MargoCL

This past weekend I found Tuna pouches, chicken pouches, chicken salad individual servings, hummus and guacamole individual servings. Mix and match.

I'm hoping with the protein plan I'm following and the Biotin I've been on since the beginning of the year it will be. I think there are too many other factors to consider as well. Genetics, medications, current illnesses (my hypothyroidism and uterine fibroids love to take my hair.... that's where biotin has finally helped me)... crossing fingers If not... then BF will have to get use to a "short & sassy" hair cut. LOL

I should get the clearance today for pureed. My first follow up is this afternoon. My team all asked me to focus on getting a minimum of 60g of protein per day and water (the protein primarily to reduce / prevent hair loss). They are positive that getting your protein in from the start is how you prevent hair loss.

I'm 15 days post-op I've lost 10lbs since surgery date. I'm not complaining at all, would I have liked to be one of those statistics that lost 20+ in the first week, sure. But, first off, the weight did not magically appear overnight, and while I'd love to think the surgery would make it all (OK 1/2) disappear overnight, it will not. I've read, reread the advice of many on these forums and they all say same / similar things. It's a marathon not a race and there will be stalls and you will get past them as long as you follow the plan. The decision to do this is life long, it's irreversible and you have to be committed to living a healthy lifestyle. I've read failures and most are because they chose not to follow their plan early on. Be patient. From one newbie to another, we are all here for the same thing, weight loss to a healthy new life. Trust your body and trust the plan you agreed to before entering this lifetime commitment. And listen to the experts who have been here and done this.

I returned to work after 1 week and it was bone broth and pre mixed shakes. Tomorrow I start pureed foods and I've pre measured cottage cheese, yogurt, and a pureed ruben dip. I'll start my day with a pre mixed shake and the rest are measure into 2 oz containers

I struggle with Premier Clear. Although, after a month only only making it through 4 bottles of 12, I tried to mix it with my Sqwinchers zero fruit punch (about 1/2 & 1/2) and it's finally tolerable. I haven't tried any other flavor than tropical punch, mainly because I can't find it in most stores and about $10 more on Amazon.

I have a chewable that's once a day. It sits in front of me until I take it as a rude reminder. (Probably because I dread the flavor) LOL

Are you getting enough protein at 200 cals a day? I am lower than 500 cals a day and I'm 2 weeks today. 1 - 2 protein shakes, bone broth high in protein, sf jello, sf popsicles. 60-90 gr protein. 60 oz water

I packed super simple, the dress I wore to hospital (I also wore home) with a hoodie. I brought a battery charger, toothbrush/paste. I brought my tablet but honestly did not use anything I brought with me. My phone stayed bedside barely touched because the last thing on my mind was doing anything that involved a phone. When I was discharged the next day, I wore home the same outfit I had on for a total of 1 hour the day before. It was so much easier.

I weigh every day, but only track max 2 times per week. And if my weight has gone up, I stall weighing myself

My period tracking app has a pill reminder. But I also have a reminder on MFP. In the past I've used med reminder apps. I pack my calcium and multi with my lunch bag so I either take an hour b4 lunch or after

In the beginning I found the same problem with protein shakes and water. I relied on homemade bone broth soups. Chicken bone broth was my #1 friend. And I learned to force myself to drink the shakes for fear of future hair loss.

I would definitely call your surgeon.

A few years ago (long before wls) I had a similar issue. Everything I smelled was like rotten onions. Long story short, no sinus infection, but rather a blockage. I ultimately had the roto-rooter of sinus surgeries to clean me out. But, since surgery my sence of smell has definitely heightened. As well as my palate.

My sentiments exactly, my stall happened much earlier than anticipated (3 days ago), but thanks to the many people that contribute their personal stories I'm able to move forward without getting overly stressed out. I had a NSV today - Every Friday is jeans day and today I pulled out a pair of white jean capris that I haven't worn since I bought 3 years ago. I kept them in my closet for my summertime goals and never got back down in weight. Today they not only fit, even a little baggy in the tush and thighs. While part of me is sad that this will likely be the last time I can wear them (no white after Labor Day) the other part of me is ecstatic that I was able to wear them at least one more time after their initial purchase.

Congratulations and good luck! You got this! It's only to smallerville from here

I am understanding this completely. I have a range of clothes in my closets / storage of all sizes. - Today was a NSV, I fit into a pair of capri jeans that I bought about 3 years ago and I pulled it out every summer since as a goal to fit into them. Today I did. Guess what, they are white, so today is the 1st time in 3 years that I can wear them and likely the last time I'll wear them for good. Really sad part is, I think I only ever wore them once before. It's hard, but you can do it one or both ways - You can donate it or sell in lots on Ebay and make some money and use that money to buy new clothes. Be proud of your sexy new self and don't look back.

I am two weeks post op and spoke to my Dr the other day. She told me protein was vital in the early stages to help prevent hair loss. Additionally I had started taking Biotin in January when I started Keto (prior to WLS) - it took about 6 months for the Biotin to kick in and give me much thicker / healthier hair than I had starting the year. Biotin works, but in my opinion, it takes months to get results and if we're not taking in enough protein early on, we will suffer hair loss.

I have kept mine very secret. My boyfriend, mother, best friend and boss (who are all my direct support people) are the only ones who know the truth. Anyone else I just told I had a minor (ok definitely not minor) laparoscopic surgery and spent the week recovering. (I returned to work after 1 week). It's no one's business but your own. We chose not to tell my bf's parents because they are older and very judgmental. And more importantly, this was a personal decision that did not happen overnight and I didn't want lectures from anyone.

I too had pain at the incision point where my stomach was removed. This will get better with each day. Just be patient. I know walking is difficult, just suck it up and try to move - it will help so much with the gas pains. I had gas pains for the first solid week and still get them (almost 2 weeks post-op). I used to find belching disgusting, now I find my own personal relief in it when I let one out. My first BM was 3-days post op, it was difficult and rabbit like, but once you start getting more water in you that too shall pass. If you're still taking pain meds, make sure you are taking a stool softener with it to help with BMs. Dehydration, and pain meds are a recipe for constipation. No sense in putting yourself in more pain than you are already are feeling.

I was referred to a place called Novant Health Spine Specialists and one of their Dr's is the one who had me go through PT, MT before the pain block was an option. I'm pretty sure they called it an epidural (yep, just like what they give birthing women). He told me that most people the pain block only lasts 6 months to a year. At this point I was a year and 6 months into the pain so I was willling to try anything (other than surgery). After the procedure, I recall the Dr making a comment to his colleague saying that was textbook perfect. I guess my veins, or whatever lined up perfectly for the injection to take. I was literally back to "normal" in two days following that.

Unrelated to WLS, but I have had a bulging disc at S4/S5 - It also inverted my pelvis and dropped the left side 6mm. I was walking like the hunchback of Notre Dame. The pain was horrendous. I went through months of Chiropractic therapy, followed by physical therapy and manual therapy. The end result was going to a spine specialist and getting a pain block which finally removed the pain and have had no symptoms in 9 years.

As Becca101 noted, what you're experiencing is normal. But I have to ask, are you walking enough? It's possible the pain you feel is gas built up and unless you walk it out, it will just fester and be worse. Each day the pain should become less and less. As for pain meds, I was given liquid hydrocodone. I didn't take any pain meds, 1. I refused to, because I wanted to get life back to normal as quickly as possible. 2. when I felt pain, I got up and moved and soon would release gas and felt better. My priolosec is the only thing that has to be opened because it's capsule form and I put a small amount of applesauce on a spoon, spread the pill contents and cover with applesauce and try to swallow quickly. It's only failed me once and I vomited everywhere.

Have you tried any of the recipes on Pinterest? I saw a few yummies, but since I'm not at that stage I haven't tried. I have made keto friendly treats in the past which all came out good.

Congratulations! Way to Go!