Stephanie Stroup McIntosh

My doctors diet... 12 days liquid diet preop. 4 shakes per day. No solid foods. 2 weeks clear and full liquids. broth, Shakes, Strained Soups 3 weeks pureed foods. Yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, pureed moist meats 3 weeks soft foods. Boiled vegetables, moist soft meat, milk soaked Cereal @8 weeks, I am able to include all foods as my body tolerates them. Once you rid yourself of the need for caffeine, its not too hard to go without. Try to ween yourself down on the caffeine and creamer now, so it will be easier when you can't have them. If you need something in your coffee, use skim milk. Tylenol is all you should take for pain. The others can cause ulcers. Your cramps and headaches may very well change with the weight loss. I haven't had any headaches since my surgery and I was still on pain meds with my period, so cramps weren't an issue.

People have had success under both surgeries. My doctor no longer performs the band though because of the amount of people who have had failed bands. I also have PCOS and was given the option of the sleeve or the bypass. I chose the sleeve. I probably would lose more weight with the bypass, but the sleeve is what I am comfortable with. I am 4 weeks out and have lost about 25 pounds. Good luck

This is all normal. Your body is just adjusting. Stay with it though. If you have to take breaks, that's fine.

I told just about everyone. I had made a concerted effort to lose weight and be healthier prior to surgery, so it was already noticeable that I was losing weight. I found that by telling people what I was doing and why, I had a greater support system. I was also able to help other people realize their health goals.

At 4 days post op, your options are limited. Maybe try to switch up the flavors of your shakes. Its important that you have some that you like. Bariatric Eating has a Pure unflavored Protein powder that you can mix into anything that you are able to have at this point. unjury had a chicken soup flavor Protein Powder as well. Be cautious not to advance to new foods until you are at that stage. Good luck.

I go for yogurt usually. I take a plain greek yogurt and mix in flavored Protein powder. You could also do SF Jello, pudding, or popsicles.

Even though you are still in pain, it is important to exercise. Be it walking on land or in the Water. Motion is like lotion to your joints. I had horrible back pain. It was so bad I would often not eat so I could reduce the amount of times I had to use the restroom. Once I started making myself move, it really did get better. Take it slow at first, but anything you can do will help. I loved walking in the water. It made everything feel better.

I am just over 4 weeks out and on the pureed stage. I can do about 4 oz of yogurt, but anything else is less. Usually 2 oz.

I had BCBS when I started the process. They covered the sleeve and required 6 months. When I called the guy who answered the phone had no idea what was going on. Ask your surgeon for the billing code and maybe that will help you to get a better answer.

You should be good by the time its ready to redo your classroom. I am 4 weeks out and can do most things. I don't really have a lot of pain. You may want help with the heavier boxes.

It will depend on how you feel. I wasn't nauseous at all, but I was still pretty tired. Would you be able to do half days if you needed? Maybe try to get your surgery on a Friday to maximize your days off.

I would avoid it. So much of it has sugar. At the very least do your research and see if there is any substitutions they can make.

I am 4 weeks post op and very rarely feel the need to eat. I notice that if I go 5-6 hours without having something, then i will feel some hunger pains and feel a little weak. I just try to make myself stay on a schedule, otherwise it will be 9pm and I would have only had a Protein shake. The more you can detox before surgery the better. Stop sugar and caffeine now. That way when you come out of surgery, you won't even want it.

Its only hair. If you don't like it, you can always grow it back. Do what will make you happy. You are worth it. I think a new hairstyle may give you some added confidence.

I don't know anything about Adipex, but why don't you try to go back to the liquid diet. Try to reset your body. The grazing and head hunger are things that you have to mentally break through. Make sure you are getting your protein and water.

WTG Keep it up!

You have been very successful on your own, so congrats. That's awesome. I assume your surgeon knows that you lost so much weight already. If that is the case and he still approved you for surgery, then I see no problem in having it. A lot of people think that surgery is just an easy way out or a quick fix, but its a lot of work. At the end of the day, its just a tool. You still have to use it. I would ask yourself why you want the surgery and why you are doing it now. If you can honestly answer those questions, go for the surgery. Don't let anyone else get in your head. If this is what YOU want, do it. You are worth it.

I drink the Premier Protein shakes. I will even mix in some instant coffee to make it taste like a iced mocha. Premier only has 160 calories, 5 carbs and 30 grams of protein. The point of the liquid diet is to shrink your liver. Fat and sugar are stored in your liver, so if you don't get rid of the fat and sugar from your diet, you won't shrink your liver. That will make your surgery unsafe, and could prevent the doctors from doing it at all.

The first few days are the hardest. This liquid diet will help to make sure your surgery is safe and get you started on the right path. Resist the urge to cheat. It will only make the pain worse.

I am sorry to hear about your mother, but I am glad that you are using that to motivate yourself. Take it one day at a time and you will do great.

As far as your hospital bag...chapstick, toiletries, cellphone and charger. You really don't need any more than that. You can bring your own night gown or robe, but with all the wires, I found it easier to just wear the gown. You will spend most of your time in the hospital sleeping or walking. I started driving when I was no longer taking pain meds. I started with short drives and worked my way up to longer ones. I found it helpful to wear the binder. You will also want to avoid potholes. They cause some pain. I pretty much slept for the first week or so, but then I started making myself get up and get moving. The more you move the better you will feel. You should feel fine to do your crafts. The movies will be fine, if you can avoid the popcorn and soda. Listen to your body. It will tell you when you have had enough. Always travel with Protein and Water. I like the premier Protein shakes. They are ready to drink, so I can always just keep one in my purse. The first few weeks, you are really getting used to the new diet. I wasn't getting enough because I didn't feel hungry and then I would crash because it had been so long. Good luck with your surgery. You can do it.

I don't have knee problems, but I had severe back pain. I am 4 weeks post-op and don't have any back pain anymore. A year ago, I struggled to walk. Today, I am running. You may very well end up still needing knee surgery, but once you lose the weight, the surgery will be more successful.

You are doing so great. I am proud of you and don't even know you. I think the best way you can thank your friends and family, is by continuing to rock your weight loss. You are obviously ready to make this lifestyle change. Congrats and keep it up. You are an inspiration.

Everyone loses differently. Start taking your measurements. Sometimes you lose inches, but not pounds. Make sure you get your protein and water. Try logging everything you eat and what times. Also log if you feel hungry. It may help you determine some trends.

Prunes helped me to lose about 5 pounds. They kept me full, satisfied my sweet tooth, and kept me regular. LOL Changing up your routine will help too. Add in some strength training. It will change up how your body is using the energy and burning calories. Watch your sodium to reduce excess Water weight. I also lost 15ish pounds during my liquid diet. 3-4 Protein shakes and no calorie drinks, sugar free popsicles or Jello. I prefer Premier Protein. 160 calories and 30g of protein. The protein will help you to feel fuller longer.