tamg26k

Congrats!!!

I know in the St Louis area the Vitamin Shoppe carried Nectar protein.

Mine took about 1 1/2 hours. I also had a hernia repair.

I went to NYC about 1 month after surgery and my surgeon said it was fine to have a cocktail or two, just don't over do it. I tried a glass of wine and I'm not sure if I didn't appreciate the vintage (I'm a bit of a wine snob, sorry) or the wine itself so I just don't drink wine anymore for the time being. I usually get a vodka and Water and put a flavor enhancer in it. I don't drink much anymore but during the holidays I will have a cocktail or two. I will say the alcohol gets to me really fast, one drink! That is a good thing!

I buy 32 oz. bottles of Water and refill them during the week. I always have about 3 on hand in the refrigerator. It is a great way to track your water- 2 bottles a day is the minimum I drink. After about a week or so I recycle them and get new ones. I have been doing this for about 8 months now and it really works for me. I never use a straw. I would caution on using the camelback. My doctor recommended the smaller plates but I don't use them. I actually find myself using either the salad plate or the Cereal bowl most of the time. I douse a digital food scale and measuring cups to measure my food. I do this mostly so I can keep track on myfitnesspal. I do try to only use the smaller salad fork for my meals. My biggest problem since surgery has been eating too fast or taking too big a bite of food. Best of luck on your surgery! You will do great!!!

You can have some of mine! lol

I could not tolerate the SF popsicles after surgery. They were just too sweet for me. Almost the same with SF Jello. In fact I'm almost 5 months post op and have all of the jello that I purchased before surgery still in the refrigerator. I started my chewable Vitamins about 1 week after surgery. I think every program is a bit different in this. I bought the Premier Protein shakes for me pre-op and continued them post-op. I tried other ones and could not tolerate them either. I think the first week after surgery I just had broth, Protein Shakes, and Water. Everyone is different in what they can and cannot tolerate. I just bought as I went along. Best of luck...You got this!

Best of luck, you'll do great! Remember...walk, walk, walk...as soon as you can after surgery. It really helps with the pain associated with the gas. Keep us posted!

I use my Fitbit daily and love it. I used to track everything with the Fitbit dashboard but switched over to myfitnesspal and link them together. I try to get between 7500-11000 steps a day. If is awesome motivation. I find myself parking in the farthest space wherever I am out and about. I have the fitbit flex and I bought a bunch of replacement bands on ebay for about $3 each. It's fun to swap out the colors. I highly recommend it.

I had my surgery on a Tuesday and had my first BM (small) Saturday night then again Sunday. It was horrible, far worse than the surgery. The colace did not work at all. I took Milk of Magnesia on Saturday to get things moving and it really helped. I can honestly say on the Saturday after surgery I was about 1 hour from going to the emergency room. I felt terrible. I never knew I would feel so bad from not being able to go. I'm now 5 months post op and have been fine ever since. I guess it's just the initial shock to our system. Best of luck.

Good luck! I am about 5 months post op RNY in St Louis. You will do great! Keep us posted.

Congrats on your surgery date! Remember...walk, walk, walk...as soon as you can after surgery it helps with the gas pain! Keep us posted.

Quit weighing yourself daily! lol Seriously though, I only weigh myself about once a month or so. This way I don't stress out if I don't lose anything in a few days. I think everyone has stalls. I started working out about 5 days a week and had to increase my calories a bit - I eat about 700-900 and Protein to about 110 grams a day on workout days. This has really helped

Someone asked how much weight I lost the other day. ( I try not to give anyone the amount, I usually say a lot and I feel great!) I gave the total and the response I got was " Well, that's what happens when you have surgery." Yes, he is right we lose weight, but not without putting in the work. There is nothing easy about this. We all have to put in the work to be successful. It is a complete lifestyle change. The surgery is just one part of a 3 part lifestyle change. The second being a brand new way of eating and looking at food. I read every label and count every gram of sugar and carbs. Anyone who says is easy to give up bread, Pasta, rice, pizza, tacos, donuts, cake, etc. is crazy. It isn't easy. Replacing these foods with healthy alternatives has been great. I love cooking now...who new! The third is exercising. I am in the gym 5 days a week now. I love it. I actually look forward to going. Something happens when you start to see and feel the results from exercising that makes you want to just workout more. I am proud of the results that I've achieved so far (110 lbs. in just under 5 months) and I don't think I would of been in the same place without the work. We should all be very proud of ourselves for making a change.

@@CheleLynn45 I just go to the deli and instead of getting either turkey or chicken sliced, I have them shred it. I actually think it tastes much better in the smaller pieces. I go to my local grocery store for that. I am not a fan of the deli meats at Wal-Mart.

This has happened to me in the past a bit. The best thing to do is to get the food back up. I am no way condoning throwing up, but the food is stuck in the stoma area and has yet to make it to your small stomach. It is a terrible feeling. I've tried to walk it and it didn't help. Small, slow bites is definitely the way to go. I would also watch eating anything tortilla for a while. I tried a tortilla shell ( very small) and the first bite got stuck and didn't agree with me. They are definitely a food that went on the avoid list. Best of luck!

Great job!!

Awesome job! When members post pictures during their weight loss, it is truly inspiring for the rest of us. You rock!

@@Trayjay33 I buy one of the non fat 100 calorie Greek yogurts. Aldi has one that is good and inexpensive. The mustard was spicy southwestern from Wal-Mart (their brand) I buy a lot of shredded deli chicken and mix up the tastes with the sauces. The Greek yogurt adds to the Protein total too!

@@Trayjay33 got it!

I had a pair of wireless workout headphones on my Christmas gift for using at the gym. I jumped the gun and bought them for myself. lol I put a crock pot on my list this year. Since surgery in July I have been using my crockpot like crazy but it is too small so a new one went on the list. Clothing gift cards are a great idea.

I have been making a sauce out of Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce ( we have a local one in St Louis that is delicious - low carb, low sugar and low fat to boot!) It is delicious. I also found a Southwest mustard that is really good too.

I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was back to work the following Monday. Luckily, I have my own business so my work was not too strenuous. Everyone is different. Listen to what your body is telling you. I know this is not recommended, but I was driving 3 days after surgery. Best of luck!

Walk, walk, walk. It is the only thing that helps the pain from the gas. I don't think I ate anything in the hospital, just a few ice chips. It does get better...A LOT!!! Hang in there and keep us posted.

@@alwaysvegas Love the suggestions! I'm going to try these soon!