lostmykeysinspace

A lot of it is willpower, unfortunately. I find it easier to stay on track after surgery because I am always seeing results. Maybe there's a bit of instant gratification to it, and I know I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I'm still losing a fairly decent pace three months out and that's incredibly motivating. I find the more I stick to the guidelines (protein first, eat slow, chew thoroughly, avoid sugar or fat laden foods) the easier it is to stick to the healthy foods. Surgery gave me time to start getting over my sugar addiction because I quite literally couldn't eat sugar, and now it's so much easier to say no because I can't have refined sugar. I'll eat some fruit if I have a craving and be satisfied. Surgery also took away my hunger for the first couple months, which gave me time to get my head on straight. I know that's not the same for everyone though. What meats can you eat? I'm not familiar with what is or isn't allowed within a Jewish kosher diet. I've found as long as I stick to lean meats, I can eat just about anything. I tried chicken skin once and BIG MISTAKE, but just a thigh or breast, some leaner cuts of steak, lamb, turkey (seriously, turkey chili is my lifeline even in the summer), bison...all these I can tolerate fine. I live in Midwest USA so there's not a ton of fresh seafood options, it's not something we make often. There's also protein powder and shakes that you can use to supplement. I usually have a protein shake every day because I just physically can't eat enough food to hit 60 grams of protein. I use cheese as a snack sometimes to supplement my protein intake. I'm also very fond of Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, but you might be tired of them. What about eggs? Or even a glass of milk - hydration and protein!

I just had my three month checkup and was told 10 pounds is the average for most people so it sounds like you're on track!

Eating out in general. I like it occasionally, but this week there were lots of celebrations in my family (birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Father's Day) and we ended up eating out three days in a row. Even though I got healthier options, I felt so...gross. I don't even know. I was lethargic, unmotivated to do stuff, and it was hard to get down other foods at mealtimes. We finished the celebrations and the first day eating at home was so refreshing, and honestly way more delicious and satisfying than any of the restaurant meals. Never thought I'd say that.

I don't know if it makes a difference, but I had the bypass and found that my taste hadn't changed at all. I drink primarily Premier chocolate protein shakes. Cafe Latte is also good once you can do caffeine again. I do like the Bariatric Advantage protein powder they sell here in the store. I've only tried chocolate and strawberry but both taste good and don't upset my stomach.

Yeah, I haven't struggled with much I've eaten except super fatty things (I tried a couple bites of chicken skin once, BIG mistake). But I also stick to the leanest cuts I can find and chew really well. I've tried chicken thighs, that's the closest to a fatty meat I've attempted so far.

My surgery was April 8 and I was told at the 5 week mark I could start trying all foods since my recovery was smooth. I've had chicken, pork, beef, turkey, fish, and bison since then with no issues, although I do struggle with most meats reheated. I was told I could even try bread and Pasta but to just be really careful. So far I've only tried the Mission carb balance tortillas and Wasa crackers as far as super carb things are concerned.

I can handle moist meat. Slow cooked chicken that I eat cold is fine. I can't reheat most meats though. Too tough and dry. Other than that, I can tolerate most things except high fat stuff. I tried a bit of chicken skin and dumped so hard on it. But I haven't had any issues with any raw veggies. Salads have been my go to, they go down so smooth!

I've been obsessed with salads lately which isn't something I thought I'd ever say lol! My current favorite is spinach with a few strawberries, sliced almonds, some feta cheese, and some shredded chicken I slow cooked earlier in the week. The add some lite raspberry vinaigrette, and it's a delicious meal! But I realized I bought way more spinach than I'm able to eat so now I'm experimenting with green smoothies (which are a great way to sneak in some protein powder!).

I could see getting it if I were traveling or had like....a super exceptionally busy schedule (the latter of which I rarely experience). But in my day to day life, fast food has no place. Pre surgery we used to have fast food at least two or three times a week, and learning to make my own food at home rather than relying on fast food was one lifestyle change I was determined to make. I am learning to love cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. If anyone else is looking for ways to avoid fast food,I recommend learning to meal prep. We don't prep all our meals, but having plenty of tasty food in the fridge makes it so much easier to avoid fast food when you're tired after work and don't want to cook.

My husband and I LOVE to eat out, so we've probably gone to restaurants 4-5 times since I graduated to normal foods. Covid restrictions are also easing up in our area so we've gone mostly with friends because we're just so excited to see each other again. I make sure I know the menu beforehand and if possible, even check the nutrition info. Most chain restaurants can break down everything for you. And I agree, don't be afraid to ask for modifications. I used to love sushi so when we went to a sushi restaurant, the first thing I asked was what could I do as a person who can't eat rice right now but still wanted sushi. They pointed out a few riceless rolls they had on the menu that I didn't know about, and bam! I had sushi! I'm trying to not fall back into old habit so my husband and I are trying to limit ourselves to two restaurant trips a month now that we've got it out of our systems. My hard and fast rule is no fast food. If we go out to eat, it's a sit down experience. It's harder on the wallet, but I think it's better because we're more apt to make better choices and only go out when we really want to.

I took three weeks off for me surgery. I found eating much easier than I was expecting. Granted, I have a one hour lunch, but since I don't snack much anymore, I don't use my 15s for eating. I go on walks instead. My lunch I eat as I normally would I guess, just a lot slower. I usually finish it in 30 minutes and then nap for the other 30 or go on another walk, depends on my energy levels that day (they're still low due to low calories). Water was a little bit harder. I find it easy to get distracted by projects and forget to drink, but I've gotten much better and I bring my water bottle literally everywhere I go at work so I can drink.

I have not had any bread products yet so if I do have some pizza, I'll stick with just the toppings. I've handled cheese, tomatoes, most meats, and veggies just fine so far!

It took me 12 days to have my first bowel movement. I was told that while on clear liquids, not to worry about it. If it continued to be an issue once I started taking calories, try milk of magnesia for the first bowel movement and then drink miralax in the morning to keep myself regular. My doctor said when we can start eating a decent amount of veggies and getting our fiber in, it should stop being an issue, but until then, a lot of us need assistance.

I had my RNY on April 8 and everything has been going well. The only thing I've dumped on was a little bit of a chicken skin (and I think I may have been eating too fast at that dinner, it was our first time hosting a dinner since my surgery and I was excited!). Anyways, in a week or two, my work is having a pizza party, and I was wondering when other people found they could tolerate pizza. I don't want to dump or have to leave work early because I ate something I shouldn't have, but I'd also love to have half a slice if it's not going to bother me too much. I'm also going to be sending my nutritionist this question, but I thought I'd check with some people's personal experience in this as well. (For the record, I am also absolutely fine bringing my lunch. I haven't had much in the way of cravings and don't feel the need to eat pizza if it won't sit well, it's more about participating in the group activity I think).

I got the second Pfizer shot two weeks after my surgery. I had the standard side effects - body aches, chills, fatigue - but it lasted most of one day and then I was fine. Worth it to not get Covid!