dashofsunshine

That's kind of a tall order for a message board... you need help with a food plan. Did your doctor or nutritionist give you guidelines? There are so many different plans! If you read through some posts or do a search you will find lots of information.

It's hard to know where to begin answering a question like that.

Honestly? After talking to dozens and dozens of post-op bariatric surgery patients, it depends more on your genetics and your luck than anything. And I hate to say that. It's kind of like the loose skin issue. I wish I had a magical trick for the huge number of people that have asked me about my lack of Hair loss and loose skin, but really - I got my Protein in, I drank my Water, I used bath and body works lotion a few times a week.
170 lbs lost, never lost any hair, barely any loose skin. I have no idea how, or why - neither does anyone else take your Biotin, get your protein, drink your water - you could try to find some biotin shampoo! But honestly, I don't know if it makes that much difference. It seems that some people just lose the hair, and some don't. Good news? It will grow back!

Honestly? After talking to dozens and dozens of post-op bariatric surgery patients, it depends more on your genetics and your luck than anything. And I hate to say that. It's kind of like the loose skin issue. I wish I had a magical trick for the huge number of people that have asked me about my lack of Hair loss and loose skin, but really - I got my Protein in, I drank my Water, I used bath and body works lotion a few times a week.
170 lbs lost, never lost any hair, barely any loose skin. I have no idea how, or why - neither does anyone else take your Biotin, get your protein, drink your water - you could try to find some biotin shampoo! But honestly, I don't know if it makes that much difference. It seems that some people just lose the hair, and some don't. Good news? It will grow back!

Thanks so very much!!!

Honestly? After talking to dozens and dozens of post-op bariatric surgery patients, it depends more on your genetics and your luck than anything. And I hate to say that. It's kind of like the loose skin issue. I wish I had a magical trick for the huge number of people that have asked me about my lack of Hair loss and loose skin, but really - I got my Protein in, I drank my Water, I used bath and body works lotion a few times a week.
170 lbs lost, never lost any hair, barely any loose skin. I have no idea how, or why - neither does anyone else take your Biotin, get your protein, drink your water - you could try to find some biotin shampoo! But honestly, I don't know if it makes that much difference. It seems that some people just lose the hair, and some don't. Good news? It will grow back!

Your stomach has 3 rows of staples now, and 70-80% of it was removed - this is why things that are highly acidic (like coffee, or wine) as well as NSAIDS (which are known to sometimes cause ulcers in normal stomachs when taken in large amounts) are generally discouraged with all bariatric procedures. Caffeine is also a diuretic, as someone else commented - it dehydrates you faster, and Water is precious (especially in the early days) to your body now because you won't be getting much liquid from food anymore.
ALL of that being said...I will be 3 years out in November. I drink a 6 oz cup of coffee with a splash of Creamer every morning. I drink dry white wine occasionally on the weekends. I will pop an ibuprofen occasionally. No ulcers here.
My best advice would be don't do coffee/NSAIDS/wine in excess (like, several cups/glasses/pills a day), and give your new sleeve full time to heal completely. You'll likely be fine

I do six small "meals" per day - Snacks and meals are all basically the same size, usually 5-6 bites. Sample menu is usually something like:
Breakfast - One egg poached or scrambled and one link turkey sausage (this morning I managed 3 bites of scrambled egg, and that's it. It just varies on how tight my sleeve is that day)
"Snack" 1 - handful of almonds or 1/3 cup of cottage cheese
lunch - half a fresh pack of starkist tuna over a few pieces of romaine lettuce, or a deli turkey/cheese roll up (no bread or wrap or anything) and a couple olives
"Snack" 2 - usually a Protein Shake - I run half marathons and lift heavy, so I like to have a shake after my daily run/workout. Mixed with 6 oz unsweetened almond milk, and I just sip on it for a while.
dinner - whatever I cook for that night. I cook every night for myself and my husband - I have what I call an "arsenal" of high Protein, low carb meals that I've been cooking for 3 years, and we rotate weekly menus. I add new ones as I experiment in the kitchen or find them on Pinterest. Last night dinner was low carb pesto chicken bake and my famous roasted broccoli. I managed 3 bites of chicken and 2 of broccoli.
After dinner snack - usually something like 1/3 cup light & fit yogurt, or a few baby carrots with Greek yogurt ranch. Depends on what I'm feeling like!
Sometimes I skip the after dinner snack, if I'm not hungry.

My surgeon said never. Never ever. No alcohol, ever again. Probably due to the risk for transfer addiction (which, by the way, is a very real thing - and if you choose to drink...or shop online...be aware of it, lol)
I waited about 8 months before I had anything.
3 years out in November and the only three beverages I ever consume (unless it's a weird situation - special vacation or something) are one 6 oz cup of coffee every morning, Water (120+ oz a day), and dry white wine.
Just watch yourself - tolerance will be much lower, and be sure to monitor your weight, if you choose to start drinking during rapid weight loss phase. Alcohol slows the metabolism.
Good luck at the baby shower!!

I do six small "meals" per day - Snacks and meals are all basically the same size, usually 5-6 bites. Sample menu is usually something like:
Breakfast - One egg poached or scrambled and one link turkey sausage (this morning I managed 3 bites of scrambled egg, and that's it. It just varies on how tight my sleeve is that day)
"Snack" 1 - handful of almonds or 1/3 cup of cottage cheese
lunch - half a fresh pack of starkist tuna over a few pieces of romaine lettuce, or a deli turkey/cheese roll up (no bread or wrap or anything) and a couple olives
"Snack" 2 - usually a Protein Shake - I run half marathons and lift heavy, so I like to have a shake after my daily run/workout. Mixed with 6 oz unsweetened almond milk, and I just sip on it for a while.
dinner - whatever I cook for that night. I cook every night for myself and my husband - I have what I call an "arsenal" of high Protein, low carb meals that I've been cooking for 3 years, and we rotate weekly menus. I add new ones as I experiment in the kitchen or find them on Pinterest. Last night dinner was low carb pesto chicken bake and my famous roasted broccoli. I managed 3 bites of chicken and 2 of broccoli.
After dinner snack - usually something like 1/3 cup light & fit yogurt, or a few baby carrots with Greek yogurt ranch. Depends on what I'm feeling like!
Sometimes I skip the after dinner snack, if I'm not hungry.

I do six small "meals" per day - Snacks and meals are all basically the same size, usually 5-6 bites. Sample menu is usually something like:
Breakfast - One egg poached or scrambled and one link turkey sausage (this morning I managed 3 bites of scrambled egg, and that's it. It just varies on how tight my sleeve is that day)
"Snack" 1 - handful of almonds or 1/3 cup of cottage cheese
lunch - half a fresh pack of starkist tuna over a few pieces of romaine lettuce, or a deli turkey/cheese roll up (no bread or wrap or anything) and a couple olives
"Snack" 2 - usually a Protein Shake - I run half marathons and lift heavy, so I like to have a shake after my daily run/workout. Mixed with 6 oz unsweetened almond milk, and I just sip on it for a while.
dinner - whatever I cook for that night. I cook every night for myself and my husband - I have what I call an "arsenal" of high Protein, low carb meals that I've been cooking for 3 years, and we rotate weekly menus. I add new ones as I experiment in the kitchen or find them on Pinterest. Last night dinner was low carb pesto chicken bake and my famous roasted broccoli. I managed 3 bites of chicken and 2 of broccoli.
After dinner snack - usually something like 1/3 cup light & fit yogurt, or a few baby carrots with Greek yogurt ranch. Depends on what I'm feeling like!
Sometimes I skip the after dinner snack, if I'm not hungry.

The early days are overwhelming and miserable, for most. If it helps at all - I hardly remember the pain and struggle of the first several weeks post-op. Those memories have faded. I do, however, remember 330 lb me. I promised myself I would never forget how it felt to be 170 lbs heavier - and I've never regretted my choice to change my life.
It will pass - I promise. And it will get easier every day.

Many, MANY people have trouble with eggs early on, post-op. It was about 8-10 months before I could handle them. I will be 3 years post-op in November and eat eggs freely now you will be fine!

I had your normal week-2 week long stalls during active weight loss phase - maybe 2 or 3 of them? Those are pretty much standard and expected - your body is trying to catch up with all the massive pounds lost. No super long lasting plateaus, though. I know stalls are discouraging, but I promise - they're just part of the package! Stick to your plan and it will come off
I was a long distance runner before I started lifting weights, and was consistently at 150 lbs. Once I began lifting, I started fluctuating between 150-153 lbs. But that occasional 3 lb fluctuation doesn't bother me! My best suggestion to you would be to get active and get away from your scale. It will destroy your mind, if you let it!

What an inspiration. I'm 17 months out also and am trying to stay on track. Have u gained anything back. What do u do on really hungry days. Sometimes I find myself eating more other days.

Thanks for sharing your experience! You look so healthy and happy!

I am having such issues with skin. Everything is sagging. Maybe it's age, but still frustrating, and I haven't lost as much as you. (270 at my highest, now right around 160). Not quite a year yet.

You are truly an inspiration to me I am starting off wearing a size 24/26 and my surgery is the 24th of August. I hope to drop that weight and look good like you lol. How long did it take? I don't want skin removal surgery so any advice on that? You look great you must feel so proud[emoji16]

You've done awesome! Great job, I hope you're loving your life and enjoying your hard work. You look great.

Cheri

Thanks for posting. You look wonderful. I had questions others asked them already and you provided some great answers. I hope to have surgery later this year if my insurance approves. You just gave me confirmation that I can stick with and reach my goals. Thank you

Wow you look amazing well done x

You look amazing!!! How long did it take you to shed the 170lb ?

So happy for you

Wonderful!!!

I had your normal week-2 week long stalls during active weight loss phase - maybe 2 or 3 of them? Those are pretty much standard and expected - your body is trying to catch up with all the massive pounds lost. No super long lasting plateaus, though. I know stalls are discouraging, but I promise - they're just part of the package! Stick to your plan and it will come off
I was a long distance runner before I started lifting weights, and was consistently at 150 lbs. Once I began lifting, I started fluctuating between 150-153 lbs. But that occasional 3 lb fluctuation doesn't bother me! My best suggestion to you would be to get active and get away from your scale. It will destroy your mind, if you let it!

Thanks all!! You guys are too kind <3
As far as skin goes, I have more questions about that than most any other issue. I have many friends who lost 30-50 lbs less than I did, around my same age (28), and were left with folds of excess skin.
It's highly uncommon to be left with so little after a weight loss as large as mine - and I wish I had words of advice for the many people who ask me daily what my "secret" was!
The truth is, your excess skin (or lack thereof) will have more to do with your age, general body composition, skin elasticity, and genetics, than it will have to do with anything you do externally.
I exercise and use regular lotion on my skin every night. That's it. That's all I've "done" to have so little excess skin. I chalk it up to a whoooooole lot of prayer and good skin tone & natural elasticity, honestly!