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perhaps you need to think about new types of food, that are different than what you have eaten all your life. Think of food as an exciting adventure in taste, texture, spice, hot, etc..,. Not just sweet and savory. The other morning for breakfast I had a tomato sliced up in a bowl,large sea salt crystals for crunch, a can of sardines ( in water). on top with a bit of balsamic vinegar and some capers. 200 calories. way, way outside of my typical breakfast, but very good and now I want it again. Sure it's easy to eat a bowl of cereal, but how ordinary ( and fattening). There are so many great things to cook / prepare that are not carb loaded crap. Experience new stuff. It's not really that expensive, because now the portions are smal

@@Marie8777 The thinning/losing of hair can be attributed to a couple of different things, if it happens to you at all. Human hair "lives" on a roughly 3 month cycle. The hair you were just popping out at the time of surgery will tend to fall out anyway at about your 3 month post-surgery mark. What adds to normal hair loss this is...because of the massive changes your diet goes through with bypass surgery, your body will go into "Shock" mode and try to preserve any and all Protein for muscle mass & organ function- not for things like pretty skin, lovely nails and full, lush hair. This is one of the reasons surgeons stress to be sure you eat protein first and get your full recommended grams. Every. Single. Day. If you give your body the protein it needs, you'll not only be helping to preserve muscle mass, but you may also limit/reduce the amount of "shock" you put your body through and therefore potentially lessen the additional hair loss. With that being said, there's a compound available at places like GNC called Biotin. It's created specifically to promote healthy skin, hair and nails. But remember... nothing is guaranteed. You could take Biotin, get all your protein, and still experience hair loss, or not take it and be perfectly fine. No two people are the same.

I went to a doctor in Dallas, Dr Hamn. Never really considered any other way. I'm not a hoop jumper so I didn't bother with the insurance option. I'm a little older, 51 y/o, and didn't want to get much older waiting for the surgery. I could go to 2 different hospitals, but picked the more expensive one that was closer to the home and hubby's work. It was $14,500, not including the pre-ops, which I did through my primary care physician, i.e., through my insurance.

When I travel on a plane (short distances or long distances), I usually take Protein powder and a Blender Bottle and shake up a shake when I need it. Since it is powder, it is easy to pack in a gallon-size zip-loc and TSA doesn't have an issue with it. I just have the FA bring me an empty glass for it. I haven't had to rely on shakes or powder on an every day basis since about a month post-op, but they come in handy on travel days. (Even if I have to remind myself, on those days, that food is just fuel and I have to drink the disgusting things for that reason!!)

One of the girls who had surgery yesterday had a hitial hernia. She was told Clear Liquids only for 15 days. then 10 days of regular liquid, then on to puree for 10 days. You might want to back away from the non clear Protein drinks and use isopure or unjury that are clear and should help with the mucus.

That sounds similar to what I was losing while on liquids. Right now your body is trying to heal. You may gain some back when advancing to mushies, and on to solids. Just try to make the food choices healthy ones, and when you begin the fill process, after you have healed it will all start back down again. Just don't go too low when it comes to calories. And make sure your protein stays up, you want to stay as healthy as possible! Good Luck and congrats on the weight you have lost! Kat

My husband is a BIG popcorn eater and when we go to the movies I just take my protein shake in and drink that

Hi all. I'm approximately 8 weeks out, and I just spent the past two days suffering from severe constipation that resulted in fecal blockage. The first day of constipation wasn't too bad, so I figured two MOM capsules at bedtime would do the trick. Nope, woke up the next morning still constipated, so I took two more capsules and a dose of Miralax, followed by two more capsules in the late afternoon. By that time I noticed that it felt like I had some blockage going on. I suffered through the night, waking up, trying to go, and in so much pain I was crying out (horrible pain, bleeding, cramping, and even to the point that I couldn't urinate). This morning I called the advice nurse and was told to try an enema before coming in. I did, which was also horribly painful, since I was already so sore, but it finally did the trick and prevented a trip to the ER. I'm sitting here now, still very sore, but feeling so much better. So, how do I prevent this from happening again? I get my 64 oz per day, exercise every day, eat (some) veggies, take a gummy Fiber supplement (which I don't think is doing anything), etc. My plan is to start taking a 1/2 dose of Miralax every morning, add in some Chia or flax seeds, and make sure my 64 oz comes from plain Water (I've been counting tea and my Protein shake as part of it). Any other advice? I don't EVER want to go through this pain again - I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, and I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I know this subject has been discussed before, but a revisit is always good! Any other advice? Thanks! And sorry for the TMI, but I think it's important for others who may eventually experience this.

Ohhh, I love wheat thins!! I have not received the booklet with the sample menus. I'm sure I'll get that next week at my appointment with Kelly. I have a treadmill and many exercise tapes that are collecting dust! They need a good cleaning! Do you drink any other types of protein drinks other than the carnation instant breakfast? I can't stomach many of them!

What are your stages and what are those protein goals?

I was sleeved Jan. 26,2011. I have been very faithful to my post op diet... I am getting all my protein requirements and water intake. I have not eaten any carbs ( breads, potatoes, pasta etc) I have only lost 20 lbs and 10 of that was during my pre op diet. I haven't lost any weight in a week. I am taking in about 600-800 calories daily. I try to walk almost everyday for about 30 minutes. So what gives?!? I am very frustrated and feel so disappointed! Can anyone tell me what to tweak?

I was against TPA for obvious reasons along with the Thrombectomy. We are going to try this first then of course as a life saving measure il explore the other options. I'm sorry you've had so many complications but I'm also Glad to know I'm not alone and have this forum for support! Thanks to all.

Congratulation! Won't be long until you drop below the BIG 3. I got tired of sweet, cold and creamy too. I tried some hot tomato basil soup (strained out the basil leaves) and it was a life saver. I was allowed to have baby food meat on my full liquid stage, and I stirred some baby food chicken or turkey into the tomato soup for protein.

Has anyone heard of a liquid Ibuprofen that is not for kids? I have headaches pretty much daily & am allergic to Tylenol products. I think my advil tablet got stuck tonight, so I am hoping to find another option. Before banding, I took Calcium-Magnesium 'horse pills'. My husband found that in liquid form for me today. I am taking the chewable Flinstone vitamins, because I don't like the generic adult chewable vitamins I found. *yuck*

I haven't been banded yet, but I've got a few pieces of advice from my surgeon and others. My doctors office suggests papaya enzyme as it contains the proteolytic enzyme papain which aids in digestion of Proteins other nutrients. It is really super cheap about $3 for a bottle of 90 tabs and they were buy one get one free when I bought them at GNC. They are chewable and don't really taste all that bad. Also, I'm not a big fan of Protein shakes either. I've only tried Isopure powder so far and it made me gag badly. My coworkers sister had a RNY in December and she swears by Syntrax nectar protein shakes. They come in a lot of flavors. I have the Lemon Iced tea flavor, but I need to try it still. She really likes the fuzzy navel flavor. Just some suggestions. Good luck.

Hello Everyone, I was banded in October of 2009, I have never really had restriction, got stuck alot but never that sweet spot I read about. I teach zumba 3 times a week and the only time I had great weight loss was the two week post op of liquids only. I do realize that no matter how much you excercise a bad diet or eating will not make it a difference, and this is where I fell. I was burning 5K calories a week and felt like I could eat what I wanted, I didnt gain but I didnt lose , I kep losing the same 10 lbs over the last 3 years. Last year I started getting really bad acid reflux but at first I didnt go back to the doctor because I felt like a failure in the weight loss department. Part of my issue is menopause as well, weight is the only symptom I have nothing else. Well I got sick in January and when throwing up the band was acting funny, went to the doctor and I had esophogus dialition and they had to unfill my entire band. WOW the hunger pains I felt were like are you kidding me? My first thought was take it out and I'll do it on my own with weight watchers. Then as I was talking to the physicians assistant who I trust and has been incredible during this journey told me that although my band didnt work as it was suppose to that it was still doing something, and that if I didn't revise I would probably gain 10 lbs a month until my body normalized, around 6 months, and when she said it I didn't believe her but since getting unfilled and the hunger I feel I do now. I also started weight watchers as I think its a good foundation to eating after the revision, so if I'm ahead of the ball this time the more the better. Its also helping me to lose my ten pounds before surgery. and its great espeically with the apps on my phone, and its true when you logging what you eat, you do realize when you really are hunger or just thirsty or doing something out of habit. My surgery tentatively is for May 2, I have BCBS federal and they require 3 months weight classes, well it seems that weight watchers classifies so my billing admin is going to try to submit next week since April will make 3 months going and weight watchers is weekly. \ My question is to the board, how do you feel when you awake from a revision? How are you at getting around? Whats the best Protein poweder? I have a realize band so I dont know if that makes a difference. When I had my lapband day 4 I walking 4 miles at the park, so I"m just trying to get my head around it and try and be as prepared as possible. ANy hints, info you can provide would be helpful and appreciated.

Hi Valerie, I'm 5 wks and 2 days post op. In the hospital I could hardly get down any water. The gave me protein jello and I kept taking small spoonfuls of that. But don't get worried in the hospital if you can't meet the fluid requirements. Once I got home for some reason it was easier. I LIVED on sugar free ice pops (about every hour)! low sodium beef broth( I felt like I was having pot roast) it was do good! Chicken broth, Sf jello and the crystal light to mix it up. I'm still working on getting in enough liquids. I'm on the soft good diet and my liquid intake is still at most 42-48 ounces a day. It is hard but everyday I try to get more. Good luck and one day at a time!!!!

Hi! I am also with Cigna and am on the last day of my first month of the 6 month wait. What a bummer, huh?! I don't think that you have anything to worry about, the company that you signed on with will more than likely make sure their nutrition report goes in your favor. If you don't get the surgery, they don't get the money. I am using this time to train myself to chew and take smaller bites. Also trying to replace a meal a day with a protein shake. Hopefully this wait goes by quickly! Good luck!

Surg date dec12 ... Diarrhea started dec 16 (3x) and then each day after including today still have it but so far only 1x a day luckily ... I want to take a walk outside despite snow and cold temps cause I'm getting cabin fever Haven't taken anything for it yet but I'm starting Protein shakes today and will see how that goes .. Have my 1st week follow up with surgeon and nut tomorrow dec 20 for their recommendations

I agree it is a personal decision. A coworker had her surgery last August and just told everyone she was on a protein diet under her doctors care. There was a lot of rumors. When she found out I was going through the program she talked with me. She said she hadn't wanted to hear the negative comments and also what if it didn't work for her? Well it certainly did and she's now lost over 100#. She is a great source of information for me. She is now telling people that ask how she lost the weight. I am a very open person but I did only tell family and close friends I was in the program. My boss new and was very supportive. I work in the healthcare field so you'd think it would be more acceptable but I find the green eyed monster can rear its ugly head in some coworkers. I opted to let my office staff know when my surgery date was scheduled and was surprised how many people supported my decision and said if anyone deserved it I did as they had seen me struggle and they have seen me continue to exercise and eat healthy. Of course there was the green eyed monster staff member that was oh poor me I wish it was me ..don't get crazy about it blah blah blah. I told her she could have it done also buy no alcohol for awhile which shut her right up lol. I have decided that I am only going to welcome positive people into my circle and if they are negative about the surgery I am going to let them know I will not tolerate that and to please not discuss it with me. I was also surprised how many people asked for information and one person has already signed up for the program! The more the better !

Wow 30 grams of protein! Will look for those next time at target! Thanks Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sit up straight when you drink and take tiny sips. Water was the hardest so I diluted my Protein shakes to get the water in. I only managed 35-40 oz till day 7 but that was enough to keep me from being dehydrated. That said, you should probably call your doctor to discuss this. You might need medication.

Refried black beans with hot sauce. I made melted velveta (no hate) with lean ground beef, puréed in processor. Add a little salsa. Yummy and kicked my Mexican food craving. Low carb and low ish fat. Pureed pulled pork steammed carrots with ginger or orange. Soups soups and more soups. fall squash is coming into season. Acorn squash, butternut squash spaghetti squash. All of you are getting your protein. I was dying for something fresh and not fake food. So I went to market and cooked fresh stuff as long as I had meet my protein and hydration goals.

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since my surgery. My doctor had me on clear liquids for a week. I am supposed to be on liquids, cream soups and protein shakes this week and next week. I cannot drink the protein shakes. I have tried several kinds but they either get stuck going down or they make me nauseous and upset my stomach. I'm worried I won't heal like I should with no protein for 3 weeks. Has anyone been through this or have any advice?

My surgeon highly recommends a low carb diet but I find that low carb meat is just tough and dry and hard to eat. Will I lose the same by counting calories and eating high Protein foods?