MTL

I'm a chef so I cook & bake everything from scratch, following a Paleo lifestyle which includes no sugars/no white flours, etc. I make scones, which are similar to English Muffins or bagels: usually any fastfood breakfast item is on an English Muffin, if that helps.

Go to your surgeon, just to ensure you're fine/or not & be honest about your concerns/pain, etc. I still get spasms at 4 mos out & it helps that my nutritionist (one of 3 free ongoing monthly group support seminars offered by my surgeon) said, "Your stomach's the size of an egg, make a sunnyside up egg so you can see what you can hold. Eat slowly & chew like crazy, don't drink anything for 30 min before/after. Cut your food into sm bites, arrange the bites into the Alphabet, starting w 'A' & take a bite once you've made that letter. Then arrange the next bites into 'B' and so forth. Do this w every meal." I can only handle about 3 baby forks of regular foods & I still can't eat meats (they come right back up), but I can eat eggs, NF/SF: cheeses, cottage cheese & Greek yogurts, and fish (a few bites of each), in addition to the broths, popsicles, fudgesicles, creamsicles, puddings & jellos. I've eaten 2 bites of an English muffin, a slice of cooked bacon & 2 sausages (at separate times, w my egg). Since I tend to still inhale my food, I find that I'm my own worst enemy (self-sabotage) and I'm seeing a therapist to deal w my body dysmorphic & eating issues. I make myself shrimp fetticcine & eat 3 bites on a baby fork (also use a baby spoon). I'm a foodie & chef so I make everything fresh. I make soups/broths, but still can't eat French Onion, Chicken, Veggie, etc. soups (just made myself some, but will try again at 6 mos out). Going to get an avocado & hope I can eat a little bit. Sm victories like eating a few bites of an avocado, are so important. I'm still getting my 3 90 gms shakes in daily, because I'm learning to eat correctly & need the protein. I do get in at least 80 oz of liquids daily, aside from my shakes. As long as you check in w your surgeon/nutritionist to ensure you're doing everything correctly, don't worry about what you can't eat, but focus on what you can eat & be gently and loving to yourself at all times. I've been exercising since the day of surgery and if walking is good for you, do that & enjoy your own journey. I got a flu shot, came down w the flu, so haven't done much for almost a week but walk my dogs! When I feel well, I'll get my 2.5 ml walks in. Please forget about comparing yourself to anyone else on their own journeys: what I've learned is to just get support here on these forums as everyone else is following their own individual paths to health & wellness. Namaste.

Love this idea & congregations! Sent from my U673C using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 4 mos post-op & almost 75 lbs down. Do yourselves a favor & make an egg Sunnyside up: it's the size of our stomachs post-sleeve. With this visual, I found I have full understanding of exactly why we must take small bites, chew madly & swallow, breath & rest, and then take the next bite, etc. Our joy comes from the certainty that although our journeys are all different, we will lose significant weight having taken the steps to be healthy. I feel humble, happy & healthy as I continue to follow the protocols my surgeon & nutrionist post-op. Hope you all feel the same way, so continue to be excited & take great care of yourselves.

I'm 4 mos post-op gastric sleeve & you do get hungry. I've learned from my nutritionist it's better for us to start our day off with broth, then go to the protein shake, drink H20/ NS/NF Crystal Light (Walmart's Great Value is the same but costs less & you get more packets), puddings, jellos, and popsicles/fudgesicles/creamsicles. Then repeat the process. When you're advised, you can begin to add in an egg, cheeses, etc. I've lost 55 lbs. Also learned that we don't need fruits/veggies as much as we do protein. I've got 50 more pounds to lose. Good luck, this isn't easy; however, it's so simple to just follow the directions & eat right. I've got a psychologist to help me with my emotional eating issues/body dysmorphia. I keep a food journal, not times, just what goes in my mouth & if it stay put or not.

Congrats! You look lovely. What an amazing transformation. Tell us how you stayed committed, please, to your weight loss journey. Any wisdom you want to share is welcome. Big "high five" & hugs. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

Lots of liquids. I've included a 1/2 cup of warm Organic Smooth Move Tea when I felt constipated (in the Coffee/Tea section aisle) which I sweeten with a little bit of stevia/truvia. Found Walmart's Great Value brand drinks which are comparable in every way to Crystal Light, but half the cost & you get more, bc H20 is still hard for me to keep down 3.5 mos post-op. Good luck with your weight loss journey. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

I forgot to mention learning our stomach's the size of an egg has been a great visual for me to get my portions of protein in & to have them stay down. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm still drinking my 90 grams of protein daily, but add proteins in baby-sized bites & chew like crazy. Learning to slow down has been the bane of my existence, but 3.5 mos post-op & over 60 lbs lost, I've mastered this. I'm losing 3-4 lbs weekly, but have been exercising since surgery, beginning with just walking. I did have one of my hernias repaired during my gastric sleeve surgery & I'm so happy to not need any of my Rx's for GERD/Acid Reflux since surgery.Thanks for your post. I'm going to the nutritionist/nutritional support group tomorrow, so if I learn anything more, I'll share. Namaste. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes! I use Sally Beauty's leave in & also use their hydrating hair mask. I take Biotin & Omega 3 Fish Oil, as well as the bariatric chewable multi vitamin & The Calcium Citrate Chewy Bite. My hair's thick & curly, stylists say nuclear, which means I can do pretty much anything/everything to it & it is beautiful (everyone comments & complements on it which is so sweet) so I also warm a 1/2 cup of organic coconut oil & put it on once weekly (overnight) starting from the ends up to the roots. Both my sisters are cosmetologists, now working in other fields, so anytime I've got a q, I get the straight scoop from them (they trained me to do their hair, since I'm an artist, but now I live in a different state & they miss me a lot). My hair's thinned out since surgery, but not in a bad way as far as I'm concerned. I thank God for this & everything. Lastly, I go to the 3 support groups my surgeon offers for free every month: psychologist to deal with food issues, nutrition/nutritionist & bariatric support for post-op patients with him & his partner. Tomorrow's nutrition, so if I learn anything, I'll tell ya. For example, I live in Las Vegas, NV which is hotter than hell, but after losing over 60 lbs in the past 3.5 mos, I'm always cold (except when I'm exercising). Hope my reply helps. Namaste. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

We're now susceptible to malnutrition since our stomach's the size of an egg. I agree with the other posts, but also include Biotin & Omega 3 Fish Oil. I keep thinking "Just do it" using the Nike slogan to help me stay on track. Being here, posting replies/talking about my own issues, has been a Godsend. I'm not alone, the sun rises/sets without my doing & I learn from others as we collectively share our healthy weight loss journeys. Good for you for starting this discussion: it helps everyone. Namaste. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm a cruncher-type person: overcoming being an emotional eater. Your post really hit home. I walk my Italian Cane Corso Mastiff puppy (1 yr, 150 lbs, named Khan) 2.5 miles every evening to our favorite barkpark. I follow him around the park & walk home when he's had his fill of running & playing. This helps me & we go straight home to the pool & jacuzzi. Usually, I'm sweating bullets so this cools me off. Since I was a competing multi-sport athlete once upon a time, I've increased my daily exercises which is getting easier since I've lost over 60 lbs & my surgeon's given me the A-ok to do whatever I want at my 3 mos post-op. For me, rediscovering things I'm passionate about but put away as my health appeared to head in a downward spiral, has helped me focus on getting out of my comfort zone (ie staying home alone). Anything I feel afraid to do or retry, I just do & affirm I can do what I love, what I'm interested in. I sold off all my musical instruments, music books, vocal materials, etc at least 7 yrs ago, packed my writing & art materials/supplies away: now I'm bringing these all back. I'm looking into finishing my education by completing my Ph.D. Figured taking baby steps & savoring every day/everything is the way to proceed. Lastly, just caught/rescued/adopted a frightened abandoned young puppy that tenants left out/behind, so now she's walking with Khan & I with her tail wagging happily. I do attend the support groups my surgeon's office offers for free: a psychologist to help for eating disorders/whatever else, nutrition/all about the changes we're going through & weight loss support for all bariatric surgical patients (post-op). I asked for & rec'd recommendations for a personal therapist, which I'm beginning next week. I have questions that I need help answering & I don't want to self sabotage on this huge journey to wellness. Hope my reply helps anyone to continue taking the steps forward on your own healthy journeys. Namaste. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

I get the frustration & your feelings Queen Tiff. I'm 3mos post op. I went to Walmart & got all their Great Value drink mix flavors, which are exactly like Crystal Light but they cost less & you get more. I have Fudgsicles, Creamsicles & Popsicles, which maybe have 5 gms of sugar at most. I learned it's better to begin the day with broth & then have your protein shake. I have SF/NF puddings & jellos. I flavor my shakes w the flavored drinks, jellos & puddings. I consistently drink my flavored drinks daily to ensure I'm getting 90 oz daily. I've lost 55lbs. I walk 2.5 miles or more every day & evening. We all get discouraged, you're not alone. I can eat an egg, putting a little cheese in it to make an omelet. Our stomachs are the size of an egg. I want to inhale it, but have learned to eat w a baby spoon/fork & make that sucker last so it doesn't come back up. I have had Wor Wonton soup, but only get the shrimp in it & not the chicken or pork. It lasts a few days, but it's so good. I make shrimp w broccoli & I buy the Jumbo shrimp & cook it all in chicken broth. I can eat 3 Jumbo shrimps now. I can eat a half of a chicken drumstick, which I bake. I'm a chef & know how to season food & how to pair proteins & veggies. I make a great spinach tomato Florentine soup. I can't tolerate much dairy, but can have it if it's NF. Hope my post helps you, I assure you you're not alone & am glad you began this dialog. You're going to be so happy w yourself when you get rid of your fat clothes bc they slide off you. I'm a roomy size 8 & I still have more weight & inches to lose. Be proud of your healthy weight loss journey & know that you will be able to eat foods you love again. MT Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 3 mos out & have the ok to knock myself off w any exercise regimen. I was walking from shortly after surgery, was given the approval to begin teaching H20 Aerobics 2 wks post-op, as well as riding my recumbent bike & using the treadmill. At 4 wks post-op, I began walking 2.5 miles daily & was ok'd to start Yoga & use my Pilates Reformer. I suddenly didn't want to exercise around 5 wks post-op, but just kept at it so I'd feel better emotionally. The physical transformation has been so noticeable to everyone who sees me, but for me, it's been the ability to go from ex-large to size 8 in these 3 mos, not needing any diabetic, high BP, high cholesterol & acid reflux meds: was off these immediately post-op. Knowing our stomach's are the size of an egg helps me from putting too much into my bites (using a baby-sized spoon & fork). Congrats to all on choosing health & loving ourselves. I'm having a grouchy emotional week, so am meditating/praying & being thankful for all my blessings.

Just had my 3 mos post-op. I have a hard time slowing down also, but since our stomach's the size of an egg, it's much better for us to take baby-sized bites over a 30 min period. For me, if I eat too fast, it all comes back up, which isn't fun. I use the ABC's method: put your food on your plate, cut it into baby-sized bites one at a time, then start w the letter A as you swallow your chewed up first bite. Form the A with the rest of your food. Afterwards, cut a bite off the A, then chew & swallow. Continue to form another ABC until you've reached your food limit and exhausted the ABC's. Playing w my food is new to me, but if that's what it takes to get me where I want to be, it's great for me. I actually use a baby spoon & fork to help me on this different but healthy weightloss journey. Getting 90 gms of protein, drinking over 64 oz of fluids, and exercise are our daily goals, as well as being loving & forgiving of ourselves.

My fiancée just bought us a barely used BowFlex! I had been thinking of joining a gym, but with my walking, our home gym equipment including Pilates Reformer & Yoga, teaching H20 aerobics M-F, the addition of the BowFlex is perfect! I have my big 3 mos weigh-in next week & I feel pretty proud of what I've been able to accomplish w exercise & weightloss. I found a therapist who was recommended by my surgeon's office & am looking forward to this appointment. The hardest thing for me is that I'm both a recovering overachiever & perfectionist: so I need the daily/hourly positive reinforcement of self-talk & affirmations from prayers/meditations I take time to do 2x's daily. Being a gifted psychic one might think I know God wants us all to love & cherish our bodies & not judge ourselves (or others) so we don't break down due to illnesses caused from being overweight, not able to exercise, etc. ; however, translating that after having 23 surgeries since Jan. 2001, left me depressed, anxious, etc. because I judged myself on the before me who was a competing multisport athlete. I'm most proud of the facts that I don't rely upon all the diabetes, high cholesterol, high BP & acid reflux Rx's post-op. I want to fly, but know I must walk first & that means making my health my priority just like many of you have/are also doing. It feels so awesome to have lost the equivalent of two turkeys & to exercise daily. I so appreciate all who've been posting here, bc I'm learning so much from you all. Thank you & God bless on your continued successes.

I'm living proof that walking is just wonderful for anyone. I'm wearing a loose fitting size 8 as of this week! My sports bras need to be replaced, and I see the inches melting off. I would maybe go to a gym, but have my own here, so I'd be going solely for the purposes of getting a personal trainer & to stay committed to my journey. I think finding g what makes you feel happy doing is the key.

I've been walking since right after surgery. I walk 2.5 miles in the am & pm, plus I take my big ol' Italian Cane Corso puppy w me, so we walk in the dog parks w each walk. I teach H20 aerobics daily. Now that I've lost over 40 lbs, I'm adding my Pilates Reformer, Yoga & weights since we have a home gym. Will warm up w 10 min on recumbent bike & treadmill.

You look so beautiful & what an amazing journey of self-love. I'm seeing a psychologist to deal w my depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, panic attacks, PTSD, food & body dysmorphic issues, along w feeling scared now that I'm a roomy size 8. It scares me to have people staring & commenting on how beautiful I am, which has always been an issue for me since I was a model. Even when I weighed 98 lbs, I saw myself fat & ugly. It has to do w the abuse/neglect/incest from early childhood, so I'm addressing these all through my therapist, daily meditations & exercise. My nutritionist asked me not to get angry at myself when I slip & sneak food or don't exercise which are self-sabotaging behaviors, but to look at the root problems in the present moment & love myself. She asked me to slip in warm broth or a chilled homemade soup before I sneak crapola: made perfect since to me! Following her advice, I'm not so ready to sneak after modifying my behavior. If need cosmetic surgery, I'll do it & fully applaud anyone for loving themselves so much that they help the outside you to mesh with the inside you. The biggest hurdle has been met: I'm not on any medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol & acid reflux since having my hiatal hernia repaired & my gastric sleeve 5/24/17. This particular forum has helped me keep thinking positively about myself & learn that I'm so not the only one struggling. Thank you so much for your post Dashofpixiedust8 & everyone here, love you to infinity.

I also add a 1/2 scoop of powdered Bakers Chocolate to my shakes: it's SF/NF & love the SF Davinci flavored syrups. I make homemade broths & soups. I'm on a Tomato Florentine kick bc you can have it hot or cold. It helps that I'm also a chef so I know the how/what of ingredients. My nutritionist said the liquids all count so this helps me & w chopped spinach & other veggies I get that chew sensation in, which is something I need. I make a Chinese wor wonton soup deconstructed & it's a lifesaver. I do the SF jellos, puddings & popsicles, too. What I learned was to drink my warmed broth first, before anything else in the morning from my nutritionist. I tried broccoli flavored w parm cheese, but it's too much for me presently.

Yep, any weightloss is a check in the win column!

Yes Bunny! Thx. I feel much better. Just having you talk w me about it helped me recover a better mindset, but following through w my nutritionist & seeking therapeutic intervention, as well as going to the three support meetings ea month is key to my success. MT

Thx. You nailed it for me. Right after I posted, I emailed my surgeon's nutritionist telling her what I was doing & asked for help. I then called for a psychologist referral. Next I shared my same story with 2 other people face to face & on the phone. It's back to basics for me: by drinking 3 shakes daily, I get the protein needed & don't need to veer off with other food choices that I can't handle presently. I'm also going to my surgeon's 3 different support groups this month where I can get the help I need to start making the right food choices for my nutritional needs. I know, just like you, that my journey is about living a healthy lifestyle & I won't waste my time living otherwise. I fully appreciate your insightful answers. Sent from my SCH-I545 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm making wrong food choices 2 mos post-op! I've lost over 30 lbs, but started "sneaking" food rather than just following my 60 gm protein shakes & 30 gm from food. I have cravings, which I thought were going to vanish. Anyone else dealing w this issue? Or how about giving me some advice that has helped you? I don't volunteer that I've had my surgery to many people, since I'm super private, but I've shared w people who know I had major medical issues & now don't have to take the Rx's since the diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol are in my past post-op. Thank you all.

I hope this helps you. My surgery was 5/24/17 & I've lost 31 lbs. I'm a diabetic, but haven't needed my diabetic insulin or multiple Rx's since surgery. My endocrinologist says I'm doing great. I've been sticking to the 60 gm protein shakes 2x's daily & have added homemade soups & broths. I'm allergic to dairy, but can add NF dry milk to my cream soups & veggies (ie. I just made tomato & spinach Florentine). NF cottage cheese is ok also, as well as a scrambled egg. I'm going to try Shrimp w broccoli or asparagus now. No pastas, breads, rice: my nutritionist & surgeon said keep away from these carbohydrates until your weightloss goal has been achieved. I do drink well over 64 oz of Walmart's Great Value SF drink mixes which are comparable to Cyrstal Lite but you get more for a lot less. I have SF popsicles/creamsicles/fudgesicles, also. I've been walking since the day of surgery, use the treadmill/recumbent bike/exercise machines at our gym & teach H20 aerobics M-F 2x's daily (since 6 wks from surgery). I'm adding Pilates Reformer & Yoga this week. All of this has my surgeon's approval. Keep in mind this is your journey & don't get discouraged. Definitely ask your surgeon/the weightloss team what you can do to lose your weight. MT