esskay77

Congrats on quitting. It's hard!!! I finally quit 6 years ago and I still think about it but not the type of thinking about it where I might actually smoke again. It's really weird. But it's the best thing. Once I quit, my acid reflux went away, I breathe better, my cough is gone. Those are then reasons I can stay away. And you are quitting at the best time--around surgery! That will be the best for you (in my opinion). Good job.

@@DDN asked a good question -- are you drinking your protein shake WITH a meal? Or is that your meal? It is supposed to be a meal in itself and not with food. As I progressed, my NUT wanted me to cut back on the shakes and replace it with dense protein like chicken. And, I was also told to not count calories--just count grams of protein, carbs, fat. Mostly protein. It's easier than counting calories but just hard to get used to because we've been counting calories for so long.

If it helps, I was told to NOT count calories but to count grams of protein. Much easier. I am supposed to get in 70-100 grams of protein each day. I haven't had luck in the past with the food tracker apps but am going to give it another try. I would really love it if someone would come up with one where all I have to do is take a picture of my food and it can enter the data for me! lol

I did at the beginning but I don't anymore. At least not so much. I don't remember what they were now except the first few weeks out of surgery I kept imagining biting into a donut. I never imagined actually eating it, just biting into it but I think that is because i was still on liquids and wanted to bite into something.

No, but i hope you feel better and that it isn't anything serious. Please keep us updated! take care.

My NUT recommends the Oikos Triple Zero (in the black container). They are good, though I also buy the Dannon Light and Fit Cherry!! MMMMm

I've never heard of a mini bypass so can't comment on it. WHat would they do that is considered "mini"?

Some dr's take them out automatically. Mine does not but that meant a year later I had to go back under the knife to have it removed and now I have 2 sets of scars. If I had to do it over again, I would have insisted on having mine out during the WLS even though it hadn't been a problem at the time.

Your doctor can also put in for an appeal, I believe. Some insurance companies do this for the first round and then approve upon appeal. Give that a try through your dr. I know how frustrating that is!!

Everyone is different. I was back to work at a week and a half. However, I was instructed to not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. I'm fortunate that my laptop is very light. Will you have to be lifting anything? PC? Suitcase? that sort of thing? Those will be some of your biggest worries at 3 weeks out (at least they would have been mine). However, some people have had a more difficult time that lasted longer so it is really hard to say. I think it would depend on what you have to do each day and what you have to lift and will you be able to rest if you need to.

@@LisaOle @@Inner Surfer Girl Inner Surfer Girl has a great list. You really won't be able to eat much. I do remember just wanting something with flavor and heating up some chicken broth really helped me through! You will be having a lot of Protein shakes so make sure you have a few flavors and test them out ahead of time to find the ones that taste good to you. I also discovered Isopure Protein drinks. They are an acquired taste but it didn't take long and now I love them. Best of luck!

Thank you for bringing up this topic. I haven't seen anyone discuss this before and it really resonated with me. So, first, while in weight loss mode, you really should avoid most of those foods that you have--especially chips, crackers and flat bread anything--basically any carb at this point except fruit and even then, keep that to a minimum. sauces are evil! You really have to be careful. THat's one of the bad things about Chinese food--the sauces contain so much sugar. Anyway, after reading all of this, I realize that I do better when I keep things simple. But I have also wanted to have variety but nobody had ever said this was bad or why. I'm so glad to know this now!!! And it makes life more simple. I know that going out to restaurants with others can be difficult. It's best to check online what is on their menu and make some decisions before you go. I recently went with friends to our annual post-holiday brunch. Now, let me tell you--this brunch is amazing! It's a buffet that has everything including sushi, prime rib, a chocolate fountain, the best french toast, omelettes to order, mac and cheese with lobster, and on an on. It's incredible. But, it was causing me angst just thinking about going so I did check their menu to see if I could order off the menu. And you can't on Sundays--just the buffet. But I called them and explained that I had WLS and is there anything they could do (because I do not have the discipline! I might eat stuff that is good for me but I will also eat too much of it). They said they could put together a plate for me. When I got there they couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating and did put together a nice plate of eggs and fruit and even made a fresh home made salsa for the eggs. I should also note that the brunch is usually around $100 each and that was the other reason I just couldn't do a couple of eggs for that money. But sometimes if you ask and explain your situation, people can help you out. But for now, find things on menus that you can have--no chips and salsa!! I don't know enough about guacamole. Stay away from crackers and flat breads. Stick to Protein. Sometimes a shrimp cocktail or a bowl of chili works well at a restaurant. There are times when I ask for some sliced tomatoes and they give me those even though they aren't on the menu. Keep it simple! I think your therapist is very smart and I wish someone had told me all of this!! You have to create your new normal.

@@MxKitty Awesome!! Thanks. So interesting. And good to know there are options available.

@@MxKitty Did you have to be in the hospital, just like the original surgery? Or is it something they can just do as an out-patient and you go home right away? Please tell us more about that cinching surgery!!

@@careya123 Have you tried the FairLife milk? It's much less sugar in it. All the supermarkets are carrying it now.

I have heard that there is some sort of "revision" but I don't know what that is and would use that as a last resort. As others were saying, are you still following the plan? Are you still exercising and following all the basic rules? Getting enough Water in? Not drinking with your meals, etc.? Are you keeping a food journal? This is key!!!! It's magic! And then, the next thing is to try the 5 day pouch test. This is supposed to help you "reset." Try all these things before you think about surgery again, especially if it is just a possibility that you gained a few pounds.

Fantastic! I used to have lymphedema and my sister has it in just her left foot/ankle. Since the surgery and since losing weight, mine is all gone! I'm so thrilled and can actually feel bones in my ankles! I don't have to try to wriggle into shoes until the fluid moves enough to form around the shoe. I can just slip them on! You'll get there!

Fabulous!

That sounds like my situation directly after surgery and for the first few weeks or so, maybe month? But it all gets back to normal eventually

I brought mine. It could get stolen but most likely it won't.

Unfortunately this is common! A true PITA! I was told to take some PhillipsMilk of Magnesia. It tastes horrible but I guess it works.

Part of this is head hunger and habit. The other part might be real hunger while your body is trying to figure this all out. Things will regulate as time goes on. Keep drinking that water!

Thanks. I may get back to doing that. I've been making scrambled eggs (well, microwave scrambled eggs) every day at work and I really go through a LOT of eggs! lol I think it's good to have several options of things to have so I may go back to the shakes.

I use Centrum chewables but I can't remember now if I ever checked the Sugar level. They are orange flavored which I love!

@@Djmohr Do you use the shake for a meal or for a snack? Like, is it your breakfast or a snack somewhere through out the day?