lsereno

Oh I do feel your pain. I'm a month behind you and I've already had more than a few falls off the wagon. It's so important to just climb back on!!! Easy to say, hard to do. Get away from me demon bread! Get thee behind me evil cookie! And most of all, do not cross my doorstep donut! I don't know what the answer is besides to just keep trying. That and don't focus on a lot of negative self talk. Just look forward and think about what could change so it wouldn't happen next time. Lynda

Try taking really teeny sips. I took 15 minutes to get down an ounce the first few days after surgery. Also, my stomach grumbled like a Mac truck was driving through it the first couple of weeks. Prop yourself up with pillows in bed or sit in a comfy recliner and hog the TV. Before you get settled, upt a small container of Water by where you will be resting. Use a clock to watch the time and drink one ounce from a medicine cup or a 3/4 full shot glass every 15 minutes. I'm sitting here almost 5 months out and 60 lbs. down from my pre-op weight. Energy has returned and I can guzzle a cup of water at a time if I'm inclined (which I am when I drink my benefiber- it gets thick quick!). Point is, it is worth it and temporary. Baby yourself - you deserve it!!!! I put on hand lotion and lip gloss every once in while to cheer myself up, but everyone has their own favorite thing. Lynda

I missed this the first time around. I took it for about 5 years when I was peri-menopausal (fancy way of saying your body is changing but you are still having periods). I stopped taking it about two years ago when I read an article that said exercise was more effective at relieving depression. First they put me on Prozac, but it made me feel funny and I gained up to 260 - my highest weight ever. I dropped back to 220 after switching. I didn't notice a decrease in appetite. I never went under 220 without really struggling and tracking every bite I ate. Lynda

Congrats! You are rockin that sleeve. 110 lbs. - I know you feel so much better. Thanks for sharing your story-it's inspiring! Lynda

You may not be able to get your former favorites, but you should be able to order meat or fish and get it cooked in any cooking liquid other than the oil. Get the entree sauce on the side. Their menu:

Might be your vitamins. Iron deficiency is notorious for making people tired. Kaiser Fremont recommends Iron in ferrous fumarate format. The Ferrimin 150 from Daliyvite is on the approved list of supplements. It contains a stool softener. For best absorption, you should take it two hours or more after eating and then not eat for a couple of hours after My nutritionist recommended mid-afternoon because I sometimes have to eat a snack in the evening to get my protein for the day in and then I fall asleep before two hours go by. Lynda

I eat a little fruit or vegetable every day. It's not much, but I think it helps. A couple of strawberries at Breakfast and 1/8 cup or more vegetables with lunch or dinner. Of course, I'm quite a bit further out. At first I didn't have room for Protein and vegetables. I did used to eat about 1/4 cup of watermelon before I had room for veggies. I also started taking 1 rounded teaspoon of benefiber a day. Everyone's body has its own schedule, but I've always been a regular once per dayer. If I miss a day, I take colace till I'm back on track. Lynda

I spent time working on these issues pre-surgery. Here's what works for me: Exercise. I hated it and still would rather not, but it truly makes me feel better. Totally bummed? Walk outside. Feeling depressed, set the alarm and hit the a class at the gym before work. Yes, it would be easier to just eat a few donuts, but - a. I can't now and b. The more I lean on exercise, the more I want it because it gives a better result. It can make me feel better than food ever did. Counseling: I took a cognitive behavior class at Kaiser that was a godsend. (Never had realized how much self talk is negative and that I would never talk to any one else the way I talked to myself in my head!) And I also did some one on one counseling and tried a 12-step program on for size. Hobby or other interest: Honestly, I spend a lot of time I used to spend snacking trolling these boards and typing. Hard to eat and type at the same time :-) Make changes instead of avoiding a problem. I finally dealt with my #1 troubled relationship by attending a 12 week class for families with a mentally ill family member and learning better ways to deal with them. I finally realized that I was not helping my family member by letting them abuse me and put some distance between us. It hurts sure, but it hurts less than the mess of a relationship we were having. Yes, it's scary and hard but I am so much happier now and I feel like have more to give as well. Good luck to you! Lynda

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story. It thrills me every time I see someone post that they have reached their goal. I guess secretly I fear it just isn't possible and every time I see someone make it, I gain a little more confidence to smack down that fear. And normal blood pressure!! Woot woot! I am off all meds, but mine is still running a little high at 41/2 months out. I can't wait to join you on the goalies bench! I have 28 lbs to go. Lynda

I am 5'6", started at 254 and my bras were too small. I had gained about 30 lbs. and hadn't bought new bras. I got new ones when I weighed about 205 because mine were badly worn, but they were the still the same size. I also asked the fitter for help getting one size smaller because the store had a buy two get two free sale. She recommended the same cup size and one size smaller band. I started wearing those at about 175. For me, it's about the fit. When the band started to be too big to support me and the cup started emptying out on top, I switched to the smaller size. Lynda

I lost 32 lbs. in three months following the Kaiser pre-op plan. I did exercise 5 days per week for 30-45 minutes. I went from 254 to 222 and I'm 5'6". I did cheat but not often. Generally a couple of times per month. Good luck Deb, you can do it! Lynda

Yogurt Smoothie: Blend 1/2 cup Fat Free Greek Yogurt with at least 20 grams of protein per cup, 1/8 C. orange juice, 1/4 C water, a couple of frozen or fresh strawberries, and Splenda to taste ( I like three tablespoons). Split Pea Soup: Andersons Split Pea with Bacon has 5 grams of protein per half cup Decaf Soy Milk or Skim Milk Latte: 8 grams of protein per cup of milk Lynda

I'd take a break and test it out again if I were you. I'm not sure but I think if you were lactose intolerant post-surgery, it would show up right away not 25 days later. I can't drink milk or have unfermented milk products since surgery. I had a problem with the first glass of skim milk and the first serving of cottage cheese I had. If it is indeed lactose-intolerance, you may be able to tolerate yogurt and hard cheeses no problem - I can. At the beginning, I used

Hi all, Over the last two weeks I have lost 4.4 lbs. so I'm back on track after a small weight loss week Sept. 16-23. I'm in the under 30 club and I'm so excited! Just .4 lbs to go and I've lost 90 lbs. since I began my pre-op diet Feb. 15. I was on vacation last week so I didn't do my Friday check-in last week. I'm entering a weight of 166 for that week because I weighed that the day we left on vacation. I did a good job of getting Protein and fluids on vacation. I used a simple sticky note to track protein grams and Fluid intake every day. Only had to use the Protein powder one day! I didn't exercise the week we were on vacation. Hubby's health keeps him from doing much, even walking a fair distance, so we did sedentary things throughout the week. As soon as I got home, I'm back in the saddle, working out every day except Monday, my day off. I notice the last few weeks I've been hungrier and I can eat a bit more (2.5 ounces sometime!) of solid protein than I could before. Still under 800 calories every day though. Halloween Goal: SW-177.............CW-164.4...............Halloween Goal-159 Sept 2: 175 Sept. 9: 173.1 Sept 16: 169.6 Sept 23: 168.8 Sept 30: 166 Oct 7: 164.4 Oct 14: Oct 21: Oct 28: Halloween:

I feel restriction with them. Not as much as solid Protein, but enough to keep me from overeating. Lynda

Thanks for sharing your story. I've got 29 lbs. to go to my goal (ticker only gets updated on Friday) and I'm 4 1/2 months out from surgery. Those last few pounds can be so stubborn, so it is good to know how you got rid of yours! And I love the pics- You are rockin' those boots! Lynda

Hi all, Today I weighed 165 (Not reflected on my ticker: I only update it once per week on Fridays). I have exactly 30 lbs. to go to my goal: 135 and a BMI of 21.8!! I'm so excited. It's been about four and half months since my surgery date. I'm scared of the inevitable slow down in losing as more time passes and I get closer to goal. I have noticed I am getting hungrier. Nothing like pre-op thank goodness! I'm working out 6 days a week and sticking pretty close to my program guidelines. I'm participating in the Halloween Challenge and I check in there every Friday. I missed last Friday because we were gone on vacation and I didn't have access to a scale. I'm hoping to be at goal at 8 months from my surgery date. That's assuming I can continue a 10 lb. per month weight loss. I think 9 months may be more realistic, what with the holidays and a planned trip to Japan in December. I have not weighed 135 since the late 80s. My joints still hurt a bit and I'm hoping these last 30 lbs. will help that. I'm already off my blood pressure meds and high cholesterol med. Currently, I'm wearing medium tops and size 12 pants. The pants are a little baggy, but I'm going to wait a few weeks before buying new ones. I am finally feeling like my pre-surgery self in terms of energy. It took me longer than many on the board. Now, I'm hoping to feel more energetic in the months to come. What with nearly 90 lbs. gone since beginning the pre-op diet, I should be way more energetic! 30 lbs and counting! Lynda

I had melon, strawberries, and mango during my soft food stage. Also tried a few bites of fresh peach and nectarine. My program's equivilant to the mushie stage (weeks 3-6), allowed all soft fruits, skin removed. Lynda

Ugh. Rootman and Diva, I know you guys are right. I guess I will just wait till i get to goal and see if there's anything that bugs me so much I want it suctioned or cut off :-) In the meantime, I will be rubbing and exercising anyway. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a placebo effect :-) Lynda

I'm with Diva, I haven't heard of anyone getting an air bubble trapped. My program didn't want us using straws because you could swallow air and be uncomfortable. We were told many people have a problem with gas for a few weeks after surgery and swallowing extra air makes it worse. I used a one ounce medicine cup and a measuring cup after surgery to get my fluids in. I took tiny sips from the one ounce cup, working to finish it in 15 minutes. That's 4 oz. per hour and if you are up 16 hours, that makes 64 oz. per day. I used the measuring cup as a pitcher so I didn't have to get out of bed every 15 minutes to refill my medicine cup. I also agree with Diva that it helps to practice sipping ahead of time. It won't seem so strange after surgery if you have practiced a bit first. Lynda

I believe in massaging the areas where you want the fat to disappear. I have those fat pads too so when I take a shower, I rub the heck out of them, along with that little bulge on my lower tummy and the other areas that I am sincerely hoping disappear with the next 30 lbs. I lose. Who knows if it works, but it makes me feel like I am doing something. It definitely increases blood flow to the area. Try a back exercise for the fat pads. I believe the dumbell rows will target the area that is closest to the fat pads (at least where mine are): http://exercise.about.com/library/blbackexercises.htm Lynda

I followed my program guidelines. I was allowed decaf immediately, but I didn't have any for a couple of weeks probably. My tummy was really picky at first, and I was afraid it wouldn't sit well. I drank Starbucks or Peets decaf for the first three months, and now I am back to caffiene. Yeah! I generally get mine in by having a Soy Milk Latte in the morning. Gets in 8 oz. of fluids and 8 grams of Protein with my caffeine fix. Lynda

Congrats Tiffykins! Tatum looks pretty already. Can't wait to see her adorable face in a couple of months. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. It brings a smile to my face. Lynda

I like Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame. 70 calories and 7 grams of Protein per ounce. Do not mistake this for Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame. It is nasty!!!! If you are not uber-restricting carbs, I also like Anderson's Split Pea and Bacon Soup, 140 calories, 23 grams carbs, 10 grams protein per cup or Dennison's Fat Free Chili, 210 calories, 29 grams carbs, 20 grams protein. They will be especially nice in these cool winter months coming up. I get an extra 8 grams of protein in by having a soy milk latte midmorning. I use 8th Continent Original, which has 80 calories, 7 grams carbs, and 8 grams protein. Sometimes at night I have a cup of soy milk heated with a little sugar free caramel syrup. Satisfies my sweet tooth and it's another 8 grams of protein! I read you don't like Greek Yogurt. Try it in a smoothie to hide the yogurty taste and thickness. I make one with 3/4 cup greek yogurt (one with at least 20 grams of protein per cup and no fat), 1/8 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup Water, 2 strawberries, and three tablespoons of Splenda. It's pretty sweet, satisfies my fruit craving in the morning, and is the texture of a thin milkshake. I agree with other posters: exercise first thing in the morning. Make an appt. with yourself. You deserve to feel better!!! Set out your workout stuff the night before and get up earlier if you have too. Also, track your food and water intake and your exercise till you are in the groove again. Tracking and exercise are two of the top habits of people who keep their weight off. Best wishes getting back on track. You can do it!!! And you are worth it!! Think how nice it will be to get old and be healthy. Lynda

Hi, I had my surgery on May 17 at Kaiser Fremont. I am 54 yrs old, weighed 222 and I am 5'6". The Dr. repaired a small, undiagnosed hiatal hernia while he was in there. My outside stitches were the dissolving type and by the time my steristrips fell off, they were long gone. I found the pain medication at the hospital and at home (generic liquid lortab) effective as long as I didn't put pressure on my tummy. It hurt when I sat up or twisted, but not as long as I laid still, sat still, or even while walking. I was able to sip and walk as soon as I was allowed. I didn't pick stuff up off the floor for several days and I slept propped with pillows to mimic a hospital bed with my knees and upper back raised for about a week. I had discomfort- not pain. My stomach rumbled like a mac truck was driving through it. I felt tired, weak, and like I had been slugged in the stomach. I had diarrhea for about the first two weeks. I discovered I was lactose-intolerant following surgery (fairly common, but it goes away for most people after a few months), and when I gave up all milk products except yogurt, the diarrhea slacked off to 2-3 times per day, slowly returning to normal for me (once a day). I think 20 days will probably be enough time off, but you will be pooped after getting off work, so if you have home responsibilities, do whatever you can to make them easier on yourself. Everyone heals differently, so you are likely to hear a wide range of pain levels, tiredness levels, and complications after surgery. If you don't get enough responses to see a variety of information, poke around on the boards for older posts about this topic. Many people check in often in the days following surgery, so you can read their thoughts about the process as they were going through it. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery! Lynda