YeaMe

I was hungry (or was I really) and grabbed a "protein" bar (more of a fu fu bar) and ate it in 2 minutes without even thinking because I was trying to get a rush project done at work. I feel like I ate Thanksgiving dinner, TWICE!!!

Congratulations. I am now 7 weeks and am amazed. I had your same problem and now eat a prune a day and have had no problems.

Bariatric Advantage Multi Formula with Iron and Bariatric Advantage Calcium Chewy Bites 500 mg - both twice a day. They are specific for bariatric patients. I would totally recommend them.

I can totally relate. I'm only 6 weeks out and totally tired of ALL my protein choices at this point. I'm a Premier Protein fan, though it is a liquid protein shake, but premade. I can't find a protein powder I can tolerate - flavored or unflavored. I just bought some Quest Bars and they are really good. Most are around 160-190 calories (which is really low for a protein bar), 4 net carbs and 21 grams of protein. I eat 1/2 before I go to the gym at lunch and 1/2 for my afternoon snack. They are a little pricey at $2.15, but I need them to keep my protein levels up. So from the protein shake and protein bar, I get in 50 carbs.

The hardest part was realizing that at the beginning 3T of food was enough. Also that you will be probably eating nothing but protein for awhile because you can fit in so little. So, I'm missing fruit and salads, but just have to realize there will be a time I can eat those again. I'm 6 weeks out and now on "normal food" (which is protein in a solid state). I'm up to 2-3 ounces of protein at a time so meal planning is really, really easy. My surgeon said for the first 6 months I could live on protein, his prescribed vitamins, and water with no problem. I have though lost connections with some friends because our social time was eating and drinking. I'm okay with that - I will find new friends at the gym! My greatest feeling, is not having the food cravings. My body was addicted to processed foods, sugar, diet Coke, and basically anything that was bad for you. It's soooooooo freeing! I have gone out to dinner and watched others eat Mexican food (my love) and drink beer/margaritas, and I am as happy as a clam eating some protein off a friend's plate and sipping my water. I think the one most important factor in the process, is picking out a good surgeon, even if you have to pay a lot more. That will be a big factor in the success of the surgery. Just let me know if you have any other questions. If you were my friend, I would say the only regret you will have is not doing it sooner.

I'm 57 and had zero pain in the hospital. I was sore, but it was not painful. I did not have any gas pains either. I was though, very nauseous for about 3 days. I never took any pain medication once I left the hospital. It took me about a week to feel somewhat normal again. I took 10 days off work and that was enough.

I've told 2 people. It's my news to share and right now, I'm choosing not to.

I was exactly in your same spot, though I had kept some of my weight off. I am 56 years old and through the years, I have lost and gained the same weight over and over. In 2014, I started having problems with my feet/ankles and I was miserable and in constant pain. In Jan. 2016, I decided, this is it. It's now or never. So I went on WW and quickly shed 50 lbs. By the end of 2016, I started putting the weight back on. It has always been hard to share with friends/family what goes on in a brain like ours. I thought about my weight every day, all day. It's a horrible roller coaster of emotions. In January 2017, I woke up one morning and thought to myself, this will stop now! I called a friend to had bariatric surgery and within a week I had an appointment with her surgeon. I knew my insurance wouldn't pay for it because I was basically a "healthy" fat person and since I had lost some of the weight (280lb down to 232lb), my BMI was too low anyway. I decided it would be the best $15,000 ever spent. I ended up only having to pay about $8,000 out of pocket because I had a hiatal hernia fixed at the same time. I have only told my daughter and best friend, and they are both supportive. I didn't want to hear from others - Oh, you have been doing so well on your own, why have surgery?!?! On 2/15/17 I had the surgery and am down 30 lbs to 202 and feel great. I can say now, the best money and decision I have ever had. I had literally no pain from the surgery (just nauseous for 3 days). My surgeon told me most doctors aren't doing the band (and he won't) because the failure rate is so high. Really, only you can make the decision on your surgery. I just knew I couldn't live like I had been for the last 20 years. Good luck with your decision.