Malaika

Although some thought it sounded gross and others really liked it -- I blended cottage cheese and an egg with just a smidgen of mayo when I was on full/mushies -- added a touch of pepper and it gave me a lot of protein and a different taste - I couldn't do (and still can't do) the protein drinks - they are way way too sweet for me still 2 months out. Egg drop soup with tofu is really good too - I posted that recipe as well.

I was the same way -- I had much more energy once I was able to start eating better (dealing with the spasms) and even more when I started taking Vitamins - hang in there - it does get better!

Looking good Bob --- keep up the good work. Ange - do not encourage him -- you know that the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys -- they may get older but they don't grow up and still find the pulling the finger gig hilarious at 60 .. :confused1:

Welcome GMS - sorry you feel you are taking the easy way out because TRUST ME you are not - this is not the "magic pill" that is going to make you thin -- the sleeve is nothing more than a dietary tool to help you get the weight off and, more importantly, keep it off. If you are thinking this is a quick-fix and you're taking the easy way out - you'd better do some more research. I am 2 months out and have lost 35 lbs. -- however, it hasn't been easy - however, I am willing to do the hard work to get the weight off and to keep it off - I can lose the weight on any diet -- however, keeping it off is another story. Don't beat yourself up about taking the easy way out ... major surgery, having the majority of your stomach removed is definitely not, IMO, the easy way out.

Daisy - it's not the pictures you need to worry about - it's giving out too much information about yourself -- what the hell can be done with a picture -- especially since none of your's are even riske -- now if they were nude photos I could see where your concern lies; however, just regular ole photos no one is going to want -- now if you decide to put your photo and all your personal information - ie SSN and DOB, well then, yeah, you'd probably be a victim of theft identity - but there is absolutely no harm in posting a photo or two of yourself - especially on this site or Facebook ... you worry TOO MUCH about inconsequential matters ... however, I respect your feelings and they are your photos, so what you do with them is up to you. You really should post at least ONE on here so people can see how GREAT you looked after your mini-makeover!

You two are too nice ... we enjoyed the weekend alot and it's always nice to have company ... you didn't mention having to put up with the dogs ... poor Ruthi had to share her "bed" with 3 dogs! Glad you both had a great time!

maybe we should close this thread out?

Yes, it would work as a thin liquid. I don't even like malt-o-meal and I'm on solids and it still sounds good! LOL

No Jenn, you are not the only one who has done this - it's all a learning process and it takes time -- I'm 2 months out and still learning -- don't beat yourself up and don't worry about a leak from throwing up -- Bearded threw up several times a day while in the hospital and Dr. Aceves and Campos were not stressed out about causing a leak -- I think it has to be something pretty significant to cause the sutures and staple lines to split and cause a leak - I believe it's a lot stronger than what we think - so quit worrying about a leak. Dr. Aceves told me to put my fork down between EVERY bite and chew until it was nearly liquid ... you might try it - concentrate on putting the fork out of your hand. See if that helps some.

Mine doesn't seem to do that thank goodness. Trust me, no one would want to see me in a bikini!

I would agree with you Mac -- I am just now (2 months out) starting to experiment with non-mushies.

I have a tankini - it's a two-piece but the tummy area is covered!

LAN2K -- I have heard and been told by 2 surgeons that the open gallbladder surgery is one of the worst surgeries - i.e. painful and recovery wise that you can have. And, having been there when Bearded had his hernia repaired, I believe that, too, is a painful surgery ... so I don't think you have a low threshold for pain. HOpefully the sleeve will be an easy surgery for you and that they will repair your hiatal hernia while they're in there -- Dr. Aceves repaired mine for me while I was under.

That's great -- and I agree with your PCP - Dr. Aceves rocks! My PCP was very supportive as well (perhaps because he is also from a foreign country?)

I'll use anything but aspartame. I prefer Stevia, Splenda, Sugartwin and Sweet-n-Low in that order. Glad that most restaurants now carry Splenda.

If I overeat - one of two things happens -- I get that "stuffed feeling" like when you eat too much at Thanksgiving or I get the stuck feeling and feel as though I have to puke - and sometimes it happens. I wouldn't suggest going there just to see what it feels like, although Dr. Aceves says everyone will do it on a few occasions as it is the only way they will know what "full" feels like.

Awesome Helen - big CONGRATS to you ... keeping throwing those stones away (just not at any glass houses) :smile1:

Haven't been on here for a few days - am sure your surgery went great and you are on the road to recovery. Let us know how you are doing when you can. Say hello to Dr. Aceves and his team!

Great idea - I love Sam's chicken!

You didn't seem to notice when you were scrafing down the lobster Thursday night at Joe's! LOL

Welcome to our family Tubby2 - Dr. Aceves performed my surgery. It is unlikely you will hear from Elisabethsew - she resigned her position as administrator and no longer posts on this site. I believe, however, that Dr. Aceves also performed her surgery. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask - there will no doubt be someone who has answers.

The day after surgery is Day 1 for counting purposes - the day you get to put something in your new stomach - like that lovely blue dyed apple juice!

That is how Dr. Aceves is -- if there is something he sees while he is in there that needs to be "fixed" he does it so you don't have to go through another surgery and since he's already in there it doesn't "cost" him any more - except in time - and he doesn't book his surgeries every 15 minutes -- basically he says - You go 1st, you go 2nd, etc. ... with no time periods set. He repaired my hiatal hernia while he was in there. If my gallbladder had looked sick/bad, he would have removed it as well. Same for your appendix. Susan did get a lot of "bang for her buck" out of Dr. Aceves' concern for his patients' well-being. He uses both a spinal and a local to help control pain.

You are in our thoughts and prayers Alisia - congratulations - you've had a long, hard road in getting to this point - I am so happy for you that you stuck with it. Keep us posted how you're doing when you can. God Bless.

This is what Dr. Aceves recommends during the liquid stages Day 1 thru 5 ( clear liquids Only ) Fruit Juice ( apple, grape, cranberry ) Propel Broth Jello-O Water Tea Protein Water by Kellogg?s Water popsicles Clear protein drinks only ( example Isopure, Unjury ) Day 6-10 ( thin liquids ) All of the above and: Natural Vegetable Juices ( example Carrot, V-8 juice ) Protein drinks mixed with water ( example Matrix ) Whey Nectar Protein Mix Day 11 thru 20 ( full liquids ) Cream soups Yogurt Jello-O Boiled pureed fruit ( example apple, pear) applesauce Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Low fat milk 1 or 2% Water, Propel, tea Soy beverages Sugar free pudding Protein shakes and protein powders mixed with milk