Smye

Mine estimated that after 6 months I'd have lost the amount I ended up losing in 3 months. It's so individual and it really does depend on how closely you follow your plan as well as the body you're brining into this process

I did a job interview 12 days post-op. I did fine, but by the time I was done (it was a 2 hour interview) I was so exhausted I couldn't even think straight... for what that's worth. I'd recommend not driving yourself and doing what you can to walk walk walk and sleep sleep sleep

SURPRISE Bonus Recipe This Week: I hate raw Kale, but this is actually pretty darned good! Sour Apple Kale Smoothie

@@dcannan - what oil are you referring to? In terms of the animal fat in the broth - show the recipe to your NUT and see what feedback you get. My understanding (from my background as a biochemist) is that the fat in the broth will help heal our bodies more than anything and help us have the energy to move around. You're not going to be getting more than the 4 g at a time which is very low. The low fat isn't anywhere near as critical as the low carb, and the form the fat takes (whole, from the animal rather than as a frying medium for fries). The Lancet recently published an article about low carb, low fat, and low Protein diets and found that low fat/low carb dieters don't have the same longitudinal success as high protein, medium fat, low car dieters. For what that's worth.

Also, in working on a mix for my chickens, I think I stumbled across a kale smoothie that actually tastes AMAZING! More soon.

The prosciutto is a success! I think I'll do another - goat this time.

Finished duck prosciutto coming later tonight, day one of goat prosciutto (an entirely different process) coming tomorrow, and right now, a photo update - what does 135 pounds look like? That, my friends, will blow your ever-loving mind!

Syntrax isn't bad. I also did a lot of protein-filled broths (like pho) and made protein gella-o for myself to get by during phase 1

@@Psychsnob, I love it! I can't handle diet soda either, but do do a homemade SF and sweetener free tonic water every so often with a hint of sparkle.

Several recent studies by the NIH have suggested that 'sleeve stretching' by carbonation is not actually possible, we have an outlet afterall (the esophageal sphincter). That said, it can be INCREDIBLY unpleasant etc etc, ut once you're all healed, they suggest that teensy tiny amounts should be okay. Or you can just let t go flat first. All in all though, follow your doc's orders and/or your NUT's. Every surgeon does the job a smidgeon differently and the particulars can have a HUGE impact (for example, is the bougie wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, narrow at the top, or 'rectangular.') Whatever you do, don't push yourself and good luck!

Seems like part of the purpose of this site if you ask me...

I can't say I blame you Nikki... I made a very similar choice (despite my blog), but I was fortunate enough to have my wife and 2 VERY close friends on board. I absolutely recommend letting at least 1 person you trust know pre-op for support, but beyond that, do your thing...

That sounds amazing. Which bar was this (if you don't mind my asking)?

I'm particularly a fan of popping a half a peeled cucumber, 5 grapes, and some collagen in the blender for an incredibly refreshing cucumber/grape Water smoothie. All fruit and all delicious.

@@OutsideMatchInside, it depends on the kind and amount of fruit you use, but yes, a whole lot of fruit is definitely out. But something like a handful of blueberries, water and collagen is A-OK (at least if you're keeping under 40g carbs rather than less per day). I also frequently used a tiny amount of huckleberries or salmonberries with almond milk/water and the collagen to keep carbs low but get the tastiness local berries had to offer

Your doc might be different, @@Lotsoflove77, but mine counted the broth as a clear liquid. It's how I survived those first few weeks...

The other option that I like even better is to add collagen or gelatin to fruit puree to either make a smoothie (with the collagen) or a jello (with the gelatin). It's incredible and very very good for you, none of the artificiality of the syntrax (though I'm not knocking syntrax in moderation).

The syntrax nectar is indeed fruity and juice-like. Give it a try

@@Lotsoflove77, do let me know what you think if you try the recipe Also, I'm with @@Heather Birdwell on this one

@@BeginAgainDay, I use the unjury unflavored powder and I either order it online or I get it from my NUT or (sometimes) I can find it at a local vitaminshoppe. Recently though, I have switched to using collagen and Gelatin instead - higher Protein, better for me, and better flavor. These are the ones I use most here and here. The collagen won't thicken, the gelatin will, and that's half the fun. Do let me know if there's anything you want that you haven't seen on the blog and/or can't imagine could be bari-friendly. Or if there's something you want more like it or else that really didn't float your boat, the more feedback the better. Also, congratulations on your upcoming sleeve. Try things before surgery, but if there's something on there that tastes 'off,' do consider trying it again post-op, our tastes change in the strangest ways.

Experiments in Charcuterie Part 2 - Duck's nearly done and the goat is up next! And holy cow (or duck, or goat) it turns out it's a piece of cake and is incredibly bariatric friendly!

Weekly Recipe: Spaghetti

Totally normal, for most folks it means they are at or near capacity.

Coming soon (by Monday at the latest): Full-on spaghetti, noodles and all.

Keep it up, that's huge! Congratulations!