Teachamy

I was diagnosed with Celiac about 6 years ago. An upper-endoscopy can show if you have damage caused by Celiac. I would ask your doc to be specific about how he diagnosed your "sensitivity". It can show up on a blood test, but an upper endoscopy is typically done in this instance. You should continue to eat normally if you are planning to have an endoscopy. If you are moving to a gluten free diet, you must avoid wheat, barley, rye, and any oats not specifically labeled gluten free. As it is important to stay away from processed food anyway, I would highly recommend staying away from gluten-free processed foods. (Chips, crackers, pastas, etc.) Gluten free products are typically milled with rice flour. High calorie, high carb, a no-no for a health conscious eater. Eat fresh foods. And look for Protein supplements labeled gluten-free. I have found most of the shakes are gluten free. Hope this helps!

My Fitness Pal is the best way. You can mention restaurants, generic, or name-brand foods and they have the info. there. Just make sure to get a good food scale and measuring cups and spoons and use them. Don't "eye-ball" the quantity.

I never had a stall until the very end of this journey. (My medical folks are telling me I'm done losing weight.) What's my secret? I only would weigh once every 2.5 weeks. That way, I only saw major losses, no stalls. Good luck!

Saw my Dietician and CDE (of 12 yrs.) yesterday. As always, she gave excellent advice. That it is now the time to accept that there are times food will be "boring"--it's not entertainment--it's fuel. There are some staples I will get sick of from time to time, (yogurt, string cheese) but overall, I should plan my meals and Snacks for the week and get on with it. She told me to talk to a few people who have never had weight issues and notice that many of them eat the same things/quantities every day. That is true of my mom and vegan sister-in-law. I feel a lot better. Thanks for your many words of advice!

I don't have a whole heck of a lot to say, but felt my diet boredom deserved a good 'ole fashioned RANT! I am a good "kid". I follow the rules, I eat healthy foods, lots of Protein, good carbs (although very few). I read the posts here, offer advice, feel confident in my knowledge and control of this WLS business. I enjoy laughing at folks who claim to LOVE their daily diet of nuts, berries, and a side of protein-laden slime. (their time is coming...) I am even at the goal set for me by my NUT. But man am I ever BORED with my diet choices. I know what many of you will advise--branch out! Try new foods! Explore the culinary horizon! Learn to cook new recipes! Yes, that's all well and good, but I am a busy woman with 2 little kiddos. And cooking is not interesting to me--it's a chore, not a hobby. (Although I must admit, I make a hell of a meatloaf...) There are times when I just want a donut. But being a good kid means I walk away. Oh! The burden of being a goody-two shoes. Amy

I wasn't a fan personally, but I am sure it depends on the management of the individual franchise. Mine had a lot of 19 year olds standing around in their sports-bras, texting behind the desk. I didn't enjoy waiting for machines or the time-limits placed on them. They didn't have classes when I joined, but again, I'm sure that differs from franchise to franchise. The good side is that they are inexpensive, and they will show you around the machines and set up a program for you.

Great post! Thank you for sharing your insight. I know exactly how you feel about how you view the "real you" at your normal weight. My old friends and family told me "you look like the old Amy" when I lost my weight. People who never knew me thin said"you look so different." It was odd for me to hear. Inside, I always felt of myself at my healthy weight. Now that I have lost my weight, I have learned to strut a little bit better. I give a lot of details about the process to my friends when they ask about it. When others ask how much I've lost I say, "I've lost a lot." I also try to answer their "outward appearance comments" by talking about my health improvements. I figure it's my story to tell. And I figure as time goes on, they'll get over it.

No, I'm not a slow cooker. I am sticking to what appeals to me for now. My sister-in-law (vegan superstar) gave me a new Protein powder to try with my almond milk--so that's next on my list of "I'll give it a shot". Quest bars make me happy, so I'll pick up a few more of those to keep on hand. Tonight I baked some haddock, potato and corn on the cob. (Ate about an ounce of fish and potato--will save the corn for tomorrow.) Thanks for your ideas. 8 mos. out and this was my first "RANT". Not bad. And umm..btw...the "green slime" comment was my attempt at humor. Epic fail.

UPDATE: I wasn't in a donut mood today. In fact, all I managed to eat this morning was half a yogurt.No morning snack either, so by lunch I was pretty hungry. I went for one of my pre-sleeve favorites. Grilled salmon & avocado brown rice roll from Whole Foods. It was AWESOME!!! I managed to eat 4, but next time I know 3 will be more than enough. 30 g. of carb, just under 200 calories. Sleeve is happy. I am less bored. (And btw, I used to be able to eat 2 containers of these rolls in 1 sitting, today I ate half and gave the rest to my 8 yr. old.) Now we'll see what 30 g. of brown rice will do to my blood sugar. Back to being a good kid.

I won't mess it up, that's the point! A goody-two-shoes to a fault and it gets a little boring...

Are you supposed to be having only 9 oz. of protein throughout the course of the day? Most post-op plans would expect you to drink 3-- 9 oz. shakes so you can get the necessary protein. (Around 60 g.) How many grams of protein are you drinking? Also, ALL juices have sugar in them, even 100% juice. Sugar is sugar, and it has calories. If you are looking to drink something sweet, drink a zero calorie drink. If you are hungry at night, try another protein shake.

Nice! Good for you, and thanks on behalf of the rest of us!

I have had sashimi, but I think I want the real deal for a change. (Gotta look up the calories/carbs in MFP)

LipstickLady, love the new profile pic! I too buy a lot of food from my local "gourmet grocery", especially enjoy their vegan soups. I should add that part of my boredom is due to the restrictions I have due to Celiac disease. Gluten is not my friend. (But don't worry--I know where they sell gluten free donuts!) I am dying for a brown rice salmon roll from Whole Foods. I think I gotta go for it! That's reasonable, right?

Wow! What a story! Your determination despite all these terrible setbacks is inspirational. When your surgery finally gets here, I can tell you will be a success! Best of luck.

Good luck!

Great responses! I agree with every single one! First, weigh and measure your food. If you can't finish your portion, it is OK to throw food away. I typically measure out 3 oz. of meat, but inevitably I can't finish the whole 3 oz. portion. If I eat those last 2 bites, I throw it up.It is always hard for me to stop before my plate is empty. Eat at a table, not in front of the TV. (So many of us got stuck in that nighttime stuffing of our bellies while mindlessly watching the tube.) Be conscious and present while you eat, and focus on eating slowly. Do not try to drink and eat at the same time--the food will come right back up. Lastly, think about why you are hungry. Your husband is terminally ill. You must be under a tremendous amount of stress, pain, and grief. Of course you turn to food for solace. I am so sorry for you. What a tragedy. Are you able to see a therapist to deal with this? It would really help, I think. Also, I find I eat at night because I am exhausted. Are you able to sleep instead? Given the strain you must be under, sleep is so important. Please do what you can to be kind to yourself. You deserve love and support! I hope you can find some comfort here. Best, Amy

I have not done this personally, but if you feel the need for follow-up and you have questions that haven't been answered by your current surgeon, then by all means, find someone who can help/support you!

Agree with the 2 posters above! So awesome to see a collarbone, and appreciating being "checked out". I am enjoying being the size I am now. Here's my naughty NSV--making that b*@#*y woman down the hall at work "pea green with envy"!

I'd really like to post this in the veteran forum, but as I am only 8 months out, I'll post it here. I am finding that at 8 mos. out, it is increasingly harder to eat. I am not dumping, there is no discomfort, but the thought of most foods, especially meat is turning my stomach. I am eating Beans and nuts and hummus and am adding in Protein shakes as much as possible to compensate for this new, weird place in my journey. That being said, pre-op I was always a starch addict--loved carbs. I am afraid to indulge in this area, as I am worried it might open the flood gates again. Some days I think--maybe a cookie? Maybe a donut? But I don't go there. I'll get a Protein Bar instead. I don't know. I guess I'm just bored with food, and since I am not hungry very often, I am frustrated with eating. Ho hum. Any veterans out there who were in the same boat? Does it pass? I was sailing along well until recently, now I am fighting to get in 600 calories a day. Many thanks. Amy

I couldn't live without it!

I am 40, 5'4", Surgery Dec. 18, 2013. SW 210, CW, 150. 5 pounds to my personal goal, but my body seems to be enjoying this current plateau. Size 8-12, depending on the brand name. I didn't keep track month to month, so I can't tell you what I lost each month, but I will say I never weighed more than once every 2 weeks or so, so I didn't drive myself nuts. Definitely helps matters.

Here! Here! Your arms look fabu and so do you!

I was never in any physical pain aside from a little ache in my left shoulder, and I found a heating pad helped that. The first 2-3 days I was very nauseous when I tried to drink anything. I dry heaved continually and regretted what I had done to myself. It felt like I gave myself the flu. But by day 3 I was able to eat sugar free popsicles and drinking started to become easier. I had no desire to eat at all, I felt stuffed like I had just eaten Thanksgiving dinner. For the next 3 weeks I rested and tried to recoup. Aside from fatigue, I was fine--able to take care of myself and my 6 & 8 year old kiddos. By 1 month I was so happy I had made the decision for surgery. Best decision of my life!