Keys Pirate

My favorite so far - hands down - has been one that is fairly unknown called Tight Curves. I get it at the Vitamin Shoppe (or online) and it's specially designed for women. It's not a super high Protein shake at 15g's but the carbs are low and protein absorption at one shot is only about 15 grams anyway. That said, I usually mix in a half scoop of Jay Robb whey vanilla. Still using this mix daily and not sick of it yet. Oh yeah, my favorite Tight Curves flavor is chocolate but they are all tasty. One thing I can tell you is if you get powders, don't add too much Water. That seems to be a common mistake and can really make them gross. Good luck! C

Globe, here's my experience with nuts. Simply, they have become my sleeve crack! Almonds are not my favorites but I would about crawl around on the floor searching for cashew crumbs! It's ridiculous and it stalled my weightloss for about a month until I finally admitted to myself that eating a can of "healthy" nut Snacks per day just might be a problem... So, i haven't quit cashews entirely but I only buy single 1.5 oz packs and don't keep them in my home. I have to physically leave my home and go hunt them down on the base somewhere - either in my truck, at the laundry area, in my office, in my hub's office, etc. Pretty pathetic, huh?? I'm laughing at myself reading this... Anyway, 22 nuts goes FAST as time progresses and the carbs do add up, trust me. As you know, I could give a flip about the fat. Brazil nuts are very low in carbs too and yummy. And large. Stupid cashews... Oh yeah, I also started buying deluxe mixed nuts (no peanuts) so I would be tempted by fewer cashews and more influenced by the better nuts in the bunch. Good luck. Be aware, be very, very aware... :thumbup: C

I've been up and down, on and off ppi's and neutralizers... Acid has been my one and only big battle and it continues although it seems to be lessening. I started with a Nexium per day as per Aceves rx, it ran out after 90 days, tried to go off - big mistake - went back on with otc omeperazole, generic I think - sometimes having to take it twice a day. Found a primary care doc here who wanted me off and prescribed 40 mg (a lot, most are 20) daily of famotidine which is a neutralizer that I take in the a.m. Mostly it works pretty well, combined with Gaviscon most days but sometimes I'll pop a Zantac in the late afternoon. It is getting better tho, like today, not even a whisper of burn but some days... man... I feel like I could eat the paint off the walls. Good luck! C

YAY Carrie!!!!!! It's soooo good to hear optimism from you!!!!! You will feel better and we are all here from you. I'm nowhere near Washington state but wish I was just to meet you and hang out. I hear it's a great place to be though! Good luck to you!!!! C

thinoneday you gotta let that hostility go darlin'. WildIris too, don't let it eat you up, it's just the way the world is. We don't have to accept it but certainly don't let narrow minded jerks get the better of you. There are PLENTY of men out there that either don't mind our heft or prefer it. I've been married to both and what a difference. And, oppositely, there are plenty that won't have anything but an ethiopian build hanging off of them. Just the way it is like we prefer tall over short men or vice versa. Doug is right too, fat men get plenty of predjudice aimed at them as well but it's true, men with a little extra weight can get away with a lot more than women can. Just the way it is. I've had the same kind of thoughts with my new bod and the attention I get now but... I also think that some of that attention might stem from my constant, glowing, happy smile that I never used to wear because I was mad at the world for my being fat or that I no longer am afraid to make dead on eye contact with anyone any more because I'm no longer worried that the first thing to their mind will be "fat" and then, if I'm not instantly dismissed, maybe see the deeper layers of me. I think happiness is an incredible attractant and, hopefully, that is what you are exuding more than simply being thinner. C

SO proud of you!!! Of us!! There simply are no words at how fricking great it is to have our lives back, our mobility, our flexibility, our speed, our health!!! Rock on baby!!! C

70 pounds in 7 months is doable. Don't let the very common early stalls discourage you, however, like some of us, you may not experience any at all. I was down a solid 95 pounds by 7 months - I'm almost 8 months out now and it's really coming to a standstill but I could be perfectly happy if this is where it stops as I've never weighed below 160. I'm in a size 6 and I'm 5'7" tall with ridiculous bones. I like to think I'm fairly muscular too, I ride my bike about 100 hard miles per week (worked my way up to that recently but started riding again right after surgery.) Watch the carbs, exercise, keep it honest and you'll do great! Oh, and yes, I did/do obsess about weight loss - I still weigh every day in the morning. It works for me and keeps ME honest. C

I'm in the same boat. I randomly set a goal for myself at 150, I'm tall and big boned, but figured my body was settling in around 160. Over the last week I've dropped four pounds without even trying. I've been eating around 1500 calories too, but still low carb. Go figure! Looks like I might actually hit 150 though both my husband and myself are wondering where it's going to come from! Wow!!! I'm guessing for the long term anything between 150 and 160 will be perfect for me. What a ride! C

Nope, I didn't have any doubts whatsoever. I was excited as could be to finally get off the roller coaster. I was "only" morbidly obese myself with no co-morbidities other than aches, pains, no energy, no self esteem and just generally feeling like a slug 24/7. I never had any trouble losing weight over the years when I put my mind to it, it was keeping it off that was the devil for me and I think I speak for most of us here. YOU, on the other hand, must be 100% sure that this is for you, it's major, drastic, last resort stuff. If you can tackle the situation with diet and exercise, fantastic!! Then yes, maybe you should wait a year or so and see how the diet goes. To be successful with the sleeve, you must be in the right mindset or things will be so much more difficult for you. Oh, and what we eat is by no means unnatural. What I USED to eat was very unnatural and look what it got me. I feel what I eat now is the most natural thing in the world at about 1200-1400 calories per day. This is how humans are supposed to eat, actually. Same with drinking. The first few months are tough with drinking, at least they were for me, but it's sorted itself out. I work out a lot and need to drink a lot and I do. I easily get in 100 oz per day, more on workout days. I'm a little over seven months out. You are being very responsbile voicing your concerns and maybe NOT going through with it, by the way. Good for you. Good luck whatever you decide!!! Carol

Globe, I wouldn't sweat the fat so much. If you have chosen to go lo carb, you can't be low fat easily at all, it's almost impossible, in fact, especially if you don't plan on torturing yourself with a ridiculous "diet" - what's the fun in that? I've done lo carb since pre surgery over seven months ago and have been hugely successful; 95 pounds down in six months. I never worried about fat and some days... well, I'm embarrassed to admit the count but it was over 100g's... things like steak, eggs, sausage (yum, a fairly regular staple for me), Peanut Butter (strangely not a slider for me as a tablespoon is soooo filling and soothing, even 7+ months out.) nuts, cheese, and so forth. Oh yeah, mayo, makes all that Protein so much more delicious. I'm just now thinking about switching to the low fat version of mayo just to assuage the twinge of guilt a tiny bit. :thumbup1: I'm happy to share some of what I've been eating over the last several months if you're interested. How far out are you from your surgery? I haven't been able to get by on 600 calories in many months. I'm at 1200 or so now but I do exercise alot (intense biking about 100 miles a week). Don't sweat it. Good luck! C

Hi Georgie! Thanks for the feedback. I wish I could blame it on carbs but I've been super low carb since pre-surgery, less than 40g most days. I never had problems with acid at night or even late in the day - always for most of the morning AFTER my vitamins! Don't know why I didn't make the connection sooner. Maybe I'll be able to get this last 9 pounds off afterall as with less acid/less desire to soothe with food... woo hoo!

A couple of days ago, I didn't get around to taking my handful of Vitamins (b12, multi, Iron, magnesium, potassium, Biotin, Vitamin A and calcium) until the evening, before bed. I usually take them almost first thing in the morning, around the time I have Breakfast. Well, I've been battling "acid" pretty much since day one; doubled my ppi, tried neutralizers, etc., etc., nothing working too well at all. Needless to say, I've been very frustrated by this and worried about the long term. This has really been my only "problem" since my surgery and no, I still wouldn't trade it for the world. Anyway, I had a great stomach day on Friday, did the same thing yesterday - same results - and planning the same today and, while it's too soon to call it a scientific breakthrough, I am really, REALLY excited about maybe getting the acid monkey off my back! I haven't had this calmness in my gut since before surgery - over 7 months ago! Don't get me wrong, it's been tolerable but annoying and frustrating.. So, maybe try switching your Vitamin schedule around a bit if you're in the same shoes as I am - maybe we're on to something. I hope. Carol

I basically told my husband and son that they were gonna be on their own for awhile. Not every wife can get away with that (jeez, that sounds medieval...!) but we have a pretty good relationship and my hub doesn't mind cooking. My 15 yo is pretty good at making sure he gets fed too (yep, he has the gene...). An added bonus is that we live at a scout camp so there are always 3 squares in the mess, worse case scenario. Not the best options but no one's going hungry. Now that I'm 7 months out, we pretty much eat as a family, same meals with the exception of Pasta or rice and anything high carb they might be craving and I feel like cooking. I don't mind as I usually have a few bites of something yummy leftover or easy to throw together for myself. I'm delighted how easy it is to cook things like spaghetti and not want to devour all of it, let alone any of it! Good Luck! C

Hey Mini! Oh man, I am in the exact same shoes! I have regularly been consuming 1400 calories, around 40 carbs, too much fat and my weight loss has been crap for a month or so now. I am happy where I'm at with 95 pounds lost and a size 8/10 but my goal is another 9 pounds. It just does not want to come off and I know it's my own slacker butt's fault. Like you, I can't believe I'm mad at myself for eating 1400 calories but here we are...! I am still eating well and lo carb but too many calories I guess or my bod truly has bottomed out. I'm exercising like a nut and actually just upped my routine by about 30% from 60-75 hard miles per week on the bike to 90-100... it better help! :biggrin0: My weakness has been Peanut Butter and nuts (cashews, omg!) - if I could quit that I would be well under 1000, I know... Those two things are my sleeve's crack without a doubt. Just have to quit buying them I suppose. It would be helpful if you posted some ideas of what you are eating to stay at 1000. Here's the thing for me too; my stomach is almost ALWAYS hungry! Very frustrating. Still on a ppi, gaviscon and thinking of adding a zantac back in the middle of the day. If only my stomach wasn't always talking to me... Good luck and thanks for the post! C

Howdy! Islamorada here, sleeved in January - loving every second of it so far! All I can tell ya is DO IT!!! You really won't regret it, promise!! About a surgeon - I was sleeved in Mexico by Aceves but a dear friend of mine was sleeved in March by Enrique Whitwell in Miami. We researched him extensively together. He's one of the best in the area, without a doubt. I would have gone to him myself had my insurance paid for it. I know you are in Melbourne but to me, a trip to Miami or any comparable distance would be well, well worth it for a top gun surgeon...! Cheers and Good Luck!! C

Hi, Fortunatly, Aceves patients are not told to quit green tea. I would have had a really hard time with that as I've always drunk a TON of Arizona diet. Still do. I gave up coffee and that was tough enough! Glad I did, however, for the caffeine effects. Started drinking it again about 3 weeks out. Heaven. Good luck, keep us posted on your journey!! C

Hey Anna, So, welcome to being a Sleeve Vet!! Yep, many, many things AND quantities get easier and easier to eat. It's time for us to start being even more careful. You're doing fine, chili is definitely a slider but it's not bad for you. My source of frustration with this type of meal is not how quickly it goes down but how quickly it goes through me... I am one of the ones that still gets hungry at odd times, like not long after eating (yes, still on a ppi), more so if I eat "easy" foods like chili. Nice thing is, post-sleeve, I can easily ignore it and it goes away or, if I know it's more of an acid thing, pop a couple of Gaviscon. Problem solved. I too notice different levels of restriction at different times of the day and from one day to the next. No big thing, the tummy has a mind of her own now and I am thankful for it every day, as cranky as she can be sometimes. FWIW, I'm eating about 1200 calories per day now and have been for awhile. I have recently upped the carbs just slightly from 30 max to 50 max because of exercise. I'm also cutting down on the fat which I never cared about before... The weight loss has slowed DRAMATICALLY but I know I'll get there. Tweaking the diet a bit has helped get things moving again but I think my body is settling to where it wants to be. You're doing great, keep up the good work! C ps, thanks for your sweet comments on my BMI post! You rock, sister!

Hello Kate The Great, First, everything Kansas and Yolanda said is spot on. The more you can do as far as following everything your surgeon recommends, the better your odds. Second, you must go into this with a positive attitude!! This is soooo important, not just to prevent dying but for the entire journey. This was my third surgery (cesarean, parotidectomy prior) and one of my most vivid memories about this one was grinning from ear to ear when they finally came to wheel me in. I was so sure and committed to this... and happy! My husband was near tears, however, and still thinks I'm a freak for the delight I was expressing. Once I made the decision, I couldn't get on the operating table fast enough! Third, you are not going to die... but... always a but and it's wise to be smart about it... get a will, get a living will, buy life insurance or more life insurance if you already have some. It's cheap, relatively speaking, even for fat people. You can always cancel it later. I did all three because, even though I may have died doing something I wanted to do, it seemed like a great excuse to totally set my family up if I did go. Good luck, you're going to do great!!! C

Whooppeee!!! Yahooo!!!!! It's official! As of today, I'm Normal (whatever that really means!). At 159#, my BMI is 24.9 - barely normal but I sure don't feel fat anymore! I never thought I had so many bones!!! I haven't hit my "official" goal of 150# - YET but it's coming, without a doubt. I've lost 95 pounds total since my VSG on Jan 25, just over six months!!! Only 9 more to go! Woo! by far, the best decision I've ever made for myself. Not only was this the easiest weight ever lost for me (of several hundred over the years) but I am unbelievably optimistic about the future and keeping it under control. Life is fantastic!!! If you're on the fence about this procedure, all I can say is Run, Don't Walk!!! Do It, you WON'T regret it, I promise!!! Last but not least, thanks to all of you guys on this board for your support and information, what a fantastic resource we are to one another. Yay!!! C

I've made my own version of her "bites" several times. I say my own version because they are so versatile and you can make them with pretty much whatever you have on hand. Personally, I get the impression she watches carbs pretty closely for someone in maintenance; everything is sugar free and there are lots of substitutions for recipes that would normally call for high carb ingredients. I think I read one of her blog days where she stated that she is still very conscientious about "white"carbs and won't touch em still... Love the bites and as an added bonus, they freeze well. Cheers, C

Hi Megan, I'm in almost the same shoes. I have lost 93 pounds and wow has the loss slowed! Like I hit a brick wall. I too started with close to your numbers; 254 and now 161. I'm 5'7". My goal is 150 but it might be awhile at this rate! That said, I'm pretty happy where I'm at but I refuse to give up and it is still coming off just verrrrry slowly - less than a pound a week (or less) now. I am in a sz 8, however, so I'm happy about the clothes situation. In fact, I'm more determined than ever to get at least to a normal BMI (159) - only 2 pounds to go...! I have been watching carbs but that seems to not be working so well anymore even though I have been religious about staying at or less than 30 per day. I think it's the exercise; the hub and I ride our bikes like maniacs 70+ miles per week. Recently I upped my carbs to about 50-60 (good carbs, veg, etc., still won't touch bread, white stuff) and have started watching the fat which has been over 100 for the most part... Things seem to be moving ever so slightly again. The bad news is; I think you are going to have to work harder now more than ever if you want to reach goal. What are you doing for exercise? I know you are aware of your calorie count but what does it consist of? I use myfitnesspal.com religiously - it's an eye opener and keeps me honest without a doubt. I'm up to about 1200 calories a day too, sometimes more - this is why I've started watching the fat a little closer while upping the carbs a bit. I need the energy. btw, I too have been dealing with hunger from the beginning and still do. I tried to get off my ppi a couple of months ago and got back on... grrr! Good luck and feel free to PM me if you want to talk more. C

I dream all of the time. I dream about all kinds of things, mostly nice dreams, not too exciting stuff. I enjoy my dreams, remember many of them and really look forward to what's next on most nights. I used to have many, many food dreams - about actually eating yummy stuff... night before last, however, was a particular landmark to me, some kind of turning point, for sure. I actually dreamt "skinny". I was going to go to a restaurant with a girlfriend and she was hesitant because it was pretty fattening. I said we would just share something small, don't worry. WOW?!! ME?! And then, I proceeded to flaunt around in public in this ridculous chemise with black stockings and tall black pumps. SO ToTaLLY not my dream patterns!! I woke up just smiling but then the signifigance of where my head might finally be started to really hit home! I think I might have truly turned a mental corner in this incredible, food obsessed journey! WOW! Just wanted to share, have a great day folks!! C

Well, I voted "moderate" but it's still falling out like crazy. I had thin hair to start... I am worried and hope like heck that it stops soon... eew, creepy bald woman... My husband and I were watching Shutter Island the other night and they showed that nearly bald freaky woman in the beginning - I'm like "look honey, there's my hair!" only half joking!! It's worth it so far tho - hats and pony tails are my friend. It's probably not as bad as I think it is either...

Highest 280 Surgery 254 Today 165 Goal 150 ( I think! ) Loss is definitely slowing down but I am thrilled with where I am now - size 8/10 and feeling FANTASTIC! I can't remember ever weighing 150 so I don't know if that is even a good weight for me. Normal BMI is 159 - only 6 pounds away! I was hoping to make goal by the end of July but it's not happening. I think my body is getting close to bottoming out which is fine. Still losing but not nearly as quickly as before - a pound or two per week. I'm good with it tho! I seem to be needing more food - not so much craving but just feeling like I need more. I think my body is finding the point of slow loss/maintenance now. The nice thing is the food I need/crave is good stuff; berries, nuts, peanut butter (of all things), cheeses, meats, avo, seafood, it's all good. NO cravings/needs at ALL for crap - sweets, white starches, etc. What a ride this has been! I am so happy that I did this!!!!!! Congrats to us all!!! C

I think we all go through this thought process. Myself included, but not too often. I take/took (almost to goal) comfort in knowing I have never heard of anyone fail with the sleeve. Hang in there, chin up, it's going to work, unless you totally sabotage yourself, there is no option but for it to work. Smile! C