lsereno

Hi Kelly, Sounds like your 3 month post op appt, which is a group appt. I got details on it with my discharge info. For Fremont, it is a 2-3 hr. group appt at which we will see Dr. O'Brien (medical dr. associated with bariatrics; she is not a surgeon), the nutritionist, and possibly the psychologist. We are supposed to bring our Vitamins to the appt. Lynda

My pooh has has been dark green since my VSG on May 17. I assumed that was normal and never thought to ask about it. Lynda

Try the Greek Yogurt in a smoothie - it masks the taste and the texture. This one has 10 grams of Protein and about 95 calories: 1/2 c. Fage 0 Greek Yogurt ( I buy it at costco, comes in a giant tub): 65 calories 1/8 c. OJ: 15 calories 2 strawberries: 15 calories Splenda to taste ( I use a couple tablespoons) Lynda

Kelly, Which Kaiser in Nor Cal did you go through? Kaiser Fremont counts Protein and calories. I know each bariatric center has different requirements for surgery, but I didn't realize the aftercare was different too. Lynda

I couldn't even wear my stretchy workout/pajama pants at first or even my undies! My tummy was sore and swollen. Of course, I gained 14.5 lbs. from the hospital IV and it took 8 days for that to go away. I wore a nightie the first couple of weeks. I put on the stretchy pants and undies only if I was leaving the house. By week 3 I could wear my jeans comfortably. I was still swollen in the tummy a bit, but I lost enough weight it made up for it. Lynda

Kaiser Fremont guidelines are 400-600 calories per day for the first six weeks and then 400-900 up to three months. Three months to the end of the first year is 600-1000 per day. They also recommend exercising 30 minutes or more most days. At 7 weeks I'm averaging 600 calories a day and I exercise 5 days a week. My BMI is currently 31 and I am losing 2-3 lbs per week. Lynda

Yahoo! I'm slightly ahead of my goal of 2 lbs. per week! I'm at 193.7 today. I'll be checking in each Friday. I weigh every day, but I only log on Fridays to keep myself sane. Just 3.6 lbs. to my first mini goal: A weight that starts with 18. Last time I saw that it was the year 2000, and I got there with hypnosis. I made it down to about 185 or so. Lynda Labor Day Goal: SW-197...............CW-193.5...............Labor Day goal-179 July 4: 197 July 8: 193.7 July 15: July 22: July 29: August 5: August 12: August 19: August 26: Sept 2: Labor Day!:

I'm with Kaiser Fremont. Most people (including me), advance to Stage 4 at 6 weeks, which includes basically all foods. I was advanced last Thursday and so far have enjoyed raw bell peppers, lettuce, and carrots. I've also had corn on cob. Yum! I am so full after eating my Protein that I haven't had room for much else, so it's been 1/8-14 cup max on the veggies. Kaiser seems to advance faster than many Dr.s programs. Clears last less than 48 hours, Full liquids (which includes greek yogurt, cottage cheese and cream soups) lasts till two weeks post-surgery, and soft foods (soft fruits, cooked veggies, all soft Proteins except beef) lasts till six weeks after surgery. Lynda

I had my 6 week checkup last week (sleeved May 17). Dr. advanced me to Kaiser Fremont Stage 4 diet: Pretty much all foods allowed, sticking to low-fat, low-sugar choices, Protein first 400-900 calories per day in three meals with a Protein Drink if needed in the evening. I'm averaging 64 oz. of fluids, 600 calories, and 65 grams of protein a day with a typical day looking like: B: 95 calories: smoothie of 1/2 cup Fage 0 Greek Yogurt, 1/8 cup Orange juice, 2 Strawberries, 2 Tablespoons Splenda L: 110 calories: 1.5 oz. Ground Beef, 1/16 cup Raw Baby Carrots D: 95 calories: McDonald's Asian Grilled chicken Salad: 1.5 oz. Chicken Breast, 1/4 cup Mixed Vegetables and Mandarin Oranges, 1 Tablespoon Newman's Own Light Ginger Soy Dressing LNS: 190: 1 cup Plain Soymilk, 1 scoop Gold Standard whey Protein I exercise 30-45 minutes per day, five days a week. As of today, I've lost 27 lbs. post surgery plus 32 lbs. during the 3 month pre-op diet, for a total of 59 lbs. Currently, weight loss is averaging 2 lbs. per week. My energy is still a bit lower than I'd like and my blood pressure has not dropped enough for me to ask the Dr. to take me off meds yet, but I'm hoping that will change with the next 10-20 lbs. I am so sick of protein it's not even funny, but I know I must have it first. So far, one of my favorite Proteins has been chili. I've had one "lost weekend" over 4th of July, but I'm back on track. No regrets from the surgery, but I am REALLY looking forward to being a few more months out and adding a little more fruit and vegetables and some healthy starches (I'm not an ultra-low carber). Lynda

Hi, I don't have an answer (although I think less meds and less weight will help). My suggestion is reposting your question in the Men's Room forum. Best wishes to you and your wife! Lynda

I'm in San Jose so Great America would be perfect for me. I'm not up for Great America, but could meet outside the park. Vacaville is a bit far. It's about 1 hr. 40 minutes from my house. Lynda

I used two extra pillows to prop my upper back and one under my knees to make my bed resemble a hospital bed. It was probably a couple of weeks before I could sleep on my side. Lynda

I'm was sleeved at Kaiser Fremont on 5/17 by Dr. Hahn. He used a 40 and oversewed the staple line. At 7 weeks out, I have restriction on solid Protein of about 1/4 cup. I can eat 1/2 cup of Soup or yogurt. I cannot gulp drinks, even Water. Lynda

Congrats beautiful! And many wishes for a long and happy marriage! Married life will be even better at your new, healthier weight and that healthier weight will ensure you get more time on the planet to enjoy it! Thanks for sharing your photo- it made my day! Lynda

I have several: I felt the bone at the bottom of my sternum- been so long since I could feel ribs, hips, etc through my extra padding that at first if frightened me - what is this strange lump!! I had the same issue with my hip bone a few weeks back. Haha - wonder what bone will scare me next? I rocked an XXL tie-dye tank from Walmart on the 4th and my pants are getting too big. I have one more set of skinny jeans to work through before I have to buy new ones. I tried on one top this week and discovered it had gone from being too small to too big before I wore it. Oops! Lynda

I'm 7 weeks out. So far, I don't have buyer's remorse, but of course I have had a few bad days. My biggest fear is gaining the weight back in years 2 and beyond. Now that would give me buyer's remorse! If could truly control what I eat I would have never needed the sleeve in the first place, so as time goes by, I am afraid I may make bad choices that let weight creep back. I don't miss eating much. For the most part, I am not hungry and find it a major hassle to eat the required amounts. I think part of that is because I am VERY compliant with my Dr's recommendations: low cal Protein first at every meal. I am much happier since my six-week post op when I was cleared for all foods. Unlike many, I have found beef very easy to tolerate. Lynda

Hi, I'm back from a long weekend at Pismo Beach. We rented a two story condo with the dining room and living room upstairs, so got plenty of stair action and lots of walking every day. Pismo has a great beach for walking and the town is fun too. Today, I was back at the gym with my trainer for 30 minutes. Tomorrow it's my walking group for 45 fast minutes through downtown San Jose. I want to add 30 minutes of light cardio to my Mon.-Wed-Fri workouts, but I'm waiting for my knee to heal up. Between the stairs and hopping in and out of the sand chair all day on 4th of July, it has had it with bending for a while. I was hoping my joints and feet would act up less as soon as I dropped some weight, but that hasn't happened yet. I'm at 195 lbs. so maybe when I get closer to goal. Lynda

Hi all, My goal for Labor Day is based on losing 2 lbs. per week, which is what I've been averaging since week 4 post-surgery. The Labor Day Goal also includes reaching three mini-goals: 1. Getting down to the 180s. Haven't seen that weight since around 200. 2. Becoming Overweight, not Obese (185 lbs) 3. Weighing less than my husband: (<182) Labor Day Goal: SW-197...............CW-197...............Labor Day goal-179

Hi Meggie, I've just returned from my own lost weekend, so I feel your pain. In addition, I know my bougie was an oversewn 40, so I have a horror of winding up with a big tummy with lots of weight regain. Honestly, if I could have controlled my eating, I would never have gotten the sleeve to start with, so naturally I am scared about long term weight regain. Good lesson on eating Protein first!! The sad thing for me is that protein often leaves me feeling a little " eh" and those slider foods didn't bother me a bit! I'm with you: Back on track: Protein first, veggies/fruit next. Protein shake at the end of the day. Lynda

Hi all, Congratulations to all who made their 4th of July goal!!! I missed goal by 8 lbs. I set my goal pre-surgery, assuming about 5 lbs. per week in the first six weeks. After the first three weeks, my weight loss is averaging 2 lbs. per week. I have lost 25 lbs. in the seven weeks following surgery. Respectable, but not as much as I thought it might be. SW-223...............CW-206...............July 4th goal-189................July 4th Weight: 197 I'll be setting my goal for Labor Day at 2 lbs. per week. The Labor Day Goal also includes reaching three mini-goals: 1. Getting down to the 180s. Haven't seen that weight since around 200. 2. Becoming Overweight, not Obese (185 lbs) 3. Weighing less than my husband: (<182) Labor Day Goal: SW-197...............CW-197...............Labor Day goal-179

Mid-August works better for me. We have traveled so much for 4th of July with more family visits this week. Also, on Friday, July 8, there is a Kaiser Fremont support group meeting at 6 p.m. Lynda

I recommend leaving your scale in exactly the same place on a hard level floor. I can gain or lose up to 1.5 lb.s or so by moving mine around a few inches on my hardwood floor (Original wood floor from the 1920s so it probably has a more uneven surface than newer ones). If it's in the same place and you can change your weight more than an ounce or two by simply hopping off and on, maybe it's time for a new scale. And next time you plan to get weighed at the Dr.s, step on the scale before leaving the house. Generally, my scale weighs about 1 lb. heavier than the Dr.s scale. And about the two pound thing: You are right on schedule for the infamous 3 week stall. You'll find lots of chatter about the notorious stall all over VST. If you did only lose two pounds in week 3 or so, you are in good company!! Lynda

If you don't get a reply here, try the Yahoo Group for Nor Cal Kaiser Bariatrics: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients/ I don't have an answer for you because I went through Kaiser Fremont. Each bariatric program has its own standards. Lynda

The pressure and contracting after I eat is what I get if something doesn't agree with me. My tummy roils around enough I have to undo my pants. One time I threw up a bunch of slimy stuff for about 15 minutes, but every other time, the discomfort goes away within 10 minutes or so. I felt the sudden "I' gonna heave" feeling twice in the week after surgery, but not since. My tummy feels "a bit off" most of the time anymore. I think it's still healing (surgery May 17 included a small hiatial hernia repair). Lynda

I'm a month ahead of you (sleeved 5/17 at Kaiser Fremont). Are you eating slowly enough? I started with a timer to pace myself. If I am eating out somewhere I don't want to plop my timer, I try to find a clock or sneak a peek at someone's wristwatch ( I don't wear one). Also, at first I ate past the point of feeling full because i was trying to get 2-3 oz. of protein per meal. Now, I aim for anything over 1 oz. Usually I eat between 1.5-2 oz of protein per meal. If you are eating slowly enough and stopping when you get full instead of trying to eat a larger portion, try going back to full liquids for a day. I did that after I got sick from eating 2 oz. of steelhead trout. The next day, I had cream soup, yougurt and protein drinks. It really helped my tummy out. Hope you are feeling better soon! Lynda