BrigitteLM

I found that going on walks helped me get to my next meal/“feel” hunger again (in whatever way we feel hunger now) - and so I go out on walks 2x/day now and have really enjoyed it. Also going on a routine where I wake up and after getting ready for the day, I start with my protein drink, then my next meal is a stage-appropriate meal like Greek yogurt with cinnamon, Kefir, or refried beans, etc. etc. Then protein drink again, then ending the day with food. And as I progress, a snack if needed. But the routine of it has helped me get more than enough protein, following my diet plan.

Last week (4th week post-Op) I developed a rash on one of my ankles/feet that has now spread to both my feet/ankles, calves, upper thigh, and as of today now both my forearms. Last week I switched from Premiere protein to Fairlife protein, I was in the sun, I had a pedicure after shaving, someone else used my shower, and I started eating soft foods. SO much changed last week that I’m stressing out about what’s caused my rash. It’s not anywhere near my surgery site - nothing on my stomach. Through Kaiser I was able to get a steroid cream prescribed that I’ll pick up and meanwhile using a hydrocortisone cream, but I want to know the cause so I can make it go away or keep an eye on this. Super frustrated as my surgeon’s P.A. responded back to me saying, “This isn’t related to surgery” and yet so many people report rashes after the surgery. Any motivational words or advice would be greatly appreciated. Everything with eating and weight loss has been going so well - so this is just so out of left field and I wasn’t prepared or expecting this.

It’s also possible you may have jet belly - the pressure at high altitudes makes the trapped air in your gut expand, taking up more room and leading to bloating and pain. The sharp gas pain is definitely the worst of it and it gets better 🙏🏼 fairly quickly!!

As of yesterday I bumped myself up to 500 calories/75g protein and felt better about this than 400 cals/60g protein. My taste buds seem to be improving by the day. My stomach still feels a little “raw” and a little swollen but very much healed compared to a few days ago. Our bodies are amazing! Speaking of the mental aspect - I don’t think I have buyer’s remorse…??? maybe I’ll just voice out what I’m feeling as I do not know how to describe it. I just feel like woah i made a decision to undergo body modification that I can never undo. I previously had my gallbladder removed and didn’t experience the same feeling even though it does play a part in body functioning. It’s hard to remember this will result in weight loss, as I’m more focused on getting nutrients - water, protein, vitamins daily now. Feels like a game where I have to tick all the boxes daily to be sure I’m staying healthy. Again seems so far removed from this leading to weight loss. My weight loss goal wasn’t aesthetic, definitely preventative for other diseases stemming from obesity. What has been tough is seeing all the amazing food on Instagram when I’m on liquids only. 😢 I remind myself I will eat food again, this stage is to nurture my stomach back to health.

Day 4 post-Op was the first day I physically felt strong enough… but focusing on all the eating and drinking goals is it’s own job. If it’s possible I would highly consider asking for more time off if you can. Also flying immediately after surgery (not sure how long your flight is) seems rather brutal. I could barely sit up day 1 post-Op and getting into a car shaking my whole body did not feel good. Plus I had random episodes of dumping and/or nausea. You know your circumstances best but those first few days you really need to be very kind and gentle with your body.

Today is day 5 post-Op for me and yesterday/Day 4 post felt like a physical turning point in terms of being more mobile. I did some short slow walking laps at a park across the street from me though I think the chafing against my shirt material may have irritated my center incision on my stomach where it looks like there is a keloid scar now so I am being more careful going forward. I went into the kitchen today to keep my body moving (my arm muscles feel weak when washing my hair for example) and I made the Kaiser recommended recipe for Butternut Squash soup. Eating that now for lunch. Yesterday I got less than 400 cals but did get 60 G protein in and I felt discomfort at night (hunger? My stomach makes noise all day long so it’s hard to tell what each new sound means). So today I am aiming for 600 cals/75 G protein instead. The soup tastes actually decent, even after adding in Isopure zero carb powder in it. I’m keeping up with my skincare, grateful for veggies being added to the mix and using this time to listen to audiobooks and color on my iPad while I eat. Days 1-3 were horrific for me - I couldn’t eat because everything tasted super off and I was fading. So for all those feeling a little down after surgery I think with each day there’s a new experience and the body does heal and recover physically, emotionally, mentally. 🤩

It’s Day 2 Post-Op for me - my surgery was on March 8th (robot assisted sleeve gastrectomy - Da Vinci machine). I’m doing okay on getting the liquid amount recommended to me but unfortunately it’s either water or vitamin water. The Premier Clear Peach flavor tastes salty to me so not doing well on the protein count but trying not to panic. I also tried broth yesterday and it tasted SOUR and I had it confirmed that it was not sour by my fiancé. The amount of gas in my tummy is going down slowly making it easier to drink liquids without a sharp pain. Wishing all the March surgeries a speedy recovery!!! To better lifelong health.

Lol!! I feel you. I do not drink except at a special occasion/work dinner but I enjoy champagne. You’ll probably be able to get around to it after a very long time but it’s probably healthier to moderate so you don’t feel bloated, I would imagine?

Now I have my eye on protein I also don’t find it hard to hit 90g of protein in a day but I’m pre-op and nearly there to the other side.!!!! @kcuster83 - love the mentality of not feeling like you’re on a forever diet! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the different alternative foods and love that many are seeking whole nutritious foods after or just other food in moderation vs targeting specifically these “synthetically” protein rich foods. It’s definitely food for thought!! 😜

Thanks all for the recommendations! I’m not really thinking of it for myself in the immediate, just generating some conversation - I’m sure this list might interest others who are many months post-Op!! Was just something on my mind as I love the idea of focusing on protein in future, just feel it’s such a great life habit. I did not know Premier did other items outside of their shakes, so that’s super cool.

What brand of high protein oats do you like best? This looks amazing!

My surgery is on March 8th so I'm a long way off from eating real/regular food but as I was in my nutrition course I really did feel healthier prioritizing protein intake. Just felt like I always gravitated towards carbs naturally previous to my nutrition course. That being said, does anyone recommend higher protein alternatives to foods they used to eat? I'll start with some! I do like how crunchy and textural chips are so I stocked up on Quest Protein chips - usually b/w 17-20 g protein for a small bag. Definitely not the same but an interesting alternative. Then I recently came across Magic Spoon - it's a 13 g protein bowl of cereal. I have not tried this before and wondering if anyone else has? Any other alternatives to recommend?

Same here!! Coming up soon!!

I’m on day 6 of liquids for breakfast and lunch and a 400 calorie dinner. Only craved food yesterday when I saw the “word” of a particular food, and it triggered a desire for it lol. I’ve lost 6-8 lbs in the 6 days, just depends what my starting weight was exactly. My surgery is next week Wednesday and I had a scare this week where I had to redo one of my labs. I nearly had a breakdown (it was also my birthday) as I felt so overwhelmed. But feeling better since then as my lab test came back normal now.

You got this!!!!! Best of luck with your surgery.