delta_girl

For others who want to do this, remember that Protein powder loses its nutritional integrity at higher temperatures.

Here are several guides that have fantastic information. They may differ, just like most of our surgeons do in their requirements and recommendations. I am not a nutritionist nor a medical professional, so use your best judgement when looking at these and communicate questions to your surgeon. http://www.muhealth.org/documents/bariatric/Nutrition_Guidelines_Before_and_After_Vertical_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.pdf http://www.dukehealth.org/services/weight_loss_surgery/care_guides/bariatric_surgery_diet_manual/the_recommended_diet_following_bariatric_surgery http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/dietary_guidelines_after_gastric_bypass/index.html http://www.realself.com/files/ckfinder/RealSelfNutritionalGuide.pdf http://professional.diabetes.org/admin/UserFiles/CE/South%20Florida/Workshop%20A-3%20Nutrition%20Management%20in%20Bariatric%20Surgery.pdf

There is a variety of Swiss Miss that is not that easy to find where I am, so when I find it I really stock up. It is called Swiss Miss DIET and has only 25 calories per serving. The last time I found it was at Target.

I like the natural and Teriyaki. The jerkee is actually a good bit of meat for the number of calories but I think it is a bit dry and tough. The sticks are easier to chew and more moist. If you like spicy then you might like the pepper.

And something is tickling the back of my mind about the impact of caffeine and Calcium. Caffeine causes the body to excrete calcium. I always use 1% milk in my coffee. Caffeine leaches calcium from bones, sapping their strength. "You lose about 6 milligrams of calcium for every 100 milligrams of caffeine ingested," That's not as much of a loss as salt, but it's worrisome, nonetheless. Caffeine is a particular problem when a woman doesn’t get enough calcium each day to begin with. The good news is that limiting caffeine intake to 300 milligrams a day while getting adequate calcium probably offsets any losses caffeine causes. Coffee is a major caffeine source. For example, a 16-ounce cup of coffee can provide 320 milligrams. High-caffeine sodas can contain up to 80 milligrams per can or more. Although tea also contains caffeine, studies suggest it does not harm, and probably helps, bone density in older women, regardless of whether they add milk to the beverage. Researchers think that tea contains plant compounds that protect bone. (ref: http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/living-with-osteoporosis-7/diet-dangers?page=2)

I also carry Ostrim with me in my purse or car just in case. 60-80 calories, tasty, super low fat and a lot of Protein. You can get it at GNC, smoothie King and most health food stores. http://www.protos-inc.com/

I was doing half caf for a while, ran out and am now back to regular. This week I pulled out the program binder my surgeon gave me to re-read some things I may have forgotten. It says that caffeine is an appetite stimulant. I find that I respond the opposite. If I have two cups of coffee I'm not interested in food for a really long time. Then there is the acidity of it which is probably not good for your sleeve early on. I've pretty much been having some form of coffee or another since around 3 weeks out.

That is an interesting parallel. Most of us are food addicts. I guess if you were an alcoholic and went to your AA meeting and asked if it would be ok to have a few beers on Valentine's day or shared that you threw back a fifth of vodka, you would get some different responses. Hugs from some maybe? I don't know. Others who were disappointed in you? Some who were angry? Some who said they understood but tomorrow is a new day? Of course not really quite the same thing since we can't stop eating food. I just thought it was an interesting way to consider another angle.

Highest weight: 219 lbs Surgery weight: 212 lbs (9-26-12) Current weight: 165 lbs Goal Weight for Valentine's Day: 151 lbs (-14 lbs @ 2 lbs per week)

I wondered about this so had to go look it up Roast Turkey, Ranch & Bacon Wrap 590 calories 33g of fat/9g saturated, 105 mg cholesterol, 1990 mg sodium, 39g carbs, 40g Protein Roast Turkey & Swiss Wrap 490 calories 25g of fat/6g saturated, 80 mg cholesterol, 1550 mg sodium, 39g carbs, 34g protein

I don't disagree but bombs are going to start going off now...sheesh..

Posted December 24, 2012 - 11:20 AM Quote Height 5'3" Preop 216# Op 9/26/12 212# Current 179# New Year's Morning Goal 168# Wooohooo! Exceeded my goal. 165 this morning!!

I don't know what his doctor says but I could have it right after surgery. Diluted, of course. I like the low acid, low pulp variety.

I like regular Tums for calcium. I also use Flintstones with Iron. They taste weird to me, but they are small and easy.

She may think she is actually helping you more by not helping? I'm not in your shoes so really don't know. My surgeon was sure to make himself extremely clear that all of his lapband and vsg patients have no restrictions after surgery and dismissal from the hospital. None. They should immediately resume regular activities including driving and going back to work. No fussing, no excuses (with the exception of a real medical issue requiring action). He is a tough love type of surgeon. Some people are probably wired that way. I'm sorry you are not getting what you need at this time and hope that you are feeling stronger again soon.

I keep these in my desk at work http://www.bumblebee.com/products/ready-to-eat-meal-kits/bumble-bee-sensations-seasoned-tuna-medleys-with-crackers

The first two items are the only ones I get from fast food. Though there are some other options that sound good, they aren't as healthy as that might first appear. Panera low fat chicken noodle Soup - 13.5 oz - 120 calories 1.5g fat, 1380mg sodium, 22g carbs, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein fruit and yogurt parfait from McDonald's - 130 calories 4g protein, 25g carbs, 2g fat fruit and maple oatmeal from McDonald's - 250 calories with changes below (It is actually 2 servings of oatmeal.) ask them to skip adding in the sugar and substitute hot Water for the cream add in the fruit 5g protein, 5g fiber, 49g carbs, 2.5g fat (That's a ton of carbs!) Wendy's apple pecan chicken salad - no pecans, no dressing - 350 calories As served - 570 calories Wendy's spicy chicken Caesar salad - no croutons, no dressing - 470 calories As served - 770 calories Wendy's small chili - 210 calories 6g fat, 40mg cholesterol, 880 mg sodium, 21g carbs, 6g fiber, 17g protein Panera low fat vegetarian black bean - 240 calories 2.5g fat, 1270mg sodium, 50g carbs, 9g fiber, 12g protein You can go to just about any fast food/restaurant web site and see their nutritional information.

You look related, but not like the same person! Very marked difference. You are stunning!

I really like the Powerade Zero. G2 has a lot more carbs. I don't know the names of the flavors, but the blue, purple and red are pretty darn good.

On week 13 now, going into week 14 next week. I've had a fairly OK loss of 51 lbs since 2 weeks prior to surgery. I had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas when I ate pretty much anything and everything, though very small portions. I've had wine and cocktails, chocolate, salad, beef, raw fruit, ...pretty much anything and everything. My exercise habits have been sporadic At around 11 weeks I was up to 600-700 calories and now I'm back to 400-500. I have no desire whatsoever to eat most of the time. For example today. It is almost 4pm and I haven't eaten today. Just 2 cups of coffee with sugar free creamer. Yesterday I had just at 400 calories. I don't know if it is because of indulgence during the holidays or something else. I have no cravings for anything. Now I did do something since surgery which may or may not have had an impact. My surgeon asked me what happens when you are hungry? I didn't know what to answer. He said, "nothing." Also, in my planning binder he gave me it says to learn to go to bed hungry. There is nothing wrong with feeling hungry. It is normal and natural, but people who are obese don't accept it. So I practiced when I felt hunger pangs ...ignoring them and going about other activities. If it wasn't time to have a snack or meal, I denied the urge to eat. My NUT also told me that we tend to ignore the signals of our bodies and eat for reasons other than hunger and we should relearn to eat when our bodies tell us that it is time for food. So my body is telling me it isn't time for food. I am not interested right now. I am cooking a big crock pot of beef stew with fresh vegetables, so will maybe eat something later this evening. I suppose this is just another phase of the roller coaster after vsg?

I still take a PPI 2x daily, otherwise my stomach make crazy noises when I eat and I feel more hunger sensations.

I was never given a calorie target, but at my last office visit I told my surgeon's nurse that I was eating around 500 calories a day and she said that was great. My protein target its 45-50g a day, which I am having a lot of trouble with lately as I transition away from shakes before Jan 1 by my surgeon's direction.

I really like drinking the Swiss Miss Diet hot chocolate for a sweet treat. 25 calories. I still keep sugar free popsicles in the freezer, too.

Got back home after visiting family for the holidays. I haven't had time to go to the store so I made do with some things in the fridge for lunch. I'm 13 weeks out now. This is a small dessert paper plate. On it I have 1 Baby Bell light, some pistachios, sugar snap peas, 3/4ths of a pear and some sweet potato chips. I stopped eating when I felt satisfied. Yes, I know I'm missing better Protein sources, but like I said, just got back and haven't been to the grocery.