Filosophia Scandinavia

I do not think there is anything wrong with me.
I am having surgery th 30th of November and haven't been scared yet.
I am so convinced, that everything will go well - and if anything is wrong, like a leak, they will fix it. Perhaps I am too positive and not realistic. On the other hand, it will make my operation experience better not being afraid.
I just give myself to it. I am not looking forward to it either.
Maybe fear will come to me:-) It's OK
I KNOW there will be good food in the future, just in small amount.
The Protein thing is just a short face in a long life. And those protins are my little friendly helpers. They are repairing my tissue, and building my muscles. Muscles that will be used as aq machinery using my fat-tissue. :cheer2:YAY! And Proteins will help my neurons ad amino-acids, so I will keep my brain in shape.
Proteindrinks and Water will be my best new friends in recovery after surgery.:hug::sign46:
Greetings from Copenhagen

Now stop me if Im wrong, but isnt DS a two part surgery? Months apart? What if you get approved then get the first part, then just never get the second part?

I pray that you both will have a safe uneventful surgery and a painless recovery in the lords name, Amen.
Let us know how it goes,
Lisa

LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC SLEEVE DIET


Joseph E. Chebli MD FACS


Introduction


The following information provides guidelines for you to follow before and after Gastric Sleeve Surgery and for the rest of your life. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a weight loss tool.



After surgery, you will be required to make lifelong changes in your eating habits and to exercise on a regular basis in order to achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.



Gastric Sleeve Surgery reduces the size of the stomach which restricts the volume of food that you can consume at one time. This means that you will feel full after eating a small amount. The surgery also induces hormonal changes which help prevent you from feeling excessively hungry.



You should avoid drinking liquids with meals. This is to prevent overfilling of the stomach.


Frequent snacking or grazing must also be avoided as this contributes to excess calorie intake and can slow weight loss or cause you to gain weight.



Exercise is an important component of weight loss success. Exercise is recommended before and after surgery in order to maximize the amount of weight that you lose and keep off. If you have not been an active exerciser, always consult with your physician for clearance and recommendations before beginning any exercise program.



It is important to follow the lifetime Gastric Sleeve diet rules, supplement guidelines, and exercise recommendations in order to achieve and maintain optimum weight loss success.


In order to begin preparing for surgery, start implementing the pre-surgery diet goals listed on the next page.


Pre-Surgery Diet



Practice Tips


1. Choose low-fat foods, and avoid fried foods.



2. Stop using sugar. Use healthy sugar substitutes. (T)



3. Decrease intake of Desserts and candy.< /span>



4. Stop drinking sugar-sweetened beverages such as regular soda and sweetened Kool-Aid.



5. Start weaning off of caffeine and carbonated beverages.


6. Start cutting back on fast food and eating out. Begin making healthy meal choices when eating out and at home.



7. Eat 3 meals a day. Do not skip Breakfast.< /span>



8. Start decreasing portion sizes.



9. Eat more fruits and vegetables.


10. Practice drinking Water and other fluids between meals, not with meals.



11. Drink 64 ounces Water a day.



12. Practice sipping liquids.



13. Avoid alcohol.



14. Begin some form of exercise.


15. Review the following information on the gastric sleeve diet.



16. Practice chewing foods thoroughly, 20 - 40 times or to paste consistency.



17. Purchase your Protein drinks or supplements.< /span>



18. Purchase your Vitamin and mineral supplements.



19. Begin planning a schedule for mealtime, fluids and Vitamin and mineral supplements.



Post Gastric Sleeve Surgery Diet


Important Diet Guidelines:


1. Eat 3 meals per day. Avoid snacking and grazing.



2. Eat small amounts. Initial portion size should be no more than 1 - 2 ounces - approximately 2 - 4 Tablespoons - of food per meal for the first month. At first you may not be able to tolerate this amount. Over time, you will slowly tolerate more


volume at each meal. Long term, the stomach will eventually hold about 4 - 8 ounces (1/2 - 1 cup) of food per meal.



3. Eat Protein foods first.



4. Do not try to eat food and drink liquid together. • Consume liquid 30 to 60 minutes before and/or 30 to 60 minutes after eating meals but not during meals.


5. You are required to take a Multi-Vitamin with minerals for the rest of your life.


6. Eat slowly!

• Each meal should last 30minutes or longer.

• Avoid gulping foods and drinks.

• All foods must be well-chewed to a paste consistency.

• Using a small fork or spoon (i.e. baby utensils) can help control portion sizes.

• Have one place to eat (such as at the table) and avoid reading or watching TV while you eat. This helps you to enjoy your food, concentrate on eating slower and to realize when your stomach is full.



7. Drink plenty of calorie-free, non-carbonated, caffeine- free fluids between meals.

• Drink slowly-sip fluids, never gulp.

• Calorie-containing beverages should be limited to skim milk and Protein Drinks.< /span>

• Limit juice to no more than 4oz. per day.

• Consume zero-calorie beverages throughout the day.



Diet Progression After Surgery


The diet after gastric sleeve surgery progresses through several stages. Your surgeon will let you know when it is okay to progress to the next stage.


Day 1 - 2 after surgery:


Clear liquid diet


The clear liquid diet means fluids or foods that are liquid at body temperature and can almost be seen through. You will be on a clear liquid diet while you’re in the hospital.


Examples of Clear Liquid Diet (No Added Sugar/ Sugar Free):

• Clear (diluted) fruit juices without added sugar: apple, grape or white grape or diet cranberry

• sugar-free Crystal Light drink mix or popsicles, sugar-free Kool-Aid. (T - careful, usually sweetened w/Aspartame)

• Herbal tea, caffeine-free tea

• flat soda

• Sugar-free Popsicles

• Sugar-free Gelatin

• Clear broth

• Water


�� It is best to dilute juices by 50% with water.


�� Avoid citrus juices (orange/grapefruit) and Tomato juice for the first three weeks.


�� coffee and de-caffeinated coffee contain acids which are irritating to the stomach lining and should be avoided for the first few weeks for healing.


Day 3 through Week 2:


Full Liquid Diet


The next stage is the full liquid diet which consists of sugar-free, low-fat milk products and the Clear Liquids listed above. You will need to supplement with protein (drinks or powder) after surgery. Remember to sip liquids, do not gulp.


Examples of Full Liquid Diet (No Added Sugar/Sugar-Free, Low Fat):

• Skim Milk or Lactaid milk

• Soy Milk (non-fat)

• Low fat, thin, strained cream Soup (smooth, no pieces of food)

• Sugar-free instant breakfast

• Protein drinks – Start daily when you get home from the hospital. (See section on protein and protein drinks)

• Plain or “light” (no sugar added) yogurt with no fruit pieces

• Sugar-free pudding or custard

• Thinned cream of wheat or rice Cereal



Week 3 through Week 8:


pureed Diet


You may now begin a pureed diet. This includes all items listed for clear and full liquids, and the items listed for the pureed (blenderized) diet.


• Eat PROTEIN foods first


• Make sure foods are well blended.


• Start slowly. If you do not tolerate pureed foods go back to the liquid diet and try again in a few days.


• Remember to drink liquids between meals, not with meals.


• Continue protein drinks or protein supplements every day.


Examples for the Pureed Diet (Sugar-Free/No Sugar Added, Low Fat):


eggs



cheese



Pureed or blenderized scrambled eggs or egg substitute or cheese omelet; melted low-fat cheese, low-fat or non-fat cream cheese, ricotta cheese, very smooth/mashed soft cheese such as mozzarella, string cheese, low-fat or non-fat smooth or small curd cottage cheese



meat, Fish, Poultry,



Baby food meat or pureed meat or poultry moistened with broth or low-fat gravy



Blenderized shrimp, scallops or fish


Pureed tuna or salmon (canned in water) or pureed egg salad with low-fat or non-fat mayonnaise



Potted meats thinned with broth; smooth deviled ham



Starches Unsweetened instant oatmeal (strained), cream of wheat or rice Cereal, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, smooth polenta, hummus, refried beans; low-fat or baked crackers or chips



Vegetables Baby food vegetables or pureed cooked vegetables (no corn or peas)



Mashed winter squash, tomato juice or sauce, pureed salsa, marinara



Soup Strained, low-fat cream soup made with skim milk; fat-free broth



Blenderized lentil or split pea soup or chili



Fruit Baby food fruits (bananas, pears, applesauce, peaches, mango, etc)



Unsweetened applesauce (smooth)



Unsweetened canned fruit – blenderized



Unsweetened fruit juice (diluted, no sugar added)


Remember: IF YOU CAN CHEW IT, DON’T DO IT!


Tips to Get Started


Everything that you eat on the pureed diet should be sugar-free or no sugar added, low fat and blended to the consistency of baby food or smooth applesauce.


• You will need a blender or food processor or you can purchase baby food.


• Start with 1 ounce (2 Tablespoon) portions - no more than 4 Tablespoons at the most. Listen to your body and stop eating as soon as you feel full.


• Eat protein foods first. Then if you are not too full, try vegetables or fruits.


• Continue protein supplements (80 g protein per day from supplement).


Helpful Hints for Blenderizing


• Cut foods into small pieces before putting into the blender or food processor.


• Remove seeds, skins and fat.


• Add liquid for ease of blending. Add enough liquid to cover the blades. Options include skim milk, broth, strained low-fat cream soup, low-fat gravy, low-fat or non-fat sour cream or fat-free half & half.


• Blend the item to a smooth, applesauce consistency.


• Make sure there are no particles, seeds or lumps remaining. If so put through a sieve or strainer.


• If you have leftover blenderized foods, try freezing in single serving portions in ice cube trays and put the frozen cubes into plastic freezer bags.


Meats – Very lean and dry meats puree better by adding a small amount of fat (margarine, oil, light Mayonnaise, gravy, etc.) Fish also tends to be dry. Improve the texture by adding small amount of lemon juice, light mayonnaise or strained low-fat tartar sauce.


Starches – Try pureed peas, canned Beans, sweet potatoes. Starches puree better when hot. Rice and potatoes tend to puree into a Gummy paste and are not recommended.



Substitute cream of rice cereal prepared with a flavorful broth and seasoned with margarine. Pasta or noodles are not recommended as they are not well-tolerated.


Vegetables – Cook vegetables until soft. If using canned vegetables, drain first. Add melted margarine and puree. Add a small amount of liquid until it reaches the smooth applesauce consistency.


Fruit – If using canned fruit, drain first. Add a few drops of lemon juice to help prevent them from discoloring.



Begin to take advantage of your favorite leftovers before surgery. Process these foods, and freeze them in an ice cube tray. (Each cube is approximately 1/2 to 1 ounce). When frozen, pop out into Zip-lock bag; label and date, and freeze cubes until needed.



Meal Guidelines for the Pureed Diet


(See Sample Pureed Meals listed in the Appendix)



Once you begin to eat pureed foods (which are considered solids) you will want to start differentiating between liquids and solids – meals should include pureed foods, and so liquids (including protein drinks) should be taken separately from your meals.


• You should eat 3 meals a day with protein drinks between meals.


• Protein drinks containing at least 20 grams of protein per serving should be consumed as needed to meet 80 g/day goal.


• Start with a portion size of 1 to 2 tablespoons of pureed food for the first month. At first you may not be able to tolerate this amount. Eat your protein source first, and then if you have room a small amount of fruit, vegetables or other foods may be consumed.


Hints for Measuring Foods: Liquids or soft/pureed foods are best measured in measuring cups or spoons; they can be measured in ounces, Tablespoons or mls.


1 cup 8 Fluid ounces 240 ml 16 tablespoons



3/4 cup 6 fluid ounces 180 ml 12 tablespoons



1/2 cup 4 fluid ounces 120 ml 8 tablespoons



1/4 cup 2 fluid ounces 60 ml 4 tablespoons



1/8 cup 1 fluid ounce 30 ml 2 tablespoons



1 Tablespoon = 3 teaspoons



1/2 Tablespoon = 1-1/2 teaspoons


Week 9-12 After Surgery:


Soft solid food Diet


If you have been tolerating pureed foods, you may now begin a soft diet. This includes all items listed for clear and full liquids and pureed diets plus items listed for the soft diet.



Try 1 to 2 new foods a day. This will help you to learn what foods you tolerate.


• Remember your stomach pouch empties more slowly with more solid or dense foods than with liquids, so you will be able to tolerate a smaller quantity of food than you could with liquids.


• Go slowly. If you do not tolerate the trial of soft foods, resume pureed foods and try again in a week.


• Eat protein foods first


• Avoid foods high in sugar and fat.


• Space meals 4-5 hours apart


• Continue your protein drinks between meals


• Drink other fluids constantly between meals



Examples of Soft Diet (No Added Sugar/Sugar-Free, Low Fat):


• Baked fish (no bones)


• Imitation crab meat, baby shrimp


• Bananas


• Canned peaches or pears in water or juice


• Well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skin (no corn or peas)


• Scrambled, poached or hard boiled eggs


• Tuna or egg salad (no onions, celery, pimientos, etc.)


• Finely shaved deli meat


• Baked, grilled or rotisserie chicken


o Moist foods will be better tolerated. Moisten meats with broth, low fat mayonnaise, or low-fat gravy or sauce.


o Fish and seafood Proteins are softer and easier to break down than poultry or red meat proteins.


o Reheating foods tends to make them dry out and hard to tolerate.


Common Problem Foods


(Avoid for 3 months after surgery)


• Red meat such as steak, roast beef, pork. Red meat is high in muscle Fiber, which is difficult to separate even with a great deal of chewing. Avoid hamburger for one month after surgery.


• Un-toasted bread; rolls, biscuits. (Toasted bread may be better-tolerated.)


• Pasta


• Rice


• Membrane of citrus fruits


• Dried fruits, nuts, popcorn, coconut


• Salads, fresh fruits (except banana) and fresh uncooked vegetables, potato skins.


Month 4 After Surgery:



Regular Diet


• Problem foods as listed above can now be tried.


• Rice, pasta and doughy bread may not be tolerated for 6 months or more.


• Try fresh fruits without the skin first. If tolerated, the skin can be tried the next time. Salads are generally well-tolerated if chewed well.


• Go slowly. Try a small amount to see how you feel.


• Avoid high sugar and high fat foods to avoid a high calorie intake.



Foods to Avoid: Hard/crunchy foods may always be poorly tolerated. Nuts and seeds are difficult to break down. Fried foods/greasy foods are hard to digest and are very high in calories.


• Corn chips, potato chips, tortilla chips, hard taco shells


• Nuts and seeds


• Fried foods and greasy foods


Points to Remember:


• Solid foods will fill your stomach pouch more than liquids so you will be eating smaller quantities of foods versus liquids.


• If you don’t tolerate a food the first time, wait a week and try again.


• You may find that you tolerate a certain food one day and not the next. It is normal for this to happen.


• If you don’t tolerate certain foods or notice nausea, vomiting or diarrhea during or after eating, ask yourself the following questions:


o Did I chew to a paste consistency?


o Did I eat too fast?


o Did I eat too much volume?


o Did I drink fluid with my real meal or too close to my meal?


o Did I eat something high in sugar or fat?


o Was the food moist or was it too dry?


Steps for adding solid foods:


• Try only 1 small bite of the new food and chew well. Wait awhile and if there are no problems, take another bite.


• If at any time you feel too full, nauseated or vomit, stop eating and rest. Take only clear liquids at the next meal and add blended foods and liquids at the following meal. Try one solid food again the next day.



PROTEIN


Protein is the most important nutrient to concentrate on when resuming your diet.



Because the volume of your meals will be limited, you should aim for a minimum of 80 grams of protein per day – this needs to come from your protein supplement.


Why is protein important?


• Wound healing


• Sparing loss of muscle


• Minimizing hair loss


• Preventing protein malnutrition



Remember to eat protein foods first at each meal, followed by vegetables and fruit.



These are some good sources of protein:


Protein Sources Serving size Protein (g)


Skim or 1% milk 1 cup 8



Evaporated skim milk (canned) 1 cup 19



Soy milk beverage 1 cup (8 ounces) 7



Non fat dry milk powder 1/3 cup powder 8



Nonfat, sugar free yogurt 1 cup (8 ounces) 8



Nonfat or low fat cottage cheese ½ cup (4 ounces) 14



Nonfat or low fat cheese slices



String cheese



*1 ounce/ 1 slice 6



LEAN meats – skinless chicken or turkey



breast, fish, beef, ham, Deli meats



*1 ounce 7



Egg or Egg substitute 1 egg or ¼ cup subst. 7



Peanut Butter (creamy) 1 Tablespoon 5



Tofu ¼ cup 5



Legumes; dried beans peas or lentils



Chili, bean soup



½ cup cooked



½ cup



7-9



6-7



Soy/vegetable patty (like Gardenburger) 1 patty 8 - 10



Hummus ½ cup 6


Measuring Hints:


*1 ounce of meat is equal to about 3 – 4 Tablespoons of chopped or ground meat.



1 ounce of grated or cottage cheese, tuna or egg salad is ~ 1/4th cup (4 Tablespoons).



A 3-ounce portion size of chicken or meat is about the size of a deck of cards.



High Protein Ideas


Chicken or Turkey


Pureed – Use baby food or make your own. Try mixing it into strained low-fat cream soup.



Breast – baked or grilled



Thin-sliced/shaved deli slices



Ground – meatballs, meatloaf



Canned – works great for chicken salad

Hi Filo, I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Not long to go now :bananahuge:

I haven't had surgery yet but I can tell you a little trick that I've used often in the past. A raw egg is the only 'complete' Protein that is available to be consumed. When the egg is cooked, it becomes a de-natured Protein (you see this when the clear turns white).
I've been adding raw eggs to my Protein shakes for years. You can't even tell it's in there and as gross as it sounds, think about all the times you've tasted cookie dough or cake batter and you didn't mind it then, did you? lol It makes the shake a little creamier and a little thicker (so I use Water instead of milk) and I am full for HOURS! I have to remind myself it's time to eat when lunch hour rolls around. It's amazing and I feel great (more alert and awake and energized).
I know there is a stigma attached to raw eggs and bacteria contaminations but if you look up the statistics you probably have a better chance being hit by lightening or something. I buy free range / organic and I researched how to tell a good egg from a bad one.
Here are a few tips:
Medium or large are the best because extra large eggs come from older chickens.
A great egg has a firm yolk that stands up a bit and a clear island around it that is somewhat defined (and not running all over the place.
Eggs can be used past the expiration date as you will be able to tell if it's still good by the smell and way it looks.
Eggs don't even need refigeration so it's a not as easy as people think for an egg to go 'bad'.
Most bacteria is on the outside of the shell, not the inside. So wash the egg with some warm soapy Water before cracking it.
The more you mess with the egg, the more you mess with the nutrition. Mix or blend the smoothie first and add the egg as the last thing and only blend for about 5-10 seconds to mix in.
Try it! You'll be amazed and you'll probably get hooked!

I struggled with the same issues before I went for my band. I even did the "weigh down workshop" for 2 years in attempts to lose weight, and asked God to free from the food demons. People reading this probably thinks this is insane, but gluttony is a sin, and I punished myself long enough. I prayed, I meditated, I followed the plan, I lost, then life would happen, and I would start in again with old habits.

I prayed for guidance, I prayed for peace. I went through a literal hell on Earth experience with both surgeries, but God brought me through all of that, I truly believe it's made me a better woman because of it.

I don't believe God let me suffer because of my choice to have weight loss surgery. I don't believe that I landed on life support for 5 days, that my husband wasn't allowed to come home, or anything else that transpired during my revision and recovery because I couldn't lose weight on my own.

Do I feel guilty now? No, and because of that, I thank Jesus for pulling me through, for bringing my husband home safely, and for sending angels to watch over and protect me and my son through a very difficult, and draining recovery. I cherish each day given to me because last year I almost lost everything.

EEEEEEEEEEEEE thanks all! (Read in Geordie accent, Coops can explain, or can she??) I might not wiegh mysefl in about a month, so much celebrating being overweight and not obese anymore w my closest friend and family, I might have put on a few pounds Had a couple of slices of pizza and a few cocktails tonight I am so happy though, thanks to you all, and if I can do ANYONE can do it, take my word for it!!! Love you all, I wouldn't have even achieved this if it hadn't been fot this wonderful forum and wonderful friends I made here (I consider you all my friends!)

I think this thread goes on this forum, not wher I posted before...
Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well...
1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God!
2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I'm not sure if only to this type of surgery, or all. The more the time passes, the more I see posts that relate to my experience. So far I've contacted six people with less, exact, or worse anxiety and depression after the sleeve. Be aware of this possibility. Know that it can debiliate you, thus you need a safety net. However, also be aware that it passes. Thank God, all that is in the past. But the experience I don't think I will ever forget.
3. Because of #2, an improved appreciation for God, life and for all my loved ones.
4. Weight loss: forty pounds down- yay!
5. Besides #2, the most impacting part of this experience is accepting the fact that the surgery did not rid my addiction to food, nor my unhealthy eating habits. I completed a mandated five month program before surgery. The instructor endlessly stressed to start working on our eating patterns and habits before surgery, to ease the transition and have more success with the procedure. As much as this was emphasized, I didn't do it. It was also emphasized that the surgery didn't cure our addiction and relationships to food, this too I ignored. To me, surgery would cure my addiction to food, would for ever change my eating patterns, and never again would I experience the vicious cycle of binging, guilt, shame, weight gain, etc. etc. etc. In my mind I figured I'd be forced to change because my body wouldn't tolerate overeating. I ached for a change, and surgery would force the change on me....problem solved! I awaited surgery with glee and faith. Well, the story goes otherwise.
I have changed some of my eating patterns and you will find plenty healthy veggies and fruits, plus lean meats in my fridge. I joined the gym for the first time in my life, and through therapy am trying to sort out my relationship with food.
However, surgery hasn't forced a change on me. You know those stories of having to induce vomit (or it naturally occuring) due to overeating? NEVER happens to me, NEVER! I cannot eat as much as before, but defenitley more than I expected. I can eat a full cup of spaghetti with cheese and sour cream in one sitting. I'll finish it, feel full, and stop eating. But thirty minutes later my pouch has made room, and I can take some more in. This especially happens when I eat out and we usually sit around chatting for a while. Time passes and I'll start nibling at my food again. I can eat about half a cup more--without being hungry. Why do I do it? I'm working on understanding it.
Those stories of no longer tolerating fatty, sugary, lactose, or other foods- not I. I can eat EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.
Dumping syndrome? I don't even know what that is.
Having to chew food to mushy consistency- not I. I chew, but never to the consistency I thought I'd have to.
Taste buds change post surgery- not mine. Not one of the billions of taste buds have changed- at all!
Bottom line, this surgery didn't force any change on me. I have gone up and down in weight, and can't seem to break the 40 pounds mark. It's been this way for the past five weeks. I still experience the disappointment in myself over food choices and behavior. The shame and guilt sneak up, and soon I'm angry and feel defeated. All the emotions, habits, and challenges I faced with food and weight pre surgery I face now too. I thought I'd be facing these issues two years after surgery when my pouch has relaxed and expanded a bit, and many regain the weight. I thought that by that time my life would be extraordinarily wonderful- that I'd never regain the weight and give up my success and joy. Well, it's only been four months and I'm facing reality already. Everyone considering surgery needs to know this. I think those who've had success with the sleeve have had it because they've made changes that have yielded the success. The sleeve itself will not yield it. Maybe everyone already knows this, but I have been known to be a late bloomer.
Do I regret having had surgery? Honestly, there is nothing to regret. I had (and pray that it continues) zero complications, I still enjoy food, have a very active social life, have gone down a size in clothes, and experience no pain, vomit, nausea, or anything of the sort. I feel blessed that my surgery has gone so smooth, pain free, and complication free. I pray that it continues to do so. I prefer to deal with my current issues, than any physical complication.
There really is nothing to regret. On the contrary, I believe this surgery has a higher purpose in my life. It isn't yielding the weight success I imagined, but it is forcing me to look deep into myself and work with what is out of balance. I can't run away from it anymore. I refuse to have gone through this experience and continue on the road of addiction, caught in that endless dark cycle. This is the change my sleeve had brought to my life. My progress comes in baby steps, but I'll get there.
God bless you all!

Thanks, guys. While I'm not at my goal weight yet, even if I didn't lose another pound, I'd still be content with the results of my surgery. I was actually able to get to this same weight last winter by exercising 2-3 hours a day and always being hungry, but the difference now is that maintaining this weight doesn't take over my life. I don't really have to deny myself that much. Some urges are still there due to ingrained bad habits, but 90% of the time I'm able to step back and say "You don't really want it or need it." The 10% of the time that I succumb to temptation (like last night - had 2/3 of a 3.5-oz Cadbury dark chocolate bar) I put things into perspective, realize this is WAY less than what I'd eat in that situation before, and that in the grand scheme of things, it won't make me put on weight - even with that chocolate, I had under 1300-1400 calories yesterday, for sure.

Hello i had mine on Nov 2 and doing well down 15 lbs as of today . well wishes for all that will follow after me.Just follow the sleeve guide lines and things will turn out fine...

Funny how we are all different. Taking this poll will in no way indicate how you will do. I still get normal hunger pangs and eat about every 3 hours. The saving grace here, for every one of us, is that whether we get hungry or not, we can only eat so much at one sitting. This this is the one common factor that will help us all realize our goals of becoming healthy again.

Steve,

Thanks for writing.

Here's what you said & some comments
Good things that have happened:
•Lost a ton of weight - FABULOUS!
•Feel happier - YEAH
•No more sleep apnea - And I assume that means no more machine - Are you doing the happy dance?
•Started dating and opening myself up more - Again, happy dance?
•Stay away from fast food - YEAH
Bad things that are happening:
•Started drinking diet mountain dew again - Why is this so bad? Does it cause you to crave carbs? If so, I would agree that it is bad for you.
•Hardly drink any Water - Best advice? Go out and get a water bottle TODAY. Keep it full and with you at all times.
•Need to drink more Protein - I don't necessarily agree with this one. I was told that it is better to get your Protein from food. It's keeps that full sensation longer & in my opinion, "natural" is always the best route.
•Eating healthier but I need to do a better job - I would put this in the "Good Things That Are Happening" category. We can all do better, but Celebrate your good choices.
•Drink too much coffee - Again, why is this bad?
•Eat too many sugar Cookies from the store - Agreed, this is a bad one. Stop buying them. Make 1 or 2 an occaisional treat that you have planned for, not a typical part of your eating.
•Need to do better with my fresher vegetables and fruits - This is something we should all strive for. Being less than a year out, it's hard to fit them in, but I know my body needs them.
•I need to get more protein in and less carb - Yep! That is the key to success.
So, based on the above, I'd say you were doing exceptionally well. Even with the carbs and such, you haven't gained, but maintained a SIGNIFICANT weight loss. How long is "I have been stuck between 233 and 239 for months"? Is this just a long stall or do you think it's your eating patterns that have changed too much? I agree that journeling your food is a great first step - it may just help point out where you've been eating more than you think you have. Also, keep up the exercise - that is good for your weight loss as well as toning and general health.

Keep coming out here & letting us know how you are doing. We all love success stories!!!!

First and foremost, congratulations for being on a journey back to yourself, a journey to find love for yourself and take control over your life, I am pre-op as well and on that journey. What have some of us done our entire lives that may have led us into the fat suit we wear today? For me it has been putting **everyone** in my life before me and...being co-dependent(well if you are gonna be mad then I won't do this I'll just stay miserable or...I don't want you to be insecure I wanna fix you then me...) this may not at all be you but it was me. Let me ask you this...what is the worse thing that can happen in your marriage? If that happens then will your life still go on? My husband has been the greatest jerk about my weight and at the same time my biggest fan which I consider deadly combinations. I will give you an example: "I bought you a treadmill, when are you gonna start running?" Well...you don't want to know my answer but I will say that coming from a man who despises obese people and at times makes mean comments about them(this is called ignorance) he has grown from telling me all I had to do was close my mouth and run 6 miles a day to asking me how many days he will have to take off to help me out. The more I show him videos of before and afters, the more stern I am that this is the way I am taking the more he is acting like a friend. I am sure he has insecurities but I always assure him that the way he treats me is wayyyy more important than what I weigh because the weight can come off. His insecurity is really his problem, and if you are like me at this point in this journey I just say: "You can go to therapy to work out your insecurities I can't help you there for I am on a journey to save my life!" I have heard at one of the support groups I attended as part of my research into this women saying that once the weight leaves, the self esteem and attention from strangers starts to kick in that they have felt deprived of that and enjoy it a lot which is a problem also that some just realize that their husbands were tools and they deserved better.
It can go a lot of ways but let it be your way.

Nope, my husband said the same things, and never said anything of the sorts when I was fat. You wanna know what stopped his little shitty comments? ME saying " hey before you came along, I had zero issue dating, having boyfriends, and I CHOSE YOU to marry, I make the choice to stay married to you, fat or thin, you are stuck with me, so get over the fact that the only reason I'd leave you is if I was skinny, I'd leave you fat so just stop being so insecure, and buck up."
It happens, they hate change more than anything, and if you're husband is anything like mine, he is a fixer, and he felt helpless like he couldn't "help" me NOT be fat. I was like the grace of God couldn't help me get skinny, what makes you think you can fix my fatness? He really just wanted to fix everything, and make it better but didn't know how to convey his concerns.

Just had my first post-op visit and I’m down 10 lbs since surgery, 26 lbs overall. I’m so happy with the way I feel and although this hasn’t been a cake-walk, these 26 lbs have come off easier than the hundreds of other times that I’ve lost weight.
My recovery is coming along very well. It's amazing how each day is better than the previous. I can’t get over the fact that at this time last week, I took my dog on a walk and I had to make it a short one. It was a little rough and I was beat after my 15 min walk with her. Last night, I went on a 45 min walk and felt terrific. I don’t really have any “pain” just an awareness of my left side/staple area that really only hurts a little when I sneeze. I’m back at work and just trying to make sure I get between 8-8 ½ hours of sleep each night so that I do not hamper my continued recovery.
I got 2 great pieces of news today at my 2 week post-op today: 1) I can move to “mushies” state (yeah!) and 2)I’ve been cleared to return to the gym. I thought I was going to have to wait 4 weeks on this, but Dr said I can resume aerobic activities right away (I do spinning). He said I can also do light weights, but nothing for abs or core for 4 more weeks.
Still feeling a little like I need to “pinch” myself because I can’t believe, after thinking about WLS for several years, that I finally did it. However, I was a self-pay and I put it all on a credit card (good points!) and the bill just came so that part of the surgery seems a little too real!
And BTW, don’t have a scale at home and still haven’t decided if I’m going to get one. I’m feeling like I’m on cloud nine right now and I’m afraid that if I get a scale, I’ll be on it every morning and my mood for the day will be set by that thing. There is a scale at the gym and I may just continue to use that since it’s not an every day event. We’ll see….
Thanks for listening

I already have laparoscopic scars from my gall bladder surgery I've seen a few pics and they look very similar so LUCKY ME!!!!! I get to have them twice more-lol But I figured that even "if" I became so incredibly hot afterwards that Playboy magazine would want me to pose(which I would have to refuse for moral ethical reasons) they airbrush everybody and why not my little scars? Have a great day, and just so you know the loose skin and scars kept me from doing this procedure for three years...yes I know I how sad I wonder how much fun I would be having right now.

I am depressed cuz I miss food so much. it provided so much comfort. now it is painful even to drink and disgusting to keep hearing this gurgling sound all the time.
also my sexual drive is way increasing and I am still the same single girl which is not nice feeling by any means. I am sorry for mentioning this. I dont mean to sabotage anyone but after surgery is not that easy.

Find a therapist you can talk to, and one that has experience dealing with bariatric patients. Talk to several before you decide.
Here are some additional resources that might help:
The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life after Bariatric Surgery
* RECOMMENDED
by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD
Dr. Alexander discusses many of the difficulties a bariatric patient is likely to encounter and some realistic and practical
strategies for dealing with them. Most people go into bariatric surgery full of motivation and hope, only to find day-to-day
postoperative existence more stressful than they imagined. Here are the psychological tricks of the trade to help make
your own journey a successful one.
Exodus from Obesity: The Guide to Long-Term Success after Weight Loss Surgery
* RECOMMENDED
by Paula F. Peck, RN
Paula Peck provides the information, encouragement and guidelines for maintaining long-term success after weight loss
surgery. Ms. Peck has been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years and personally has experienced a weight loss of more
than 175 pounds twice in her life: Once unsuccessfully from "white-knuckle" dieting, and once successfully from weight
loss surgery 5 years ago. Ms. Peck interweaves intelligent discussion with humorous stories about herself and individuals
that have faced diet after diet and ultimately chose the gastric bypass procedure.
The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients by Colleen M. Cook
Colleen Cook, a weight-loss surgery patient since 1995, has taken the real-world experiences of thousands of weight-
loss surgery patients and condensed them into the principles you'll find in this book. These time and people tested
principles are the results of years of research of long-term weight loss surgery patients. They work regardless of the
particular type of weight-loss surgery you may have had.
Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies by Marina S. Kurian, Barbara Thompson, Brian K. Davidson
A guide to weight loss surgery – before, during, and after. This compassionate guide helps you determine whether you
qualify and gives you the scoop on selecting the best center and surgical team, understanding today's different
procedures, and achieving the best results. You also get tips on eating properly post-op and preparing appetizing meals,
as well as easing back into your day-to-day life.
Before and After: Living and Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach
In addition to more than 100 recipes in this book, there are ideas to help a post-op cook stay on the path and adapt
his/her own recipes. Includes tips for eating out and cooking during the holidays. There is an introduction to Protein,
sugar, and carbohydrates for those who are post gastric bypass surgery, as well as a list of sources for special foods and
ingredients.
Eating Well After Weight Reduction Surgery by Patt Levine
The author has created 125 recipes that contain no added sugar, are very low in fat, and get their carbohydrates almost
exclusively from fruits and vegetables. Each recipe includes specific guidelines for preparation of the dish for every stage
of the eating programs for Lap-Band, gastric bypass, and Duodenal Switch patients, as well as suggestions for sharing
meals with those who have not gone through gastric surgery.
Recipes for Life After Weight-Loss Surgery: Delicious Dishes for Nourishing the New You
by Margaret Furtado, MS, RD, LD/N, and Lynette Schultz, Chef, LCRP, RT
Margaret Furtado and Lynette Schultz have a combination of almost 40 years experience in clinical nutrition and the
culinary arts. Together, they will help you navigate your way through the sometimes turbulent waters after your weight
loss surgery, and will provide you with general clinical guidelines after your procedure, as well as helpful hints for easing
your transition from surgery to your new, healthy lifestyle. With sections on home entertaining and eating-on-the-run.
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF):
WLS Lifestyles Magazine:
http://www.wlslifestyles.com
American Society of Bariatric Surgeons:
www.asbs.org

Hi, just like Lan2K, I too will be getting together with a therapist. . I've been told that a therapist during the "journey" is a good thing along with a support group. . . any help will be definately looked for, like ya'll on these forums. . your a great inspiration and great ears, I will definately continue with this! Depression majors sucks, I had it super bad when I was in my 20's (I'm now 47) I even attempted suicide (as you see it didn't work! I'm greatful) I was in therapy, hospitals, lots of meds. . . finally I just said "STOP IT" and repeated it over and over and over everytime I would start feeling blue, I told my shrink I was stopping all meds on my own, he warned me against it, but I did it anyhow. . .I hated that detached head feeling everyday. . . guess what! I'm drug free, I don't get depressed anymore and when those feeling creep up I yell as loud as I can in my head "STOP IT! WHATS WRONG WITH YOU" Then I go right away and concentrate on something else, my weeding, a book, crocheting, a HOT shower (always works, one day I took about 4 HOT showers, I was very clean) I'm ok now though and feel that I've won that battle, with this new transformation, I will definately seek the care of a therapist though, cause I can see where it could hurt someone. . especially if your not used to getting looks from men, whistles, etc. . .good luck all!

From the LapSF newsletter.
********
Many people can't imagine becoming depressed AFTER losing weight. However, depression can occur after weight loss surgery or when undergoing any time of major lifestyle change. Possible causes of depression after WLS may include:

- Mourning the loss of food for comfort. If food has always been your "friend" or something you depended on when feeling sad, stressed or lonely, saying "goodbye" can be difficult.

- Mourning the loss of pre-operative lifestyle. For example, feeling left out while socializing, participating in holiday rituals, or when dining in restaurants.

- Reactions from others. Relationships with loved ones can change or become strained. Reactions to weight loss may be negative or jealous, or otherwise unsupportive friends/family may resort to "sabotage." Positive reactions or increased attention from others can lead to feelings of discomfort, vulnerability, or resentment.

- Having unrealistic expectations. For example, thinking that everything will get better after surgery or that your emotional eating or other disordered eating habits will simply disappear.

- Hormonal changes. For some women, estrogen is released while fat is burned to make energy. This release of estrogen may cause mood swings.

- Body image discrepancies. After rapid weight loss, you do not recognize yourself or lose a sense of self. You may experience a loss of identity between the inner and outer you.

The postoperative blues typically occur during the first few weeks or months after surgery and subside over time. However, if you find that your symptoms are worsening or are beginning to interfere with your relationships, work, or daily functioning, it is time to seek help from a medical professional.

Here is some data from Jossart and Cirangle's 5 year data
Breakdown of %EWL by BMI
 35-45 Kg/M2 – 82.2%
 45-55 Kg/M2 – 73.4%
 > 55 Kg/M2 – 52.1%
This shows that the lower your BMI was to begin with, the more likely you were to lose a greater percentage of your excess weight. if you want to see the powerpoint, here is the link:
http://www.ssat.com/video/2008/SSAT%2049th%20Annual%20Meeting(3)-Cirangle.htm

That's a great idea.
It's also important to remember that Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine. So take other meds at some other time of day. Also,taking it with a meal is recommended.

you could also try unsweetened almond milk it had less caloirues then skim and it adds a bit of flavor to the skake

Make sure you get Greek Yogurt which is much higher on Protein than regular yogurt. Get the non fat plain and put the SF Syrup in there and it will be great. sometimes I add some stevia too to make it a little sweeter.