Keys Pirate

I'm with ya, sister. Not only do I still (sometimes) serve up more than I darn well know I can eat, but I have some pretty rough days thinking - ok obsessing - about food. Like yourself, I am delighted with my sleeve but wondering when I'm going to quit thinking like a fat girl...! I posted a few days ago a thread about the same kinda thing titled In Kinda of a Funny Place on the Journey... got some good replies - it's 2 or 3 pages deep if you want to look at it. Hang in there, we're rockin!! C

Ditto, but I started drinking coffee 2-3 weeks out, just my morning blast, and it was heaven. No ill effects. I use splenda and powdered creamer. Remember, coffee too has a stupid carb in it for every six ounces if you're counting... argh! So does creamer and splenda for that matter! I'm not much of a plain Water drinker either but should buy stock in Lipton and Crystal Light powders...! Good luck! C

Welcome and good luck. I try to keep my absolute max at 30; 20 - 25 keeps me much happier, however. Not very many but it sure works and it's sooo much easier with a sleeve! C

OMG Tiff! That is a hilarious photo!! I am so proud of you!!! What a happy Mother's Day, huh?! C

Hi Guys, I love you all so much! I can't believe what a bummer/foodie day I was having yesterday; today was unbelieveably better and most days really are good. I love my sleeve! Miss Tiff; thanks for the recipes, take your time, send them when you can. I have a slow cooker (greatest thing ever) but no Foreman. We do have a regular grill on the boat, however, that we use a lot! If you think the Foreman is that great, I'll go get one! Getting away from skillets is verrrry appealing... I'm serious about you writing a book; you could do the first volume (heehee) based on compilations from this board and your journey, easily. I've done some editing over the years and would love to help. A blog is good for day to day stuff but you have so much talent that you could create a book of the first of it's kind. I firmly believe this surgery is going to TAKE OFF in popularity with the way the American culture is evolving and a resource like you to thousands rather than dozens would be invaluable. Oregon Daisy, thanks for the snack tips! yummy stuff there! I live on string cheese and other types of cheese, no crackers as of yet. Beef Jerky, check. Thinking about making my own since it's a. so expensive and b. has hidden carbs if you're not careful. The Protein bars I've stayed away from so far because of carbs. I don't know if I would have the restraint to only eat one, especially if they are like Kit Kats! I think it's safe to move back towards greek yogurt but I've never been a huge fan of yogurt, I can zing it up a little, however. Apple and pb, yum. I eat a small spoonful of pb now and then - totally hits the spot. I like it a lot on celery too, maybe with a raisin or two. Will definitely check out the dusted almonds, super yum! Now why can't pecan pralines be good for us?!!!! Hathery; I promise it's really not that bad - I definitely don't feel anger or resentment; the whole ball game is REALLY different than pre-op - it's hard to explain but most of us are truly content with a very small amount of food. I am too but I have my days, for sure. You will be able to eat until you're stuffed but with so very much less! It's a good thing, I have no regrets whatsoever, but it definitely is an adjustment. Wannalise; Amen sister! Have a great weekend kids and thanks again!! C

WOW!!! That is one of the greatest NSV's I've seen on this board!! I would not be able to keep that one quiet either!! Wow!! Congrats, you! You have a great kid. C

well, there are two sides to this stage; some don't worry about carbs, etc., in the mushy stage because quantity is so small. Others watch carbs right from the start, myself included. You might not want to be so black and white about carbs but I think you're setting a bad precedent by already getting into pop tarts if you want to lose as much as possible as quickly as possible... Pizza topping is probably a bit much for your baby stomach; cheese is hard to digest as is meat but it is low carb. You're going to have PLENTY of time to eat regular foods; just try and be patient and mushies/liquids will be a fuzzy, distant memory. Good luck and welcome aboard!

You guys are my heroes! I know yesterday was a particularly off day but I have more food obsessed days than I like. Funny thing is, I'm not particularly craving carbs, I like my Protein, I am being ridiculously strict with myself about keeping my carbs under 30g per day. The obsessing thing is kinda like the not-so-old days of "hmmm... what's for breakfast? hmmmm... now that I'm eating breakfast I wonder whats for lunch...??" Good grief! I want that to stop! Even more ridiculous is when I sit down with a nice plate of protein it's not even that big of a deal now that it's in front of me. I eat my few bites and get on with it for the most part. It's almost anticlimatic when I actually do eat. :thumbup: I should mention too that I live where I work (Boy Scout Camp) so there are three squares served almost every day; not always exactly healthy food but I can usually dig out some protein of some sort. HEARTONMYSLEEVE; yeah, I think some burning, for those of us that have it is just inevitable. I switched from Nexium after 3 months to Prevacid (scrip vs otc, same med for the most part) and it just happens. Seems to be more particular after I drink but mostly just for a minute or two. Seems like a long minute or two tho! Listen to your bod to hear what it's really telling you. I'm hoping to get off the ppi and maybe ease onto Zantac for awhile. I don't like taking meds for anything I don't absolutely have to. Good luck. Goodlife; You always make me grin, I love your posts darlin! We ride everyother day, 20 miles; so I figure that's 70 splitting the diff on the odd day. It really is working miracles on my bod but slowing down the weight loss somewhat... As many things as I want to do (kiteboarding is in the top 3) I just don't have the time for any new hobbies; I forgot to mention that I have a 15 yo son that is a handful in school and has his own hobbies that suck me in (all good, of course) and that we own a large sailboat that takes any extra time we have as we are getting her ready to take off shore long term... :scared0: Tiffy Darling: What WOULD we do without you??? You better never leave this board, ya hear?! I think you hit the nail on the head with trying to now live normally without being able to live normally. It's tough! And confusing! I have come to know when I am truly hungry vs. head hunger/acid hunger; it's a much less obnoxious feeling then either of the latter, that's for sure! My calories are staying under 1000 for the very most part (8-900) and I have found that when I occasionally "trick" my metabolism by kicking it up to 1000 and adding another 5 carbs or so combined with skipping a ride for two days instead of one, that I drop a solid pound and a half or two pounds after the next ride. Go figure. I can only bring myself to slack off like that about once a month, however. I think my calories are in a good place, along with the carbs. I'm like you in that I'm not a marathon dieter, I want to get this overwith and then figure out the maintenance phase when it comes. That said, if I am having a raging craving for something, I'll take a bite. The nice thing is, I'm happy with a bite, I really am! No more need to eat the whole damn cake anymore. Hallelujah! I love to cook too and should try and get back into it like I used to be; it's a time thing mostly now, though. Do you have any of your recipes posted in a bunch anywhere? I've seen a few that you've posted and they sound yummy! Someone mentioned you should write a guide not so long ago, I second that but I think a book would be more like it...! Something like What To Expect When You're Having a VSG... lol I remember your gallbladder nightmare and what you just wrote to me yesterday was a smack in the head. I have noticed that when I eat something really fatty, particularly dairy based (lobster bisque specifically) I get sick too - terrible cramps and then, the next day... there better be a toilet nearby... No more bisque for me, at least not now and and I really thinking about the fats now too; I really hope my GB doesn't crap out on me... thanks for the wakeup call. It's really tough to do low fat/low carb, however, it seems like it's one or the other. I think I'm just going to be more aware until I reach goal and then ease away from so much fat and add in a few carbs. That's a ways away, however. Thanks so much Tiff for your undying support to me and everyone on this board. Caro - thanks for your comments and congrats on your weight loss! 90 pounds is amazing, without a doubt. I'm sorry to hear you're having similar issues; thank God for restriction, eh? I'm going to Amazon now to buy the book; sounds like a keeper and I LOVE to read. I've thought about therapy but I don't think I'm that far out of line and I really would like to be able to deal with this mostly on my own. I loved your comment about being aware of the behavior now and making a plan, you are so right. Anything I can do to help you, please just holler. Thanks again. Oregon Daisy - Another board angel; love hearing from you, madam, congrats on an amazing job. Yeah, like I mentioned, when I do finally sit down to eat, it's not that big of a deal and I too tell myself I can always have more but never do. There are days though (yesterday) when I sure wish I could have more. That's when I am particularly thankful for my sleeve. What kind of healthy Snacks do you guys eat? Fruit? Veg? Itstime; Thanks for the ideas, I don't think I'm bored though, I have plenty of variety, not really craving carbs but changing it up sure won't hurt anything! You've got a good point about it being long term and not a race; I am also trying to wrap my head around the future but, for now, I'm mostly concentrating on losing. LOL, skinny, yeah right!!! Thanks for the cheers! Thanks you guys, so much!!!! Today is definitely better!

...And I know this is the place to come. I had my VSG Jan 25 and have lost 63 of 104 pounds. I am thrilled with the results so far, please don't get me wrong and I have no regrets whatsoever. None. I feel like what I'm about to describe is a 'phase' of sorts, at least I hope it is, and I'm looking to you vets (coughTiff) for a shoulder. Is it normal that when you are well into regular foods that you obsess somewhat? I sometimes feel like I think about food more now than before. I feel like maybe I am an addict going thru withdrawal afterall. I would like to eat more, for sure, and am delighted that I physically can't. I know that the docs fix our stomachs but that it's up to us to fix our heads somehow. How, exactly, do you fix your head? Do things just sort of balance out as time goes on? Has anyone kinda in the halfway stage ever experienced this? What do you do? I'm assuming it gets better and I'm trying to be patient. The occasional burning in my gut which feels like hunger doesn't help any either but I'm taking my ppi as prescribed and it does help, a lot. I'm active as heck between my job, school and riding my bike 70+ miles per week. SO looking forward to your replies! Carol

Hey you, Following your posts, great to hear you're in good spirits and doing so well. I use myfitnesspal.com religiously. It's a pretty good site and yes, most shakes, at least the ones I've used are in there. There are others but I'm not familiar with them. Voila! C

Arrrrgggghhh! I didn't bother posting last week cuz I had such a crappy week; only a pound down and here I am a week later only barely two pounds down in two weeks; I guess I'm not stalled by definition but it sure feels like it!! Have no idea what I'm doing wrong, if anything, my only hunch is I'm trading muscle for fat as my cardio has really increased over the last few weeks. Funny thing is, I went from 50 lost to 60 lost almost overnight it seemed, now this! WHINE!!!!!! Hope you guys are doing better than me!

Tiff, you're my hero, woman!!! You look smashing!!! Congrats to you a million times over and yes, we want pics from the ball!!! Love ya! C p.s. if you guys can ever get away and come down to the Keys, I'd just love to meet you and show you some sights! I don't know if you've ever been here or not but it's a pretty neat place, nothing like the mainland!

That's terrific! Been waiting to hear how it went for you and it sounds like things are perfect so far! Great job on the fluids!! Keep us posted and LOOK OUT NEW ORLEANS!!!! Woo hoo!! C

Just had my three month UGI today. I had to peek over the techs shoulder to see what my tumm looked like and, from what I could tell, it looked perfect, just like the UGI I had at Aceve's upon discharge; no distension or pockets or anything just an itty bitty tube of tummy! Since I still don't really have a PCP here, they will have to send the results via fax to Aceves and they'll let me know. The barium swallow was horrible, no little baby blue shots like at Aceves, probably 16 ounces and the guy wanted me to drink it all and fast. I cried uncle at about 10 ounces. Just could NOT drink anymore unless he wanted it back half digested. He was amazed at how small my stomach was and how fast it went thru my gut and into my small intestine. Just curious, anyone know how many carbs/cals are in stupid barium? I THINK it's sugar free but if not, I probably had enough carbs for the week... eek! Do it, it can't hurt. C

Thanks you guys for all your sweet comments, they sure make me feel great about everything! Wannalise, you cracked me up about my knees and ankles, you're right and I didn't even think about that! Lol!!! You are also 100% correct about having DH to exercise with, I don't know if I could be so regular without him. We really do push each other. It's so important to have someone at your side through this. I still haven't wrapped my head around 60 pounds down yet, don't worry! It's funny, when I was in New Orleans I would catch glances of myself in the mirrors in hotel and gasp! This has been nuts!! I am so proud of your journey too, you've had quite the ride and look how far you've come already!! Tiff, thanks for one more thing to look forward too regarding drinking, I am doing so much better in that regard but totally look forward to being able to drink more - soon! You're my hero, woman! There aren't too many people at your stage in the game that still hang around this board, I hope you know how much everyone here appreciates you!! You know it's funny - the comments about my "discipline" - welllll... yes and no. There is definitely discipline when the head hunger kicks in, no doubt about it. But the exercise, for the most part is easy and getting in enough Fluid and Protein is not really a challenge either. Mostly, the sleeve has given me the help I so desperately needed. Now, it's really not that difficult to not eat carbs and bad things, it's really not. And I love it! This is the most thrilling part of the journey. The couple of times I have "succumbed" - a bite did the trick, totally satisfied with just a bite of cake or a small fingerfull - a taste really, of frosting, for example. And yes, PNW218 my stomach talks to me on a regular basis, it's kinda funny. I find getting lots of protein is pretty easy too once you're on solids; a few shrimp, for example has TONS of protein, no carbs and is much more fun than a shake. Beef Jerky, oh yeah. Tuna, steak, lunch meat etc. Even in small portions. Thanks again to all of you Angels, you're a gift. C p.s. officially 60 pounds today!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!

conseccorp, the bottom line is you gotta stop it and stop it now. You can do it, you need to have a serious Come To Jesus talk with yourself and us or a support group or all of the above. You can do it buddy, the first few days of quitting sugar sucks, I imagine it would be like kicking any addictive chemical, but it's over fast and then the cravings are pretty much gone. You gotta quit or you're going to be terribly disappointed and no one wants to see that. We are here for you!!! Carol

Hi Gang! First, I want to say that this board has been a GODSEND to me. I have learned so much from you guys and received so much support from here - wow - I can't even thank you all enough. But Thank You All!! :sad0: I cannot BELIEVE I'm finally here writing about my journey three months out; time went so fast but at times, it's like, it's about time!! The journey has been nothing short of incredible, mind boggling and, like Tiff said at one time, a mind twist for sure! It's all good and I wouldn't change a thing! I am so happy I did this!! I have posted some pictures in my album, I'm .5 pound short of 60 pounds today - I figure I'll hit 60 later today after I ride my bike - that's always good for a pound or so. The pics are 50 pounds down and also include the other two that had surgery the same day as me - you all are familiar with Gary_B - that's him before. I'm in the pink shirt. Samantha had rny with Aceves. My goal was 50 pounds by tax day - I beat it by three days. A few observations thus far; people didn't really start to notice my weight loss until I was well into the 40+ pounds lost. Very aggravating. Now, less than 60 lost, some are saying don't lose more. Moral to the story, keep the public tuned out!! They mean well but they really don't know what they are talking about most of the time! Eating has been wonderful; I have always had an Iron gut and that remains. Nothing has bothered me and I'm happy about that. I've only "hurt" myself twice; once when I first went onto solids and ate a hard boiled egg too fast... so that's what sliming is all about... that was horrible, and a second time when I was trying to eat on the fly and ate some wings way too fast again... Not as bad of an episode as the egg but gross nevertheless. I've never thrown anything up but came close these two times. I still have a terrible time slowing down eating - it really is hard for me, especially being around my family that inhales their food. I am trying to get better with that and hope I don't damage my sleeve in the meantime. I do know when to stop, however, and don't do anything to make pain, obviously pain is bad. I also have very bad head hunger sometimes and am thankful (mostly) that my sleeve is there to keep it in check. I was in New Orleans by myself last week on business where every other business is a fantastic restaurant - I thought I was going to go nuts. Double whammy on going out to eat alone, I won't do it because of the tiny portion business... I do find myself obsessing about food more than I like; the old fat girl is still there, no doubt. I'm hoping this gets better, I really hope it does. I am staying under 1000 cals per day, under 25 carbs per day and as much Protein as I can get in - I try for 90-100 g's. I log religiously on myfitnesspal.com. Hunger; I have had plenty but I know it's just gastric juices and not real hunger. My stomach likes to toy with me, however. I've really tried to listen to what my body is telling me and I've found that when I get these so-called hunger pangs, I've noticed that the feeling only lasts for a couple of minutes, usually. If it doesn't, it's rare and it's usually late in the day; I've had to take an extra half nexium on occasion because of this. If I don't, or if I forget to take my dose in the morning, I pay dearly. I'm hoping this gets better but at least I know it's all acid related, controllable, and I'm not truly hungry. Weight Loss; I have been thrilled with the ride so far, haven't had any real stalls but a couple of slow downs of barely 2 pounds in a week. I average about 4 pounds a week, give or take. I am following a very low carb diet while I'm in the losing phase. I know I could just take the restiction and lose slowly but that's not how I work. I am looking forward to a few more carbs once I meet goal for sure, but, I have to say, this has been the easiest "diet" ever. Even starvation didn't take 60 pounds off of me in three months. Not that I ever did starvation for three months... Anyway. I?m hoping to meet goal by my birthday; July 30. I think it?s very possible but I'm not going to obsess any more than I already am! :wink0: Drinking; I was surprised to find that I was/am more disturbed about not being able to chug liquids more than I ever thought I would be. I still can't chug like before but what I can drink is MUCH more than at the beginning. I still wish I could take more, especially when exercising but it's all good. This bothers me more than food issues. I am, however, getting in plenty of fluids; easily 100 oz per day. I keep a sport top Water bottle with me, mix single packs of Lipton or Arizona tea in them, and refill the same bottle for about a week from the tap before I toss it. Trying to do my best to be green. Tried alcohol once, two bloody marys, didn't get intoxicated, really a non-event. Avoiding alcohol now because of the calories. A glass of wine would be sooooo nice, however... coffee has been the best thing ever, I started back probably 2 or 3 weeks out; heaven. Just my one power cup in the morning. I make it extra strong with splenda and powdered creamer. Yummy!! My periods have been a little whacked since surgery... will save the details but I'm hoping they get back to normal... Any regrets? NONE! Would I recommend this for someone thinking about it? Absolutely!!! I know that I had an easier time than many and anyone thinking about this should absolutely do their research including plenty of soul searching. Thanks again to everyone for listening, you guys are the best! Carol

Eat more. You're body is holding on to each and every last ounce that it can because of your low cal intake. Eventually you'll lose weight eating like this but stalls are gonna happen. That said, a major stall is not uncommon at this stage - 2-3 weeks out. You're doing GREAT on the carbs, keep that up but work in more calories - cream Soups (made w Water, watch carbs), flavored philly, melted velveeta with a little Rotel juice, ricotta flavored up, more yogurt, whatever. I definitely would NOT cut any more calories!! Counterintuitive, of course, but you need more. Add more Protein too that and the calories will give you more energy. I shoot for close to 100 g's per day. I was having shakes in the morning and night at full liquids and it seemed to work. You must get some exercise in - this will give you more energy too - I know, easy for me to say, I do understand fatigue but it really will help, get that heart rate up along with the calories. Most importantly, get your spirits up!! Yeah, stalls suck but you've already lost 34 pounds in a month!!! That's amazing!! Good luck, you're gonna be just fine. C

Hey Gar! So good to hear from you. Yes, the weight loss will keep up, how could it not?! We would LOVE to take you diving!!!! We can do the refresher too, not a problem! Sharks, hopefully we will see at least a nurse shark or two! Harmless, like big catfish! Dropped another 1.5 today putting me at 59.5 lost. Hoping to see 60 tomorrow!!!! How amazing is this whole nutty journey?!! I wish my skin would keep up, however, starting to see excess skin in strange places... eek! :svengo: Have finals this week and then hope to get some pics together. Take good care and stay in touch!!

I actually went to the GAP yesterday and bought jeans in 10's! I still can't even believe it, just three months ago I was barely in 18's and really could only shop at walmart and Lane Giant. It is so surreal... I still have about 40 pounds to go but when I was at my leanest in the past I was never below an 8. I was much more muscular but I have a hard time believing I'm only gonna drop one more size... Wowwwwweeee! Tshirts from xl to m, love it. So many more NSV's...! C

I took a sip of my husbands fountain diet coke about a week ago (used to be my favorite thing) and, happily, it was NASTY! And it burned. And the bubbles were no fun. This is the only thing that has disagreed with me since surgery and I am delighted about it. The habit truly is gone. I thought I was sipping formaldehyde, didn't taste anything like I remember. Take a taste, get it off your head, I bet you're over it too! Good luck. C

My husband (also overweight) and I motivate each other to ride our bikes like maniacs. We usually ride 20-25 miles every other day about as hard as we can. It's great fun (unless the wind is blowing - happens a lot) and it seems to be STRIPPING the weight off. I look forward to the rides and am thinking about getting some running shoes and a serious bra and tinkering with jogging for the first time in 25 years... (man I'm getting old!) Oh yeah, if there was a gym nearby, I would absolutely be doing aerobics, preferably step. I used to do step aerobics regularly awhile ago and it, too, works like magic. C

Hey Anna, Just want to say I've been watching your posts from the beginning. I am so proud of your success so far, especially considering the rocky road you went through from the start. I loved your last post, the comment about greater nourishment on less was brilliant. Keep up the good work, kiddo. You're a trooper. C