is there a happy medium?

thanks everyone...lots of good info...Happyteacher you are the reason I asked this question, you are the only one i've seen that eats normal food just smaller portions..Imguess I just dont understand why I cant eat wha t I like but smallerportions...I guess I understand..its such small portions you want your protien first...I just dont eat that much protein now...idk...so much to think about, or, am I over researching? hhmmm...

You CAN eat what you choose...but for health reasons, early out, you just have to be very mindful of getting in your protein and water.  Those are things that your body will need to function properly so that you don't lose muscle mass.  It's not just about metabolism.  If your body starts going to muscle for food, your heart will suffer, as it's the most important muscle in your body.  So, it's about health, first and foremost.  After you get to the point where you have room for other foods after you're reaching your protein goals then you can make choices as to what those foods will be.  You'll work it out for yourself...what works for you and keeps you happy with where you are as far as weight loss/maintenance goes.  Some people go back to a very balanced diet eating protein, carbs, fats, etc...others choose to stay low carb/high protein. 

Really, it's the first few months when you have to limit yourself, more, just to make sure you're supplying your body with what it needs to run well. 

Good luck!

thank you Tricia...

Pizza WAS one of my favorite foods.  As in I could eat 4-5 pieces of a large pizza for dinner, sneak a slice before bed and eat a couple cold for breakfast.  You get the picture.

I am 5 months out from my surgery and I find I basically can't eat bread, or bagels or pizza crust.  The family got pizza and I took a bite and -thunk- it landed in my sleeve like a brick.  And sat there.  For a long time.  And I was so glad to know that my sleeve was working for me because I was thinking that the sleeve would be magic and let me eat like I used to.  And eating like I used to made me fat.

I've learned to be smarter about my food- protein like fish or chicken fills me up, then some veggies or fruit.  But frankly getting in to size 12 clothes, walking for 2 miles with no back pain, having low blood pressure and no longer being obese is so much better than pizza.

Having the VSG means pizza is no long my source of joy.  I bet you'll find the same thing.  Good luck.