LizHenderson

8 months post-op. Getting about a cup of food per meal, sometimes a cup and a half, roughly speaking. Still mainly Protein, a few vegetables if there's room. 3 meals a day. I'll get a Protein Shake in now and then and as much liquid in the form of tea, coffee and Water as I can handle.

I'm a month out now, and my daily routine is typically this:
- Protein Shake in morning (30g protein)
- 32 oz. Water between 8-11am
- cheese stick & Protein shake for lunch (37g protein); sometimes 8-10 almonds if I want to chew on something
- 32 oz. water between 12-4pm
- Small "meal" for dinner, usually 2 to 4 oz. meat or eggs
- 16-20oz. water or Crystal Light in the evening, sometimes some sugar-free Jello or pudding too
I aim to total out around 80g protein and 500-600 calories.

I'm only 7 weeks out myself. Just relaying info others have given me. [emoji4] I'm so glad others weighed in on this! Maybe that gives you better insite.

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I would suggest a "pouch reset" liquid phase for a few days. Maybe that will help. How many calories are you taking in per day? And keep an eye on Protein, Water and carb counts also. Hope it helps!

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I've shared my procedure with very few people. Next week I plan to see friends. If they ask why I'm not drinking, I'll explain that I gave it up for a while to live a more healthy lifestyle.

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It is completely normal to have mood changes during the early stages of recovery. Every body is different and I believe how we handle the changes has to do with our nature as well. Not a bad thing, just reality. After surgery your hormones are sent into a tailspin. Lots of stuff going on inside that causes your exact symptoms. Your doctor should have talked to you about the good and the bad of these hormone changes.
The good is that when our bodies are sent into this tailspin it needs time to adjust. During that adjustment period it is important to stay very close to your eating plan and Water intake. Your body is creating new set points, new places where it is content. We want that set point to be thinner, healthier and happier. So work hard to lose, relax and just feel good about all these changes.
The bad is after surgery we are very good at getting our Protein, drinking our water and doing light exercise. All of these things release toxins and stored hormones from our fat, like estrogen. So if you find yourself crying at the drop of a hat, thinking about strangling your significant other, or locking yours or someone elses children in the closet, be happy, your burning fat:-) and all is as it should be.
Everyone is a bit scared after surgery of the possibilities for complication. Feel free to call your surgeon's office every time you are unsure and someone there should be able to assure you that all is well or call you in if there are really issues. Don't be shy, that's why they are there.
Also, prepare for feelings of regret, remorse, and anger at what you've done to yourself. I have described this phase as a really bad break up with our greatest love...the abuse of food. You will mourn not being able to eat like you did before. Be assured that all those feelings pass and when you are a couple months out and a few pounds down you feel so good and you will be happy that love is over. Life is different and oh, so, much better.
Take care

1 1/2 years post op and to this day I still follow many of the skills I was taught to apply to be a mindful eating. I continue to use a small lunch plate for all my meals, I cut my pieces of meat into the size of a nickle, (so yes it is a bit bigger now) lay my fork down between each bite, chew, chew, chew again until it is almost liquid and don't drink anything during the meal. I see no reason to go back to eating bigger pieces of food.

I can respect that some people are perfectly ok with everyone knowing. I'm not. If I had a hysterectomy I wouldn't be shouting it from the rooftop either. Anyone you tell should also keep it confidential unless you are ok with them telling people. Even at that, its not their business. I have told my family and a few close friends and that's it.

Someone asked me today actually and I said "oh you know, it's not rocket science, less calories in than out!". She said "ya, I know". That was it.

I have struggles with this topic as well, so far my husband, my inlaws and a very very close friends knows. I don't feel like anyone in my family needs to know (not even my parents) because honestly i don't feel it needs to be shared with everyone without my consent and my family LOVES to talk and not in the positive way. so the less they know the better. I'm not ashamed of having the surgery I'm just naturally a very private person and if i were closer to my family i wouldn't mind sharing my journey with them at all. I think it basically boils down to your own personal situations and feeling and what works for you. I've read some pretty amazing stories on here and feel this is a great support group, I personally am more interested in talking to people who've experienced and are going through the experience of the surgery and understand what i may be feeling than trying to explain or have a conversation with someone who hasn't.

Stalls are a normal part of the weight loss phase.
As a side note, you are losing more rapidly than I ever did. It took me nearly 4 months to lose 38 pounds, but you've accomplished that in less than 2 months. You're doing well.
Good luck on your journey.

I have been stuck at 38 pounds for a week now. Sleeved 04/25 down to 217. I get 75 grams of Protein daily. Do we all go through stalls or what? I am able to eat more now and I really can tolerate everything. I am sticking to the meal plans too.

Awe wow I truly appreciate every word!!!
You are incredible too!!!!! This isn't an easy decision or journey as we know. Please know I have had my share of stalls too and they are frustrating but you have to TRUST THE PROCESS, remain committed and most of all CONSISTENT.
Haha there aren't any secrets but I've been consistent in working out 4-5 days a week for an hour. Mostly cardio (treadmill, elliptical, & stair master) up till now. Been adding weights the last couple weeks. I take my Vitamins religiously, as I've set alarms on my phone so I don't forget. I do my best to hit my daily Protein and fluid goals. Honestly I don't track them but feel pretty confident in my mindfulness with them. I hit my Fluid goals majority of days and pretty close to my protein goals most days. I try to add Protein Shakes to ensure I hit goals using the Bariatric Advantage that has double the protein. Hope this helps and remember YOU GOT THIS!!!!!!

Holy crap! You look AMAZING! I think we had surgery around the same time if I remember correctly- I was 12/6/16- and I'm still 40 pounds heavier than you are! I know I'm a really slow loser but you're incredible!!!! You go lady! Congrats on all the hard work!
Now...you have to tell your secrets like what does your program look like? How much exercise have you done, fluids, etc etc- I'm so frustrated so I'd love to learn from the old pro here

You look 15 years younger!

I just have to say, you are freaking adorable! Congrats to you! You link amazing.

Just want to inspire someone! Didn't think I would be here and happy that I'm finally at 147lbs!!! Still working and toning but grateful:)
Congrats on this decision and you are on your way to the best you too!!!

Last week was my 3-month surgiversary and as a present, the Hair loss began. To be fair, so far it looks like the kind of normal hair loss I experienced for years (natural shedding? age? malnutrition?) but ever since my surgery I have had experienced very very low levels of hair loss. I've been taking Biotin for a few months since before surgery, and using biotin-based shampoos and conditioners. I don't know if any of that helped, but I sure hope that the hair loss I seem to be experiencing doesn't last too long - I don't have a thick head of hair to begin with!

First picture was taken on Jan 3, 2017 second one was taken May 29, 2017.

Or. This is my take ;
Put that scale away til Friday (any day you choose)am for a week or two and see if that helps your head. This is a long term project. Breathe. Drink Water and eat Protein and do the best you can to move. Best to you

Did you tell your Dr? It sounds like you need Protein.< br>
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You look great

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That's awesome!

For me, it's the obvious--clothes shopping! It's fun now! And I have so many options, instead of just getting what I can find that fits.

I watched Guy's show a great deal, too.
That and BBQ Pitmasters was a favorite.
I've always enjoyed grilling.
Last June I began the bariatric process that let up to an October sleeve surgery. Let me say this and reinforce it in the most emphatic of terms.........I FREAKING LOVE WHAT MY SLEEVE HAS ENABLED ME TO DO.
I no longer watch those shows......not because I don't enjoy my food. Heck....I'm having some chicken tenders for Breakfast that I grilled last night. Delicious and also having some sharp cheddar cheese with them. Rich flavors....excellent meal.
I no longer seem to have the time to watch those shows....and my other favorites like Homeland, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, Blacklist and etc. I stay more busy now than before.
I tend to spend an hour or two each day in the gym on my days off.
Just not into sitting around and watching TV like before.
Gonna grill some killer porterhouse steaks tomorrow night and that one steak will make three meals for me.
About to make a pot of chili in a minute for my son and I to enjoy later tonight.
Going to smoke some chuck roasts next week.
Yup......you can certainly enjoy your food and drink down the road. You are in the hardest phase of it right now. That's all. liquid diet pre & post have safety components to them.....follow them to the letter. Somewhere around week 8 or so I began to fire up the coals and have fun in the kitchen again. I certainly don't sample all the stuff I make....stick to low carb, high Protein eats. If I have an adult beverage....it's no longer beer, but a high grade vodka or tequila mixed with some Ocean Spray Cranberry 5 calorie drink.
Would I have my sleeve surgery all over again ? Hell Yes I Would !!!!!!

Before, 227lbs in a size 2X coat that was tight on me.
2.5 months post sleeve, finishing off a night of swing dancing in a size L dress in the mid 160s.
The difference here isn't just the weight and size, but the fact that old me NEVER would have been doing weekly swing dancing lessons and going to social dances! I'm not only smaller, I have a genuinely better quality of life! Oh and the picture was taken by a new friend of mine who I met through a post-op support group! We do all kinds of activities together that don't revolve around food. I love it!