Hello new me

I'm in. I am sure I will gain a few pounds over the holidays. I am a year and 4 months out.

I am a 15 months post op. I went camping and hiking with my husband. I hiked 12 miles in one day without an issue. We saw so many amazing thing. Life if Good!

My Thanksgiving will include working. I am administrator on call for the hospital that I work for. I am actually thankful for this. I had been passed over for many promotions in the past. I contribute my knew found position not only to my talents, but also to my overall appearance. Don't get me wrong, I will indulge in a thanksgiving feast. However, now it most includes turkey with a few bites of sides. This is so unlike my plates of food in the past. I love my WLS!!!

Actually having a higher BMI can keep you from being a organ donor. If you are healthy and meet all of the donor criteria (there are a lot) I don't see how having WLS could keep you from being a organ donor.

Don't let people get to you. I don't tell anyone that I had surgery. As far as anyone needs to know is I don't eat carbs and run daily. I still get the comments at work all the time about wasting away. My standard reply for the last 6 months is " Yes, I am trying so that you can't find me to ask me questions." It is said in a joking manner. This normally stops that question. I am really not a smart a$$, but hey you can only been asked that question so many times before you are!

Oh, I love Starbucks. I go about once a week. I get the bacon, egg, and gouda. I throw the bread away and only eat about 3/4 of the inside. Yes, I get many strange looks. However, they are worth it. I will say I am over a year out from surgery.

By 3 months out you will be fine to travel. I went to San Pedro island 3 months out. I didn't have any issues at all. You can eat regular food by then. Look for protein items on the menu and skip the sides no problem. I also would eat off my husbands plate, since I couldn't eat much. I also packed my bag with protein bars, laughing cow cheese, and beef jerky for filler items. I brought half of it back home. I never had issues finding food that I could eat. I had my surgery over a years ago now. I have been out of the country numerous times without issues. I actually have more fun now then before, since I have so much more energy and can do what I want. Go have fun! Don't stress! It will have a great time.

You are doing great! Keep it up.

I am a year out this week. I am allowed lettuce, but it doesn't agree with me. I would rather have the meat, cheese, and any other delicious salad topping anyway.

June 2015 Pre-op 234 August 3 2015 Surgery weight 218 Current weight 148 Goal was 155, but hit that 9 months out

I am a nurse, so this is only my opinion. Unless you have a history of kidney issues, then your elevated creatine is more than likely due to not getting enough fluid in. Dehydration can cause an elevated creatine to put it in easy terms. Also the protein in your urine is more than likely due to the high protein diet, if you are following that. Drink more fluids and everything should correct itself without any worries.

I am 11 months out from gastric sleeve. I really never eat lettuce. I hate to waste the space in my stomach for the nutritional value. I would rather have the things that go on top of the lettuce, like meat, cheese etc. Usually if I eat my protein first, I don't have room for much of anything else.

The first couple of months are the hardest. I felt like all I did was drink water and eat all day long. It was a constant struggle. Try to find thing you like to eat. I personally hated retried beans pre-surgery. Now I keep 2-3 can on hand because I eat them all the time now even 11 months out. Also, ricotta cheese was something I didn't ever eat pre-op, but now it is a staple in my diet. Greek yogurt was another go to the first couple of months pre-op. It is good for getting protein in with some calories. At this stage just remember to eat or drink a protein shake every couple of hours and the calories and protein will add up. You can do this. Before you know it you will be 6 months out and this phase will be a distant memory.

It is an amazing feeling when you can fit into clothes size you haven't seen in a long time. Congratulations!

Thanks for sharing. You are doing a great job. Keep up the great work. You have got this.