Puja

Before having the surgery, I had a talk with everyone in my immediate support network about what I needed from them and why. I cried a lot, it was difficult, but it has worked wonders. My boyfriend was supportive, but sad I was having the surgery, because he felt he was losing a foodie partner. Even today, he doesn't enjoy eating out as much, because I'm not sharing a big 3 course meal with him. I no longer let him eat off my plate (unless I'm finished), and don't let him eat my leftovers that I bring home with me. It's not only my lifestyle that has had to change, but also his. The difference is, he had no choice in the matter. Just before the surgery, I know he was tense and worried, and acted out in ways that I didn't understand. Finally, he asked me not to have the surgery. I went ahead with it, knowing it was best for me. My parents indirectly and unwillingly also did things that hurt my previous and post op diets. It was important for my future health to sit down and have a talk. It's difficult for patients to deal with their health problems, but it's usually even more difficult for the loved ones of patients. They sometimes have a difficult time communicating their needs and emotions. Long story short, try to have a sit down and really discuss what is going on with him, and the both of you. Find out what he needs from you, and let him know that things will not change all that much.

It really is up to you, and if you feel you can manage both things on the emotional and physical level. A support network was very important for me, and I imagine also for most people on here. Will your network be able to be there for you despite the housing issues? The last thing you want is to have the surgery and not be able to cater to your own needs (again, both emotional and physical), because of other distractions. A few weeks is not a big difference for your peace of mind, just as Circa said!

TheBionicBroad, you bring up some interesting points, and it's clear that you know your stuff! From what I've read and been taught, however, saturated fat increases both LDL and HDL, and is linked to dyslipidemia ad coronary artery disease. Here are a few articles that give some good information: http://cholesterol.emedtv.com/cholesterol/high-cholesterol-foods.html http://health.usnews.com/health-conditions/heart-health/lowering-ldl-cholesterol

I would get hemoglobin levels checked, as well as liver function tests! How good are you about taking your Iron, b12, and multivitamin? Do you get proper liquids and nutrition in? Less fat should not be a reason to bruise more. If that were so, skinny people would be walking around in hues of blue and purple.

How much cheese are you eating? Do you have a diet that is higher in fat than you realize?

Illgeturhairdid, what a wonderful idea! You're so right that the most of our lives have always been centered around weight, and probably always will be. But, there is so much more to us than that. Thank you for the reminder! I'm 27, born and raised in Orange county, California. In 2004, I decided to come to India (I'm of Indian ethnicity) and pursue my medical degree. Now that I have finished, I'm working on getting back to the States and applying for Residency. Over a year ago, an acquaintance of mine (who has now become a mentor) underwent a roux-en-y bypass, and I was amazed at he changes in her body and her confidence levels. She was very open about the surgery, and answered all my questions. After passing out of med school, I asked my parents to support my decision for going through with the sleeve gastrectomy, and here I am, 4 months later! I've been very open about the surgery, in hopes to help someone just like my mentor did. Being open has helped me take charge of my own health, as well! Being overweight all my life has been a blessing in some ways, because I have so much more confidence in myself and my personality because of it. I have never relied on my looks for anything! I've just had to be awesome! *winks* I've been with my boyfriend for almost 5 years, and he has been a huge support. We both love good food (I still enjoy it), good music, and good company! We are also huge animal lovers and currently have a pair of male guinea pigs. Good luck to everyone! I look forward to reading more about you all.

YES!! I had so much black in my wardrobe in hopes that it would be more slimming (and somehow larger sizes come in darker and more drab colors). A lot of my clothes were bought because they fit, rather than because they looked cute and made me feel attractive. Now, though, I can try on several things that actually fit, and be extra picky about what I buy! It's liberating, and so very exciting! I can walk into a clothing store and no longer be afraid that I will walk out empty handed and embarrassed because nothing fit me!

Aussiegirl, I wish I had the words to console or help you, but unfortunately I do not. All I can say is that if anyone understands you, it is the people on this forum! Hopefully someone else will come along and be able to write something helpful. In the mean time, I'm sending you positive vibes! Family and friends do worry, but they are also best at making us feel better. Letting them into your private world can be scary, but sometimes very liberating! good luck and happy new year!

Blackanese, how and where exactly are you patting? Use the palm of your hand, and pat gently just below your sternum. Sometimes it helps to rub up and down as well. That little burp really is a huge relief!

As silly as this sounds, when I need to burp I literally burp myself like a baby. I will pat myself on the chest, or have someone pat my back, just like a baby. It works! If I'm extremely gassy, walking helps loads.

Crosswind, I do enjoy almond butter in the US, but haven't been able to find it here! I know that eating Peanut Butter with a few crackers is an extremely satisfying meal for me, so I suppose I'll enjoy it. It's good to know that the peanut butter is not as unhealthy as I thought. Runner, I agree with Siren and Indymom. Is there a medical reason that cheese is not allowed for your diet? Cheese has really been a saving grace for me, and can't imagine not being able to eat it!

Sirensiren, that's wonderful! 135 pounds! Do you know approximately how many ounces of cheese you are getting in per day? I haven't been doing anything low carb, like Ravenjeh. I only measure calories and Proteins. Is ricotta easy to make? Have you got a recipe that you might be willing to share?

MegInNola, is sounds like you've balanced things out really well, and your results show it! I did read about the PB2, but it's not available in India. I'll be sure to get it once I reach the US. Sounds like a lifesaver! I'm allowed 800 to 1000 calories, and require 60-80 grams of Protein. I usually hover around the lower ends of each. Thinoneday, string cheese is much lower in fat and calories, if I understand correctly. Good for you! Anewme, I completely understand! When I first got onto soft foods, I started with Beans and cheese. I fell in love with it, and ate it all day long! Now, I can no longer stand it. It makes me want to gag, seriously. I hope I don't get sick of cheeses, because they add so much variety!

Kami, that sounds like such an exciting trip! It's wonderful that you let go and enjoyed yourself, and still saw a loss. I suppose a good balance of food, exercise, and listening to our bodies really works. I loved food before the surgery, and I still love it. I'm so happy that pleasure has not been taken away from me. I'm in Bangalore, in southern India. I've been here several years, actually for med school. Originally, I'm from Orange County, California! Your diet in India sounds a lot like mine!

All the best to you!

Awesome! I'm in India right now. What was your diet like? Did you manage to get in all your proteins and stay within your calorie limit?

Coughing can also be caused by acid reflux. Are you currently on an antacid?

Thanks, Lissa! I get half my Protein in from my protein shake. It's when I don't drink that, that I end up scrounging for Proteins and find it in bad places. My nutritionist had told me to avoid Peanut Butter because of the fat, but it's so popular on here that I started eating it! It really helps with my calorie and protein intake!

Hi, everyone! As a vegetarian sleever, currently in India, I currently find myself strapped for Protein options. I mainly do Protein shakes, Protein Bars, lentils, yogurt, Peanut Butter, and cheeses (including paneer, which is sort of like cottage cheese). On some days, I might have a maximum of one ounce of cheese. On other days, however, I catch myself eating maybe 3 ounces of paneer, 1 to 2 ounces of cheese, and 2 tbsp of peanut butter all on one day. This is partially my fault, because I see it happen on days where I don't drink my Protein shake, or on days where my fridge is not well stocked with protein options. Today was one of those days! In my head, this all sounds like way too much fat. So, the question is, how much cheese is too much? While the paneer may be a smidgen lower in fat than cheddar or peanut butter, it's still fatty, I assume.

Yes, definitely! Your body doesn't have the same nutrition reserves that a person without surgery does. You are giving your body the minimum requirements to be healthy and function optimally. Ever notice how one or two days with less liquids or nutrition totally brings your energy levels down? Drink some gatorade or pedialyte. Hydrate yourself with liquids that will help restore your electrolytes.

Have you confirmed the coloring is due to your vitamins? Did brushing help? If not, and your breath is still funky, you need to get to a doctor. Could be a fungal infection.

First off, I hate it when these skinny girls complain about being fat. Second, it pisses me off when girls say "I wish I could get the surgery. It would make my life so much easier!" Since when did surgery or the work afterwards become easy? Granted, losing weight is easier now than it ever was in the past. That, however, is relatively speaking. We still have to maintain our diets, our discipline, and our sanity. Goodness!

I haven't seen my weight once since my surgery, which was over 3 months back. I am the same as you! My history has shown that I will sabotage my diet when I see a lot of loss, and when I see a stall or gain, the diet goes down the drain. What's worse, when I eat something I feel guilty about, I find myself going back into pre-surgery mode, where I hide and eat, so that there is no one around to hold me accountable. Now, I don't check my weight at all, from fear of hurting myself and my health. I will get onto the scale backwards for weigh-ins. Not checking has helped my enjoy my life, and not feel restricted or guilty in any way. I eat healthy because I want to, not because the scale forces me to. I do, however, keep a vigilant journal (by hand) with my calorie and Protein intake. If I go over on a day or two, I don't stress about it anymore. I only stress when I see myself reverting back to my old, destructive self. Then I come onto this site, and these wonderful people help me pick myself back up. Good luck to you!

I hope it isn't too late to reply to this! I had my surgery, and then traveled to India 4 weeks later. Granted, I'm not living out of a hotel, but I haven't had difficulties with food and drink. I assume you will still be within the US, and food options should be available to you all over. A good hotel will definitely accommodate you! If you like, your doctor can write you a letter explaining why you may need liquids on the plane, or a special diet at your place of stay. By 4 weeks, you should be on cheeses, yogurt, Protein shakes, and lots of other foods that are easy to transport with you to a meeting.

Oops, I forgot to mention that they whey left behind can be re-used! Some people mix it with salt and spices, and drink it. I assume sugar works, too. I've never tried it, I usually just drain it into the sink. If making dough, the whey can be used instead of Water, and it will add to the Protein content (I haven't looked up the nutritional information on this).