Swanton_Bomb

Take off 3 inches maybe, that might be enough to thicken it up a bit.

WW Freestyle is tougher than previous versions of WW, and it is also a lot healthier. It is very different and a lot more food than a post op diet, but it is a manageable program that will help you gradually make healthier habits post-op. It is pricy, and there are calorie counting apps you can use for free, but since the program makes sugary or high fat foods "expensive" in points, and allows low fat high protein foods (like fish) and veggies and fruits to be "free", it pushes you to better choices. If you can't lose with carbs it isn't for you.

I am pre surgery so I am not speaking form experience, but if you don't like your hair short, how about trying a few inches just to make it look a little thicker? There are a lot of good products to make hair look thicker. How long is your hair now, and how short would you still feel comfortable with? A picture would help.

I haven't had surgery yet but I'm planning on using one of those grabby stick things on a handle if I can't bend and my husband isn't around.

Thank you all for your advice. I still have three more weigh-ins before I can apply to the insurance company (soooo nervous about getting approved). I've done all of my tests and evaluations except for bloodwork and that can't be done until the 5th month. I would feel so much better if I knew I was approved and could work on my surgeon with a date. I know the beginning is exceptionally touch, and I just kind of want to get it over with.

Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

It's hard to find, but OPA! Greek Yogurt dressing is amazing. They have a blue cheese, ranch and a feta dill. It is usually in the produce aisle with the refrigerated dressings instead of on the grocery shelves.

Good grief. People WORK! It's hard enough to do all the other appointments with most medical professionals working only on weekdays. In addition, most doctors keep you waiting a long time so a 5 minute visit can be an hour or more ordeal.

How much time did you take off from work? I started the process for WLS in April and I had no idea that it took so long. I have two different insurances, one for doctors (GHI Emblem Health)and one for hospital (BCBS) and I thought I would have a surgery date in 3 months because that's what GHI allows if you are supervised directly by a surgeon. Unfortunately, I then found out I have to follow BCBS. I am a teacher and I wanted to get this done during the summer, but now I can't, and there is just no way I'm waiting another year. So medical leave it is, even if it pisses off my boss. I have plenty of time in my "bank", so there are no worries about that, but it is best that I minimize the amount of time off. I don't do heavy lifting, but lots of stairs (plus commuting on public transit) and I am on my feet all day. I'm wondering if two weeks will be enough or if I need three or even four. Any thoughts?

Wow! You look like a completely new person. Congrats on your hard work.

Unrelated question, so pardon the intrusion, but if you convert to bypass due to reflux, does insurance cover it or do they fight it?

Many people report changes in taste after WLS, and there have been studies to support that. I wonder if it has something to do with the surgery itself, and changing hormone levels or if it is the result of being forced to stay away from certain foods during the recovery period (sort of like if you quit soda and then try one it tastes weird and not as great as you remember). Have your tastes changed, and if so, how? Are there things you no longer like, or stranger, things you like now that you never did?

You have done so well with your weight loss. What did you do to work on your mental health to improve your health?

I think that kind of cheese would come right back up at that stage (I'm assuming you are on purees) If you are allowed to have ricotta cheese I have seen a recipe for a ricotta bake where you mix ricotta with tomato sauce, maybe that would kill the craving?

I've known for many years that I have a problem with food (obviously, I mean you don't become obese without having issues) but I recently came to the realization that I prefer food to pretty much everything. I would choose food over spending time with friends, a concert, shopping, a great movie, a good night's sleep, a vacation, nice clothes, anything. It satisfies me more than anything else. I knew I had a problem but this made me realize that my problem was just as serious of a compulsion as a drug or alcohol addiction. I hope I can defeat this and become healthy, not just physically, but mentally.

My nutritionist said fish was one of the first real foods we could try (salmon, flounder, tilapia, etc.) after about a month, then shrimp. She recommended waiting quite a while for lobster because it can be rubbery, and I would imagine that would be the case for clams, squid, etc. If you are really craving those favors perhaps you can add cerviche seasonings such as cilantro to a fish based broth?

My nutritionist says they are fine, as long as you eat your protein and veggies first and eat them in moderation. If you think they would be a "trigger" food for you then I would stay away from them. I think that's the bigger issue, knowing what triggers you. I am speaking from a pre-surgery perspective though. I am capable of eating carbohydrates and even some sugary foods in moderation but here are certain things (many things actually) that I really can't have in the house. Sometimes it doesn't even make any sense....for example, I can eat a small single ice cream bar without issue. If I have a single bite of an ice cream sandwich however, I will not stop until the box is empty, I feel sick and I hate myself.

This is one of my main motivators to pursue WLS. I remember once getting the inevitable lecture when seeing a doctor about a UTI. He treated it, but wanted to spend quite a long badgering me about my weight. I came back for a followup a week later to get my blood test results, and in that week I had lost 3 lbs... a very good loss for a week I think. He spent at least 10 minutes in the followup badgering me instead of saying, "I'm glad you took my advice, good job on the loss." I didn't see a doctor after that for many years.

Thank you for the advice, Kat, that really helps!

For those of you that need or have had revision surgery, what do you think was the gateway to the weight gain? What do those undergoing WLS really need to be careful about?

Bone broth is great. I've been testing stuff out pre-surgery so I won't be experimenting too much when I am feeling crummy post-op. I tried one of the protein soups (15 grams of protein) but mixing it with 8 oz. of bone broth (10 grams of protein) instead of water. As many total grams of protein as a shake in a slightly smaller portion and it tastes way better than a shake. The only problem is that this is a high salt combo, so depending on your blood pressure it may not be the way to go.

I have gallstones but no symptoms. I have heard of some surgeons removing the gallbaladder at the time of the WLS because gallbladder removal often becomes necessary at a later time. What has been your experience with gallstones?

Thank you for all of your responses. These forums are so helpful and I am learning a lot and I'm starting to think I will be successful. It really helps to see your everyday real menus and macros. Thank you all so much.

Thank you for your responses. This forum is very helpful and I am learning a lot.

My nutritionist said my protein goal post surgery is 60-80 grams a day. From what I gather from reading posts here it seems like most people try to get in at least 100. I am pre-surgery and drinking a shake every day to try and get used to them, but good gravy, they are nasty, and they make me feel bloated and gross. I am hoping that once I get to the solid food stage I can limit the shakes, and just get protein through fish and eggs and such, which seems possible for 60 grams but not for 100. What are your protein goals, and why have you settled on them, and how do you reach them?