1 month after surgery

(Weight 262 lbs) It's been one month since my gastric bypass surgery and I'm feeling very good. I've lost 48 lbs since my first meeting at Tufts on Christmas Eve. I've gone from a 46 inch waistline to a loose 42. The hardest part is to just slow down. I eat my mini meals to fast, and have probably lifted to much weight at my job to fast. When I eat to fast my new stomach lets me know about it. I don't vomit, but feel like I have to. I get the cold sweats, my face gets flushed, and my wife gets nervous. After a little while it passes. Can you imagine taking 30 to 45 minutes to eat 1 cup of food, or 30 minutes to drink a slim fast. That's what I have to do, and I don't mind. I'd much rather be doing this and losing weight instead not having the surgery, loading up on junk food and gaining more weight. I've been walking 2 - 3 miles at a time at the gym or outside or I use the elliptical for 30 minutes at a time. A lot of people ask if I have any regrets. The short answer is no. I studied this procedure enough to know what I was in for, and I'm happy I did it. The long answer is yes. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my food addictions under control and let myself balloon up to 310 lbs again. But, that's all behind me now. The picture above was taken 4 days before my surgery. I can't wait to post a new one, but I'll wait for the 100 lb mark.

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions, and definitely don't hesitate to pass this blog on to anyone who may find comfort in knowing that there is hope. GT

My new menu

(275 lbs) Before my Gastric Bypass I normally ate 2000 to 3500 calories a day, probably more at times. Here is the diet that I have been on for the past week.

Stage 3 Meal plan

Meal Time Food

Fluids 7:00-7:30 8 oz water

Meal # 1 8:00-9:00 EAS Shake

Fluids 9:30-11:30 12 oz crystal light

Meal #2 12:00-1:00 1/2 cup cottage 8 oz Light Yogurt

Fluids 1:30-3:00 12 oz water

Meal #3 3:30-4:00 Sugar Free Jello

Fluids 4:3o-6:oo 20 oz Fruit20

Meal #4 6:30-7:3o Greek Yogurt 8 oz

Meal #5 9:00- 9:30 8 oz skim milk

Total: Calories: 470
Protein: 64 g
Fluids: 6o oz

Could you do it? I've done OK with it. I found on my first night home that I am very aware that my compulsive thinking / eating habits are still very much alive. I am so happy to be working hard on "Mindful Eating". I was so used to "Mindless Eating" like walking upstairs to the fridge anytime I wanted to. Can't do that anymore. My stomach is the size of a baby's. It takes me about 30 minutes to drink a slim-fast. Small sips, no gulps, I actually don't mind. I go for my first check-up tomorrow. My wounds are healing well. I will be going to Stage 4 food tomorrow. Soft and moist ground/pureed foods. All pureed in a blender. Got a bib? I also start taking chewable multivitamin and mineral supplements.

So would I suggest this to anyone? Not unless it was absolutely necessary to maintain your health. If you've been reading my prior posts you can probably tell that I had absolutely no will power, and found it impossible to get up off my butt and get to the gym. This is not the quick fix I thought it would be. My life as I know it is completely changed. I absolutely have to plan my menu for the day, and make time for exercise and "mindful eating" every day. So on we go. One day at a time! Good luck in your journey, I wish you well. I'll write again soon.