jj7481

Correct, but it depends how often the OP is having bloodwork done. Each surgeon uses the above guidelines especially in the first few mos post op. I had bloodwork done by my surgeon pre-op and shortly after surgery. My next blood draw (for all my levels) won't be done until my 1 yr post op anniversary.

There is a list that surgeons/providers go by for post op BS patients. It can be found on of 7-8 of this document: https://asmbs.org/wp/uploads/2014/05/nutritional-guidelines.pdf To simplify things I stick to a multivitamin that has ALL of these requirements without having to buy several individual supplements. Look into Optisource Complete MV. Manufactured by Nestle and utilizes the above recommendation to supply ALL necessary post bariatric nutrients.

As little as possible. I took my charger for iPhone/iPad, clean pair of undies, and socks.

A valid and common question. It depends on your surgeon and the type of surgery you're having. My restriction was lifting no more than 10 lbs for two weeks post-op, then lift as tolerated. You will find a multitude of answers to the lifting question. Paramount is keeping I contact with your surgeon and stick to their guidelines. Outside of that strength training is important so as to minimize your lean mass losses.

You've already made the tough decision. Now, focus on the journey ahead!

Based on the metrics you provided you've got a BMI just over 35. This is the cutoff for most insurances with comorbidities like HTN, DM, etc. Otherwise you'd need a standalone BMI of 40. The common angst you will find among many threads is dealing with insurance. Have you contacted your insurance company to find out their minimum requirements for bariatric surgery?

Depends on your surgeon and what you do. I was off 2 weeks. This was mainly due to a no more than 10lb lifting restriction by my surgeon with no lifting restrictions after that.

I wasn't given a number by my nutritionist. Mine focused on getting Protein and Water first while staying in the portion size for the various stage I was in. In stage 4 I finally asked and her recommendation was no more than 20g of carbs per meal. This may sound like a lot but not all carbs are created alike. I also stick with getting my protein and water in first while eating no more than 1-1.25cups per serving.

In the first 6-8 wks, yes, we saved money. Due to the limited food items and small portions food was lasting longer. This also had an impact with my wife as she was more conscientious as to what she was buying. I didn't buy any new clothes the first several months because I actually had a side closet full of clothes I had become too big to wear. Also, I wasn't about to buy new clothes every couple of weeks to keep up with the weight loss.

Pack very little primarily so things don't go/have the chance of going missing at the hospital. My stay was overnight so I brought my iPad (essential), new underwear, socks, and phone/iPad chargers.

No yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, or Protein shakes? Hmm, that eliminates pretty much any idea I'd have for you (almost every breakfast I do has one if not a couple of those). Hopefully your tastes develop and your stomach settles. Look into the alternative forms of protein. You're kind of limited with your soft stage, but even more limiting is what you don't like. Tofu is a good source or protein that is soft. Check out Paleo diets that are low carbs and high protein.

Everyone is different. Weighing daily just pisses me off so I weigh 2-3x per week. So far this is working as I'm seeing the losses, motivates me if I see an increase, but doesn't freak me out when I haven't seen a change since yesterday. Some people will freak out when they weigh daily and don't see a change every single day. Some people need it as an accountability. You just have to find what works for you to make sure you stay on track in your weight loss journey. Everyone is different. Weighing daily just pisses me off so I weigh 2-3x per week. So far this is working as I'm seeing the losses, motivates me if I see an increase, but doesn't freak me out when I haven't seen a change since yesterday. Some people will freak out when they weigh daily and don't see a change every single day. Some people need it as an accountability. You just have to find what works for you to make sure you stay on track in your weight loss journey. Everyone is different. Weighing daily just pisses me off so I weigh 2-3x per week. So far this is working as I'm seeing the losses, motivates me if I see an increase, but doesn't freak me out when I haven't seen a change since yesterday. Some people will freak out when they weigh daily and don't see a change every single day. Some people need it as an accountability. You just have to find what works for you to make sure you stay on track in your weight loss journey.

Interesting. I guess we get so focused on the losing part that we never thing about "relaxing." However, my relaxation comes on the days I'm not at the gym...so. lol

Yeeeeaaaaah buddy!