jhbeck

I prioritize my veggies. I miss being able to eat those in volume. In a way I do NOT miss eating crap in volume. But I put about 2 oz on my plate, with 3-4 oz of Protein. And once I've eaten half my protein I consider the veggies equally important. I can't eat 4 oz of chicken then eat vegetables most of the time. So I leave some over.

I am also finding my balance on carbs as well. Almost 7 months post op here. At 2-3 months I never ever had room for more than a touch of fruit or a little qinoa. But I've found that eating a bit more carbs seems to boost my weight loss. My carbs come from: a slice of 100% whole wheat bread, wasa crisps, pea crisps, Greek yogurt, sweet potato, fruits and vegetables. So it's never higher carb and lower Protein at a given meal. It's more that I have room to add in more of these healthy carbs without reducing my Protein.
Oatmeal is a tricky one. I'd also say only whole oats or steel cut. No instant oats. And if you can add protein to it-cook in milk or add GENEPRO, better. But oatmeal is very filling and will impact your ability to get in any additional protein at that meal. (I think it's more appropriate in the first 6 weeks as you are adjusting to food then it is during the bulk of the weight loss stage.)
All of that said, track. If you are tracking, and your weight loss doesn't slow down with oatmeal twice a week, great. But don't go to daily oatmeal right away. And if it makes you start craving other carbs, think about it it's really a good choice.

I am also finding my balance on carbs as well. Almost 7 months post op here. At 2-3 months I never ever had room for more than a touch of fruit or a little qinoa. But I've found that eating a bit more carbs seems to boost my weight loss. My carbs come from: a slice of 100% whole wheat bread, wasa crisps, pea crisps, Greek yogurt, sweet potato, fruits and vegetables. So it's never higher carb and lower Protein at a given meal. It's more that I have room to add in more of these healthy carbs without reducing my Protein.
Oatmeal is a tricky one. I'd also say only whole oats or steel cut. No instant oats. And if you can add protein to it-cook in milk or add GENEPRO, better. But oatmeal is very filling and will impact your ability to get in any additional protein at that meal. (I think it's more appropriate in the first 6 weeks as you are adjusting to food then it is during the bulk of the weight loss stage.)
All of that said, track. If you are tracking, and your weight loss doesn't slow down with oatmeal twice a week, great. But don't go to daily oatmeal right away. And if it makes you start craving other carbs, think about it it's really a good choice.

I can't eat the Quest bars at all. Both taste and texture. I like the Pure Protein Bars and the Think Thin Protein & Fiber bars.

My plan had me at 500-600 calories where you are.
I have 2-3 Snacks a day, and was still at that level. If you are feeling hungry throughout the day like that, talk to your dr about acid. The acid in your stomach can mimic the feeling of hunger and affect your food choices, volume, etc. Even if you're not actually having reflux. I went to a stringer reflux medication and that helped with the hungry feeling a lot!

Eating less and moving more. Not a lie.
Eating a low carb diet. Also not a lie.
For those who ask (and my experience is that few ask, most just compliment) you can tell them any subset of the many truths you choose to share.
Saying your taking a new experimental drug, that's a lie. Saying your metabolism just changed, or weight watchers is finally working, etc. are lies. But there are many truths to share short of sharing your surgery.
Also, the one person, so far, who seemed truly interested for herself, vs curious/looking for the magical solution, approached me alone, quietly, and it was quite different than the Water cooler conversations. I was happy to share in that context, and I believe she has scheduled to attend an info session.

My plan had me at 500-600 calories where you are.
I have 2-3 Snacks a day, and was still at that level. If you are feeling hungry throughout the day like that, talk to your dr about acid. The acid in your stomach can mimic the feeling of hunger and affect your food choices, volume, etc. Even if you're not actually having reflux. I went to a stringer reflux medication and that helped with the hungry feeling a lot!

My plan had me at 500-600 calories where you are.
I have 2-3 Snacks a day, and was still at that level. If you are feeling hungry throughout the day like that, talk to your dr about acid. The acid in your stomach can mimic the feeling of hunger and affect your food choices, volume, etc. Even if you're not actually having reflux. I went to a stringer reflux medication and that helped with the hungry feeling a lot!

That's great to know! Thanks Alex!

I prioritize my veggies. I miss being able to eat those in volume. In a way I do NOT miss eating crap in volume. But I put about 2 oz on my plate, with 3-4 oz of Protein. And once I've eaten half my protein I consider the veggies equally important. I can't eat 4 oz of chicken then eat vegetables most of the time. So I leave some over.

you have to give it time. a LOT of time. at this point you should be resting a lot, SIPPING Protein shots and Water and totally taking it easy. although your surgeon may differ, at 4 days post op there was no real eating for me, just sipping Protein Shots, Water, room temp sugar free Jello (1 tsp every few hours), and broths.
at 4 days post op, the anesthesia isn't even all out of your system yet (those of us in medicine know this can take MANY days to completely clear, especially if your liver is sluggish).
if you are having pain you should call your clinic. it sounds to me like you're trying to recover too quickly. take it easy!!!!!

So for example - you would never be able to have a little salad, two small chicken wings or a small chicken breast and a little rice for example? It's two chicken wings and you are done?
I guess everyone is different, but even my wife is eating more than the amount of meat on two chicken wings with her bypass and she is doing incredible with losing weight. She will have a piece of salmon, some veggies and some fruit for desert.

You will not be able to lift 20+ pounds for 4 weeks. Not to change a diaper. Or put the baby in the crib. Or the car seat. Or in the shopping cart. Talk to your surgeon so you really understand the risks of ignoring the weight restrictions.
I started the process with a 2 year old. And due to the lifting restrictions I ended up waiting a year. That turned into 18 months because my insurance requirements changed. But for me, it was smarter than giving myself a hernia and an extra trip to the OR.

You can also go to Macy's and if they aren't having a sale check the model numbers online. I bought lillyette bras for half the Macy's price on Amazon.

You can also go to Macy's and if they aren't having a sale check the model numbers online. I bought lillyette bras for half the Macy's price on Amazon.

You can also go to Macy's and if they aren't having a sale check the model numbers online. I bought lillyette bras for half the Macy's price on Amazon.

Awesome! I went ice skating with mine for the first time since my surgery. I am a MUCH better skater 35 pounds down. And while my 3 year old took breaks, I didn't need one!

PPI is a proton pump inhibitor. It is a reflux medication that actually reduces acid production vs controlling it.
Pepcid and Zantac are NOT PPI's. Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, etc are.

I can tell you this. I was denied, around age 30, for the cartilage repair my knees needed. Over the years the knee issues (3 surgeries on my left knee, I refuse to even let them X-ray my right knee. I know what they will find.) my knee issues have been better and worse.
I am 42. Had sleeve surgery 6 weeks ago. Am down 37 pounds total. Bmi from around 46 to 40. So far. And my knees are SOOOOO happy. It was less instant than I wanted. A few weeks ago I was still thinking of synvisc shots. But now I can do so much more.
This postpones the knee replacement by years. And increases the chances of success. I will still need double knee replacement. But maybe at 65. I was on track for 50.

I've had oatmeal during the mushy stage. Just added Protein Powder to it. Definitely no nuts for a while v
I've had oatmeal during the mushy stage. Just added Protein powder to it. Definitely no nuts for a while v

Are you taking anything for acid? By 2 weeks post op i was STARVING. All the time. At my 2 week check up they put me on a strong ppi, and within 2 days there was a marked improvement. It's been less than a week on the new med. I get hungry at night. But tums makes it go away, and food does not.

Are you taking anything for acid? By 2 weeks post op i was STARVING. All the time. At my 2 week check up they put me on a strong ppi, and within 2 days there was a marked improvement. It's been less than a week on the new med. I get hungry at night. But tums makes it go away, and food does not.

The ricotta bake is great. Everything but the crust.

The ricotta bake is great. Everything but the crust.

Not my goals, specifically. But my mother still has: my bat mitzvah dress, the dress I wore to my 8th grade graduation dance, and my junior and senior prom dresses. Mind you I was somewhere between chubby and fat for all of these. But methinks I might dig them out and try them on come thanksgiving. (I'm not quite 2 weeks post op now. Goal is a long way off.)