esskay77

food is where I am saving a ton of money. At the grocery store and at restaurants. At restaurants, I don't have my usual 2 glasses of wine with dinner anymore though I usually do buy 1 when I first sit down. Sometimes I don't drink it or much of it but other times it is such a treat. My friends like it because they can drink the rest of the wine that I don't drink! lol. If I have an appetizer, it is because it is my main meal if I can find one that is decent. Some restaurants charge for bread (Indian restaurants specifically charge for their naan) but I don't get that anymore. I don't eat rice with any of my food (well, sometimes I'll have a small bit of rice but that's it). And I always take a bunch of it home with me and get at least 2 more meals out of it. Of course, I actually try to avoid restaurants when I can because it can be a bit stressful knowing that my head wants some of the good stuff but I can't have it. The other day I had people over and they ordered a pizza from delivery. I got a chicken wrap and just ate the insides. And only ate a portion of the insides. So, for now, that is where I am saving my money. Now, for getting my money's worth--that's a different story. I have had a gym membership for years but now I actually use it! lol.

I think I have mostly conquered my caffeine addition, at least physically. I allow myself one cup of coffee (regular black coffee) each week. I do have decaf but even then, not as much as I used to. I drink Water and Isopure drinks almost exclusively now. But the sugar addiction is one I'm still fighting. Any suggestions (other than just don't do it)? Are there good substitutions? I don't just mean a sugar substitute but a snack substitute or something like that.

My nut only recently said I could have a little bit every now and again but only the 100 calorie kind. I'm 8 months out so I am basically healed. It was a no-no earlier on because of all the little shells and bits that can get stuck and whatever else they do. Especially the sharp pieces (like little plastic shells). Nuts are perfectly acceptable, especially almonds. You can have those.

The first time I tried it I hated it. However, I now love it! It is an acquired taste and some flavors have an aftertaste but it's a great way to get Protein and fluids in all at once. I like the grape and orange. I just bought Fruit Punch and Apple flavors. Don't like the Apple as much but it's not horrible. But, it does take some getting used to. I think that if you also don't think about the flavor, then it tastes better but if you are expecting it to taste like the flavor (say, orange), you will be disappointed! S

Nice

I can only tell you what my nutritionist said to me. Don't count calories, count grams of Protein to start with. You want 64 oz of Water each day. you want about 60-100 grams of protein each day. Keep sugar out or to a minimum (read labels!) Eat protein every couple of hours. This could be yogurt for Breakfast (Fit and Light is best), hard boiled egg for snack, lean protein such as chicken (about 2 oz) with some veggies for lunch (each ounce of chicken or lean meat is about 7 grams), some cottage cheese for mid day snack, some chicken or lean meat for dinner (about 3 oz). ) Drink water 30 minutes before you eat. Don't drink anything with your meals. Chew, chew, chew your food and eat slow. BUT... don't eat for more than 30 minutes. 30 minutes after your meal, drink your water again. Keep a food journal (this is actually really important) No carbonated beverages, no caffeinated beverages. Things like that. There is of course variation on this but this is what I have been told. Best of luck.

Was there a reason you stopped the shakes? Personally, I stopped mine a long time ago, when I went on solid foods. My nut didn't want me to rely on the shakes. I'm not an expert but am only guessing at this. You dropped 30 grams of protein but it doesn't sound like you made up protein in other ways. I think you need to do that. You still need to get in your protein. Try that to see if that helps. (I don't know what a smokie is so can't comment on that, though barbeque sauce is filled with sugar so not the best option)

My parents came out to help me (they live in another state) and then my sister surprised me by coming out to stay for a bit. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have any of them come stay with me. I love them each dearly but I ended up feeling like I had to entertain them or talk with them when all I really wanted to do was sleep the first few days. It is helpful to have someone check in with you, either stopping by or calling each day, just in case you do need them or there are complications. But it will depend on you and also what your doctor recommends. I didn't have any complications so I was lucky. I'm not sure how I would have felt if there had been complications. Best of luck.

Yes, but I was officially out of the soft food phase pretty quickly--maybe a couple weeks? Something like that? I couldn't eat some veggies of course but I could have peppers and tomatoes. I can't remember when I introduced cukes but it was probably a few months out from post-op. Carrots are a bit tougher to have. Check with your nut to be sure.

Are you keeping a food journal? Everything you eat and when and how many grams of Protein? Are you drinking all your Water? I have had many stalls and they are devastating so I understand what you are going through. The things that my nut and others on here have told me are: -- keep a daily food journal (don't know why but it actually works) -- drink your water -- eat protein every couple of hours (or drink protein). I tend to have a yogurt for Breakfast, a hard boiled egg for a snack around 10, chicken with some raw veggies for lunch, cottage cheese for mid day snack (when I can remember), and then lean protein for dinner with some veggies if I can get them in. I can't always follow this perfectly but that is what I"m trying to do. -- make sure you are getting around 60-80 or so grams of protein. -- count grams of protein, not calries -- exercise (which is sounds like you are) -- stay off the scale! (yeah, I know. tough one) Are your clothes fitting better? That's a better measurement of how you are doing. Best of luck and check back in with us after a bit.

I also concur with the congratulations on how great you are doing!! And your current weight loss seems normal to me for the surgery. I think it is a myth that the "weight just falls off" so we all have a tough time at first. My nut didn't want me counting calories, but to count Protein grams instead. Try to focus on that instead of calories. The days you work out so hard, you definitely need a bit more. Just like the rest of us, keep a food journal every day, get in the amount of protein grams your nut suggests (at least 70 grams), etc. Pretty much a lot of what you are doing. 30 pounds in a few months is awesome and right on track, especially after losing so much weight prior to the surgery! You are doing awesome and will continue to do so--I can tell.

Someone else had also posted this: 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 Note that I have also done 2 cups cottage cheese, any flavor sugar free jello, contained cool whip, small can of crushed pineapple! Mmmmm. Even if you don't like cottage cheese, it is amazing. I'm going to try the cheese cake one this week.

This is what someone else had posted (thank you!) and I have now put into my files. I just finished my first batch of the Turkey skillet and it was delish! Very filling. And the one at the end, the sausage and shrimp dish is mine and I love it! 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 and I use a whole package of it--a pound maybe?) 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

Yes, I have had the same experience. Came through the surgery just fine and have not had any major issues since. Thought I did a few times but it was just normal stuff. This is all good and bad. It's good because who wants to be sick or have complications, right? But, it's also bad because I feel like I could probably eat anything and not get sick which unfortunately could lead to old bad habits. Very scary. I'm trying really hard to not but there are times when I really think I would like to buy a nice donut and just sink my teeth into it. Funny thing is that I don't actually dream about eating the donut, just sinking my teeth into it and leaving it there, just to feel the donut, and get the sense of sweetness. But not actually eat the thing. lol Just realized I'm off topic! But, yes, there are a lot of us who have not had complications. The reason why you hear about the complications is because if you have them, you need to reach out to find out what to do about it, which is one of the great things about this list.

Yes! I have been meaning to ask that same question! I actually had the same pains when I was gaining weight and finally got rid of it through physical therapy. But, now it is back. It's back spasms really, though it just feels like an ache. Stretching definitely helps and it works itself out throughout the day. It's in the mornings when I wake up that it is worse. And I think it is just one hip for me, the left side. When I had this before, the physical therapists said that I was carrying myself differently and my body seemed to think that one leg was longer than the other which is where the pain then came in. Doing the stretches and exercises they gave me fixed the problem then. I have been trying to do the stretches in the mornings and they are helping but I'm not yet doing all the exercises they had me do. I think one part might also be that I'm working out at the gym (was back then, too) but not working my core. I'm so glad it is not just me! lol. That's why I love this list.

Me, too. I have always had an iron stomach and apparently still do. I only had dumping syndrome once. Have been able to eat almost anything. I do sometimes get hungry but it just takes a bite to satisfy it thankfully. And I don't get the headaches like I used to when I was hungry! I think this is probably the norm and the ones who do have the problems are the exception. But when the bad things happen, that is when you reach out to talk about it or ask questions so those are what you hear about. I love this forum for that reason. It is great to find supportive people when you go through difficult times. And in really great times, like you are going through! Keep it up!

I didn't have that but I have heard it can be common. Make sure to drink a lot of water. My doctor had suggested buying breath strips (the kind that dissolve in your mouth). I bought them but didn't need them. This will change once you can eat more foods.

We've all been there! And it is very frustrating indeed. You will lose weight but right now your body is in healing mode and also freaking out that it isn't getting a lot of food so it is trying to hang on to everything. Keep it up and your body will finally align with your efforts. The Protein drinks can be pretty awful and each brand has a different taste. The one that I did find that was good was the vanilla flavor (or something like that, maybe french vanilla?) and I mixed it with 100% apple juice. Tastes like a pina colada! A bit sweeter than I would like but... I think there are some like unjury that might not have any flavor that you can add to things. I personally like the Isopure Protein Drinks that look like juice. They are 40 grams of protein, though the are an acquired taste. A lot of people hate them but once I got used to them I found them to be pretty tasty. Just don't expect them to taste like the flavor it is. You'll get there. Keep a food journal every day, get in as much protein as you can (within the limits your dr wants), drink a lot of Water, exercise, and stop weighing yourself every day. Try once a week. You'll be surprised! Best of luck.

Yeah, I agree with the others. Stay away from crackers. The Peanut Butter isn't bad for you--good Protein, though I don't know how your doc and nut would feel about having it this soon. It's hard to find substitutions but you can! I'm still trying to find substitutions. In fact, right now I'm looking for healthy muffin recipes. I have found one so far but haven't made them yet. I'm not a good enough cook to know if almond flour or soy flour bakes the same as regular flour--anyone? I recently bough some Weight Loss Surgery Cookbooks and have to look through them to find some good things to make.

Great journal! lol. It brought back memories of my experience, though I don't think I had a mean nurse. Sounds like everything is going well for you!

I'm just beginnning to try running. I was never a runner either. I can't run very far but I do go farther than I thought I could go. There is something called the "couch to 5K" that can teach sedentary people how to run. I have to find the info again but you can just google it. It's pretty popular.

Warm apple juice? Wow, I'll give that a try. I did just realize that I'm on antibiotics right now which is probably making the situation worse! lol. Thanks.

Great analogy!!! By the way, what do you all do for constipation? Sorry for the gross topic but it's really becoming an issue for me.

I stall quite a bit and then drop 10 pounds fairly quickly. And then stall again. Keeps happening but I definitely stall more when I"m not keeping a food journal. I've upped my exercise until last week--I am having back spasms so just can't do much other than stretching and walking.

Scrambled eggs are a good option. Pureed chicken is basically chicken salad. Tuna from a can is already a decent consistency.