csawinski

Lightlife makes a Good veggie burger that is 20 grams of Protein per serving … you can get them at Walmart 4 for about $4

I was told no BC 2 weeks before surgery, and I have to wait 30 days after surgery to start taking it again.

I should add that you have to take into account whether your doctor takes on higher risk cases when looking at the doctor's leak stats. My doc has had two leaks, but the day we discussed that (after surgery, mind you), he told me that taking on more complicated cases might also drive up both his leak and his mortality rates. Yet he feels compelled to take on higher risk cases (like mine) because he has a real heart for people with obesity issues. If he hadn't been willing to do my surgery, despite the risks, I might not be here today.

You can also always ask if they offer a "side" of Protein (for example, The Olive Garden will give you a "side" of tilapia, for $5.00, instead of making you take the entire meal, with sides you won't be able to eat much of (if any) for $16.00. Ruby Tuesday also has some healthy options on their regular menu, and will serve you a smaller portion of your meal up front, putting the remainder in a to-go box, before bringing it to the table. (I did this last night...asked the waitress if she would put 2 oz of the grilled salmon on a small plate, along with 2 TBSP of the mashed cauliflower, and put the rest in a to-go box. She was more than happy to do so for me, and my dinner (which I couldn't finish) was awesome!) I won't be ordering off any kids menus...the food offered there is nothing but garbage carbs and fried foods, for the most part. I'd rather take three meals worth of left-over healthy food home with me! Best of luck!

the reason why I had this surgery is so I can lose weight and my chances of being a mother can increase. I have PCOS and I can't get pregnant. So Dr recommended me this surgery. thanks though

Oh I'm also an astronaut ballerina with a PhD from the local clown college and when I smoke crack I always let it sit out for awhile and then mix it with egg whites. More Protein less carbs! Dammit I adore these threads.

I'm actually thinking about going to the farmer's market and getting some free range chicken instead of the store bought stuff. Can't hurt to try it.

First let me say I feel fabulous! I've lost over 70 pounds in just over 5 months. I went from a 22 to a very comfy 12. The road has not been easy and for all you newbies...here is my list of amazing highs...and of not so sunshiny lows.
Disclaimer: This is my experience...it may not be yours.

It will be uncomfortable for a few days post op
I was not hungry for weeks after surgery
I was scared to eat or drink and I didn’t drink enough...thus Constipation and weakness
I didn't feel normal for about 6 weeks. I needed naps and I took them
The weight literally falls off...seriously I was looking for pools of fat in bed when I woke up in the morning
I hit the 4 week stall and it lasted two weeks. Expect it and don't stress
On day three, I had a massive freak out…seriously threw a four year old fit…pissed off my stomach was gone.
No one noticed for months and that irritated me.
EVERYONE notices now and it's all they want to talk about.
Don’t tell anyone you are going to Mexico to have your stomach cut off unless you trust them completely.
I threw up alot...just slime mostly...while I was learning my new tummy. It will scare you and if you are like me…it will happen a lot when you transition to solid foods.
food addiction does not magically go away...if you have a problem before..you will still have it. I think about food all the time, but I finally have a way to resist it. I am a sugar addict. I never crave carbs, but I crave sugar like a mad woman.
Going out to dinner is awkward. I hate watching people eat
Put the lotion on the skin! My skin got really dry.
I’ve lost half my hair at 4.5 months post op. Mine came out in chunks. Freaked me out! Our Golden Retriever and I are in a competition for shedding. It will be ok. Take your Vitamins and buy Nioxin. It doesn’t help my Hair loss, but I feel like I am at least doing something about it.
Don’t take a powerful laxative when you are constipated…especially before your child’s school performance. It may say “See results in 2-4 hours” but it means 30 mins and then you’re stuck on a mini toilet with both legs numb, crying to everything holy to save you.
Shopping is amazing! I still feel like people are looking at me like I don’t belong there…but that’s all in my head.
My shoes no longer fit. they are too wide now!
Your pre WLS Spanx will look huge in a couple months
Trust me…put some Granola bars in your glove box and a few packs of mixed nuts. Sometimes your hungry and there is nothing that you can eat.
Handy meals from the market or gas station when you didn’t plan ahead. Single string cheese, an apple, mixed nuts, readymade hard boiled eggs, The inside of California rolls- no rice, campbells Soup at hand or ready made Soup in a coffee cup.
Handy items at fast food places that sit ok on my tummy include: Taco Bells refried Beans or the inside of a chicken taco. Wendys chili, McDonalds oatmeal, McDonalds yogurt parfait
I feel guilty in front of my heavier friends. I always try to wear a sweatshirt so I don’t rub the weight loss in their faces.
You get drunk really fast...like a half glass of wine. Be careful...it sneaks up on you...and before you know it, you’re waiting for your hubby to pick you up...from less than a glass. Its crazy. I don't really even try anymore to drink.
I crave raw fish, cooked fish, broiled fish, grilled fish...any fish really and it feels amazing on my tummy.
I cant eat steak
I love that I have collar bones
I update my Facebook pictures and secretly love the compliments
I own a woman's North Face now
I can buy bras at Victoria's secret
I pack all my food for work in snack bags and the little tupperware containers for salad dressing.
I can still have M&M's...its just like 9...instead of the king size bags
Take heartburn medicine everyday...don’t wait until you get heartburn.
Buy stock in Maalox
You can have a full meal at Costco- samples + WLS = Cheap Date!
Food Portion jokes get really old
Fast food burgers makes me want to vomit.
At 5 months...salad is wonderful. I can eat about a cup of greens...which takes me a while and I feel a tiny bit normal.
Post-op, If you can swing it, buy a Vita-Mix blender and make your own soup. Canned soup was nasty right after surgery. Freeze them in 4oz canning jars. It will be two servings.
Quit Smoking before surgery. I waited and it slowed my healing. It also gave me terrible heartburn. I am 5 weeks smoke free
You don't have to "confess" you had WLS. It's ok to say thank you for the compliment and not feel guilty. I'm just now starting to accept that I had a little something to do with this insane loss. I tell people when they ask now how I lost the weight, that i exercise and use Portion Control.< br /> People will treat you different. Salesladies ask if I need assistance, men hold open doors and the skinny girls at work talk to me now. It's shallow and pisses me off, but it's nice to not be invisible anymore.
WLS is very difficult. For me, it’s not physical, but the mental. Sometimes I just want a cheesecake like before. It goes away very quickly, but it still comes and goes. Sometimes I get angry at my sleeve because I can’t eat something I see others eating. Most of the time I have to hide my expression when I see people shovel food in the way I used to. It’s shocking to see when you’re on the other side of WLS. I used to inhale my food like a tiny food thief was going to come in and take it away from me.
You will have to say no to your family when they all want to go to a Chinese buffet. I’m still not ready to walk in and be near a buffet.
It feels awesome to give your clothes away, however, do not offer them to your heavier friends. It’s insensitive and they won’t return your calls for a week.
Last one...I played laser tag this past weekend with a bunch of 9 year old boys. It was soooo Much fun!!!

Please feel free to add any other thoughts or tips...

I'm July 3rd but I'm in upstate NY . . . Best of luck to you both I'm on a countdown !!

I'm so glad you wrote this because I am about to have my consult soon, too! I'm going to be taking notes from this thread haha

My Dr. Said he won't perform the surgery if you smoke and they can apparently test your blood to see if you do. He said anyone who did needed to quit ASAP and that was back at our information seminar. Good luck!!!I smoked for years and quit before my seminar.I can't see making this healthy change and still harming myself thru smoking.

Sunday I became the Mrs. to my best friend! The day was everything I could ever want thanks to my VSG surgery 8 months ago. I was able to hold my head up high, have energy for the days events, and actually feel like a pretty bride instead of an embarrassed-about-my-weight bride. My new husband deserves the best me I can give him and I feel like this surgery is allowing me to offer that. Thank you to all the people on this forum who have shared their experiences, offered support, and cheered for me along the way. Oh Happy Day!!!