board with my eating plan... so I will keep going. Good luck everyone!

Genepro protein powder is the only way to go! I bought mine on Amazon. It's a little more expensive but trust me, it's worth it! 30 grams of protein in a little spoon full. It is tasteless, and a very light consistency that mixes up and dissolves right into literally anything you put it in whether its hot or cold. I usually add it to my coffee every morning, but have also put it in yogurt, oatmeal, soups, etc. I also learned about it right here on Bariatric Pal

What's weird for me is that sometimes I get kind of annoyed at my hubby when he thinks I look cute now. I know that's messed up in the head somehow, but he will say something about me being hot now and my thoughts go something like this.. "Oh, now you think I'm hot? Now I'm acceptable to you? What about before when I was all dolled up with a cute outfit on, hair and makeup done, and really needing your compliments?" I don't know what's wrong with me! Usually I enjoy the extra attention, but just once in awhile I have those thoughts. I probably need a counselor! haha! Other than that, I definitely really noticed on a recent vacation while at the beach and wearing sun dresses that I got lots of appreciative glances. But I also think I dress a little more feminine now too because the girly dresses and tank tops and stuff look cute again. Enjoy the new you!

Well for me that would be impossible... I can only eat maybe 3 or 4 bites of bread without it feeling like it expands in my tummy and I feel so full it's painful. I too have tested it because I love bread and sometimes just want a little bit even though I know I'm not supposed to! As for eggs, when eating out for breakfast, I always order one egg, and share a little of my hubby's hash browns (I know again another no-no) but it is literally just 3-4 bites, and a side of fruit, and I come away stuffed full. Is it possible to stretch a sleeve? You said it's been nearly a year for you, whereas I'm only just getting close to the 6 month mark. Good luck with everything.

Finishing the challenge at 162.4. Thanks so much Steph for all your hard work tracking everything for us. Much appreciated! Happy Memorial Day everyone!!

Holding at 163

Reached my goal of 163! I think all the spring yardwork helped

163.8 this week for me

@@CanyonBaby What is the 2 3 2 plan?

Summer fruits and veggies! I just went to the fruit stand yesterday and spent some time cutting up my loot and portioning things out into little tupperware containers in the fridge. This week I can just grab and go. I have mango, strawberries, tangelo sections, kiwi, and blueberries in the fruit cups. In the veggie cups I put carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and grape tomatoes.

I didn't know how to pick a goal weight and my surgeon and his staff didn't give me any direction to do this... now that I'm in the process I think this was intentional. They just asked what my goal weight is and I said 160 because it is a number that I remembered feeling pretty good at for a long period of time as an adult. Not a skinny-minny, bikini model, or a teenager body, but a realistic for me number. I also remembered that when I was at that weight I had more energy, didn't need high blood pressure meds, wasn't pre-diabetic, and had no sleep apnea. Now- I'm 164.. so 4 more pounds and I'll be there. I feel really really good for the first time in more than a decade. I have jiggly parts everywhere but don't care because this grandma of 3 is getting healthy again. I may lower my goal after I maintain 160 and tone up because I know the BMI charts say its probably better at 5'2" if I weigh a little less... but not much. We'll see.

Thanks for posting all of these delicious sounding recipes! I just found you after reading the Bariatric Newsletter. Best of luck on your blog and I will definately be trying the bari-bread and following for more to come

I think it's really brave of you to be so honest and reach out here! Thank you for just saying the truth of what is going on with you. People are responding with genuine concern because you are one of our own now... we all relate to wanting to eat like we used to, but girl you already know, you can literally damage, injure, hurt yourself. I'm so glad to hear that you're talking to a counselor. You mentioned in your post that your "sleeve was reinforced with both staples and sutures so the likelihood that it will bust is minimal, unless of course I do something drastic." I think this might be where the trouble is, it's in this thinking that you can't hurt your sleeve or that eating chips, carbonated beverages, or stringy meat 4 days after you've had most of your stomach removed isn't drastic. It is! And you can and will rip out your staple/suture line. Please be careful... we care here and want you to be successful. Remember why you chose to have the surgery and give it a chance to work. It won't if you don't follow the post-up steps. They don't last long and before you know it you will be back to eating all your old favorites again. (just in smaller quantities) Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress!

I'm only 4 months out but I've read here and heard support group members say that they try to think of themselves as newbies again for a restart... they maybe do liquids for 3-5 days, then really concentrating on Protein and hydrating, adding in new foods they haven't maybe tried, etc. Get back to basics. Also, I wonder if switching up your exercise routine might help? Sometimes our bodies get used to the same workouts. Have you posted your concern on the Gastric Sleeve Veteran's forum too? They have all been around much longer there and may have more tips for you. Good luck and just remember how hard you worked to get where you are... I know you don't want to go backwards!

I'm really learning to just own it... at first I didn't want anyone to know and felt embarrassed to be honest that I had to resort to what society considers an extreme measure. I also knew others would judge and I didn't want to face that. But somewhere along the line I have begun to realize its pretty hard to judge and criticize someone who's proud of something and just rockin it! So now, I just say "Yep, had bariatric surgery in December" with a big ole' smile on my face, answer a few questions, and if anyone even dares seem to be the slightest bit "judgy" I say something I got right here on Bariatricpal.... "I'm tired of talking about my body, let's talk about yours for while, mmmkay?" Your sis-in-law is talking about you cause she's got a teeny small life and nothing else to do. Let her, don't worry about it, just go out and take on the world girl. And you're gonna look fab doin it!!