I'm open to help, assist, butt kick, pat you on the back... all that.

I absolutely believe in this tool with all my heart! It has done for me what I couldn't do for myself nor even the lap band was able to do for me either. It was the best find and I can't say enough how it's given me my life back!!!

I won't say I know everything, because I DON'T! But in my career I always say, if I don't know the answer - someone else does. I'd like to open the discussion for anyone who needs someone to listen or to answer those millions of questions that come with this life altering surgery.

Blessings to all!!! Your dreams are at your doorstep now with the VSG.

"it does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop"

-Confucius

"it does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop"

-Confucius

I know that's right!!!

The 5 P's to my success: Positivity. Patience. Persistence. Push Fluids. Protein First.

Minding my Q's: Quit the Salt. Quit the Sugar. Quit the Excuses. Quit the Denial.

Avoiding the C's: Candy, Crackers, Cakes, Chocolate, Cookies, Chips, popCorn, iceCream.

When it comes down to it, these are the things that got me to where I am today.

another question!

I'm tracking my protein in MFP but sometimes I can't finish the entire meal. Should I contine eating over several hours until it is gone to make sure my intake is correct, or should I just forget about whatever I haven't eaten? I ask because its hard to adjust it after the fact sometimes.

I don't suggest continuing to eat once you are full. Though you haven't eaten all your protein, it can lead to really bad habits and is best not to get into that. What I did early out to help me get more protein is, I did rely on protein shakes. An extra one or two per day helped a lot. Also early out, all fluids were added to my daily total. So 2 protein shakes at 8 Oz each would tack on 16 more oz of fluid for the day.

For me there just was no other way to get my protein totals up without constantly eating all day long.

Thanks! I'll start counting my shakes toward fluids. and you're right. The doc said eat 3 meals a day. I still eat 3 but its spread out of the entire day. I'll cut back on that too.

Thank you Diva for your honesty, I appreciate it!

Be strong! Strong arms, strong heart, strong head and strong will. We are all capable of this, one only needs to find it within. Reach in and pull it out!!

Great posts! I love the positive attitude and I feel uplifted as I read your posts. Keep em coming Diva!

I need food help! PRE-sleeve, I never cooked, I made reservations! Now I need sleeve friendly recipes. I feel like my taste buds are in retirement, and I'm stuck in a world of bland, soft foods.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hi Terri,

I personally LOVE Weight Watchers recipes!! http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/index.aspx

You can also find a whole great many meal swaps here. There are some very crafty folks amongst us with great recipe ideas. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/9-recipe-sharing/

Also, The World According to Eggface has some amazing ideas, all bariatric friendly. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

Good luck!!

I read this thread again. It's amazing what happens when u need it the most. Keep posting! I'm having a down day, having some depression over food, and as I'm writing this I realize how absurd that is. I want more for myself and food isn't making me happy so I should be excited about learning how to improve my food and my relationship with it and to learn to live my life not revolving around food but around positive relationships. Thanks for letting me vent!

Anytime!! This thread is for any reason! Sharing, listening, learning AND venting. I hope you will have a more fair day tomorrow. I've had many days like that, just don't let it last too long. Constant "me" bashing has been my best excuse to do and eat whatever I want. I know I don't want to go down that road anymore!

Hugs!!

Much better day today! My husband is so supportive!

Excuses I could have made this morning: I woke up late. I'm sleepy. My muscles ache from my tough workouts yesterday. I don't wanna get out of my comfy bed. I haven't finished my coffee yet. I worked out a lot yesterday so I can skip today. I just don't feel like it. NOW... I STILL DID MY WORKOUT THIS MORNING!!! Not only that, I plan to workout several more times too. What's your excuse?