Taylor5

Hope your surgery went well and you had a great experience! In case anyone else reads your topic and is wondering, my surgery was on Weds, I was discharged on Thurs, went back for swallow test on Fri, and we flew back on Sunday. We gave ourselves extra time bc we had to fly to/from Philadelphia and I have chronic back/neck pain. Also, we were planning around Xmas & NY's and wanted a reasonably priced non-stop flight.
I could have probably flown a day or so earlier, but as it was I was surprisingly comfortable. We had an overnight flight 11pm - 5am roughly - and I used my heating pad for the few hrs. we sat in the airport. Then took my night time meds right after we boarded and the anti-inflammatories they gave me upon discharge. I slept for several hrs. and woke in time to watch the sunrise over our final hour descent over the city. Was actually pretty cool...

Thanks for all the great info. Looks like I'm going shopping today!

Got a new acronym for you WTFGTBS- what the F*** go to be something And you're the first case they've seen! Sent you a hug, you need one now!

Sorry, just remembered this: When I was discharged, the nurse told me to get myself some juice from the store or hotel - like Regular Juice - and Water it down some. She said, "Everyone needs some sugar for energy, etc, and your body is trying to recover from major surgery. Don't overdo it, and don't get anything junky - make sure it is 100% juice." I got 100% apple juice bottles from the hotel store and OMG, even watered down they helped So Much! Was honestly the best part of my day each day besides the popsicles! I would have part of it in the morning before meds and same in the evening. I am prone to stomach issues and have not thrown up once at any point since surgery. I am positive the diluted apple juice helped my stomach handle the meds the first few days. Obviously I don't recommend this if your doctor or nutritionist don't think it's ok, but I guess something to remember if she is feeling too weak or nauseous. It might help.

My place, like many, didn't like to go by calories but rather just making sure there was adequate Protein and Fluid intake - especially in the first 1-2 months. And low sugar/lower carb, of course. However, from my food diary I was in that range of 600-900 per day for the first few months, and then slowly increased after month 3 when my activity level increased a lot more. But everyone is different as far as individual needs and rate of loss and all of that. And there's also that balancing act of not taking in too much, but then also make sure you are getting enough. Because of course you can stall from too few calories too! Def check with your doc/nut too though, especially if you are having concerns due to feeling you are either too hungry or not hungry enough, and even more so if that coincides with a slow-down or stall. Good luck!

Thank you! It has been a fun and crazy year!!

I can totally relate to that. So happy that this is finally over and it's definitely something for you to look forward to as well! - Not that it isn't possible to fall back into yo-yoing after the sleeve, but it is not nearly as easy. In fact, it would take a lot of dedication I feel
That's true, it is a lot to get used to, but when "the new normal" comes along with lower numbers on the scale and a tinier you in the mirror each week - it is unbelievably worth it! Just like most, I have had some bumps in the road. But NOTHING I have "struggled" with <not even the right word really> has EVER made me regret my decision to have the surgery. Most days I am still a little in awe of this entire process and how lucky I have been to have this done!

It sounds like either a hernia or scar tissue that has attached to something else and is pulling. My husband had something similar on a surgery scar. Surgeon went in and cleaned it up. Was outpatient quick and easy fix. Definitely get it checked if it does clear up in a week or so.


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Hey guys,
So first a quick update - Just celebrated my 10 month surgiversary on Saturday and made my 1st weight goal, which was 140. Currently at 139.7 and probably aiming for 135 before settling down into maintenance mode - yes I could aim lower at my height, but don't love the sagging skin that is starting & won't likely be able to have any cosmetic surgery. Plus, given my health issues, I feel - and my docs agree - that this is a realistic goal to maintain. Can't believe this time last year I was scheduling my surgery and taking out a loan and researching, researching, researching! Seems so long ago and also that it has flown by at the same time ; )
Have a few other victories to Celebrate such as total inches lost so far over 42" when added together from biceps, bust, waist, hips, thighs & calves - so that is exciting! I tend to think of myself as "Droopy-Drawers" now, but I guess that's ok. Also out of plus sizes finally, which makes me so happy. Much more active now, both in and out of the gym - doing things around the house & yard I haven't done in a long, long time. Still dealing with all my back & chronic pain, but at least I'm able to DO more! Bloodwork is good except still a little low on the Iron - continuing to work on that one. hair could be better but I knew that was a strong risk and am praying it will start growing back soon. All in all it has been a great journey & totally worth it - that part w/o a doubt!
Anyway, the reason for my post - have just started having this pinching sensation lately when bending over or leaning forward. It is in the area of the incision on my left side but the one closer to my belly button than my side - the one up about midway (not the little one under diaphragm area). It's not excruciating but is like a sharp pinch, and has been pretty much daily for the past week I guess. If I were earlier out post-op I would say it felt like being poked by a stitch or maybe popping one - but I would certainly hope that wouldn't be the case at 10 months. Has anyone else had a similar sensation this far out, and if so, did it go away on its own or did you ever find out what it was? Just wondering if I should be concerned...

Thanks for the tip! I think I will do that, as I am still having issues...

Right, that's the other reason I take mine at bedtime. I take Nexium in the morning and have Protein Shakes or yogurt up through dinnertime. I need that separation too in order to keep the calcium and medications from blocking the absorption. On the other hand, I'm starting to have a little bit of stomach issues this morning, and I just read a few articles saying that iron supplementation is thought to decrease production of Leptin, which provides the feeling of satiety. That makes me think it could very well be the cause of my increased hunger and food intake this week, and my first gain since surgery...which of course makes me not want to take it anymore. My doc prescribed Ferrous Gluconate Rx as it would supposedly be easier on my IBS symptoms...

So I had my Iron tested recently and my Ferritin level was 7. My doctor has me taking a prescription iron supplement because I have IBS Type-C and she said this would help me avoid some of the tummy issues. I've been taking it 1x per day, as prescribed, for about 9 days now. I take it at bedtime because a lot of Vitamins and supplements tend to make me nauseous, and this way I'm not risking feeling sick during the day. Take it with Vitamin C to help the absorption. Have not had any issues with nausea so far. Increased my stool softener as a precaution - that seems to have helped avoid worsening Constipation,
However, I have noticed an increase in appetite this past week. All of a sudden I am hyper-aware of all the food in the house and what everyone else is eating - usually I can look at it longingly for a second or two and then forget about it. I've been really struggling. I'm definitely eating more than I was. I have gained at least one pound whereas I had been at a slow but steady rate of loss since my surgery 7 months ago. My stomach is round and more prominent again - feels full and uncomfortable. Also feeling a little out of sorts and depressed. All of a sudden last night I started to put together the timeline and wondered if it could be the iron making me feel this way?
I know I need to get my levels up as 7 is way too low, but I am really unhappy with how I'm feeling right now. I'm wondering if the iron Patches might cause less side effects? I use the Multi-Vitamin patches and don't notice anything bad from them. No one has ordered a check of specific Vitamin levels bc my surgery was in MX so my follow-up has been with PCP, but she just double-checks I'm taking a multi, Calcium (chew), a B-12 (melt), and Biotin (melt), and hasn't mentioned checking levels yet - so I can't say for sure if the patches are keeping my vitamin levels up or not, just hoping they are. She checked my iron because my tongue was really sore, which it still is actually...
So...Has anyone else experienced any of this?

Get it girrrrl!

the question i haven't mustered the courage to ask my husband. I don't know if i want the truth.....

Maybe they just want a little more attention, things to be about them for a change. Maybe not.
I have been very careful to remember that I'm not the center of the universe just because I'm : sick, pre op ,post op, x,y z ... You name it. It can be tiring Carrying the torch, armour, bags, luggage etc without recognition help or at least a break and during these journeys we can get self indulgent to the max sometimes for the first times in our lives but other people still exist too.

VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

We see them all the time. Hell, maybe we'll write one someday...
OMG, I've regained! What do I do???????
You know what I like to do?
I like to go back in that person's post history and read about their diet habits in the beginning when they were losing....get a feel for what kind of dieter they were.
And I almost always find that the re-gainers....were super strict, super disciplined, never-touch-a-carb, low calorie extremists.
And it kills me...because the advice to these folks is always the same.....get back on your super strict diet! up your protein! don't touch a carb!
And I'm sitting here shaking my head.
Why do people return to what doesn't work? Over and over and over. Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?
Don't mean to just pick on our Ketovangelists....there are plenty of Passive Pollys out there who ate junk constantly, never kept track....and wonder why their weight went back up after the honeymoon.
My point is.....if a particular strategy ends in failure.....why in the world would you return to it? Why encourage someone to return to what didn't work longterm?
if the goal is longterm maintenance....why send them back to another stop-gap measure that fails them in the long run?
Ketovangelists....try something different if extremely low cal and carbs doesn't work long term for you! If you eventually lose your mind and fall off the wagon, maybe the wagon you're on doesn't fit. Try something more moderate so you can stay in control long term.
Passive Pollys....try something different! If a total lack of structure is resulting in your surgery being useless.....add some freaking framework to your diet. Work on healthy limits without going completely overboard. Be accountable.
More and more, I believe an addiction to EXTREMISM is what keeps people fat. So many of these folks are either "I must be in COMPLETE CONTROL"...or "I am helpless against my eating"....there's never any middle ground.
Stop with the extremism.
Knock that shite off.
It's hurting you.

I have also experienced this type of discomfort until I was in the right bra, you may just have to try on a lot different of types until it feels right again, but don't count out another fitting...

VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

I should join some other form of support then if that is the case. Thank you

I've actually had that done years ago. The size they recommended was uncomfortable to me. I understand the "science" behind it, so to speak, but measuring under the crease of the bust (36" for me right now) always ends up with a # for band width that feels much too constricting. Then I measure around the fullest part and counting up one cup letter for each inch - (4 1/2-5" for me right now) takes me to a 36D-DD, but the 38DD or 40D (dep on manufacturer, as you mentioned) seem to fit better.
As for the underwire being near my diaphragm...the underside crease of my breast is about an inch above the center of my diaphragm. Since all the bras I wear right now are causing the pain, it's not necessarily the underwire causing it but definitely the pressure from the bottom of the bras - which always hits just above that area, especially when sitting. I'm sure the weight of the girls themselves isn't helping, but even my best bras can't seem to alleviate the problem. And while my stomach isn't exactly flat yet, it's much closer than it used to be.
I've felt discomfort from bras before, but never right in this spot repeatedly and to the point of having to take my bra off before bedtime because it is so uncomfortable. I just thought maybe others had experienced this as well. It has to be surgery related because as I type this I'm realizing how close this all is to the top center incision line. Maybe coincidence, maybe not...

For me, the most comfortable bras right now are some underwire camisole ones that are considered Shapewear but I wear them all the time. They tuck in to your panties and create a smoother line and there is no pressure around the band or fat roll below the band. Maidenform, Spanx and others make these but I usually find them at stores like Ross and SteinMart or on eBay. A little hard to get into (step in and PULLLLL up) but once on they are quite comfortable and eliminate the muffin top phenomenon with pants or jeans.

I have a couple of these right here that I love called Slim Cognito from Spanx. I did a quick search and apparently you can get them online from WalMart….who knew??

I wish I could offer advice. I still haven't found a good bra since I've lost weight. Last month, I went to Lane Bryant who fitted me as a DDD, which is what I was before surgery, I about died laughing at her. My boobs have DRASTICALLY gone down. I think Lane Bryant has some serious vanity sizing in their bra department. I wear a 38D at Walmart.... and I'm not hanging out in the slightest.

Hey Ladies!
I have not been around much lately, but it looks like everyone is doing great! Congratulations on your continued success! I am personally feeling pretty well for the most part. I am still dealing with my chronic pain issues, which are exacerbated by my reignited flame (the gym, lol). But I am having an issue and wondering if anyone else has had and can share advice?
I am having bra issues. Some of it is just the typical stuff that everyone is going through with trying to find new bras...figuring out what is the right size now...adequate support...and of course comfort, without spending a small fortune - especially considering the size could change again (I have refrained from buying so far with the exception of a couple sports bras and a couple wire-free comfort bras).
The real problem I am having is that Every Single Bra I wear compresses on my diaphragm area - which I guess they typically do - but it is really uncomfortable (often seriously painful) since the surgery. The pain seems to be worse in the center, so I don't know if it is pressing on the area at the top of the sleeve and it's still just sensitive (6 1/2 months out though...), but I am serious when I say it gets bad.
I have always been an underwire girl. At my highest weight I wore a 48DD. I'm down around a 38DD/40D right now (hard for me to find that perfect fit), so you would think there would be LESS pressure now than ever! Especially since my stomach is smaller too! But it doesn't matter if I am wearing underwire, or a firmer/non-underwire sports bra, or even these stretchy super-comfy no-seams no-wires leisure bras (back closure), I still end up with the pain, especially toward the evening/after dinner, when I often need to unhook my bra or even take it off.
I'm sure many of you can relate when I say that going braless is not the most comfortable feeling right now - my boobs are not tiny but they are definitely hanging lower! And since a lift or any other kind of reconstruction is probably not in my future, I really need to get this figured out. (My husband offered to walk behind me all day holding them up, haha - I mentioned scaffold, lol).
Any ideas on what the pain is, how to avoid/eliminate, and good bras/good places to get, are much appreciated!
Thank you

Hey Ladies!
I have not been around much lately, but it looks like everyone is doing great! Congratulations on your continued success! I am personally feeling pretty well for the most part. I am still dealing with my chronic pain issues, which are exacerbated by my reignited flame (the gym, lol). But I am having an issue and wondering if anyone else has had and can share advice?
I am having bra issues. Some of it is just the typical stuff that everyone is going through with trying to find new bras...figuring out what is the right size now...adequate support...and of course comfort, without spending a small fortune - especially considering the size could change again (I have refrained from buying so far with the exception of a couple sports bras and a couple wire-free comfort bras).
The real problem I am having is that Every Single Bra I wear compresses on my diaphragm area - which I guess they typically do - but it is really uncomfortable (often seriously painful) since the surgery. The pain seems to be worse in the center, so I don't know if it is pressing on the area at the top of the sleeve and it's still just sensitive (6 1/2 months out though...), but I am serious when I say it gets bad.
I have always been an underwire girl. At my highest weight I wore a 48DD. I'm down around a 38DD/40D right now (hard for me to find that perfect fit), so you would think there would be LESS pressure now than ever! Especially since my stomach is smaller too! But it doesn't matter if I am wearing underwire, or a firmer/non-underwire sports bra, or even these stretchy super-comfy no-seams no-wires leisure bras (back closure), I still end up with the pain, especially toward the evening/after dinner, when I often need to unhook my bra or even take it off.
I'm sure many of you can relate when I say that going braless is not the most comfortable feeling right now - my boobs are not tiny but they are definitely hanging lower! And since a lift or any other kind of reconstruction is probably not in my future, I really need to get this figured out. (My husband offered to walk behind me all day holding them up, haha - I mentioned scaffold, lol).
Any ideas on what the pain is, how to avoid/eliminate, and good bras/good places to get, are much appreciated!
Thank you

Wow, well with this surgery most people have some of the same negatives (the liquid diet), or have similar negative side effects (nausea/constipation), but also have good things to balance it out. I have gone through a lot of the same things as everyone else on here, and am also going through some stuff that may not be as common. Whether or not it makes us regret the surgery is definitely a personal experience based on many factors, but it seems like the majority come out on the side of No Regrets. Like you, I considered backing out a month or so before my surgery date. My daughter helped me realize that with surgery things may or may not get better, and yes, some things could possibly get worse (small percentage). But without it, probably nothing was going to change (at least not for the better). So it ended up being a no brainer and I felt extremely confident going forward even through the sucky pre-op diet (over Xmas) and what I assumed would just be a terrible first few months of puking and misery post-op. Things did not turn out the way I thought, and as I have just been journaling, I will share, if you care to read:
I am 5 months post-op as of yesterday. I am down 51.2 lbs, 31 total inches overall since pre-op, body fat percentage back under 30%. My weight loss has been a bit slower than most - they say probably bc my starting weight was lower (205.8) and also I have a lot of chronic pain so my workouts are not exactly intense. But thankfully the more I lose the better I can move. My body did not want to let go of these last couple lbs - I thought I'd never reach the 50 lb milestone! It was like 48, 48.5, 49.2, 49.6...like seriously? Lol, talk about a frustrating month! But I'm finally over that hurdle and goal is between 14-20 lbs from here. I'm short, so honestly I have always looked better lower than that - say in my 120's, but I'm older now and my skin is not bouncing back the way it once did, and gravity is a real son of gun. So I will probably stop around 135/140 in order to keep things looking a little more "well-rounded" - and I also think it will be easier to maintain. That's my thought process right now anyway.
My surgery itself went smooth, so no issues there. I have never vomited (which shocks me no end as I'm prone to nausea), I have felt nauseated 2-3x max - but it passed quickly. I do, however, have issues with reflux. Had reflux pre-op that was well controlled by OTC Nexium. Now it can be very painful at times. Like some others, I too think maybe I should have considered the by-pass more seriously, but also bc my ins did not cover and I went to MX as self-pay, the sleeve seemed like the best option overall.
One thing for me is I never lost the hunger sensation. My "Ghrelin Game's" strong, I guess. But the biggest "issue" I have had, and it's no small thing, is I still struggle with many solid foods. I have slowly introduced them as instructed and when instructed, chew chew chew, etc. But after maybe 5 small bites of MANY foods (I do ok w/some), I still feel hungry, so I intend to probably eat a few more bites to become satiated, but all of a sudden start getting bad pain in center of diaphragm...feel completely "clogged" or "backed up" with food even though I've eaten so little and I still felt hungry 2 seconds ago...then usually get some reflux...get the hiccups...will need to take Tums...often suck on 1 or 2 wintergreen Lifesavers as they also seem to help w/digestion...then suck on ice chips for a little while which also seems to help. It sounds pretty miserable, and honestly, it is. To avoid, I could probably take 2-3 small bites, wait 20-30 minutes and have another 2-3 bites. Or, just stick to eating softer food.
So, most nights I have yogurt for dinner with unflavored Protein Powder, chia seeds, a few mashed fresh blackberries, and a little organic coconut granola. It's about 5 oz. total, and I take my time eating that also - about 20 mins I'd say. Luckily, I enjoy the yogurt combo, but once or twice a week, I want Real Food for dinner, and that is my struggle. It's especially hard on the weekends bc my husband and I like to go out on Sat to a farmer's market or something and then have lunch (or dinner & a movie...). But it's miserable for me to sit at a restaurant where I can barely eat anything on the menu (comfortably) and then have to sit (w/back pain & probably stomach pain) and wait for my husband to enjoy his meal. Lately we haven't been going out much, which is a real drag.
I expected it to be like this for the first several mos, but figured it would slowly be getting better by now. I knew I'd have diet restrictions and certain foods would take longer to agree w/me (some might never work well again), but I didn't expect that So Many real foods (meaning meats/veggies, etc. dinner type foods) would be too painful to eat. For me this is the most difficult thing and I am praying it gets better w/time. If I can eat a couple oz. of chicken/turkey/fish/steak + say 1/2 cup of cooked veggies/salad/potatoes (whatever), w/o any pain or reflux, and enjoy my food & comfortably sit & enjoy the company of my husband (sisters/kids) until they finish eating, even if it's at 9 months or a yr post-op, I will be ok w/that. It's the thought that it might never happen that worries me.
On the other hand, when this happens, my husband feels so bad, and sometimes says, "I'm sorry babe, you must really regret having that surgery now." And I'm like, "No I don't! How else was I ever going to lose 50 pounds in 5 mos w/all the health/pain issues I have?" I never thought I would weigh 154 lbs again, much less 135-140 where I hope to land. So, yeah. It sucks that I have to eat yogurt for dinner most nights. (There are a handful of other things I could have instead, but some of those I have for breakfast/lunch/snacks, and also the yogurt is easy to throw together). But hopefully that will get better as more time passes, and if it doesn't...I don't know...I have to think it's got to be better than stuffing my face w/whatever I wanted but then feeling awful every time I got dressed or looked in the mirror...

Wow, well with this surgery most people have some of the same negatives (the liquid diet), or have similar negative side effects (nausea/constipation), but also have good things to balance it out. I have gone through a lot of the same things as everyone else on here, and am also going through some stuff that may not be as common. Whether or not it makes us regret the surgery is definitely a personal experience based on many factors, but it seems like the majority come out on the side of No Regrets. Like you, I considered backing out a month or so before my surgery date. My daughter helped me realize that with surgery things may or may not get better, and yes, some things could possibly get worse (small percentage). But without it, probably nothing was going to change (at least not for the better). So it ended up being a no brainer and I felt extremely confident going forward even through the sucky pre-op diet (over Xmas) and what I assumed would just be a terrible first few months of puking and misery post-op. Things did not turn out the way I thought, and as I have just been journaling, I will share, if you care to read:
I am 5 months post-op as of yesterday. I am down 51.2 lbs, 31 total inches overall since pre-op, body fat percentage back under 30%. My weight loss has been a bit slower than most - they say probably bc my starting weight was lower (205.8) and also I have a lot of chronic pain so my workouts are not exactly intense. But thankfully the more I lose the better I can move. My body did not want to let go of these last couple lbs - I thought I'd never reach the 50 lb milestone! It was like 48, 48.5, 49.2, 49.6...like seriously? Lol, talk about a frustrating month! But I'm finally over that hurdle and goal is between 14-20 lbs from here. I'm short, so honestly I have always looked better lower than that - say in my 120's, but I'm older now and my skin is not bouncing back the way it once did, and gravity is a real son of gun. So I will probably stop around 135/140 in order to keep things looking a little more "well-rounded" - and I also think it will be easier to maintain. That's my thought process right now anyway.
My surgery itself went smooth, so no issues there. I have never vomited (which shocks me no end as I'm prone to nausea), I have felt nauseated 2-3x max - but it passed quickly. I do, however, have issues with reflux. Had reflux pre-op that was well controlled by OTC Nexium. Now it can be very painful at times. Like some others, I too think maybe I should have considered the by-pass more seriously, but also bc my ins did not cover and I went to MX as self-pay, the sleeve seemed like the best option overall.
One thing for me is I never lost the hunger sensation. My "Ghrelin Game's" strong, I guess. But the biggest "issue" I have had, and it's no small thing, is I still struggle with many solid foods. I have slowly introduced them as instructed and when instructed, chew chew chew, etc. But after maybe 5 small bites of MANY foods (I do ok w/some), I still feel hungry, so I intend to probably eat a few more bites to become satiated, but all of a sudden start getting bad pain in center of diaphragm...feel completely "clogged" or "backed up" with food even though I've eaten so little and I still felt hungry 2 seconds ago...then usually get some reflux...get the hiccups...will need to take Tums...often suck on 1 or 2 wintergreen Lifesavers as they also seem to help w/digestion...then suck on ice chips for a little while which also seems to help. It sounds pretty miserable, and honestly, it is. To avoid, I could probably take 2-3 small bites, wait 20-30 minutes and have another 2-3 bites. Or, just stick to eating softer food.
So, most nights I have yogurt for dinner with unflavored Protein Powder, chia seeds, a few mashed fresh blackberries, and a little organic coconut granola. It's about 5 oz. total, and I take my time eating that also - about 20 mins I'd say. Luckily, I enjoy the yogurt combo, but once or twice a week, I want Real Food for dinner, and that is my struggle. It's especially hard on the weekends bc my husband and I like to go out on Sat to a farmer's market or something and then have lunch (or dinner & a movie...). But it's miserable for me to sit at a restaurant where I can barely eat anything on the menu (comfortably) and then have to sit (w/back pain & probably stomach pain) and wait for my husband to enjoy his meal. Lately we haven't been going out much, which is a real drag.
I expected it to be like this for the first several mos, but figured it would slowly be getting better by now. I knew I'd have diet restrictions and certain foods would take longer to agree w/me (some might never work well again), but I didn't expect that So Many real foods (meaning meats/veggies, etc. dinner type foods) would be too painful to eat. For me this is the most difficult thing and I am praying it gets better w/time. If I can eat a couple oz. of chicken/turkey/fish/steak + say 1/2 cup of cooked veggies/salad/potatoes (whatever), w/o any pain or reflux, and enjoy my food & comfortably sit & enjoy the company of my husband (sisters/kids) until they finish eating, even if it's at 9 months or a yr post-op, I will be ok w/that. It's the thought that it might never happen that worries me.
On the other hand, when this happens, my husband feels so bad, and sometimes says, "I'm sorry babe, you must really regret having that surgery now." And I'm like, "No I don't! How else was I ever going to lose 50 pounds in 5 mos w/all the health/pain issues I have?" I never thought I would weigh 154 lbs again, much less 135-140 where I hope to land. So, yeah. It sucks that I have to eat yogurt for dinner most nights. (There are a handful of other things I could have instead, but some of those I have for breakfast/lunch/snacks, and also the yogurt is easy to throw together). But hopefully that will get better as more time passes, and if it doesn't...I don't know...I have to think it's got to be better than stuffing my face w/whatever I wanted but then feeling awful every time I got dressed or looked in the mirror...

Fast food is a fact of life for so many of us, so is it really reasonable to expect it to disappear from the scene after bariatric surgery?
Note: This isn’t an article on “How soon after surgery can I eat pepperoni pizza and wings?” This is an article on making the best choices you can given your situation.


Consider Macros
That is, “macronutrients,” or carbohydrates, fat, and Protein. The news is bad on the surface since the average fast food meal has more carbs and less protein per calorie than the average home-cooked meal. You can work to turn this around, though.
Carbohydrates: Cut back on carbohydrates by skipping the starchy sides: French fries, potato chips, and hash browns, steamed, fried, or Mexican rice, and breadsticks. Try to go “green” (lettuce wrap) or “naked” (no wrap) with your burger, tortilla, or sandwich; if the fast food joint cannot honor your request, just eat the filling with a knife and fork, and throw away the bread, bun, tortilla, or taco shell (if you are feeling guilty because of starving children in third-world countries, make a donation. You’ll do more good than you would by adding starch to your hips).
Protein: How can you boost your protein intake at a fast food restaurant to be what you need? Skinless grilled or baked chicken, lean cold cuts, cheese, and Beans can all up your totals, and yogurt is an increasingly common side option. Even a small burger patty can give you 10 to 15 grams of protein, although it comes with a few extra grams of fat.
A good protein goal for a meal is about 20-30 grams. You can get that for 200-300 calories with any of the following.
Burger King Double Cheeseburger, no bun; Grilled Chicken Garden salad, no croutons; or Veggie Burger with cheese, no bun or mayo. McDonald’s Grilled Southwestern Chicken Salad, no cheese; or Grilled Chicken Sandwich, no bun or spread. Taco Bell 2 grilled or fresco steak soft tacos, no tortillas; chicken or steak Power Menu Bowl, no rice or cheese. KFC Grilled Chicken Drumstick plus green beans or side salad. Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki or Asian Chicken. Fats: Your first order of business is to avoid anything fried. You will be avoiding excess grease while also avoiding sneaky carbs in breading – did you know that the amounts of carbs in onion rings and fried chicken are comparable to the amounts in bread? Also, watch the fatty spreads – think Mayonnaise – salad dressings, and dips.
Find the Vegetables
Protein and vegetables…does this sound familiar? It should, since your goals when eating at a fast food restaurant should be the same as when you eat at home. Vegetables help fill you up without filling you out, and it is best to eat as many of them as you can handle with your pouch or sleeve. It may take a little more digging to find vegetables at fast food restaurants than at home, but you can usually do it. Here are a few leads.
Ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes, and any other available vegetables on burgers and sandwiches. Order a side salad or baby carrots with your meal. Check for salads with grilled chicken as an entrée. Pile salsa and diced vegetables onto your naked burrito. When “Value” Isn’t
Besides the convenience, the deals are among the most tempting things about fast food. For pennies more, you can often add fries and a drink, or you could get a second burger or taco for half the price. Don’t do it!
“Value” depends on what you want and need; why would you pay extra, even if it is “only pennies more,” for extra fat, sugar, starch, and calories? A healthier definition of “value” might be to pay the least you can for a meal that is convenient, delicious, and healthy. Why include “oversized” in your definition?
For those times when fast food simply makes sense, go for it – just keep yourself on track by reading the menu carefully and staying focused. You can do it, no matter where you end up. You might as well enjoy it!