RoachBug

Get a Water to drink and bring along a bag of Jerky. I have a dehydrator and have become a Jerky Connoisseur. Have made about every variation I can think of and substitute Splenda in place of sugar in the marinades when called for. Be it beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or deer, it's a great source of Protein and next to 0 carbs.

Haven't had either in the past year. Hit the goal weight a couple months ago (175lbs.), just had the 1 year anniversary of the VSG. Really liked both rice and Pasta (especially sushi), not to mention bread. Giving them up wasn't easy but the pay off has been worth it.

Might want to try Sashimi, it's wrapped in seaweed instead of rice:

Sashimi -- raw slices* of fresh fish arranged on their own -- is generally left distinct from sushi, which involves rice (and takes its name from the vinegar that flavors that rice). Nigiri, on the other hand, is one of the different types of sushi, which vary most obviously by shape and construction

Definitely had it here, feeling and sound. Was sort of funny, have a couple of chihuahas and the sounds would freak them out. If I remember correctly, it seemed to calm down for me once I got back onto solids.

@BigTink2LilTink Thanks much! Have a lil' bit of loose skin around the waist and upper arms. That being said, it's not near as bad as I thought it was to be going in (which is a relief). Not ruling out the plastics down the road but at present I really am happy with the results. Thanks again!

A couple before and after photos and another from this weekend (with the daughter). 1lb. to go to goal!!

Get them here if I have one bite too much.

Take it easy on yourself and listen to what your body is telling you, as far as exertion. You will be in the healing phase for some time. That being said, I would think that any form of walking would do. I was back at the gym myself about a week post op (treadmill and bike only). If unsure, give your surgeons office a call and ask them.

You're doing great! I am sure you will hit your goal, just a matter of sticking with the plan. Still hoping to loose another 5 or so here. It's definately slowed down for me but still going in the right direction. Best of luck.

May 26th., so still pretty close to June. Started out at 304, currently at 180.

Had a lot of egg drop Soup here during liquid phase. Easy to make but easier to pick up from the local restaurant.

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Been working (part time) at Starbucks since the beginning of December. Gets me out of the house and supplements the retirement a lil bit. We get a mark out each week, so I have been trying different blends. Current favorite is the espresso blend. A 1lb bag (ground fine) will last me a couple weeks with the refillable k-cup, a box less than a week. Love my Keurig but not a big fan of the boxed k-cups. Unless you use the 8oz setting, they always seem watered down. Packing the reusable ones takes care of the problem.

Don't mess with the Decaf, just dark roast and a little half and half. If caffeine is not a problem, highly suggest trying the Passion fruit Tea. Order it strait with no Water and a few Splenda, tastes awesome!

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Made shrimp scampi, using the spiralizer to make zucchini noodles. I thought it tasted awesome and the daughter have it a thumbs up also. I need to experiment a bit with the zucchini noodles, definitely need to dry then out. Next time I will try throwing them in the oven for a few prior to adding them in.

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Interesting read and very encouraging.

Little over 7 months out here, just had my (6 month) check up last Friday. Have some loose skin (though not too bad) around the middle. Doc said that they at OSU do not do recommendations for lifts until at least 18 months out, which allows enough time for both loss and maintenance. Like just about every other aspect relating to VSG, I am sure a lot of doctors have differing opinions. Something you should discuss at upcoming appointments.

Was on 2 meds and insulin for type 2 diabetes. With the insulin I averaged in the 120s, with the occasional spike. Last dose of insulin was day prior to surgery. Took the diabetes meds for about the first week after surgery but sugar kept bottoming out. Have not taken anything since then, test regularly and average around 75.

As for the slower weight loss, I had not heard that before. I do know that it can slow down the healing process. Little over 7 months out here and went from 304 to 185 (119 lbs down so far).

Best of luck to you!

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Pretty much think LipstickLady hit the nail on the head. You can only surround yourself with the foods you need to eat in your own home and encourage the family to try healthier things. We are the ones that had the surgery however, and can not dictate what others eat in our presence. It does get easier as time goes by.

Made it through the holidays so far, even baked candies (Christmas favorite of the daughter) for a couple family gatherings + without taste testing+. Down I believe 3lbs, this past week.

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This debate is up there with straws. Seems a lot of doctors and nutrition classes haves differing opinions. My doc in particular was not concerned about me chewing gum or using straws, though the straw part caused a discussion in my room between surgeon/heart failure specialist and the nurses. The docs won. As for the gum, he did not have a problem but said to make positive it is not swallowed, which could caused complications.

Bottom line, follow whatever guidelines your doctor puts down. If you have questions that we're not covered, discuss it with him/her.

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I am holding out hope that it could have been a "7-Eleven sugar free Slurpee". 21 calories and 0 carbs.

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Now that I think about it, that is usually high on the priority list first thing when I get home. Definitely not as frequent a daily ritual as before. Used to get at least a book a week read while in the throne room. Shoot for a chapter now a days.

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Just a few pics from Christmas. It is definately a good feeling to not shy away from the camera as much as I used to. Started out at 304, currently at 187 (2Lbs. from my start out goal). Revised the goal and shooting for 175lbs., 12 to go! *almost 7 months out

Every doctor is different as far as their requirements. I myself am on several meds (all pill form) for heart failure and also a couple for diabetes/along with insulin. Last time I used insulin was the day prior to surgery. Took my reg meds before surgery and commenced taking them the day after. A couple of the larger pills were ground down the first couple days but that was it. Was in the cardiac wing after surgery for 3 days while they monitored my meds, ect. Stopped all diabetes meds within first week. As I have lost weight (down 112lbs too date) my heart failure specialist has had to adjust the dosages off most of my meds.

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Congrats! You are doing great.

I was encouraged to start walking while still in the hospital also. You will still be healing for some time, so listen to your body and don't over do things. Walking will help jump start the weight loss and aide the healing. Best of luck in your journey.

Couple of pics from 11/19/16. Had a early Thanksgiving with family and friends up in Michigan, haven't seen several of them since last year. Was definitely nice getting the compliments. Sometimes it's hard to notice the changes yourself that others can so easily see. I was actually called "tiny", which I do not ever recall having been described as. I know I have a ways to go, hoping for another 15-25lbs (least what I am working towards). I know now that at 200lbs., I am smaller than when I played ball back in high school many moons ago. Had a good weekend and it has given me a encouragement for the path towards my goal.

Gastric Sleeve.Thanks much.