BLERDgirl

Did not get this talk at my program. I recall one woman mentioning she was "stalling" at a support group and the NUT saying some do experience them but honestly I assumed it was an anomaly. I had one of those programs that provided a comprehensive handbook. Like many others it had an overview of the 3 major bariatric surgeries (lap-band, sleeve & bypass), sample menu plans with both omni and vegetarian options, sample menu plans, list of Vitamin options, list of protein supplement options and step by step calories goals and menus for each stage from pre-op up to a year post-op. The first few months post op this was my bible. I refereed to it at every stage. When I was shopping for Protein shakes and vitamins, I took those pages out and carried them with me to the store. I've heard of people who ere self pay Mexico saying the nutrition packet was a separate fee so they declined it and used the forums to figure out what to eat/drink.

Sorry. Depending on how you view the forums the Male Only tag doesn't always show. I'll back out now.

I was walking day one. Up to 30 minutes a day by the end of week 1. Back to water aerobics week 3. I didn't experience any weakness.

There are plenty of OTC treatments; Prilosec/omeprazole, Xantac, etc... However if you are having nearly constant heartburn/acid, perhaps it's time to call the doctor. One of the dangers of too much acid production is that it can lead to ulcers. Get it checked out and if need be get something prescription strength.

You have to work up to it. Keep a Water bottle with you at all times. Sip whenever you aren't eating. Strive each day to get more in.

Why not create new traditions? Something not food related. Craft projects, DIY ornaments. The options are endless.

Periods of time when you do not lose despite following the program. can vary from a few weeks to months.

@@Babbs - I've only heard about stalls in support group and on here. I wasn't an every day weigher. I got weighed at my 2 week f/u and then at my 6 week f/u. If I had a stall I missed it so I'm glad my doctor didn't say anything. To piggyback on what @@Kindle said, a lot of it is human natural. Working as a Child Life Specialist I literally explained what felt to me like the most basic of instructions. People either didn't know or did not believe it and would rather take advice from their friends/neighbors/relatives. Often the pre-surgical tours were as much to educate parents as they were to calm and educate the child. I also worked in hospitals long enough to know that not every doctor, no matter how skillful has a good bedside manner. If you are given info in a someone dismissive manner you may be unlikely to ask questions for clarification. You also cannot completely prepare people for how the body changes post op. I've seen many a poster in so much pain post-op that they would rather just take pain meds and sleep, not realizing that they may have to push through some pain to drink initially or try different brands of Protein shakes/drinks until they figure out what works.

Slippery slope your asking for. Not only is there the risk of being a slow loser, you may be one of those who gains weight post op. Also there are variations depending on whether or not you have a pre-op diet, whether or not you have a Clear liquids phase, men lose faster than women, higher weights may have larger initial weight losses. Don't compae your journey to anyone else's. It's a setup for failure.

Not for me. The meds are almost always some form of phenedrine and the protein shakes and supplies are likely no different than than what's sold here at the Bariatric Pal store or any other shop like GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. Personally I am not a diet drug type of gal. The risks far outweigh the benefits.

The learning curve is different for everyone. Some people get overwhelmed by all the info they receive from the medical team. Some people want to hear real life experiences from other pts. Depending on the program and situation some self pay patients honestly don't know. Coming here for some is an attempt to get educated. My own rule of thumb is when the questions start to feel redundant, that's a post I need to skip.

Talk to your NUT. Citrus and spicy foods were on my do not eat list. I waited until maybe week 4 and tentatively began adding them back in. I LOVE spicy food Franks, Sriracha, Harrisa, you name it. The concern is it may aggravate reflux/acid. I had a tiny bit of an issue with acid around months 3 - 6 so I stayed away from the spicy stuff during that time but now I use both liberally.

@@tbella67 - Ask the surgeon if an IVC filter is an option for you. That may be a batter solution to the blood clot issue than daily NSAIDs.

I couldn't schedule an appointment with the surgeon until I attended an informational seminar. I think I attended the seminar end of April. First surgical appointment in May. Surgery in September.

I have that. It's the same deal with the hair loss. All the Protein is going into fueling your body. My dermatologist says that Biotin is actually better for nails than regrowing hair. If you aren't already taking it, you may want to try that. I take a biotin/keratin blend that's supposed to be good for hair & nails. I also use a nail kit. It's a 3 step kit that has a ridge & nail filler, then clear protective coating, then nail/cuticle oil.

@@KiraCat - What's your experience with hospitals and/or surgery? I have found that for many people it's the lack of knowledge that creates these fears. I almost wish they did presurgical tours for adults. It would go a long way to calming fears.

For me it depends on what the outcome becomes. You have to change your behavior because ultimately that's the only thing you can control. Change the behavior going forward and move on. For example, I goof up. I eat the wrong thing. Guilt is I feel bad about it and do nothing or wrose yet, contnue to eat the wrong thing because I decide I am hopeless. Accepting responsibility is me saying to myself, "I ate this wrong thing because of xyz, next time I will do abc instead." Blaming mommy/daddy/others is "every time I am with them, I end up eating xyz". Accepting responsibility is " So & so like to eat abc, I will bring a Protein bar/RTD shake, or plan to meet them later.

It may be the quality of the food you are eating. If you aren't doing Protein Shakes how are you getting your protein in? I would have a sit down with your nutritionist. My guess is the 2 ounces of food included protein shakes and the reason you are getting weak is because you are skipping that. You need a plan to make up for that lack of nourishment. Personally I found that early on I needed at least 3 meals and 1 snack. It was also helpful for me to brainstorm with my NUT on ways to work around my vegetarianism and food allergies.

Not sure one exist. I'd try googling. If it does exist it's likely soy based. Just googled. One is in the makings called ADM Clarisoy Also came across VitaClear which can be mixed with juice or Water. I'm assuming you could use diluted juice but you'd have to take into consideration the sugar content of the juice. It's also GMO and Gluten free. As for vegan shakes, I'd recommend Orgain. They have both powder and RTD versions.

Pre-op we were instructed to practice eating slowly, at least 30 mins on each meal. My first egg post op took an hour to eat. Even now I consciously make an effort to eat slowly, at least 15 -20 mins. I think it helps give my body time to send the signal to my brain that I am full.

Animal Protein isn't all there is. You also do have to allow for your dietary needs. The easiest thing might be to find a brain of unflavored Protein powder you like and purchase a mini whisk. I bought one from Target for about $2. Adding unflavored protein powder to foods your family typically eats means you aren't making separate meals. If you want tomato Soup and you're not making it from scratch, watch the sodium count. Perhaps even thin it out with a bit of broth. Then whisk in a half a scoop of of unflavored protein powder. My tip for adding to hot things is to first dissolve the powder into a tbsp of warm Water. Keep whisking until it's smooth. Never add the powder over direct heat (like into a hot pot). Then slowly add your beverage, whisking at the same time. So now you have protein packed tomato soup. For more protein and Fiber add a bit of frozen chopped spinach while the soup is cooking. As for grilled cheese, for the first year post-op I'd pass on it. It's a lot of simple carbs and fat. If you have to have it. Cut a ¼ of a grilled cheese sandwich into small croutons. Other items that are great for low income budgets & high protein: Beans, oatmeal (plain not the sugar filled packets), quinoa ( a great substitute for rice), spinach ( you can buy it frozen or buy it fresh, puree in a nutra bullet and freeze in ice cube trays. One ounce is approximately 1 standard ice cube. Great for popping out and adding to soups/sauces/smoothies), nut butter if you buy the plain kind with no added sugars, plain greek yogurt.

It varies person to person. I didn't really have any. I was sore when I woke up but I never really had any pain.

I take 10,000 mcg a day. It works best with Multivitamins so I take them together.

It's helped me believe in myself. Especially in a day and age where fat shaming and bullying is so rampant. I have always loved me and been proud of my accomplishments. I was never a shrinking violet who was a afraid to live life. I never want to forget how easy it is to eat mindlessly. I love fashion and I love shopping. I look forward to being able to shop more in brick & mortar stores instead of online.

@@Indieflickers - I've always been super regular. Prior to surgery I would go 2 -3 hours after eating so I often went 3 times a day. I read all the constipation horror stories on these boards and I feel bad for folks. The only difference I can think of is I've been vegetarian for nearly 20 years so my diet is really high fiber.