59 minutes ago, Beck53 said:

I had an unsettling situation occur last week when I was at a work related conference. I was with about 6 other ladies when they started being disrespectful about the weight of another attendee. I was stunned! I immediately thought 'how could they say this stuff in front of me?' I just looked looked around at them in shock. Then it dawned on me; they think I'm one of them! They didn't know that 9 months ago I was her size. I felt like a closeted fat person. A fraud. I came to her defense but they weren't having it.

That fat girl just needs to diet and exercise, etc. Everything I've heard my entire life.

This was the first time I've ever been in this type of situation. Hopefully I can handle myself better in the future. I feel like I have to stand up for my sisters!

Any suggestions on how to handle these types of situations?

You know the politics at your job better than any of us. It's a judgment call.

I had someone who has been lean and healthy all his life make the comment to me " These obese people" " they can workout all they want but they need to clean up their diet" I publicly humiliated him and told him he needs to be supportive of anyone walking in here.

He had no clue I was morbidly obese in the past. Wow, did he choose the wrong person to make a weight comment to.

Side note: We all get to share this experience of being obese and as normal weight people. I am still surprised some days at how I am treated differently. As you said "one of them" *laughing* Not all normal weight people are @sshats.

2 minutes ago, Frustr8 said:

And Jenn I will be there posting for sure, 6 weeks Tommie since my RNY, still on Stage 2A, have a repeat EGJ on October 26th. Surgeons partner, the one rescoping me said, don't work about your counts, don't add any new foods or textures, keep up with your Multivitamins,calcium, B12, omeprazole twice a day, Zofran 3 times daily, Carafate every 6 hours and we will get through this all. I hope this time things hasn't settled down and my stricture can be dialated. The Good News in this all? I never had a 3 week stall, I have list over25 pounds since surgery and a total of 40 since the end of July. Hurray for ME but what emotional cost! I am watching my Surgery Day twins ready or have started back to soft regular foods. And as a result of either repeatedly vomiting or the endoscope tube I am virtually mute, Not that there wasn't a group that have for years hoped I would be quiet. Warning- my middle finger still works, I'm not going down⬇without a fight.

I'm sorry to hear about all this. I know you have been on this board for quite a while. Would you be open to starting a thread to support people with complications? I think it's important that there's a place specifically for this topic.

People that have no experience with this mean well but don't have a clue. **me included**

1 hour ago, Jenwill630 said:

Good morning.

If you have already had surgery, was there anything you did ahead of time (like during the 6 month weigh ins) to prepare yourself for the surgery?

Or, is there something that you wish you had did that you think would have made things easier for you?

I ask this because i am wondering, would it be good as I get closer to only have 1 meal per day and drink shakes the other 2 meals to make it easier for the 2 week pre-op liquid diet?

During my six month pre op weight loss. I wish I would have started using myfitnesspal and eating my bariatric real food stage plan. (Eating 60-100 grams Protein and keeping my carbs low (no potato rice bread pasta) Carbs from fruits and veggies) It would have made my supervised weight loss much easier.

12 hours ago, Anglkrys2 said:

I am 1 weeks out. And my gut feeling was not to do it! I had a terrible time with the band and this is no different! I even asked my surgeon AND nutritionist about my health issues BEFORE and they assured me I’d be fine! I have IBS (now terrible diarrhea and a fissure), Migraines (can’t drink anything with artificial sweeteners so I’m dehydrated-water makes me vomit due to the metallic taste in my mouth)! I am hungry, in pain, and dehydrated and the only thing they want me to do is go to ER! I can’t spend 4 months in the ER because I can’t drink Water or anything else!!! I have 4 kids! I should have just accepted my body for what it was! Seriously sick of myself and my dr. It’s all about the money for them! Sorry so negative but I needed to rant and cry....somewhere..

I have nothing but compassion for anyone who has experienced complications after surgery. I'm glad you are getting responses from people that have actually experienced the same. I would love to see @Alex Brecher make a forum category for patients who have complications or patients to start a forum thread for surgery complication only support.

I wish you the best,

Jenn

Should be having surgery on the 24th or are you scheduled? If you are scheduled I'm sure you have been through the pre operation class to know what to expect.

Fear of surgery procedures is normal. Know that your surgeon and team will take great care of you. I hope you have no regret in treating obesity and living a healthy life.

36 minutes ago, BelleOfBatonRouge said:

I’m losing weight! Do you know how I can tell? I got ready for school this morning and I put on my every day shoes and I started walking and I realized they were loose. That’s right folks, out of all of the fat on my body I am losing weight in my FEET.

What a Monday.

Too funny! Time to go buy new ones. Enjoy your day at school.

I have a few questions.

Are you dependent on weight loss medication long term?

What is the rate of regain after patients go off the medication?

Do Dr's give patients supervised weight loss with nutrition consults and behavior changes along with a prescription?

What is the long term success rate?

10 hours ago, Green1 said:

I’ve been dealing with left side stomach/spine pain still for 2 years.. i take Tylenol and do physical therapy but it isn’t good enough, all I’m wondering is if this has been recorded, I also have 2 bulging discs.. The stomach and spine can really ache.. any help?

Non of here are medical professionals. Check with your Dr.

4 hours ago, Jhawaiianhny said:

Hey there... I've read about people who've had the wls that start a new addiction... instead of food they turn to something else...

I think I'm one of them... and there's no one I can talk to about it where I live...

I drink wine... everyday.... not just a glass, not just a bottle, sometimes it's 2 bottles or even 3... once I pour a glass or even take a sip I can't stop till I either pass out or run out.

It gets kind of bad sometimes, I wake up not remembering what I did before sleeping... but the thing I recently realized about why I drink... it's "healthier"to me then putting food into my mouth... I'm so terrified to gain weight back!

It's hard to explain really...I don't know... maybe it's me just being stupid...idk...I make 2 years November 1st...

I guess I just wanted to know if I was alone or not???

Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

It's time to address what's going on. Cross addictions after surgery are common. It's important that you have recognized that you are having an issue with alcohol. Look up treatment options in your area.

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

You can overcome this!

Wish you the best,

Jenn

38 minutes ago, Jingle123423 said:

I have discovered that I have no interest in pizza or bacon. I never thought that would be possible but my tastes have changed and I have no cravings and no desire for either. I'm not complaining, I am just surprised. I love it!

Congrats on your surgery!

You hear people on hear talk about your taste buds changing. It's a whole different thing to experience it for yourself. Surprising and a blessing at the same time. 😊

2 hours ago, Kay07 said:

I know there are a million posts about Hair loss on here but I’m adding one more. Because I can.

So I’ve haid super thin hair for years since I have Alopecia. I wear wigs most of the time. But this weekend my Hair loss kicked itself into overdrive. Below is a picture of me 2 years ago (before starting to wear wigs) and a picture of my decision to just accept my hair loss and make it my own! I’ll eventually go to a barber and have them clean it up but whatever I love how easy it is! Also a picture of me in my wig because damn I’ve lost HALF my face!

Also... ran my first 5k this AM ❤️ loving my life right now.

Congrats on your 5K! Get out and have adventure in life. Feels fantastic , right? New face and a new look . You can't even tell that you are rocking a wig. You pull off both looks well.

Just now, summerset said:

Rhetorical question only. We both know the answer. His approach is unusual in the WLS continuum.

And this is exactly why I still view his approach as "unusual". When I say "unusual" it's in comparison to what usually seems to be recommended to WLS patients.

Come on, how many patients seem to get the advice to eat four portions of fruit a day, to stock up on the pulses and to limit dairy to a bare minimum?

@summerset.

The great thing about this site is we don't all have the same opinion. You have yours I have mine. 😉

How many different diets have you seen on this site? Keto, Paleo, whole 30...Is a vegan bariatric diet that new to anyone? To each their own.

4 hours ago, CyclicalLoser said:

I am a Marriott member and so I tend to stick with them. They do offer the same thing about Groceries, but Marriott is pretty steep with their prices, and the truth is, there are times when I wouldn't even have time to cook. One example, I started working at 6AM and finished the next day at 10AM. Yes, 27 hours straight. There were times where I could leave for a little while to eat, but other times it is "better" to have food delivered so I can work through breakfast/lunch/dinner. One time, the customer actually ordered take out from Houston's (Very expensive restaurant) and I got to eat steak while working.

Many times like above, other team members/customers will run out and grab food for us as well, so I like to keep a mental list of the easiest things for someone else to get (Meaning works well if they forget to have the restaurant modify it...For example, I absolutely despise american cheese and I don't like dill pickles. In the past, if someone was going to McDonalds for me, even though I liked the big mac without cheese, special sauce and pickles - instead, I'd ask for 2 hamburgers, and then I'd peel off the pickles later. (I know I'm putting a lot of thought into this, but because of my job it happens a lot).

I love my job, I like the money, I like the travel (Been to Alaska 3 times) -- Although sometimes I wake up at a hotel and can't remember where I'm at and have to look at the phone next to the bed for an address lol! Living on fast food is pretty 'blah' so sometimes I wouldn't eat much. The last 2 trips, for example, all I ate was Protein Bars. Usually, I can eat somewhere nicer when I fly in, but most times I'm too cheap to go since smaller portions and "carb deletes" result in me paying an awful lot for a piece of chicken...And something I can't really "save" for tomorrow.

Wow your work schedule is a bit crazy.

Its a balance of being cost effective, managing time and making nutrition choices.

An option to think about is low to no cook foods for your hotel room. Get an uber or lyft when you land and shop before you get to the hotel. Examples: Packaged cobb salad from the deli, meat cheese nuts for snacks( P3 pack)Flavored tuna pouches, microwave steamer vegetables, Jimmy dean microwavable pre cooked turkey sausage. Pre cooked hard boiled eggs, fresh fruits and veggies.

4 hours ago, summerset said:

Nothing unusual? How many people on this board alone are chanting the mantra "lean Protein first"? He also recommends e. g. eating at least four servings of fruit a day, dig into lentils and Beans and to drastically limit dairy and to limit animal Protein in general.

That's quite different from the standard WLS diet that seems to be recommended.

Since you took the time to quote me and ask..... Here is my response.

We both have been on this site on and off for a long time. I guess it's not unusual to me because we have people that are 100% vegan that have been on the boards for years. He leans vegan but is not 100%. He still promotes animal Proteins he didn't eliminate them. His protein goal is lower but still in range. It's real whole foods approach. His video was not anything revolutionary or new to me. It may be new information for others.

3 hours ago, BlueEyedAngel28 said:

One year ago today I had the gastric bypass. Best decision i have ever made. had high cholesterol and about to be on meds for diabetes. now all my bloodwork is normal. I am very proud of myself.

Highest weight: 274 lbs

surgery weight: 232 lbs

goal weight: 140 lbs

Current weight: 130 lbs

Now I can get my referral for to fix my diastasis (ripped open ab musles from having 3 kids) and a free Tummy Tuck. Cant wait.        

Sent from my SM-S120VL using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats and Celebrate big on your first year out!

47 minutes ago, CyclicalLoser said:

I just got back from another trip from work and am packing for yet another this Tuesday. I fly all over the US and US Territories for my job. Typically a Tues-Thurs deal, at most Mon-Fri. Most of the time I could stay at a residence inn and cook for myself, but I work very long hours when I'm on the road, so planning on it is really foolish of me. Thus far, I've consumed only Protein Bars, peanuts and Protein Drinks, but it's pretty lame after a few days.

I'm 3 months out, but approach "real" food extremely slowly. What works for fast food? I know red meat, Pasta, rice, bread ist verboten.

Here's what I've compiled, but curious if these are good or not (Good as in healthy enough choice, and doesn't make one dump or feel terrible). I haven't tried any of these yet. Oh, and sometimes I don't have a car/ride, so the delivery options get extra credit.

• Chic fil a:
  • grilled nuggets
  • Grilled chicken Cool Wrap (No flatbread)...Is the Honey Mustard going to cause me to dump?
  • Grilled chicken Sandwich (No Bun)
  • Chicken Noodle Soup (Don't eat the noodles)
  • Spicy Southwest salad (Don't eat the tortilla strips, or dressings)
  • Market salad (Don't eat the granola, and dressings)
  • Diet Lemonade?
  • Chicken Tortilla Soup (If you can find it, no tortilla strips)
• Wendy's :
  • Chili (? It does have meat)
  • Grilled Chicken Wrap (No wrap)
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No Bun)
• Taco Bell:
  • Chicken Soft Taco (Minus tortilla),
  • Shredded Chicken Quesodilla (No Chipotle sauce, no tortilla)
• Chipotle:
  • "Salad" with black Beans, fajita veggies, chicken & salsa
• McDonald's
  • Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad (No tortilla strips, no dressing)...Is the corn okay?
  • Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No bun, no dressing)
• Burger King
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No bun, no mayo)
  • Chicken Garden Salad (Would the croutons make me dump or get stuck?)
• KFC
  • Do they sell grilled chicken ala carte? Shows how much I go there
  • Any of the $5 meals with grilled chicken, but eating only the chicken
• Domino's pizza (A bonus because they deliver to hotels)
  • Chicken Parm sandwich (No bun)
  • Buffalo Chicken sandwich (No bun, No blue cheese sauce)
  • cheese pizza, robusto Tomato sauce, premium chicken, pretty much any other topping (But no pizza crust...e.g. "scrape" off the sauce, cheese, chicken & toppings and eat only that)
• Jimmy Johns subs (They also deliver++)
  • #4 Turkey Breast (Unwich, no mayo)
  • Slim 4 (Unwich)...This is pretty much just a slice of turkey
  • #12 Turkey breast, provolone & Avo (Unwich, no mayo)
• Subway
  • Salad with either Turkey or Chicken Breast

Living off fast food for a week of traveling sounds like no fun. Would you be able to eat at a better quality restaurants?

Congrats! I think you are getting the idea on how to eat at any restaurant. You can look up restaurant menus online to make sure they have menu items that work for you. Safe bet is to order a Protein and vegetable for a meal and not eat the carbs (or a small amount if its on your plan) Many restaurants will let you substitute items Example: fries for vegetables. Leave off sauces etc.

Myfitness pal has most fast food and chain restaurants menu items. You will be able to see your calories and macros for the day.

@Medowsweet

I don't see much that is unusual.

He suggests real whole foods - standard Protein choices. chicken, eggs, dairy, beef and seafood. Fruits, veggies and nuts. As for his smoothie - It's a whey Protein Shake fortified with added minerals and Vitamins from fruits and veggies. It's still a supplement for first stages after surgery. He suggests to get rid of his green smoothie and any Protein Shakes as soon as possible.

No one should be dependant on shakes/smoothies and processed protein products sold on this site long term. Real whole foods are enough to get your nutrition in.

18 minutes ago, MMLAUSSIE said:

Hi all

I have had a long journey . I was sleeved in 2011 start weight 135 kg then lost 20kg only to put it all back on.

In the last two years have got it together and lost 26 kg in last 2 years slowly and surely with excersise and diet. I now find myself in a holding pattern.

I am tracking nutrients with MFP but am struggling to get food in. If I eat too much I feel ill and can't get enough veggies in.

I need advice ,do I switch to smaller more frequent meals or stick with 3 per day. I want to stay satisfied and lose weight. Some days I am just not hungry and miss meals .

Has anyone been in this situation could you share some tips.

Congrats on 26K down.

Spread your meals to four/six small meals may help you to get food in more comfortably. Saying more satisfied while in weight loss mode takes some finagling. Eat your Protein first and as much veggies until you feel your sensation of full at each meal.

If this is right after surgery and first stages. 500 calories while you heal will increase over time. liquid, puree, soft food stages are rough. Things get better as you get to real foods.

1 hour ago, johnsons13 said:

I had my surgery in April and I"m so disappointed I've only lost 45 pounds. No, I'm not always eating right or staying within my 500 calorie Iimit. I have an unhealthy relationship with food and I've been so angry because I can't and don't enjoy eating at all anymore. I have to cook my food separate from my families and things don't taste as good as they used to. Has anyone else been through this and how did you get past it?

500 calorie limit at six months out from surgery?????? Am I getting this wrong? I can see 500 in the first stages after healing from surgery, You should be at higher calories at this point. Contact your surgeon's office dietician to check calories and diet instructions.

You may find more food enjoyment with increased calories and trying new bariatric recipes and real food (you should be off shakes by now)(shakes never make me feel full or satisfied)

Nutrition can still be flavorful. Google bariatric recipes. Log your food to insure the calories and macros total to fit you plan at the end of the day.

I use myfitnesspal - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myfitnesspal.android&hl=en_US

My dieticians recipe site for food ideas: http://insidekarenskitchen.com/bariatric-friendly-recipes/

• chicken fajitas - Make some up without the tortilla.
• Bariatric pizza recipes
• sugar free pumpkin pie parfait

If you are cooking for your family. They can eat what you eat. Example chicken fajitas let them have the tortilla. Nothing wrong with our families learning to eat healthy. Kids take on what we model to them.

Side note: This is not talking about your situation at home. I have my own opinion on cooking separately for family members. Especially if it's foods that will temp you and derail your program.

I would not cook for anyone that can't be supportive. I would set out Cereal and milk, lunch meat and bread, frozen dinners for them to microwave. If they want a home cooked meal it will be healthy.

Ok off my soap box.

I would love to hear back if your office increases your calories. I also want to know how you feel about your food world after trying new foods and recipes.

10 minutes ago, BelleOfBatonRouge said:

Asking for a very hungry friend who is on Clear Liquids only for the week leading up to surgery and not me. Nosiree Bob not me.

Tell your friend to contact their surgeons office for their instructions.

43 minutes ago, Leia said:

Thank you!!! Almost half of it is from before surgery, so I am not 'seeing it' as much as I should. The family that is in the know though says they see it. I'm hoping that the extended family at gatherings wont. . or will put it up to one of my many ups and downs. Might be naive of me. I don't like fibbing, but I also dont want to spend Thanksgiving defending my choices.... or talking about my weight.

Those recipes sound amazing! Especially the green Beans and cauliflower stuffing!!!!! I'd say they qualify for 'Wizard level!"
Have you tried the pumpkin pie with a Protein Drink? I'm wondering if it would come out too sweet or not. . ..I might have to experiment before the holiday. And feed it to EVERYONE ELSE of course.

I made a pumpkin pie shake. It was fine for my taste. The no bake pie above was a bit too sweet for me.

Here is my dieticians bariatric friendly recipes site:

http://insidekarenskitchen.com/bariatric-friendly-recipes/

17 hours ago, Leia said:

I think I'm ready for the Holidays...but its hard to be sure until I'm at the parties, events, family gatherings.... staring at the left overs, or dodging loudly intoxicated family members.

Its going to be a combination of avoiding questions (I've kept my surgery mostly to my self), avoiding drinking and making sure I've brought something I can eat..in case everything else is out of bounds.

Has anyone found recipes that they love for the holidays?

I'd love to be able to make pumpkin Pie, gingerbread, Stuffing, basically any of the old carb-tastic favorites...only less carb-tastic... I hate how Splenda, Stevia, Truvia..so forth tastes but know I really need to keep avoiding high sugar content. .

Anyone have wizard level kitchen tips?

Congrats on 60 pounds down!

Experiment with recipes. Even with splenda etc. You may find what works for your taste buds.

It's pretty hard to avoid the weight loss conversations. People will take notice that you have lost weight and are eating healthy. It's weird and uncomfortable that conversations seem to revolve around weight loss.

Thanksgiving doesn't have to be off limits. Their are healthy flavorful options if you want to stay on plan. (If you choose to indulge that's up to you)It felt amazing that Thanksgiving didn't revolve around food. I didn't feel overstuffed and guilty the next day.

These recipes are not wizard level. Lol - Make sure these fit your plan, calories and macros for the day.

• Turkey
• French green Beans with sliced almonds and bacon ( option - leave out almonds to keep calories lower)
• Stuffing - Garlic roasted riced cauliflower, celery, onion, sour cream and alfreso sweet italian chicken sausage. (not the pre cooked ones) The type you remove the casing, brown in a pan crumbled
• Gingerbread hot cocoa: unsweetened cashew milk warmed, hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup, Davinci sugar free gingerbread syrup
• No bake pumpkin pie - Sugar free vanilla pudding, unsweetened cashew milk (vanilla Protein powder/shake optional) pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice - Use less milk/protein shake than instructed for a thicker consistency
• Cranberry pumpkin apple side dish - (This is seriously sweet. A small amount goes a long way) Peel and cube a sugar pumpkin and apple, Drizzle with sugar free maple syrup. Sprinkle with cinnamon and splenda to taste. Roast 400 degrees until soft and browned. add no sugar added dried cranberries.

.

Great photo. Amazing how five to ten pounds will make a difference in clothing size.

On 7/21/2018 at 3:59 PM, Happy2lose13 said:

Hi everyone. I’m about 8 weeks post op from sleeve. I’m losing slowly but sticking to my diet. I’m trying to exercise, but still struggling with that. I’d like to start lifting weights, like heavy weights - anyone have any tips? I’m 46 years old female and not very athletic.

Exercise database:

https://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/ Pick a muscle on the body chart - It will take you to a list of exercises and a video demonstrating form and how to use equipment

Weight lifting for women:

https://www.bodybuilding.com/category/womens-workouts

https://www.bodybuilding.com/category/women

Weight lifting plans:

https://www.bodybuilding.com/workout-plans/?tag=wrappermarkup