BeanitoDiego

I didn't care for the bone broth after surgery and had stocked up beforehand. Luckily, my supermarket allowed me to exchange the bone broth for vegetable broth.

I recently tried a liquid store brand version of a water flavoring additive that is made with Stevia and contains some B vitamins. It was a nice change from plain water, and easy to add to my ever-present water bottle. On occasion, if I'm on the go and want a cold drink from a convenience store, I choose Bai Water if I can find it. If not, then I look for Gatorade Zero or Powerade Zero Sugar.

I drank instant black decaf for 3 months both pre-op and post-op. I'm 9 months post-op and have been back on regular coffee for about 6 months. A change in my preference is that I now drink it with half & half and protein powder added. Two or three servings every morning, no matter where or how I find myself ? During that 6 month caffeine-free period, I also drank warm herbal teas, and room temperature decaf black teas. I still enjoy the herbals in the evenings occasionally. And I'm back to regular black teas with cream, one of my favorites!

A hearty second vote! Tofu with any topping or seasoning is flipping amazing in an air fryer.

After surgery, I would have spasms when trying to take in cold or cool drinks. Everything had to be warm or room temperature. 10 months post-op, and I can drink cold things again.

Ooo @NickelChip this sounds great! I will be trying it very soon.

Thanks for sharing an update! I find a lot of inspiration in your story.

Dried berries and nuts have become crucial to my existence ?

I have experimented with making my own low carbohydrate breads using primarily eggs and almond flour. Here is a go-to recipe for making a little at a time; I scale it up if I am meal prepping. 1 egg 1 Tablespoon olive oil 3 Tablespoons Almond Flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and pour into a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. Microwave for 90 seconds. Flip out and slice in half. It's not exactly bread, but paired with a veggie sausage patty, it's a very filling grab-n-go breakfast. For convenience, I have purchased Healthy Life Keto Bread at supermarkets. It has 35 calories per slice, 9g of carbohydrates, 8g of fiber, and 5g of protein. My serving size is usually one piece toasted, with avocado, tomato, and nutritional yeast on top.

I like both for different reasons. Indoor time is more intense and I regard it as training for the opportunities be outside engaging in activities that I find fulfilling, like swimming, camping, boating, and hiking.

Half a cup of lupin beans, 1/4 cup of sweet potato, 1/5 of an avocado, 1 slice of cucumber, 1oz of tomato. I will take a break and finish the leftovers as a snack later.

I just found lupini beans for snacking! (Sometimes called lupin beans.) I have another package of chili lime flavor that I’ve opened, and they’re a delicious new adventure for me ☺️

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.

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 ?