AliveAgain

OK, thanks everyone! Looking forward to grilling season and expanding my taste buds. Chew, chew, chew!

Quick follow up on this topic... I'm finally getting it! I went to a few social events last week and some friends didn't even recognize me. They'd walk right by or talk to my husband and then realize it was me standing next to him. Most are just very nice with, "You look great! Wow!" without reference to weight loss unless I bring it up. Then one of our best friends came over last weekend and I hadn't seen him since about a month after surgery (weight loss was too little for him to notice then). He went all day without saying anything until I mentioned something about working with a personal trainer. All he said was, "Is that working for you? Are you seeing results?" So I just said, "Um yeah, 55 pounds lost." And he said, "Well I noticed, but didn't want to say anything...." SERIOUSLY!!!

I'm 12 weeks out, curious when most of you tried or had success reintroducing red meats? I enjoyed a nice steak from time to time, or meat sauce with pasta. But I've heard it can be hard on the new stomach for a while. I would just like to know if my husband grills a filet mignon that I can have a few pieces with veggies? Or making a nice meat sauce (lean beef w/some turkey) to put over spaghetti squash in place of pasta. It's so amazing if you haven't tried it!

Very succint and easy-to-understand explanation. Now if only my doctor would read this and LEARN from it.

I get the carb rush and crash. I really do. I used to go all day without eating, just running on coffee, coming home and having two servings of a nice Pasta and feeling so happy after. Or I'd get a huge nacho at lunch, crash mid day at he office. Order the plate of pancakes or French toast for weekend brunch and not get a damn thing done the rest of the day because I had no energy. Now, I sleep better than ever before. I never get sick. I have more energy on most days than I know what to do with. I love exercise. I haven't had a headache in over three months other than some mild PMS related things that were a blip on the map). I'm happier and everyone notices. The first month was the hardest. I think I craved pasta and Mexican food everyday. I knew I was in trouble when I started "sneaking" in a teaspoon of salsa just to taste it. But guess what? All that goes away. Now what I eat is my new normal and I'm loving it. And when my husband cooks a pasta for his pre-hockey dinner, I sneak a single bite. I eat it after I've had my pan seared scallops and veggies. When I'm at a friend's house for dinner and they make oatmeal choc chip Cookies, I eat 1/4-1/2 of one and I'm satisfied. As for those other questions: Three servings of Protein in the morning? Never heard of this. In the first month, I had a Protein shake and maybe some SF Jello made with unflavored whey protein. Now, at three months I have a very normal Breakfast of either Greek yogurt with some berries, eggs and turkey bacon, cottage cheese then a protein shake an hour or so later. Drinking with meals. I thought I'd have a hard time with this, but it's actually been the easiest. I keep a glass of Water near me, but only for emergency. I'm too fearful of choking or needing to clear my throat. It's not that we CAN'T drink with the meal, it's that we shouldn't. But I had my doctor and nutritionist telling me that long before surgery. Soda bloats you, watery liquids (teas, juices) just dilute the stomach acids that are trying to break down foods for further absorption. Now, it's more like I know I won't be able to eat as much if I drink more -- I'll get too full too fast. Foregoing club soda and the mini scone. Eh, they advise you don't drink carbonated drinks because the stomach is too sensitive the first few months. I would agree. But I had a sip of my husband's Orangina not long ago and nothing major happened. You don't really crave it. And I think after 3-6 months or so if you really want a non-calorie, non-sugar bubbly water apart from a meal it would be fine. As for the scone, I see treating yourself to a few carbs/sugars here and there (like once a week) is OK. You won't be able to eat it comfortably for the first few months, but you also won't miss it. And if you do miss it, have a single bite. Get the taste without eating the whole thing. Heating anything substantial in the first three months. WTH? I eat hot foods all the time and have since four weeks post op. And even when I was on liquids and mushies the first month, I heated Soups and the like up to the allowed 130 degrees (so protein could be added without clumping). I enjoy baked fish, steamed veggies, all kinds of chicken now. It's great! I was exactly where you were in the months before my surgery. Very afriad at never enjoying the foods I loved again. But I know I will again one day, this time in much healthier portions. When I go home late this summer, I will enjoy hamburger night at my brother's -- but bunless and skip the fries. When Thanksgiving rolls around, I'll eat all the stuff but on a small plate. And my new smaller stomach will let me know when I'm full. I totally thought I was going to regret this in the first month post-op, but know I have to say I wish I'd done this years earlier. Best decision ever!!

My doc tells me to keep carbs under 40g per day and fats 10-15g per day, but I've seen other people post about their doc's plans letting them go up to 60g carbs. The general rule is 60-70% of your caloric intake should be lean sources of Protein, and always more protein than carbs. The is a complete lifestyle change, so it's not like it's ok if you still have ice cream everyday in small amounts or potato chips if you're still under in your carbs. You need to eat more healthy period to get the nutritional value out of your food. Most people use an app on the web/phone called MyFitnessPal which will help you monitor Fiber, sugar, etc. You still want to try to get 12-20g of fiber daily, which is really hard on our diets. As for sodium, it's really hard to go over the daily recommended allowance of 1500-2300 (the lower for higher age and high-blood pressure groups). Unless you're eating all high-sodium Soups and salting EVERYTHING. I barely hit 1000 on most days now. You're electrolytes will most likely be a little low in the first month or so because you're not eating as much fruit and vegetable. I had to be given prescription potassium to get through.

The humor is great! I have to say that of the saggy and non-existent butt, batwing arms, stomach "flap and other things -- the NatGeo boobs are driving me the most crazy. They are just ugly and sad. I'm finally going down in bra size, although it's still a pain to try to find a bra that fits. I've been paying $20 each to have my tailor customize them for me. Don't get me started on swimsuits. I'm dying to swim but am convinced no one makes them for my size/situation and custom is going to cost me about $200 to last a month or two. I wish I could have the surgery now...

My doctor advised me to stay away from scrambled eggs until closer to 6-8 weeks out. It's one of the hardest foods to get down, while in other forms (poached, soft boiled) it's a little easier. I actually had a total aversion to eggs until about 8 weeks out, and now (at 12 weeks) I can take them in any form. Granted, I don't really care for scrambled like I used to. I think it's because I liked them best with toast, and I'm not allowing bread in yet. Yes, you make have gotten a little bit stuck and it will get better with time. Also, if he did a liver biopsy (which most do while they're in there), that could also be a source of the pain. I had intermittent pain until I was about 4 weeks out. Eggs were actually not on my mushy list, so I abstained until week 4 from trying them. You'll have a few things that will scare the p*** out of you, but most of them will be harmless. You'll know when it's a true emergency. I know the first time I ate too much too fast I thought I was going to die, but it passed on it's own and I learned a valuable lesson.

I think it really matters more what is making up your calories, when you eat it, if you drink enough fluids, and get enough exercise/activity. It's not just as simple as calories in vs. calories out because the body burns food sources differently. Sticking to higher protein definitely works best for me, watching the carbs, getting enough fiber, and only healthy fats. I thought my doctor's "diet plan" was insane when it told me to stick to 600 calories or less for the first 6 months. The more I poked and prodded, the more I realized his plan was truly based on most of his patients being severely obese, old, or have physical limitations. When you're younger and more active, 600 calories is damaging to the body for long periods of time. I noticed I had very low energy when I hit month 2 and it was largely because I was hitting the gym, walking, biking, weight training, etc. 5-6 days per week for an hour or more. Once I bumped up to about 800 calories, I felt much better and the stalls are fewer and not as long. The funny thing is that I still struggle to hit 700 most days as I am rarely ever hungry. And cravings are very few and happen mostly when I'm emotional. Most people burn about 1000-1200 calories just going about a normal day in a sedentary lifestyle (desk work, etc.) That increases by 300-800 calories the more active your job/day may be (contractor, landscaper, etc.) It takes 3500 calories to burn a pound of fat. Considering most of us in the first 6 months are rarely burning more than 300 calories with exercise, do the math. Add to all that the metabolic changes we go through monthly with menstrual cycles and age.... it's really a crap shoot to figure out what will work for one person much less all of us. I say experiment, see what happens. This is a permanent change for the rest of our lives, so I don't see a rush to get it perfect right out of the gate. So long as you're not going UP in weight in any drastic way, then you're good

Hi Elainarose! Congratulations! Doesn't it feel great to feel your pants falling off?!? I do still have them and have yet to take pictures Do you have anything you are looking for specifically? Jeans, work pants, tops, etc.?

Remember, most patients come home heavier than the day of surgery from all the IV fluids they pump into you during your stay. I came home 8# heavier than the morning of my surgery. Your body has to lose that weight, while also recovering from the cutting and shock to the system. You're doing great, just try to be patient with yourself!

Mine was just a single 1-hour session, but it was with my existing therapist and we'd been talking about the surgery off/on for months...

My doctor told me to weigh my meats with a scale. Makes sense, I mean when you're buying it from a butcher they use a scale as well, not a measuring cup! Measuring cups are best for fluid ounces or for "loose" foods like powders, rice, small pastas, chopped veggies, etc.

Thank you all for your quick replies. I called my doctor and it doesn't seem to be serious. Since it was a single incident, he's not concerned but wants to know if it happens again. He said it was definitely bile, but that is not always a bad thing. You do want the body producing some bile/cholesterol to break down fatty foods. I did have salmon last night which is one of the fattier fishes (granted, only 2oz). He targeted that it was because I was really moving a lot, going up/down the stairs in my house a few times, taking a shower. I was bending over to wash my feet when it came on suddenly. I'm usually sitting down or just walking lightly around the house during my morning shake, but today I had somewhere to be. The last time I had this sensation was similar: I had my shake a little later than usual and was working out with my personal trainer when I felt it. So fingers crossed that is it and it won't happen again!

I am 12 weeks out today with no complications, feeling great, etc. I take Omeprazole 20mg every morning and have no history of heartburn or reflux (ever). I also take the Ursodiol 2x day for gall stone prevention. This morning I took the Omeprazole, did my sublingual B12, then made a Protein shake (nectar Lemon Tea w/Benefiber and water), and took my Centrum Multivitamin (petite). Same as I do almost every day, nothing different. I was feeling fine. Then in the shower I felt really "excitable" like I'd had three cups of high-octane coffee. A few minutes later I got that horrible feeling in my chest similar to the sliming sensation. Next thing I knew I was vomiting the Protein Drink (brown in color) with a lot of yellow liquid as well. It did not hurt and I felt much better once it was over. The same thing happened to me exactly a month ago while working out in the morning, though I was able to prevent vomiting then. Does anyone know what this could be?!!? Other than these two times, I never vomit and always get down food/drink just fine. The amount of yellow liquid is what bothered me most.

We lived about 30 minutes from the hospital, but that's nothing to us as our commutes to work are an hour long. We played it by ear and he decided to spend the night in the room with me. They had one of those chairs that turns into a bed. While I'm sure I would've been fine if he'd gone home, it was really nice having him there with me. He could help me reach things I needed, getting to the bathroom, etc. and all too often the nurses didn't come when I hit the button. He would be able to go out and get them to come much sooner. He left the next morning to feed our pets and shower, and for the few hours he was gone -- I really missed having him around. He's such a sweet husband...

I know exactly what you mean. It is like a switch has been flipped in my brain that just had it makes sense very suddenly. I've only been overweight/obese for the last six years (gained 100lbs in a single 12-month period, very rough year). The last 30-40 pounds came on over the subsequent years being frustrated with the initial weight gain. Joints hurt every time I tried to get into a routine again, I could not find sports bras that fit me in my new large size. It depressed me, so my eating habits actually got much worse after gaining that extra weight. Funny, I had to gain weight to eat worse than I did before. Not to mention hitting my 30's and what that does to hormones and metabolism. I wasn't really eating differently than what I ate when I was 28 years old, but I wasn't exercising at all and I was older. It was terribly difficult to see that I needed to adapt. Even the year or so before surgery, I was eating so healthy. Salads, lean meats, no soda, avoid fried foods, etc. -- except I wasn't journaling and even healthy foods in "too large" quantities can be high in calories. I know the healthier eating habits staved off getting any higher than I was (I stayed at 265 for a long time), but I was still working myself like crazy 60+ hours per week and not getting active. I have two very healthy doctors in my family, many friends who are trainers or do triathlons, and yet I just couldn't get it. I had the knowlege of "calories in/calories out" and nutrition, sleeping well, killing soda and avoid refined sugars and carbs. But I wasn't always applying it. The other odd thing is that even though I went from buying 4/6 and XS clothing all the way to buying 22/24 and 1-2/X clothing, I never perceived myself as fat. I always saw the skinny me when I looked down. Then I'd look in a mirror and it felt like I was looking at another person. Or I'd get in an airplane seat and the belt wouldn't fit. Or some innocent kid would ask me if I was having a baby. These little innocuous events seemed weird to me, like I truly thought the airlines were making their belts shorter and taking away legroom. The brain is really funny that way, how it can be your worst enemy. Now that I've had the surgery and dropped nearly 55 pounds, I get it. I totally see what I was missing. Now that I journal and measure my foods, I see how the large portion sizes eating out are not smart. I understand how staying hydrated helps the body shed. And it's amazing how much I want to tell other people now what they're doing wrong. I see it in their eyes when they're ordering in restaurants how they are keeping themselves unhappy. They see surgery as extreme, but I see it as having on of the healthiest relationships with food I've ever had in my life!

I love veggies when they are in season, so even in the smallest amounts -- I'm going for it! I love tomatoes so 2-3x per week I'll have a 1-2 slices of fresh tomato with some salt, pepper, basil sprinkled on top. On occasion, I'll chop up 1/4 of a Roma and mix it with some fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar. I call it my Lazy Caprese. Fresh herbs are really good for detoxing the liver, which every weight loss patient needs. Parsley, cilantro, mint - YES, YES, YES! I love asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, edamame (good source of protein), cooked spinach or kale, mushrooms, green Beans, and okra. I've enjoyed and been able to tolerate celery, carrots, beets, and brussel sprouts but only rarely.

Being out of work helps with being extra vigilant with the records... HA! I doubt I'll be like this when I get back to the crazy schedules

I know, I've always questions the calories but that is what my doctor wants me at and the nutritionist works for him, so she tells me the same thing "below 600." TBH, some days I don't know how I could eat any more than I do. I feel full every time I eat, whether it's the yogurt or chicken or fish. My doc/nut both say "hell no" to things like bananas, Beans, carrots, etc. -- the "good" fruits, veggies and legumes that tend to be higher in the sugar content or high in carbs in general. I've asked them directly why they don't want me eating even SMALL amounts of these "good carb" foods that have other nutrional content if I'm keeping it under 40g per day. Like avocado. I love it and it has healthy fats and fiber. At best, I eat 1/4 of a small/medium with a meal 1-2x a week. They're answer, "Well, we're worried that you'll get the taste of fat, sugar, etc. and want more and seek out non-healthy sources." So it's not like they know that bananas, berries, etc. are good for you -- they just think that if I have 10 blueberries (yes, she was concerned when I had 10 blueberries) that I'll like the sugar taste and plow through a candy bar. They don't TRUST me is what it is. Even though I've given them no reason not to. I am not a fan of chocolate and I couldn't tell you the last time I had anything resembling candy. I was thinking of bumping up my calories, say to 800, since I've seen it work for other people. Again, not sure how I'll do it with how I'm NEVER hungry and get full so easily. I'm also reaching that place where my energy sucks 4-5 days out of the week, and I'm especially drained after exercise. I just thought it was hormones doing their thing. Wasn't like that a few weeks ago, so something is definitely shifting for me. My thyroid was checked a few months ago and was fine. I went through treatment for that 5 years ago when they thought it was the culprit for the initial 100 pounds I gained in a single year. My mom is hypothyroid, so I know how much of an effect it can have. I'm going in for bloodwork next week to check everything. Thanks everyone. I keep records because I like to look for trends. My husband would like to see me take a break from it for a while because he reminds me that in the future I will need to be able to live normally and not freak out when I can't log something in. As for fluids, that's the easiest part as I'm always thirsty and I know the containers I use - what they measure up to. Very helpful.

I am coming up on my three month mark next week, and continue to have stalls every two weeks or so. Very frustrating. I have talked to my doctor, he's no help. I've talked to my nutritionist, she is at a point where she doesn't know what more to suggest. So I thought I'd come to the group to see if anyone has any suggestions. I keep a food journal. I get 70-100g of Protein every day, no I cannot correlate more/less loss with the lower or higher protein. I keep my carbs between 15-30g per day (doc wants below 40). And my fats are between 8-20g per day. My calories are always below 600, some days closer to 500. I drink two Protein shakes per day (Nectar/Unjury mixed with water), one in the mid morning and one in the afternoon. My food sources are (non-fat as applicable) Greek yogurt w/some blueberries or raspberries, cottage cheese w/ tbsp unsweetened applesauce, chicken meat cooked at home w/small shot of cooking spray and herbs/lemon, shrimp, scallops, sashimi fish, grilled pork chop, tofu -- all 2-2.5oz portions measured. Other food sources are broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, edamame, artichoke, mushrooms -- all cooked at home either steamed or oven baked. No butter, no sauces, some lightly sprinkled Parmesan at times (less than a teaspoon). All between 1-2oz measured. I like and am allowed cheese but keep all dairy to a minimum due to constipation issues. For an occasional snack, I will have 2-3 flax/soy "tortilla chips" from Trader Joe's that have 4g fiber/6g protein per serving (7 chips) and only 13 carbs. So with eating only 2-3, maybe 6-7 carbs? With 2 teaspoon of homemade salsa. Sometimes I'll sneak in a tablespoon of natural Peanut Butter (no palm/hydrogenated oils) with my doctor doesn't even allow. I add Benefiber dissolvable to my shakes and eat the Metamucil wafers my doctor suggested for more Fiber. I drink 64-80oz of fluids every day, mostly Water or tea. I walk 3 miles in one hour 4-5 days per week and workout for one hour with a personal trainer 2 days per week (muscle toning, strengthening). Also, a 6-8 mile bike ride 1-2 days per week, weather permitting. I sleep 7-8 hours per night, am unemployed right now so stress is relatively low (other than the stress of looking for work). I know my hormones are completely out of whack, they have been for years. They are the only culprit I can think of. I have Polycycstic Ovarian Syndrome which puts estrogen and progesterone in imbalance, along with all the estrogen being released by the fat burning. I am not on birth control, cannot stand the side effects. I thought it was related to my TOM, but my stalls seems to happen a little to haphazardly. I will lose 0.8-0.4 pounds per day on the scale, then just no movement at all for 5-6 days. My trainer and chiropractor both say they feel a lot of muscle in development, but I don't think it's enough to be it? I take measurements every two weeks, but I don't seem to be "losing inches when I'm not losing pounds." I have to limit my exercise to what I do now because of my bad knees and breast size. I can't do those Boot Camp things because they do a lot of squats and other knee exercises my doctors tell me not to do. I'd love to swim, but am having a hard time getting a bathing suit that fits a size 16 on the bottom, and 36H bra size. I can go the custom route for $180, but haven't bit the bullet for that one until I have income coming in again. I know stalls happen, and I'm really OK with the pace I'm losing. But I worry that maybe I'm doing something that is holding me back from losing more. Any advice?

I have two containers full of clothes that need to make their way out of my closet and (hopefully) into a closet of someone who needs them! Most are jeans, Lane Bryant brand. Some are the nice T3 (Tighter Tummy Technology) which really works to smooth out the belly area. I also have some capri-length bottoms just in time for summer, including a Talbot pair of red linen -- so pretty. I plan to take pics to try to post on Craigslist and Ebay, but thought I'd put a shout out to anyone on their journey who need these size clothes. I'm not looking to make great profit, but just enough to help towards the purchase of clothes I now need in 16 and L/XL. I live in California (95060 zip code) and would be willing to estimate shipping costs depending on where you live! PM me if you're in need!!!

Yes, depending on how they are made. If they are ready to drink, then it's most likely milk or Water (yes). If you're making a smoothie-type shake with lots of fruit and stuff, you'll want to measure what liquid you put in. The juice from fruits and veggies varies depending on what it is, but from my juicing days you could bank on 1-1.5 of juice say from two celery stalks. Or 2oz from 1.5 apple (even if they measured 4oz in the measuring cup, chopped). Yes - water, broth, milks (dairy, soy, almond, rice, etc.), even the water you use to make Jell-O or Popsicle count! But they make up just a fraction of your daily intake

Pain is pain, and yes you will feel it. But the good news is that it's temporary and they give you meds to help control it. For me, it was as though I had done 1000 crunches, sore, achy, but not too sharp. You get out of bed slowly and gently, you want to hold your abdomen when you walk. While in the hospital, it was well-controlled with the IV drip. So I was felling pretty normal, tired and like I was healing. It's days after when you're trying to get comfortable in bed, or getting dressed that you notice the tightness and tenderness. Every now and then a "zing" of sharp pain, but it would pass in seconds. I would make sure you have medicine on hand to treat the gasiness, that was worse. I started incorporating Benefiber into my Protein drinks, drinking lots of Water, and walking as much as possible. That will help keep things "properly" moving for that first critical week when the GI tract is relearning as it heals. You will be fine, and just keep your eye on the target! I'm 11 weeks out and I often forget I had anything done until I eat and I'm full after a small plate of food!

Instincts exist for a reason. I would say this doctor's "plan" is unorthodox compared to mine, and from what I've read, many others. For what it's worth, I was on Clear liquids first week, started incorporating more full liquids the second week. Third week, slowly bringing in the mushies (greek yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce). I wasn't even comfortable with solid foods until four weeks out, and even then it was another 1-2 weeks before I was more solid than mushy or liquid. As for lifting, my doctor said nothing over 25 pounds the first two weeks, then take it down by 5 pounds each week. He said it takes the stomach and the internal stiches about 6 weeks to FULLY heal. I would agree. As for soda, this is your chance to break any bad habits, so I would. I wasn't much of a soda drinker before surgery, but I did enjoy a good bubbly Water. Haven't touched the stuff since a week or so before surgery. Don't miss it at all! Well, I did have a tiny sip of an Orangina soda at dinner the other night (my husband loves to get it at our favorite Italian place). Granted, by the time I took a sip, it was a little flat. It really didn't do anything for me, didn't want more, just seemed like sweet empty calories. Take some time to browse these forums, you'll start to get an idea of what most doctors are saying and be able to form your own opinions. The important thing is to listen to your body, measure what you eat, pay attention to ingredients and how you prepare food, eat slowly, follow the no drinking before/after meal rule (10-20 min before, 30-45 after), take small bites, and the rest will happen naturally. The first two weeks are really about keeping your hydration up, taking your Vitamins and meds, and working up to the protein/calorie count that will help you best.