BLERDgirl

It's an uncomfortable feeling. It will pass try walking a bit. The first time that happened to me it took an hour to go away. I ended up alternating between walking and sipping hot water.

Plan, plan, plan. Try to have at least 2 things in your arsenal that will get you at or close to 60 grms of Protein. If you drink one shake a day, you can also add a Protein Bar as snack. Always look for high protein foods. Keep single serving packs of nuts in my car. I would recommend keep a food dairy at least in the beginning. It will help you get organized and give you a better idea of what food work best. Scheduling a meeting with your nutritionist to review your nutrition goals might help as well.

I am not a fake sugar person. I use raw honey as sweetener quite often. If that is your only sugar source it's not going to hurt. However once you are able to add in fruit, you may want to monitor that.

Pain just wasn't that bad. I never used pain meds once I woke up. Nothing through the IV or orally. I have to say it helped tremendously with being more alert and able to walk because I wasn't drugged up.

No it won't stretch you stomach. Next time start with just 1 egg. I was full on 1 egg made with a tiny bit of cheese and greek yogurt to keep them moist for a really long time.

I never even used my pain pump.

Chili was allowed on my plan at the soft food stage. Not quite immediately but by week 5. Whatever you do, just try to stay tactful with your suggestions.

Are you North or South Jersey? Most major hospitals have the Bariatric Center of Excellence certification.

I started with calling the program. I knew my insurance would be accepted and I was certain I would be eligible based on my weight alone. I did need an insurance referral from my PCP, but that was just a simple email much the same as if I was going to the allergist or any other doctor. "I have an appointment to see _______. I need a referral." The program I went with requires you attend and informational seminar before they will even schedule you with the surgeon. The seminar route was a good way to go because it gives you a chance to see if this is the hospital/program that is best for you. I would recommend looking at more than one if possible and always seek a center of excellence. There can be differences in philosophies for each program as well as a how they handle post-op support that can mean the difference between success and frustration.

My nutritionist described pureed as baby food consistency and soft foods as anything that breaks apart easily. Chicken pate = puree, chicken salad (sans nuts or celery) = soft food.

Return it. I can't speak for others, but if I don't personally know you, no way would I buy an opened container of protein from you. Most reputable places will accept returns of unused portions with proof of purchase.

This too will pass. It really does get to a point where it become mind over matter. Hang in there and eventually the mind will catch up and this will become second nature.

That does sound a bit fast. I've heard of people being transitioned to food quickly, but more along the lines of yogurts and soft foods. My transition was 2 weeks all liquids,>2 weeks purees >2 weeks soft foods. I could probably have done cooked veg that first week. I would encourage your friend to have another conversation with their nutritionist and discuss alternatives to ground beef.

Find one that fits your lifestyle. You have options of clip ons or wearable devices. Some you need to pair with your smartphone and others give you readings on the device. I tried Misfit fit, Viviosmart, Polar Loop and JawboneUp24. I like the Polar Loop and the JawboneUp24. I found the Misfit too complicated, and the Vivosmart inaccurate. I ultimately went with Polar Loop because it fit my needs. I get a read out on the wearable, and it is waterproof so I can record wear it during Water aerobics. Most of them will remind you to move every hour and monitor your sleep. Most run between $75 to $150 after that you are looking at devices best suited for triathletes.

Agreed, my weigh loss is all based on post-op weight. I had no pre-op diet.

I'm with @@Inner Surfer Girl. My highest weight was 414. The top of the normal range for my height 5'2/5'3" is 160. That's a huge and intimidating number to look at. Over the past 13mths I have managed to lose 114lbs. I am tremendously pleased with that. There is no way I could have made it if I viewed it as I have 250lbs to lose give or take. Smaller goals are more attainable for me. My current goal is to be at the 125lbs loss mark by December 30th. Thinking past that would drive me nuts. This way I can tell myself that's my next goal, and plan what I need to do in terms of eating and exercise to make that happen.

@@megieg @@destinedtofindher - Keep trying different brands and types. I hated premier Protein yet it is really popular. As @@BamaNurse mentioned unflavored powder mixed in Soup or broth was a lifesaver for me. If milk based doesn't work for you try something like the clear drinks. I like Isopure, other prefer Syntrax Nectars. Keep trying and no matter what you do, keep sipping Water. It gets better and easier as you heal, but you don't want to get dehydrated.

I tried it. It went down fine, but was a big old pile of mush. Save it for soft foods. (It was listed on my soft food stage).

It depends on your personality. For me setting small goals always works best. I try not to think past the next 10 -20 lbs. Once I hit that , I re-access and set the next goal. Big goals are always overwhelming to me. I think smaller goals offer nice benchmarks of positive reinforcement. If you are an all or nothing type then go for the big goals.

I was on prescription strength omeprazole. I ended up need to increase my dosage. I talked to my doctor and was told to double the pills and give a new script for a higher dosages. I also found it was much more effective when I took it ~2 hours before when I would have an issue. I tended to feel acid in the early evenings. I started talking my omeprazole around 2 - 3 and it worked like a charm. In the meantime, try sleeping with an extra pillow or 2 to keep you propped up. That can sometimes help.

Probably your computer reading is as ACSII code if you add a space between the "(" and the letter it should prevent that from happening.

I wear one become I have severe allergies that can lead to anaphylaxis. Since there is a possibility of being intubated if I have a bad attack, I upgraded my medical alert bracelet. A few years back I had an attack, went to the ER and was intubated & placed in a medically induced coma. Now I don't want to take any chances. I also carry a wallet card as well.

This is the type of post I need hear. The one thing I have not liked about this first year is that even as I lost weight I developed arthritis in my right knee that can only be attributed to carrying over 400lbs of weigh on a small frame. It has effected how I work out. I would like to do more than water aerobics. The left knee arthritis was a result of a surgical repair of a torn meniscus. I don't even feel that and it never bothers me. I go back and forth between whether I should continue water aerobics 5 -6 days a week or drop back down to 3 - 4. You have definitely given me food for thought.

I can look at my food diary and know whether I will show a loss as well.

Sounds like you may need to increase your PPI and maybe adjust the time you take it. Try taking it and hour or 2 before bed. If it continues call your doc.