twinhappy

I was definitely turned off by food for the longest time so that in itself made it hard to eat. However, it wasn't difficult to swallow though. You might want to check in with your doctor. Maybe you are having issues with acid reflux?

Smooth move tea will get you all cleaned out :-)

Here is the best thing about the sleeve - it takes away your hunger and cravings (for a while at least). I know it is hard to imagine but it is true. You won't want carbs - you won't want food. I had to make myself eat for the longest time. I am now about 18 months out and my cravings have come back some. Nowhere near what they used to be and I also can control myself and I know I can't overeat because it could stretch my stomach back out. I do eat what I want now that I am at 160lbs. That means sometimes I will have one scoop of ice cream or sometimes I might eat one small slice of pizza. The key here is I don't do it all the time and when I do I have very small portions. I also workout a few times a week. I have ate this way for about 6 months now and have successfully kept my weight around 160 give or take a couple pounds. I had similar concerns as you. I am 100% glad I did this and I feel awesome! I look awesome! I wish I would have done this sooner. If you follow all your doctors guidelines for what to eat at each stage you will do just fine. Congrats on your surgery date. A new you is right around the corner!!!

My favorite is the strawberry Gladiator protein powder from Smoothie King. Very low carbs and high protein count. It is best when blended with fresh fruit, ice and water. You can buy the powder at any Smoothie King.

You can't have "treat days" at this stage. I am 15 months out and I don't cheat very often. Certainly didn't cheat/treat before the 6 month mark. Definitely talk to your surgeon and be prepared to not like his/her answer. Sorry to be so blunt! Good luck and enjoy NYC. I hope to visit it someday too :-)

I didn't have alcohol until 6 months out. Warning - it will hit you faster than before!

I am taking a 65 mg Iron supp on top of the iron that is in my multi-Vitamin. This is due to a suggestion from my nutritionist. Even with taking a 20 billion probiotic I get constipated and have what I refer to as "sandpaper BM's". I know Water can help and I drink as much as I can. I also eat 3 prunes a day. I tried going off the iron for about 2 weeks but I started feeling light headed. Does anyone have a good iron supplement that doesn't constipate you? I have tried several stool softeners but every single one sends me running for the toilet for a couple hours.

Take it one hour at a time. Keep walking and keep drinking your water. It will get better - I promise!!

I am 10 months out and have never slimed or PB. To be honest I don't even know what that is but I can tell you I have followed my doc's orders and I have not had any problems whatsoever other than bad acid reflux after the surgery. Took medicine for two days and it never came back.

I am saying a prayer of thanks for you Big Cat. What a blessing you are to pray for everyone :-)

Stick with your doctors plan. I know it is tough but it is truly for the best!

I have not dared to drink any diet coke because I am worried about stretching my pouch. Following to see what others say.......

I get Protein shakes for free from Insure Nutrition. The pre-made kind. They send a prescription to my doctor, he signs it and then Insure Nutrition mails the shakes to me at no charge.

I get really bad headaches when I am dehydrated.

I would still participate but just walk around with a bottle of Water or something else to drink. Don't exclude yourself from festivities :-) Maybe there will be mixed nuts or a cheese platter?