VDLT

I have tried a couple of their products and they were pretty nasty unfortunately. And this coming from a girl who was started on diet foods in the second grade. I have tried the PB2 and the Jif and I like the Jif for shakes but keep it to 2 tbsp. instead of the 3 in the serving for caloric issues. I love and miss Peanut Butter so much!

I was sleeved just a few weeks before you. My surgeon said one hour after I eat. I had a band for 14 years before converting to sleeve so this was old news to me and a well established habit so it isn't hard. I do get thirsty too but wait. I can eat more than most folks say they can so I try to steer clear of drinking after meals to remain full longer.

Well said. This is for life and there is no turning back. Sure I avoid certain things (when there is an announcement in my office that there are donuts in the break room, I steer clear). Otherwise I live my life and the sleeve makes it easier to say no. I am still early out, a few days away from four months, and have not avoided meals with friends, movies (had a bit of popcorn), and going out with my husband. We don't go out to dinner or order out like we used to, but I honestly don't miss the food that much. I hope it stays that way. I went on a three day cruise the day I was cleared for solids at the one month mark. I was shocked how easy it actually was because I was not crazy hungry all the time. Plus the excitement of having the surgery and the hope that this time I can really do this is a powerful motivator.

@@Inner Surfer Girl Where do you buy the ProtiDiet products? Thank you!

@@GigiRH You look fantastic! And I love the dress

My GERD resolved with sleeve and hernia repair so I am thinking it is individualized. I can eat a lot more than most sleevers post on here so portion size again will vary.

You are all jaw dropping amazing!

I don't track. I find it hard to guestimate meals out and meals I make at home like turkey chili, which I eat a lot of. One of the reasons I don't track other than finding it confusing is that I can get obsessive about things like that and don't want to drive myself crazy with it. I know that if I did I would be calculating in my head how to lessen something one day to allow myself something else the next day or how much to cut out daily to reach a certain weight by a certain day etc. I know myself and that would be agonizing and counterproductive. That being said, I try to be conscious of what I am having, do not have complex carbs or sugars, have at least one Protein shake daily, and make sure I get all my Water in. I am hoping that will be enough.

Jane, your posts have been instrumental for me as a longtime band patient converting to sleeve and I admire your hard work and dedication, but most of all your spunk. You have a real joie de vivre that is truly inspiring not only in the context of weight loss but in life in general. Keep posting about this stuff. I replied to your previous post but not sure you got a chance to read it. I wonder if it would be better if certain boards did not show up in the recent or trending bars on the right. But then again, I would have missed your post which I thought was an important topic and one that could have been debated without name calling and that it could have broadened a lot of people's horizons. This brown girl (married to a white boy) thanks you for your contributions!

Keep complaining about the port pain. Mine was pretty bad. Did they check to see if the slip fixed itself after the unfill? If it didn't have your surgeon record that. I consulted a second surgeon who noted in my medical record that I had "band intolerance". I believe that helped. It is all going to depend on your insurance. It would be helpful if you specify what kind of insurance you have, and that you move this to the band to sleeve conversion insurance forum. Each insurance is different in terms of requirements. Get a copy of your full policy and really look at the requirements for your insurance. I wrote a letter outlining my initial success with the band, my complications, the medical conditions I developed because of the band, my weight history, and my attempts. I attached all the documentation required and sent it to my surgeon who in turn submitted to the insurance company. I don't believe they added anything other than notes from my consultation in which my surgeon said band removal was needed. Best of luck. Hope that helps.

Did you use anything on them? I had a TT after I lost weight with the band and that scar while flat is kind of dark. It only bothers me with some of my dance costumes that sit a bit low because my scar is quite high up. I had hair removal laser which I think darkened the scar even though it was not that close to the scar. I just got the silicone pads to see if those help.

Ugh. 161 Thanks Sarah.

I make a huge pot of turkey chili every week and keep half in the fridge and freeze the other half. It has Protein and Fiber from the Beans. I don't make it spicy. I love having it by itself or on a salad taco salad style. I find it reassuring to have in the fridge knowing there is something there I can eat without problems that is good for me. I haven't tired of it yet.

I think you have done great! I have lost 35 pounds since surgery on 10/1/15. I lost 10 of those in the first week since my surgeon did not require a pre-op diet. I am super pleased with the results so far.

Following

Nothing wrong with wanting to look good and I don't think that makes you vain. Even at my biggest I took care to wear clothes that were as flattering as possible and have done my hair and makeup even if just a little bit. For me that was how I showed myself that I mattered no matter my weight and helped me to feel more confident despite being obese. It's just self love and a boost to a not always present self esteem. Have fun while down here

Sending good vibes!

Fantastic job! Congratulations!

Fantastic milestone! Congrats!

You have gotten good advice here regarding Protein drinks so I have nothing to add to that. I wanted to address your comment that real food was yucky because it is heavy. Well, that's the point of it. Protein is supposed to fill you up for long periods and feed your body and keep you full so you don't graze like you are doing now. So I hate to say this but we all just have to suck it up, you included, and eat our protein to stay full and nourished. You should really heed the advice given here and do a hard restart. Go back to basics, cut out all junk, and work the program hard while you still can.

What an ordeal but so glad you are better! Welcome to the boards

Congratulations! Now go and sneak out a window!

1/18/16 weigh in 161 pounds. Thanks Sarah!

Congratulations on reaching goal. You look fantastic and happy. Reaching goal might have been anticlamatic but think that you would not be in a position to shoot for your new goals without first hitting your weight loss goal.

Happy belated birthday and congrats on all your success sweet lady!