Getting There

Had my surgery on 9/10. Just had totally regular hot chocolate (not sugar free or fat free). Made it with 1/2 water and 1/2 skim milk. I had a fairly low calorie day and decided to splurge. It was great and no bad effects. Won't make it a habit but I see absolutely nothing wrong with occasionally enjoying something like that. It was a total of 155 calories.

Hey New GM - new "do?" Like the curls

Love mine! WalMart has the best price by far (around $8.00 as I recall). I found mine by the protein powder.

I am so over shakes! Instead of shakes, I enjoy a clear ready-to-drink. Try Cytosport Whey Isolate Protein Drink. It comes in watermelon, tropical & tangerine. 32 gr protein/bottle and only 1 carb. Typically I'll pour 1/2 into an empty bottle then fill both bottles with ice & water to dilute. Now that I'm getting more & more protein from real food, I usually only drink 1 of the diluted bottles/day (16 gr protein). I'll sip on it and it also counts nicely towards my daily fluids. I get them at the Vitamin Shoppe (if there's not one near you, you can order on-line - less expensive from Vitamin Shoppe than directly from Cytosport!).

Surgery 9/10. 40 pounds lost (includes 9 lost during pre-op diet). Tired of eating the same old things but I really don't enjoy cooking for just me and my fiance doesn't really care for the same things I do........

I take Bariatric chewable multi Vitamins from The Vitamin Shoppe. They aren't too bad. Get my B12, Vitamin D, Biotin, calcium citrate and clear ready to drink Protein drinks (by Cyroslort) there too. I like getting everything from one place. They have a huge selection of protein powders too. If you get something you don't like, they'll exchange it (store ctedit). I've read numerous times that you shouldn't take Iron unless your surgeon or PCP recommends it. I've had a hysterectomy so don't need it. Also be aware that some chewable multi vitamins don't include minerals which are important too. I don't think One a Day or most gummies have minerals. You might try speeding out your pills/ meds too. I take some right when I get our of bed, some with Breakfast (swallow with a bite of yogurt) and I tJe my multi after lunch.

I planned ahead to allow myself a Protein bar tonight. Took care of the candy cravings and really filled me up (uncomfortably so - ate too soon after dinner). Bought strawberry Twizzlers for the trick or treaters - I can't stand them

My "treat" tonight is going to be a protein bar. Built it into my plan for the day. Yep, my life has changed so much....... Next year, perhaps a snack size candy bar, but this year I'm going to resist. When I'm tempted to find the Snickers, I'm going to look in the mirror first. That should reinforce my decision to leave well enough alone.

If you're pre-op, I've heard you should start taking the biotin now. And using Nioxin shampoo, conditioner & styling products. Nothing will totally stop the thinning, it's your bodies response to lack of fat and rapid weight loss. But perhaps doing this, along with making sure you get plenty of protein during the pre-surgery diet & post-surgery should help a lot.

I bought packets of strawberry twizzlers for the trick or treaters. No temptation - can't stand them! Then my fiance came home with Snickers, Reese's, and Kit Kat's. Really? Ah heck, don't want no stinking candy! I'm too tough for that. OK, not really - told him to hide it!

OK I'll admit it. I just don't like Water. I can force it down - and I do - but I don't like it. I KNOW it's better than anything else. BUT - if I'm mostly trying to avoid dehydration does it really matter if I drink plain, unadulterated water vs. decaf iced tea or hot herbal tea or a clear ready-to-drink Protein drink? I know many people drink Crystal Light, but I don't tolerate aspertame so for me it's pretty much what I've listed. Sometimes I do mix 1/2 sugar-free lemonade (sweetened with Splenda) with my decaf iced tea. Are there studies/science that prove water is all that much better?

Jen, Having the surgery is a BIG commitment - it will impact the rest of your life. You are wise to think it through and make sure it's something you want to do. I had my surgery on 9/10/12 and have lost 37 pounds so far. Personally, I'm glad that I did it. BUT - I don't have children (younger or older) that I had to worry about and I know that is a factor to consider, both on the pro and con side of the decision. If you don't have to rush into it, seeing a therapist for awhile first may not be a bad idea. Perhaps you can check with bariatric surgeon's in your area for referrals to therapists who are familiar with working with people with weight issues. I went to a therapist many years ago when I first started to gain weight. She was really pretty clueless about weight issues and I don't feel it was a very positive experience. If you do decide to go with the surgery, realize that it's not always easy. You have to be absolutely and totally ready to change the way you eat and the way you think about food and the way you use food. It's been a challenge sometimes, but when I think of the benefits, I'll take losing weight and being more normal in appearance & health to overeating like I used to anyday. Best of luck on your journey and know that if you have the surgery, this is a GREAT place to find support and encouragement

Is it that much better than an immersion (stick) blender? What makes it better than a normal blender? Do you think you'll use it much when you're several weeks out & able to eat "real" food? Just curious as I've been thinking about getting one.

Celebrate has Protein bars with 16 gr protein and only 10 gr carbs (total carbs). Some have 1 gr more or less protein or carbs. I haven't tried them yet - just ordered a variety pack from their website last night. But I figure they are worth a try with the protein/carb ratio. The website is www.celebratevitamins.com

Not sure where you live, but you can find the Isopure at GNC. I get the Cytosport at The Vitamin Shoppe. If you go to www.cytosport.com they have a locator so you can find a store near you. (the locator is HARD to find - it's a little tab toward the upper right side of the page).

You might try one of the clear Protein ready-to-drinks like Isopure Zero Carb or Cytosport whey Isolate Protein Drink. I prefer the Cytosport - doesn't have the strong taste/whey odor that Isopure does. You may want to mix 1/2 of the protein drink with 1/2 Water. I would think this would be much better than Gatorade since it provides protein which equals energy...... One of the keys for me initially was to sip, sip, sip - almost constantly. Don't try to gulp a lot down at once. If you don't have one, get one of the 1 oz dosing cups (they often come with liquid Tylenol or cough meds). Use that as your cup - it will help you gauge how much you are drinking each time you sip. Maybe only 1/2 oz per sip at first. Good luck! I know dehydration is a terrible feeling.

Way to go Jordyn! You've done an amazing job!!!

II just asked the PA at my surgeon's office about stretching my stomach. He said that they have done studies and out of 85 people, after 5 years, no one had stretched. He said that the stomach becomes very "leathery" from the staples/scarring. He said it would be almost impossible to stretch. Said that as you heal you can take in more and many interpret that as stretching. I agree with Sramos - I would absolutely stop the grazing. Plan 3 meals and 2 Snacks (if you need them). Track everything you eat/drink. Increase your exercise. Be honest with yourself about why you had the surgery and ask yourself why you are letting yourself slide back into the bad habits. Maybe go to support group meetings in your area - if not at your surgeon's, check the local hospitals or even on this forum to see if there are local groups. You CAN get back on track. And you'll be so proud of yourself when you do and start to see the results. We're all pulling for you!

For Me - have you tried the clear protein ready-to-drinks? I can't face a shake, but don't mind these at all. I've tried Isopure Zero Carb but prefer Cytosport's Whey Isolate Protein Drink (I get them at Vitamin Shoppe - if you don't have one nearby, you can order on-line). Comes in Tropical, Watermelon & Tangerine. 130 calories/bottle, 32 gr protein, 1 carb. I usually pour 1/2 into an empty bottle and fill both bottles the rest of the way with ice & water. I'll drink 1 "mixed bottle" at work in the mornings and then if I know I'll need the protein, I'll drink the other "mixed bottle" when I get home. Most days now I just drink 1. These might not give you the full feeling that the shakes give you. You will be able to tolerate more and more food (up to a point). Just give yourself time. I can easily eat a 5.3 or 6 oz container of yogurt but 2 oz of chicken and 1/4 C of cooked spinach fills me up. I also do MUCH better when I eat very slowly. It's a learned skill - and annoying really - but it works! You've been through a lifechanging surgery - it's OK to have those scary, WTH did I do days. They'll be fewer and fewer as time goes on.

It WILL get better - promise!!! I'm 6 1/2 weeks out and feel great! Eating normal foods (not much but there's nothing I've tried yet that I couldn't eat). Great energy level - I am SO GLAD I did this!!! Make sure to keep an eye on your temperature though if you're not feeling good. I high fever and/or a racing heart can be a symptom of a leak. I'm not trying to alarm you, but just be aware....... And here's a big feel better hug - and an extra one for your puppy

I'm so fortunate! I don't have a problem getting in 65+ gr protein, 70 oz fluids, anywhere from 30-80 gr carbs (my NUT isn't really concerned with carbs - thank goodness!), maybe 10-15 gr fat/day and around 700 calories. I've lost about 37 pounds since I started the 2-week pre-surgery diet so I'm OK (not thrilled, but OK) with that. My big problem is exercise. I just can't seem to stay motivated to do anything on a regular basis. I was walking everyday at work - 20 mins twice a day - but I've gotten busier so that's not happening regularly. I WANT to start some weight training, but feel intimidated about going to a gym. It's something I know absolutely nothing about, I'm way out of my comfort zone - and I have NO CLUE what one wears to the gym when one is still very "plump." Heck, the last time I went to a gym, I did aerobics and wore a leotard and leggings! (quit laughing!!!). I'm doing OK losing now, but I know the loss will slow down if I don't up the exercise. What motivates you to exercise???

Hi Ready! Hey, are you going to Dr Kim's Support Group on 11/7? Have you seen the invitation to Dr Kim's Xmas party? I'll be at both - hope to have the chance to meet you! I just looked at your profile - you're only 4 days behind me - my surgery was on 9/10.

I actually squeeze fresh lemons and add water & Splenda. I just found a new natural sweetner that I really like, Nectresse (made by the makers of Splenda). It's made from Monk fruit. It's granular like sugar and doesn't have the aftertaste (to me) that Stevia and some other sweetners have. Oh and I almost always drink decaf. On a rare occassion I might have a 1/2 caf/1/2 decaf coffee as a morning treat. But 99% of the time, it's decaf.

Internally, some surgeon's stitch over the staples. If you had a hernia repair, you were also likely to have been stitched where they place the mesh that is used for the repair. In my case, my incisions were stapled, not glued or stitched. Different surgeons/different preferences - so you'll find lots of combinations of staples, stitches, glues, steri-strips, duct tape (well, maybe not. Unless you're in Texas - we use that stuff for EVERYTHING!).......

Briand - until you know someone else's story, perhaps it would be best to keep comments like this to yourself. Many of us know Iggy's story and actually, hearing that she went to the store after 58 days was a reason for many of us to cheer. This forum is for positive, helpful, supportive comments. You'll find that people on this forum are WONDERFUL about giving great feedback, comments, etc. We may not always agree with what others say, but it's important to respect that everyone has different experiences and opinions. You take in what you want and disguard what you don't. If you can't play by those rules, we'd rather you not play on our playground. Thanks.