sunflowerchild

This surgery has been amazing for me... no complications (other than a little pneumonia just after surgery)... staying on track... exercising like the Energizer Bunny... feeling like a million bucks.
Here's a little photo evidence of why...

I eat everything I like in very small quantities. I don't look at it as a "diet". At. All. I manage my quantities, keep an accurate food\exercise diary, choose Protein first, getting at least 75g per day, exercise 5x per week and take my Vitamins. I eat carbs, but I make sure to work them into my day around the Protein and exercise in such a way that I am successful. I'm 11 months out and have been in maintenance for the last 6 weeks, holding at 3 pounds below goal so I've found a management strategy that works for me. Others eliminate "trigger foods" from their diet entirely. That works for them. For me, coming from a place of, "I can't have that", makes me crave it more. I'm thrilled that I've found a way to stay in control and eat like a thin person who gets to have it all in moderation. This has been the sweetest freedom and the best gift ever!

Good old Flintstones Complete are what my nutritionist recommended

First you'll have to dissolve the jello powder in boiling Water (only use 1/2 the amount of water) then mix Protein Powder with the other 1/2 of room temp water. Wait like 5 minutes or so for the boiling water to cool and then combine. It's important to do it this way because the Protein powder will clump if the mixture is too hot.

Here's what I think. I think this forum has attracted a segment of members who aren't actually on a WLS journey.
The only reason I am here is because I am on a WLS journey. Here, I'm seeking inspiration and advice from others who, like me, are on a WLS journey.
Maybe we need a new forum. We could call it:
"Seeking only sympathy. No actual WLS advice, insights or experience wanted."

How do you feel about Jello? I made some from scratch with unflavored Unjury, unflavored Gelatin, a kool aid packet, and truvia (you could use whatever sweetener you prefer). You could also try making your own Popsicles: Vitamin Water zero with unflavored unjury, or water and mio with unflavored unjury.

My NUT said once we are allowed regular foods (4 weeks out for us) it is fine to have one cup of coffee a day. This is just what my NUT said and I would certainly recommend checking with yours because there are drastically different rules from doc to doc. I tried some coffee recently (4 wks out) and it wasn't irritating, I was fine. I didn't have a full cup, probably only like a 1/4 of a cup.

How do you feel about Jello? I made some from scratch with unflavored Unjury, unflavored Gelatin, a kool aid packet, and truvia (you could use whatever sweetener you prefer). You could also try making your own Popsicles: Vitamin Water zero with unflavored unjury, or water and mio with unflavored unjury.

I'm also about 4 wks out. I saw my doc last week and told him I'm often dizzy and get light headed when I stand up, he said it was likely from too little Water and/or too little Protein.

When I went into this I made up my mind to become a life long athlete. That was in January of 2012 . I have kept that commitment. Exercise was just a means, not an end. I visualized the finished product... In the best health and shape possible...and structured my life to make it happen.
When I first started I could barely climb stairs. I used a steep hill by my house as my gym. I walked up and down the hill, going longer each time. Then I added weights, more time. Then I started running, then more weights. At the end of a year I was running full speed up and down the hill 12 times with ankle weights and 20 pound dumbells. This on top of push ups, knee bends, and kettle bell routines. I follow simple Protein first guide lines.
Now I don't work out at all. Why? I work at a job where I shovel dirt and run a wheelbarrow, carry heavy boards, and lift heavy poles all day in the Florida heat. I work with men nearly one third my age, (I am 65), who can barely keep up with me. Other than fighting cramps and joint pain my health is good.
Oh, yes, forgot to mention, I had prostate cancer treatment in 2009 which caused my cascading weight gain. I was supposed to be dead in 2012. I am not dead.
Make your mind up, invest your heart, your body will follow.

I'm very sensitive to artificial sweeteners as well so I understand what you're going through. Can you tolerate stevia? If so try Jay Robb Protein Powder. My favorite flavor is the strawberry but you can order a variety pack off their website which has vanilla chocolate strawberry orange piña colada and unflavored I believe. It's one of the only protein powders I've been able to find without aspartame or Splenda.

Two years ago , I took my kids to a Waterpark. I was overweight but I went on all the rides. I remember the stairs causing me to be out of breath but the rides were fine and we had a nice time. A year later, more weight, another "better" Water park, I am not even comfortable in the specially ordered swimsuit I ordered for the trip. I have embarrassing moments with tubes and slides but I went for my children, not my self image. I am days away from surgery. Another year later, 60 pounds down, another Waterpark, I feel great. I notice that the stairs don't even cause me to be out of breath, the slides are fun and I have very few problems with tubes. I make it across the "Lilly pad rope" challenge and my 13 year old son is like " aww mom I didn't even get to see you wipe out" while I could tell he was proud I made it across. My older teenage daughters were not embarrassed to walk around the park with their "beautiful" mom. This is not the experience from prior years. This is what VSG has done for me. This is what I have done. This is really enjoying my life as their mom! Water parks included. ????

Thanks for the suggestion I have never heard of Isopure or unjury. I will see if I can find this tomorrow. I can have Protein Shakes which I do like but still will not getting enough protein. I'm excited to know that there is something out there that can be added without completely changing the taste of whatever I've added it to. A couple of hours ago I was wondering how I was going to get through the next two weeks but am more encouraged now.

These are the items checked off on the prescription: Lipid panel, Vitamin d-25OH, albumin, CBC w/diff, comp metabolic panel, ferritin, folate, iron/TIBC, magnesium, methylmalonic acid, zinc, Vitamin B12

Ty

My NUT said that protein bars are okay 4 weeks post op. I haven't heard anything about not doing bars in place of shakes long term after surgery but short term the bars are too hard on your stomach.

Thank you Sunflowerchild

Yup

After a couple years I finally felt comfortable to wear a dress and without a sweater. I hated my arms but after losing 30 lbs I'm super happy. It's not much but I'm real happy to see my weight going down. I'm one month post op
Starting weight 264
Current weight 234