tamg26k

Best of luck...You will do great!!!! Remember: walk,walk,walk! As soon as you are able after surgery, it really helps get rid of the pain from the gas! Can't wait to hear how you are doing!!!

I was a vegetarian for about 15 years but introduced meat back in my diet about 2 years ago. I found that being a vegetarian I was only getting about 10-20 grams of Protein a day. I started out on the shakes and powders but gradually got off of those for no reason at all. This was the reason for my lack of protein. I was pretty lazy in that department. Some other foods that are good TVP (textured vegetable protein) edemame Eggbeaters refried Beans tofu soy These are just some of the things I ate early on when I became vegetarian. I found, later on, that my food choices were not the best and changed my diet. Best of luck!!

Are you pre-op or post-op? Everyone has different taste buds and different brands, same flavor can taste pretty different. As far as the type of Protein that I use - I only use a whey isolate protein. It is the purest form of whey protein and you get the most "bang for your buck" nutritionally. You should be able to find a GNC. They have plenty and the workers should be pretty knowledgeable. They should also be able to offer a few samples so you can try before you buy. In the pre-op stage I stuck to ready to drink shakes. I bought Premier Protein Shakes in chocolate and they were delicious without being too high in fat, calories, or carbs. They can be bought at costco if you are a member. Best of luck!!

I am about 4 months post op RNY and rarely, it ever have Snacks in between my meals. Getting the Protein in daily does get better and easier. Even though I am completely on solid foods at this point I usually have protein pudding in the morning for Breakfast. I had 3 scoops of Protein Powder to instant sugar-free pudding made with skim milk. I can get 5 or 6 breakfasts out of one box and should have about 16 grams of protein per serving. I focus on first getting my Water in daily, then my Vitamins, then protein. I do try to get about 60-70 grams in daily from 3 meals and find that if I do this, I get a sufficient amount of calories in daily. Every program is a bit different. I live by the "I'll figure out what works best for me" plan and it has worked so far. Best of luck!!

My weight loss was a bit slower at the beginning but once I hit the 4-5 week mark the weight started coming off pretty quickly. The above poster is correct- make sure you are getting enough calories in daily. For me, my focus is on Water then Vitamins then Protein. I also make sure I get about 70 grams of protein in daily. I also watch my carbs closely. I know there are other discussions about eating too few carbs, but this has worked for me. At meals I focus on protein and eat a few edamame. The only fruit I eat at this point are berries - blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. No potatoes, no rice, no oats no wheat of any kind, no sugar, etc. A normal meal is about 2-3 oz of meat (turkey, chicken, or pork) A sauce made from Greek Yogurt with either spicy mustard or wing sauce, etc. (Nothing with added sugar) A few edamame A couple of spoonfuls of cottage cheese A few berries This plan has worked really well for me. I figured I needed to be really strict for the first 6 months since this is the fastest period for weight loss. Now, 4 months post-op, I usually loose (I think because I only weigh myself every 3 weeks) about 2-3 lbs. per week. Best of luck!

Excellent job! I also had RNY surgery in July and have lost about 86 lbs. so far! Keep up the great work...inspiring!!!

I started a different topic somewhat similar to this a few weeks ago asking how often everyone does a follow up with the surgery office, if they are really necessary, or if I can just switch to my PCP. I paid out of pocket for surgery and my insurance will not cover follow up visits with the surgeon, Each visit will could be cost as much as $500-$600 including blood work. I've had the 3 month with the blood test but am questioning if I need to continue with the surgeon. I will continue to have all of the blood work done but with my PCP.

ME! Unfortunately I live in St Louis and rarely make it out to Colorado. I've done a few trails in Breckenridge and hiked the Continental Divide - all amazing. Hiking in Colorado is a bit different than Missouri. A 3 mile hike was harder than 15 in Missouri. Our highest elevation is about 1700 feet.

@@hillgirly I would love to attend a support group meeting. I think I might try to go to the next one in November.

My program didn't offer mini gastric bypass. I would have chose RNY either way. Are there a lot of stats on mini gastric bypass?

I would be cautious about consuming so much Protein at one time. I don't think your body will absorb that much at once and you might be just wasting calories. I would stick to about 25-30 grams per shake, Just my opinion. I would also stick to a whey protein. I usually get some type of whey isolate Protein Powder. I switched to a powder so I can add it to different foods. I pretty much just use it now in sugar free pudding. I will add about 3 scoops to instant sugar free pudding mix and divide it into about 5 or 6 meals with about 20 grams of protein. I think there is a bit more variety with powders as well. I don't think you can go wrong with either as long as you are getting the correct form of protein. Best of luck!!!

It's been hit and miss for me with sugar free foods. I use sugar free flavorings for my Water sometimes, but about 1/10 of the normal amount. I also use sugar free Toriani syrups mixed with my Protein powder to enhance the flavoring. I tried sugar free popsicles during the first month but found them sickeningly sweet and had to get rid of them. Almost the same with some Protein Bars, I find some to be really sweet and can hardly get one down. My go-to sugar free item is pudding. I mix it with Protein Powder for Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I have cut sugar completely from my diet and haven't missed it at all I'm trying to get off of the artificial sweeteners too! Best of luck!!

You hit the nail on the head! Whichever option you choose, a healthier eating habit is a must for success. WLS is just a tool for us to get started on the right path. I am no expert on Gastric Sleeve nor am I an expert on RNY. I can give you experience. I had a really high starting BMI. I ultimately chose RNY over sleeve because of the malabsorption aspect. My cravings for "bad stuff" - sweets, high fats, fried foods, etc are gone. I have yet to experience dumping either. You can be really successful at either surgery if you put in the work. Best of luck!

@@hillgirly Nothing but good things to say about the office. I almost attended a seminar with Dr. Ricks but got Dr. Scott instead. Have you attended any support group meetings?

Best of luck! There are lots of similarities in our stories. I can say, that this was the best decision I have ever made. It's been life changing so far. Not so much my weight loss, but the fact that something "clicked" and I get it now. It's been a lifestyle change for me these last 3 months. Even though I am still very much overweight, I am really healthy. It doesn't feel like I'm "dieting" anymore. I am confident that this is a change that I can do forever...as in lifestyle change. Best of luck!!!

That is exactly where I had my pain - shoulder and back. The only thing that did trick for me was getting up and walking. I walked every 2 hours for the first 3 days and it went away. I didn't have any pain from the surgery just the anesthesia. Best of luck...it does get better...ALOT !!!

I had RNY and was prepared to do the 2 week liquid diet but I was not required either. I did 3 days of Protein shakes prior to surgery with no problems. As far as the psych evaluation, I found it to be a complete joke and waste of money ( I had to pay out of pocket) I filled out a questionnaire with no less than 500 questions that worded the same question 100 different ways. There would be one weird question interspersed in all the questions. I'm guessing the Doctor only focused on those answers. Who knows. I did read every one and answer every one completely honestly. I wasn't going to have anything or anyone derail my surgery. Best of luck with your pre-op prep!!

I paid for my surgery out of pocket. I had to pay the surgeon and the anesthesiologist prior to surgery and I had to pay the entire hospital bill the day of surgery, prior to surgery. I wasn't allowed to make payments. It was a little upsetting seeing that the vast majority of people that go to the hospital for any reason at all are allowed to make payments if they owe a balance. Still am extremely happy with my decision to have the surgery, no regrets, even if it takes me the next 2 or 3 years to pay off!!

Amazing job to my fellow Missourian!!! Very inspiring!

I have yet to attend a support group meeting but have been thinking about going. I'm not sure if I'll get more benefit now or after I hit my goal weight. I 'm with you, I get a lot of good info right here. The posts are really helpful, everyone has an answer for everything. Getting some good info for the holidays is not a bad idea, maybe I'll look into the next meeting. Thanks for the post!

My plan provided sample menus for every phase of transitioning back to solid foods. I never consumed the amount of food that was suggested. I remember taking medicine cup sips of Water and thinking I would never ever be able to drink 12 ounces much less 64 ounces. I don't remember at which week I was in but it does get better and easier. My advise would is the same as some of the above posts - focus on getting as much water in as possible and getting your Vitamins. My NUT advised to get your Protein but gradually lead up to the 60-80 grams a day. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Keep yourself hydrated! One thing I do now is that I always have several 32 ounce water bottles in the refrigerator. I know that I have to drink 2 a day. I recycle the bottles and use the same 2 or 3 for a few weeks. If I drink a Protein shake from powder I will also add 3 times the amount of water to increase my intake. I also never eat in between my meals. I eat 3 times a day and have a pretty good amount of protein at each meal. I usually have no problem getting in the 60-80 grams a day. Best of luck!!

I completely agree with @BlondeBanshee. You should trust your instincts. You know your friends better than anyone. In my case, I told my family and 4 of my really close friends. At social gatherings if someone asked I told them I had weight loss surgery. I also stress, more than the surgery, I made a complete 180 as far as eating habits. The surgery is a tool, none of us would be successful without putting in the work. This is what I stress and I steer all conversations towards this. My friends have been really supportive. Most are really trying to follow in my path, minus having surgery. If people ask I want to be upfront with them but I don't broadcast the fact I had surgery. Best of luck!

I switched to Protein powder. I usually go for a whey isolate protein mix. It his the most pure form of whey protein - usually low calorie, little or no fat, no sugar, and little.no carbs. In my opinion, not nearly as good as the Premier Protein shakes, but I can spice them up a bit with sugar-free syrup or stevia. I've been adding this to sugar-free pudding to make a protein pudding that I have for Breakfast and a few spoonfuls at lunch and dinner as a little desert.

@@jenn1 prosciutto is actually paper thin Italian ham, the best being Prosciutto di Parma panchetta is Italian bacon Being Italian I found it to be my sworn duty to offer the slight correction! lol Both are very delicious! Thanks for your reply. There are a lot of great posts here and many,many recipes that I will be trying in the near future. Have a good day!

@@Jonathan Blue Congrats on your Surgiversary!!! I've enjoyed reading your story - truly inspiring!!!