VSGAnn2014

Ye gads! So sorry, @@CowgirlJane . I will offer this: I've read that NSAIDs taken ANY way -- orally, as pills, as liquid, intravenously, or even as a topical all have the very same negative effect on our stomach lining. Bad. I'm only repeating what I've read, but NSAIDs don't hurt our stomach linings because they come in contact with the stomach lining, but because they interrupt the role of some prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining: "By inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs decrease inflammation and the symptoms and signs of inflammation, pain, tenderness, and fever. However, certain prostaglandins also are important in protecting the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of stomach acid as well as playing a role in maintaining the natural, healthy condition of the stomach lining. These protective prostaglandins are produced by an enzyme called Cox-1. By blocking the Cox-1 enzyme and disrupting the production of prostaglandins in the stomach, NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding. Some NSAIDs have less effect on prostaglandins in the stomach than others, and, therefore, may have a lower risk of causing ulcers but the increased risk of ulcers still exists." At http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drugs_and_ulcers/page3.htm#how_do_nsaids_work_and_how_do_they_cause_stomach_problems

@@JamieLogical ... The guilt we feel associated with food is something I believe we need to turn around. As we know (intellectually, at least) food is neither good nor bad. But (emotionally, at least) we long felt guilty for eating *more* than we *should* have. Ever since surgery, we've practiced eating so much less than we used to eat. Even before surgery (when I was pre-op dieting -- on my own and then later on my surgeon's liver-shrinking diet) and ever since I've been building the mindset and the habit that I eat less and have for over a year and a half now felt tremendous psychic and psychological rewards for eating so much less and feeling so satisfied while eating so much less. It does not surprise me at all that we feel conflicted and feel the old guilt for now trying to "eat too much." I think this phase is just like every other phase -- something we have to work at. We just have to remember that losing the weight is only the first step of this journey. Maintaining a healthy weight and learning how to balance our *needs* with our *food intake* is a very sophisticated thing for those of us who've been obese so long and now newly slim / healthy to deal with. It's a lot to ask of ourselves. Our skill in these areas won't develop overnight. We have to be smart and disciplined about this phase, just as we've been smart and disciplined in losing the weight. The danger that lurks in this new phase is that our activity levels will fluctuate -- due to bad weather, training injuries, exercise goals, work pressures, family stresses, etc. And that means we have to be alert to our changing dietary needs. I type this realizing it sounds like I know what I'm doing. Not particularly! I'm just thinking through all this stuff like everybody else does when they get to this point. We can do this.

Good questions -- see my answers below: * Do any of you still track in maintenance? Yes, I do. I reached my goal (150 pounds) nearly a year ago. As soon as I could, I ate 1700 cals/day (you can't jump from 1200 to 1700 overnight, as you probably know). And I STILL lost, albeit slowly, another 15 pounds. I'm now maintaining at 135 pounds. And about a month ago I went up to 1800 calories. I don't always make it though. * If so, how do you force yourself to eat enough calories? Well, as I said -- slowly. I raised calories by adding (mostly) more carbs. I still eat a lot of Protein (80 - 110 grams) and more oil. I cook more now, and sometimes add in extra olive oil when cooking. I now eat butter sometimes. I occasionally even eat things like biscuits, granola bars, ice cream, Pasta. But I choose one of these things only daily -- and usually not every day. Nonetheless, about the only thing you can do to get in calories is overcome your new habit of avoiding higher calorie and higher carb foods. * What tips / tricks do you have for getting in extra calories. See above. Also, healthy crackers that contain protein, Fiber, seeds, multiple grains (NOT wheat thins ), full-fat cheese, healthy breads. More treats -- although recently I had to cut out dark chocolate, which had become a daily *need*, not an occasional treat. * Did you struggle to disassociate tracking from "weight loss mode"? Oh, yeah. But you know what ... eventually, I did make the transition. Here's the deal: When you get thinner than you've been in a long time (40 years, in my case) you think you're too thin. And then, over months of time looking at yourself and dressing yourself, you realize you're actually not too thin; you're just NORMAL-SIZED. At least, that's been my reaction. Remember -- we're only 18 months post-op. I'm more focused now on learning how to eat healthy than I am on losing more weight or even trying to gain more weight. I really believe @@CowgirlJane and others who are longer post-op than I am who say that it gets easier to regain as time goes along. I'm no longer afraid of getting too skinny, since I'm not losing anymore. But I'm still a bit nervous about gaining 15 pounds again. And I don't want to. I really don't want to. Because NOW that I'm comfortable at this weight, I would like to remain here if I can. BTW, I'm not exercising nearly as much as you are. So ... milkshakes? Also, remember, you don't have to eat exactly the same number of calories every single day. Splurge a few days a week.

There's no way to convince people who are in the weight-losing phases that they worry too much about stalls. If they do what their programs instruct and are patient, they will lose all their excess weight.

No, @@Smitty, you didn't say something stupid.

Per the testimonies of many who've had tummy tucks -- this can get fixed as part of that procedure.

Smitty, I'm guessing you're not someone's daughter.

Never heard of Kate Harding ... until I read the above post. And then I googled her and read this polemic she wrote about how being fat is so healthy: http://kateharding.net/faq/but-dont-you-realize-fat-is-unhealthy/ Bless her heart!

Meh ... a chat room is a chat room. Imagine a pub where you were allowed to attend only when your age group or gender was allowed.

Jeez! What a story! The good news is that it sounds like your surgical complications are under control now. Thanks for sharing this.

@@erp ... how / where are you eating all that Fiber? I have NEVER gotten 42 grams of fiber in a single day.

Here are some food staples I now keep in my kitchen at all times: * Irishgold Dubliners cheddar cheese - wow! Just wow! * Sara Lee whole wheat or multigrain bread - 45 calories/slice (has 6 grams Protein and 5 grams fiber) * Litehouse chunky bleu cheese dressing - it's full-fat and high-calorie, but when you dip romaine lettuce hearts in it (and use only a little) it's just amazing! With that much taste you don't need a lot. * Caltrate chocolate truffle chews - yes, it's a Vitamin, but it's also an after-dinner treat. 20 calories. Mmm mmm good! * Smuckers sugar-free strawberry jam -- goes great with cheese on toast -- only 20 calories, but 7 grams of Fiber in only 2 tablespoons! * Doctor Kracker Three Seed Crackers - HAVE ONLY EATEN THESE SINCE I BEGAN MAINTENANCE! They have such flavor and texture, as well as 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. I mostly eat them with tasty, full-fat cheeses and sugar-free jam (see above). Hellman's Light Mayonnaise - this spread is more satisfying (fattier) to me than Miracle Whip, but not nearly as high calorie as full-on mayo. Only 70 calories for 2 tablespoons. Starbucks ground espresso coffee -- I don't drink a lot of coffee anymore, but the first half-cup of this grind that comes out of my Mr. Coffee is very *shot*-like and, with heated skim milk, makes for a pretty darned delicious home-made skinny latte.

Why in the world does your surgeon think you need 150 grams of Protein a day? That's in the range of what competitive bodybuilders eat. I'm betting you need something more like 80-100 grams of protein a day. Just sayin'.

By a year post-op, you'll be a nutritional expert and know exactly what to eat, how often, and how to tweak your menus compared to what everyone else is doing. You'll be fine.

Roger, I know you are deeply, deeply committed to high Protein and low carb. (At least, I think you are.) Have you considered that your long, long diet of this has left your body (not your mind) craving a broader spectrum of nutritious food -- particularly complex carbs in the form of high-fiber, colored vegetables and whole grains? And even (God forbid!) some simple carbs / treats? Humans evolved as omnivores, not carnivores. Protein is critical for so many reasons. But that's not the only thing our bodies need. Food for thought.

@@OKCPirate ... what did you mean by this: "I used to use Ambien, but that no longer works post sleeve."? I do use Ambien rarely and it does work for me.

Thank you, @@Djmohr .

Bow down! Bow down! Gods walk among us! Bow down! Bow down!

@@Djmohr ... which version of the Apple watch do you have?

It's interesting you feel this way -- and that you've chosen @@byebyefatgirl! as your BP nickname. Much more important than hoping that other people see you differently is your own ability to see yourself differently. And if you ever want to change your BP nickname, you can do so easily.

To the OP... for how many people are you shopping? We spend $900 a month on groceries, restaurants, alcohol and takeout ... for 2 adults and one very picky cat. And we eat very well. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Just FYI, by Day 5 post-op I was slugging down 60 grams of Protein -- a couple of GNC Lean shakes 25s (swiss chocolate) and a 5.3 ounce container of Greek yogurt (vanilla) got me there.

duplicate post ...

No biggie! I had my first gall bladder attack ever 10 days after my sleeve surgery. I had my gall bladder removed (by my bariatric surgeon -- love him!) 4 weeks post-VSG surgery. It set me back max a week, but was very easy to recover from. I've had zero complications or difficulties in any way since my GB was removed. I hope yours goes just as well.

Gosh, you are a gorgeous woman. Seriously! Lucky girl.