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OfferRocker: Hey Thanks for the sites, they are excellent, I've had a quick browse and saved them and I'll have a better look when I get home again, just off to have coffee & catch up with a friend. Thanks for sharing okiefamily: Kristin, as far as restriction feelings go, I'm still on liquids, however when I eat yoghurt (not so liquidy) I can only mange a half a cup, before I start to feel full and sick, so I'm guessing once I get to soft mushy vitamised food, I will be very restricted? As for calories, I'm eating around 800-900 a day, but not really losing. However I put it down to holding fluids. When I had surgery and was in hospital, I had only 3 glasses of juice for the 4 days I was admitted and spent the entire time being fed by a drip. Scales showed I dropped 5.4 kilo's (11.88 pounds) in those 4 days. And Yet since I've come home only having 800 or so calories a day (liquids) I'm not losing, so I must be storing the fluids, theres no way I can't lose weight on 800 calories a day!

I think I have 6.6cc but I cannot be too sure because they lost my freakin' chart... BAD THINGS... cant see how you lose a chart, but they are "working" to find it. (BS). They supposedy took out half my fill but last time I went in she said there was 5.6cc in there and she gave me 1cc, so I THINK I am at 6.6cc. If they took out half then I was over 10cc when they took some out (cant be right can it?). I now have very little restriction, back to being hungry all the time. I return on 04/20/08. Hopefully by then they will find my chart and I can make sense of this madness! signing, Frustrated Melissa

I have BC/BS and they told me they don't cover it, but true results knew what to say, and got it done. BMI had to be at a certain level and all that though.

I'm on a little bit of Seroquel to sleep and am trying to get off of it bc it affects cravings and weight. I heard that the worst psych med for WLS is Zyprexa. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Researchers generally determine Protein quality by using the protein efficiency ratio (PER) or the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). They determine the PER by evaluating the weight gain in growing rats fed a particular protein compared with a standard protein, egg whites being the gold standard. The higher the PER value, the greater the protein quality. The PDCAAS was introduced as a more accurate way to evaluate protein quality for humans, because it uses human, not rat, amino acid requirements to calculate the amino acid score. It compares the amino acid profile of a protein with the essential amino acid requirements for humans according to The food and Agriculture Organization. When a protein meets this requirement, it gets a score of 1.0. PDCAAS has now been adopted as the official method by the World Health Organisation, the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Department of Agriculture. Although the PDCAAS method is the internationally recognised standard for comparing Proteins for human consumption, it does not allow for differentiation among proteins with a PDCAAS of 1.0, so proteins can have different PERs while still having a PDCAAS of 1.0. This is significant, because researchers are now exploring how variances in specific essential and/or conditionally essential amino acids, as well as the availability of various peptides and micronutrients, affect human physiology. Claims of consumer-relevant superiority or inferiority, when performance of physique modificaitons are concerned, have yet to be supported by population-specific evidence in humans. Protein PCDAAS PER Gelatin/collagen 0.08. -- Beef/poultry/fish 0.80-0.92. 2.0-2.3 Soy 1.00. 1.8-2.3 Ovalbumin (egg) 1.00. 2.8 Milk protein 1.00. 2.8 Casein 1.00 2.9 whey 1.00. 3.0-3.2 Bovine colostrum. 1.00. 3.0-3.2 Table 1 Table 1 (above) lists the PER and/or PDCAAS for the major types of protein used in nutritional supplements. The following discusses the relative strengths and weaknesses of these basic types of proteins that are often used as starting materials for nutritional supplements. Of course, adding deficient amino acids and other nutrients to these proteins may increase the PDCAAS, nutrient value and/or functionality of the protein. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> As you can see above collagen/gelatin is nearly useless to the human body. This is what is in almost all protein shots. Always check the ingredients. Many makers of protien shots are giving them names that have Whey in their title but are still using collagen/gelatin as their primary protein source. Also keep in mind that ingredients on labels are listed in the order of amount used. So if collagen or Gelatin is listed first then it is the primary protein source for that product.

It annoys me that my post was taken as I am concerned about pigging out or that my family time consists of pigging out. I would think it's only human to think about eating after you haven't in almost 3 weeks.....just bc I want to eat something it doesn't mean I want a whole pizza or something terrible. I just want something with some consistency and I am tired of room temp crap. I decided to do this for myself and my family....don't we all?? I mean I appreciate the positive points but also I am quite aware of the obvious reasons......just had to get that off of my chest. As for all of the helpful replies, thank you so much!!! :-) I can't wait to try some new shake ideas!

Thanks Faz! My doc says no hot or cold for 3 weeks bc it can cause stomach spasm or gas.....I did try a cold shake and felt gassy (but that was a few days ago...) So I will try again.

Well, each of us has our triggers and mine is not sweet food. I used to get a King size 70% Cocoa chocolate bar and put it in the freezer and break off one and only one of the squares (about 160 calories if I remember correctly) and not ever eat 2 servings. Now that's controlled consumption - and a little bit of chocolate is good for you. My trigger is chips, potato chips, corn chips and Tex-Mex food. Also, Pasta and rice. And even brown rice is fattening if you eat 3 servings of it. I usually used to eat pretty good but too much at home and whatever sounded tasty at restaurants and all of it even if it really could have fed 2 people. For example, I used to be able to eat the Acapulco Plate at Tia Maria's in Houston. Last time I went I ate some chips and salsa before the salad plate came. Then the salad plate had a crispy beef taco, a tostada with queso on it, and a small amount of guacamole. They brought my borracho Beans when they bring the salad plate. Then the hot plate came and there was a beef tamale, 2 cheese enchiladas and rice. I used to be able to eat all that. Now I can only eat about a half a cup of beans. I think the next time I go, I will skip the chips and eat off my boyfriend's chicken fajita plate instead. I only need about a quarter cup of chicken fajitas. Maybe a little grilled bell pepper and onion and about a quarter cup of borracho beans. That's my plan for next time I go to Tia Maria's, the cheese enchiladas on longer appeal to me. Nor the tamale. Maybe I'll even have some shrimp diablo instead or a chicken taco salad without the shell or the sour cream. Or with light sour cream if they have it.

This is also me. I'm 5 days post op for sleeve and I'm more confident bc I recognized that this is not a hail Mary. It's work and it will always be work. I've also told myself that once I hit goal, I'm not allowing myself to overly relax. If I do I'll come back to square 1 and I refuse. Lastly, I'm relying on my faith and know that all is and will be well. Don't be afraid. You'll get through this and accomplish your goals just as you've done in other areas. I also had to know that this time is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Some may say drastic and it is, but it's the best choice for me and my future. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

I take 400mg of magnesium a day. I looked at how much was in my multivitamin and then I add an extra magnesium supplement to get to 400mg. I originally started taking it to help with migraines but it also helps with my (former) chronic constipation. I don't buy anything fancy, just whatever they have at a big box store. Of course, ask your doctor if this is okay for you to add. ETA: Oh, I take it at night bc it can make you a little sleepy. It helped me go to sleep, as well!

Hi all!! I too started w/ low bmi...31. Today marks 3 weeks since my surgery and have lost 11 pounds... A little frustrating bc the scale has not moved in 1 whole week!! I am also following drs orders on eating religiously! Dont get it? I get my 1st fill on the 19th... I also eat about 1 cup of food at each meal, mostly healthy protein. Anyone else a little frustrating? I'm sure it's too soon to start stressing out:) any suggestions???

So tired of the bs that is on this site.

Of course I know, I'm not that stupid to make a life changing decision without in depth research, info sessions, speaking to doc and actually learning what is involved in this procedure...while part of what you say is also involved...you're forgetting that more than 2/3 of our stomachs are gone...if you drink while Eating, you can't eat as much as you should, bc there is no room for Both! A doctor didn't have to tell me that for me to know that I only have a pouch therefore have wait before I drink!

My surgeon requires all BC stopped 1 month prior to surgery, including removing IUD/Mirena

The hormones in Mirena should not effect weight loss. They are very low dose and released and act directly in the uterus. They do not circulate in the blood stream. The hormome in Mirena works differently than bc pills to prevent pregnancy. I have Mirena, am a VSG patient, and a Midwife. You should be fine! Good luck! Leslie

I love this site because we can all relate to each other! I too have my doubts but I know in my heart it's the right decision for me. I think we're all nervous bc of the unknown especially bc it's permanent. But once I imagine myself a year from now, healthy, happy and with a self confidence I haven't had in years it cements my decision to go ahead with the surgery. Good luck with any decision you ultimately make!

i feel you flo and i am so glad to know you and call you a friend. i get pm's also and answer and then after i offer whatever i can to encourage or suggest, its crickets. i guess sometimes i hit a nerve with my straight talking no BS answers, but i wasted enough time with doing that. so, not much we can do. so on behalf of everyone, thank you for being you and encouraging everyone on this forum. whether or not some thank you or not, i sure do. so please accept that from me on behalf of those who do not say it.

Hi: I was born and raisedin SK but now live in BC. Before deciding on Mexico, ask yourself this question. What will I do for my after care? Fills (in my view) are more important than the actual surgery. Where will you get filled and defilled? Some Canadian Clinics will not take patients that have gone outside of the country and only treat their own patients. Also, with the border difficulties where will you get emergency treatment if the band slips and it needs replacing. Travel Health Insurance in the future. Can you afford to pay up front hospital coverage. Some insurance co. only reimburse and don't forget their clause "any pre existing condition". they won't pay if they can avoid it. So my point to all is "consider staying in Canada" even if it costs a bit more. You get the free support after. I went to the TLBC in Toronto (Dr Yau introduced the band to Canada) and I get free support including replacing the band if it leaks or slips. The support offered by the clinic such as a dietician is free. A Bandster above said they went to Dr. Cobourne excellent, I went to Dr. Yau excellent and there are a number of clinics in Alberta. Hope I have given you some food for thought. Doddie

hi: who are you addressing your thoughts to. I live in BC but was born and raised in Yorkton. What type of questions do you have? The most important one to look for "who will do your after care such as fills". You can get the band done in Alberta or Toronto by very reputable doctors. Just ask away, and I will try to answer or steer you to the right site. Doddie

Thanks 2BME...that spinach souffle recipe sounds really good. I have had quiche before and liked it. I even liked raw spinach in salads...just couldn't eat the cooked stuff. But I will definately try the souffle. And the Mexican dish is up my alley too. Thanks. Today for lunch I had some black bean soup with a little brown rice in it. Still looking forward to having the refried Beans. OTBT....You won't believe this. Another thing my Dr.'s office said asbolutely no to....Grits! They were very adamant about it. I just don't get it. Say, what does the baby food in general taste like? I never tried it when I fed it to my son 10 yrs. ago. (I'm picky, remember?) It never appealed to me. Just curious. On the positive side, got on the scale and noticed I lost 3 more pounds. I'm not going to be shouting it from the rooftops though...I consider my "true" weight to be the one taken at my Dr.'s office. My next appt. is in April when I get my first fill. Can't wait.

Right on! I'm scheduled for next thurs.. it's weird though bc some days I can tell I'm hungry and others I can only get down like 2 shakes.. till maintence my reccomended calorie intake is 600-1000.. and unless I have a "drink" I'm still not even hitting 600 now.. I think it'll be easier when I get out of the mushy stage =)

I survived, now if I could just pass some gas I'm sure I would feel better. Plus it doesent help that I'm still stuck at the hospital awaiting discharge and watching true life I had gastric surgery..and that my roomate is crazy and throwing stuff at the staff so I can only safely walk on my half of the room bc when I try to leave she throws stuff at me :/

Banded in sept 2011. Did wonderfully sept the dec. In dec weightloss started to slow. I knew it would slow bc i wasnt as big but the "cheating" didnt help. Lil of this. Lil if that. I stopped exercising in late winter. While my portions remained small my food choices were not the Best. My weightloss slowed even more. In june i went on vacation and said to heck with it all. I ate what i wanted. I gained 9 poundd in 7 days. Then when i returned home my eating vacation continued. When i went to the dr i had gained 15 pounds in 6 wks. I had never had a gain overall for the month and i go see him every 4-6 wks since surgery. The nutrionist gave me a one hr refresher course. My problem is all mental. I cant refocus. I have lost my motivation. I dont get it. I am in this same dieting type funk that i was prior to banding...you know, i will start my diet on monday...i will start in jan. That sort of stuff. I have been in a downward slope since early spring and have hit the bottom. I break band rules all the time...i did confess this to the dr. Which is why he had me meet with the nut. But i know the rules...sometimes i choose to break them. Then i am faced with the fact that ppl see me, know i have a band and know im not loosing anymore. Thats embarassig. I cant get out of this mental funk.

I am scheduled for August 4th, but I am still waiting for BC/BS approval. No food funeral for me...I've enjoyed losing some weight during my nutritionist visits...so I just look at this as getting a head start on the surgery. I'm down 20 lbs since April. I am DREADING the pre-op liquid diet; my doctor requires two weeks on shakes and Clear liquids.

I have started talking to this guy who is currently out of town until the end of September for work. We went to school together, but didn't talk bc I was in a relationship. I will be getting sleeved on Aug 20... Do I tell him or no?!!?