Yes, your stomach will stretch - realistic expectations

I guess that's why he's your ex!

Thanks Valerie

Good reminder!  This is why my guidelines for my forever diet say 4-8 ounces per meal I suppose.  8 ounces seems like a pipe dream at this point, but I know that won't be the case some day.  

Thanks for your post Valorie!  It's so good to hear from a vet.  I'll be bookmarking this to re-read again and again. 

~Jan

Awesome post Valerie..

I think what people have to remind themselves of

is that surgery really is a tool..

I think that when the weight falls off so effortlessly

people including myself think that that's how it will be for life

I've discovered over the past 6months that real effort has to come 

with this to maintain. For myself, I find myself eating things I shouldn't 

and if I'm truthful with myself it's cause I like me..l like what I see in the mirror

and with that comes a lack of effort..a cookie here,  a sip of milkshake there, adds up and 

if you don't stay focused, not so much on weight loss, but just maintaining the weight your happy with 

you will wake up one day with a 20,30,40 lb regain and that weight isn't coming off as easy as it did before.

Great post!

I had a tiny-itsy sleeve.. for the first several months, 1.5oz of moist protein had to be eaten over 30-40 mins to get it in, forget veggies. I HAD to drink at least 2 protein shakes to even get to 70g protein a day.

Fast forward 3+ years, I now get full on about 3oz or so protein, more/less depending on type of meat, and have room for veggies. Packed into a measuring cup, or weighed, it's generally about 6oz or so for solids, more if liquids are mixed.

I would have HATED to live the remainder of my life with the initial restriction I had.. there is no joy in reaching full on an ounce or two of food. 

Yes, be obsessed the first year.. weigh and measure everything, count.. track.. learn to cook/eat properly, learn about nutrition. Those skills you gain the first year you will NEED afterward to be healthy, and sane. Going into this with all the info and a realistic mindset of what the sleeve does and most important- doesn't do, will save a lot of frustration/mental/emotional stress later. 

Valerie, thanks for the post!

And remember that many foods can be chewed

And remember that many foods ( like salad) can be "chewed down" to a much smaller volume than they look in your plate or bowl. 

Anne

Thanks, Valerie. Useful info, and a great reminder.

I am just over 2 years post op and right on target with what you said.  Thanks for the reassurance that this is normal.  I do still weigh my food and I am always on target when I put it on the scale.  I guess I know what 3-4 oz looks like.  I drilled my surgeon at my 2 yr, post op about this very subject.  Basically what he said is he can do the same surgery on 10 different people and get 10 different results.  He told me at this point it is 15% surgery and 85% me.  Freaked me out a bit, but I guess it is all about accountability.  Thank you for sharing your wisdom and congratulations on your success.