F4T-TRAP

Corn was also on the no-no list for me.

There are some sugars that don't count. I don't remember about fruits, but I remember being told that sugar in milk doesn't count.

A little less than a week for me (Aetna EPO).

Are you measuring your food still? Are you keeping a food journal? If not, I highly recommend using something like MyFitnessPal or Fitbit so you can see where your macros are. Sorry to hear about the knees. My knees have been bugging me since I started running again, but it's trivial compared to what you're experiencing. Swimming is an excellent full-body exercise that I don't think has much of any stress on joints.

In my case, it wasn't pain -- as much as it was discomfort. I was asking for the pain medication in the hospital only to make myself more comfortable so I could sleep. They sent me home with hydrocodone, but never needed it at home.

This is common from what I read (and asked my doctors). I'm on Prevacid for another 4 months (6 months total) post-op. Could be a lot of things. Is something in particular triggering the heartburn (certain foods, sleeping position, etc.)?

I was really surprised I wasn't having an anxiety attack prior to mine -- I used to take anxiety medications, and even though I don't any more, I still have the problem. My doctors were EXCELLENT and I was as calm as I could be. I even remembered laughing and joking with the staff while they were prepping me on the table. You'll be fine, just remember that it all gets better from here.

I've been throwing out stuff that gets too baggy all last week. It's hard not to buy clothes now because at this rate, if I buy anything, I'd be throwing it out in 2 months.

Anyone else have something planned as a reward for hitting their goal weight? I have my eyes set on a new Miata (Club Spec). A little expensive for a present to myself, but I also see it as motivation. Been in the market anyway for a second car.

Wow 140 lbs in 6 months is amazing. Congrats!

It (a machine) will take some getting used to -- but it's a massive difference. If I slept without it, I wouldn't be able to function. I was told by co-workers I was falling asleep during meetings. That's when I knew it was time to verify I had sleep apnea.

This is the problem I have -- I never had dry skin before, and now I do. I stopped using the prescription cream for 3 days and my skin is drying up again

I haven't. Are you also experiencing any reflux?

Do you have any local family that could watch your daughter? Or maybe is there a Center of Excellence near a family member?

There are things you can buy like mask liners for those allergic to the typical plastics used on the masks. I don't know any details, but I remember seeing posts about allergic reactions and remedies on a sleep apnea forum years ago.

Yes... I cheated a lot. I lacked a lot in willpower. I would go a few days, then eat something. I never ate anything crazy though like fast food or things high in carbs and sugar. Things like lean meats, veggies, and I limited the portions, and then the following day I'd be back on the liquid diet. That was rough. I then read after that some doctors allow people to eat food. I guess it's different types of surgeries, different bodies, different expectations.

This is comforting to read, as I have been hoping for about 100lbs at the 6-month mark. I'm at about 50 lbs down from 2 months post-op, and I know the weight loss will slow down, but am hoping eating better and all the running I'm doing can net me another 50 lbs over the next 4 months.

My doctor said I was fine drinking decaf. No caffeine until my recent 8 week post-op appointment.

You will get used to it. Some people can get off it completely if they lose enough weight, some are stuck with it for life. My girlfriend hates my Bi-PAP. sleep apnea is a silent killer though, definitely get it checked out if they think you have it. Each apnea event is a lot of stress on your heart. In my case, the first few weeks on it were ROUGH. I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. I had a co-worker that also had this, and he was able to give me tips. I think I was prescribed the Bi-PAP when I weight nearly 380lbs. I got my weight down to 265ish at one point, and they cut my settings in half as I needed need as much. They think I could get off the machine completely if I get back down to a normal weight, and I'm hoping that is true.

I was given a prescription for some anti-nausea medicine for going home after surgery. I think it was Zofran. Luckily I didn't need it, but definitely call your doctor and ask what he/she can prescribe.

Are you talking about a C-PAP/Bi-PAP for sleep apnea? Or one of those ambient noise makers?

I found the Bariatric Advantage flavors (orange cream, chocolate, vanilla) to be good, but they are expensive. I use Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard whey protein when at home. If I'm on the go, I use the individual Premier Protein (strawberry and chocolate) since I can get them at Costco for a good price.

I've read that some experienced dumping from eating fried food. I was told that once I'm reintroducing my body to something, to just eat a little bit and then wait it out to see if there's a reaction. So far, so good. I haven't experienced dumping yet, and I want it to stay that way.

Pure Protein (individuals) sold at Costo are great for grab'n'go. Otherwise I normally drink the Gold Standard whey (Optimum Nutrition). Whatever protein you go for, make sure it has the essential amino acids. I also had 3 bags of the Bariatric Advantage Protein Powder (orange cream, vanilla, and chocolate) and was surprised how good it tasted. I drank a lot of chicken broth, got sick of popsicles VERY quickly. I also would look into buying a food scale for home. The one I have (forget the name) even has codes you can punch in for things like types of chicken, vegetables, etc. and it will give you the nutritional information.

If your requirement was similar to mine (liquid diet for 2 weeks) -- even with some exercise I think that could be difficult. Do you have to lose 20lbs to get accepted for it? I wasn't able to stick to the liquid diet strictly for 2 weeks, and cheated some.