Amanda 3.0

This world is rude, but its up to us how were to handle it, just dont let them ruin your day,that all comes with being over wt,but its not only us that gets this treatment. Well thank God were doing something about our wt,but the rude people will always be there.

We're going for two weeks Dec 22-Jan 5. We'll be up north, near Inverness, but may take the train down to Glasgow or Edinburgh for a day. My husband is a Scottish immigrant and his mum and brother still live in the UK, so we visit every couple of years. Unfortunately, twice this year because my father-in-law passed away in April.
I've never actually been to Glasgow, but really want to visit and check out some of the art galleries (and maybe some shopping!)
Sounds like you had a long, fun trip!

I love M&S and forgot about them having their little shops in the train stations. Excellent suggestion, thanks! I know I'll be able to find some healthy foods at Tesco too, just need to steer clear of all of my calorie-laden favorites there as well.
And I love Pimm's too!

I've traveled several times since surgery, for a week or more, though not internationally. Here are my strategies:
(1) Pack protein powder. I usually mix up snack-size baggies of my morning concoction, which consists of a scoop of Unjury chocolate, 2T unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. When I'm making it, I blend it with warm unsweetened almond milk. I've nearly always been able to get almond milk when traveling, and in a pinch I can mix it into coffee. (I also pack a measuring cup and whisk, and if I won't have a microwave, an immersion heater.)
(2) Pack protein bars - I LOVE the Quest protein bars. They travel really well (not prone to melting or crumbling). They're best when microwaved for a few seconds, but are fine at room temp, if a bit chewy. Really great stats. GNC stores are beginning to carry them, but I order online for best selection of flavors. The apple pie nuked for a few seconds and topped with SF whipped cream is heavenly! Ok.. getting off topic there...
(3) Pack other protein sources, like nuts, protein pudding mix, Ostrim (I don't care for jerky).
(4) For the flight, I've often filled the approved travel-size bottles people use for shampoo, etc. 2/3 full of water and frozen them. I send them through security like any other liquid, in the approved sized baggie, then they can go back in my insulated lunch bag. Then I can buy something at the airport like hard boiled eggs, cheese, a sandwich (ditch the bread) or a salad with chicken, and keep it cold until I'm ready to eat it on the flight.
(4) I always try to get a small fridge in my room - most hotels can do this if you ask - some medications have to be refrigerated, so it's not an uncommon need for guests. When I get where I'm going, I can hit a local grocery for almond milk, lunch meat, and cheese, and some veggies - easy lunches, and sometimes dinners too.
If you're going to be staying one place for several nights, you can mail / FedEx yourself a box with supplies. This can be great for items like ready-to-drink shakes. Just call the hotel to find out how it should be addressed.

What you ate going through is normal. Know that it does get better. Focus mostly on liquids this early out. You have plenty of time to work on protein later. I'm only 8 1/2 weeks out and really have no issues with any type of food. A pornography people don't so you will most likely be able to eat what you like soon.

I can't say I feel like that, but I can say that it does get better. Please hang in there and don't get too down. Things get much easier with time.
I am at eight months so not an expert, but I can drink liquids normally, and there is not much I cannot eat. I wish I had done this years ago, I would have so many lost years back.
You have gone through so much in the last week. Give yourself a little time?

I have put the

I have wanted to suggest this path to a friend of mine. I know she is struggling, but I don't think she is open to surgery, or perhaps insurance will not cover it. I just keep it to myself. If she ever asked, I would love to tell her about my experience, but I like her too much to risk any alienation.
When I see strangers, it doesn't cross my mind so much, because I don't know their circumstances. It does make me grateful for my own progress though.

If you are allowed, you might wish to switch to whole grain crackers. Crackers are a post-surgery love of mine. Fancy, uppity crackers at that (lol). There are a lot of really nice whole grain crackers that will help you feel full. I think the baked Lays will end up being a slider food for you.

I would definitely wait until you are at goal, or at least near goal. It might make a difference in your tattoo's final position. It would be a bummer to get it done, and then wish later that it was in a slightly different place!

Hi all,
I'm just getting ready to leave on a long international trip and so thought I would share what I have found about traveling and managing Protein.
I found out that I can buy Protein powder that, if not the same, is comparable to what I am using here. So while I am packing a canister of powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury, I can buy more in the countries to which I am traveling. I posted questions regarding supplement stores in the TripAdvisor.com forums for the cities I am visiting and locals were happy to recommend stores.
Getting my protein during two solid days of flights is another challenge as I thought I would not be allowed to bring my 11 oz. ready-to-drink Premier shakes. I was happy to be wrong! The TSA will allow my Protein Shakes as medically necessary. I don't need a doctor note or anything, just to declare them as medically necessary and pack them separate for they will screened separately. So, I am taking six shakes for two days of travel.
I called the TSA to verify all this, and they were very nice (although definitely all business). They even offered a confirming email:
Travelers are not limited in the amount or volume of medically necessary food items and liquids they may bring through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoints. However, if these items exceed 3.4 ounces and are not contained in a single, quart-size, clear plastic, resealable bag, the passengers must declare the items to a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) for additional screening. TSA has established procedures that allow TSOs to screen medically exempt liquids, gels, and aerosols.

To prevent the spoilage of medically necessary food items, TSA recommends, if possible, that food is frozen, securely wrapped, or placed in a spill-proof container before carrying the items through the security checkpoint. Gel packs are permitted in accessible property for the purpose of cooling medically exempt items. Additionally, after clearing the security checkpoint, passengers may purchase ice from inside the secured areas of airports for cooling food items during flight.

We encourage all travelers to familiarize themselves with TSA’s Travel Tips prior to their trip. In addition, our Web site, www.tsa.gov, has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations that may assist in preparing for air travel.
If this is not the case when going through airport security, I will certainly report back!

This is such a great topic. I won't be sleeved till the end of the month, but am considering a trip to the UK next March or April (I see that you're about 8 months beyond surgery, and I'd be about 6-7 months out at that point). Please post an update when you return and share what else you learned. Good luck with the protein shakes and be aware that European flight security agencies may not be as cooperative as the TSA for your return flight. Are you able to tolerate protein bars?

I've not kept it a secret, but I don't tell everyone either. I am kind of a private person in real life so I only mention it if there is a reason.
If I get a vibe that someone doesn't approve, or won't be supportive, I don't bring it up around them anymore.
If someone asks questions, especially if a little more information may help them (or someone they know) in some way, I am happy to discuss my experience openly.
I think you will learn how to handle it in your situation, but definitely don't lie if you can help it.

I am sure I have had the "Flatbread Crisps" but I don't recall where I got them.
Do you not find Cheez-Its to be a slider?
I am trying to steer towards the whole grain crackers, and I really want to make my own. I need to google that. I have a Pasta maker that would probably be better used making cracker dough.

You are only three weeks out so I am worried by your post. As you know, we all have different recovery processes, what does your surgeon allow?
I was on full liquids for five weeks so I would be frightened to eat pizza at week three. Are you sure you are okay?
No one is perfect, that's for sure, but if you are addicted to eating (and only you can make that designation), perhaps you could go to individual counseling or attend a group meeting. This surgery is not fool-proof. Eat certain things and you can eat all day and actually gain weight. Eat certain things too soon and you can get hurt.
Head hunger is the worst thing ever. I still feel it almost seven months out but not as bad as before surgery.
I hope you are okay. Just try to stay within your surgeon's guidelines if you can, and if you can't, ask your surgeon's office for advice on what to do.

I know this is a brave move on my part but here goes.... The first pic is of me last spring in Brazil (far left) (234 lbs). I was there visiting for a wedding and this pic was taken by my brazilian family and I didnt know it would eventually end up on Facebook! I was so embarrassed by it. I got tagged in it and it went all over my page and everyone saw it before I could get it taken down. Anyways.....The second and third pics are of me at the beach last week (147 lbs). I have a funny tan line on my belly that we all thought was hilarious. I do think there is quite a bit of difference that nearly 90 pounds makes! I am no supermodel but I thought I looked decent in a bikini, my first one in 22 years! I wore five different ones, one for every day at the beach! I was only a little bit self conscious in them. A huge leap for me!

The only pain I had was the incision pain, and it was about half the pain I felt after my c-section. I stayed 2 nights because I live far away from a hospital with bariatric care. I have a husband, but he had to leave each day for several hours and it left me alone with our lively 6 year old son. I stocked the kitchen with uncrustables (PBJ sandwiches for the freezer), lunchables, apple sauces, his favorite soups, etc. I know it's junk but I had to make it through the week. When my close friends asked what they could do to help, I always replied "Spend time with Ben". They came over and talked to him and just hung out with him, tried to wear him out, etc. We made it through! Good luck to you!

STOP IT!!!! (slap slap slap) You ok now??
That said...you probably didn't damage anything as long as you chewed the life out of it. Just don't do it again.... Now go put your big boy pants on and behave...

My one word of advice would be to be aware that your stay may be longer than one night/day. That seems remarkably optimistic to me, particularly knowing how I was feeling the day following my surgery. The average length of stay at BIDMC is 3 days...and I was in a full week, due to increased inflammation (in my stomach) following surgery. Regarding energy, a week post-op, and I'm able to get up and walk a couple times throughout the day. I can't imagine having to care for small children, though....cooking, cleaning up after, and parenting would be exhausting. I hope you're able to keep your help around for as long as you need it, and that your recovery is a quick one!!

You are only three weeks out so I am worried by your post. As you know, we all have different recovery processes, what does your surgeon allow?
I was on full liquids for five weeks so I would be frightened to eat pizza at week three. Are you sure you are okay?
No one is perfect, that's for sure, but if you are addicted to eating (and only you can make that designation), perhaps you could go to individual counseling or attend a group meeting. This surgery is not fool-proof. Eat certain things and you can eat all day and actually gain weight. Eat certain things too soon and you can get hurt.
Head hunger is the worst thing ever. I still feel it almost seven months out but not as bad as before surgery.
I hope you are okay. Just try to stay within your surgeon's guidelines if you can, and if you can't, ask your surgeon's office for advice on what to do.

Ooh, that's a good idea; I'll ask my NP if I can take half in the morning and half later in the day. Thanks! And may I say congrats on your weight loss! You're almost there!

I'm sorry if it came across that I was being judgemental: again, that was not my intent. I do know what a liquid diet is like: I've done my share. So I do know how hard it is. My point was that eating what you're not instructed to could mess things up for you in the long run. I AM being supportive, sometimes support comes in ways that we don't necessarily want to hear. Success at this is a very big deal. I am glad that you checked with your doc and nut and that they gave you great information. Good luck in your journey.

I didn't intend on that sounding harsh, and I'm sorry if it came across that way. Just wanted to point out the realities of the situation. I am also pre op, but for me, I am willing to do whatever it takes and follow the doctor's orders to the letter to do this right. Is it really worth the chance of having to miss out on surgery and have to do it again anyway? I am not trying to step on toes or make anyone mad, just trying to make a very important point.

My question is this: If you can't make the two week pre-op, are you really ready for the change of life that will come after surgery? Don't forget. That you will be on liquids for a while after surgery. And at that point if you cheat, it could be disasterous. The pre op diets are meant for a physical and a medical reason. Yes, but they also serve a higher purpose in helping us break the food addiction that got us all here in the first place.