Ciaobella

I think I'm going to make a you tube channel about my progress. I'm going to make a video about my purchases pre op like Proteins and what not . So I will share the link later if anyone is interested in subscribing or just checking it out.

One of my big goals before my surgery on Monday is to make a list of ALL the reasons I'm doing this surgery. I plan to keep a copy with me at all times so if/when I'm having a difficult time, I can remind myself why I did it. I keep thinking of more benefits every day! And if I ever get on here whining and complaining, feel free to tell me to stop and go get my list!!

One of my big goals before my surgery on Monday is to make a list of ALL the reasons I'm doing this surgery. I plan to keep a copy with me at all times so if/when I'm having a difficult time, I can remind myself why I did it. I keep thinking of more benefits every day! And if I ever get on here whining and complaining, feel free to tell me to stop and go get my list!!

Hey everyone, I thought I'd pass along this blog I follow. It's called The World According to Eggface. It's filled with lots of great tips, recipes, and giveaways. The blogger had RNY in 2006 and refers to it as having her "guts rearranged," which I love! Haha. She actually lives here in Temecula, CA where I live. You can find it on Facebook, Twitter (@eggface), Pinterest, etc.
Anyway, since we are all starting our new lives this month, I wanted to pass along her latest giveaway. It's a Nike gym bag filled with lots of useful stuff.
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2012/09/eggface-back-to-bariatric-basics.html

In 30 days I have lost 29 lbs
From the start of this journy 50lbs
Surgery Anniversary 7/30/12

Congrats! You look great. Keep up the good work!

I can't wait on less then 30 day all of us will be on or ways to our new lives it is so exciting only ten more days till mine if feels so weird

Hi Molly and welcome!! I, too, am having my surgery on September 10. I'm also on the West Coast and having my surgery in San Diego. You've asked some great questions, so thanks! And thanks to everyone for the helpful replies! I have heard the gas pain is the worst, but should significantly subside in a few days.

Almost all doctors require that you have at least 60g of Protein a day. My surgeon requires all of her patients to have 100g a day. So the answer to your question is YES, protein is a very big part of losing weight. It's also absolutely essential for many other things associated with losing weight.
I sometimes wonder if doctors and others in their offices do a good job of helping folks understand the importance of Protein. Unlike fats or starches, your body cannot store protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and the nine "essential amino acids" must be obtained from food - they are essential because your body cannot manufacture them. That means they have to be replenished. Every day. Carbs are king when it comes to energy but when you're on a low carb diet, your body will use protein for energy instead. Every cell in your body contains protein. Remove all of the Water in your body and 75% of what's left is - protein. Feeling tired following your surgery? Eat more protein! No energy? Eat more protein!
Protein is critically important in the healing process following surgery.
Protein is used extensively to repair and regenerate damaged tissue.
Protein is a key player in helping the body fight off bacterial and viral infections.
Protein will help minimize muscle loss during rapid weight loss.
And protein will help reduce hair loss to a minimum.
Your body needs protein!! A lot of it!!
You might try getting some unflavored Protein Powder. First thing in the morning, put a scoop of the powder in a small bowl. Depending on the powder, one scoop is 20g or more of protein. When you eat or drink something, put a pinch of the Protein Powder in. You can add it to almost anything and if it's just a pinch, you shouldn't notice the taste too much. By the end of the day you've eaten an additional 20g of protein, a pinch at a time.
Try Protein shakes, powders, bars, and when you're cleared for regular food - chicken, fish, turkey, canned tuna, canned chicken, low fat ground beef, low fat cheese, low fat cottage cheese, string cheese, low fat milk, nuts, tilapia, shrimp, scallops, cod, halibut, lean steak (all fat removed), eggs - I have an Excel file that is a list of about 125 grocery store and fast food items, most of which are rich in protein. I've emailed it to dozens of folks on the forum. Post or PM me your email address and I'll be glad to send it to you.
Try anything you can think of until you're getting ALL of your protein in. Every day! You'll be glad you did and you're gonna love the new you!!

Pain yes but that's why they give you Med's take them it will relax you and help you heal.
Gas pain is the worst but walking helps and is a good start to getting more exersice. So walk but don't over do it take it ez in the beginning.
Incision pain will go way in a few days. You will be tired all the time this to will pass.
What I dident expect was rapid weight loss or as much as I have lost in the first month. I con only hope I lose 28 more pounds in the next month.
Just remember after surgery do as your doctor says and you will be fine
Good luck on the 10
We always room on the losers team for more losers, on this team it's good to be a loser.
Anymore questions just ask
Surgery Anniversary 7/30/12

I had a great experience for my psych eval. The purpose is not to fail you, but to make sure you are of sound mind to make this life altering decision, and that you understand the risks and how you are supposed to eat and exercise for the rest of your life. They know we all have issues, so don't try to cover them up. Just be honest and you will be fine! Let us know how it goes.

It looks like our newest addition, debs84, is the first one of us having surgery! May each of us have a safe surgery, a speedy recovery and GREAT results!!!
Jessica

Okay! I just want to stay I'm sooooo stoked September is here!! Eeeeee!!! Let the changes begin!
Who's up first?
I've been reading other posts about weight losses and huge changes and I'm sooo exited!!! Can you tell?!?
Good luck and speedy recovery to us!

Welcome to all the new September members! It’s going to be a great month. I started my 2-week pre-op diet today in preparation for my surgery on September 10 @ 10am. I’m allowed three shakes and a healthy, balanced meal (eaten at once or spread out during the day). I also kicked caffeine out of my life last week and only had a headache for one day. I’ve been doing a half regular and half Decaf blend for 6+ months and it made it so MUCH easier to give it up completely. I still like the taste of coffee, so I had a mocha Protein Shake this morning. Delish! I already spoke with the anesthesia department and have my pre-op appointment/labs this Wednesday. Everything is coming together and I still can’t believe it…..someone pinch me!

This is probably the only time it's cool to be fat...when we want weight loss surgery! Lol

This is probably the only time it's cool to be fat...when we want weight loss surgery! Lol

Thank you very much! I'm so happy that I will still be able to eat good, gourmet-ish meals that are WLS-friendly. My husband and boys are not fans of scallops, but I could probably substitute shrimp in this one very easily and make the whole family happy!

Well, I don't really use recipes...I just made it up. In addition to being a teacher, I sometimes work as a private chef for a family that eats ONLY healthy food.
Here's what I did: I pureed fresh garden peas (you could use frozen!) with a little sesame oil and low sodium soy sauce. I added home made chicken stock until it became the texture I wanted. Then I pureed a mango with lime juice, cilantro, Vietnamese chili garlic sauce, and rice wine vinegar. I seared the scallops in peanut oil. Be sure they are dry when you put them in the pan, and don't crowd them, otherwise they will steam and you won't get good caramelization. Frozen scallops do not sear well because they are full of Water...Plate it up and there you go. Even people who have not had WLS will love it...that is assuming they are lovers of seafood...

Sounds delicious! Would you mind sharing your recipe? I would love to try it. Thanks!!

Congrats! Keep up the great work!!

I'm in So Cal (Temecula), but my surgery will be in San Diego on September 10.

Yeah! Our surgeries are on the same day. I go for my pre-op on August 29, but I have to start my liver shrinking diet August 27. Do you have to do a pre-op diet?

My surgery date is September 10 too! I'm sure your doctor would postpone it for you though. Our bodies don't heal as well when we are stressed, so if this date stresses you out, it's better to move it. Good luck and let us know how it goes with your insurance!

Hi everyone! I'm having my surgery September 10. I started my journey in August 2011. I completed all of my requirements in April 2012 and my insurance denied me in June 2012 because the hospital my doctor used was not recognized as a Center of Excellence by Cigna even though it was by other insurances. So, I started over with a new doctor in June 2012 and got my approval last week on the first submission. I actually am really happy I had to switch doctors as I LOVE my new doctor and the hospital I'll be at in San Diego is much better than my local one. Four more weeks! September's going to be a new beginning for many of us!!