1-4-Many

I wondered about that. I need help with getting my Protein in. My doctor is one who says no liquid. My frank opinion is that when I can hold more than 3 ounces of food, I'll jump right in line. Until that time, I am using the liquid shots and it's the only "rule" I break. I use 1 a day and at the end of every meal, about 10 minutes after I've finished eating, I take a swig of the protein shot. I do it that way specifically so that it absorbs into the food I've eaten and stays longer in my stomach. I have no idea if it helps and I didn't start this until 2 weeks ago when I was certain it was "safe". I can't tell any impact of doing it in terms of the evil "liquid" with meals issue. It's just one swallow, the tube hold just a bit over 3 ounces of liquid which is mixed with 5 meals. If I could eat 60 grams of protein (minimum) I would. The "unflavored" stuff mixed with my food just doesn't stay down for me. So for a while at least this is my solution. I'll know it worked or not when my hair either completely falls out or doesn't.

I search. But I'm apparently not very good at it. It usually comes up blank even when I know there should be something there. So I think there's no harm in asking things again or telling new stories on the subject. No one has to read or respond. But I do think I am missing a key to how to search well.

Not married but been together almost 10 years. He's been pretty good. In the first days after the surgery when I was still feeling hunger and not able to eat at all he would leave if it was fast food, or warn me off to go upstairs if it would bother me when he cooked. He's glad I'm doing this as it will open the world back up to me and he likes me enough to want that for me. (Trust me, in a case like this I'm convinced there is a big difference between like and love.) And the best thing of all, he told me that when we go out to eat now that I'm merging back into real food, I get to take the best bites off his plate. The two longest fries and the one best bite of the other two things. Believe me, that's a sacrifice! And overall it does not bother me at all that he eats in front of me. But in terms of full disclosure, I'm finding fast that the reason I have not minded the food transition at all is probably due to my shopping picking up like crazy. Thank goodness I am a thrift store shopper and we keep our finances 100% separate...well, expect for sharing and gifts. But I can clearly see where my addiction issues have rolled to.

Call your doctor. But mine said coughing was good for you (clears your lungs) and in the first week they asked you to using a breathing device and, upon exhale, to cough. Also, if you think about it, if vomiting doesn't cause a leak coughing probably wouldn't. But call your doctor. As sick as you are it could be a much bigger picture with being so sick right after surgery.

You've done an amazing job. It's too bad your husband wasn't willing to go with you. But I can see where it would create a real issue in the marriage. Your world is opening up and he's staying dedicated to food. It's too bad. I'm very proud of you. But I actually feel sad for him. He's missing out on life. You know, my BF is a pretty good guy. He's been pretty supportive. He's in remarkable shape but he has a little "tool shed". And even with him being in good shape, I think there were moments when the idea of me maybe actually getting thin drew his attention to the tummy he has. It seemed to make him more aware of his own body and I'm not even really losing much yet. So it seems the least your husband could do is be proud of you. But I'm sure being proud of you makes him very aware of his own personal shame. He may never say it, but I'd bet it's true.

I might have the devil to pay but I quit both of mine on my own last week. I was so tired some days I could barely walk so I bought a blood pressure monitor and it was 90/60. I was floored. At time it was like 140/96 3 month ago and that was one the meds! So I went down to the fire department and asked them if they could check my pressure for me. I wanted to make sure it wasn't a bad monitor. They were kind enough to do it for me and it was 94/68. So I checked on how to stop the meds and weened off them. I've been off them 6 days now and I am about 110/70. I am not losing a lot of weight but this alone may be worth every bit of this process. I know it's frustrating to not be completely off the meds yet but it may still happen. 5 months isn't really that long and you have come such a long way you should be very proud. My knees are for crap. I said to my primary that I didn't think they would ever get better, that too much damage had been done. He said he's got about 45 patients who have had WLS now and that they continue to have improved health year over year, especially as they become more physically fit. You really could be one of those folks. You're just still a baby in terms of this new life.

Actually laughed out loud. When I read that "rule", that was my thought. I don't remember ever swallowing my gum and I wondered who are all of these adults who go around doing that? However, I will say that my program never gave that reason. Gum, for sleeved, was because when you chew it begins the digestive process and starts generating acid in the stomach. And a lot of folks have such issues with acid reflux it doesn't need to be encouraged. I actually looked it up and it's true that if you chew, the stomach does, as a reflex, begin creating acid so at least it made sense. Still, I'm sure I will occasionally have a chew.

The thing I hate about lists like this is that you don't know when something really is a danger. I agree with everything Swan said. But here's my program's take on the list: Salt - ironically they said not to even look at salt content because if you are eating anywhere near how you should be and are restricted to 750 calories (average), salt is not a worry. Caffaine - 60 days, then you can have it. Obviously in moderation but they mean that for the entire population. Sugar - extreme moderation. Just not a good habit. I agree with Swan. Those I know who were sugar people before mostly are not now so it's not a huge issue. I never liked sweet and it almost gags me now, more the fake sweet of the drinks. Carbonation - the only one they say never. I know several in my support group who occasionally sip a diet soda. Adding 2 never that was on our list: gum - you'll read several reasons why. straws - but I know lots of people who have said their doctors are fine with them.

One thing I've learned from reading here is that everyone is told different stories. It makes me realized how much medicine really is a "practice". Here's what I was told about caffeine: The majority of your healing happens in the first 4 weeks. After that you are pretty much home free from the serious issues. Caffeine is a no-no because it's an irritant to the stomach. We are allowed to have it again at 60 days because their experience is that no one has any sort of upset stomach or stomach issues after that window of time. My guess based on that is that if it didn't make you sick, you are fine. I actually know someone in my program who asked for permission to have coffee at about 7 weeks and was told that as long as he kept it under 2 8 ounce mugs he was fine. Heck, give them a call and ask if you would be safe to have just 1 cup a day if you want it. They are there to guide you through. (He wanted it for his Miralax...said it was the best liquid to mix it into...... )

Does Soup work? I've been worried about this issue. I just hate being the center of attention and that was my reason for privacy. I don't want that same issue if we go out to eat. I was planning on getting French Onion Soup or Tomato Soup...something like that where I could actively be eating at least the soup part, even if I push the rest around.

Many years ago I stopped caffeine for about 3 years. I was having migraines and they said it was one of the possible triggers. My first coffee after that was at a state park. I started out sitting on top of a picnic table and ended up walking about 4 miles down the walk path. AFTER I got the 4 miles it started to wear off and then I realized I had to get back to my car. I had forgotten all about that. Thank you for the warning!!! Your boyfriend was probably wondering what they'd spiked your lite frap with! The part that amazes me is that you didn't even remember getting it. That's so funny. I'm so tired these days I was really wanting my caffeine back but now I"m not so sure!

The Super Whey Protein Shots are the latest to land on the top of my PTMMPP. (Protein That Makes Me Puke Pile). I agree that they are absolutely vile. I started with Body Fortress Whey Protein shots. They are only 26g but as it appears to be playing out, the first I tried is the best. I really liked the grape but I can't find it anywhere now. I'm afraid they have stopped making that flavor. The punch is decent enough that with taking just a one ounce swig, I can think of it as medicine and move on. Christina - Thanks for the warning about the Sunkist. And I would try using the crystal light to water them down but I have yet to find a crystal light flavor I can stomach. I'm just not a fruit flavor person, whether it's orange, strawberry...whatever. I'm learning that now that I am getting close to 100% real food, I can find very good protein bars that are only 200 calories, full of other nutrition and 20 grams of protein. So I can do one of those now and I think I'm finding a way out of this issue. But it's good to have fallbacks for those days when things are hectic.

I was longing for my coffee too so last weekend I got a cup of decaf at a shop while I was out. It was so strong I could not drink it. I don't know if it was that particular coffee or that I've lost the taste for it too. I also love brewed ice tea.....no sugar. I brew it here and the blend has caffeine in it. So it's off for me for a brief time yet. I am almost worried that I will dislike the tea too now. I was really looking forward to Sunday morning's on my deck with the newspaper and a large ice tea. Somehow Water just isn't the same.

Does Sam's Club have any other flavors? And what flavors did you try from Cosco? For some reason I was thinking the Sunkist ones might taste better. I guess it was just the Sunkist name. I'm wondering if they are new to the market. I can't find them anywhere in person, only on line.

Agree. And I think I gave their way a fair shot. And, if my stomach ever becomes large enough that I can get 750 a day without liquid, I'll be happy to drop liquid calories. I don't think I will ever abuse liquid calories. I think most of the drinks are icky sweet and I don't like ice cream so actual milk shakes are out. (It just leaves a terrible taste in my mouth.) Of course, a lot of my thinking is based on dropping 2 pounds immediately as I ramp up the calories. So I will try these different things. I can always change again.

Boy, ain't that the truth. I don't mind much of this, but the details are so bothersome. I said in an earlier post that I hate being tied to the clock. Because I am so small on the tummy I can't miss my food time. I feel like a baby. No, nothing is prepared. But everything is like tuna from a can (not fresh tuna cooked) or applesauce (unsweet) from a jar. (I'm keeping that in my diet as it slides down easy and I think I can use the bathroom boost it gives. I'm not holding any water, there's no softness to my legs at all. When I had the surgery they checked me several times for water so I know now how to poke your thumb into your leg. Also, and this is both good and bad, my blood pressure has dropped way down. I was on 2 meds 3 months ago. I am glad to be rid of them as they were expensive ones my insurance didn't cover yet but now it's been too low. Can you believe it? On Sunday it was 90/60. Thankfully, with the work week,I am now back to 120/76, so close to perfect. But when the stress is off, the blood pressure drops. I guess I need my stressful job.

Prepping for a colonoscopy? I actually have to do 2 or 3 days of a very light diet before the real prep people do because I have a very slow system. And I understand completely about the privacy issue.

I wasn't prescribed 500 calories. I eat 5 times a day and can take 3 ounces per meal. That's all I can hold. So far, it's been coming out to an average of 500 calories a day. I would never be staying with a "prescribed" 500 calories if I could hold more. I'm working on it but heavier food or a larger quantity makes me feel bad. It physically hurts. Lucky you don't have that issue. Oh, the only thing that's bee prescribed - actually a part of the program -- is no liquid calories. That's going to change for me too. I've got nothing but time so I'm going to try other things.

Thanks. That's the theory I'm going on and I have worked myself up to 650 for the last 2 days.(And, BTW, with going up in calories, I'm down 2 pounds since Saturday morning!) Who knew it could be so hard to get to 650 calories. I was really wanting this to be a healthy experience for me so I was wanting to use a lot of fish and healthy veggies. I'm having to punt and switch to some beef and I bought some of those 200 calorie Protein bars. I'm trying anything and everything. I can only get about 2/3's of one of the Protein Bars in but that's 30 calories more than if I had a white fish fillet. 5x a day it adds up to help. I didn't like peanut butter before but find I can tolerate it now so I am going to try and work it into some things. And do you know, I never thought of butter! I guess if I'm not eating bread, butter left my brain. Wow. What a difference in just a couple of months!

I'm going to put this out to a larger audience than just in the nutrition group. I really need a new liquid Protein and was looking at the Sunkist. Has anyone tried it? I'm finding that the higher the quantity of protein the stronger the taste. Have others found that to be true? I have one that's only 26g that I like and if I can find it again I think I will buy more and just settle for the lower amount. I only use 1/2 a day so that's 13 grams. Better 13 I can get down than the 21g that's gagging me now.

I'm no where near ready but yea for you!!! That's pretty good when walking just isn't good enough. Was there a time when you huffed and puffed to walk? I sure do!

Geisel - (or anyone else) did you try those sunkist shots? I'm thinking about giving them a try but I don't want to add more to my growing pile of icky protein. Thanks.

I'm going to hold off on celebrating too soon but my weight loss, as I've said, has been very, very slow. So I decided to throw caution to the wind and switch from the wonderful "healthy" foods like baked cod (3 oz piece and 90 calories) to a Glucerna Protein bar with something like 200 or 220 calories and extremely pureed beef, much higher calorie content than fish. I can eat a bit less in terms of bulk, but what I am getting is more calories. Every food opportunity I am trying to think of ways to ramp my calories up from the 500 per day I was getting. I have been about 650- 700 per day since Saturday. And since my weigh in Saturday morning I've lost 2 pounds. Might be a total accident, but I certainly feel better at 650 than 500. If it continues, then I'll be a very happy person! And since I'm in this for (hopefully!) a very long haul, it was worth the try. (Just a P.S., I can really tell the difference in my stomach. Lots of grumbling and gurgling but no discomfort. I think it's just having to work harder.)

Regarding the chewing, I was on 2 weeks of liquid pre-op and 3 weeks of liquid post op. I've never been a real fast eater but during that 5 weeks I lost any speed at all. When you are drinking things that are not all that appealing, it becomes a very slow process to get it down. And obviously, there's no chewing at all during those 5 weeks. I think that works well in teaching the person. At the point I was going through it, it was lost on me but now I see it. And regarding the making a meal last 30 minutes, we do not do that. For instance, I am able to only eat about 80% of a single egg scrambled. Scramble one and see what that quantity looks like. As long as we put 1 minute between bites, we do not have to force the meal to take 30 minutes. I bought a little egg timer and I sit with it on the table and turn it over as I take my bites. It takes me 20 to 23 minutes to eat that portion of a scrambled egg. Ask if you need to make a meal to last 30 minutes or if it's about how long you wait between bites. If you are very small portions like I am, there's no reason to drag it out any longer than you have to. And in the beginning almost everyone is very small portions. For the most part I've been very lucky. Things have fallen into place so easy for me I can't even believe it. I wish I were losing weight faster but I think a part of the reason I'm emotionally able to cope with that is because the overall process hasn't been that difficult. I miss my caffeine because I am so tired but I'll get that back soon. And way more than food, I miss being able to take Advil. But the thing I miss most, I just can't have so I have to get over it. I smoked for many years and gave it up when I bought my first home as I was very low on cash. I think about this in much the same way. There were some rough spots, but now I look back and I'm really glad I had the good sense to just do it. I can't even imagine myself as a smoker now and I smoked close to 20 years. I hope some day I can't even imagine myself as ever having been fat. (At least with my clothes on..pretty sure the skin will be a reminder otherwise.)

That's interesting. My doc told me to eat saltines early on for my low blood sugar issue. I asked about eating something crunchy...I mean it's only 1 or 2 but still. He didn't give an explanation. I've read here that toast goes down well but bread doesn't. If I ever get to where I can eat more than 3 ounces, I would not mind having to toast things at all.