SkinnyDown

I actually have to remove anything I can drink from the table, just to make sure I don't drink while I eat. It's difficult otherwise. I just naturally grab for my Water bottle or cup of tea. @@Dub I'm glad your visit went well, and wish you luck with everything!

Before surgery, I did almost a year of therapy on my own (twice a month). To address my food addiction issues, and the reasons I got fat to begin with. I'm still in therapy, still working on it, and as most addictions go, will always be in recovery. There really is no easy way if a person has serious food addiction issues. It has to be addressed. Or I think we'd be setting ourselves up to fail. I could mess up at any time, and I'm well aware of it, but I have some tools now to help me, which I didn't have before. Tools I learned from my therapist. Ways of coping I didn't have before. It's made a big difference for me. Hope this helped. I wish you luck!

Thank you for sharing! Inspirational.

Crackers are on my approved list too. Melba toast, wheat/whole grain crackers, and saltines. Allowed 2-3 crackers with tuna salad, chicken salad, as part of the soft diet. Whole wheat bread (toasted) is too, but I haven't tried any bread yet. I have had crackers with no issues. I chew them very slowly and take very tiny bites, but I haven't done it much, I would rather not tack on those extra carbs. Again, that's the crazy difference of all these different Bariatric centers. I have no idea why they are so wildly different in what is ok and what is not.

I agree. I was told by my NUT, that the most successful "losers", track everything they eat and drink. That means measuring, counting and weighing everything, too. There is no room for estimates. It's a pain in the booty, I know, but it holds you accountable for what you are putting in your body. I plan to continue tracking indefinitely.

There are other foods high in Protein too. cheese, yogurt. To name a few. I'm having the same issues, but I talked to my NUT, and you can help by adding unflavored Protein powder to things like yogurt, cottage cheese, V8 juice etc. I am only required to get in 50-60 grams a day, and 700-800 calories. I'm not supposed to be on shakes anymore. They don't want us dependent on them for our protein needs. I'm not even close to goal in the calorie dept, I get about 400 calories in daily, and about 10-20 grams short of protein on any given day. A person can only eat so much with this tiny pouch. LOL Wishing you luck!

Thanks!

@@Tess White I agree with the other posters here, you shouldn't be drinking anything with sugar in it. This is lifestyle change, and this soon after surgery, you just can't go back to those old habits, and putting sugar into your body. It's going to make you gain. Carbs=sugar and sugar makes us fat. My best advice is.... Measure, weigh, count, and write EVERYTHING down you eat and drink. You'll get a clear picture of where you are going right, and where you are going wrong. I was told people who record and measure all their food, are more successful after wls. Exactly the reason I do it, and I know it's a pain, but it helps, and holds me accountable for everything that goes in my mouth. Don't estimate your portions. That can make a difference between 1/4 Cup and 1/2 Cup. BIG difference in the numbers happens. Know how many Proteins, calories, and carbs you are putting into your body, and remember. Protein first, then veggies. Carbs last. And you shouldn't have room for carbs, if you eat your protein and veggies first. If your issue is head hunger, that's something that needs to be worked out in therapy. I wish you luck with everything.

@@Daisee68 Glad you were able to eat. I love baked Talapia. It stays down fine for me, and the veggie is a great pairing!

I can tell you what my NUT said, when I asked about breaded or encrusted fish. Absolutely not. You don't need the carbs, and it's too soon for soft diet. Baked only. Hope that helps. You really should consult your nutritionist on this. Do you have a book of approved foods or not? I got one, from my bariatric center. Good luck.

@@JLT1971 You posted this, so I assume you want some honest responses, so here goes. I guess I'd ask why do you care what anyone else eats? Why are you keeping score? You laid out a very detailed account of what everyone else ate. How is this helping you at this point? I'd say stop judging everyone else and keep your eyes on your own plate. I'd also ask myself why you want to "match" what they eat....all those artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols etc. aren't that great for you. So, you trying to convince others to eat the poison...is like trying to lead ants to Aspartame or Splenda. They don't want that, they already know that's worse for them, than real sugar. They want the real thing. I don't blame them. You could have easily enjoyed a few chunks of fruit, with natural sugars, and that should have been sufficient, and would have been healthier. You are on, or "should" be on, another path. Away from all of that, and towards health. Look if you want sympathy, someone may give it, but if you want honesty, and I think you really wanted honesty. It sounds like you could benefit by looking into food addiction issues with a therapist. Why you want those foods, and why you feel left out, and are upset about what others get and you don't, is a clear sign you have issues to work on. The only reason I know this, is because I spent a lifetime doing the same, and finally got the help I needed. That's my honest opinion. You seem to want help, and there is help out there for you. But you have to take the first step. I wish you luck, with everything! I'm not a mean person, just blunt, and to the point. I blame my Sagittarianism on that. lol

@@Djmohr Wow, that's great! That's what I think would help weed out who isn't serious and who is. Also the no alcohol contract is brilliant! We really need standards across the board.

@@Kindle Yes, I had the C Diff test, it came back negative.

My head has exploded a few times already. I've been a member here almost a year now. I have little patience for ignorance. I also don't really give one care or thought to people who don't like me, or my bluntness. I like me. I have a good sense of self, and my existence doesn't depend on who likes me. I think if I were even more honest, I'd probably get the boot from this place. I think, and this is just my opinion.....as I have stated many times in this forum, that in order to get this surgery everyone should at least see a therapist as much as we have to see a nutritionist. I have for the past year been in therapy dealing with my food addiction issues, and I'll keep saying it....because I believe it's so important to being successful in losing and keeping this weight off. I'm no different than a heroin addict. Seriously. Only my drugs are readily available, affordable, and legal. Yeah...talk about a junkies dream! This is why so many people struggle. They did not deal with their food addiction issues. That's why they are so hungry. But they need to get up, and make a call, and get into therapy and work it out. Stop talking about how hungry they are, and start finding out why. We all have a story, reasons....we didn't become fat for fun. I also think people should be tested on what they know with an actual written test. Before surgery. To make sure they know what they can and cannot do, what they are supposed to do, eat, drink, and when to call the Dr. The amount of questions people ask NON PROFESSIONALS here about is astounding to me. CALL YOUR BARIATRIC CENTER! Lastly, I think there has to be a more uniform across the board system that all Bariatric centers use. I'm told to get 50-60 grams of Protein daily. Others are told 100 grams daily. I'm unsure what that's about unless it's a height issue. I'm short, so maybe I don't need as much. Some people are eating regular food by 6 weeks out, I'm on soft diet for at least 2 more weeks. They don't want me on Protein shakes anymore, and if I need more protein only unflavored powdered protein is to be used. Some people are still drinking protein shakes almost a year out! I don't care, I just don't understand why things are so different for so many people. Some have no pre-op liquid diets, while others have 10 days or more. I mean why can't the surgeons even get together and agree? Oh, and a side note. There are some really great members here who are selfless and help everyone, and I thank them for having the patience. You make things so much better for people who need answers, comfort, and care. Thank you! End rant.

I agree, call your Dr. or make a trip to the ER. This is nothing to mess around with. Especially if you are unable to eat. I've had diarrhea every day, since I got home from the hospital, 5 weeks ago. I am able to eat though. Problem is, it pretty much goes right through me. They can't figure it out yet, referring me to a Gastroenterologist if Imodium doesn't help, but I don't want to be on imodium the rest of my life either. It's getting to be a bit much, day after day of this.

ENTJ Extravert(44%) iNtuitive(75%) Thinking(1%) Judging(44%) You have moderate preference of Extraversion over Introversion (44%) You have distinct preference of Intuition over Sensing (75%) You have marginal or no preference of Thinking over Feeling (1%) You have moderate preference of Judging over Perceiving (44%)

If they fill your body cavity with gas, how does it get into your intestinal tract? I'm just curious how that actually works. It's not like they fill your stomach and intestines with gas, right? My understanding of things, is this...you have a shortened length from food entering and exiting. Hence the extra gas coming much sooner after eating a meal. In my case, I have an even shorter distance for it to travel, since I'm missing a foot of colon as well, from a previous colon resection. So, when I eat...20 - 30 minutes later, I'm heading to the bathroom. If it doesn't improve, they want me to see a G.I. Dr. soon. I've had diarrhea ever since the surgery (6 weeks ago). Negative for C Diff. They tested me for that. I think it's best if you are having issues, and it's bad, let your bariatric team know. It might be a food allergy you didn't have, or an intolerance to something you didn't have before. Or they might be able to prescribe something to help.

Before surgery my A1c was 9.2, and before that it was over 10.0. 3 weeks after surgery it was 6.1 I'm almost in full remission. From the time I got home from the hospital, I've been off two oral diabetes meds and 2 types of Insulin My blood sugars remain normal, stable, and I feel a world of difference. It works.

@@Bufflehead What a great post! These are the very things I have been working on in therapy, and continue to work on. I know for me, as a person with food addiction issues, I need that kind of continuing help. I am glad I invested nearly a year into therapy before surgery. Again, great post. I'm going to save it for future use, should I need it. Thanks!

I was the same weight after I left the hospital (I was in one week) as I was when I came into the hospital. It's all the IV fluids. My legs and feet were so swollen I could barely walk, or fit into my shoes. That will go away with walking, better rest, which you're sure to get at home, and before you know it, the weight will start coming off! Don't get too discouraged, it took me to week 2 post-op to lose my first 10 lbs.

Almost 6 weeks out, still not experiencing real hunger. My surgeon told me he "disconnected" the connection between the main part of my stomach and my new pouch, from a hormone named Grehlin. It's also called "The Hunger Hormone". It's what makes you feel hungry. Now I'm assuming that is the case for everyone who has had bypass surgery. Why some are hungry and some are not after surgery...well I think that might be worked out in therapy. If this disconnection is normal to all gastric bypass surgeries. I am still unable to get all the Protein in I am supposed to, and barely meeting my Fluid requirements. I try, but when you aren't hungry it's hard to force yourself to eat. I just end up feeling sick and nauseous when I force it. I tried one day and got in the right amount of protein, and I was literally stuffed and felt ill all day. I see the NUT and NP tomorrow, hopefully I'll have some ideas from them on what to do. I personally don't care if I ever feel hungry again. I could care less about food right now, and that's helping me a lot. I see food, smell it, it just doesn't bother me. With exception to a hot dog I saw in an ad in a magazine when I was in the hospital, I haven't had a craving for anything. I just wanted the hot dog, didn't care about the bun. lol which in all actuality, I could totally have the hot dog if I wanted. I just might too. Well, maybe a few small bites. Not like I could eat a whole hot dog at this point. LOL I don't think it's anything to be worried about....I barely ate anything the first week after surgery and next to nothing the next few weeks. I'm still living. If you are worried though or feeling weird or weak, I'd call your Bariatric center. As long as you keep getting in fluids , that's way more important they say, than food right now. I wish you luck with everything!

I used Lactaid milk. I didn't have any issues with gas, diarrhea or anything Pre-op. I had to use 2% milk, because I needed the extra fatty acids. I was told. I am still supposed to use 2% milk if I do Protein shakes now. I had issues with regular milk pre-op, but not other dairy products. Remains the same after surgery.

I have issues with going out....period. I bought a treadmill for that purpose specifically. I live in a tiny town with no place to exercise anymore, anyway. It closed. But...as I work on things like this in therapy. I remember my therapist once reminding me, just because it seems all eyes are on me when I walk into a room, I have to observe when others walk into a room. Most everyone just naturally looks up/over to see who has arrived. That makes me feel a little better, and it's true. I've observed people doing it. Look up, quick glance, and back to whatever they were doing. I think as most people have said, people are focused on themselves and their goals and not really all that worried about anyone else.

I'm never supposed to drink caffeine again, as it causes ulcers. Again I am so surprised at how different these programs are. There is no standard it seems. That worries me. I agree, colace or miralax. I've had diarrhea since the hospital, 5 weeks out, and still, every day. They even tested me for C Diff, negative.

This is just my opinion, but I think they have far far too little psych work/evaluations for this surgery. I see people all the time on this board, sorry, but I do, who are having serious cravings, eating bad junk, gaining, putting too many carbs back in their bodies, and complaining about a constant hunger. Why? If people wanting WLS had gone through just as much therapy pre-surgery as we go through NUT appointments, we wouldn't be feeling that way. I know that's a pretty grand sweeping generalization. I was surprised. One test, and one psych visit was all that was required, for me. I just don't understand why there is not so much more importance put on identifying and treating food addiction issues. I mean come on, we didn't get fat by just looking at food. This didn't just happen because food tastes great. I also have PCOS and Hashimoto's but that's only a part of why I am fat. I ate my way to 343 lbs. I spent a lifetime trying to comfort myself, and protect myself with food and fat. That deserves more exploration than one visit. I spent nearly a year in therapy before surgery to work on my addiction to food. I still work on it, post-surgery, twice a month, with a therapist who has helped other people through WLS, and has experience with food addiction counseling, I think this is hard enough, without making it harder. I am an addict. Just like any other addict out there, and I know that I can fall off this wagon at any time. But I like being aware of that. It just might get me through hard times. I am surprised at what I read here, only 5% don't make the cut. That number seems so wrong, when I read of how many issues people have post-surgery. Either they aren't testing right, or asking the right questions. Again, just my opinion. You don't have to like it, but I felt it was worth being said, about this topic.