Sucks how good food is so expensive, especially as a vegeterian. As a mom on a budget it can be really hard to get the things you need, but I can say this, when I get the sleeve, I'm not only going to be excited because of the weight loss, but with smaller meals, it means a smaller bill for me at the organic store. Woohoo! That is all.

Not to burst your bubble too much... because your grocery bill definitely goes down... but don't forget that protein shakes and stuff can be expensive... I thought that too and ended up shooting myself in the foot a bit when budgeting lol.

I have already factored in protein shakes but I don't plan on making that my staple for the rest of my life only at the beginning stage,

At 10 months out, I rarely rely on a Protein shake. Even when traveling the last couple of times, I got enough protein through food (full disclosure: I get 30+ grams of protein in before lunch with a cup of non-fat Fage 0, a Soy Latte, and under 100 calories in whole grains).

My grocery bill, liquor bill, and dining out bill are all smaller. As is my clothing bill (It's amazing how great a $5 Walmart t looks on me now!), my medication bill (no more cholesterol med and only one blood pressure med), and my gym bill (no more personal trainer 3 times per week - I can now keep up in the free group exercise classes!).

I do spend on Vitamins, but I buy in bulk. And the greek yogurt is pricey too, but I get it at costco.

Lynda

Whatever I saved at the supermarket, I have spent on clothes. And I am trying NOT to buy anything until I get to goal, but my things are literally falling off me. What a problem! Also I have rediscovered how cute shoes are when you are a size 7 regular and not an 8 1/2 wide!

I agree. Don't get too excited about the smaller grocery bill until you see how much you're spending on clothes. I just hit the clearance rack at wally world for workout clothes and still spent about $40. I didn't really have much of a choice, though. The last time I rode the exercise bike, I felt like I'd have flashed anyone who walked in while I was riding because the legs of my shorts were so loose. NOW I know why most exercise shorts are tight in the legs!

Whatever I saved at the supermarket, I have spent on clothes. And I am trying NOT to buy anything until I get to goal, but my things are literally falling off me. What a problem! Also I have rediscovered how cute shoes are when you are a size 7 regular and not an 8 1/2 wide!

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You are the first person I have ever read talking about reducing shoe size. I am sooo excited. I am up to a men's size 9 1/2 wide and a woman's size 11. I really look foward to seeing the shoe size decrease. Thanks for hope!

MaryKatherine, my shoe size has gone down as well.

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I have already factored in protein shakes but I don't plan on making that my staple for the rest of my life only at the beginning stage,

I personally VOWED to never drink another protein drink after doing the 3 weeks of liquids after surgery. And my 3 weeks of liquids were just that. No yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce, purees - just water, protein drinks, clear broths and strained soups. I didn't chew for 3 weeks. I don't think anyone hated protein drinks as much as me at that point. But after 3 weeks on soft foods I am now back to a Premier shake on many mornings for breakfast. Thankfully, they taste much better to me now. Hopefully, you'll be one that won't have to continue with shakes ever. As for the grocery bill, it has gone down some. I see savings in not eating out as much. I didn't realize how much I ate out until I noticed how much extra money I've had since January. Maybe I'll add the reserve to my shopping fund. :-)

If the grocery money goes towards clothes money, I won't complain!! I love clothes, but have not bought anything really for myself since knowing that I intended on losing weight even before surgery was on my mind. Besides I am CHEAP!! Skinny clothes are cheap if you know where to shop. I can find cute $5, $10 blouses, even $12 jeans. Probably cheaper too.The options for cheap skinny clothes are in abundance! Plus size clothes that are cute is wayyyyy to expensive! I use to have a friend who was cheap as well who knew where to go for cheap clothes, she was a size 6. The organic store is no joke in comparison, plus I am in NYC so everything is crazy high. I've been mixing it up, some at the regular grocery store, and some at the organic store.

For whatever strange reason my nutritionist didn't want me to continue with shakes once I was in the solid food stage. I didn't ask why (long story) but she was so against me an shakes. I don't eat out. After I had my son, I've avoided all the old luxuries. I mean I went out but usually my aunt treats for me. I'm not against shakes, but I'm going to hope that I could get my protein from foods. I do like them. Shakes are easier to create when on the go.

For whatever strange reason my nutritionist didn't want me to continue with shakes once I was in the solid food stage. I didn't ask why (long story) but she was so against me an shakes. I don't eat out. After I had my son, I've avoided all the old luxuries. I mean I went out but usually my aunt treats for me. I'm not against shakes, but I'm going to hope that I could get my Protein from foods. I do like them. Shakes are easier to create when on the go.

I'm really surprised to hear this!! My surgeon was completely pro-shake, for as long as you want them (as long as you aren't doing shakes on top of a full days worth of food, so i do a shake for breakfast). At 6 months out I actually still need it to help me reach my protein goal.

Also, you said you live in NY.. where in NY?? I just moved to Brooklyn! I love this city because it is so easy to eat properly.. no one blinks an eye when I say "no bun" or just order a side or don't want a drink... its awesome lol!

I'm not even listening to that nutritionist, because if I need a shake, I'm going to have a shake. Maybe because she thinks I'd have a shake plus a meal? I dunno. Yea, I'm in Brooklyn as well.

I'm not even listening to that nutritionist' date=' because if I need a shake, I'm going to have a shake. Maybe because she thinks I'd have a shake plus a meal? I dunno. Yea, I'm in Brooklyn as well.[/quote']

Kaiser Fremont nutritionist wanted me to get in as much Protein as I could then have a shake in the evening if I couldn't get enough in.. That worked well for me.

Lynda

Yea, I'm going to do what I need to do to get protein when I need. I'm not even listening to her. She rubbed me wrong, but that's a long story. Lol.

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You are the first person I have ever read talking about reducing shoe size. I am sooo excited. I am up to a men's size 9 1/2 wide and a woman's size 11. I really look foward to seeing the shoe size decrease. Thanks for hope!

I'm still pre-op but have lost over 50 lbs since August and my shoe size has gone from a (women's) 11 to a 9, so there is definitely hope!!! I still have about 100 lbs to go so I'm hoping I make it to an 8

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