redroses47

One of the things that my nutritionist told me was that after I was on solids (I am now), that I would never have to worry about what I ate again in terms of counting calories since I am not able to eat much more that 800 calories or so. It's nice to think of that freedom but frankly, I think more about the quality of what is going in as opposed to the calories, carbs or fat. I am not eating any breads, potatoes or rice anyway (no desire or room!). I am not a slave to my scale either. I am a bit concerned about the lack of balance, too .. I see the nutritionist on Friday so I will have a chat with her about that. I am sooooooooooooo sick of the Protein shakes, though. I used to love them but I am gagging *sighs*. On to other sources ...

Interesting thread. I am also someone who never experienced a moment of acid or heartburn in my life pre or post-op. I am 5 weeks out and called the surgeon to ask if I could stop altogether and the answer was a sharp 'no'. I need to be on this for three months, he said. They are pretty adamant that there is stomach acid kicking around and can harm the stomach so I obviously don't want to do that. I had read recently that PPI's are very detrimental to bone loss .. perhaps my main concern since I am in my mid-40's. We'll see how this goes. Thanks for sharing your experience Stcyt.

Hi youknowit .. interesting situation .. but you have to trust whether or not this person is worth being in your 'inner circle' of this knowledge. Like many others, I decided I would only tell a few people since it's my choice how I handle this and I haven't had any issues so far. It seems like he is very hung up on your eating habits and you said it's bothering him. Have you asked him why this is such a concern? I realize this could cause an argument since he feels you aren't being completely truthful with him but again, this is your call. If he is pressuring you, is this worth it? If he is worth it, should you tell him? I guess I am not being that helpful :thumbup: .. but I am typing out loud. Good luck.

hi therealme You can't go wrong with PSSC .. everything with them ran smoothly with no problems. I would highly recommend them but yes, you have to pay cash. The cost is high but if you went for a lap band at any of the clinics that offer it in Vancouver, the price is the same but you get more with PSSC. They also offer medical financing with an American company. Apparently it's a good company and quite popular. Have you booked your consultation yet? From what I was told, at least half of their bariatric business is from Canadians and I also know that Canadian health plans will not pay for surgery outside of Canada. Depending on your tax situation, income and marital status will determine how much you will get as a refund. The CRA will accept medical receipts for procedures done outside of Canada. There are a number of websites that explain this .. google it .. but I checked with my accountant beforehand. As for the drive, Edmonds is about 20 min north of Seattle so from Peace Arch, it was about 90 minutes or so. Any other questions, let me know.

Passports are way faster these days .. it shouldn't be long. No matter where you choose to go, as long as you did your homework and are comfortable with your decision, everything will be fine. Keep us informed and good luck!

Where are you having this done, Citizenwill?

I had a 25-pound pre-op weight loss and when I weighed in again a week later, I was still down another 5 pounds. (I only step on the scale every week or so. I refuse to be a slave to the numbers.) Anything is possible I suppose as I am finding everyone's experiences are obviously different.

Like everyone else said, it does get eaiser .. I wouldn't push it although the craving to bite or chew can get pretty strong. I had no desire to chew and I actually enjoyed the fluids so by the time I went to puree/soft foods, I still find comfort in the liquids from time to time. You will find your pace in what works for you as time goes by but stick to the guidelines while you are healing. Best of luck.

I wondered if you were consuming too much Water so I am glad you got that resolved. Now you can get relief from that pesky stomach acid. Yes, it's great the that nutrition offices and the PSSC are right across from each other but I see everyone in Bellingham. While I won't ask which nutritionist you saw, I suspect I know :thumbup1: .. just a hunch. I have had no problem taking the acid capsule since breaking it open was a hassle. But I am looking to get the OTC brand, too since I have to zip down to Bellingham to get my prescriptions filled so it's not very convenient. Anyway, great update.

Hi everyone .. I am in Vancouver. I just wasn't interested in battling our medical system and I wasn't interested in going to Mexico. I bucked up the $22,000 and had mine done in Washington State. I can write off my surgery so I am anticipating a major chunk of this money coming back to me so there was no hesitation in booking this. From first appointment to the surgery .. 6 weeks. I feel fantastic.

My surgeon's office advised that they preferred if you didn't have your period simply because the first few days after surgery can be pretty intense for some people so their premise was the less to deal with, the better. Knowing what I know now, I am glad I didn't have mine.

Do a lot of internet research .. there is more 'local' information than Mexico. I don't know of Alberta but here in B.C., the choices are very dismal. There is one surgeon in Victoria who does the sleeve but his waiting list is 5 years and with that, you have to be overweight AND sick. Provincial medical does cover this cost. If you can go to Ontario, you have much better chances but the government medical plans do not cover this unless you are a resident of Ontario. Lap bands can be done in any major city. Average cost is $20,000. I chose to go to Washington State. Paid my cash .. procedure done within six weeks .. no regrets at all.

I was really hoping to find a local source of chewable calcium citrate but I wasn't successful. Most everything was carbonate and the only citrate I could find was in a caplet. I found a liquid citrate in Fred Meyer - it's like drinking chalk .. so I am awaiting for my BA order. I had to cave to on-line ordering but I will keep looking. If any fellow Canadians know of a source, please let me know.

Awhile back I had read that some Weight Watcher followers did this with their points. They would eat lower points for a few days and then use all of their points plus their banked points once a week which they seemed to believe kicked through a stall. Maybe there is something to it.

I was curious after I posted last night and my rough intake yesterday was about 650 calories and not a moment during the day was I actually hungry. Hope you are feeling better today.

You are allowed to take Maalox if that is something that helps you but no Tums apparently .. it's Calcium carbonate and they want you to take calcium citrate. Wow .. lots of Protein and water! Good for you. I am not a huge protein person - never was - but I am making do and a bit thankful the portions are small. I think I read you were taking the PPI drug. I wasn't going to take it at all but Dr. Landerholm waved his finger at me and told me to be a good patient .. I need it for about 3 months. I don't feel a difference on it or not so I hope it's helping you. Hope tomorrow is better for you.

I was told was that I would be eating 'well under 1000 calories per day' simply because it was about the little volume I could take in. I believe the number was 600 - 800 calories. I take into account the quality as opposed to quantity but I am not reading labels. Keeping it simple .. I stick with the healthy basics .. Protein from Protein drinks, chicken, fish or eggs, veggies, fruits and some dairy. That is all I want - for now.

My PW nutritionist told me that after 5 weeks or so, I am clear to have whatever I want. I really don't feel that way even though their guidelines introduce different foods at each stage. I am very off of anything sweet, breads or carbs and I definitely loved carbs before! Your body will tell you what is working and what isn't. It's hard to imagine the stomach being so small but take a look at the palm of your hand next time while you are eating .. there is the equivalent of the intake your stomach can handle. I am completely fine as long as my Protein source goes in first and I eat slow. I am nibbling 5-6 times a day. I read your other post - sorry to hear about your challenges. I have never had an issue with acid before surgery or after so I am not dealing with that but I can imagine your discomfort. Don't move ahead to any of the new foods until you think you are ready. You will go back to slushy any time you aren't feeling well so it's like a comfort zone for your stomach. Yep, Water, Vitamins and protein .. all priorities every day. Before surgery I used to drink about 10-12 glasses of water a day (I love it) but I can barely get in 6 or 7 cups now and that is with constant sipping. Take care .. things will settle down soon.

Weird, I did the mashed potatoes as well and my stomach was like 'whaaaaaaaaat's this?' .. but I am onto soft foods and it gets way better. I really didn't puree anything .. it was too gross for me .. I stayed on the protein shakes, yogurt, etc. Listen to your body. I didn't follow the handout too closely but rather as a guide. I substituted a lot of things.

Maybe it's too early for me to think about this post-op but I really don't miss any particular food but like other posters above, drinking milk with a meal is something I was very used to and I miss that a bit. I agree with the crunching aspect ..I think I chewed my jello one night just to get a sense *lol* .. but I am on soft foods now and the chewing craving is gone. It was funny to see my dishwasher loaded with spoons for about 10 days .. no forks, no plates .. just spoons

I forgot to mention that I was pretty easily tired in the days following so I took about 12 days off of work and it was fine by the time I returned to the office. I am not sure I could have returned in 3-4 days as some people did .. my body really needed sleep and that I did - a lot.

I was an out-patient .. surgery at 10:15a .. left the surgical center at around 2p. Seems fast but in looking back, their point was to get me on my feet and start me on fluids. I was fine but coming off of anesthesia is not great - the air in my abdomen was pretty intense for a couple of days but I had no pain whatsoever from any of the incisions or my stomach. I still don't .. it's been a very smooth ride. You are right PNW .. it's about your attitude. I went in with a successful mindset and so far so good.

Good advice Tiffykins and CraftyChristie ... that is the point of the sleeve .. freedom from failed diet histories. I couldn't imagine taking another weight loss drug on top of this fabulous tool I have been given. It works!!

My tastes in food changed quite a bit and rapidly, too. My pre-op comfort food was anything cereal/grain/bread-based but now, it's not even on the radar. I am totally fine with any protein food, vegetables and fruits. Grains (meaning oatmeal, flax, etc.) are last but I do try to have something from each of these groups every day. Not easy - there is little room. So to answer the question, I really don't eat more than 1/2c - max 2/3c - at a time. I can feel the fullness right away and all systems say STOP. Good luck.

This topic hits home with me since I am in the "lets do lunch" environment. While I haven't had to come up with excuses yet, my sudden weight loss in a short period of time is being noticed. I am not someone who feels that I have to explain myself so do what works for your comfort level. I am okay with ordering soup, etc. I had a friend tell me (she was banded about a year ago) that she had a few instances where her meal was returned to the kitchen barely touched and the chef came out totally concerned about the quality of the food *lol*. She was kind and said that she wasn't super hungry and would love to have the meal packed up to take home. Good luck on your surgery!