Search the Community

Of course I feel really good....recovered quickly etc. That's probably part of it. But I will just have my clear fluids at least till weds. maybe then he'll clear me for a protein drink or something.

I'd be jealous if I weren't weak with hunger LOL Those are our "mushies" I don't get them until week 3. Week 1 is only clear liquids (broth..it's not clear! but still) week 2 is clear liquids and protein shakes Week 3 starts mushies. I can hang on till mushies....i can hang on till mushies.... i can hang on....

I'm now 4weeks post op. Cant eat more than 1/8 c of food. The only thing I can push to get 1/4c is greek yogurt. And. Besides yogurt. Egg salad. There really isn't much else my body accepts. I hate protein shAkes they are all gross to me. Water I have to drink very slowly or I will be in pain. Has anyone else experienced this?

It just depends on what you eat. I don't do Breakfast foods because none of it has enough Protein. I can't eat enough eggs hit a meal protein goal. My goal is to have about 20g of protein per meal. I can eat 4 fish fillets in a day an accomplish this, hitting around 80g of protein. If I had chicken or turkey I could never make it. I can't eat enough of those. Or I have shrimp or crab. I am sticking to seafood for now because it easier to meet my goals naturally. Lots of people have shakes though. I have them on occasion if it is near the end of the day and I forgot to eat.

I was the same way as you are now. Pre op was honestly the worst part for me. I was on a liquid diet for 7 days pre op and I did break down and buy a few of those tuna creations pack and for a few days I would substitute that for one of my drinks. Just make sure they're very high protein and low sugar and carbs (the flavors have different amounts). I'm not trying to tempt you, just letting you know I was there too and it ended up working out for me, I had surgery on schedule and lost 11 lbs on the 7 day pre op diet. Best of luck, hang in there. Sent from my Alcatel_5008R using BariatricPal mobile app

So today starts a new day and I have been having a hard time getting my proteins in. SO this am I had blueberry oatmeal for breakfast and I added a tablespoon of unflavored protein powder and 1/2 c skim milk to it and it was tolerable. Maybe this will help me reach my protein needs. Since being banded on 6/23 I have lost 21 lbs which is an average of 3 lbs a week although I have had weeks of no loss at all. I have been researching ways to have a high protein diet that is doable in the portions that I am able to take in. I am supposed to be eating 3-4 ounces of protein 2 meals a day but am not successful yet. I am only able to eat about 2 ounces. I am not complaining because I have not had a fill yet and am 7 weeks out and not feeling hungry like most that I read on here so for that I am grateful but I think that my progress would be better if I could manage to get my protein numbers up. I am going to start blogging because I think it will help me with the feelings that I am having and not able to understand yet. Somedays I feel good, someday worn down, and somedays just plain old frustrated but I am learning to take it one day at a time which is necessary through this journey I guess... patience and one day at a time. I think this band is going to be the tool I needed and I think it is going to save my life and help me to be the healthier person i want to be. Yesterday I was overwhelmed with emotions and I cried for a little bit when talking to my partner about things I was feeling. But today I feel better so maybe I just needed to get those feelings off my chest... today is a new day and tomorrow will be too so hope I am able to make the most of all of it... have a great day every one and lose a little of yourselves today

I am curious I notice theres alot of talk about eating a high protein and low carb lifestyle is this similar to Atkins? Im new at this site only researching but leaning towards getting sleeved myself.

I have only been eating when my stomach growls. I am wondering if I should drink more protein shakes even when I'm not hungry. I have been taking in over 100ounces of fluids in a day time.

After 3-4 months your clear to eat anything regular correct? Not stick to the Protein shakes and purees? I been eating fine. Watching protein calories and sugar intake. I haven't started the gym but will do so tonight or tmr. My job I have is very active so I have been doing great with weight loss. Believe it or not I kicked up my calorie intake and was losing more. Now I'm at a stall. I eat mainly veggies..... veggie subs (3" at a time) or veggie gluten free pizza 1 tiny piece to 2. raw veggies. Lean cuisines. Jello. pudding. Hummus. Powerade zero. Fruits. smoothies. Right now its my craving time of month. So its hard but I try to avoid food at this time of month. Any other healthy choices?

Monday through Friday I have a Protein shake for breakfast. On Sat or Sun I may have scrambled eggs, or a shake. It's convenient, and I know I'm getting my protein in. Sometimes I will have "dinner" for breakfast, so a small turkey burger, etc. I could do more cooking and planning but it's just not my style for breakfast.

Do you have to drink the Optifast? Can you try something different that might be more filling? I plan on drinking Special K Protein drinks and bars. Not sure what I will use after surgery, becasue I know I will need more protein then.

I was wondering if anyone can speak to it being normal to feel somewhat remorseful about choosing to have surgery? I'm 5 weeks post op, lost 30 pounds preop, and only 17 pounds since the surgery. Suffice it to say I'm so disappointed and am beginning to feel like this may have all been for not. Reading about everyone else's success had me hopeful that I'd be sitting pretty on the loser's bench by now, unfortunately I still feel like the fat girl that doesn't get invited to take a seat. Been in a stall for 19 days now and I've tried everything to stimulate some change. I really increased my protein for a week, I ate more calories for a few days, and now I'm on day 3 of the 5 day pouch test. The only difference I've seen is the scale shows I've actually gone up a pound or two then back down. Today I got to eat some eggs as part of the 5 day pouch test and they felt like a rock in my stomach. So uncomfortable and made me feel more miserable than every. I can't imagine that I'll feel like this for the rest of my life when interacting with food. I don't feel like this is normal and all the happiness about my decision is starting to drain away. Can this procedure actually not work? Can the body be so resistant to weight loss that it fights to hold on to it? Is there anyone out there who feels like they haven't made the best decision for themselves? Has anyone gone through a period like this and can speak to it actually getting better? I know it's too late and can't take it back now, but how do I live with it?

But if that were really true the '35g rule' at a time - why would they make protein shots with 40+grams? Hmm.

I've had hypoglycemia all my adult life (I'm 57). Things I've learned - during an episode you crave sugar, but that just works for a little while then you crash again. Don't fall in that trap Things with artificial sugar can trick your body into thinking that it's sugar and cause an episode...especially on an empty stomach. Trail mix is good - has quick pick-me-up with M&Ms, medium-quick pick-me-up with raisins and long-term pick-me-up with peanuts. (I'm pre-surgery so I have no idea if this something you can eat afterwards). Protein drinks and Carnation sugar-free Breakfast drink are good during an episode Listen to your body...if you feel the shakes coming on, get something in you quick. Always carry glucose tablets. they are great. I buy the big bottle and the tube that carries 10 or so and always refill the tube and carry that. The way I was diagnosed was a 3-hour glucose test. Went to the lab on an empty stomach and drank glu-cola (sickly sweet cola drink) for 3 hours and they tested my blood every 30 minutes.

I definately have this issue although it has improved. It stems from letting too many carbs into your diet. I like cream of wheat Cereal in the am and if I don't follow that after about an hour with some type of Protein like cheese, Protein Bar or even lunch meat, I will get an episode that simply keeps on going throughout the day. I have found them to be pretty dangerous because they come on very fast and I have found myself confused and feeling like crap fast. I get the shakes so bad that i sometimes cannot even stick myself to get a glucose reading. My sugar got so low a couple of weeks ago that it read 32. That was a nasty episode and I had glucose tablets but could not find them. Since that horrible incident, I try to really limit my sugar intake and I am much more careful now but I will always have glucose tablets at hand just in case. It works the fastest for me when it happens but I want to avoid it happening.

After surgery, you are very tired for at least a few weeks! Just make sure you do as the surgeon told you; sip sip sip, walk walk walk and be sure to get in as much Protein as you can, and take your vitamins!!! These are the most important things to do right after surgery (and honestly for the rest of your life now). I did not go back to work for 2 weeks. First, I couldn't drive for at least a week until I got clearance at my 1 week check up with the surgeon. You will feel better; it takes about 3-4 weeks before you feel somewhat normal again. Just know that the first month is a bit rough, but after that things continually get better and better. Good Luck!

stalls happen to all of us. You may lose inches during a stall. Are you getting all your protein and liquids and avoiding carbs? If not, that can contribute to fatigue and stalls. If you can (I know at 2.5 wks, it's not easy) try to increase your protein, sometimes extra protein calories can break a stall. All in all, sounds like terrific progress, great job!!

I agree, I think the ONLY thing they ALL agree on is avoid carbonated drinks!!! My Protein Drink to start AND end the day is ice cold skim milk. Not as high in protein but I love cold milk!!! I say follow your doctor's advice and do what works for YOU, absolutely!!! Have a great weekend!

No, no clinical study...Here to get the LB or GB you have to be "accepted" into the program, which I think is great, because these are not surgeons that will operate on just anyone who has the money or insurance that will cover it. You pay a program fee of $495 which coveres your visits with the surgeon, co-pays and all pre-op testing. They also have this white light scan which was optional, but now is mandatory... I think it is a way to measure your progress.

Wow, seems neat. But required? I hope you aren't paying for that...seems like an optional perk...and not medically necessary. Hey, if you do get them is there any way you can post them?

I think all bandsters have a period where they just arent sure if they made the right decision, I know I have. Im sure in a year I'll forget all about my post-op doubts. Even with the horrible complication I had and the pain it caused I would do this again. If I knew the person and felt they could make the changes we have to make, id recommend it also. Is there days I wish i didnt have it? yes.. of course lots of them actually. Man what id do for a carls jr meal right now. so how do I fix it? i put my before and after on my computer desktop. I took the before and after in the exact outfit so that even though I dont always "feel" like ive lost.. the picture says it all. I find myself staring at the picture actually.. just thinking wow.. whats it gonna be in a year maybe carls jr isnt that important! I think ive been lucky.. even after the problems Ive had I managed to loose 50 lbs in less than 3 months. Thats amazing to me. Its funny I dont go get new cloths yet.. i like to wear my fat pants so that they are falling off my butt and i feel good in them knowing they used to be tight on me. I laugh sometimes because I dont think im a perfect bandster.. even though the weight is coming off I really dont think im giving it my all. I know i could improve but something in me just figures hey, its working how it is now why change it. In the first month after surgery I found myself many times crying to my husband because I thought I madea mistake. Now when I see my picture I just think of that commerical on tv where they are like "this is what 5 lbs of fat looks like" and I think about going to walmart and buying a 50 lb bag of dog food and lugging it around for a day hehe I did 2 years of research... I thought for sure this was what i had to do to make my life better. I didnt think anything would go wrong.. and I didnt think id loose this much weight so fast. But.. EVERYONE is different and I just have to thank my stars that I am so lucky. So ya.. sometimes I think its better, sometimes I think its worse. I do know one thing... and thats Id do it again in a heartbeat. As far as your surgeon saying they cant fix it.. find another surgeon. Dont take no for an answer if somethings wrong.. it should be fixed. If you have doubts about your surgeons thoughts about how rebanding wont help.. called INAMED they are great over the phone and answer lots of questions from what I hear. What size band do you have? I had a ton of problems with the 9 cc one.. and no problems with the 11cc... just a thought. Also.. im totally floored your surgeon said it wouldnt hurt your esophagus long term.. heh if it wouldnt why is acid reflux a ++++ for insurance approval? I think your surgeons on crack personally and you really need to find out from INAMED what your options and their opinion is and they can recommend you a new surgeon.

I eat lunch at around 1; go swimming in the early evening, and eat dinner around 7. Sometimes I have fruited Greek Yogurt by itself. Occationaly I will add vanilla flavored low fat/carb protein powder (and some splenda). Makes for a good prework out snack.

Hello, I am permitted 3 shakes, 2 Protein bars, and 2 bullion cubes a day. I am on day 3, and I'm not gonna lie. ITS HARD, It is getting a little easier each day, and I have not cheated. I have come to understand the differance between true hunger, and just wanting to eat. I have lost 4 lbs in 3 days, and as I set here eating my dinner (chicken bullion and snack bar) I am glad that I am doing this. Yes, to be healthier, but also to be able to enjoy life and what all it offers, I wish the very best to everyone on here. Have a great night. Daron

I have really been SLACKING on taking my vitamins the only vitamins I was told to take was a multivitamin, iron, and calcium/vitamin d. However I have added b12 because I see that it is needed as well. My main concern is how do you take all these vitamins in a days time I am not a morning person but I do see that if I don't take my vitamins my body is tired my eyes feel strange and I am always thirsty (not so really hungry) I am a month post-op and I don't want any issues in the long run but I feel some may come up. & do anyone still have to sip their drink? I don't really I know everyone body is different but I want to learn how to maintain my weight even when I reach my goal. What did anyone eat a month post op because I still can't find the right foods that agree with me so most I eat one meal a day when I suppose to eat 3 and it is usually a protein drink/ tuna or a grilled chicken piece. This journey is really a LEARNING PROCESS! But I am determined not to give up!!!

Sounds normal. One tip on protein and fluids is to spread it all across the whole day. At the top of each hour drink 2-3 ounces of protein. Then at each 15 minute period later, drink hydrating fluid 2-3 ounces. Then repeat. You will get plenty of protein and liquids on this plan.