BeanitoDiego

I've only tried a few products, but have found two convenience foods that are good for packing a lunch/snacks while I'm engaging in outdoor activities. The first one is the Caramel Crunch Protein bars:

https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-high-protein-bars-caramel-crunch

I also like these Protein Crisps in ranch and barbeque flavor:

https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-protein-crisps-ranch?variant=12060717809740

In the USA, federal legislation called the No Surprises Act was enacted in 2021 to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. It has been supplemented with changes as recently as January of 2024. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and patients have protections and rights against certain charges. Here's a link for more information:

https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

Many of us have had to navigate the complex insurance system in the States and we are no strangers to advocating for ourselves. I was hit with a surprise bill 4 months after my surgery and having knowledge of this legislation helped me avoid paying a large amount of money to an out of network provider that assisted with my surgery.

I haven't tried a boil in bag, but I incorporate quinoa regularly into what I eat these days. It is easy to prepare from scratch. I found this site that is a good introduction into cooking it:

https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-cook-quinoa-perfectly-article

Hope you enjoy it! I like it with roasted veggies on the side, or topped with melted cheese.

I travelled internationally two months ago, and was 6 months post-op. I brought Protein bars, protein-enhanced electrolyte Water mix packets, an empty water bottle & coffee cup, and Snacks like a nut-based trail mix that I like to put together. I also hauled a giant plastic container of protein powder with me because I LIVE for my morning proffees. No problems crossing any borders or with any airports/security checkpoints.

My go-to is always firm tofu or tempeh, stir fried with vegetables or prepared in an air fryer and served with roasted vegetables. I flavor the tofu in different ways; BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, and teriyaki are my faves. Quinoa mixed with black Beans or black eyed peas, also with veggies, makes it onto my plate a few times a week, too.

A trick that I have learned when preparing firm tofu is to squeeze out the excess Water. I found something called a tofu press that is basically a box with a heavy spring. Place the tofu inside, press down, close the lid, and the excess water is drained out. It really, really helps!

15 hours ago, matt917 said:

I am wearing socks at home. I never used to wear socks to sleep but it’s a must now. I can’t seem to keep warm.

Socks at night are a must-have! This will be my first summer post-op, and I can already tell that I will be in long sleeves and pants more often than not.

For me, the changes in the way that I began feeling physically were motivating. I felt lighter and more ease of movement in the world. I liked seeing more of my natural jawline in the mirror. There was a spark that really wanted to see how far I could go on this path, and I am pleased as punch to be where I am at today!

At the beginning of my fitness journey, I joined a national chain gymnasium for a little over $10 per month. It rhymes with Janet Witness, and had a variety of low impact and muscle building machines to try out. Pushing towards 300 pounds, I had to work up the courage to be there but soon found that everyone was in their own little zone, paying me no mind.

I took advantage of their membership benefit that allows one to meet with a trainer to plan a custom routine. Three years later, I am still a member of this gym and am grateful for the healthier lifestyle seeds that they helped me plant.

Bravo! 👏

I have been using a retinol-based product at night, washing it off of my face in the morning. I also put it on my neck, chest, arms, and hands. But please be cautious and read up on retinol before starting to use it. One is required to use sunscreen religiously while using retinol-based products and to continue doing so up to two weeks after discontinuing their use.

Hopefully some others will chime in with their solutions. I wish you good luck in finding something that will work well!

The difference in photos is striking, especially considering that they are only 4 months apart! Are you doing any exercise or training for your core muscles? That has helped me a bit, as my stomach is still a bit pronounced, too.

I can't speak to the question of fiber, but I can share with you what my dietician said about net carbs. She told me to ignore net carb count and focus on total carbs. So on my tracking journey, I would count the tortilla as ingesting 32g of carbohydrates.

Right after my surgery, I found cold or cool liquids borderline painful to ingest, so I took in liquids that were either warm or room temperature. Have you tried changing that variable?

I'm transitioning to maintenance phase, so I don't have a typical day nailed down yet. But I aim for at least 80g of Protein, and usually end up getting 90-100g. My activity level is quite high with at least 60 minutes of exercise or training every day. Swimming, yoga, HIIT, walking or jogging with my PupTart, dynamic stretching, PT for the hurty bits, and strength conditioning are my primary activities.

All of that training allows me to go hiking, bicycling, backcountry camping, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. I love being active and hope to keep it up for a loooong time 😁

That's a great story @SacB! I think that about my pants when I hold them up... Those couldn't possibly fit me, but, they do! And @SarahByNumbers, your kitty has great taste in music!

I relied on a bottle of ProT Gold to help me meet my Protein goals right after surgery. It was given to me when I was in the hospital, so I reckoned it would be fine to keep using it.

I can really only share what the experience has been like for me, and the positives that have come into my life. I was in a very similar spot as you, both mentally and physically. The doubts and fear doubled, trebled, quadrupled to an infinity even as I was being rolled into the OR for surgery.

I am now six months and two weeks post-op. I can pop off for a 2 mile run if I feel like it. A 10 mile hike. A long yoga session. I am signed up for getting an open-water SCUBA certification. My cholesterol is normal for the first time in my adult life. My mental health has improved. I've also enjoying seeing my physical transformation.

Attaining a high level of fitness remains a strong motivation for me. But eating small portions, managing supplements, timing my Water intake, and tracking food? It has gotten easier and easier. I truly wish you well on your journey, no matter which path you decide to take.

Seems like you've hit the 3-week stall. Totally normal! Lots and lots of posts here about it in the forums. Keep in mind that with the shakes, you were also getting the benefit of the liquid. In my program, I was still eating Soups at this stage, which also helped with my liquid intake.

I'm 6 months post-op and drinking Water is still a full time job. 80 ounces or more every day 😎

I am six months out and I still use the Baritastic app to track everything. I find it helpful as a guide to reinforce what I have learned about nutrition and portion sizes, but it requires an internet connection. The times that I have been offline and unable to track, I've practised my "eating right," skills, and haven't worried myself.

I had to reach out to BCBS myself, on two separate occasions, to figure out a claim issue and was able to get it resolved to get surgery covered. I was very strict with everything that I had to do to qualify for surgery in the first place, plus I have the persistence of a hungry mosquito.

I was honest with my team, perhaps to a fault! Minutes before surgery, with IVs in both of my arms getting wheeled down the hallway, and even when that mask was going over my mouth and nose, they all knew how scared I was and how much I felt like I wanted to back out.

I'm SO glad that I did not chicken out. My life has changed for the better in every dimension of my existence. Sending you lots of hugs @Jessica Marie and hope you can see that you are not alone 😎

I'm like @Shanna NYC, I stick to waiting 30 minutes after a snack, and always 30 minutes or more after a meal. And like @catwoman7, I drink Water first thing in the morning, usually getting in at least 16 ounces before having breakfast or coffee.

I'm almost 6 months post-op, and the timing of my water intake has become a habit and I'm able to get in at least 80 ounces a day. One difference that I can see between us is that my program told me that I can have a drink/water at any point before I eat.

I am sending you hugs. Your weight is still down from 134kg, so you are not a failure. I am sure that people more educated than me will be able to offer you more and better advice. But I will say that I think you should start tracking your food intake so that you know how many calories, carbohydrates, and Protein that you are getting. Vi auguro buona fortuna e spero che ci terrete aggiornati!

I saw it as an opportunity to refocus away from food, and I took my pup for an extra long walk that day 🐾

You will get through this! Your mind gets challenged a lot in these days. I went through the "buyer's remorse," stage and wondered what in the world have I done to myself. Five months post-op, and I am on top of the world.