A_NEW_START2014

I'm fairly certain I got fat out of convenience. I am not lazy by any means, I am actually super busy. I have two kids who go to different schools, neither in our district so I have to drive them both and pick them both up. They both do activities after school and are on totally different schedules. I own a business that I run from my house that has me in the car most of the time and I spend a few hours of each day at my martial arts school. I'm fairly anal about keeping my house in order and I like to have dinner most nights for my family, even if we don't all get to sit down and eat together. I barely have a minute to myself but I know that my lifestyle is not at all unusual.
You'd think I'd be like my best friend, super skinny because there is no time to eat, but I was the queen of fast food. I loved Wawa because of the huge variety of chips and Snacks and convenience foods on the go and it was nothing for me to go through a drive through for myself 2-3 times a day. I didn't feed my family fast food because I know how unhealthy it is but that didn't seem to apply to me in my mind.

One of my biggest obstacles after WLS was the lack of convenience foods for quick grab and go. I need a lot LESS food at a sitting, but I need quality food now or I feel miserable. After 19 months, I have finally found some staples that I can keep in my fridge for convenience and now that it's cold out, my cooler keeps my snacks fresh all day. My capacity is VERY small, so I do eat 5-6 mini meals a day which is a bigger challenge and I really prefer real foods over Protein Drinks and bars as does my NUT. When I want to eat, I want REAL food, not snacks.
Suggestions to make your busy life easier and healthier. I would love you to add yours, too. As you will see, I do high Protein, low carb and I don't give a flying fart about fat. High fat is OK in my book. These are the foods I keep in my fridge, prepped and ready for a quick, I'm starving "meal/snack".

cheese. Full fat, yummy delicious REAL cheese. Cubed up off a block.

Shrimp. Steamed or in a shrimp salad (aka mayo and spices).
London Broil. I marinate and grill a London Broil every other week or so. I slice it thin, serve it for dinner and then snack on the leftovers for the rest of the week. Happy girl with my read meat.< /p>
Deviled eggs. Yum! Not just for Easter anymore.

Browned ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic. I keep a bowl of it cooked and ready. I add mozzarella or cheddar to a quarter cup or so, pop in the microwave, heat and eat.
Refried Beans. Add cheese or the browned meat above and YUM!

Good quality hot dogs. I know, yuck, right? But roll one up in a paper towel, nuke it for 45 seconds and it's all meat, no carbs and delish. I do all beef and light. They don't go bad so a pack of six will stay in my fridge for three weeks or so safely.

Ham Slice. I grill and cub one of those Smithfield ham slices that's about 1/2 inch thick. The kids and husband will throw it on salad, in a tortilla or eat in an omelette and I just eat out of the container.
I'm not a fan of chicken, it sticks terribly, but my kids love rotisserie chicken so I cube up the leftovers into a curry chicken salad that's almost always ready. I can manage anything with mayo. REAL MAYO.
Bacon. I cook a pound and keep it in the fridge. It goes just like the ham.

Frozen mini quiche. At Target and Sam's they even have crustless quiche. YUM!

What are your convenience REAL foods?

I was walking, and one of my old students drove by, flipped a u turn and came back by to speak to me. He said he didn't know if it was me because " You look hella skinny". Out of the mouths of babes as they say. The first person to notice ! Makes it all worth the hell of the first 3 weeks.

I have to be at the hospital in 5 hours so need to get some shuteye, nighty night! wish me well, hope my doc feels that I have cleansed enough.

Yumm! So you can have crackers? I'm so jealous! Lol! Just mushies/pureed for me for another 2 1/2 weeks. :-)

Hello everyone,
My surgery (gastric sleeve) is scheduled in a little over two weeks and on Monday I have to start my 2 week high Protein diet, mostly liquid. I have been looking all over the internet for reccomendations on which on the best tasting ones and have been getting mixed reviews. I know that my tastes will change post surgery so I really just need some to get me through the two weeks. Any and all assistance would be most appreciated so I can pick it up this weekend.
Thank you so much.

How are you feeling and are you losing weight with the little Protein you get?

I'm down 20lbs so far which is ok I guess.. I just don't know how to get in everything I supposed to. Never been a big drinker so even Water is an issue. Most days I'm lucky just to get in 20oz. Then I'm supposed to eat 3 small meals and 2 Snacks while trying to down at least 60g of protein! Not able to do any of it so far! Lucky to get down 30g - 40g of Protein and that's thanks to the Quest bars. Snacks are out of the question since after eating my "meal" which is about 5 bites I am so full I could go rest of day without eating! I know I have got to get on a schedule it's just such a daunting task!!

Just wanted to say welcome and best of luck to you!
Carol

@A_NEW_START2014 Congrats and best wishes on your journey! I had a hiatal hernia repaired at the same time as my bypass and I don't feel like it changed the experience very much from what I hear about others who only have bypass. I know that the hernia symptoms I had (pain in chest when straining, reflux) it's all gone.
You have a TON of resources here on the site where you can get all kinds of information and support. You have found the right spot!!!

Good luck with the surgery coming up. I strongly suggest you check out my blog. The link is below. I have a series of posts on there that I just finished up about how I prepared for surgery. There are posts dedicated specifically to how I prepared my body, my mind, and my soul. This is an amazing journey you are going through and I think those stories will help you tremendously.
It is a good thing you are nervous too. That is how I know you are ready to handle the surgery. Honestly, I would be more concerned if you weren't nervous at all. That tells me that you fully understand what you are about to do. The experiences, both good and bad, and you are ready for them. I commend you on being that ready.
I did not have anything other than the bypass done. However I would love to help you out in any way that I can. Links on how to get in touch with me are below. If you have any questions at all, I urge you to let me know. I am an open book and will do whatever I can to help you through this amazing journey. I am so excited for you!

I know it feels like it will never happen. Believe me, it will happen faster than you imagine. The anticipation and frustration leading up to the surgery is all a part of this amazing journey. Looking back you will be so glad you gave yourself the gift of experiencing those emotions. Immerse yourself in it. revel in it, because in a short time you will have the surgery and all the preparation for your travels will be complete. I know it seems hectic now, but this is the calm before the storm, a chance to prepare your mind and body for the journey. (I have posted on my blog about the three things I did to prepare for surgery I think you will find it very helpful. The link is below)
This will be one of the most amazing things you will ever do and the best gift you could give yourself and your family. Strive to do amazing things with your gift. Make a difference. I know you will do awesome. If you need someone to listen and to process your emotions with, I am here for you. My contact information is below. I am so excited for you!

Here's my story!
I've struggled with my weight my entire life. Blah, blah, blah! This is, I'm sure, the same story for most of us. I've tried all diets and have had a lot of success only to see the weight gradually come back the minute I stopped exercising and "dieting". I haven't stepped on a scale for over 7 years nor did I go to the doctor's office in this time frame. Quite frankly, I didn't want to hear the number, my weight. In the spring I started doing research on weight loss surgery and decided to move forward and attend a seminar. I was so impressed! Even though this was not covered by my insurance and I paid out of pocket, I moved forward with RNY. I didn't really "diet" prior to surgery but I didn't go on a eating binge either. I only had to do a 3 day surgery prep and had my surgery on July 14, 2014. This is my "before" and "during" pics. The last 3 months have truly been life changing. I've learned so much from this site and others. I look at food so much differently now. I don't consider myself as being on a "diet". Instead, I just choose to eat really healthy foods. I've stuck to a really low carb/high Protein diet. Pretty much the same for all of us. I really enjoy reading all of your stories and get something out of all of them. As of today, just about 3 1/2 months post op, I am down about 85 lbs! Here's to the next 3 months!!!
 

I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling. However, 73lbs is a fantastic accomplishment so stop beating your self up! You have come so far in such a short amount of time. Be proud of how far you have come even through the hurdles of a non supportive spouse. If this app helped you in the beginning it is time to come back and talk to your friends here.
I am very new to this site and already have found so much help and support here.
I really hope that you continue your journey and don't let nothing or no one stand your way. If you need anyone to talk with feel free to reach out and friend me.
Good Luck!

Hey everyone,
Whoever knows how to add someone as a friend please post how to do that. It looks like there's a number of us that would like to know. I did figure out (by accident) that if you hover over someones username under their picture that it gives you the option to send them a message.
I'm so glad to see that there are so many people that are getting ready for surgery in November. I'm going in 3 weeks from tomorrow. I'm really feeling anxious today. I'm going to order some Protein shakes today so that I have them when I start my liquid diet prep. I think I'm going to try the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury ones that my nutritionist gave me a sample of. They seem pricey, but I figure I'll be spending less on groceries overall....

Nov 10 for me nervous but so ready for this new lifestyle and being healthier

November 10th for me. I am also both excited and nervous at the same time. I am also having a hiatal hernia repair and my gall bladder removed so I will be having a three part surgery. I would love to connect and provide support to other November surgeries!

Hi, I'm nov 5th in Little Rock! Super excited super nervous!!! Not really sure how to maneuver this site just yet but would love to be a part of a November group!

Hey Everyone!
I was approved today for gastric bypass surgery!! My surgery date is Nov. 21st. Pre-op appt. is Nov. 10th. Only a one week clear liquid diet. I'm nervous (about quitting smoking like right now, cutting out caffeine and eating healthier) Let's connect!!!! I'm excited. Phoenix Arizona here...I'll post before and during pictures soon. For now, I've just posted a before which is from last year so technically I'm smaller in this picture than I currently am.

Hello all! My name is Sandy and I finally have my surgery date, November 20th. I am excited! Since I received word of my surgery date I have become overly emotional about everything. I am not sure if it is fear of the unknown, relief that I am finally moving forward, or scared of how I will react to losing weight. I am wondering if anyone else is feeling this way, scared of what it will feel like to not be heavy. My weight has been almost like a security blanket. Sounds a little crazy, right? However, I am ready for November 20th to get here!!!

SandyS,
You are NOT crazy at all. I too am scared. My original date was set for November 20th. Now, my doctors are shooting for later this month. My doctor is trying to plan his vacation and scheduling everyone he can early that already has insurance confirmation.
I am very nervous. I haven't been thin since childhood.
I have major fears of my friends and family not accepting the new me. I am glad you're on here. The support in this group is awesome.
When do you start your pre-op surgery diet? What does it look like?

Hey,
That's great you only "Have" to do 3 days! My worst day was about day 3. Bad headaches and really shakey....but after that it wasn't too hard at all. You get over the hunger "pains" pretty quick. I did get really sick of the same drinks everyday, so trying to switch it up is a good plan! I've already met with the nutritionist. I could maybe email you the sheet that shows what I'll be eating. I think it gives Protein options too. I figure if I can through the 2 weeks before and after, I can stick to it well after that. Cheating and putting yourself in danger is SO not worth it! I would be terrified of my pouch bursting, Oh my gosh!!
My kids all know what's going on. My 20yr old daughter would rather I didn't do it. She's just worried, and thinks I can just lose on my own. Well, that's obviously not working! :-)
We have 2 20yr olds, 2 17yr olds, 2 14 yr olds and then the 8yr old. My 8 yr old doesn't really "get it." But the rest of them know what it is. I don't mind them knowing I guess---they're good support for me. But you have to do what you're comfortable with. If you don't want to tell them exactly what you're having done, you could always just say you're going in for a procedure for something you'd like to keep private.
After surgery, I didn't feel starved AT ALL~ It was SO weird to not have food on my mind all day long! In fact, I had to force myself to eat most of the time! It's hard those first several days to get enough Water in. I got dehydrated and ended up back at the hospital and had 2 bags of Fluid put in me. That was not fun. So watch for those signs. And really work to get the required amount of Water in.
You'll be exhausted for sure. You won't be getting very many calories, so you will be weak too. But from what I've read and people I've talked to that have had it--the first week is the hardest.
I hate coming out of anesthesia---I get super nauseated. They put Patches behind my ears when I had my gallbladder out and that helped a lot!
By the way, if you haven't had your gallbladder out, a lot of times with rapid weight loss, the gallbladder goes bad for whatever reason and you'll need it removed.
If you want me to email that to you, let me know. :-)