leebick

I'm 13 months post-surgery. I lost weight steadily for 6 months and then have been basically stalled, but I'm working on that (MUST get back to regular exercise). Anyhow... I am a pizza-holic, or I was before surgery. Now I find I can eat the toppings but the crust over-fills me and makes me feel awful. Usually I eat the toppings from 2 pieces of a small pizza, but Sunday we were at a friend's home. He'd made pizza, it was very saucy, so I ate 2 pieces. They were small squares- maybe 2"x2"- with a very thin, soft crust, but BOY did I regret that choice! I have to stay away from the crust... even just a couple of bites of that lovely, thick edge... But that's OK, I've lost a ton of weight and am happy!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140912141933-209684125-the-science-behind-transdermal-nutrient-delivery-system A lot of research has gone into transdermal drug delivery, and it seems safe and effective. I am not sure that all our vitamin needs have been studied, though. My biggest issue is the cost of patch vs. chewables. My nutritionist is fine with either- just no gummy vitamins!

Vitamins- I've done Flintstones, Target brand, Walmart brand. They all taste icky- no wonder my daughter used to hide them when I'd give them to her! I try to chew them with my front teeth only, then swallow with water. It minimizes the taste and they don't get stuck in my teeth as much. Calcium- TAKE IT! You probably already don't get enough, and with the reduced amount of food you'll eat, there's no way you'll get enough calcium/D. Get the store brand of Viactiv (I get mine at Target) and take it NOT when you take your regular vitamins. I actually look forward to my two chocolate chews in the evening- note I said CHOCOLATE! It's like a treat in the evening, a replacement for dessert, something that tastes pretty good while being good for me (required, even)!

Yes. Apparently there is research showing that because of the small capacity of a sleeved or bypassed stomach (and the reduced absorptive ability of a bypassed small intestine), less actual vitamin compound is released and absorbed by a bariatric-redesigned digestive system when the person takes gummy vitamins. It appears that well-chewed chewable vitamins release more vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream of bariatric patients. I think it makes sense, biophysically. At least, that's how it was explained to me.

I was pretty much in the 30-30-30 category, too. I believe the guideline is so you don't drink too much and get too full, don't stretch out finishing a meal so that you develop a grazing habit, and don't drink too close to the end of eating so you don't get overly full and sick.

Sleeved 9/15/16. I took my vitamins, but no biotin or anything else. I thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones who missed out on the hair loss, but, no, sadly. My husband had leg surgery on 12/9/16 and all went well until 1/1/17, when he developed a massive infection that almost cost him both limb and life, literally. He was hospitalized/in rehab until the end of February, and during that time period, my hair started thinning like crazy. I am now taking 10000mcg biotin daily, only wash my hair every 4 days, try not to curl/dry/abuse it too much. It feels like it's starting to come back in. I think it was a combination of factors that cost me my hair. Primary cause, IMO, was low protein. I still have to focus on getting enough protein (and I'm 11 months post-surgery) every day, but I am pretty much there. I DO think there is something to the theory of surgical shock to the body; protein building goes into healing the surgical site, taking away from other protein needs, coupled with a huge lack of protein for the newly-post-op BWLS patient. It makes total sense from a biochemistry viewpoint. I worked hard to keep my vitamin/mineral intake solid with supplements, so not sure if that was an issue. I'm also not sure the biotin makes a difference, but I'm still taking it. I think what really pushed me over the edge was the stress from my husband's situation. Fortunately, he is healing well and progressing nicely, I am eating more protein now, and my hair seems to be thickening. Still gonna take the biotin, though!

Totally off topic, but your post gives me hope. I am still working on getting in all my protein and fluid requirements before being overly/full, so haven't incorporated many fresh veggies and no grains and carbs yet- and I'm 11 months post-op. Who knew my biggest craving, post-surgery, would be SALAD? I'm thankful I have good restriction, and am so happy with my progress so far, but I sure would love a big salad full of crunchy, fresh veggies!

According to my surgeon AND Nut... GasX strips are for gas that is produced in your digestive system, in your stomach and intestines. It works internally, within your digestive system. MOST of the post-op gas that people talk about is from the gas that is introduced into your abdominal cavity (so NOT inside your stomach/intestines) to expand it so there's more space for the surgeon to work within. This gas sometimes gets caught in pockets around your body, especially in your chest/shoulder area, until it's absorbed by the tissues- that's what causes almost all of the post-op "gas pain" that people talk about. NOT the same kind of gas at all that GasX works on.. so don't worry too much if you can't find the GasX!! Instead, get up, walk, shift around and change your body position so that the trapped gas can move around into less (or non) painful locations.

Syntrax Nectar, which is whey protein isolate. One serving (one full scoop) has 23gm protein, no carbohydrate, no fat. I mix it with water (juicy flavors, lemonade, iced tea) or unsweetened almond milk (shake flavors). You can also use skim milk but I don't like skim milk! If you want to test out the Nectars, go to si03.com. Hover your mouse over where it says "special offer" on the home page and it'll tell you how to get a sampler of flavors: 15 single-serve nectars, all different flavors, for $16.99 to include shipping. It's a one-time offer, but so worth it to be able to sample flavors instead of have to shell out $40 or more for something you might not like. I also make bone broth. Roast a chicken (or buy a store-rotisserie chicken) or some beef bones in the oven. Strip off the meat, then simmer the bones on the stove with several quarts of water/broth (I use broth from Dollar Tree, $1 a quart, maybe 1 qt. broth to 2qts water... or use bouillon in the water), a cut up onion, some cut up carrots, cut up celery. Simmer this for a couple of hours, covered, then strain out all bones, veg, etc. You can chill this and then lift off the fat if you want. (I usually take off about half the fat.) I am not sure how much protein this actually has, but it's a great "meal" for those post-op days when you want something warm and savory. You could add some unflavored protein powder (I use Syntrax brand) to boost the protein content just before eating, but remember that you can't add protein to liquid that's too hot or it'll clump and get all nasty.

I've been taking vitamins, etc., all along, both pre- and post-op (gastric sleeve). I take 2 kids chewable vitamins in the morning (Target/Walmart brand of Flintstone's chewables- NO gummies), then 2 chocolate calcium/vitamin D chews (once again, Target brand of Viactiv) sometime in the late afternoon (don't take at the same time as the vitamins). I also take biotin (for my hair loss) and omeprazole (PPI for reflux) each day. Once a week I have sublingual B12 (it's a liquid, couldn't find the meltables at Walmart). I didn't ask specifically about swimming. My surgery was laproscopic, so I was allowed to shower once I went home (day 3 post surgery). I don't remember what they said about tub baths and immersing the incision sites, as I don't tub-bathe. Even if you can submerge your incisions at 9 or whatever days, I'm not sure ocean water would be the best idea... the salt water wouldn't be bad for you, but I'm not sure what microbes there might be swimming around in there!

ONLY TWO MORE DAYS!! You can do this, you are almost there!! Herbalife and Premier Protein wouldn't have made it past my nutritionist's guidelines for the first 2 weeks post-op; too much carbohydrate, fat, and "stuff" (gums/thickeners/etc.) in them, but every Nut is different. All I can say is stick to what your nutritionist recommends, take your vitamins, put your head in a good place, don't watch the Food Network, change the channel when ads for Burger King come on, and find something ELSE to focus on other than head hunger and feeling crappy. You will feel better and stronger as your menu becomes more varied, and as you lose weight. It's been almost a year for me, yet almost every night when I lie in bed, I am amazed at the difference I feel in my body- my stronger muscles (that I can see and feel), my bones (who knew I had collarbones?), my overall health. Nothing is easy about this surgery, but the benefits are worth the struggle.

Constipation is as much a side-effect of the surgery/anesthesia as it is the high protein diet. Increase your fluid intake (water, clear juice, gatorade, SoBe, Fruit2O, etc. etc. etc). Protein is important but fluid, not being dehydrated, and not being constipated (as much as possible) is more important right now. Find a shake you can tolerate and go with it. IMO Premier is NOT the best option, and if you are drinking the ready-to-drink style, that's even worse. 3 days until you see your doc- THREE DAYS. Hang in there- you can do this. With any luck, your doc will give you the green light for mushy food. Only those of us who have been on liquids only for FOUR WEEKS can appreciate the glory of mushed up canned green beans with a little butter and salt! YOU CAN DO THIS. Nobody said it was easy, and if people tell you that bariatric surgery is the easy way out to lose weight, just laugh in their faces!

I know... we've all been there. MAKE yourself put your head in the right place. You can do this- we all have- but you need to convince yourself you can. Three days until you see the doctor- you can do that! Look what you've done already! I know you are sick of the shakes; are you drinking as much as you are supposed to drink, or are you unable to get it all down? Maybe add some more powder to the same amount of milk, if you are using powdered shakes. I personally cannot stand the ready-to-drink ones- they taste nasty- so if you are doing RTD, maybe go find some chocolate powder? SlimFast makes a Smoothie-High Protein powder that has a decent serving of protein in it (much higher protein, lower carb than their regular high protein powder). Get the chocolate- it's thick and delicious, and make it with skim or unsweetened almond milk. It really is good. Remember- YOU CAN DO THIS.

We never set a goal. I cranked along, lost weight steadily, for about 6 months. Since then, life has intervened, I've been pretty lazy about hitting the gym, had 3 vacations this summer, etc. I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any more, either, and my 1-year visit is in a month. I need to get back on the wagon and move further into health! One thing my surgeon did at my 9-month visit which threw me a bit: She asked me what I want to weigh! I'd never thought about that! I told her probably about 160-165. She said that sounds like a good goal for me, given my age, etc. She said I should shoot for 106-175, with 170 being the "warning" point. Well, I've not gotten down that far yet, but today is the first day of the rest of my life, and I'm working on it again. I decided I'd not worry about weight goals and such, just stick to my eating plan and get back to the gym. I have spent my entire life focused on what I weigh, what the numbers on the scale say, and letting that dictate how I feel about myself. I didn't have this surgery so I could spend the rest of my life focused on these things, too. I feel good, I like how I look, and I am happy. If I never lose another ounce, I am SO glad I had this surgery! (but I know I can lose another 20 or so pounds!)

It'll happen, I promise. I remember how long the first few weeks post-surgery seemed. I was so excited when they let me off straight liquids on to mushy food, only to discover that the scrambled eggs with cheese, refried beans with cheese, and ricotta bake just wouldn't go down. I thought I was going to scream! You'll get there, though. When I was on strict liquids, I made broth from roasted bones (either chicken or beef) and it was SO MUCH more satisfying than the stuff from the can. You just have to take it slowly and trust that it'll happen... because it will. If you need something different for shakes, go to si03.com. That's Syntrex's home page. If you hover your mouse on the upper right quadrant of the page, it'll give you the information for ordering a sampler pack of their Nectars. It costs $16.99, shipping included, for 15 one-serving packets in 15 different flavors. Some I mixed with water (grapefruit, lemonade, cherry, grape, etc) and some with unsweetened almond milk. Yes, it's still shakes, but it's fun to try the different flavors without having to invest big bucks. Can you have cream soups? I was allowed Healthy Recipe cream soups when on liquids, provided I strained out the chunks of food. I really enjoyed the cream of chicken and the mushroom. It was just so good to have something warm and savory in my tummy!! Once they let you off strictly liquids, it's easier. You can take some of that roasted chicken stock, simmer carrots, onions, and celery in it until they are mooshey-soft and then whizz it in the blender for a really hearty, tasty pureed soup. I also discovered I could put some of that broth on smashed up chicken and it went down pretty well. Eating is going to be challenging for awhile- I won't kid you- but you'll get there. By 3 months post-surgery, I was able to go to restaurants and find good food that I could actually eat (and take home leftovers for lunch for a couple of days!). Hang in there... it really does get better!

It's just about impossible to get enough vitamins/minerals/nutrients with the low amount of food we can now consume. I am still chewing 2 Flintstone Kids every morning, just to make sure I come close to what I need. I wasn't doing this for awhile (around 3 months post-surgery) and that's when my hair started thinning... badly. I am not sure that the lack of vitamins was what the problem was, but it sure couldn't have helped. I am 11 months post-surgery, and I take 2 kids chewable vitamins, 2 chocolate calcium chews, 10,000 mcg biotin, and my PPI every day, and some sublingual B12 on Saturday mornings. I feel good, so I'm gonna keep doing this!

Nope... it's the carbonation that's as bad for you as the empty calories that "regular" soda provides. No regular soda, no diet soda, no sparkling water, no beer, no champagne... basically nothing bubbly, because the carbonation will fill you and make you really, REALLY uncomfortable!

I am more than 6 months post-op and doing well. My weight, blood levels, etc., are all at the point that my surgeon hopes to see at a YEAR post-op; she and my Nut were both very impressed and supportive at my 6month visit. I am saying this just so people realize I AM following the program... mostly... It is school vacation week and I decided to treat myself; I went to the Chinese buffet for lunch. Nobody else in my family likes this kind of meal, so I usually take myself to lunch once or twice a year. I have been doing really well with portion control, so thought I was ready. I ate the filling from two crab rangoons, the meat from inside one dumpling, a small chicken meatball, most of a 3" piece of chicken teriyaki, a 2" piece of boneless rib, and part of the meat (no skin, no coating) from a piece of chicken wing. I'd been eating slowly and was feeling full, but not bad, so I decided to have some ice cream. I LOVE the soft serve at the buffet, and thought I'd be OK. Four slow, small bites of ice cream and I was hustling off to the bathroom, where most of my lunch came back up! You might wonder why I thought Chinese buffet would be an OK thing. Well, I have had eggs foo yung several times since surgery, successfully. I buy the quart-sized box, don't eat the rice or gravy, and one box gives me one or two dinners AND three or four lunches. I mean, it's mostly eggs and veg (and grease... but I scrape off as much of the gravy as humanly possible). I thought if I am OK with this, I should be OK with the appetizer-type foods- and a treat trip to the buffet is a vacation tradition for me! Looking at it now, I realize I ate way more than I'd usually eat in a meal; it looked like not much because of the parts I wasn't eating, and it's SO MUCH less than I used to eat, but when I think about the sheer quantity of the food, I can see what the problem was: TOO MUCH FOOD! You know what else, though? I didn't enjoy it like I used to enjoy it. I don't revel in the greasiness anymore- fat/grease makes me kind-of want to gag a little bit. However, my relationship to food has changed. I realize now that part of my food-affair was the sheer quantity of food that I could eat. I can't eat like that anymore, and I don't miss it. Don't get me wrong- some of that food yesterday tasted delicious- but it's not the same anymore, and I am fine with that. Honestly, remembering how I felt all afternoon and evening, I don't think I'll be tempted by the Chinese buffet again!

I'm not sure you'll have to give up all Chinese food unless you choose to. It sounds like you are a fan of the flavors, not necessarily turned on by the grease and quantity; my favorite part of the buffet was always the appetizer section, and I'd eat two platesful of that stuff before ever looking at the entrees! If I were you, I'd be looking for Chinese recipes you can cook at home, looking for flavors and spices you can eat/enjoy. I know that's what I will be doing... once I can actually think of Chinese food again, LOL! Honestly, I didn't have this surgery so I can eliminate large groups of foods from my diet. All along I have said that I am going to use my sleeve as a tool to help me with portion control and food choice, but I'd be lying to say I'm never again going to have an adult beverage, or some bites of pie, or a couple of fried clams. My goal is to stick to ONE or TWO small servings, bites, etc., of whatever I CHOOSE to eat. I was never good on either portion control or food choice, but now I am getting REALLY good at it (yesterday's fiasco not withstanding...)

I'd also drop the banana. When I was dieting (South Beach, Atkins, etc) I found that fruit was almost impossible for me. Even low glycemic fruits would stop my weight loss immediately. At 6.5 weeks post-op I couldn't handle grains or veg, or "big" servings, so I was also doing the 2 ounce, frequent meal thing. I still struggle with quantity so often have to choose between protein or veg- and I am 31 weeks (more than 6 months) post-op. If you want to increase your protein consumption, stick to protein foods. Any meat, cheese, fish, eggs, tofu, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, etc. I understand why you choose to avoid deli meats; I only use them because they are convenient, and I look for the lowest sodium, least processed options. Usually I cook a small chicken, ham, etc. over the weekend and keep portions of the meat bagged up, ready to grab when I am in a hurry. Regarding peanut butter, I find it helpful to have in the cabinet. I grab a spoonful if I am in a hurry or feeling low. Lots of options, but buying natural pb means I can pour off part of the oil to lower the calories. My daughter has PB with chia and flax in it; I need to find out what the brand is, as it was tasty and filling (1T). I also have the powdered PB2 that I mix with water. It tastes pretty good and has only 1.5g of fat (enough for flavor/satiety but with a minimal calorie hit). I am not sure why people want to "get off" protein shakes- is there too much "crap" in them? I am still drinking my Syntrax Nectar once a day to help with my protein intake. I mix it with unsweetened vanilla almond milk (can't stand skim milk). This stuff is pretty clean- just whey protein isolate, flavor, some lecithin, and sweetener. List of ingredients is FAR shorter than the list on the ready-to-drink products. My Nut is 100% behind me drinking these, to maintain my protein levels. IN fact, she is the one who suggested using this as my mid-morning snack/meal.

I didn't have a c-section, so I don't know the size of any internal incisions. I guess I'd just be cautious on the lifting, follow your doctor's orders. Although your external incisions are small, how long is that line of internal staples from where your stomach was removed? (I can't find anything online to answer this.) I think the internal incision(s) are what's guiding the restriction on lifting.

Proton pump inhibitor- it's a type of antacid for reflux. I take Omeprazole.

My hair started falling about at about 4.5 months post-surgery. It's awful- thin and scraggly. I've been taking biotin every day and I think it's starting to get better. I have a friend at work who had surgery about a year before I did. She says just hold on, it'll stop falling out eventually. Ugh... I am ready!

I didn't experience reflux until about 5 months post-surgery. It's not something that happens with everyone. I took omeprazol for about 3 weeks and everything seems OK now.

I bought all the "stuff" and didn't use most of it. My nut recommends stocking up 6 months of PPIs... my surgeon didn't even suggest I take them! SO glad I didn't purchase them- they are EXPENSIVE!! I bought the small plates, cups, spoons, etc and didn't use any of them. We already have small side plates, small pyrex bowls, etc. I just pay attention to the size of the bites I take. I bought the very expensive Biotine mouth spray and never opened it; I was allowed to have spongy mouth swabs dunked in water and that kept my mouth moist enough for the first day. It all seemed expensive and unnecessary to me.