SugarFreeMe

My first 2 weeks post-op was strictly liquids (shakes or liquids with Protein added), week 3 pureed with shakes, weeks 4-5 soft food with shakes. Starting week 6, food as tolerated within plan (no fatty or sugary foods). Concentrate on getting Proteins from food started at week 3, I used the shakes to supplement only. What I've done since week 3 is add up my calories and proteins after dinner, if I was short on them (400-600 calories, 70 grams of protein) I had a shake later in the evening. If I was good on my counts and I needed a snack in the evening I had a SF Jello. I hope that helps. Best wishes.

Lisa, I wasn't going to sign on tonight but I'm so glad I did, even if it's only to send you encouraging words. Just over 2 years ago I lost my brother to terminal cancer. I know all too well what your going thru and what's to come. You really need to remember that your health is important in order to keep your strength and energy up. Just remember back when you were at your heaviest how much effort it took to do the simplest of tasks. You know in your heart you don't want to go back to that, you just need to remind your head of that. Have you thought of contacting your psych for a consult? I'm sure he/she would be more then willing to help you through this and they're trained to assist in overcoming your demons when your at your worst. It may not seem easy, but you should try to take some time for yourself also. If your husband requires a constant companion see if a friend of his will come by on a Saturday morning or afternoon so you can do something for yourself. Get a mani or pedi, go to lunch with a dear friend or even go see a movie by yourself, something that will make you laugh. Your a very important person in your husbands life, now more then ever so it's really necessary for you to take care of yourself. When you go to the store you need to remember to buy the things you know are good for you and stay away from the no no's. Or, ask a friend or family member to shop for you or go with you, then maybe you won't be tempted. (peer pressure works for me, my friends don't let me slip up) Above all else, remember to keep coming back here for support. Anytime you need to talk your welcome to message me. I'll help in any way I can. My thoughts and sympathies are with you.

For me it was cold turkey on the first day of the pre-op diet. Up until day three I was miserable, after that it was all good. Caffeine withdrawal headache was gone and everything. I think it's a personal decision.

I didn't worry about a bra for a couple of weeks. I was so cold all the time I always had a t-shirt and a sweat shirt on so it wasn't a big deal, that and i'm not very well endowed.

I'm not an expert here, but if your not getting in your Proteins and calories your body will quit burning in an effort to conserve. Instead of getting Protein from shakes, try protein bars and high protein foods. Like recycled said, measure your food before you sit down to eat so you don't over do it. If your truly hungry later have a high protein snack like a cheese stick, almonds or a tbsp of Peanut Butter. I found that the only Protein Shake I could stomach after surgery is Muscle Milk Lite (20 grams per 8 oz.), chocolate. (the vanilla cream is way to sweet). Good luck

I know this is a hard decision to come to terms with, but for me it was a no brainer. After watching several family members die from heart disease, cancer and other medical problems I knew when I was diagnosed in Nov-13 with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes that i needed to do this and I couldn't wait any longer. The night before my surgery I took my last diabetes and high cholesterol meds. My A1C has gone from 7.9 to 6.4 in one month and i'm no longer considered a diabetic. After a month my cholesterol numbers are withing normal ranges. High blood pressure I'm told may take longer to correct, but if I only have to be satisfied with 2 out of 3, I'm so okay with that. WLS is a very personal decision that only you can make with the assistance of your support system, your PCP and your surgeon. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose.

I also did cold turkey when I started the Protein shakes. The first 3 days were hell, but then it was all good. Today after 8 weeks I was allowed to have coffee again and it was wonderful!!!!!!

At my 2 week a PA checked the incisions, peeled off the steri-strips and did a quick check-up, no surgeon. Today was my 8 week check-up and I not only saw the PA, but also my surgeon. I have another 3 month, also with the surgeon. The center I went to is all about staying in contact with the surgeon. But, as others have said each center/surgeon is different. (I took a shower right before I went so the steri-strips came right off. Up to that point I didn't have the nerve to touch them)

I like to cook my chicken and turkey with a tsp of olive oil and a tsp balsamic vinegar. It helps to keep it from sticking and it adds great flavor. You can also try adding a bit of Worcestershire for flavor. As for soups: I was looking at Jewel this weekend by their gluten free freezer section and also by the organic food isle and I did see several soups there. I don't know if you have a Jewel by you, but I'm guessing most big grocers have gluten free and organic sections. Maybe try that???

Nikki - Are you getting feedback from everyone else. I'm almost 8 weeks out and people are really starting no notice now. I was going to measure myself before surgery and never got to it, but I know I'm down. I still fit into the same pants, their just not so tight (no muffin top), I definitely notice the difference in my shirts (no popping buttons). Don't get frustrated, your doing awesome. Like I said, I'm almost 8 weeks and down 36 lbs. Keep with your plan, walk and don't forget to get the fluids in.

I had RNY, not sleeved but for 10 days following surgery my surgeon has patients give themselves a shot of Lovenox, it's a preventative to blood clots. As much as I hated giving myself a shot every morning, the thought of a blood clot was more horrific.

I also hated the Protein shakes post-op. Then I tried Muscle Milk Lite - they're not a milk product and they don't taste like protein. They come in either little plastic bottles or cartons, they have somewhere between 120 and 200 calories depending on the size and most have upwards of 20 grams of protein. Please do yourself a favor and try one. The vanilla Cream is really really sweet but the chocolate is very good.

Look at you go girl. I was going to send you a message on FB, but haven't gotten around to it, sorry. Hope things are going better, let me know about things. (???) Again, your looking awesome Kim.

I was concerned about this myself so I asked my surgeon prior to the surgery. He said that things will pretty much be the same after surgery as they are before. The one exception is that if you don't get your fluids in as you should you may have problems with constipation. Your friends may be have an allergic reaction to lactose. She should try to avoid it and see if that helps.

For me the bypass was my best option. At 52 yrs old, I started at 217 with High Cholesterol, High blood pressure and type 2 Diabetes. Immediately following surgery I was taken off the high cholesterol and diabetes meds. I'm hoping that at my 3 month follow up with my pcp I'll be able to eliminate the high blood pressure med also. I've suffered from gerd in the past, also had to have hiatel hernia repair during by RNY. I never really considered the sleeve because during my own research I was seeing all the revisions people have had done from sleeve to RNY. I only wanted to have to do this once. I made the right choice for me with the assistance of my PCP and surgeon. Only they have the medical history to help you make the best choice for you. As many have pointed out, each of us has a preference to our own choice. Good Luck, I hope you pick the best option for you based on your health.

I actually talked with my surgeon about this very thing because like you I was always hot, now I'm always cold. He said it has to do with your body not getting all the calories it's used to so it's conserving where ever it can. It focuses on the core, the extremities don't get good blood circulation as a result, therefore we get cold hands and feet. He said that once I get to the point when I take in more calories this should pass. Hope that helps. I for one would gladly have cold hands and feet if it meant I was loosing weight.

Congratulations on your progress so far. I'm 6 weeks out as of today, what a trip. I was also very cautious transitioning to the next step. I was able to do scrambled eggs (added cheese and salsa after I was sure it would go down), cottage cheese with fruit cut up teeny tiny, to my refried Beans I added cheese and salsa, hard boiled eggs, Peanut Butter on toast (crust cut off). I also tried chicken which didn't work, it got stuck and hurt so bad for so long. I can now eat canned chicken with a bit of mayo, onions, salt and pepper, but I'm afraid to try regular chicken. I also tried fish, same problem as the chicken so I'm leaving that for a later date. If you haven't already you should check out "the world according to eggface" She has some great recipes for all stages. Try one new food a day so you can easily tell what works and what doesn't. You're going to revel in being able to chew food again, I never thought I'd miss something so simple. Best of luck.

Don't be so hard on yourself after only one week. Your probably still retaining Water weight from the IV and also swollen from the procedure. I wouldn't let myself even go near a scale for 2 weeks. Also be prepared for the dreaded 3 week stall that seems to get everyone. Your doing great. Stick with the plan and you'll get there before you know it. And I whole heartedly agree with your statement "It's all about staying positive".

I'm also a fan of Muscle Milk Light although I personally think the Vanilla Cream is way to sweet, so I prefer the chocolate. However, I buy mine at costco, they aren't in a plastic bottle, but something more like a milk carton material. They are 8.25oz. each and only have 140 calories and 20g of Protein, 3g of sugar. LIke James I find that this product isn't as chalky as the rest of the protein shakes out there so it's easier to drink. I keep a couple at work for late morning or afternoon Snacks.

holy crappers, your doing awesome. Congrats.....Keep up the great job.

Tomorrow marks 6 weeks for me. I'm down 34 lbs and loving life (217 to 183). I spent some time this weekend cleaning out the closet and I already have 4 bags going to Good Will. Fortunately I have some smaller sizes that I never got rid of so I have some things to shrink into, but not much. Another 15 lbs and I'm going to have to shop. If someone would have told me late last year that in 4 months I would be feeling this good and having to purchase smaller clothes I would have laughed at them. I'm proud of myself for taking this step to improve my life. I'm down from a very tight 18 to a very loose 16, down 2 meds. with more energy then I've had in years. Here's to a brighter future.

What kind of calories are you taking in? Are you adding calories and upping your exercise? Remember that different Proteins have different levels of calories. Cottage cheese and soft cheeses are higher in calories then legumes, Beans and meats. I try to mix it up making sure I get calories from both dairy and lean proteins. Also, maybe up your Protein shakes for some extra calories as opposed to actual foods. If I'm low on calories and it's later in the day I'll have a muscle mile light so I get calories and proteins. Can you talk with your nut about how to increase calories and still be able to loose? It could also be something as simple as being in a dreaded stall and it's just a matter of time.

I had my surgery March 12th and I'm having the same issues . Everything I eat it either comes up or I'm so nauseaed that I'm miserable. My doc thinks it may be my gallbladder. I find out Monday. WOW, I had my surgery on the 18th of March and I'm doing great. What about stepping back to a full liquid for a bit, maybe your tummy isn't ready for solids yet? Can you tolerate yogurt, cream of soups, cream of wheat or sf jello? I know all that's boring but if your stomach isn't ready, it's not ready. I'd check in with your surgeons to make sure there aren't any problems but I've heard that some people just have to go slower. Good luck

Stalls at 3 weeks are to be expected. I'm almost 6 weeks now and went thru the same thing for approx 10 days. Hand tight you will start to loose again.

Lisa, your just starting so don't be frustrated. Your most likely still retaining some of that Fluid from the hospital as well as still swollen. I didn't step on the scale for almost 2 weeks after surgery. liquids will go away. I'm 5 1/2 weeks out and eating things that I can chew. I'm down 33lbs and loving this whole thing. food no longer controls my life, I don't worry about what I'm eating and when can I eat it. Once you can start pureed you'll start to feel better about everything. Even being able to eat something like yogurt gives you hope, do don't be depressed or sad. Time goes by quickly and before you know it you'll be eating yummy stuff again. I actually went out to dinner for the first time tonight, granted I only had a cup of awesome chili with cheese and onions, but more importantly I felt like I was a part of the human race again.