LisaMergs

Yum!!! I always cook two-three birds side by side at a time. Easier, time efficient and when Son #1 is home, we go through 2 birds for a dinner. I miss that boy... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My best- My sister. She and I are very close, and she loves about 60 min away. Usually, we see each other once a week, just went up North in July to our summer place together, and most importantly, I spent the first 5 days post op at her house. (She's an awesome care-giver!) Getting my oldest off to college, the other two settled in to HS and all kinds of stuff- I haven't physically seen her in 6 weeks. That's so unusual for us! Friday night I popped over by her unexpectedly, and walked into her kitchen. Her hubby was there and I thought his jaw was going to fall off his face. "Holy Sh!t" he kept repeating -and gave me a huge hug. I was laughing at him as I proceeded out back to see my sister, just figuring she'd say hello and give me crap for not coming out sooner. Nope- same response from her as her hubby! THAT one really got me because she is not overly demonstrative nor does she ever go on and on about things. Having those who know me best- and have been through the journey with me since the day I first considered it, react that way FAR outweighs any comments from random friends or neighbors. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I will always think of you whenever I floss. Or you can think of Cam...I'm not going to add his technique sucks... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I use Syntrax matrix. It has a combination of whey and casein. The Peanut Butter cookie is to die for! I also make mug cakes from it--recipe from this board. A scoop with about .25 tsp of baking powder and just a touch of liquid--milk or Water or coffee creamer-- to make an almost paste like consistency. Microwave about 40 seconds. Yum! I think... that almost sounds yummy. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App It is!!! Sometimes I use sugar free torani for the liquid and do like chocolate with raspberry. Mmmm Ok. I'm on it. Have not had a "sweets craving" until this weekend. Stressful day yesterday, and my mind turned to wanting some. Made a choc Protein shake to satisfy it. Typically I hate the sweetness of most shakes and Protein Bars. Yesterday if I was able to, physically, I would have jumped on Oreos. This pic keeps me focused--- Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there I was moved to send you a private message because the first few things you mentioned are literally the same things I noticed after surgery. However I was sleeved on 7/23/16HW:297 SW:275 1Week PO: 255.0 CW:245 I am struggling to get in my 64oz Fluids I am also struggling to get my Protein in I only eat 2 times a day not taking Vitamins but do take the calcium chews. I need a motivation Buddy who can help me get going in the right direction! I have been stalled since 8/1/16 I go between 242.0 and 247.6 I have no clue of what counting my micos are and my NUT is 60.00 for 15 minutes and is been so I've just been trying on my own. I need like a out line of what to eat for a day?? I dont like the protein shakes at all no Isopure, not the one in the red and white carton, non of them taste right. I do walk like 10,500 steps a day I love walking!!!! I growing really sad and just need some help of someone like you who is Great Success. When I do eat I eat fast and it hurts my stomach. And I end up with burping and what I think is refereed to as bial??? Will this stretch my stomach out even if its still only 4-5 oz???? HELP if you can. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App I didn't get a PM from you? Anyway- I think the first thing you need to do is go back to accountability and write down every single thing you put in your mouth. Do you see a nut regularly? You have not even been 2 months post op, so I'm hoping you have access to one! Can you make an appointment? Also-you should have recently had your 6 week post op check. Did you discuss your weight with your surgeon? I'm happy to offer up whatever knowledge I have, but first you need to start with your team. As for protein- perhaps use an unflavored one and add it to your skim milk or SF drink. And one other question-- how are your clothes fitting?? Good luck! Lisa Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I use Syntrax matrix. It has a combination of whey and casein. The Peanut Butter cookie is to die for! I also make mug cakes from it--recipe from this board. A scoop with about .25 tsp of baking powder and just a touch of liquid--milk or Water or coffee creamer-- to make an almost paste like consistency. Microwave about 40 seconds. Yum! I think... that almost sounds yummy. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is what I use- http://m.gnc.com/Dymatize-Nutrition-Elite-Casein-Smooth-Vanilla/product.jsp?productId=71363976&network=g&device=m&creative=125833957874&c3ch=PLA&matchtype=&c3nid=20684467&adpos=1o5&gclid=COGG0eDvh88CFQJehgodpCgMbg&eesource=CA_DF%3A58234906%3AGNC&flavourID=58234906 It is micellar casein, and also has BCAA's in it (branched chain amino acids). BCAA's help with several things, including muscle repair, muscle recovery, and fatigue from exercise. They supply you with the amino acids (building blocks of proteins) you are not manufacturing in your body and must get from exogenous (outside) sources. Is it necessary to take BCAA's? Not necessarily. These foods are high in natural essential BCAA's Almonds Peanuts Wheat germ Oats Pinto Beans Chick peas Lentils Brown rice Corn Beef Salmon chicken eggs Milk Hummus Soy Protein Lamb Seaweed cheese Sesame seeds Cottage cheese Mushrooms Carrots Celery Turnips Some are plant-based, some dairy, some meat Bariatric patients have a hard time getting enough of any one nutrient in per meal/or per day. The target for BCAA's is 3G per meal- but there are three different BCAA's we need -leucine, isoleucine, and valine. And not all come from the same sources. So, if you are working out, having your whey Protein shake mixed with BCAA's right after your workout is ideal because the whey is readily absorbed and targets your muscles, and the BCAA's go right with them- and recovery is easier. Hope that helps! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

liquids do not go right through you, especially with a sleeve. Some of us are fortunate that we don't have an issue getting our requirements met early on. Some do. A lot has to do with swelling, how slow or fast you are consuming your liquids and foods. That said, I agree with @@NewAdventure2016 When you begin adding more solids - or even mushies- to your stomach, you will feel full faster. Your stomach is doing what it was engineered surgically to do. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good job! Looking great!! Congrats! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's what we are here for! Helping each other! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Pm'd you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Small dishes and bowls. You can grab them from the dollar store. The kind you used to use for condiments and ramekins . The ones I have are exactly perfect for a 1/2c portion. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

On point here. Casein protein takes longer than the whey isolate to be digested, therefore being satiated will last longer. In terms of "ideal" protein ( for those who are ok with milk products) casein is second only to 100% whey-isolate. It's a good choice. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had the opposite happen after my rapid weight gain. I would pass my reflection and not recognize myself as the heavy, bloated-faced person staring back. I cried. A lot. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I certainly can't speak directly to your situation, but I will say that having a team that is responsive to calls and I mean immediately, is very important. If you are having issues with this, I would suggest finding out who the practice administrator is and contacting them. If someone offers to "take a message", kindly inform them that you have waited long enough and would prefer that you speak immediately to that person. I will tell you this- kill them with kindness and respect until you get to speak with the person you want. You will get much further up the chain this way. But don't take no for an answer- and then when you get to the person who can help you the most, don't get off the phone until you have the desired answers. Your other option is to go directly to the office and ask to speak to them. . They can't exactly ignore you when you are standing there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think I need a banana now. The Snickers have become unavailable in my area Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Couple of days no heavy lifting? Try nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for 30 days! Better buy a couple bags of dog food now! You need clear liquids- broth, Jello etc and Protein shake mix to begin with. Don't go crazy. You will want to get out of the house by the time your Clear liquids are over, and can start buying "mushy" foods then. Besides, walking around in the grocery store is good exercise post op! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Not likely. Your colon ( large intestine) is where the poop is stored. You have about 5 feet of large intestine. Around 23 of small intestine. The area they worked on is on the uppermost portion of the small intestine, so your poop would need to be backed up almost 28 feet to cause pain where the surgery was! Now, things can move slowly, for sure- but I equate this to what babies who nurse do- it's called "gathering". Breast fed babies don't have the bulk and fillers that formula fed babies do- consequently, they poop differently. Because it is mostly water- their intestines will "gather" the fecal matter until such time that there is enough to stimulate the large colon to pass it. The babies are not in pain from it- it is simply their form of normal. Being on a liquid post op diet is akin to this and the colon requires more volume to stimulate a need to expel it. Hope that helps Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Inside comments/jaunty banter is simply a form of familiarity. Not to worry- we have all been new here That said- what kind of surgery you have also has a TON to do with whether you can tolerate carbs or not- the "bad" kind, that is. Five and a half months out, I still can not tolerate a piece of banana. Others can. It is always trial and error. And maybe one day I'll be able to- who knows? Sleeve patients don't always experience "dumping" - when the sugars hit your intestines and are not able to be processed like before surgery. That is part of the "accountability factor" associated with bypass. Now some sleevers DO dump- and there are a handful of bypass pts that DO NOT. Typically that is not the norm. Same could be said for fatty foods/greasy fried foods. The point is- GOOD SOLID nutrition is ubër important for ALL of us to not only be successful with the WL tool we now have, but ultimately, to be successful at maintaining our loss. There are ways to "eat around" your surgery- namely by not following the no drinking while eating or for 30 min after you finish eating. I, personally, try and follow a ketogenic diet. Not all NUT will agree with this diet. However, because inflammation is a huge issue for my body- cellularly speaking- and the autoimmune issues I have, my docs and NUT are fine with this- and I have been symptom free since surgery. How cool is that??? One thing I will say- not ALL WLS patients have ready access to a NUT. Some see theirs only before and maybe once or twice after surgery, so if they were unclear about nutrition, and can't find what they need to know here or elsewhere on the internet ( lots of conflicting information out there), then the likelihood is they may be confused or unaware. And because we here all see different doctors- again- conflicting information- and debates ensue. What you need to do is work with your NUT and bariatric team, take what you need from here, and make an educated decision. Hope that helps! Lisa Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Every one is different. Try not to make comparisons. You are still recovering from surgery and you may still have a lot of inflamation and gas from the surgery. Keep following the plan and next week you'll probably drop 10 pounds in one week. It will all come off as long as you follow your plan. Be patient. Absolutely! Key, like @@1Day1Life4Now said, we are all different. We ALL think " will I be the one this doesn't help?" Following your plan, getting your Protein, and expending energy via walking, whatever, will get you there. Trust the process. But STICK to it. Good luck. We are all here cheering for you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm switching, after 15 years, from BCBS PPO IL to United Healthcare. Of course I know this is a fairly large insurance provider, but I'm wondering what those of you who have it think about it? I'm post-op, but going forward, are they fairly easy to deal with? Coverage issues?? Thanks in advance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lmao- self explanatory. But in my world? SMH means SMACK my head Good list!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's always a plus! If you want yogurt- try the Oikos Greek Triple zero. I use the Danon Light and Fit- post op bypass here And you don't need a whole container of you're eating with other things. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Does that knowledge come from experience? I always thought the old adage was pineapple and watermelon! I been drinking....watermelon. DRINKING watermelon? Oh. I didn't know that was how we were supposed to use it.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App