BLERDgirl

Well I don't do low carb at all. I eat a mostly plant based diet so there will be carbs. I avoid processed carbs and refined carbs like breads and pastas. My program doesn't focus on carbs at all. The concern is to keep calories low and Protein high. I aim for 100 grams of protein each day and I work out 4 -6 days a week. I use carbs and protein to fuel my workouts. This has worked for me and to the best of my knowledge I have never experienced a stall. I think you may do best googling and downloading a handbook. Otherwise you'll get a thousand different and conflicting instructions. Google also complex carbs vs simple carbs.

My program also gave us binders and required we bring them to every f/u appt. They were pretty thorough with explaining things so there wasn't much left to ask. A few things I would request based on the post I see on here: I would ask about aftercare. What will be done to manage constipation & acid. I would ask to be started on prescription strength stool softener and PPI or at least discharged with prescriptions. What availability is there in the event of an emergency? Will there be support throughout the food stages?

Read upthread. Several place to buy it have been mentioned. I find it in the pasta aisle, I think I paid $3.99 for a bag.

Hoping you are better. However please do not go without food because you cannot afford it. Apply for EVERYTHING. TANF, SNAP, short term disability, everything! Going without meals is not good for growing brains or healing bodies. Speak to hospital social workers and ask for referrals to food cupboards. Apply for utility assistance such as LIHEAP, check out your local Community legal aide about bill consolidation for any credit cards. Taking advantage of these things will help keep you financially afloat while you get your health straightened out.

You need a handbook. Google bariatric handbook food phases. I would also engage a nutritionist or medical person locally for your follow up. Various programs have different recommendations. Mine wasn't concerns with carbs, but did give me a calorie limit based on my particular needs. Yet speaking to others, my numbers are vastly different. I also see some programs are much more concerned with carbs than mine.

Early on there is sometimes a concern that the pill will get passed through your system before your new tummy can break it down and absorb it. Eventually you'll be able to swallow them, but for right now you need to make sure you are getting the most benefit from them. Also notice what time of the day you seem to get acid and take your pills 2 -3 hours before that. Omeprazole is not a reactive pill so you need to take it consistently for it to be most effective.

If you can't eat meat or protein drinks you need to look at alternatives. Everyone has posted really great suggestions for every type of food preference upthread. 12 weeks is still early so it's understandable if you are still having difficulties, but you need to strive to do better each day. Try protein drinks instead of milk based shakes, Isopure, Syntrax nectar, even Special K are a few brands. If the issue is nausea, get something for it from your doctor. 4 - 6 smaller meals instead of 3 major ones.

Could be gas or you could need a PPI or stronger dosage if you're already taking one.

I'm allergic to it. It's in the ragweed family and triggers severe hives. Here's another resource for Protein powders. Bob's Red Mill

I was on all liquids. I didn't have to do clear liquids. My man restriction was no thicker than a milk shake. I made my own shakes with protein powder & greek yogurt plus add ins like nut butter or spinach so yeah I was full on all liquids.

I do a lot of Beans, eggs, greek yogurt ( I use FAGE plain 0% ), nuts, cheese, dark green leafy vegetables and I supplement with unflavored Protein powder. I'm in a Soup mood so I'm making a orca bean/forbidden rice soup with collard greens shreds. Black rice is protein packed and full of Fiber & nutrients. I'll soak the beans overnight and then cook everything in the crock pot tomorrow. I refuse to sacrifice good healthy fiber for protein so I try to get a balance of both. It keeps me constipation free and gives me energy.

Some things vary according to your tastebuds and also according to what your plan allows. I would recommend no more than 2 weeks supply of whatever Protein drink you like. Do a test run on unflavored protein powders. That sweet Protein shake taste got real old real fast. Being able to have some broth or soup with unflavored protein added was a real lifesaver for me. Major brands are Isopure, GENEPRO, Syntrax nectar and unjury. In the event that your tastebuds change post op, you have enough to get by. Stick up on broths and clear soups, greek yogurt, kefir (if you like that sort of thing) and a variety of herbal teas. Speak with the discharge coordinator about home nursing. If you are single and live alone, most plans will cover it. I didn't buy Popsicles, pudding or mashed potatoes even though my plan allowed for it. Read the directions and prep your vitamix. I don't have one but I have a nutra bullet that has been a saving grace. You may need to sleep propped up a bit so perhaps buy a wedge pillow or extra pillows for comfort.

Call your doctor. You may need a prescription strength PPI. Take note of when this feeling occurs and time your meds 2 -3 hour prior to that time. This sometimes helps as well.

The truth is your body isn't giving up the pounds because that's not a healthy weight for your age/sex. 165 might not be realistic. Keep in mind the closer your are to a normal BMI the more the body will protect itself. So if you are aiming for another 10 -15lbs then you are likely going to have to work your butt off to achieve it. This might be a good time to hit the gym. You could build up nice muscle mass and definition as well as losing that last 10lbs. Do not eat less. Starvation isn't the key. Look at the types of foods you are eating and the times you eat. I fuel my workouts with higher carbs and protein. This is the time when your body can use those things to help burn fat and build muscle.

Need a bit of information to help. Starting weight/height. What are you eating? Do you exercise? Are you meeting protein/fluid goals? Most importantly, have you called your doctor/NUT?

Isn't 165 lbs a bit thin for a male?

Am I translating this correctly? Are you over 6 ft tall or is that a typo?

What instructions were you given when discharged in terms of how to eat? Can you clarify what you consider a carb because carbs are in nearly everything. You should not be afraid of complex carbs because they are a good thing. They will give you energy and are often found in foods that also provide fiber and other key vitamins & nutrients.

You should take advantage of it and call your NUT. Have her review your progress.

I think this goes to doing your homework when choosing a surgeon. I think many of us put a lot of effort into getting the surgery done, but fail to take into account post-op life. Part of choosing my doctor was knowing that they had support 24 hours via phone and via email for none urgent care. I was also fortunate to be discharged with a visiting nurse. This was an unexpected and unplanned but very pleasant surprise. I use this site more as a support group. For me it's a place to bounce off ideas and suggestions. However for questions I always go back to my medical team and I'm thankful that I have a program that is responsive to questions and concerns no matter how minor they may seem.

Only you can decide. Read my story. It's linked in my bio. I started at 414, had ZERO issues and so far have lost 109lbs. I just had my surgiversary on 9/18. It's as much what you make it as it is whether you choose well when choosing a surgeon. It's about putting in the work pre and post op. At this point I am literally working my butt off trying to make sure this is successful for me. The people who have issues tend to be the most vocal, because really how many ways can you say, "This was easy!"?

Ask about recommendations for post op care. Will he coordinate with your primary or does he refer you to someone local. Also ask about things like colace and omeprazole to help regulate your bowels and manage acid. My doctor prescribed a 30 day run of colace and 90 day run of omeprazole starting day 1 post-op. As a result I never had any issues with constipation and only minor ones with acid/reflux that were quickly managed by increasing the dosage from 20 mgs to 40.

I'm vegetarian not vegan. It's not really hard. I eat a lot of greek yogurt, cheese, nuts, beans and dark green leafy veg. I also supplement with unflavored whey isolate.

Yes it's normal. Some of us recover quicker and easier than others, but still being sore and tired 11 days out is normal.

You have to play around with mixing it with things you like or try another protein powder. Try it with water, try it with a milk substitute, (Almond, hemp, oat, rice coconut or soy to name a few). Hopefully you kept your receipt so you can return any unused portion. Protein preferences vary according to individual taste buds. What I like someone else will hate and vice versa.