esskay77

Absolutely. My go-to yogurt is the Fit and light yogurt in the purple container. Good protein, less sugar. Read the labels. Low fat cottage cheese is another good one.

This is all normal. It IS hard to get all this in. I think your nut would just encourage you to try. I know I was only told that I needed to drink 32 oz of Water at first and build up. I still can't drink 64 oz just yet. Do what you can. THe important thing with eating is that you aren't eating other types of food that aren't Protein until you get your protein in. Just keep trying but don't get too down on yourself if you can't. You will build up to it. As someone above suggested, their are other ways to get your protein in so try different things. There is the protein powder in small servings that you can put into your water, there are the Isopure drinks (they are an acquired taste but are 40 grams of protein and can also count towards your liquids--just know they don't taste like the flavor they come in--you can get these at the Vitamin Shoppe), unjury has some good protein powder options, things like this. Yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, eggs--these are all very helpful. You'll get there.

So, I went to my pcp and she said the red patchy skin is dermatitis--pretty common in general but especially for WLS people. She doesn't know why but said maybe there is some deficiency that isn't being measured. Of course, I spoke up and said it was a cookie deficiency! Oh well. She prescribed an ointment for me with a steroid in it and said that this will clear it up. Of course, it could come back if I don't figure out how I got it so I will also ask my surgeon and/or nut.

Did anyone get weird skin rashes? I am getting then on my face and don't know if it is related to my new diet or if it is something else altogether. Thought I would check in here first while I wait for my doctor's office to open so I can call \them. It's red patchy skin, a little itchy. Thanks,

Is it red and patchy? Of course I have them on my face! Grrr. And now I have an odd swelling or something below my eye. I'm going to the doctor this afternoon (my primary care, not my surgeon--was this the right call?). It is the swelling below my eye that concerns me the most since this is different from the rest. Someone else thought it might be a stye but I thought I've had those before and it doesn't look like that but I guess there are different types. Figures that i'm starting to feel better about myself now that the weight is coming off but the powers that be just won't let me get cocky!

I've tried it a few times and have been fine so far but I'm now about 9 months out from surgery. It took a while before I would even attempt it. However, I am trying to stay away from it and just have lean protein but every now and then, I crave red meat.

Yes, unfortunately, it is true.

JustWatchMe--that is great!! Once you get used to not eating in a movie theater, it becomes the norm. Personally, I don't like eating with my hands when I am in a place that probably doesn't get cleaned very well, especially the arms of the seats. I'm not a total germaphobe but in some places I am.

As far as pizza goes, I have had pizza since surgery but I only eat the toppings. Well, I take one bite of it with the crust but everything else is just toppings. But only if it has chicken and veggies on it. I won't do pepperoni or sausage or that sort of thing. Surprisingly, I don't miss the crust as much as I thought I would. But mostly I try to stay away if I can because I could go back into bad habits. I have had popcorn once since surgery but luckily I'm not that big of a popcorn fan (especially at the movies!! I don't like to eat while watching a movie). S

Let me rephrase that--congratulations everyone!!! You all must feel amazing

Carol--congratulations!!! You must feel amazing

I actually miss that phase! I had a lot of yogurt. I would have the plain nonfat greek yogurt and mix in some sugar free Jello (already made) for flavor. Also, make a batch of jello and just as it is starting to set, put it into a blender and then add 16 oz of non or low fat ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese) and blend. Pour into either individual cups or one big bowl and then scooop out to serve. Mmmmm. And I'm not a ricotta cheese fan but this feels like dessert!!! I had used any of the flavors of jello but I have also heard someone suggest using the sugar free cheesecake flavor jello pudding with it!! and possibly a little nonfat cool whip. The shakes of course really saved me, too. And tomato Soup. Best of luck! It seems hard at first but once you get a list of things you can eat, you'll be good. And then you will find that this is the best/easiest phase.

Does the trainer know you had surgery for weight loss? Does he/she have experience with that? Before you increase calories, talk with your doctor and nut to be sure this is ok. It probably is but I would check with them first. I used to work with a personal trainer but he wouldn't have had a clue about how to adapt to people with surgery. BUT, working with a personal trainer can be really good. Having an appointment makes me actually show up to work out. Actually, he came to my house which was even harder to avoid! lol. It's awesome to have someone guide you through a workout. It makes it more fun and more of a workout which gives you better benefits. We SHOULD be talking about exercise!

Being in pain is not any fun at all. And it just makes everything else seem and feel worse. I say go for it--have the surgery to replace the band (which I hear is common). Has your doctor said that losing weight will reduce the pain in your knees/joints? Or do you need knee replacements? I've never been much of a go-to-a-doctor kind of person but after having this surgery and feeling so much better, I'm fully on board! Talk to your doctor when you need to. You shouldn't be suffering in pain. I'd start with the WLS first and then see how your joints feel but you may need knee and/or hip replacements, too, if the pain doesn't go away. Best of luck and let us know what you decide and how it goes

Try different brands. They all taste different. ANd different flavors. I don't know if I was supposed to do this but the French Vanilla with 100% apple juice tastes like a pina colada. I used Gold Standard from the Vitamin Shoppe. Try Unjury--I've heard good things about them and they have more options than just shakes.

That's awesome to see those stages. I would say they are pretty accurate. I felt regret probably right after surgery and for a few weeks. But I haven't felt it since!! Good luck and just ride the wave of emotions!

I also don't like to tell many people about my surgery for that same reason. And the ones that I have told get a little weird at first, like apologizing if they are eating anything! I finally had to have a talk with them to stop apologizing!! They are all good and supportive now. I have heard other people say that this is the easy way out or it's cheating but who cares? It's really not. It's a tool that is an option to us and all the other tools that I've used didn't work. This one is. I mostly find it's best to not talk about it much. i don't want it to be the conversation I have with people all the time. Sometimes I do talk about it with my friends but I have to make sure it's not all I talk about otherwise, they'll get extremely bored (I know I would). Do what you need to do for yourself and your daughter. You don't need to talk about it with anybody else. Well, except I would suggest an official support group. Best of luck.

I think you are actually ahead of the game! You are doing great. Keep in mind that it does slow down so when it does, as long as you are still losing or maintaining, life is good. And, you may possibly have stalls. Which means that you are doing everything right but you aren't losing any weight. If this happens, don't panic. That is also normal.

It does get better but it helps to reframe everything. The fun part could be the fact that you are sitting there with your family and enjoying conversation with them. Another fun part is how little you need to eat! I know that might sound bad but I am giddy sometimes by how little I need to eat. THat's ok for others to go get seconds if they want--seconds are not a good thing. And they probably aren't really hungry, it's just that it tastes good so they want more. You are changing that behavior and change can be uncomfortable. So, when things are uncomfortable, that's actually a good thing! You are learning to enjoy the dinner because of the people and conversation, not because of the food. Food should be secondary. You'll get there--be patient and enjoy the process, even when it's uncomfortable.

I think that varies. It depends on a lot of different variables. I think if you lose the weight fast, you might have more of an issue of sagging skin but I don't really have facts to back that up. I am (unfortunately) losing slowly. However, the fortunate part is that so far, no sagging skin. Of course, I would rather trade and have sagging skin if I could lose the weight faster!

Everybody is different. Different ages, different pain tolerances, everything. I know I discovered early on that the pain meds were making me nauseous so I stopped taking them and actually discovered I didn't need them anyway! But that was me. Your body just went through major surgery and needs time to heal. Just keep trying to do what you need to do--walk, drink water, keep your food journal, etc. You'll get better! Really!

Yes, unfortunately, this is normal. We all have stalls. Your body is confused right now and needs time to catch up to what is happening. Plus, you are probably still getting thinner, it's just not showing up on the scale. This is the time to really make sure you are doing everything right: -- keep a daily food journal (VERY important!) -- eat Protein every couple of hours -- drink a LOT of Water -- stop drinking water 30 minutes before a meal, don't drink anything DURING your meal, start drinking water again 30 minutes AFTER your meal -- CHEW, CHEW, CHEW -- exercise -- stop weighing yourself every day I'm sure there are other things but these are a few of the things to remember.

I like the Kashi bars but otherwise, I haven't found a good Protein bar. I bought a bunch of Quest bars but they really aren't that great, though they work in a pinch. Here are a few recipes that I found here and also from other sources: Easy Turkey Skillet Non-stick cooking spray 1 lb lean ground turkey 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon each basil, oregano, red pepper and garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 tomatoes, chopped 2 medium zucchini, sliced & halved 1. Brown turkey and onion in non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Cook until turkey is cooked through and onion is soft (about 10 minutes) 2. Add tomato paste and seasoning. Simmer another 10 minutes. 3. Add tomatoes and simmer another 5 minutes. 4. Add zucchini and cook 5 minutes more. Serve hot. Serves 4 (about 1 cup per serving) Calories 181; Carbs 13g; Fiber 4g ; Protein 21g ; Fat 6g chicken Breasts with cheese and Spinach 2 ounces goat cheese or reduced fat cream cheese, cut into pieces 1 garlic clove, minced 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves Salt and black pepper 1 bunch baby spinach (3 ounces), washed, trimmed, and coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ¾ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 1. Combine cheese and garlic in small cup. Trim excess fat from chicken; season with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit through thickest portion of each breast to form a deep pocket. Stuff each pocket with an equal amount of cheese mixture and spinach. Press edges of chicken together to seal. 2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken, 4 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium; add broth to pan. Cover and simmer, about 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately, discarding any remaining broth. Makes 4 full-size servings Per serving: 209 calories 31 g protein 1 g carbohydrate (WLS patients should only eat ¼ - ½ a breast – about 3oz) Baked Ricotta with Marinara 8 oz of ricotta cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan 1 large egg, beaten 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt & pepper to taste ½ cup marinara sauce ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly. Creole Shrimp and Sausage Stew Total: 20 minutes ****** Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 cup) Ingredients2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 cup thinly sliced turkey smoked sausage (about 6 ounces) (I prefer ground turkey) 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic 3/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained (such as Rotel) 8 ounces peeled and deveined medium shrimp 1 (15-ounce) can organic kidney Beans, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Preparation 1. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add bell pepper, sausage, and garlic to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until bell pepper is tender, stirring occasionally. Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in shrimp and beans; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 6 minutes or until shrimp are done. Sprinkle with parsley. Nutritional Information Calories: 191 Fat: 6g (sat 1.7g,mono 2.7g,poly 1g) Protein: 21.3g Carbohydrate: 13.2g Fiber: 3.5g Cholesterol: 97mg Iron: 2.9mg Sodium: 694mg Calcium: 127mg Karen Levin, Cooking Light, SEPTEMBER 2009 Sugar free/Fat Free Cheesecake Jello pudding So I discovered Jello's instant pudding with cheesecake flavor. (sugar free/fat free) I mixed it up with cottage cheese, milk, Protein Powder, and cool-whip. Fiesta!!!! I used 1 sugar free/fat free cheesecake flavor Jello Instant Pudding Protein Powder 2 cups of cottage cheese, 4 tbs milk 1 cup of cool whip Scotch eggs (South Beach Phase 1) My favorite portable Breakfast is Scotch eggs. Hardboil as many eggs as you like, cool, and peel. You need about 1 pound of ground turkey for each 5 or 6 eggs (depending on their size.) Divide the turkey into equal portions to cover your eggs, roll into a ball, then flatten and press one portion around each HB egg. Roll them in grated Parm cheese (the green can kind is fine) and bake - I do 350* for about 20 minutes or til the turkeyis cooked through. These are very easy to grab & go and they're really tasty! Jello Chiffon (about 8 servings; 10 sweet treat calories each) Dissolve 1 large (or 2 small) packages of sugar free jello in one cup of boiling Water. Add one cup of very cold water and chill until almost "set". Transfer to a blender and add 16 ounces of fat free cottage cheese or fat free ricotta cheese. Blend until smooth and frothy. If you want, when you can have fruit, add whatever fruit you like (I make this with lemon jello and add blueberries, but you can do strawberry jello and add fresh slices strawberries, etc.)

Yay! Congratulations! ANd it keeps getting better!!!

And sometimes some people just don't feel that pain. I used to work with a personal trainer and very rarely felt any pain. He didn't like to have me overdo anything and doing stretching afterwards helps keep some of the pain away. You might be fine. Of course, as someone else said, you may be using your back more than your abs. I remember years ago in high school, the gym teacher would have a guy lay back on the bench and lift the barbell weights up. He would show how the guy kept his back on the bench. Then he would have one of the gals do it and every time, each gal would arch her back to use her back muscles to lift the weight. Sorry if that sounds weird but it was his example to show that we tend to use our backs and have to relearn how to use our abs.