Crosby

I told everyone because I feel it helps to remove negative stigmas associated with obesity and Bariatric surgery. I have only gotten positive responses. I think my confidence in the decision and how I presented it may have shutdown any possible naysayers..

I took one two days before. The last day was fluids anyway so I wasn't worried. Two months previous I had another major surgery and had the worse constipation ever afterwards. I wasn't going through that again.

Someone said the tightness of the water molecules makes it harder to swallow. Additives may break this tension. I have no idea if it is true but it sounded sensible to my non scientific mind.

I would suggest reading lots. There are many variables to your questions. Read this site ...and others. Read research materials and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery is a GREAT resource. https://asmbs.org

Why not just do powder?

Starbucks.......I'll be 8 weeks this Friday. I totally relate to what you are saying. At times I feel free from the food. It so easy to fix something. I dont do a lot of variety either...but I figure that will come. I have copied a bunch of recipes. That is great with your insulin! I bought some chewable fiber pills today that were recommended. I will see how that goes. Since I went to regular food constipation has been worse. I understand wanting to get fiber in naturally but it may not be possible and still get protein in. And grapes are quite high in sugar too so be careful. My exercise has been minimal too. I am still recovering from hip replacement. Not being able to take NSAIDs has not been fun. But remember weight loss is more about nutrition than exercise. But I know for me mentally exercise is such an uplifted. I did pull out my mountain bike which has been in storage since I hurt my hip nearly 4 years ago. I rode around the yard and felt a bit of the old joy I used to have on it. Finding something exercise wise that you really like is important. Just try different things or do it with friends. I used to ride 45 miles and not a moment of it felt like exercise.

As weight drops quickly hormones are released. I'm a bit "mad" right now myself.

Wow...you look great. Fantastic job!

Sorry.... I misread your time out. With only 6 days that is very normal. You need to take smaller sips and drink slower. Gasx will help with non surgical gas. For surgery related gas keep walking.

Call your Bariatric doc..could be a stricture.

You have to measure...volume. You should have gotten some specific guidelines on amounts. If not call your NUT. I had to learn to stop before the amounts given though to avoid the tightness in my chest.

Wishing you the very very best.

My minimum Protein is 50 grams but 60 is recommended. I have elected to stay away from potatoes, grains, and starches in general and eat just the lowest carbs fruits in very small amounts. I weigh and or measure and record everything. Protein is my main consumption with vegetables a far second. I am down a total of 36 pounds since surgery on 2/27/15. My surgery weight was 269. Yours is the lowest recommend protein amount I have ever seen.

I just will share my decision making journey. At first I wanted the band. It was the only non permanent option. I had lost 130 pounds on my own and regained 80 something after a significant hip injury resulted in 3 years of inability to exercise and two surgeries. I thought since I had done that the band would be the extra lift I needed. I then began researching the band and learned it required continue " maintenance " / medical intervention. That just did appeal to me. Then I began seeing how many surgeons were no longer even doing it because of complications. The particular practice I choose was one where they had just ceased doing them. That sealed it for me. Next consideration was the sleeve. I like the sleeve because it did not have the malabsorption issues of the RNY and it seemed less invasive. ( although now I realize it involves cutting and removing portion of the stomach while the RNY leaves the stomach there). Also the sleeve would allow me to take NSAIDS for my arthritis. But then I read about the increase risk of really bad acid reflux with the sleeve. I already had acid reflux that required twice daily medication and had caused Pre Barrett's syndrome. A risk of more acid reflux could present major problems for me. Later the surgeon I picked said he would not even do it on me. So that left me with RNY. ( I did not research the duodenal switch ) I was hesitant of course due mainly to the permanence of it. It was scary. During my pre op requirements ( which was 9 months) I did extensive research and became more comfortable with the decision. It had the longest studies and largest success rate. I had to have hip replacement 6 months into the pre op process and I really needed the procedure that would give me the greatest chance of taking the weight off the fastest to help in my hip recovery. Once again that was the RNY. I had surgery 2/27 and have been quite pleased. The day of surgery I was 269 and today I am 233. I have had a fairly easy adjustment and recovery. The worst for me has been the exhaustion. I am also still limited physically due to my hip. The inability to take NSAIDS is distressing I will admit. I have arthritis all over and some days are tough. I don't take any pain meds. I do hope that as I lose more weight the knees and hips will do much better.

That's great Melanie.

Everyone's pain tolerance is different. But you just had major surgery so yes the first few days are painful. It will get better.

It is very individual. I am 7 weeks and would be fine on a " relaxing" vacation but not one where I would be on the go. I am also 4 months out from hip replacement surgery so I had a double whammy.

Papaya enzyme ...will break it down.

You are asking for too much! I weighed 322 pounds and don't think I saw a pant size drop for at least 40 pounds. When the fat is spread all over it is not as easy to see the difference but it is still there. With the RNY My surgery weight was 269 and I am now 236... The difference is much more noticble because I was already 50 pounds lighter than I was at highest weight. Be patient and kind to yourself.

And I had it too! . ( Couldn't resist) I actually only know three people who have had it.

Don't over stress. Be yourself and be honest.

Obesity is a medical condition and Bariatric surgery is a treatment for it. No different from other diseases which some indivuals are able to control with less invasive measures while others need those measures. I elected to tell everyone and have only had positive responses.

That is very similar to what I ate. Only difference is measuring by volume not ounces as stressed. I would typically eat 1/4 cup of whatever..except the Protein Shake. Also I added unflavored protein to both soups and puddings.

Lots of sugar in most Sesame Chicken plates. Also most stages don't go from purée to regular foods. Don't you have a soft food phase. I second the egg drop or miso soup.

I actually had mine out twice. Long story but they basically missed it the first time but told me they took it out. I know some people, as you have, have a rough time after getting it out. I however really didn't have any issues after a couple of months. I had RNY 6 weeks ago and have done really well.