MrsSugarbabe

I've been "stuck" in the same 10 lb. range for about 6 months now. Very frustrating. I've been logging, counting, changing up exercise routine, decreasing caloric intake, increasing caloric intake, doing whatever I can think of to jumpstart the weight loss again. I do take satisfaction in the fact that I have not gained and have still continued to lose inches. I will press on!!

No such thing as a silly question

Robe. You're going to be in a hospital gown most of the time anyway since they'll want to check your incisions, etc. It also makes it easier for staff should they need quick access for any reason.

Where are you having your surgery? I'm just north of you

Good luck!

You can do this!!

I recently returned from a 2 1/2 week vacation, most of it traveling and eating out, and I returned home without gaining any weight. I'm not in the liquid phase any longer, but I do still supplement my meals with Protein shakes in order to get the minimal grams of Protein each day (100g). My preferred Protein Powder is powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury for numerous reasons. I buy it directly from @@UNJURY to save $$. The dietitians at Unjury are always available to talk with you if you have any questions or concerns in the event you're unable to reach your practice dietitian.

My suggestions for traveling:

Take premeasured protein powder with you or a scale so you can accurately measure the powder rather than depending on scoop size. Powder can easily compact or be too loose and you won't get an accurate serving size. Don't wait until you're in the restaurant to mix your shake. Premix your Protein Shakes and ask for a glass of ice to pour it over. Have it ready to drink and I think you will avoid some strong temptations. Unjury protein powder shakes can be made at least 24 hours ahead of when you plan to drink the shake, which I do often because I think they taste better when the shake has had time to "bloom" so to speak. Also, Unjury has a chicken Soup protein powder that is quite good, but you have to be careful about Water temperature so it helps to have a simple thermometer on hand. If the Water is too hot, the whey will clump. It doesn’t change the taste, just the texture which can be weird. I have found that having a non-sweet protein Meal Replacement helped me get through the restaurant meals and such.

Most of my protein beverages are just shaken up; I do not use a blender or make them frozen for simplicity and time sake.

Get creative with your drink flavors. Some of my favorite flavor combinations are:

1. vanilla Protein Powder, SF Sunrise Orange drink (it’s like an orange Dreamsicle)
2. ½ serving vanilla PP, ½ serving chocolate Splendor PP ,4 oz. brewed coffee, chilled, 4 oz. skim milk
3. Chocolate Splendor PP, 8 oz. skim milk, 1 or 2 servings PB2
4. ½ serving Vanilla PP, ½ serving chocolate Splendor, 8 oz. skim milk
5. Chicken PP with less than a serving of chicken bouillon mixed with 8-10 oz. water at 140 degs.

Have a safe, happy, and successful vacation!!

Sooo many frogs!

Now you know what's more important to him, and unfortunately for him, it wasn't you.

You're the keeper!!

Anything worth having is worth waiting for.....and that includes "anyone."

In order to meet my Protein goals each day, I have to supplement with either a Protein "shake" or Protein Bar.

If you are looking for a high quality, great tasting, satisfying Protein powder that is better than anything you will find in the stores, then this is the product you want to purchase. You can't go wrong, especially since they'll refund your money if you aren't pleased with the product. Also, a dietitian is always available by phone to assist you not just with their product, but with any other dietary questions you may have.

I use powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powders which were recommended to me by a friend. After reading most of the reviews of each of the products I was interested in, I decided to give it a try. I have been quite impressed with the flavor and quality of the chocolate Splendor and the chicken flavored mixes. Both taste great and mix up easily. I've been using the chocolate Splendor mixed with milk for my Breakfast and the chicken flavor mixed with some chicken bouillon for my lunch. You just have to watch the Water temperature when preparing the Chicken flavor otherwise the whey will clump. It doesn’t change the taste, just the texture which can be weird. Both are quite filling and satisfying. I have tried the strawberry Sorbet mixed with lemonade also, and liked the taste, but need to work on the amounts mixed together to fine tune the beverage to better suit my taste for strawberry Lemonade. I've also tried the unflavored powder mixed with milk when I ran out of the chocolate. The milk still tasted like milk, and it was okay, but I did not like it as well as I do the Chocolate Splendor mixed with milk.

Most of my protein beverages are just shaken up; I do not use a blender or make them frozen for simplicity and time sake.

Some of my favorite flavor combinations are:

1. Vanilla Protein Powder, SF Sunrise Orange drink (it’s like an orange Dreamsicle)
2. ½ serving Vanilla PP, ½ serving Chocolate Splendor PP ,4 oz. brewed coffee, chilled, 4 oz. skim milk
3. Chocolate Splendor PP, 8 oz. skim milk, 1 or 2 servings PB2
4. ½ serving Vanilla PP, ½ serving Chocolate Splendor, 8 oz. skim milk
5. Chicken PP with less than a serving of chicken bouillon mixed with 8-10 oz. Water at 140 degs.

When I had my VSG my surgeon found that I had a HH and repaired it while doing the VSG. Never knew I had one You shouldn't have any concerns. Your surgeon will probably repair it in the process. My post-op restrictions weren't any different than originally discussed for the surgery.

You will be able to eat more as time goes by, but don't be in a rush.

I still can't eat a whole hot dog with bun and Condiments. We rarely eat them anyway. Usually I will eat about 1/4 of the bun and all the dog, which is still a tad too much for comfort. My most comfortable maximum intake is about 2/3 - 3/4 of a cup total. Two bites too many and I'm miserable for about a hour.

Very unprofessional. And.....none of her business unless you choose to make it her business.

After cooking the eggs, my hubby will put the boiled egg into a large (and tall) mug and shake the daylights out of the egg cracking the shell all over thus making it easy to peel. A similar process to what @@DavidOso suggested above. Works every time.

I love ice cream, but will avoid it most of the time so as to not tempt fate (too many calories, carbs, and too easy to overeat). If I do have some, I usually will only eat a bite or two of my husband's dish of ice cream. That tends to satisfy me. Also, sometimes a squirt or two of Redi Whip (or the store equivalent) suffices for a "dessert" when at home.

Same here. For a lot of the same reasons. Better a Protein bar than to make a poor food choice when extremely hungry and real food isn't readily available.

I buy Quest bars regularly via Amazon. I also use powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder which I buy directly from Unjury.< /p>

I use Protein bars. Regularly. Even as a meal sometimes. Yes, even at home. In fact, I have one on most days. There are a few reasons for this:

The first is convenience, obviously. There is always one in my purse, so if I get stuck out and about with no decent food options I have something to eat. Or sometimes its just too hot to cook. Or too late. Or I've gone too long between grocery store visits. Okay, okay, or I'm just being lazy. Happy??

The second is that I view a protein bar as a 'double' supplement. I buy kinds with a high Fiber content (B up, Quest), so in addition to boosting my protein I'm also keeping myself regular. This is probably a good part of why I don't tend to have the, um, issues that most post-WLS patients seem to have.

The third is that I tend to have a hard time hitting my calorie goal in particular. Protein is often short as well. Despite my best efforts, at the end of most days, I tend to be short about 200 calories and anywhere from 5-20g protein. Guess what a B up or Quest bar has! About 200 calories and 20g protein!!

Oh, and I find they keep me quite full for several hours. They definitely trigger restriction for me.

I lost more inches around than cup size. Pre-surgery wore a 44D, now wearing 42C. The D cup was more to accommodate the fat under my arms than about breast size. Never was perky; surely aren't now (especially at my age).

Excellent information and nice summary. I received all of this information prior to surgery; had a great surgeon and NUT. However, I know no everyone received all the great support that I did, so thank you for sharing it. Also, it never hurts to be reminded about these things.

I'm a fan of @@powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder and have been using it for 2 years now; started several months prior to my surgery. It's high Protein and low carb and great tasting. Some flavor combinations include chocolate splendor with skim milk; chocolate with skim and a little brewed coffee; vanilla with skim; vanilla with orange sunrise SF drink mix; and a lunch favorite - chicken Soup with the chicken flavor powder for the times you don't want something sweet. Also, half chocolate, half vanilla in skim and a serving of PB2. They have recipes available on their website. The cost is very affordable. And, if you don't like it, they will take it back. Dietitians are available anytime you want to talk with one.

Neck exercises do help with toning the muscle under your chin and in your neck. Not the total problem solver, but it helps. Like everything else, consistency is key. I do them every so often and can feel it the next day.

BTW, you're looking great!!!! Awesome progress!!!

I concur with all of the above comments. And @@Dub made some excellent recommendations and information.

All my life I have enjoyed some level of physical exercise whether at home or in a gym, regardless of my weight at that point in my life. It makes me feel good period. And, besides the obvious benefits to your weight loss program, think of all the good things physical activity is doing for your internal functions. A WIN-WIN!!

This time around I chose to join Planet Fitness which has a location on my way home from work and very close to home; this makes it very convenient for me to get there 2-4 times each week, most visits are right after work. I change clothes at the office just before leaving so that I can just walk in, do my workout whatever it is that day, i.e. cardio, strength training, or circuit training. Also, whenever I feel the need to change up my routine, they do have a "trainer" who can help you with that. He/She doesn't function like a hired personal trainer, but once I have a routine mapped out, I'm good to go. I have worked with a personal trainer in years past which I did find very helpful because they do, and will, push you more than we tend to push ourselves during a workout.

I would have loved to gone to a gym that offered classes and a pool because I love taking classes and doing Water aerobics, but the Y closest to my home does not have a pool and all the rooms with all the equipment are dark and uninviting; thus my choice to join Planet Fitness.

Bottom line for me was it had to be convenient, affordable, and a comfortable atmosphere, mostly convenient, otherwise, I won't go and do.

As you are considering different gyms, ask about visitor passes so you can use the facility a time or two before committing your financial resources.

Good luck to you and ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY!!!!

AWESOME!!!! Congratulations!

This BP article written by Alex may be helpful to you as you strive for success following your surgery.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/363534-setting-yourself-up-for-weight-loss-surgery-success/

This BP article written by Alex may be helpful to you as you strive for success following your surgery.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/363534-setting-yourself-up-for-weight-loss-surgery-success/

This BP article written by Alex may be helpful to you as you strive for success following your surgery.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/363534-setting-yourself-up-for-weight-loss-surgery-success/

I was given a guideline for Protein to focus on (100g/day) and told to keep carbs low. Since I focus on getting all my Protein in, there's little room for much else most of the time, and the carbs kind of take care of themselves in staying low. Most of my carbs come from skim milk, Beans, fruit (of which I eat very little).

To add to my comments above, I, TOO, had comorbidities pre-surgery - diabeties, fatty liver, high blood pressure were the main reason for the surgery - all have resolved since surgery.

My PCP recommended RNY, but after a year of consideration, research, prayer, talking to many people who have had either sleeve or RNY, I chose sleeve. I would still choose the sleeve. Very thankful I now have this tool to help me manage my weight. I'm still about 40 lbs. from my goal, but still working my program. Many lifestyle changes were made along the way including increased physical activity. Even though I'm not at goal yet, I'm loving my new body!! Even though the scale has been stuck within the same 7 lbs. for months now, inches continue to come off.

Whichever surgery you decide on, stay committed to your program and ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY!!

I concur with @@JamieLogical and @CowgirlJane.

I have no regrets with going with the sleeve. It made the most sense to me and for me, and I didn't want my plumbing to have to be rerouted. I had GERD before surgery, not extreme, still have GERD after surgery, no change really. Still have very noticeable restriction.

Ask your dietitian or surgeon to be certain. Not all WLS programs are the same.

I was able to eat some apple sauce (unsweetened, of course) in the pureed phase, if I wanted it, and others as tolerated as time passed. You will/may find that because you can eat so very little now that you focus on the Protein you need to consume and eventually add other foods down the road. I still have trouble getting sufficient veggies and fruits eaten because once I eat my Protein, I'm full.

I don't think having the surgery change the essential me at all; just what and how I eat, and my relationship with food. My people relationships are as good as ever and I'm more physically active than before surgery. I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy the journey!!! Sounds like you have a lot going on so ENJOY!!

I agree with the others - you don't have to buy their products. Find what you like as long as it fits with the carb/protein/calorie guidelines for your program.

I love the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder - buy online from their website. whey Protein isolate, very low carb, 100 cals./serving. Great support from dietitians and if you don't like it, they will take it back - 100% guarantee. I love the vanilla, chocolate splendor, unflavored, and when I don't want something sweet, they have a chicken Soup powder, just don't heat Water over 140 deg. or the whey will clump - doesn't change the taste, just the looks and texture. This is one Protein Powder you can mix in advance and drink it at your convenience, even 24-48 hours later.

Be creative with flavors and combinations:

SF orange drink made with Water, 1 serving of vanilla Unjury = dreamsicle shake

Vanilla and chocolate mixed with skim milk with a little brewed coffee = a not too chocolatey mocha shake

Vanilla shake made with skim milk and a squirt or two of your favorite flavor of SF Torani (or other brand) Syrup - I love the SF Black Cherry.

I use the SF vanilla and SF hazelnut in my morning coffee with Creamer and sweetener.

I use the SF black cherry, a couple squirts, in an powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury vanilla Protein shake made with milk for a black cherry shake. I have the peach flavor, too, but have not tried it yet.

For an orange dreamsicle Protein Shake I use SF orange drink mix, skim milk, and vanilla Unjury. Sometimes I even use a little SF pineapple mix to make it orange pineapple (happen to be drinking one now ).

It's easy to get creative with the flavors using them with either the vanilla or unflavored Unjury Protein Shake powder.

I get tired of plain vanilla, chocolate, and mocha shakes so it's nice to have several flavor options.