TakingABreak

I wouldn't be too concerned about hurting your stomach with liquids. That being said, I always measured with my "meals", whether it be with SF jello, broth, protein shakes, ect. I didn't want to be over consuming too many calories in the early stages. This could hinder your weight loss in the beginning. Liquids are slider foods and you will not feel restriction like you do with pureed and soft foods. Honestly, I tried to mix it up with regards to liquids. I sipped on a lot of veggie bone broth (not for protein necessarily, but for liquid), SF popsicles (when they weren't too sweet), protein water, watered down 100% juice, caffeine free tea, crystal light, Vitamin Water Zero, children's Pedialyte, and PowerAde Zero. I tried to alternate between cold and warm liquids. I never ever quite made the 64 oz goal, and still struggle with it to this very day. That is why I drank a lot of children's Pedialyte because, it helped with electrolytes. I used my urine color as an indication of my hydration levels. I have never been hospitalized for dehydration, so I'm lucky, due to the fact that I never make my goals. Things do get easier!

My doctor recommended sleeve at first. I actually had my mind set on DS, but he said he could only do it in a two step process, and that wasn't something I was willing to do. I chose RNY because I had a lot to lose. The percentages of excess weight loss were in my favor with RNY. This is not to say that sleeve patients haven't been successful with large amounts to lose, but why risk it? Sure, RNY is more invasive, but I don't think anything has been more "invasive" with RNY verses if I would have had the sleeve. I'm more restricted due to the possibility of dumping, but that is a benefit in my opinion.

Yes, I use it for headaches and back pain. It works wonderfully for me. Def worth a shot.

I’m guessing because gassy foods can cause discomfort or perhaps strain on the staple line. I don’t think gas alone would cause a leak but I think it’s safe to assume, better be safe than sorry during the initial healing process.

I was told to avoid fibrous veggies until the last phase. No particular reason why, but I imagine that it has to do with gas and digest ability.

Bread bothers me unless it’s been toasted. I tolerate whole grain better than any other kinds. I do eat flatbread more often. But I do try and not make it a staple in my diet because it is very filling and I know I’m not leaving room for what I should be eating.

You are so welcome! Anytime :)

Yes, on the app I can. I have an Apple phone. You tap on the emojis and it shows you.

You are not alone. I've had these feelings also. Accompanied by the regret of not having this surgery sooner. For me to lose enough weight even with surgery, statistically, its very unlikely I'll ever be within a "normal healthy" BMI. If only I had done it 50-60lbs sooner... All kinds of regrets and feelings, but I put them aside, because we did make this decision. We are putting in the work now. We can't dwell on the past. We have to strive for the future. Congrats about your 51lbs! That is great!

I love to snack on raw veggies with Greek Yogurt made ranch veggie dip. My new favorite veggie is raw sugar snap peas. Gives me a solid crunch. And its low in calories, high in Vitamin C. But veggies usually hits the spot!

I feel the exact same way! Why did I wait so long?! But we are doing it/done it now! Congrats you look 10 years younger too!

That's good that jealousy isn't an issue. I think the surgeon should then be able to put her concerns to rest.

What you need to explain to your wife is that just because you change your ways in those 6 months, doesn't mean that you are going to be successful long term. This surgery is only a tool, but it really does give you the best chance to keep the weight off. Also, how long does it take the average person to lose the kind of weight we need to? I know, personally, I got to the point where it would take me YEARS to take off the weight, all the while, not allowing for any screw ups, hang ups or stalls. One of the major benefits to this surgery is that we do lose so quickly. We get our lives back quicker! We start our new lives sooner! My only regret is that I didn't do this years ago. Unfortunately, I see a lot of families, and specifically spouses who have hang ups. I find that most of them have jealousy issues. I hope this isn't the case, but if it is, you'll know soon enough. Regardless, we do this for loved ones, but also ourselves. We do this to prolong our lives and live life to the fullest. Best of luck my dear, I hope this doesn't dissuade you from having surgery.

Personally, I didn't ask my doctor to send me a referral to the surgeon, I told my doctor what my plan is. Just food for thought.

Once I hit soft foods, I made this... very good! https://www.plainchicken.com/2012/03/wheres-crust-pizza.html#Kwq9qHxEVRcQ45XV.99

Sure. I usually eat a homemade egg frittata for breakfast. I mix up what I put in it so that I don't get bored. I also do egg muffins that I can reheat for on the go. https://kalynskitchen.com/cottage-cheese-and-egg-breakfast/ My snacks consist of: -Greek yogurt -Cottage cheese -Raw veggies with Greek Yogurt veggie dip (and I eat a lot of dip LOL) -Hard Boiled Eggs - Turkey roll ups -Tuna to-go packets -Edamame -*New* favorite is Chia seed pudding yummmmm -String cheese - Guacamole and whole wheat or black bean chips. - Avocado toast (usually a half of a half, as a snack, a whole half as a meal) -Apples and peanut butter -Berry mix with some Greek yogurt and stevia to take the bitter edge off. - Brussels Sprouts (3 small ones hits the mid-day snack spot) - A cup of FairLife Milk, with SF chocolate syrup. 13 grams of protein For meals: I make a lot of meat. And I accompany my meat with veggies. Mostly Brussels sprouts, because they are my FAV. But I will occasionally mix it up with broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, ect . - My go too is different seasoned or marinade chicken and veggie Kabobs. - I do frozen wild salmon patties with a lemon garlic, minimum butter sauce - I will make stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice, lean ground beef/turkey, shred cheese, sour cream, salsa, ect. I can usually get two meals out of one pepper (so long as I'm digging eating the pepper). - I make lots of things with WonTon wrappers. I make little lasagna cups, taco cups, chicken cordon bleu cups, ect. And these are great for reheating! https://www.barilife.com/blog/10-single-serving-meals-you-need-in-your-bariatric-life/ -I will make chicken legs on the grill that go a long way. I can easily make on here or there for lunch or snacks. - I eat A LOT of soy meat. I haven't mastered cooking with soy, but I buy the Gardein brand and make that for a lot of lunches. I started doing this to naturally lower my cholesterol, and it has seriously WORKED. - I make this tuna macaroni salad, that is a good cold version of Tuna Noodle Casserole. I use tuna, protein noodles, capers, tad bit of olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, sugar free sweet relish, and green onion. - I make protein pasta a lot. My mom buys me this amazing pasta that is made from black beans and edamame (22grams per 1/2 cup) and I make a really meaty pasta sauce. She finds it from this specialty store in Chicago. I could go on and on.... I'm still a foodie at heart! LOL. But I don't use any protein supplements unless I'm extremely busy and know that I won't be able to get my protein in. So I do keep a couple single serve powder packets on hand for those days.

Awesome! I hope to be joining you soon!

Very very very true!

does your company have an HR person? I never turned mine into my boss, I went directly to HR with my completed paperwork. In fact, my boss didn't even know I would be out of work until 3 days prior to surgery. And when he asked me what was wrong, I told him I'd rather not share. You have no obligation to share.

In the beginning I would use protein shakes to supplement, but I don't anymore. On a regular day, I get 100% of protein by food. I'm lucky that I like protein rich snacks like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, ect. I've also been on a 1,000 calorie diet since about 8 weeks post op. Goes to show, different strokes for different folks.

I'm blessed that I didn't have hurdles to overcome with my husband. However, I would have done this with or without him. And quite frankly, I could have done it without him. I think its important to know that, it doesn't matter if people have their reservations about the process. Results, results, results. The moment that you've lost 100+lbs in a matter of a year, NO ONE will be able to say anything. I honestly think your wife will come around in the end. But it may be hard to go through the emotional struggles by yourself. I recommend to everyone, establish with a therapist prior to surgery. Have someone you can go to when things get hard. Because, they will. If you don't have support at home, you will really need someone in your corner. Good luck!

And I will tell you from experience that snacks is not the problem. Snacks are almost necessary in the early stages to meet your nutritional goals. Unless you have a Bariatric NUT, which I'd be surprised if you do, they don't have a firm grasp on our stomach capacity and how our anatomy is limiting. I've had to educate my NUT on certain things. I'm not saying they all do, but they forget that the things that work for regular people who are dieting, or eating healthy, don't always work for us. There is nothing wrong with snacks to meet your goals. I don't want to toot my own horn but I lost 100lbs 5 months post op, 128lbs overall. And I eat 3 snacks per day. My typical meal plan looks like this: 8:00a- breakfast 11:00a- snack 1:30p- lunch 4:00p- snack 7:00p-dinner 9:00p- snack (almost always is FairLife milk) Obviously times vary, but very typical for me to have 3 snacks per day.

I'm seven months post op now, 128lbs down. I lost about 27 of those pounds during the 2 week pre-op diet. But the remaining has been since surgery. I'm starting to slow down myself, I stall for weeks at a time now. I follow my program with regards to eating. I eat lean protein first, and non starchy veggies if there is room. My snacks are more well rounded with fruits and whole grains. I exercise a few times a week, but nothing too crazy. I'm very active now, so I'm constantly on the go. I can't sit still, whether its cleaning the house or going shopping. Don't discount your 37lbs... that is still a lot of weight. Everyone's journey is different. I encourage you to track all your food and talk to your NUT if you don't see results you desire. I'd be happy to look at your food journal to provide any advice or insight. Good luck! you are doing great.

First of all! You are incredibly strong to be doing this as a single mother. Secondly, It's best that your boyfriend left now, rather than later. Because things get even harder. This is not an easy journey. It may be rewarding, but not easy. You will find love, but you need to come first over the next year. Commit to yourself like you would a new relationship. I find myself being very selfish with my time and my feelings through my journey. I don't let people sway me from making bad choices just to "fit in". I make healthy eating and exercising a priority in my daily life. Mostly everything takes a back seat until I've accomplished those things. In fact one of my top pieces of advice to newbies is: You need to make time for you! Make the time to shop healthy, meal prep, cook healthy, and plan ahead. And I’m talking to all the selfless mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives. We give so much to our families, but NOW is the time to focus on ourselves. We are doing it for them, after all. We are doing it to prolong our lives and improve the quality of our lives. Back to the love part. Once you have learned to love the new you... you will hopefully find someone that loves all the newly found joys you will discover and who will appreciate your body that you worked so hard for. I've changed A LOT in the last 7 months. I am more confident, I'm no longer a push over, I'm more outgoing, more spontaneous, ect. I'm lucky that my husband still loves the new me. But I'd like to think after surgery is the PERFECT time to explore the dating world. Find someone who loves the new you. Because you will be different. Good luck with surgery and love. I'm rooting for you!