Kookichu

It has been a rough week for food consumption...almost two months out and I have no interest in eating. Too bad it's necessary. That doesn't mean I have no interest in food...I want to know what my co-workers order, what my parents had for dinner, what the specials are at the diners I used to frequent.

Truth is, even nibbles of the forbidden items don't taste like they used to. And that is just fine because I don't want it.

So this entire episode of not wanting anything (paired with working afternoon shift) has left me with a real struggle to get the necessary Protein. My trick of adding a tablespoon of sugar free coolwhip to my greek yogurt isn't even appealing anymore...and adding Bear Naked Protein granola used to help, but not anymore. I just had some for dinner, forcibly.

The scale still sits at 265. I am not sweating that so much as I am enjoying fitting into those old jeans and sustaining an entire night of work without the pure misery that enveloped every day of my life pre surgery.

I received the hospital bill today. After insurance and in-network discounts, I owe $805.00 which will be covered with my flexible spending account savings through work. What a gift to myself, for myself!

Despite my struggle to want to eat and force feeding myself out of necessity, I wouldn't change a thing.

6 glorious weeks, though I could have physically returned sooner. I took the time my surgeon suggested.

My job for those six weeks was to keep hydrated, get into a Protein and Vitamin routine, walk when I could and heal...I am glad to have had that time for me.

I was not required weight loss by insurance but lost 14lbs during the 6 months of pre op testing and nutrition classes then 10lbs during the week of liquids just before surgery in January...and 45lbs since surgery. Hallelujah!

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Before and today. I may not look happy, but I certainly am...when I smile, I squint and look high. Today, I am high on being healthier and into a pair of jeans I haven't worn in 4 years!!

Just a quick update:

highest weight in July 2013: 334

weight day of surgey: 310

today: 265

I feel like dancing...so that's exactly what I am going to do.

THolland, hello and thank you for being so sweet. Congratulations on being so close to your own life changing day.

In ways, it was life saving for me. My level of pain and misery pre surgery is still fresh in my mind but the turn around has been nothing short of miraculous. Don't get me wrong because there have been struggles and discomfort (such as cravings, eating Soup while others eat steak salad and garlic bread, painful bowel movements, occassional nausea) BUT this has been the best decision I have ever made. My body aches are finally managable whereas before it was nearly debilitating. My energy level is amazing which leaves me knowing that I am responsible for making living and being healthy a priority. J needed help getting here but, now that I am here, no more excuses. I say this because I am single, live alone in a huge house with two fur babies...pre surgery me didn't have the gumption to do much. Post surgery me still wants to do it all, but I find myself content with my simple life. I am currently trying to break out of this complacency and just DO.

Hopefully soon, I will be able to get the bulk of my Protein from food but my GNC shake mix truly is just like chocolate milk so I am sticking with it until I can eat more...and maybe even afterwards. Thankfully, I've had no lactose problems since surgery so milk is helping me reach my Protein goals. I use 1%...can't go lower...mental blocks. haha.

The Syntrax nectar is good but I ordered fuzzy navel hoping that peach would now taste good to me. Well, not so much. I now have a 2lb tub of it that will probably never be used again. Buy and try samples! GNC let me sample before I bought the Amplified Wheybolic. My nutritionist gave our class samples of unjury vanilla (tried this yesterday & it was good) and Syntrax Nectar Double Stuffed Cookie (also good). I've done the Atkins shakes and french vanilla was my favorite, but they do tend to be on the sweet tasting side with less protein than mixing one yourself, but they are good in a pinch and on the go.

I have found so many Protein Shake recipes that I need to try...spice it up a bit.

T, I appreciate you commenting and letting me know you relate. It means a lot to me. That is the one thing that has helped me is relating to others through reading their journies, thoughts, and struggles. We are all here to share, validate, and learn as much as we can about how we got here and where we are going. The road has not been easy but it has been worth it!! (so incredibly worth it).

Blessings to you. Keep me updated and if you need anything, let me know.

You are going to do fantastic!!

Just an update: went back to work on February 26th and was tired the first night but things since have gone well.

This past Sunday, I was dealing with.a stomach virus and could not keep anything down- anything was a banana and Water.

I am down to 272lbs which is 38lbs since surgery on January 13th (64lbs since July)

...this latest bowel movement (which essentially felt like pooping a watermelon) may have brought me down to 270lbs.

Saturday, my mom treated me to a new outfit. Down 2 pant sizes and 3X shirts fit so good that a 2X may have worked but I have always prefered my shirts loose and long.

I've noticed that I am so cold most of the time, okay ALL the time. Ridiculously COLD especially compared to before surgery when I felt spontaneous combustion could occur at any moment.

I have an order for bloodwork which includes thyroid testing. Perhaps weight loss combined with my .300mcg of Synthroid has thrown me to the hyper end...OR maybe cold is just a reality of life now. Maybe, just maybe, I will finally enjoy summer weather.

And a funny observance, thank goodness I have an abundance of spoon and bowls because everytime.I wash dishes, this is what I wash and dry.

Blessings to all!

Whatever it takes!

Fall down seven times. Stand up eight!

loving.life, I am so glad to know you sought help and they were able to fix your stricture as you have had some real difficulty the past couple of months...and nutrition is already improving! Great news!

Is anyone finding it hard to meet calorie/protein goals once returning to work?

I started back this past Monday. I bring my breakfast shake, snack shake, rf cheese, some type of lean Protein (been on a salmon kick)

But at the end of the day, I realize I haven't finished my snack protein drink, or drank enough Water in between, or finish my lunch (the lean protein).

At home, it was easy, followed a schedule. But now, not so much.

I drive 35 min to and from, work 7:30am-5:00, but while at work, never routine. I work in an office, take calls as they come, see appts and walk-ins. It's really hard to remember its time for h2o or time to eat, especially if I'm talking to or seeing a client.

Anybody else?

Yes! I also started back on Monday and expected a whole new food plan would have to be implemented.

The big difference for me is the shift. I work 4pm-12:30am...so I try to get the bulk of my protein in before work. Last week, I planned the entire week of lunches and Snacks on Sunday. The biggest challenge is staying hydrated as I work in a medical lab and cannot have water with me on the floor...the next challenge is remembering my second chewable Vitamin.< /p>

I knew it wouldnt be easy, but I was hoping to be wrong.

So I was told by my NUT I could start regular diet today wk 7 and I don't know why but I'm nervous! I don't know why to buy! I'm afraid to go back to old habits! Im still in a stall despite adding exercise I'm going to just continue to eat what I am now. It was soft diet but still chicken and turkey burgers and vegetables. I don't know what else to add. Se told me I could have 1/2 of a toasted English muffin but that Is carb. I thought we had to stay away from all carbs. . Hummm I'm confused! Anyone start regular diet? Oh I should mention my problem is I'm a picky eater!

Donna Marie, I am a rather picky eater myself. Now 7 weeks out, I also can start reintroducing foods back into my diet with the exception of doughy bread (the kind that if you take a slice and squeeze it into a ball it stays that way) and raw veggies...the veggies I can try in April. Generally, though, I still stick to softer foods.

I fear carbs as well, but some carbs are essential. I tried a slice of 15 grain bread toasted (toasted is allowed for me), but it just wasn't fulfilling mentally. So rather than make a bad decision and not buy whole grain, I am avoiding bread all together...for now. Most of my carbs are coming from Peanut Butter and dry roasted peanuts which also provide some Protein value and, occassionally, potatoes. While I am in this phase, chewing into oblivion has been the key to my success in tolerating everything. My two "stuck" episodes were a deviled egg and a grape from not chewing enough. I have a mental block as I cannot enjoy eggs without toast. There was an attempt but, again, not an enjoyable one. I never want to return to the "enriched" white breads that only offer simple carbs.

Now that you have mentioned english muffins, I might try a whole grain version as it would make eggs and chicken salad more normal.

Welcome to the forums...a lot of great, informative, and supportive folks are here.

Congratulations on taking the step to get the tool you need to live a healthy and happy life!

Coming up on 6 weeks post op and down almost 50 pounds and down 2 pant sizes! Is this for real!?

Way to go, cfergie!!

Jaci, congratulations! you look phenomenal!

amewme, I treat my ice and ice Water like a treat. Early on, my hunger was mental. The day home from surgery, I wanted a grilled cheese and was in NO way really hungry, and still crave some of the old foods that used to fill "the void" but this has become much better... and easier. I've read that when hungry, grab fluids first. If I find myself hungry still, I grab string cheese, a hand full of unsalted dry roasted peanuts, two ritz crackers with Peanut Butter, sugar free pudding or a couple spicy Pork rinds.< /p>

Okay, I feel like all I'm doing is complaining, but.... I am having a terrible time with everything! At 5 weeks out, everything i eat and drink, like Protein, goes through me in 3 hours, then I have diarrhea for about 3 more hours. I've tried making my Protein with Water, stayed away from lactose, tried not even using protein drinks. I've eaten eggs, Soup, mashed potatoes, string cheese, chicken. It all goes down great, then it keeps going. I've limited my amounts to 2oz, then 1.5, now today tried 1oz, out it came. After that, I just drink Water. I'm down 35 lbs from surgery, but I think it's because I can't eat! Anyone else going through this?

KCamp, I am somewhere in the middle. I have days where my food and liquids seem to go straight through and then days of nothing moving. I don't know what's normal. But I can tell you that the Constipation seems to feel worse than free flowing as I had a real painful experience about 3 weeks ago. But I understand your concern about it. Don't hesitate to call your surgeon's office and ask them.

As of last Friday, I was down 30lbs since surgery (1-13-14)

Sunday, I enjoyed my first real "meal" (though very small) of tender roast beef, carrots and mashed potatoes, and was so relieved to have handled it well. Monday I went back to work...so far, so good.

I have said this and fear this as well. My whole hearted intention was health and quality of life but I have no idea where my body will go...

I wish there was some wisdom and comfort I could offer you. For me, it's just beginning.

Love yourself. The most beautiful things in life are imperfections. You're a warrior!

Hi all. I have been doing great up to this point. I am four weeks out. The last two days I have been unable to have a bm. Well today, all I had was my Protein Shake at Breakfast, and Water, then right before lunch I got sooo sick I couldn't go, then finally started to, then I started to vomit foam. This all went on for over an hour! It was miserable! Has this happened to anyone else? Was it just the Constipation? Can I take stool softeners this early out? I don't want to go through that again!!

I've never foamed but am having constipation. At 3wks out, Dr. Quinlin said I could have up to 6 stool softeners per day. Once things started moving, Benefiber became a small part of my daily fluids.

It's strange how truly connected our stomachs are to our intestines...one day when I had a "stuck" issue, a well timed bowel movement let it pass...was so thankful and amused at the same time.

I just placed an order for a nectar sample pack. I am hoping it lives up to its hype. I have been using the Walmart version of crystal light but it would be awesome to have the great Water flavoring with the added bonus of Protein. It would be easier to drink my Protein in my Water when I am on the go then have to worry about packing a snack when running errands or when I got back to school next term. But good news is that I fit into 26/28 sweats. I haven't been able to do that in years. When I started my journey to a better me I was fitting into 38/40. Woot! And I can cross my legs (somewhat).

I hope it lives up to the hype, too. I have never been a huge fan of peach flavor but my tastes have changed so...hopefully my 2lb tub of it doesnt go to waste. There were alot of flavors but the fuzzy navel was the most popular.

Way to go on the 26/28 sweats and crossing your legs!! I am noticing my clothes fitting better. My favorite pair of jeans (size 30) fall off even with a belt.

I go back to work Monday and I wonder if my co-workers will notice my weight loss. The last time I weighed in was a week ago and was down 24lbs since surgery. The change in my energy and interest in doing things has been a true miracle!

Keep up the good work!

I wish I felt that good. I'm only a week out but I have no energy. I'm struggling to get in the Protein I need and I just feel washed out. I still have that painful feeling when I eat or drink. Help. Please will this too pass? I hope so I hate feeling this way. Any help or comments would be great. Thanks

I am sorry to hear you are struggling. I am 5wks post op and definitely have days of exhaustion...for some reason I had an abundance of energy the first two weeks.

Early out it's extremely difficult to meet Protein requirements. My surgical team stressed the importance of just staying hydrated the first couple weeks which I did. The Vitamins started at two weeks out and I am just now finding a way to achieve my protein goals (most days). I usually start my day with a 12oz glass of 1% milk with whey protein isolate added (chocolate and tasty!) ...3 scoops gives 60g of protein not including the milk and sometimes I only add 2 scoops. That helps me knock it out early then any added protein from greek yogurt or other foods is just a bonus.

I bought a couple Isopure flavored Water which has 40g of protein per 20oz bottle but the flavor is ...difficult. Only tried one so far but will give the other flavors I have a chance.

As for feeling pain while eating or drinking, I have that sometimes but rarely with fluids. Ice Water is the only thing I actually crave right now.

Everyone is different so I urge you to just be patient with your healing body. Follow your surgeon's recommendations and if problems persist, mention it during your followup.

Syntax nectar in fuzzy navel has been my lifesaver! No Protein taste and it's like a juice! I am so happy that I found it!

I decided to order this as it will be a nice change from the amplified wheybolic protein from GNC...it tastes like chocolate milk but I need something like juice (also something I want to mix with water). Thanks for the tip.

I got some Syntrax Nectar samples from my nutritionist in double stuffed cookie flavor but haven't tried it yet.

Also, there is a February group here that is awesome! Maybe look into their forum and soak in the experience as they progress. It's a sweet and supportive group.

Hi Tracey! Welcome and congratulations! Your story is much like mine except I still have my thyroid (it is just non functioning). I also take 300mcg of Synthroid due to Hashimotos disease. I can assume that my thyroid contributed to my weight gain and failed attempts at prior weight loss. My surgery was on January 13th and I have done well with it as I am confident you will too.

I have gained a lot of valuable information from folks here...just explore and read. It was such a comfort and inspiration pre surgery.

Everyone is anxious about the hospital experience I suppose. The time spent in the hospital seems to fly by...my experience was much better than I could have imagined. The pain and misery I experienced in just existing made the pain of surgery doable. My abdomen was pretty tender for about 6 days then it was smooth sailing, actually. There have been a few days of exhaustion since but no more misery. Pre surgery, I could (and would) sleep at will but now my energy is much more abundant.

Days following surgery, I did crave various food but that has since passed. Getting required Protein in post surgery has been a small challenge but if you track your intake through myfitnesspal, you eventually find a formula that works plus it is a great tool to log and track calories and nutrition.

It has definitely been life changing already...in wonderful ways.

Stay positive. This tool is a phenomenal gift! It's not always easy but it is worth it...YOU are worth it!! Blessings to you!

Happy Valentine's Day to you too, anewme! I spent the day with my mom...which is a blessing in a million ways.

Yesterday was my one month post op appointment and I have lost 24lbs since surgery (down to 286lbs)...I will take it. The Phase III Adaptive Phase is now in effect and can start introducing other foods into my diet.

Two things I was advised to avoid is bread (unless toasted) and raw vegetables with a reminder of Protein first!

I will be returning to work in a week and a half. Recovery vacation has been good for me. At least at work there will be more opportunity to walk and do stairs as the weather here in WV has been old-fashioned...the winters I remember as a child. Beautiful!

As time progresses I hope it becomes easier to get my Protein requirements from food rather than my morning Protein shake. It's very tasty but when I make it with 1% milk (which I prefer over water), I rack up about 500 calories in one shot.

Appetite is not great most days so, for now, this is not a big concern but excited to see what the future holds.

I am on .300mcg of Synthroid (used to be Levothyroxine but dr. switched to brand name to see if my thyroid levels improved...a little over a year ago). I do think my weight loss will be impacted by my Hashimotos. I had surgery on January 13th at 310lbs (lost 10lbs on the week of pre op liquids) and yesterday weighed 288. This time last week I weighed 296 which disappointed me. And this week I am not sure why the loss...cannot have anything to do with Protein or enough calories or physical activity because I am forcing myself to eat and, even so, it's minimal...perhaps the record cold temperatures and ice Water have inspired fat burning.

It's going to come off but it's not falling off. I remind myself that in this world of instant access and instant everything that it has taken me years to become morbidly obese and I will just take it as it comes. Whether it's 2lbs or 8lbs, it's better than where I was a month ago.

Perhaps SOMEDAY I won't need an elephant dose of thyroid hormones.

Nikki, I believe in you and will keep you and your surgical team in my thoughts and prayers. My surgery was on Jan. 13th. No regrets!