jhclikesshopping@gmail.com

So here is what I do... I lie..... Flat out lie. I say I have a special diet due to food allergies. Everyone seems to be more accepting of food allergies than " I am watching what I eat." Since many of my co-workers are vegan, or vegetarians, it's not a problem when I say food allergies. So I thank them for the food and just pick what works best for me. Really - after the first time, no one even questions anymore. I know its really hard.. be strong.

@@Shainadelphia - I think everyone one of us has felt this way. I do every time my co-workers invite me to lunch together. I have learned to take the best bite first and then just enjoy each others company. Now... don't think I do not go home and feel sorry for myself but then I look at my morning weigh in (140+ pounds lost) and say, its ok. It is worth it.....

What a GREAT project.... gets me thinking about my regrets. But also - now that I have "do over", I am turning it around and making my regrets my goals and plans... Run 5 k - did it!!! Climb HalfDome at Yosemite - plan is this June. Have a hiking vacation instead of a sit by the pool vacation. What are your plans now??

@@Mega_100 - I started with a provider from my insurance too. Unfortunately, I found them giving me wrong information according to my surgeon so that was concerning to me. I talked to my therapist and we do a payment plan that works for me and my finances. Don't be afraid to ask them to get started. For instance, my therapist has a monthly support group too... and that is on 15$ a session....and its crazy helpful.

@@Mega_100 - during the prework for surgery, we had to meet with a therapist. From this list I found my therapist. I really feel you need someone who is aware of the surgery and its outcomes.

@@EP8 - I waited 6 weeks before back to my pilates routine and weights but I was at the gym at 1 week on the treadmill and at 3 weeks I was on the bike and elliptical (slowly).

Yes this has helped.... The support group is my local OA Meeting. I live in California - I go to a meeting based in San Mateo. I appreciate that we all have different stories but the feelings and emotions around food are the same. If you want to ever talk it out - let me know. I have a phone network that helps too!!! I looked into some online resources and I was not finding a good connection there. Although - Nik from Bariatric Foodie has been great too. She has a call that I really connect with. If you need more infor or just someone to talk, let me know. Just message me.

Here is my advice.....feeling scared in normal. First time I dumped was CRAZY scary.....but you will make it out the other side... I promise. 1) no wrong choices... remind yourself, you are just learning. And what happens if you make a wrong choice? 1) get sick - ok, that is manageable 2) the food goes down and you need to see how you feel after you eat = learning.... 2) take a moment to show confidence. You have read the materials - you know the calorie targets. You have got this. Think of it like a puzzle... you have to just find the right solution for the puzzle. 3) don't be afraid to ask us for opinions. At soft food stage for me, I ate eggs, tuna and avocado ad Protein shakes. I definitely took my time adding in more foods. My food was set for like a full week.....Got tired of it but it worked. You will start to build up as you learn your sleeve likes and dislikes.

I have a weird one but it totally works for me...... Take a bath. In the bath cut up 6 lemons and squeeze in the lemon juice into the bath. I also add epson salts. Then use the lemons and scrub your sinuses. Chest, face, neck, under arms (lymph nodes). Get out of the bath. Before you dry off... drink a full 8 oz of Water (does not have to be cold water). Now - watch out,,,, you might feel nausous. Then dry off and go to bed.... Next morning, I feel so much better!!!!

Banana make me CRAZY Full fast... so be careful. I had luck early on with melons - honeydew and cantaloupe. But my early time was season for them. Another one that works for me is grapes. I had to watch the skins but the big ones in half and chew good...

How fun for you... Did you tell your daughter? I got a large sweats from Old navy and my kid took them out of the laundry and complained they stretched out.... Ooops... they are mine

I am at 11 months.... have not done beer since carbonation worries me. I got for the gin and Water or a shot on the rocks. Less calories than beer and not worried about the bubbles. And yes, I miss my champagne lots!!!!

@@libby43 - one note. Regarding you B - I wonder if instead of a B12 you should look at a B Complex. Remember - there are more Bs to consider than 12. I take a B Complex instead of just B12. Also - don't be afraid to ask for cholesterol test again. Sometimes, you might have a false reading. What was your cholesterol before surgery - have we gone up? down? stayed the same? These things matter too. and yes - talk to you doctor.....

Sorry but you are correct - this is normal. My first 6 months were SO BAD - I thought I was going to DIE!!!! But now at 7-8 months, the world is better. I am back to my 2-3 days normal (no more crazy heavy bleeding). Sorry to say - be patient. It gets better.

@@Marie2016 - same with me.... I have been seeing a therapist to figure out what are my triggers for eating compulsively. I think anyone who has this surgery can benefit from looking at how to got this way before surgery. I also started to participate in a compulsive eating support group. This has helped me a lot. Its similiar to 12 steps and I find a good connection here.

After a two weeks from traveling.... but still down.. YEAH!!! weigh in 212!

Bread- but daves killer bread (1/2) seems to be ok lately. All lettuce, spinach and cabbage. Refried Beans - garbanzo and white kidney are ok

Keep trying.... It gets easier. Also- Water down your Protein shake - it might go down easier. I also madem protein pudding - that went down easier too. I sugar free pudding (small box) and two vanilla Protein shakes. I use pure protein or Premier Protein. Then mix like normal and the pudding is nice and smooth. This recipe is from world according to eggface.

My recommendation - Protein dairy case: String cheese, Cottage cheese, Nonfat greek yogurt, laughing cow cheese. Grocery: Tuna,, Avocado, Jerky, Deli counter- rTurkey lunch meat, chicken, steak, ham and fish-I get whatever is already cooked in the deli section. Shrimp -i buy the kits for shrimpcocktail. Freezer - grilled fish (gortons) , frozen meatballs (turkey or beef) Hope this helps.

I've lost 140 pounds too! I think my face looks great except for some extra wrinkles on my neck and when I add lots of lotion it seems to be better. So my recommendation moisturizer or lotion every day maybe even twice a day.

even though I am traveling... I made my diet bet.... 212.5. YAHOO!!!!

so I totally get the warm at breakfast time. I would say - stop with the "have to eat breakfast food" at breakfast. Here are some ideas.... Baked oatmeal - does not really taste like oatmeal if you make it thin.....This is my favorite one from Niki. http://www.bariatricfoodie.com/niks-fall-harvest-protein-baked-oatmea/ Breakfast stew - I have one with meatballs, canelli Beans and canned tomatoes. Very yummy and warm How about toast ? (try David's Killer bread - this is the only bread my sleeve can tolorate) and Protein Peanut Butter (PB2, Protein powder and just a little Water to make it smooth). Protein Cookies - Andrea's Protein Cakery has a ton of protein cookie ideas, these might work for breakfast too.... serve warm with maybe some syrup. Protein Waffles - there are a tons of premade protein powers that work great as pancakes or waffles. Mancakes, P28 are my favorite. Or I make my own with Quest protein and baking powder. Check Quest protein blog for recipes. Remember - warm your sugar free syrup. Hope this gets you thinking.....

I am currently at a loss of 135. 20 in the 3 months before surgery and 115 since surgery (Friday is my 10 month anniversary from Surgery). I am still losing about 1 -1.5 pounds per week. I eat 900 calories a day, 80-90 grams of Protein, 96 oz of Water and exercise at least 60 minutes a day. Some days it's just walking, some bike some heavy gym cardio. you can do it... I have 35 more to go to goal!!!

Bath is once all the wounds have healed. Jacuzzi I wanted a while - maybe 3 months since the chemicals aer strong and might still get into the wounds. Just to be safe...

hi!!! Welcome to our world. There is not easy way to solve this puzzle. I say start with one issue and find a resolution then move to another one. So starts with wound care, then Water, then food. Then exercise. We have all been where you are so we know how to help. Ask away.....