gwbicster

Maybe a pizza stone?

This is a dangerous thread because its not particularly productive to measure yourself against others- our own journey is a highly individualized experience. Men do better than women normally. Fatties like me do better than the "lightweights" who started at a more reasonable weight. Sometimes people get frustrated that they're not losing as much as "everyone else" when in reality, they are doing GREAT by their own standards. Proceed with caution!

I notice a consistent pattern regarding my ability to eat solids. I am almost 5 weeks out. No matter how little I put on my plate- if I am able to go as slow as I should and listen to my body, I can NEVER finish it in one sitting. I'm supposed to be up to 3 ounces now but most times I still put 2 ounces on my plate. Whether I put 2 or 3 ounces on my plate, there is ALWAYS a small quantity of food left after a meal (so unusual for me- since I was a small child my grandfather's "make a clean plate or you won't get custard" always rings in my ears). And what's funny is, it's usually the same amount remaining! (Is this psychosomatic?) If I clean my plate now, I almost always will have to spit up the little extra amount. The other thing is, to be honest, outside of my head hunger, if I had my choice I'd still be back on the previous phase or protein shakes and purees. It is just easier to process, still. Is this an indication that the swelling in my pouch is a little bit behind in the healing process? Should I go with this feeling or do I have to "tough through" the process with solids so it will get better? Or am I just pushing myself too hard? It's always the same with solids. I am tremendously excited about eating them when I am hungry, followed by a very faint nausea about half way through the eating process, followed sometimes by about a 15 minute process of debating whether I need to throw up or not (usually not). With liquids or purees or Ricotta cheese this never happens. Thoughts?

My NUT said that when "eating" if you can't finish in 30 minutes then stop. But you're in under that so I'd say it's OK. Some people have huge issues with the protein shakes. I never have- they just sllliiiiiddddeeee down.

This is honestly my biggest struggle. I know it is true, but... I feel like I will always love food. I know I need to stop OBSESSING over it, but I bristle over suggestions that I'm not supposed to enjoy it anymore. I know I need to see a therapist desperately, but I'm having some insurance related issues with that. I'm working on that and will sooner or later. I also had many different food funerals (I didn't gain, I did it in reasonable moderation, but I can tell you my last meal in several different food groups, and I look back on it fondly...) At the very least once I get to maintenance if not sooner, I want to be able to enjoy my favorite foods IN MODERATION once in awhile, and not completely deny myself. A lot of people on here say that is going to lead to regain, but it seems to me I ought to be able to do this so long as it doesn't get out of control. When I had the surgery I was hoping the restriction is what would keep me from getting out of hand, but I also know that this restriction will lessen over the coming months. I do realize if I substitute the word drug or drink for food in the paragraph above, I am speaking exactly like an untreated addict, so I am torn on this.

You have to walk, walk, walk. If you do that, it will go away sooner rather than later! Also most people say that since the gas is outside of your digestive system (are you getting pain in your shoulder, for instance?) that Gas-X won't help you. Good luck!

Wow. Thanks.

Sorry to hear the bad news. Hang in there! I'm dealing with the same issues as you, other than a sickness in the family (knock on wood). Our new bodies restrict us from dealing with stress with food (as you, and I, have found out!) Still, that doesn't mean we won't still try our old go to method. The big struggle is going to be finding other things to blow off steam, that don't involve food. I have other things, but they almost always are accompanied by food. As my Mom reminded me on the phone last night, we are deprogramming ourselves of years and years of habits, it's not going to happen overnight! I wish you, and me, the best of luck. Hang in there!

It gets better! And after surgery you will be eating like this, so it's best to get used to it now. (For me the first day was the absolute worst, and by the fourth day I was OK. But, everyone is different!)

Does your surgeon provide a nutritionist? Do they have a plan that they want you to follow? It sounds to me like you're on the right track, but every program is different. You might try looking at Dr. Weiner's videos on You Tube. They are a bit different from my doctor's program, but I like what he has to say and might be changing my routine a bit. Never be shy to ask for opinions on here. Sometimes I feel like these people know more than my doctor!

Me too!

You ought to be able to drink a whole shake (mine are 11 ounces). Treat shakes like a liquid (and they can count as part of your 40-64 ounces).

We got sleeved on the same day! Hello sleeve brother or sister! Liquids are the most important thing at this stage. Sorry to hear you are having problems. Try warm tea or broth. Sometimes warm liquids move easier. Protein shakes are important because you're not able to eat much and you want to shoot for 60g of protein. Premier shakes have 30g a serving. If you can't tolerate shakes try adding flavorless protein powder to the foods you are able to eat (works good with broth, for instance).

You're in the right place. Lots of friendly and supportive people here.

Wow I dream of those days... I can barely get down 2 oz. at the moment.

Premier Protein, for the taste. I like Caramel, Banana, and have grown to prefer Chocolate and Strawberry after surgery. Best advice I've heard- don't buy too many before surgery- your tastes may change. Fortunately I like them all after surgery- because I bought way too many (thought I'd need more than I did). Many people including Dr. Weiner say to make your own with unflavored protein powder. I will eventually do that or wean myself off the shakes and try to get my protein from other sources. Good luck!

Actually, for your body, it's not ridiculous. That's about the size of your pouch now with all the swelling- if you eat more than that you'll likely get sick (I did). YOU might be able to get away with more when you have broth, because it goes through so quickly. What you are experiencing is "head hunger", Google it. It will take us awhile to change our brain's idea of what a meal is, to match our body. I struggle quite a bit with this, so you are not alone.

Dr. Kahlil Shillingford. http://www.drshillingford.com/patient-information/multimedia-patient-information/ 561-483-8840

Don't really have any advice for your question, but if you're in Florida and anywhere near Boca (or even if you're not) I could very highly recommend my surgeon. He did a great job, and is very reasonably priced if you're self-pay like me.

You're doing great! You have to remember where you started. I was nearly 4 bills- 375 at the time of surgery a month and a few days ago and have lost 40 since surgery. But I have a lot, lot further to go than you.

The commercials are the worse. Never realized just how many they are- when you're full all the time they are not as tempting. The ones with the slow motion pulling of cheese make me the most nuts!

I had more of a problem on the pre-op liquid diet and I did this- I loved it (it tasted like actual food to me) and it worked great (it was my own idea), but my NUT warned not to do this after the sleeve because the pressure might not be good. I take milk of magnesia fairly regularly but to be honest haven't had much of a problem since surgery (knock on wood). Others have said Mirolax is better- I will use that once I use up the MOM I have. Good luck- constipation sucks!

It was 3 for me since I was so obese, I had other doctors tell me 4.

I'll check it out! I just had the "pizza" it was delicious- I could only eat a little more than an ounce- I used the microwave.

You won't need pajamas they will have you in a hospital gown.