Tracy46545

I didn't have a psych exam. It's not required for self pay people that go to Mexico for surgery. So far I've only met one person that I thought that was a major issue with. But I think she would have been wacko no matter what.....

Walmart has some for $1.77 (or close to that) Keep in mind that the Protein "bullets" (what those little vials are called) are not considered the best source of protein. However, my attitude is they are better than nothing in the beginning until you can handle getting your protein from good foods.

glad to hear you're feeling well after all that "work".Stay in touch,

When you run out of Venison...use Bison.. that's what I use for nearly everything that calls for ground beef. Tacos and Spaghetti (meat sauce) especially.

Sorry I didn't really respond to the question asked which was "will it be too acidic?". I think some people can tolerate it and others can't. Best thing to do is take your Nexium or Prilosec...whatever you're using. Wait 30 minutes and try 1 oz of orange juice. Wait several hours to see if it causes heartburn or acid reflux...if it goes ok...try 2 oz the next day. Just my opinion....for what it's worth!

Hope, can you tolerate warm liquids? I use my chocolate protein powder mixed 50/50 with Swiss Miss Diet Cocoa and heat it just 30 seconds at a time, stirring after every 30 seconds until it's hot enough to all dissolve and taste like cocoa. Another thing to try is sliced ginger in water....the ginger settles your stomach. I sure hope you find relief soon!

hope4204,The biggest issue with Orange Juice (and other fruit juices in general) is the high carb content. If you can control the cravings that the liquid carbs set off, I say enjoy it for the vitamins and liquid intake it offers you. I found a Tropicana brand Orange juice that is 50% less sugar and calories...I've been having 2 oz of that in my protein shakes once or twice a week and I haven't enjoyed juice in a very long time. If you aren't keeping anything else down, the natural fruit sugars in juice won't hurt you. Just try to offset it with some protein if possible. Just my opinion,

I recently tried the five flavors of Chike protein powder. I was most pleasantly surprised by the Orange Creme flavor...which, mixed in water with 2 oz low sugar Orange juice and a few ice cubes....it tasted so much like an Orange Julius that no one could tell the difference. The other flavors, (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and banana) were good, but not as noteworthy as the orange creme. I will order a tub of this. I use the Body Fortress Protein powder in Chocolate and Vanilla from Walmart to cover those flavors. It has a slight protein taste, but I can tolerate it. I've used Unjury Chocolate, Vanilla and Chicken Broth flavors in the past. I didn't care for their Strawberry flavor. Just keep testing....buy sample packs first!

I would guess that's your "I'm full" signal. 2-4 oz is a normal portion for early sleevers. Stop just before you feel that sensation, wait 30 minutes before you drink something and you're done for that meal. You may have to use protein shakes for a bit longer to actually get your total protein in for each day. I was sleeved 2 weeks before you and I can only handle about 3 oz at a time.

Here's an excellent article about GOOD carbs vs. BAD carbs : Enjoy! GoodCarbs.org: Good Carbs for Good Health

This is copied from the Cornell Weight Loss Surgery Program for Post Op:I apologise that it's all in one paragraph...for some reason my posts don't appear as they do when I write them or copy/paste them. Diet Progression for Sleeve GastrectomyThese are general guidelines regarding when to introduce various foods. Everyoneis different and may not progress at the same rate. The nutritionist will review andprovide written materials regarding the advancement of your diet at your 3 weekpost-op visit.? Day 1 Post-op: Nothing by Mouth.? 2-3 Days Post-op: Progress from Bariatric Surgery Clears (Clear liquids, Noconcentrated Sweets) to Bariatric Surgery Puree (No concentrated sweets, lowfat puree). Try to consume 3-4 oz of fluid for every hour you are awake (notduring meal time).? 3 Days to 3 Weeks Post-op: Home Soft Diet (high protein foods). Try toconsume 4-6 oz of fluids every hour. You should be consuming approximately550-700 calories and 50-70 grams protein.? 3-6 Weeks Post-op: All foods previously tolerated, tofu, fish and seafood,thinly sliced deli turkey or ham and other luncheon meats, slices of low fatcheese, unsweetened canned or cooked fruit, potatoes, squash, unsweetenedcereal with skim milk or skim plus (ie. Cheerios and Chex), boiled chicken inbroth (cut up in small pieces), crisp toast and crackers, beans and peas, andlean, moist ground turkey and beef.? 6-8 Weeks Post-op: Diced Poultry (no skin), vegetable burgers, soft cookedvegetables, soft fruits (watermelon, honeydew, peaches, plums), well cookedpasta.? 3 Months Post-op: Rice, un-toasted bread, lean and moist meat and poultry.? 4 Months Post-op: Veal, crunchy fruits and vegetables including salads.? 6 Months Post-op: Beef and Pork (choose poultry and fish more often in viewof lower fat content).The diet should always be high in protein and low in refined carbohydrates(white flour). Preferably, choose protein first, then fruits and vegetables, and then whole grains.

I never worry about the carbs in healthy vegetables. Vegetables with higher carbs like winter squash, potatoes, etc can be enjoyed but in much more careful moderation. It's rarely the vegetable carbs that will slow your weight loss, usually it's the "white" carbs such as potato, rice, pasta, sugar, flour etc. As for when you can add in raw vegetables after surgery....I think 3-4 months sounds right. I have to check though. I'm with ya on that one..I'm craving a salad!

well I finally heard back from Gaby (Dr. Aceves assistant):She said definitely I can take Vicodin, just to be sure to buffer my stomach with Prilosec or something similar. I'm already taking Nexium mups 20 mg daily....so I'll continue with that and if it causes me stomach issues, I'll bump the Nexium up to 40 mg daily. I got through the night without Vicodin...but I know that moving around today is going to require it. I'm pretty sure this is more than a knee dislocation. I suspect it's an ACL or MCL tear, possibly both from the looks of it. I'll know more when I get to the doctor this afternoon. Thanks for all the advice and good wishes.

While I agree with OregonDaisy that refried beans are nearly all carbs...I will say they have a very vital part in a healthy diet. Get the fat free ones and enjoy them in moderation ... (small portions and not dripping with cheese). They are full of vital nutrients, fiber and protein as well as the carbs. They are healthy carbs..much like the ones you get from vegetables. I know many people that have included beans in their DAILY diet and have lost weight consistently. The carbs we simply must avoid (probably forever) are the processed or white carbs. White potatoes, white rice, pasta, sugar, white flour. These and Corn Syrup solids will kill your diet if you allow them. There are plenty of healthy alternatives...just do your research.You're on the right track now...go for it!

I'm using an ice pack on it. It looks like it could be a torn cruciate ligament. The ES Tylenol isn't touching the pain. I think it will be a long night...might have to sleep sitting up in the recliner..which I HATE. I can't imagine getting into bed. My neighbor girl brought over a walker for me to use.. (thank goodness for hardwood floors). It helps. I'm worried about taking the Vicodin because they make me a bit "loopy" about 20 minutes after I take one....that effect doesn't last long, but I'm worried about crushing it or cutting it up maybe intensifying that effect. Also wasn't sure if my little sleeved stomach could digest a Vicodin...lol

bumpity-bump

well...the horrid weather in the Midwest caught up with me. I was walking with my snowblower today and slipped on the icy road. As I fell, I could feel one leg going forward and the other twisting behind me. As I twisted and fell to the street, I could feel my right knee dislocate. (I know how it feels, it's happened three other times.) After the firefighters got me to my feet and into the house (I refused to go to the hospital because I have no insurance) I took some liquid Extra Strength Tylenol and started in with the ice packs. However, this is the worst it's ever been. I have a very large muscle or tendon tear on the inside of my right knee area. It's really swollen and extremely painful. I remember when it dislocated four years ago they gave me 3 shots of morphine in the ambulance, followed by dilaudid (sp) at the ER. None of that this time and the injury is definitely worse this time. I'm a bit over 3 weeks since my revision surgery....and needing to know what I can take for the pain and inflammation. I'm a Dr. Aceves Patient and I emailed Gaby to get their advice, but in the meantime I'd like to hear from any of the long time sleevers that can help. I have Vicodin here which has helped in the past when this happened, just not sure if I should take it.

your carb count is killing your loss. 30 grams a day is the maximum that most weight loss doctors insist on post op. Best wishes

I'm told there is a depilitory similar to Nair that you can get in "adult" stores....and it works better than Nair for pubic hair. going on hear say only....never looked for it and I don't know what it's called. My BF likes the natural look...thank goodness because the first time I waxed I said "I'll live a celibate life and devote that life to a nunnery if this is expected for me to have dates!"It's my story.. and I'm stickin' to it.

Get your protein in and you'll be fine. Weaning yourself off carbs is going to cause some "withdrawal" symptoms....headaches, fuzzy thinking....but it will sort out as your body gets rid of the last of the "empty carbs". Stay hydrated to flush the toxins from your brain and body.

definitely use Gatorade if you aren't getting in the proper amount of Water. At least then you're getting a balance of electrolytes, Vitamins and carbs. I remember an episode of dry heaves while I was still in the hospital...day 3 if I recall. I felt very "loopy" and a bit spacey on day 4....glad I was able to just stay in the hotel bed and sleep away most of day 4. By day five I was flying cross country to get home...no issues. Dehydration can cause nausea...so try to sip something all the time.

I was sleeved on Dec 14 and had the same experience with my first menstrual cycle after surgery. It came early, weird discharge for a few days first, then a pretty heavy cycle. I think it's your body telling you it has been stressed by major surgery and every part of your body is responding to the challenge. Perfectly normal.

ok...how do I add a picture into this post? can't I do that?

I use Unjury also....but I drink the chocolate as a hot cocoa drink in the mornings. I used the vanilla flavor as a creamer in my coffee back when I could drink coffee. Never liked the strawberry flavor in Unjury products. The chicken broth flavor is a welcome change from all the SWEET protein drinks. I've used and tolerated Body Fortress available at Walmart and Meijers (recently). I recently tried the Chike samples and liked all of them except the chocolate. LOVED the Orange Creme flavor of the Chike and will be ordering a tub of that.

Overall that's a pretty high carb recipe with the rice, cornstarch, peas and bread crumbs. sounds good, but not suitable for a high protein, low carb diet plan.