Giginc

7 hours ago, AliceFD said:

I doubt it. Do your best. This will change after surgery as the amount you can take in goes WAY down and your cravings will likely disappear.

Thanks so much I don’t think I’ve done real damage just a couple of Snacks . I also drink vinegar which is supposed to help

I’m having bypass a week from Monday 19th am on LRD I have cheated a couple of times and feel awful about it. Hope it doesn’t jeopardize my surgery. Help

On 10/2/2022 at 5:18 PM, kellyarw95 said:

Idk if you're in texas or not. But we have HEB and I got their meal simples Soups and just put them all through the blender adding a little extra either Water or non fat milk depending on the Soup. I'm currently on full liquids post op as well. I have had baked potato Soup, chicken tortilla soup, Tomato and basil soup, green chili chicken soup, green chili chicken corn chowder, and chicken noodle. I didn't strain any of them. I just threw each one in the blender, added a few tablespoons extra Fluid and pulsed until smooth smooth. I needed flavor! Lol.

I am starting my liquids prepping for preop trying to prepare myself. I love Japanese Steakhouse clear soup and found this recipe I used beef consommé and chicken better than bouillon both - thought I would share below not a lot of Protein but just really https://www.livingchirpy.com/japanese-clear-onion-soup/

On 10/13/2022 at 7:14 AM, kcuster83 said:

Hello!

Yes, people take collagen PO. I don't know if they do it day 1 or wait a little bit. Someone else might know, as I don't take it. Or, you could always double check with your team to see what they say about it. I can't imagine it being an issue.

I wouldn't stock up on too much pre-op because sometimes people taste change drastically (temporarily or permanently). I used to LOVE the chocolate Peanut Butter Premier Protein shakes pre-op and I can't stand them now. They taste like pure chemicals to me. Otherwise I haven't noticed huge changes, that was the big one I noticed.

Yes, you can you flavor packets (crystal light) in your Water. I was even given it in the hospital. But, I couldn't handle it the first few days. They were too "intense" for me and the super strong citrus flavoring was harsh. I have always thought they are a little intense for me (even before surgery) so I always use more Water or less of the flavor than recommended and it is good for me. I am huge water drinker (pre and post op) so I have no problem drinking plain water and usually prefer it. Some people struggle with it post-op and try it at different temperatures until they find what works best for them.

Good luck on your surgery, GETTING CLOSE!!

I am going in for my last prep appointment on 11/8 , so hopefully will have date then shooting for 2nd week of December (wish me luck)😊I wanted to ask about loose skin have heard so much about collagen but there are so many choices and does the cream work well or is it all oral? I also heard to use a brush on areas to circulate the skin - is that something anyone has done? I thought about going ahead and starting the collagen definitely going to talk to my team about it . Thanks for all of your support.

19 minutes ago, Mariann812 said:

I’ve lost 60 lbs in just under 4 months. 🤗

liquids: all I drink is Water (64 Oz) and I have 1 cup of coffee a day. I have lost my taste for coffee. I go through phases craving other things. I haven’t done Crystal Lite except for my first 2 weeks post op. I felt like the longer I drank it, my weight loss slowed. I have always noticed that about me and artificial sweeteners in steady, large amounts.

on the liquid phase of post op, I had Bone Broth, sugar free Jello, sugar free ice pops, AND Water. 🤦🏻‍♀️
there is some recipe floating around on this site I think for mashed potatoes with cream of chicken Soup and the lumps are strained out. It’s delicious and I was happy to have that for dinner every day. It’s all really a blur now. I had no appetite and I still dont, so I made sure I met hydration levels. When I was able to do that, I added in Protein. I think I used Atkins because I detested Fairlife and Core and the others. The surgeon told me to be hydrated first and then concentrate on Protein. Atkins has a 30 g of Protein Shake that I try to have once a day now. I know that I don’t eat anywhere near the calories I am suppose to, but I am simply not hungry and I take my Vitamin with Iron so I’m not going to worry about it.
my biggest most constant craving is salad. 🤣🤣🤣 With a small amount of sugar free Salad Dressing and crisp lettuce, and white meat chicken (Panera), I’m good. I try to meet the protein numbers with Atkins Protein Wafer Crisp bars (1 a day). I read every single label before I buy anything, and I’m enjoying cooking for the first time in forever. Making things yourself is a great way to be sure you are getting what you need. Shrimp, salmon, egg white/egg salad are all things I enjoy.
mom wracking my brain trying to remember 2 days post op. I know I was supposed to drink clear s/f Gatorade or something, but I was so nauseous (even with Patches, etc) that I did ice pops, Jello, and the next day I was able to graduate to broth, and Protein Shakes. I stayed on liquids for a long time-maybe 5-6 weeks because I wasn’t hungry, it was the dead of summer, and I didn’t feel like going on to the soft foods phase. Mashed potatoes were great, and I literally could not eat more than a tablespoon before I was full.

60 pounds is awesome And thanks so much for the info. That is wild my favorite thing is SALAD. I know I will miss it in the beginning for sure. You have been so helpful~ I don't like the Fairlife or CORE shakes either and not crazy about premiere.. I did the Atkins years ago and I remember them being pretty good. I will try those again. Have to do the ready made,

Definitely going to try the mashed potato concoction. I have tried Bone Broth just not a fan, I like "better than bouillon"so I will probably stick with that.

So great to meet someone my age and just really looking forward to this exciting journey and hopefully have as much success as you have !! Take care!

1 hour ago, Mariann812 said:

Thank you! This is the best thing I’ve ever done for me!
My surgeon repaired the hiatal hernia (Type IV-massive) by finessing my digestive system down into my abdomen where it should have been, closed the hole in my diaphragm, performed gastric bypass, and ‘fashioned’ a new stomach the size of an egg.
I have not had heartburn, reflux, and I can’t imagine being more pleased than I am right now. Let me know if you have any questions.

How much have you lost and do you have any recommendations on liquids lol?

On 9/29/2022 at 7:25 PM, Mariann812 said:

Spinoza: I am so thankful! ❤️❤️❤️🤗

Wow you look fabulous!!! You make me feel so much better I am 62 and been thinking about cancelling before I even have my date, I am so nervous , but I know that I will be so much healthier. What did they do about the hiatal hernia?

On 9/6/2022 at 11:31 PM, Sweetkayl said:

Has anyone had success eating out for most meals.

I am single and really have no desire to cook.

I am single but live with my elderly mom so I cook some for her. I haven't had my surgery yet but I love Panera Breads tuna sandwich without the bread and it is only 200 calories and 21g Protein.

I am dreading the two week pre op was wondering do they give you an appetite suppressent at any point in the process? I know that is a strange question , just curious.

Really find this forum so helpful!

On 9/21/2022 at 2:01 PM, KimA-GA said:

I am a high BMI girl (over 60 ) but have changed my diet, worked on eating disorders and just tried to change my life this year. Been doing pre op Keto diet since late august waiting on my surgery date. Down 70 lbs this year so yay there..

My NSV was my wardrobe changes! i was buying mostly size 34 shirts ( a few bigger). I saw a shirt on Amazon that i liked that was biggest at size 28. I ordered it for “later” after surgery- but as a lark i tried it on and it fit quite well!!

I wore it yesterday and got asked for the first time if I had lost weight. Guess clothes that fit make a difference;) I went and ordered four more size 28 shirts. If they fit too, I am going to purge most of those size 34 and higher and never look back!

I am trying to get below 60 BMI for surgery (somewhat a stall right now, but that’s ok - i am staying steady) but I am really enjoying this victory!!!

Congratulations! I’m just starting this journey waiting for a date most likely will be December. I am trying to do a trial run watching what I eat and drinking tons of Water but everyday I feel like I need to eat some things that I know I won’t be allowed to eat for a long time if ever . I mean how many “last suppers “ can one have lol. Anyway, I praying I can be disciplined enough to do this. Anyone else cheat before surgery and before the actual liquid part begins. Please tell me I’m not alone. 😒

1 hour ago, Hope4NewMe said:

I loved having it as my 1st puree food, but I have to agree that its not as great as I was really hoping it would be. I so would still take it over any broth though. I now don't even want to look at a Soup after the liquid diet lol.

I just cannot do yogurt taste like sour milk to me and I am worried when I get to that stage.

On 08/04/2022 at 21:04, Slwhurst said:

Oh and Amazon has this great wellness journal from clever fox! It has monthly reviews you can keep up with measurements and goals and log what you intake and exercise!

Anyone recommend the best pill organizer don’t want to lug a big container around when I’m at work? TIA

On 08/23/2022 at 13:03, kcuster83 said:

The only thing I bought was a immersion blender with a food processor attachment. I wanted the immersion blender for be able to blend thicker or chunky Soups for the pureed phase. I bought one with the food processor because I ran into a few times when I needed one before surgery and it was a good deal.

Turns out, I didn't use the immersion blender at all and blended my food in the processor. I used the processor 2 times and haven't used any of it since.

Long story short, probably didn't need it. Probably didn't/don't need anything extra than normal kitchen accessories.

I am getting a 64 oz insulated water bottle

On 08/23/2022 at 13:03, kcuster83 said:

The only thing I bought was a immersion blender with a food processor attachment. I wanted the immersion blender for be able to blend thicker or chunky Soups for the pureed phase. I bought one with the food processor because I ran into a few times when I needed one before surgery and it was a good deal.

Turns out, I didn't use the immersion blender at all and blended my food in the processor. I used the processor 2 times and haven't used any of it since.

Long story short, probably didn't need it. Probably didn't/don't need anything extra than normal kitchen accessories.

Do you have to have a fancy food scale?

I am having Gastric bypass next couple of months want to find the best non dairy Protein Shakes ready made I can’t drink the powdered ones. I tried fairlife but did not care for it.

On 7/5/2022 at 8:39 AM, kcuster83 said:

I had Bypass. I was hitting my Water goal by my 2 week follow up.

Protein took about 3 weeks and then fell back off at pureed foods so I had to readjust my eating schedule.

Now I pretty much have it down pat, but I still can't hit my Protein goal without 1 shake a day. I have tried a few times.

My work day looks like this, weekends are the same but the time just shifts a few hours later:

Wake up 530

Breakfast 6-630am: shake @ 30g protein

Drink from 7/730-11/1130am: At least 20 oz.

lunch 12pm: Depends on what I pack but anywhere from 12-20g protein

Drink from 1-3pm: At least 20 oz.

snack (as needed for the protein boost from a lighter lunch) 330pm: Usually 5-10g protein like a string cheese

Drink from 4-6ish pm: At least 20 oz

dinner around 6/630pm: Depends on what I pack but anywhere from 15-20g protein

Drink from 7pm till bedtime: I go to bed early on week nights so not much at this time.

I average 70g protein and 70oz Water daily.

At first I was annoyed because I was just constantly worrying about it and non stop drinking and eating. But now at a little over 3 months post op I can drink a 16 oz bottle of water in 30 minutes. So if I get behind I can (kinda) chug it to catch up or if I am on track I can just take a break and not worry about it. You really do just find your new routine, it just might take some time. I am VERY motivated to make the best of this so I pushed myself very hard int he beginning to start hitting those goals.

Awesome post ! Going to make a photo of it I had my first nutrition appointment today and it was a lot to take in. Do you guys drink like 2ozs of water at the time during the day ? Scared of overdoing it😒

2 hours ago, Zeethebumblebee said:

I am thinking about this too. I have pancreatitis so they are waiting for it to resolve before removing my gallbladder but I’m in the insurance authorization process right now for vsg. I’m contemplating getting them done at the same time.

My surgeon for the gall bladder is the one that suggested doing them at the same time. I’m hoping it will not make the recovery longer but I also don’t want to have two surgeries. Good luck to you!

8 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

It really depends on your program and more importantly your insurance. Some companies require a 3 or 6 month medically managed weight loss attempt. Most clinics just have you go there monthly to check your weight and sorta use it as an opportunity to spread out your other requirements a bit so they aren’t so overwhelming. Sounds like you probably have the whole list of requirements though unless a medical issue pops up that they need to investigate further to clear you for surgery. It really varies whether you will get a date before or after you have completed everything and receive your approval but obviously the timeframe itself will not Change you may just know it sooner. My whole process took about 6 months from first appointment to surgery day.

Thanks for the feedback ! When I started I let them know I wanted it before the end of year because I have met my deductible and half of out of pocket so it would save $$$. They seem to think that would not be a problem- guess I’m just a little nervous.

I’ve had first appt and now scheduled for bone density and nutrition tomorrow and psychologist and program director Oct 18 . I have to do my sleep apnea test next week and meet with exercise specialist that should be it . How long do you think it will take to get a date based on your experiences?
TIA

7 hours ago, MotownNixie said:

My MIL had her bypass surgery in her 60s and that was in 2010. She is doing fabulous and it has definitely added years to her life. Her surgeon is the one who preformed my sleeve surgery earlier this month.
I was approved to be off work for 3 weeks, but I know I could have gone back sooner. I have a desk job. I go back this Wednesday. Make sure you do take the time off you need to heal and to adjust to your new eating schedule. I honestly think getting back to work will help me with that schedule. I know I have had a harder time getting my liquids in.
Good luck. I hope your daughter can be supportive. I just know I am thankful my MIL’s is thriving after her surgery and look forward to the same for myself.
Good luck 😊

Thanks so much for your encouragement. I am so glad to hear about your MIL! I am feeling better about it and just ready for it!! I wish you so much success with your surgery ! Take care.

On 09/19/2022 at 20:22, Erin18 said:

I just bought the sugar free lemonade today because of a youtube video I saw haha. She added a packet of kool-aid to change the normal lemonade flavor. Plus she had surgery too and it's actually pretty good. I love lemonade too.

I find it so hard to drink Water. I never go for water and thats not good at all. How am I going to make it. I am going to start pushing myself tho because it is really important for many reasons.

I made a really great tasting Protein Shake last night. It tasted just like ice cream. I got the idea from another tik toker and I tweaked it.

1 scoop GNC lean shake chocolate Protein Powder

4.5 oz water

4.5oz brewed coffee. I Made dunkin's caramel coffee cake flavored ground coffee

Squirt of honey

Capful of vanilla

Blend

Tall cup of ice

Blend again

Drizzle sides of glass with sugar free caramel Syrup and Sugar Free Chocolate syrup

Top with serving of sugar free whipped cream

Sooooooooo good!

I was wonder if anyone has tried Natures Twist strawberry lemonade. I am so anxious to get my date . I finish pre-op appts 10/18 really want the date! Did anyone create menu schedule for pre op and after surgery to make it easier. I get so confused. I need to find a good water bottle gallon that keeps it cold. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot for your patience.

On 08/01/2022 at 12:50, Slwhurst said:

Let’s all try to keep up with each other and motivate each other!

Great idea encouraging each other!

On 8/28/2022 at 2:01 PM, I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ said:

Make an appointment with your surgeon so they can order Vitamin study labs to see where your levels are now, and then they can advise you what supplements you need.

I was wondering if I can take the Vitamins and meds with applesauce , I know my elderly mom does makes them easier to go down. I need to ask my team about the vitamin patches. How much would you say you spend for Vitamins a month after surgery? Thanks so much for your feedback!

18 hours ago, SpartanMaker said:

As you pointed out, the liquid portion of the diet can be challenging. The Vitamin regimen isn't that big a deal for me. A bigger challenge right now is just how hard it is to take all my meds. I admit I'm on a lot of medications, but it's going to take me 2.5-3 hours a day to take everything. That should get better soon, at least I hope. I should be able to drop some of the meds, and it should get easier to take more at once like I used to.

I was wondering if I can take the Vitamins and meds with applesauce , I know my elderly mom does makes them easier to go down. I need to ask my team about the vitamin patches. How much would you say you spend for vitamins a month after surgery? Thanks so much for your feedback!

17 minutes ago, nymisc said:

I am turning 48 soon, so close. I just had GVS and it went really well despite having an umbilical hernia to boot. I am back to work, since day 7. However, I do teach from home and sit while working. If I didn't I would say a minimum of two weeks. I tested positive for sleep apnea as well. I don't tell many people about the surgery, not because I am ashamed but rather it is like any other health issue for me, I don't go around talking about them. I tell who needs to know or I tell someone who is struggle and asks me how I am losing my weight. The first few days are super hard, and the tiredness is hard in the beginning as well. You do have to get used to prepping food differently but, this is all worth adding 10 years to my life. Down 17 lbs since surgery on the 12th.

Congratulations! Thanks! I’m also looking forward to a healthier lifestyle. I had planned two weeks to be safe! Continued success for you !