stacyrg1

I'm 2 years post surgery and have been drinking through straws since I was 6 weeks out. In fact, I've walked into my surgeon's office drinking iced tea from Starbucks with a straw and he didn't say a single word. I'm sure you didn't do any damage.

My plan doesn't allow flintstones as they are not complete. They recommend either the centrum or the Bariatric vitamins. I chose centrum. They're relatively inexpensive and don't bother my stomach

My plan calls for 1500 in supplemental calcium citrate a day. That is in addition to whatever calcium is in my multi. I DO NOT count my calcium intake from food in that total. I take citracal petites 500 mg at a time, 3 times a day and have since my surgery in May, 2014.

Almost 2 years post op. I went from a 22 to a 2-4 in pants and a small/medium in tops.

I use 2 centrum a day. No need to buy expensive Bariatric vitamins

I am almost 2 years post VSG and after a lot of advice decided to try dating again. I was talking with someone I met on an online site and things seemed to be going well so we decided to meet for coffee. It was . . . Interesting. First he was a bit late because he "fell asleep" and woke up late so he had to rush to get there. Second, and this was the interesting part to me, he was chunkier than he appeared in his photo. I found myself being a little judgmental about that. Then I had to reign myself in thinking "who are you to judge someone by weight or appearance?" I get that attraction, or what makes someone attractive is a very subjective thing, but I was mad at myself for judging this person based solely on appearance (I won't lie, the fact that he was late also plays into it). I don't think it will matter in this case since he apparently didn't find me appealing either (he hasn't contacted me). In my mind I keep saying "hey buddy, what's wrong? Isn't size 2 with a good personality good enough for you??" But I still found my immediate reaction to him interesting. I never thought I would be so judgy!

Wow, were there complications or another procedure performed too at the same time? No. No complications. VSG and hernia repair. The $101,000 was before insurance. I paid $5,000 total including all pre op appointments

Just because those foods were "allowed" on your plan doesn't mean you have to eat them. We have the same surgeon so we have the same plan. Yes, after 6 months the plan gave us "permission" to reintroduce foods such as bread, rice and pasta. I never did. I'm 22 month post surgery and haven't had a piece of bread, a grain of rice or a bite of pasta. Those foods are definitely "trigger" foods for me and I decided early on that to be successful they could not be part of my life. Will I never eat pasta again? No, but it will be in situations where it's worth it. I like to travel and if I go back to Italy, you better believe I'll eat pasta. France? Bread, Brie and pastry. But do I need a sandwich? Nah. Spaghetti from the local chain Italian restaurant? Nope. If you know these foods are trigger foods for you, DON'T EAT THEM. If you have to fool yourself by telling yourself they're not allowed on your plan, do it. Don't let food have control over you, take control over food. If it's "bad" for you personally stay away. You've done so well it would be such a shame to throw away all your hard work for pasta, rice and bread when you can live perfectly well without it. Good luck!

I chew gum every single day. I've never had a problem. Like everyone else said, the concern is swallowing it. I'm always careful and never have a problem

I'd be more than happy to offer any support you need!

One word for you. Wax.

Oops that should 90-100g a day. 99-100 would just be stupid!

I did not decrease my protein goal as I lost weight. Rather, my goal increased. I fluctuate between 127-133 right now and my protein goal is between 99-100g a day. I can actually meet it rather easily with food and not supplements but I eat multiple smaller meals per day and always eat protein first. You need the protein to maintain muscle mass and I would be wary of following a diet plan that aimed for less than 70g a day (and this is just me, but I would consider that really low). Good luck!

$101,000 give or take. 2 night stay. Los Angeles, CA

@Bufflehead- this is exactly the conversation I'm having with my therapist. She thinks I've developed a bit of OCD since I weigh, measure and record everything. I also still follow all the "rules" that I believe make a successful WLS patient: protein first, no drinking with food, etc. She would like me to have a more natural relationship with food. I tell her that I LIKE the control my behaviors give me over a drug that I abused for far too long and that deviating terrifies me. Are there days where logging is a drag? Yeah. Are there meals I eat that defy logging? You bet. But, for the most part, when I decided to have surgery I made a deal; I traded eating without thought for eating mindfully. It was more than a fair trade for the life I have now and don't see me changing a thing for the foreseeable future!

I am 21 months post surgery and still plan all my meals and weigh and log all my food. I found it is the plan that works for me. If I'm out at a restaurant i'm not shy about asking the server a portion size so I can eat accordingly. I believe that I will live like this for the rest of my life. The logging takes minutes out of my day, but insures I stay on track. Being diligent has lead to a 130 lb loss and has given me an active life I could never have imagined. While I don't consider my behavior obsessive, some (including my therapist) do. However, I'm not willing to change. I like the control planning and logging give me. I will, and do, eat off plan, but I'm always sure to log to make sure I stay on track. Good luck!!

I make a Greek chicken salad with: Chicken breast Greek yogurt Red onion Cucumber Tomatoes Greek olives Feta cheese It is super high Protein and delicious. I also make a curry chicken salad Silat to yours except I add red onion, celery, and golden raisins. I love so high protein chicken salad and eat it all the time

Yes. I am 21 months post surgery and developed significant GERD post surgery. I am taking protonix 40mg in the morning, dexilant 60mg before dinner and Zantac 150mg before bed. Even with the GERD I wouldn't change a thing about my surgery

My surgeon and team are just fine with flavored water. I drink plain water or propel. I guess you should listen to your team but you shouldn't make blanket statements about zero calorie flavored water being a big no no. Just my opinion

That was the working theory behind my lab results. Since my numbers are improving its hard to argue with them

At 1 year post op my cholesterol went out of control. Before surgery my cholesterol was perfect. At my 1 year, my total cholesterol was 368 and my LDL cholesterol was 297. My surgeon made me rerun the labs because he was sure there was a problem with the vial. No. Second test was similar. He got together with my PCP and nut and they immediately increased my calories to 1200 a day (up from 850). My numbers are trending downward but are still in the 220 range. I don't agree (and neither do my doctors) that certain foods increase your cholesterol. Eat eggs if you want, but I would definitely keep an eye on your numbers and have your labs rerun

I am suffering with reflux that started post surgery. I take 40mg protonix in the am, 60mg dexilant before my evening meal and 150mg Zantac before bed. This was all on doctor's orders. The Zantac before bed really helps the acid from coming back into my throat.

No. Liquid will not stretch your sleeve

I'm 20 months post VSG. Did not have GERD/Reflux prior to surgery but am now suffering big time. I'm going tomorrow for an esophageal pH study and then will meet with my surgeon to discuss possible treatment. Right now I take protonix 40mg before breakfast, dexilant 60mg before dinner and Zantac 150mg before bed. I had to come off my meds cold turkey a week before the pH study and I'm dying. I can barely drink without esophageal spasms and severe heartburn. I can't wait until Friday so I can take a pill. With that said, I'd do my surgery again if need be, but if you have reflux issued before surgery, I'd think long and hard about bypass