Daisee68

Ah yes, I loved all my Cacique colored balconette bras size 46c. Am now down to 40 (tho they are now seeming a bit big) and I actually had to go up a cup size and my favorite balconettes don't work anymore. ???? I switched to the plunge bra which seemed to help move all the extra to the right place. I have 55 pounds to go so I can't image what size I will get to - 36 I guess? Very strange to think I might be able to buy bras at someplace other than Cacique. By the way, I donated all my bras to a place in Arizona that is able to repair / redistribute them. Made me feel better about getting rid of them! Now I only am buying 2 bras at a time - one black and one tan - but can't wait until I can have more colors when I stabilize

Fat free refried beans with some cheese melted on top, hummus (with some unflavored protein powder mixed in), pimiento cheese (with unflavored protein powder mixed in), Greek yogurt (with vanilla protein powder mixed in), sugar free chocolate pudding snack (with chocolate protein powder mixed in). I also had some soups and tried to mix in protein powder or pureed chicken and that was a total fail. (Ugh. Still makes me shudder to think about it. ). I didn't do so well with the eggs. They got cold too quick. I finally solved that with a coffee cup / candle warmer and put my dish on it. That helped. Good luck!

You will probably get a lot of suggestions and I really like the Premier Protein, so I may not be the best to ask. having said that I also use Precision Engineered whey Protein Isolate. I love both the chocolate and vanilla. (The vanilla smells WONDERFUL!) A couple of tips if you cannot find one but have to drink one of the above - use a closed lid so you don't smell the drink. That seems to be part of the problem. Also get some of the sugar free flavored syrups (like Torani brand but there are many others). Added to a shake, it will sometimes take that "protein" taste out. I really like the Sugar Free Salted Caramel (Torani brand) mixed with the Vanilla Premier Protein is really good! Good luck!

And I use Livestrong/My Plate. It will allow you to set your own nutrient goals and add foods and recipes.

@@Recycled - I understand your thinking and I can't say that I limit my Protein to only 25g per hour. (For example, Premier Protein shakes are 30g and easily drank in less than an hour.) The only issue is for those early out and maybe only aiming for 60g protein in the first place and then assuming a 40g Protein Drink in the morning or a 40g protein shot gets them 2/3rds of the way done for the day. If we aren't consuming enough protein, then it could really cause a problem. If we are getting 80g or more in total for the day, then we might be ok.

Congrats! It is nice to be in that phase finally! You will start feeling more full once you have more dense Proteins so in the meantime just measure your food and stick with 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup and then stop. Your stomach is still healing so you may not get the "full" (or better said as my therapist tells me - "satisfied" feeling). My favorite go to's during pureed was fat free refried Beans with cheese melted on top, Ricotta Bake (theworldaccordingtoeggface.com) and pimiento cheese (boosted with some unflavored Protein powder). Good luck! Keep working on it! Real food is around the corner!

I do not know how you are doing this at all without a plan! That is quite scary! I think those of us from the US forget how lucky we actually are in the way of medical care sometimes. Hopefully we can be of help and support here. I would start with logging in all your food on a website that will track your nutrients (Protein, carbs and fat). Lots of people here use one called myfitnesspal.com and I use Livestrong/Myplate.com. There are several others but just be sure it will track your protein most of all. Start really focusing on protein. I believe the Mayo Clinic does have some good info online (I feel like someone else here has posted their instructions). Hopefully you will be able to get enough info from the Mayo website and the BariatricPal website. Keep us updated and we will help as much as we can!

@@beachgal2935 - I finally made your Magic Crust Quiche! I actually made mine in mini-muffins (came out to 45 muffins but I may have overfilled a few and probably should have stretched to 48). They were really good! I used a Canadian bacon instead of ham (only because it is what I found at the store easily) and a little bit of turkey sausage crumbles. I don't think I put enough salt, pepper, etc. in mine and would add a little more next time, but I think my favorite part was the swiss cheese. It really gave it a nice bite. I am going to try freezing some of them and reheat in the mornings for a quick Breakfast on the road. Anyway thanks again for the recipes! Looking forward to trying the next one!

Please call your surgeon. Depending on which surgery you had, you may have a stricture. You need to be getting your Protein and Vitamins and Fluid.

I'm sorry you aren't able to see a nutritionist. I can't imagine that not being a part of the program. So with my limited knowledge, your menu doesn't sound too bad except you really need to be counting your protein grams and make sure you are getting a minimum of 60g (and often more depending on a number of factors). Also , that's quite a few meal times. You might consider cutting out one of the snack times and make sure you are getting some protein with each snack. The rule should be protein first then veggies then carbs if you still have room. @@Djmohr has said she was told 2 bites of protein then 1 bite if veggie. That seems like a good idea to me and what I am trying now. Hopefully other longer term veterans will weigh in here on suggestions. Good luck! Don't get discouraged. And remember not to drink with your meals. Stop 30 minutes before and wait at least 30 minutes after.

@@Dar200 - mix sum protein powder in the pudding. I generally out 1/2 of a scoop in and make the pudding a nice treat with protein. It is low cal, has calcium and now protein. Perfectly acceptable treat and way to get in protein - especially at the stage you are in

Are you logging your food? How much are you getting per day in calories, Protein, carbs and fat? Have you met with your NUT? Are you getting all your protein and fluids in? How about Vitamins? You say you have been compliant but without more info it would be tough to help you spot the potential issues. I would suggest you contact your NUT and provide them with your food logs and see if they can help you. You are right you didn't do this for minimal loss. You do need to find out where changes can be made - especially if you are having some sort of medical issue that is causing less loss. Your NUT or surgeon should be able to help.

@@TinyTink - LOL! Good point!

@@Elode - Ha! See now I feel REALLY old. When you were a kid.... LOL. But still it is kind of fun....

@@winklie - Well done! Great job for 6 weeks out especially. I confess I don't always get all my fluids in and certainly not 88 oz. It truly is overwhelming in the beginning. It does get less so as you move through the process.. You got this man! Keep up the great work! And let me pass along a little advice my therapist gave me this week. She said "do you really realize what you have accomplished? Do you have any empathy for yourself?" I thought about it a lot. I mean I know in my head that 90 lbs is a lot but truly I sort of just credit the surgery. But this week, I have really tried to start realizing that I did this. I mean of course, I had the WLS tool that I couldn't have done this without (and my NUT and my therapist), but still I did this - not someone restricting my food. I restricted my food and made good choices and exercised. So, let me say - YOU DID THIS! You have lost 94 pounds! That is incredible! And YOU did it. Take that to heart. Don't be so hard on yourself. I mean don't use that as an excuse to make bad choices but let it make you stronger and more resolved. Remember you are not just losing weight (which is the diet mentality so many of us have after a lifetime of dieting for some of us); but you are getting healthy - physically and mentally. My biggest desire to get out of this is that food will not control me. I'm not there yet and I think I will always struggle a little because I am an addict, but I hope my struggles get less and less and I hope the same for you (and for all of us)!

@@TinyTink - Isn't that an interesting fact? I too was told this by my NUT (asked her the exact same question you posted) but there are so many products such as Protein shots where people think they can get all their protein in at one shot. Weird that isn't something that is more strongly promoted (that we can't absorb more than 25g I mean).

@@glitter eyes - Absolutely! @@treniasleevedlife & @@Elode - I have not one athletic or competitive bone in my body. Seriously - you know how Charlie Brown always misses the football when he tries to kick it? Yep, that was me. Totally did that in school. Jumped right over it. So sad... Now I do like the "power" feeling I get from flipping that giant dang tractor tire across the room at the gym, but only 3 more sessions left and then no more! I actually did like old school aerobics (showing my age). Confession - I actually lost weight in the past with Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies tapes and guess what?! I just found them on DVD and ordered them! I am a total geek but hey if it is something I like doing at least maybe I will do it! PS - the worst part of the personal training (next to the stupid exercises) is the trainers nutritional advice. UGH! I have told her about the surgery but of course she doesn't understand and I get that but leave me the heck alone with "you have to eat more calories". Promise I am not listening to her but it is a bit confusing. I meet with my NUT this week and have already emailed her about my confusion, so I will get that straight. Wish me luck with my first try at "Sweatin' to the Oldies" tomorrow morning!!

@@DangerMouse007 - Thanks so much for posting this link. I read it this morning and have been thinking about it all day. Man did that put it all in perspective for me. I have been waiting the 30 minutes after eating but got a little lax on chewing enough and the blog post really helps understand all that. I am good with following rules as long as I understand why? This really helped me!

Yes unfortunately very normal. You should be taking an antacid (likely a PPI that your doctor prescribed). If you don't have a prescription, call your doctor for it and take Zanctac or Pepcid in the meantime. My understanding is that you take this med for at least 3 to 6 months post-op.

@@Elode - Me too! I have been working with a personal trainer and I hate EVERY. SINGLE. SECOND of it. Doesn't seem that exercise will be my new addiction...

Congrats to you both! Almost there...... It will be here before you know it!

@@winklie - Glad you updated us and gave us more background info. Sounds like you have a plan in place. If I could make one suggestion - about meal skipping (and I know the plan is new). But just to say I have to carry a Protein bar or some such with me to make sure I eat. You are early out, so this will come with time. I have all too often gone without because I didn't know what to eat. While you are planning, think of some things you can have with you with you will be out - tuna packets (as @@Dub as mentioned), beef Jerky (when you are able), Protein Bar, etc. I even found these individual packets of 1 TBSP of Barneys Almond Butter. Maybe not the absolutely best choice but it is satisfying, quick and a little bit of protein. Glad you have a psych team in your corner and will be working with them. Couldn't get through this without mine! Best wishes and let us know if you find some crazy good recipes! I am going to make @@beachgal2935 's Magic Crust Quiche this weekend! (I have been saying that for weeks but it is what is for Breakfast tomorrow!) And my most recent was a fix for my pizza craving that http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.com recently posted - which was a Pizza Saute - sautéed veggies, add in some chicken and turkey pepperoni and olives and some pizza or low sugar marinara sauce and then some cheese on top quickly melted under the broiler. It was quick and VERY good. (I think @@beachgal2935 is the one that also has the chicken "crust" pizza you will find on here. Sounds great!)

Have you spoken with your nutritionist? While lean turkey meat and low fat cheese isn't so bad, 1200 calories seems a little high for 3 months out. Are you getting in your protein, vitamins and fluid? You need to get your food logs to your NUT and get their feedback

Please don't think you need to lose 1 pound per day to be "successful". 5 pounds in 3 weeks is not a stall. I have lost fairly steadily with 2 to 3 pounds per week and it has suddenly added up and 5 months post-op, I am not much further down than you. You have done very well (even assuming some of this was pre-surgery). Stay off the scale for a few days. Take your measurements. Try on some clothes. You will see the difference. Meanwhile rat something! Remember that this is about a long term life sustaining process not just fast weight loss. Therapist will definitely help. You joke about anorexia but that is a very real possibility for folks who have had weight loss surgery. It's a slippery slope as we trade our food addiction to a lack there of - still a control issue. Take care of your health. The Wright will continue to drop eventually and you will look back on this and laugh. If jumping on the scale each day causes you distress, don't do it.

@@dhrguru - I have Graves also. The complaint that finally got me to go to the dr knowing something was wrong was the leg weakness. I would get out of the shower and my legs would shake uncontrollably and I would have to sit down. Going up the stairs in the parking garage at work was nearly impossible. Strange that is the first thing I thought too when I read this post. @@fairgge - So very sorry you are having this issue. That is quite scary! Glad at least they are working on getting your thyroid straight. I am 5 months post-op and still under-medicated (not absorbing the Synthroid like before). I hope the neurologist can help you get it sorted out!