AliveAgain

One thing I've learned on this forum is that every doctor has different diet restrictions and recommendations. That being said, I think it is very important to listen to your surgeon and be as compliant as possible with what he or she wants you to follow. My doctor had me on Clear Liquids for week one, full liquids for week two, introducing mushy food in week three, then some pureed foods by week four (though my doctor advised against pureed meats). Granted, just because you're given a green light to introduce something doesn't mean you'll be completely converted to that food and letting go of the previous stage. For me, I could only introduce a few mushy foods (cottage cheese, yogurt) once a day or so and was still doing mostly clear or full liquids in week three; and then in week four I will still increasing my mushy foods while just starting to introduce pureed/soft foods (eggs) a few times during the week. It will take time for the stomach to adapt to the new things you are introducing after liquids. I could not do solid foods like shrimp or sashimi until week five, and even then I was "full" off two shrimp or two pieces of salmon sashimi. Definitely could not do any fried foods or anything with flour, which a lot of New Orleans dishes have (i.e. jambalaya sauce, gumbo, etc.) For travel/vacation, I highly recommend taking Protein powder (like

Hi, I know you're looking for OTC and I'm not sure what to tell you. But I prefer to use a sinus rinse when I get allergies or sinus infections, it's just a salt mixture and warm water, very natural.

Hi 15Kgold, glad it worked for you. Let me know if you see anything you like! I have about 40+ new items I took pictures of and will be posting come next week, a few bottoms in 16/18 and more 1X tops. Cheers!

Healthwise makes great protein packets you can add to the more savory soups with 15g each. The only downside is you can't put it in soup hotter than 130 degrees or the protein clumps, which is not as hot as I like my soup. But the tomato, beef and chicken are all really good. I would sometimes use full tomato soups and puree with a hand blender to get the chunks out, or use a chicken and vegetable. I'd strain out the broth or cream, add the protein mix and puree the chicken/veggies to mush -- add only about 1/2 back in to save on carbs and volume.

You are very normal and human, happens to the best of us If I find myself very hungry, I usually grab something to drink (if it's not within 30-45 minutes of when I'm supposed to be eating). Usually you are actually thirsty or dehydrated when you may think you're hungry. If I find myself famished before a meal, I make sure I measure anything going on my plate (at home) or I "eyeball" what's on my plate with the palm of my hand (about 4-5oz) and eat no more than what's on my plate. Also, chewing very slowly, talking to everyone to give myself time between bites, or just putting the fork down helps you get that "full" feeling before you've gone past it. But believe me, I've done it as well when I'm with lots of people and don't pay attention!

Pasta of any kind: Spaghetti and meatballs, pesto, mac n'cheese, even simple butter and Parmesan. I allow myself a bite or two when my husband has it for dinner, so amazing!

I waited about a week to do short distance drives to the store, etc. They usually clear you when you've been off pain meds for 36-48 hours. But my doc advised against too much driving b/c braking for a sudden stop can put a lot of pressure on the abdomen, more than you realize. Plus, it was pretty uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time for me. Congrats on the weight loss!

This soon after surgery, you just go at your sleeve's pace. That being said, it takes some "work" to get in your fluids for the first 1-2 weeks. But it sounds like you're on it! When eating Jello, try to let it liquify in your mouth before swallowing - maybe that will help you get more in? Also, you can make jello with unflavored Protein (I use Unjury) for an added protein kick. You just add it the cold Water and mix, then don't add it to the "hot" water the Gelatin mix melted in until that water is below 130 degrees.

My Biggest Loser scale for measuring non-liquid food items and my Blender Bottles for sure!

I don't know of any liquid protein "readily available in stores" that are not sweet; however, Unjury makes a great chicken flavored that works well in water or broth. They make an unflavored that works in yogurt, juices, Jello but you can't drink it alone without another flavor to "mask" the protein flavor. I also used the Healthwise tomato and beef soups my doctor's office sold, also good in water, broths, or in similar soups (I sometimes used a French onion and strained the onion out or pureed with a hand blender). These all have 15-20g protein per serving.

Getting "let go" from the best job I've had in years for being too fat. My new boss thought I was "bad for the image of the company."

Yeah, I read somewhere that since your hormones go on break for that week, it's harder to see weight loss. But as soon as they start pumping again around day 4-7 (every woman is different), it should pick back up. I really wish I knew more about the chemical breakdown of hormones in the body and why that happens! Sucks to be a woman sometimes.

Yes, I am 1000% glad I did it and would do it again. I had no complications, just the usual stuff they tell you comes with the surgery. The first week is the hardest, the first month is the second hardest, and then it just got better and better from there. I've lost 82 pounds in 5 months with another 40-50 to go, not to concerned with exact numbers. I feel the best I've felt in 8 years (gained most of my excess weight in a single year) -- just got home from the gym, in fact. Did laps in the pool, treadmill, and some strength training. Could NOT have done that 5 months ago on my own.

I would agree that every meal needs to start out with dense Protein (chicken, tuna, turkey, etc.) Oatmeal has little protein compared to it's carb content, and salads just won't give you the type of nutrition you need right now on their own. How are your fluids? Are you drinking enough Water, tea, milk, etc. throughout the day? Often when we think we're hungry, we're actually thirsty or slightly dehydrated. Aim for 64oz per day, or about 8-10 glasses.

You've gotten great advice from many people. You get it now: Cut back on carbs (try going less than 40-50g per day for a week or so), up the protein to 70g+ per day, aim for 64oz or more in fluids, and kick the activity in gear for a while. You can do it!

I asked my surgeon and he said that while like (90% or some high number like that) an enlarged liver is just fatty liver disease, they take biopsies for further evaluation. Essentially, since FLD can cause fibrosis, cirrhosis, etc. they want to be absolutely sure of what stage they are dealing with for your post-operative care.

Funky monkey! That is amazing! I'm so jealous

I'm not a true expert, but from what I understand we want to limit the acid production for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery to help the stomach while it is in healing mode. Some people produce more acid than others and have to be on the acid reducer for longer. Too much acid can cause problems like ulcers, heartburn, esophageal spasms, over the long run. Too much can also be confused for hunger right after surgery. However, most Vitamins are Water or fat soluble meaning that either have to be taken with water or juice or some form of fat (you can Google which ones are which). Otherwise the vitamins can literally go right through your system without being absorbed into the bloodstream. The other part of the equation is if you have enough stomach acid to break down the pill for absorption, or again just pass right through. So during the time that you're on an acid reducer, chances are the pill-form vitamins won't even "work" and you'll just pass them down the toilet. That's why they prefer chewable, sub-lingual, liquid, etc. in the beginning. It's also why we have to take "double the dose" since our smaller stomachs most likely do not absorb the majority of the vitamins we put down at any one time. Granted, this is just what's been explained by my surgeon, NUT and two doctors in the family. Even they tell me there is conflicting studies here and there that say any Vitamin is a waste of money and 80% passes through your system. Most advocate getting as many nutrients as possible through a balanced diet, although food needs acid to break down as well. I just try to chew my food as well as possible since the enzymes in your saliva can aid in your digestion when perhaps your stomach isn't making enough acid. My dad's doctor told him that not chewing food enough before swallowing puts too much of the "breakdown process" on your stomach, sometimes causing acid overproduction -- which is why he's had a hard time with heartburn and indigestion.

I can't tell you how many times I've teared up in dressing rooms @stores, or when I pull out some smaller sizes I packed away eight years ago in my twenties. Now I make sure to bring Kleenex with me so I don't blubber all over the merchandise and look like a clown walking out!

I use Blender Bottles for my Protein shake drinks and they have ounce-measurements on the side like a measuring cup. I make most of mine with 10-12oz and have two a day now (month 6). Then I measured all the glasses in my kitchen to know how much they hold, so I can fill what I need and count it in MyFitnessPal journal. I make sure to have 2-3 glasses of Water or iced tea every day. For workouts, walks and bike rides I used my 23oz water bottle and drink the whole thing before, during and after the activity. I drink mostly water, otherwise I make iced teas (green, chamomile, dandelion) for summer or hot tea on the cooler evenings. Don't do a lot of milk, and rarely have more than 2-3oz of fruit juice over the span of an entire month, watered down.

I have lots of clothes I'm selling at garage sale prices. I would say only about 10% is size 14-18 stuff, but you can check it out to see if there is anything you could use. I'm taking pictures of more stuff in the next day or so and posting them, that's mostly size 16, 18, XL stuff I've recently "undergrown" (I'm in a 14 now, almost 12). I have a few pairs of size 16 jeans, a pair of jean-capris in size 18 (fits like a 16). Nice items that were just bought in March/April and not worn that much since I spend most of my days now in workout clothes (unemployed). I'm 36, non-smoker, everything kept very neat, washed and packed away folded, etc. Most of it is Lane Bryant, some from Kohl's and other department stores. Most of my style is for office/work, with plenty of casual for movies, going out with friends, and things like that. You can check it now and maybe again in a day or so as I post more stuff! http://flickr.com/gp/51124392@N03/C69F6h

First of all, please notice that you lost 70 pounds and have been able to KEEP IT OFF as well (not bounce back, regain, etc.) That in itself is a SUCCESS in my book What is your goal weight? What are you eating now in calories/protein/carbs/fats and fluids? Do you keep a food journal? What type of exercise or activity do you do daily/weekly? Are you still in touch with your surgeon's office? Support group? Nutritionist available to you? Are you still taking vitamins as needed? If you are tall in height and you're within 20+/- pounds of your goal weight it's most likely at that point that everyone hits of just slowing down. It may take going back to the basics (protein shakes, limiting carbs, etc) or shaking up your routine with some new workout activity to get things going!

Glad he's got such a wonderful wife by his side, taking care of him. He will do great!

Will be sending best wishes your way! It's a bumpy ride, but SO MUCH FUN when the weight starts coming off!

I've been considering buying a RoadID recently. I ride bikes a lot, road and mountain. I was hit by a car driving 40mph while riding my bike alone in 2002. While I did get hurt, I never lost consciousness. I think it's worth the money, for sure!