Indymom

I had surgery on Wednesday, was in the hospital 2 nights - came home Friday and went back to work on Tuesday (worked from home Monday). I didn't overdo it but felt fine to start back to work (desk job with minimal activity, no strenuous work or lifting, etc.). I tolerate surgery very well, though, and generally heal quickly as well. My first week back at work I didn't work full days, I generally went in around 9 and went home around 2 or 3.

My doctor recommends against soda and caffeine. My nutritionist said "everything in moderation." I wasn't a huge soda drinker or caffeine junkie before surgery - I occasionally have a cup of coffee in the morning, or I will sometimes have a diet pepsi. I don't believe it can stretch the stomach as carbonation will just escape as gas from one end or the other . I don't make a habit of it, and if I found myself having too much of either, I would nip it in the bud immediately.

In general, I don't worry too much about my carb intake as I seem to lose OK regardless of where my carbs fall. If I'm going to treat myself to ice cream, I generally like the "real thing" (or at least the reduced-fat thing) - my husband sometimes buys sorbet or Edy's slow-churned reduced fat ice cream. I don't have a huge sweet tooth so a spoonful or two of whatever ice cream/sorbet he has bought is enough to satisfy me.

I try to avoid a lot of the foods that have artificial sweeteners in them; my taste buds have changed to the point where I can always identify sweeteners - I can only tolerate them in my iced tea and coffee.

I started on omeprazole, first 1x day and that didn't work - switched to twice daily and still have issues. Now I'm taking Dexilant in the morning. I was taking an OTC Zantac at night but I've stopped that and am doing great. No reflux at all!

I am 7.5 months out and usually hitting between 900-1200 cals/day. I typically lose 2-3 lbs/week (it's slowed down in the past couple weeks because my exercising has been a little lax).

Way to go!!

Had a GREAT time out with girlfriends Friday night singing karaoke and having a few cocktails. I saw some friends I hadn't seen in a while, so of course they were very complimentary of my weight loss (and I was embarrassed).

I finally decided to wear a tucked-in shirt with my jeans and new belt . . . I'm still a little pudgy in front but still pretty happy about it. I felt really great the whole night!

I just hit one of my mini-goals this weekend - finally decided to wear jeans with a shirt tucked in and a belt. I still am a little pudgy in front but I was still pretty happy about it!!

Are you eating very slowly and chewing thoroughly? I have pains still (even at 7 months out) if I take too big a bite, don't chew it up completely, or take a drink too quickly after eating.

To the OP, if you aren't too far out and only eating purees or mushies, you might not actually feel "full" quite yet - that's why it's important to measure your food based upon the nutritionist's recommendation. I don't think I felt full at all until I started eating regular, dense Protein (like cheese, chicken, etc.).

I waited until I was about 4 months out (my doc said 3-6 months). I drink pretty much whatever I want, obviously in moderation. I've had beer, wine, mixed drinks, etc. The carbonation in beer can cause a little discomfort, I usually drink a wheat beer like blue moon that isn't highly carbonated and I always drink out of a glass. Alcohol (especially mixed with high-calorie mixers like fruit juices) is TOTAL empty calories, so most surgeons warn against drinking during the weight loss phase. It can also lead to crossover addictions, so be cautious. I'm a social drinker and haven't noticed that it has impacted my weight loss at all (I don't even bother tracking/logging my drinking on MFP) so each person may have different experiences with it.

The doctor will be able to tell you when you can submit - they are likely very familiar with the insurance processes. My doctor's office had sheets for each insurance carrier with the specific requirements for each one; they would give each patient the appropriate sheet and check off what was still needed.

I've always been proportionate from head to toe - "fluffy" all over. I've lost a lot everywhere, but my calves are still thicker than I like. I've lost a lot more in my butt & thighs than I expected to, though.

I would write a very pointed letter to him, outlining all the concerns you've had with his bedside manner. I would also encourage you to write a review of him if you have access to any of the sites that allow for medical provider reviews (for example, many BC/BS plans have the Zagat rating tool available for their providers). Angie's List also allows you to review medical providers.

No bariatric surgeon should EVER use the word fat. Period.

I have never gotten full-blown slimes or vomiting from eating, but I do get some discomfort with too many carbs or just too much to eat. I've discovered that soft breads (untoasted loaf bread, soft tortillas, rolls, etc.) really cause me some discomfort and seem to swell up my sleeve. I can eat a a piece of toasted bread with a thin spread of Peanut Butter, but don't do it too often as I get too full and it's not enough Protein for me (and too much fat/carbs).

The "sleeve" is nothing new and she probably had the sleeve as part of her original procedure. With DS and Rou en Y, there is cutting of the stomach. The sleeve as we know it now, is similar to the previously mentioned procedures except now it is done as a stand alone procedure. I would assume she doesn't have enough stomach to cut anymore thus making the lapband, her only other option for WLS. I feel for her because as we all know, weight loss is a war and war is hell. Let's just hope and pray that this time around, she has learned and can stay at good weight and healthy!

Actually, RNY does not require a sleeve procedure - the stomach is "bypassed" but remains intact. The sleeve is typically the first step of the DS. I'm not sure how they would revise from RNY to sleeve (if they even could), but I'm sure anything's possible?

If you like spicy food you could also dip in a little frank's red hot sauce and butter mixed together (not too much butter), I do this a lot with grilled chicken. A little ranch cools it down too.

I believe I started them at either 6 or 8 weeks out, but your nutritionist's plan may vary.

I'm losing quite a bit of hair as well (just passed the 7-month mark) - it's really irritating, but I just keep reminding myself of how much healthier my body is. The hair will grow back . . . so I'm just sucking it up for now.

Yep, that's the first place I lost weight too.

I did some of the nectar Protein - the Roadside Lemonade was pretty decent mixed half with Water and half with lemonade crystal light. Some of the other flavors were too strong.

My surgeon and nutritionist OK'd me to take a softgel Multivitamin (Nature Made multi complete) because I couldn't stand the liquids or chewables.< /p>

Check out this forum for the buffalo chicken dip recipe too from Hungrygirl. It's awesome!!

For the first couple months I rarely got above 600 cals. At 7 months out, I now get between 800-1000 cals/day.

I had Taco Bell at lunch - one crunchy taco and the inside of a meximelt. dinner at father-in-law's house was chicken & noodles (I ate mostly chicken), a small salad and a half a biscuit.

There are lots of great recipe sites for different ways to cook chicken and beef. You can cut the recipes in half so they don't make so much, and you'll probably still end up with leftovers for other meals (or lunches). I've found that being creative with various recipes keeps me from getting bored.