A New New Dawn

Have you tried the egg whites? Egg beaters have a lot of other ingredients. There are a couple that are actual egg whites and nothing else. They are not bad (in my book).

That is awesome. Great job. Any pointers you can share?

Good luck to you. Kudos for recognizing where you are struggling and getting back on track. Gotta love being the one that had the most endurance during the hiking too.

At the support group I've attended at my hospital (which is moderated by my dietician) they have had no issue with popcorn. In fact, they joke about how it comes up everytime. Many of the attendees are big fans of "skinny pop" popcorn that you can buy already popped. I tried it and it is very tasty and only 39 calories per cup.

I was looking at this blog and noticed your surgery date was very close to mine. I had mine on 7/25 at the same hospital as you but with Dr. Klem. How's it going for you so far? It was a great feeling at work today when a woman I don't see very often said "wow, you look like you lost a lot of weight..." Hope it's going well for you! I lost 10 lbs during the preop and 22 since my surgery. Woo hoo!!!! Loving it!

If you are able to remove it or clip it go for it provided the incision has healed/closed enough. I thought my incision was infected and it turned out I had part of them that didn't dissolve. My incision healed over it and it was inflamed and sore. The surgeon had to reopen the end of my port incision to remove it. It wasn't too fun. He said they tie a knot at the end and sometimes people's bodies don't dissolve it.

It took a few weeks for all the bruising on me to go away. I am 4 weeks post op.

I had the steri strips. What they told me is to have my back to the water so my belly didn't get too wet. They seal/stick firmly so water doesn't get under them. They wanted me to leave on for a couple weeks so the incisions closed up properly. I took off just before two weeks as they itched so bad and began irritating my skin.

Personally, if you have a Sam's Club or costco, the Vitamins are MUCH cheaper. I am using the gummy vitamins and they taste good actually. I don't like gritty chewable vitamins but that is my preference. Also, you may want to buy some individual Protein drinks and find which ones you like now. Personally, I didn't care for the premade so I use Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added - comes in blue box). I add 2 1/2 T of powdered non-fat milk (for extra protein) and 1 c. of skim milk. I put it in my blender w/ ice and it is very tasty (and filling). Good luck to you!

No time like the present!!! Good for you. Have you tried out some of the new foods you will be having? I bought Protein drinks and low sugar Protein Bars to try out beforehand so I knew which ones I liked, etc. for post surgery. I found that helpful.

Perhaps you can change some of the "don'ts" into what you can do. There are some that are flat "no-no's" with the band but I think if you can make a list of what the "do's" are that will be more motivating. It may feel self-defeating to have a list of what you can't do and more self-serving to focus on what you can do. (Kind of the glass half full approach). Do chew your food thoroughly Do get 3 ounces of Protein in each meal Do enjoy the journey Do keep the faith ~ you can do this! Best of luck to you!

I didn't have that issue at all with pureed/mushie food. My dietician also allowed me to have cottage cheese or scrambled eggs in small pieces (without being pureed). Just remember to chew, chew, chew and chew some more. I had my first "stuck" episode yesterday but it was MY FAULT and I was able to remedy it (will spare you the details). I was overdoing it by having some meat that was too dry from our cafeteria. I got it without the gravy they were serving and foolishly thought I haven't had a fill and don't have any restriction in foods I can eat yet. I found out the band is definitely there and I must have some restriction. Lesson learned!! You should be ok during the pureed stage though. Just eat slow and make sure the food is liquidy (adding broth, or some liquid to your food). It is a bit scary. I was a bit scared too that by going back to eating I may regress to bad habits, so far so good though as my conscience has kicked in!! Good luck to you on this amazing journey.

Congrats! I, too, have BCBS IL and they made a lot of changes in their approval process from last year to this year so mine was approved pretty quickly. Congrats. I was so excited when I got the approval and then at the same time a sense of panic of what did I just do ~ LOL. But it has been a great decision. Best of luck to you!!!

Are you scared that it will get stuck or scared that you may fall into bad eating habits and afraid to eat?

The videos were very interesting. Also a very different concept then what I have been told. It was my understanding that you stay full from the food sitting above the band; whereas, this is saying after a minute it passes right through. I was also told not to drink with meals as it flushes the food through rather than letting it stay above the band to keep me satiated. Hmmm, very interesting. I did get many helpful pointers and, of course, love the wine idea - but don't think my conscience would let me have it. Back to the original discussion, I am very glad you are going back to your doctor. It sounds like a fill would do a lot to help you feel some restriction and get back on track. Keep in mind one fill may not do it and you may need more (not sure how much restriction you may already have). Good luck on your journey. In recent years, I couldn't get myself to even think about restricting my diet. The first week after surgery was very challenging but it is getting much easier to be and stay on track!! Take care and make yourself a priority from today and forward.

I am very excited for you. I am 4 weeks post-op and already feeling a world of difference. I can relate on many levels and wish I would have done this years ago. (I hear that a lot from others too). I, too, have felt I couldn't speak up in my marriage (now 13 years divorced), because he "tolerated" my weight. Even having my first "stuck" episode with some (too) dry food today, was reassuring knowing that the band is there with me and working (even without any fills yet). I have often heard people say, "when I lose weight, I will still be the same person". I agree; however, I believe I will be an enhanced version of me - one that is not worried about others looking at her, not worried about embarrassing my kids (though they have never acted that way), one that doesn't worry about where we are going and if I will comfortably be able to sit there, one that isn't a "closet eater" as to avoid teaching her kids bad eating habits, one that has more energy, is healthier, and one that feels better looking at herself in the mirror, is not afraid to speak up and stand for who I am. It's inspiring to hear you are now encouraged, not destroyed, by the past experiences and you are excited about the future. Please keep us posted on your progress. I would love to read about this new chapter you are beginning!! Best wishes to you!

Congrats to you!!! Everyone recovers differently and it passes quickly. Just make sure to follow the instructions of the post-op diet and exercise and it should be fine. Thankfully, I have a very high tolerance for pain and the recovery went pretty smooth (no gas pain, and able to get around right after). I am 4 weeks post op and feeling great. I have lost 21 lbs since surgery (and 10 before) so that alone is very encouraging and motivating. Good luck to you ~ let us know how you are doing and reach out if you need anything.

Keep a food diary and activity log (or use Fitness Pal to log). I think often people feel they are active or eating appropriately and in "denial" of the truth or don't realize the reality of the situation. Logging it, will help you assess where you are really at and where you should focus on improvements. Don't beat yourself up for a "bad day", build a bridge, get over it and back on the right path. Also, reach out to others for support. We have all gone through a lot of similar struggles and triumphs. Getting support, encouragement or a needed kick in the a$$ can do wonders!! Find what works for you. We all enjoy different activities and foods. Make yourself a priority. I remember always putting myself last to make sure my kids or others were taken care of until I learned that by making myself the priority we all "win" and benefit. I am a better mom and fiance when I am happy and feeling good about myself, when I have the energy to keep up with my family and am excited about doing things and enjoying life. This LB lifestyle isn't a punishment! It is a gift!!

I am about one month post op and still have this issue. From others on this forum, I have seen that it improves after the first couple months. The other thing is making sure you are eating slowly and not gulping food and definitely not using a straw or you swallow a lot of air which makes it worse.

Definitely do your homework. I would also take to heart what your doctor recommended as it sounds like he is wanting what's best for you. Personally, I know many people that have been successful with the sleeve. I get very concerned with the bypass due to the malabsorption issues. My mom has had many struggles and health issues as a result; even with getting injections and being on very high doses of Vitamins. That's just her story and I know it has worked well for many others. Good luck in whichever decision you choose.

Best of luck to you for a speedy recovery and the first day of a "new you".

I agree with above comments. In the support group at my hospital, this was brought up. It wasn't a "no-no" persay but many said they had difficulty digesting it. I would suggest trying it in a small dose and see how it works for you. I would hate to give up asparagus!

Also, be careful not to get discouraged if others are doing "better" than you. Everyone heals differently, has different circumstances, etc. Personally, I have a very high tolerance for pain and didn't feel that bad post surgery. However, I did feel that day 3/4 were the worst for me. I was sipping too much/too fast I think and not feeling well. Plus, I was starting to feel better and food around me smelled good and was making me wonder about what I had just done to my body. I am now almost 4 weeks post op and it has gotten easier, physically and emotionally. Let yourself heal, first and foremost. This is a physical process and, for many, a grieving process. It will get better and you will be thankful you made the sacrifice when you start feeling your clothes getting looser and the scale reading lighter. Good luck to you!

I was told no makeup or lotions of any kind. They should give you pre-surgery instructions a few days before.

If possible, I would go back to original doctor since you are happy with the doctor him/herself. I have had conversations with doctors or people about their office staff. I would urge you to talk to the doctor about the office staff/person the issue pertains to. I am sure you are not the only "victim" and the doctor could be unknowingly losing many patients. It has worked for me in the past. Good luck and hope all is well.