Cutwater

eggs use to be a key staple of mine pre-surgery, but I'm two years post and simply can't tolerate them or have much of a taste for them any longer.

Ironically I was never a coffee drinker before RNY last August (a very rare cup was about it), but after an overseas business trip in March I started craving it. I decided to cold press my own using a coffee Tody (less acid and great flavor). I use a no sugar creamer or drink it black and like it as hot as I can stand it. I always grab my Breakfast Protein first and then about 20 minutes later I enjoy a cup or two of coffee. No issues at this point with drinking it and I'm still on a losing glide path as I near my one year mark.

I'm well past surgery (10 months) and have been adding Chia seeds and ground flax to my daily Greek yogurt for the past 6 months. Nutritionally, both are great for you and I've had zero problems.

Grew up in Atlanta, home of Coke a Cola. It and sweet tea were a staple for many years. Haven't touched it since surgery and don't miss it at all. Try to limit my kids consumption by offering healthier choices, but hard to always do when wife still puts the soda away.

I learned a long time ago from my ex that beauty is only skin deep! What's on the inside is far more important in the long run...far more important.

I shop there often, love costco. I buy bulk powdered Protein, fresh fruit for me and the faimly, chicken salad in the individual size servings, bulk Greek yogurt and always buy their bulk chicken breast and steaks that are easily portioned out for meals as needed. Ive also enjoyed buy the Costco Kirkland brand clothing as I dropped from a size XXXL to L.

I love the Quest bars, my favorite so far. Has anyone tried the Julian Bakery Protein Bars? ???

I'm retired military and have/used Tricare for my Bypass. All that was needed to get approval was a doctor that was concerned about my long term health (my primary care doctor) and I had to have at least two medical conditions that were related to my obesity ( type 2 diabetes and HBP were mine). BMI also had to be above a certain measure.

You didn't list your current weight or medical issues, so if you aren't considered obese or have medical conditions related to that, I agree with your doctor. This isnt an elective surgery, it's a lifestyle change and commitment to eating better, taking care of yourself better and ultimately loving the whole new you and lifestyle.

Good luck

Totally unexpected on my part, but post surgery I have fallen in love with coffee. Never really had a taste for it prior, only an occasional cup here and there. Weird thing (for me anyway) is that I crave it scalding hot. I'm using a no sugar liquid Creamer so my calorie intake is still very little (although so is my nutrional value when I drink it). I know there are some definate drawbacks (acidity) so I'm wondering if anyone out there uses a cold press method to help reduce the acid and make it easier on your stomach? The Coffee Tody brand was recommend for a cold brew process and I'm thinking about getting one. Anyone else use this or a like product?

Thx

I've cut back on my Protein Shakes to about two-three a week ( I mix my own with a high quality Protein and almond milk). Pre surgery I could handle the protein shakes that were pre-made...after survey my taste totally changed and I ended up throwing a dozen or so away.

However, I always start and end my day with protein....period. Breakfast is always Greek yogurt, a Protein Bar or occasionally some oats and I always add a scope of Protein Powder to all of it (of course with the exception of the bar). My snack (s) during the day always revolve around something with protein in it such as a scoop of Peanut Butter, some health nuts or some Jerky. I try to eat a small amount of protein about an hour before I head to bed.

I'm nine months out and have only had a few stalls, but these days I don't expect to drop more than a few pounds a week. As long as I'm making some/steady progress, I'm happy. One thing to consider, work on increasing your exercise if you are able to. I walked nine holes of golf yesterday with my sons and ended up losing three pounds between a Sat morning scale check and one this morning.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.

I added some figs and dates as extra fiber and nutrients. One key I have found is a good Probiotic. I firmly believe my "gut health" ensures I'm regular. Making sure I get my Water and an occasional stool softener helps when I feel Ike I'm birthing a boulder or two. How's that for TMI? Lol.

I looked on Amazon and decided on the Now brand Probiotic -10 with a 50 Billion count. Keep it refrigerated for best results. I've definitely found that my weight loss is better sustained when I take one every day.

I was Type 2 prior to my surgery last August. The day of surgery I was taken off my medications and have never been back on them. My A1C has been excellent ever since and I also no longer need any HBP meds. You'll still need to watch your sugar intake, but if you follow your surgeons diet and nutrional guidelines, you shouldn't be consuming too much anyway. Good Luck.

I definitely avoid anything with High Fructose Corn Suryp, it's probably the worst ingredient out there. I'm looking at Protein levels, ho much or little sugar and total carbs per serving. I also weigh other nutritional benefits (like Fiber, Vitamins etc.)

Good luck

It's been a key factor in my weight loss and I'm adamant about it everyday. My primary sources have been flaxseed, chia seeds, fruit (apple slices, grapes) and leafy green vegetables. I also include almonds and some other nuts/seeds in my diet throughout the week.

Wondering about how others are getting their Fiber and what else I'm missing that are good sources?

Agree with terrydumont46 above...there is no absolute answer, because everyone is different. Your loss will depend on how well you stick to your prescribed plan you work out with your surgeon and nutritionist and how you recover from surgery. Age, starting weight and height may also have to be considered along with your current health. Not everyone loses weight rapidly, some lose slowly while some lose it at an amazing pace. Key is to remember the old saying " it's a marathon, not a sprint". You're going to have great periods where the weight seems to be dropping off way faster than expected (most likely your first few months) and then experience some slower periods and even stalls as you adjust to a new lifestyle.

To answer your questions:

I'm a little over six months out from RNY in mid August 2015.

I'm 6'2" tall and just turned 50.

I started the day of surgery at 331lbs, by the first month I was down more than 30lbs.

In the first two-three months I had to completely replace all of my clothing, none of it fit anymore.

This morning I was at 222lbs and still losing.

I've been a lot more active since surgery and that always help you lose faster.

There's also no doubt that without sticking to a high Protein diet, drinking plenty of Water and eating healthy foods, I would not be anywhere close to my loses today. Keep that in mind as you prepare for life after surgery.

Best of luck

Used to be a big milk drinker, especially when it was in a big bowl of cereal! I grew up with it and never considered it as a bad food unless I was drinking whole milk or eating a half gallon of ice cream. I made the switch to Almond milk a few years back because it was a healthy alternative and it tasted pretty darn good. Since surgery, I haven't had as much, but I still make two-three almond milk Protein shakes a week. I do eat Greek yogurt and that helps with my Calcium intake. Post surgery I really don't have the milk cravings I did prior to it.

Good luck

I've cut way back on fruit juices since surgery given the amount of sugar in them ( and I was a lifelong orange and grapefruit juice guy). However, I will still have an occasional fruit/vegetable smoothie because I miss the taste ( and it hasn't stopped my weight loss). These days I focus on adding the real fruit, using a reduced sugar OJ or V8 juice and supplementing it with some coconut Water and Protein Powder. Enjoy your fruit, it's good for you, but do so in moderation.

I'm not sure there is a clear defenative answer. Recovery really depends on how well your surgery goes, how your body and mind respond afterward and what your doctor recommends. You're going to be the best judge on your ability to head back to work, but I recommend that you don't push your body's recovery too soon. This is major surgery and you are going to have some adjustments to make afterwards. Be sure you are ready to get back into the work environment by having a well thought out plan for getting your Water, Protein and other nutrients requirements while you are still in the recovery phases.

Good luck.

My number one post survey item has been my 32 once vacuum insulated stainless steel Water bottle. I bought the Quench water bottle on Amazon and absolutely love it. It goes where I go and I don't have any excuses for not drinking my water every day.

This surgery will be one of the best decisions you ever make. You will be making a very positive and healthy lifestyle change that if you stick with it and stay determined will greatly improve your quality of life and those around you. I'm close to six months post RNY, down over 100lbs and still losing. No two people that have WLS end up with the same exact experiences, but I'm one of the many that was blessed to have an extremely easy time. No complications or extended pain from the surgery, stopped all my meds the day of surgery and have had excellent blood work and diagnosis since then. I've learned how to manage my eating habits, how to eat right and gained a ton of insight into being healthy. My biggest expense has been new clothes because I work in a profession that requires business attire, but it's one I'm happy to live with these days.

Most important lessons I've learned:

Drink your Water and make it your go to beverage.

Get your Protein in daily and don't cheat on it.

Take it easy after surgery and follow your doctors advice on your timeline to recovery.

Find a good Vitamin and a good probiotic and take them daily.

Your taste will definitely change in terms of what you like to eat and what you can actually handle eating.

Remind yourself daily that you're still a work in progress and success depends on your commitment to eating and living heathy.

Exercise will make you lose weight faster, make you feel better and needs to be part of your plan.

Learn how to take a compliment ( you'll get plenty from those that truly love and respect you) and ignore those people that only want to bring you down.

Good luck as you move forward with your journey, lots of great folks on this site for support and advice.

Totally understand about your desire to get away from the Protein shakes/bars, but I'm the total opposite. It's crazy, because I'll get up and make my kids eggs and bacon, but I have a very difficult time consuming anything like that anymore since surgery. I have three breakfast staples I choose from on almost a daily basis: Greek yogurt w/ a scoop of quality protein powder and either flax or chia seeds!; a Quest Protein Bar if I need something more solid and two three times a week I add a Protein Shake as a late breakfast kicker to help load up on my protein goal for the day. Once a week I add a fruit and protein smoothie to the mix. I may eat a small serving of oatmeal or high Fiber Cereal occasionally, but I'm always cautious about the sugar and carbohydrates associated with those last two. Like many have said in this topic, experiment with what makes you feel good about eating breakfast and as long as it keeps you on track for you WL goals you will be fine.

Interesting, have to wonder just how many medical conditions are caused by obesity and what all could be delayed or prevented.

I grew up drinking Coke and sweet tea ( a total southern thing) and while I would have an occasional soda during a meal over the years, I grew out of really liking or needing the carbonation from Coke and soda. I really thought sweet tea was a much better (healthier) option than soda and it became my "poison" of choice when I turned 30. Prior to surgery last August, I really felt tea would be the hardest thing for me to give up. It's just so much a part of our culture here in Alabama and I had been drinking it daily for so long. Was I ever wrong....since surgery I haven't had any desire for it nor the associated caffeine that comes along its it. I think I've had maybe two glasses of unsweetened tea and that's it. I don't even consider a Coke or anything carbonated an option (but I do miss a cold beer sometimes when others are drinking). My day starts and ends with Water and it's rare I have anything else (other than some unsweetened almond milk). One other aspect to my surgery is that my kids have really slowed down on their request for soda and since I don't buy it anymore for consumption around the house, they only get it occasionally when we eat out.