esskay77

I found some that are chewable. I think I got them at the grocery store. Nature's something or other. Or maybe at CVS? They probably both sell them. But it is definitely chewable. I try to still do as many chewables as I can. I've also switched to a different shampoo. It doesn't help with hair loss but it does make my hair feel a bit thicker and better but it's kind of expensive. It's called Texas Tea and I got it from Sephora. But, again, it doesn't stop hair loss or anything like that. I just also have naturally thin hair and this makes my hair feel thicker. If you are near Dedham, the Sephora at Legacy Place will be starting to sell it in their stores this month some time. S

Fruit can be tough to eat. You should never eat more than 1/2 banana if you are having a banana. I think berries are probably easier to tolerate at the beginning: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. Oranges and pineapple are the toughest. Especially fresh

I started taking BIotin before the surgery and still take it and I'm a year out. My hair slightly thinned out but nobody even noticed it, not even my hair stylist who I also saw on a regular basis for cut and foils. Some people do lose a noticeable amount, others don't. I haven't heard of anyone losing all their hair. Best of luck. Try to keep up with all your protein--that will totally help!

Yes it's hard but it's doable. I have always drank a lot of water (or wine) with my meals. If the waiter wasn't around to refill my glass, I would really stress out. But, for the most part now, I'm good with it. With some exceptions but I make sure to keep that to a minimum.

Yes you should be able to make lunch for the kids and do some light things. Each day you will get better and better. But don't underestimate how tired you will feel for the first week. I was able to drive as soon as I stopped taking pain meds which was basically the day I got home from the hospital. For writing, I tried NANOWRIMO where you write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days--quality doesn't count, quantity does. It was fun but I got caught up in silly details that stopped me in my tracks. The main detail was if a former debutant, classy lady who died around age of 80-90--would she be buried with her shoes on? So silly but I could never resolve that. And the shoes were an important part of the story.

I was 54 when I had my surgery--wish I had done it sooner!!!!!

Everyone is different. I was in the hospital for 2 days. I was definitely out of work for the first week. I worked from home the 2nd week, though I probably could have gone back to work but was definitely a bit tired. I went to work probably the end of week 2 and was fine but tired. Went to work every day after that. You will not be able to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for a bit but everything else, if all goes according to plan, you should be able to sit and write/type no problem. PS: I've been trying to write a novel--that is TOUGH!!!! I got scared and haven't touched it in several years now but still think about it. Congrats on being able to do it

The others are right. Protein first and make sure you measure it out before you start eating. Also, make sure you are not drinking anything with your meals and that you stopped drinking anything 30 minutes prior to your meal. And, don't start drinking anything until 30 minutes after your meal. Chew, chew, chew!!! Take your time, eat slowly, taste the food. Try these (if you aren't already).

Feel what you feel! Nimoy was a total icon and it is truly sad.

Interesting. Yes, 3 meals, 2 snack. I still do this though. Again, not sure how else to get in my proteins. I'm not as good about the snacks but I try. It also keeps me from being too hungry later and eating too much.

Congrats! You are doing awesome!

I believe 2 nights should be expected. Like someone mentioned, it is better to be safe than have to be readmitted.

I was told to not worry about anything other than Protein grams at the beginning. At a certain point, and I don't remember when, maybe 6 months out, I then was told to start also counting carbs and fats. I was told 60-80 grams of protein (though I think this can be up to 100 grams based on what I have read from others), 30 grams of fats and no more than 100 grams of carbs. I am easily able to count protein but have a harder time with the fats and carbs. It's actually hard to get in the fats!

I was told to not count calories--but to count protein grams instead. And it's much easier! I am also allowed snacks--protein of course! Otherwise, I'm not sure how you would get your grams of protein in each day. Best of luck. And yes, stalls are normal and will happen periodically.

I also meant to ask how long recovery for these surgeries is. Feel free to update us on a regular basis on how the recovery goes. It would be nice to know how long to take off work, when you start looking normal enough to go out in public, or before you can move well enough to get around.

I haven't found the Torani syrups yet but I will definitely make this once I do!! Thanks. Mmmmm

Congratulations!!!! Enjoy your new life!

I'm so sorry you lost your brother! We all appreciate and thank him and your husband for their service to our country. I have not yet tried this but a lot of people talk about doing the 5 day pouch test to kick start everything again. http://5daypouchtest.com/ If you try it, let us know how it works. In addition, get back to basics -- keep a food journal, track grams of Protein, drink a lot of Water and do the 30/30/30 (stop drinking 30 minutes before meal, don't drink during your meal and don't eat for longer than 30 minutes, start drinking your water again 30 minutes after your meal). Exercise. I know there are more basic things but these come to mind right away. Best of luck. I know you can do it!

I don't think I would think in terms of age, but I would think back to my weight. If I had done this when I was so much smaller yet overweight enough by BMI terms, I would have done it then if I knew how much more I was going to gain!! I think a person's history of weight also plays a factor. Were they always overweight? How overweight? What kind of problems does it cause, etc. I would consider those over the age factor. But, personally, I wouldn't want to wait as long as I did. All that weight did a job on me mentally that I wish I could have done without!

I would say that I leveled off around the 8 month mark or so. Very frustrating. On one hand, I am so thrilled at what I have lost and how great I feel and what I can do again. But, on the other hand... I have so much more to lose!! And I will, at least lose some of it.

I doubt that you would want cabbage yet. It might be too tough to digest in any form. I tended to eat a lot of yogurt, cottage cheese, creamy Soups, that sort of thing. Once I did puree some chicken and it wasn't too bad but it can't be very dry. I just think that cabbage would not work well, but that's me.

Wow, really? I was told that I could never take Advil or any other NSAIDs again. They gave me a long printed list of meds that I can never take. I CAN take Tylenol since it is not an NSAID. All surgeon's really are different.

@@SugarFreeMe has it right! No matter what, people are going to notice and the next logical step is to ask about it. It's actually a compliment. Yes, you do have a right to your privacy but they are going to ask. When I went to my orientation, the doctors were very adamant that we understand that people are going to notice and ask. They also said that most people will assume you are sick, so sometimes it is best to address it. However, that is a personal decision. You don't have to tell people that you had surgery. If they ask how you are doing it, be vague, with a smile. As mentioned above, you can say that you are very focused, started exercising and eating differently. And you are. But don't assume these people are trying to be mean--it's really just natural curiousity mixed with a little social awkwardness in how to ask you about it. It's all in how you frame everything. I'd be more insulted if they didn't say anything! lol. Compose your thoughts and have a nice but short answer that you can have ready for whenever anybody asks you about it. That way you don't have to try to think of an answer in the moment. If you have several prepared answers, it will make this so much easier! Best of luck and congratulations on your journey (if you don't mind me saying that).

There are a lot of "it depends" on which to choose. I was debating between the 2 but my surgeon highly recommended the RNY for me. I was about your height/weight but had sleep apnea, pre-diabetic, my blood pressure was starting to go up, basically enough comorbidities that warranted the RNY over the sleeve. But that was me. No matter which you choose, it will be the right decision for you. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and have a final discussion. Best of luck. (by the way, I did have the RNY and have not had any problems and don't regret it for a second! But that's me.)

I have been told to not have juice at all. I don't know what your situation is. Can you ask your NUT? Having a piece of fruit (if you have been promoted to that stage) would be ok, but not juice.