IrishSparkle14

That's crazy! U should have a nutritionist. my dr. wants.... Multi chewable vit. 2X a day D3 B12 B C Cal' date='D,K... Its viative chewable. You really need ur Vitamins. Abd I finally found a drink that taste like choc. Milk w/o three after taste. Its core power. Its 26g of Protein. I get one every now n then at Walmart. I don't get as much protein as I should but I try to get it at least to 60g. My problem is watching the carbs I. Keep calories down n like I said protein. But carbs is hard. Their in just about everything. Hope this has helped.[/quote']

One thing I want to mention on the vitamins post above is some specifics on types and dosages that I've learned from my own nutritionist, nurse and research...

D3 - at least 2000 iu per day

B12 - 1000 iu per day or a 5000 once per week, but it needs to be the drops, shot or melt under your tongue kind (sublingual)... We can't digest well

Calcium - while the viactive are easy to find we really need calcium citrate, not carbonate found in those kinds. You're looking for upwards of 1500mg per day.

Multi Vitamin - should really look into one formulated for bariatric patients as most if the over the counter don't contain everything we need and it's crazy how much the "completes" vary from brand to brand - One a Day and the Centrum Performance from what I've read seem to be the closest.

Not a doc, but figuring out the right vitamin cocktail has been a bit of a challenge. My girlfriend also takes Biotin and says it helps with the hair and nails...

Is anyone else getting really lightheaded and dizzy whenever they standup from a kneeling or crouching position? Doesn't seem to matter if I had a lot of Water or just gotten in a bunch of Protein, happens every time....

Hi I was wondering what Protein tea you are drinking and how much protein please

Syntrax Nectar - lemon tea flavor

Hi all

I am looking into ordering my Vitamins online. We have a whole regimen of stuff we have to take and I am looking for other products as I am not coping.

Currently I have to take 1 multivitamin' date=' 1 huge ass pill containing Omega 3 and 6 and then also 1 Iron pill (called Autrin). With this i also have to take two sachets of calcium citrate in Water, but not at same time.

Because we cant take Calcium close to Iron and also not allowed to drink anything for 40 mins before and after meals, and meals happen 6 times a day it reeeaaally takes a LOT of management and planning and something that just dont work out every day. Also the calcium shake i have to take tastes vile and i struggle to get it down so i just leave it most days.

I know this is bad. That is why i am looking into ordering online some of your products.

Please help me with info as i have no idea what your regimen is like, but i have a feeling it is easier and less hassles.

Thanks all![/quote']

Can you do calcium citrate chewables? I order them from my bariatric pantry online in lemon and raspberry flavors and they're just a quick soft chew after eating twice per day. Easy and they taste good.

You ladies are great! You are are prime examples of what I wanted to do when starting this program. We are all busy but it is just nice to know that we aren't alone in this journey!

I want everyone to keep in touch and have fun! Me personally' date=' I am horrible about calling ppl (even my family) but ill always text or email! I love hearing about everyone's struggles and everything they have overcome! Each of our journeys are different and the more we learn about each other the better the person I believe it makes you.

My thoughts on people participating have always been very clear, if you have taken the time to answer my email and say yes you will participate, than why are you not following through? Really, how would you feel if you thoughtfully took the time to put a box together, mailed it off and come to find out your not getting on in return?? I set this program up and I've been stood up 3 or 4 times I believe. So I know the frustration for ppl when they do not receive. It's not even the point of not getting a box, there is no need to lie, if something comes up, let your pen pal know. You could even refuse delivery so they get the box back. Part of the program is honesty and it breaks my heart that something that is set up to help, people still take advantage.

Well my rant is over!

I can't fail to mention all the great friendships and awesome relationships I've built because of this program, I feel like I know a lot of you even though I haven't even met you!!

It's a wonderful program and there are few that don't follow through so I don't want people to be discouraged!!

Keep up the friendships![/quote']

I'd be up for a pen pal... Great idea! Colleen.murphy14@gmail.com

I've had nothing but great success on Mirena. No issues almost no spotting and haven't had a period since they put it in. I had that done 6 months before surgery in preparation and it was a great choice for me. I feel bad someone else had so many side effects but none for me. It's an IUD good for up to 5 years.

I'm also scared of what my dr/nutritionist will say next week. I've been getting ~10g Protein per day when my goal is 60. At least I'm staying hydrated.

I absolutely cannot drink any more shakes' date=' they make me sick even thinking about it.

What I have been eating is mostly good like chicken, hard boiled egg. I've had some mashed banana with Peanut Butter.< /p>

I have been walking approx 4000 steps every day.

Yesterday I was sick twice, I don't know if its part of not eating, coming down with something or my period coming on.[/quote']

Have you tried the nectar brand? I could only find it online, but my bariatric pantry sells a sample pack. You just add water... You could even freeze it for a protein popsicle. The tea was a lifesaver for me because the chocolate, vanilla, strawberry ones from the regular store (powder or pre-made) started to make me gag and I couldn't choke them down.

I feel like I got a really great hospital and staff and nutritionist that goes through everything and works out meal plans and stuff for me. I think the doctor was maybe getting upset because of the types of foods that you were eating. He's right that fruits are all sugar. It's a natural sugar so it's not as bad for your body, but it has no Protein or any other sustaining nutrients that you need right now. Same goes for the potato, while it maybe easy to eat mashed potatoes, they're all starch which again, doesn't really get your body what it needs now. I'm at seven weeks out, and my food plan is 3-4 ounces, or up to half a cup of protein. So chicken, fish, lean lunch meat, cottage cheese, Beans, eggs, Greek yogurt, etc. Once I eat that, if there's any room for anymore then it can be a very small amount of vegetables (preferred by the doctor) or fruits. That's what I have for lunch and dinner, and then I get in one 25g protein tea every morning and at least one 12 ounce glass of milk every afternoon or evening. Only thing I have a hard time getting in is Breakfast. If you want any recipes or lists of stuff that I got at the doctor I'd be happy to share.

I'm excited for when I can start working out. I've been loosing pretty fast I guess (297 down from 351 - 7 weeks ago) can seriously feel my butt being mushier! lol. Didn't have gbp problems, but they removed my gallbladder too and that's been leaking, so 6 weeks later I've still got a drainage tube sticking out of my side. Prevents me from being active at all which sucks, but I'm hopeful that'll be done soon - staying positive!

Hi! I had revision surgery band to gastric on August 16' date=' 2013. Everything is going well! Just wish I would of had gastric to begin with. Good luck everyone.[/quote']

Kim - what was it about the band that didn't work for you? If you don't mind sharing...

I'm only 10 days out and just got the okay to eat pureed foods today. I was shocked that I was able to eat about 3 oz easily. Never felt full' date=' but I did stop eating. I feel like somehow my doctor screwed up my surgery since I've had no problem getting my liquids in, no issues with the first day of eating, and no nausea or vomiting at all. I can also take all of my pills whole. I'm kinda worried that I'm not going to be able to lose the weight because I feel like I'm on just another diet and my extra tool doesn't seem to be helping.

HW(9/3/13)- 284, DOS(9/11/13)-270, CW-259(9/20/13), GW-155(by 9/21/14...my 26th birthday!)[/quote']

So funny - I feel that way too... Even started trying some stuff small that's not on my plan yet. Being really cautious cuz I don't want to get sick, but I think that's why it feels ok, because you are being so cautious and not going to far. My guess is that if you tried to eat 6oz burger or a big sugary piece of cake you'd learn pretty quick that the doctor didn't mess it up. Keep staying on track you're doing great!

Thank you so much. I don't know if Anyone else is having feelings of depression but I am. Just feeling blue and crying about anything. I hope it passes. Thank you for the friend offer. I'll take it. And thank you for the advice.

Does your hospital offer support groups? Those can be so helpful in at least not making you feel alone in the journey.

I had my surgery on the 6th and I was 330' date=' I'm at 292 now. I am hardly eating. When I do it doesn't sit well, or I throw it up. I am getting enough fluids because at two weeks out I got dehydrated. Didn't go to Er cause I was not having an Iv put in, i just started drinking Water non stop. I barely am getting maybe 20-30 of Protein a day and Protein powders or shakes don't sit well. I am getting more energy as I'm eating more. I get dizzy every time I get up. I have to hold on to the walls or couch. I am not seeing any spots. I feel the same as you about having someone to talk to. My friend had the surgery about 10 years ago but she just moved across the country and it's hard to find time to talk.[/quote']

Hang in there.... It will get better. Things are still pretty swollen at 5 weeks out. Water water water is the big thing. The dizzy and the spots the other girl has are definitely dehydration signs. I get them too and know I've got to push the water when I do. Actually drinking without a straw works the best for me...the straw maybe pushed air bubbles. Idk. The only powder I can get down without gagging is the nectar lemon tea which tastes like an iced tea instead of the thick milky stuff. I think we're all on this forum looking for help and support....I'll be your friend

I start my weight loss count from the day I started the liquid diet, not surgery day (August 6th) - Down 52lbs. total. Crazy part is I keep looking at the scale (mine & the doctors) & then looking at my body & the numbers don't seem to make sense. I can tell in my face & in my pants, but otherwise I don't feel like I've lost over 50 lbs. already. Going by the measurements instead.... I think I'm just loosing it all over, maybe that's why it doesn't show a huge loss in my stomache! Anyone else feeling like that?

I agree with lots of you on the Syntax nectar Brand. I buy the lemon tea & it was definitely a life saver from the normal heavy Protein shakes. 1 scoop is 25 grams of Protein & I use 12-16oz of Water in my Blender Bottle with 2 tsp of BeneFiber (which helps hold it together) and a couple ice cubes. shake it up really well & then scoop off the foam. I'm drinking this every day and love it. sometimes I add 1/4 packet of crystal light just to change up the flavor, but I don't think it needs the added sweetness.

My sister gave me a great recipe to make a hot tea - which I really enjoy too.

Mix the following in a dry mixing cup

1 scoop nectar lemon tea

2tsp Benefiber

1 packet Orange Crystal Light (I don't use this part)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground ginger

Add a little bit of tap Water into the mix to make a paste - then add 20oz hot water down over the top

Stir with a small wisk until fully dissolved

Strain into a cup or travel mug (this helps take some of the extra grit or chunks that didn't dissolve out)

*Only other note is don't let it sit for a long time otherwise it will settle to the bottom. Continuous stiring helps too.

Hi everyone - wanted to introduce myself. I had my surgery on August 6th. They fixed a hietel hyernia & removed my gallbladder at the same time. Definitely a longer healing time than I'd hoped for, but doing much better now that I'm on the soft foods. I thought the pureed stuff was the worst - everything was starting to make me nauseous! Also the Protein Shakes just about did me in until I found the Protein tea, which has been a life saver (I'll post about that seperately).

Everything is going well & I'm feeling good, although not much energy yet, only draw back was that there was some leakage from the gallbladder incision and I went back into the hospital to have a drainage bag put in. Now, 4 weeks later it's still in and could be for a few more weeks, I'm just not sure. Makes it pretty difficult to sleep at night & the tube sticking out of my side is painful.

Like everyone else, struggling to get in all of my protein & fluids, but getting around 60 (suppose to get 70) so that's not too bad. Haven't felt hungry since surgery day & don't think about food all that much which seems weird.... unless a pizza commercial comes on then my mouth waters! So excited to finally have this tool in place so that when I make healthy decisions about food it will finally feel like that makes a difference.

I look forward to sharing experiences with everyone!

Hey all!

I'm 4 weeks out now and made a pizza today and it was delicious. Whole wheat tortilla, ricotta cheese, pizza sauce, mushrooms, pepperoni and shredded cheese. Omg. I was in heaven.

Definitely jealous - I can't do any breads for another 4 weeks according to my dietician's plan....