What you Chew, December Crew!?

Yeah, it's been a few days, but the more I find myself busy with myself, the longer it takes me to actually SIT DOWN, and write. I am all over the place, selling/buying on Ebay...exercising, walking, school, loosing and fitting a size 22! (Down from a 30/32). I am so proud of Me... so be sure to check out my JAZZED UP Profile (if you haven't), and get INSPIRED! So far, 41# down, and lovin' the way I am feelin'. I hope you all are feeling good too. If so... SHARE IT! Ok, what you guys been eating? Do share with everyone. New foods for me THIS WEEK, going into my 7th Week: Red Snapper Chicken Cashews Protein Crisps Ritz Lite Crackers Turkey cole slaw Rice Baked Potato SALAD!!! (Yeah) Wow... I feel like I'm back at my OLD food, but much, much MUCH MUCH less, which is cool. My tummy can only hold about 1/4-1/2 cup, at one time, and any more... BLAH! Curious to know what you guys been eating... and what you been doing NEW? Please don't forget to check out my new pics on my page (probably won't be there until 1 week from now, you know how SLOW OH is with Posting them)... Check frequently, and please UPDATE AND SHARE YOUR PICS, PAGE, ETC., as well! SHARE, SHARE, SHARE... as it is very important to keep our December Crew Chewing! Thanks for sharing what you chew, Crew! Vera LAP RNY Proximal 12/20/04 -41 @ 6wks out 343/302/?

Isn't it great to have some old foods. I have been sticking to exactly what my Dr. has laid out and I just refuse to try anything sweet as I fear that if I find I am sugar tolerant I will be back to old habits. Good luck and best wishes. James

Same here, James... be sure to read my Valentines day Post, as it discusses this exact same issue with sweets. Like you, I just steer clear! As for sticking to the diet my Nutritionist laid out... the foods I have listed are on my list, and in very small quantities. I think I am eating smaller than what is recommended, and I am sure, that will change, eventually. Thanks for sharing darling... Vera

That snapper does sound good that will probably be lunch tomorrow LOL James

SALAD!!! :mouth hanging open and watering: I go for my 8 week check up 2/17/05. I should be moved to soft foods for 4 days then regular after that. I CANNOT wait to have a(few bites of salad. It seems that is the only think I have been craving. I have been on pureed since surgery, and am dying for something to crunch. I am a little nervous about the weigh in- I have lost 33lbs since 12/27/04. It doesn't seem like much compared to some losers, but I thank God for it!! I wouldn't post this on the main message board for fear of being flamed. Thank you Dec board for listening. Rita

Hi Vera I bought a cucumber yesterday and I am going to have some Talipia tonight for supper and a couple of slices of cucumber with Ranch dressing. I had 1/2 cup of wheat chex this morning. I splurged last night and had a Weigh****chers Lasagna Florentine but only could eat half of it so I ate the other half today for lunch. I have been wanting salad so bad, and cashews (yum!) It is good to find a forum where I can compare notes with others who are at the same stage post op as me. I go for my 8 week check up tomorrow. Congratulations on your weight loss I am about 43 lbs down now. I was a size 34 and I can fit into some of my size 26/24 pants that I have had in the closet for over 3 yrs. I have one question for everyone> Are you still drinking protein shakes 3 or 4 times daily? Hugs Michelle OKC

Hello Chew Crew, I am doing fabulous and loving my new life. I am now down to 286, like unreal for me to comprehend. (sometimes I stare at my now much smaller unswollen ankles and sigh) I have gone through my closet and taken clothes out and getting them ready for the salvation army thrift store. Hurrah. I am trying new foods and doing well with them. Portion control is an issue as I think I can really eat a lot. The palm of my hand is a good gauge for me. I am going to try some salmon this week, tried shrimp and that was great. Also tried some good Italian bread, a small piece. It was devine, but I had to ask my DH to not buy it very often as this bread is a trigger. Staying away from other white carbs, I just keep telling myself I know what "it" tastes like. Oh Yes. Also staying away from fresh fruits and fruit juices. I don't need to dump thank you. My blood sugars have been very well controlled. Had a bunch of tests done last week and I am pleased with the sugar and the thyroid test. I see my PCP this Thursday. Received beautiful white roses and a gorgious orchid plant for my office and no candy....DH is very supportive. He also gave me a beautiful silk nighty that is very naughty and WONDERFUL. This surgery is a good thing in many ways. All around I am very very happy. Thankfullness abound in my heart and mind. Hurrah to us all Monica

Hey ya'll! So happy to read the good news, and I am so proud of us all, like Monica (my baby girl) has said! Rita, loosing 33 lbs is cool, and it is a great start. Believe me, finally getting some 'SUBSTAINANCE' to munch on is awsome! Just be sure to start slow... chew, chew, chew, and don't swallow large chunks! Darling, don't compare yourself (weight wise), to other... but do look at the water, protein and food intake, and try to see where you are at the same time as all of us. I think if you increase your water and a bit more protein, you'll loose a bit more! Congrats darling! Keep sharing with us! Michelle, CUCUMBERS! Ummmm I love to put them in the freezer for about 10 min, and ummm... However, be sure to PEEL THEM first, as it is difficult for our pouches to break down the skin from anything just yet. You lost 43lbs, and I can't wait to be there with you. I am still teetering between 303-302... and about to have a fit when I hit 299. Like you, I have moved from a 30/32, to a 22/24, and it is amazing, isn't it? I have taken pics, but OH is so slow to post them.. but I really want my December Crew to see them! Congrats again, and keep up the excellent Posting and work! Monica (my baby girl), I know you are wondering why I say that, it is because all your Posts are with so much care, and I feel wonderful reading them. CONGRATS to you baby on feeling good about you and your new size. It is so cool to be smaller, right? You are so right, and your advice about 'fresh' juice is too.... just way too much natural sugar, and DUMPING is a result. I agree with the carb thing too, but I was told that the carbs helps us burn the protein, and too much protein (or protein only), is not a good thing. However, too many carbs aren't either... so we must balance, when we do eat carbs. (which should not be everyday, like you are stressing). I once read one young lady here on the Boards tell us she eats a baked potato everyday, along with so many other things, and wondering why she hasn't lost weight. Wow... I guess she will figure out you need more protein, and less carbs. So Monica, thanks for the concern you have for us all... as your December Crew, we need each other! Thanks to all of you who posted so far and Jack, that snapper is so good, but I think I'll be like Michelle and try some Tallapia, as well. Tastes so good with Salsa (as long as it is mild)! Thanks to you all, and lets keep this Posting going! Vera, Crew Encourager!

Luckily I have been able to resume many foods- though in way smaller quantitiies! I try to eat meals in 3 to 4 ounce quantities- that way I have room left over for another bite- or for dessert!) I can eat: protein shakes (with soy beverage and lecithin powder for hair) some raw veggies- (cukes, zucchini, carrots- but no lettuce.) rice (must be soft and fully cooked) (I eat about 3 tbsp with meals.) soft fruit (berries, canned pears, etc.) curried foods- veggie, chicken, fish, goat/mutton- no beef. (too tough) chili- with veggie and with meat (prefer veg.)(less chewing) assorted nuts- cashews, filberts, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc... mashed potato's, squash, pumpkin (just must be soft) turkey pot pies... I don't eat all the dough!! Stringhoppers! (Sri Lankan noodle made with rice flour, served with curry) multi-grain wheat thins with peanut butter or with cheese I eat alot of: cream of wheat oatmeal (instant flavoured) yoghurt (I can eat most of a 2/3 cup serving) applesauce (motts snack sizes are the perfect size!) fruit cups (dole- again perfect serving size!) juice box juices- again good size, so I don't drink too much! chicken noodle soup (but I don't finish all the noodles) stews (I cook it with smaller pieces of meat) I avoid: pasta (I don't like the way it "feels" in my mouth after chewing! gross pudding- (find them too heavy in my stomache) raw fruit- like apples- too much trouble with gas, too long to eat them... most breads- like white bread, it expands in your stomache! fried stuff- just because.... cake- especially chocolate cake... just because... Things that I have tried that I am not anxious to turn into a habit- chocolate (too easy.) ice cream (lactose intolerance came back with a vengance!) pudding- too heavy soda pop (way too sugary now) 3 cheesies- they turned to this nasty orangey-liquid in my mouth before I had done chewing them- it grossed me out so bad I spit it out- nasty! I used to be able to eat a full family-serving bag- and now I can't even swallow 3 of those things! (yay.) Has anyone else noticed- that now whenever you attempt to eat a 'new' food that you know- no if's, and's or but's- do you find that you know immediatley yes- or no- if a food will go down? There are so many times when I'll take a bite, chew and spit it out into the garbage can or a napkin...

Vera, I think that you should be named the official cheerleader/motivator for the December board. You get me inspired all the time. Ok so what I'm eating has been very limited, I'm so afraid of feeling sick so I really watch what goes into my mouth. Loving Chicken on my George Foreman grill Green beans Cheddar cheese crackers Ok I have a question for you Vera, what kind of cole slaw are you eating and is it settling ok with your tummy and do you have a recipe? And what is a Protein Crisp? Never heard of that. Keep up the great cheering Vera, I appreciate it. Loni Open RNY 12/16/04 224/185.5/110