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My week has been decent, school for the kids is almost starting so that is exciting, I have a son who is going into 7th grade, daughter who is going into 2nd grade and a 2.5 rambunctious crazy toddler boy. So school shopping and haircuts are in our future next week! I finished my last final for my bachelors degree on Saturday so I will be getting that degree soon! Cannot wait!!! Probably the funniest thing that happened this week is that I went to F45 and my pants split right in the booty crack LOL!! So I ended up tucking in my top to continue my workout. I looked so silly but meh! still got a good workout in. My eating is not as strict as I was before but still tracking and maintaining a good caloric input and getting in around 120-150g of protein a day. Need to work on water more. Working on my food relationship and how its okay to have things in moderation is okay and healthy! Lately, I been having some accepting my new body issues, I went from a DD to A bra size and I am just not coping well LOL I officially am no longer wearing a bra because bralettes or pasties is all I need. The skin that is wrinkly and saggy regardless of how much I work out, its a reminder of how long I put my body through physical abuse and how there will always be remnants of it. I did however put a down payment on a surgeon for breast augmentation for Jan. Which I know I know I should wait longer but that will be a year and if I need them redone or fixed I'll pay for it. Plastics and my sleeve surgeon told me to wait the year. I will wait another year or 2 for my tummy tuck or 360 lift. My department lost 3 people within a month, 2 of which were tenured so this stings. My workload just got A WHOLE LOT BIGGER. Its going to be more stressful- so going to work with all my tools and make sure I don't eat my stress away. This week is my *spa week* Today- tanning & Brows, Monday- getting my hair did, Wednesday- Nails, so this is my week of treating myself for all my accomplishments thus far. I figure I should treat myself with something other than food. Anyways I needed this outlet more than I thought. LOL Thanks for reading if you did!

I'm so glad that I found this thread. I've been reading about the SADI-S as my surgery date approaches and wondering why I hadn't been told about this as being a possible option. Years ago when I started exploring WLS my doctor suggested the sleeve for me, and now that I've finally gotten in and far along in a program I've realized that my surgeon has been very 'it's up to me' in regards to which surgery I should get. I assumed (incorrectly, I now see) that I needed the gastric bypass rather than the sleeve because I wanted to 'lose a LOT of weight' but now that I'm reading more ... Maybe that isn't the way to go? I have family history of GERD, PCOS, and a lot of inflammatory muscular conditions/degeneration. Losing the ability to take NSAIDs is a big deal to me, and the family history of GERD has made me nervous from the start. Am I maybe acting too rashly? Isn't a Gastric Bypass still possible if you aren't happy with your results from the sleeve?

I’m just beginning my second week of my pre op learning and it’s been a fun, interesting week (for me anyway!) I started eating a little better, getting more protein in to my daily diet and logging everything. Good news is that I’m 9lbs down in the first week so I will take that win thank you very much. I’ve also been practicing mindful eating too. My approach to eating was to hoover food up as quickly as possible but, after reading about WLS and what I need to concentrate on post-surgery, I have made sure that every meal has taken 20 mins to eat, that I eat off a plate, put my cutlery down between bites, don’t put more food in my mouth when I already have some food in there etc. Being a sceptical kind of person, I wasn’t really sold on the benefits of this but I gave it a whirl, just to see. I will definitely hold my hand up and admit that my scepticism was misplaced. My head and stomach now recognise that I have actually eaten something and it’s registered with them. I now have a feeling of fullness that I didn’t have before, which really is an eye opener. I know it probably sounds strange but I honestly cannot remember having this? Disordered eating has been such a part of my life for a very long time. I’ve also been giving different sources of protein a try, not for post-op as I’ve really taken on board people’s findings of tastes etc changing after surgery, but for the liver reduction diet and to give myself some variety now as I move towards that. I have tried protein water (a bit sweet but doable) protein yoghurts and protein puddings. Hubby recommended some PHD whey protein but I haven’t tried that yet. The bag isn’t yet open and all I can smell is overpowering vanilla 🤢 I will try it at some point this week, just to see if it tastes better than it smells! I’ve also ordered some 0%-everything flavour drops to try in Greek yoghurt etc, just waiting for those to arrive. My Bariatric plates arrived this week, plus measuring cups and spoons. I’ve been consistently taking my multivitamin, vitamin D and folic acid (because of pre-existing meds) have taken the dreaded ‘before’ photos (and managed not to cry) and generally had a positive week. I know my surgery may be a long way off but things are moving in the right direction and I’m happy about that. Onwards and downwards!

I have an unflavoured protein powder that I put into soups etc. but not sure what countries it can be purchased/delivered in - https://www.barinutrics.eu/fr/produits/barinutricsr-whey It doesn't have a smell (just double checked) and once it is blended/mixed in I have had no issues but it can clump a bit.

Got mine on 5 June. Waiting for first in person appt to take off bandaid bc terrified to do it myself. So far drinking seeq protein water and some thinned Greek yogurt . Dying to find new ideas, new to this forum and would love to get in touch directly with other June ops

Oh wow! I'm on full liquid for a week pre-op - I'm on day two today! So far I haven't wanted to claw anyone's eyes out (lol!) Like I said, I messed up on my first shake of the day yesterday and had one that had an insane 20g of sugar and 50g of carbs in an 8 oz serving! Since then I moved back to my 30g protein shakes that have 1g of sugar each; I had three yesterday and have had two today. I'm surprised that taking 100mg of colace morning and night hasn't had me running for the bathroom yet, so there's that! I had about a cup of sugar free jell-o yesterday throughout the day and have had about a half cup of it so far today. So far my plan is to shower with the Hibiclens Sunday morning, then when I get to the hotel that night. I'll wake up early Monday morning - no fluids after midnight at all - to shower again with the Hibiclens and head over to the hospital. Sunday is my normal sheet change day anyway, so that's good. I expect to be in the hospital for 2-3 days, hopefully getting released on Wednesday the 7th to ride home with my driver. I'll have my fella change the sheets for me at home again before I get settled in. Good thinking on packing light - I know I'll want warm comfy socks (I hate hospital 'socks' though they may make me wear them for traction, idk), the meds I am still allowed to take, and a robe that zippers all the way up the front. I don't plan to take a lot - I'll bring a set of earbuds in case I want to watch something on my phone to pass the time but other than doing the sip-sip-sip of liquids and restarting my Bariatric vitamin I imagine I'll rest as much as I can while still getting up as much as they prompt me to for walking around to work the surgery gas out. I figured I'd just toss a few changes of underclothes, socks, the robe, some comfy clothes to wear home, and meds in a backpack. Oh - And of course my phone charger. Can't go anywhere without THAT! You must REALLY be feeling it about now with your surgery tomorrow morning! Wishing you the very best!

My first cheat meal was 4 months post op (with surgeon’s approval) now 6+ yrs post op all meals are cheat meals! Joking! Maybe 10% now. But I’m a big fan of a long term sustainable diet that you can adjust as needed. So alternate between strict and relaxed however I still prioritize protein.

Here in the UK, the 2 week pre-op diet consists of half your plate veg/salad, a quarter protein and a quarter carbs, and to keep everything around the 800-900kcal per day mark. I've struggled on it tbh, but keep telling myself it's the last diet i'll ever go on. All the best for surgery today, you'll be awesome!

I agree with your statement and probably why I've been in a holding pattern at the same weight now for 2+ months and I'm not happy about it. As far as macros: Protein: 80 grams was 70 until 3 months post op Carbs: 50 or less - H2O: min of 45oz but prefer 80+- JennyBeez: "It sort of makes sense? A nutritionist I saw years back (not program related) told me that she often starts people on higher calorie counts and then as the weight loss slows down, that's when she restricts them further to keep the momentum going. These days, I take it all with a grain (or seven) of salt because everyone reacts differently to foods / calories / etc. Different strokes. " These are what they've had me at since I went to solids about 8 weeks post op. I've had no change oin calories since then..your idea makes sense tho!

Thank you all for your suggestions. It helps to just know that I am not alone in this. Some of these options I have never even heard of and others that I had forgotten. For starters, I am one of those people that has the tv on 24/7 just for the background noise and I always turn it to a familiar show at night so the tones do not wake me. I absolutely cannot sleep when it’s quiet but I’m sure the light from the tv is not helping me now. If I go to a friends house or the power is off or something, I listen to podcasts and I think maybe I need to switch to that to eliminate the blue light for starters and I definitely want to do some research on that red light as well Also its curious you mention the hot shower at night @ms.sss because I recently started sweating at night dampening my hair and bed clothes (I assume it’s the beginning of the change) so I switched to morning showers… maybe that’s playing a part In all this. Perhaps until I get back on track I need to take a second shower or bath. I guess I won’t have the sweating excuse for not doing a little cardio at night either. I had a really bad experience with Ambien years ago so I want to steer clear of the prescriptions if at all possible. Two of you mentioned the ashwagandha. I hadn’t heard of that one. I will have to ask my dr about that with my other meds too. Another friend just told me that she has had luck with that magnesium that you spray on your feet for anyone reading this later. I am so relieved to know that there are so many things to try. Something has to work so I can get some 💤. Thanks again.

Hello and welcome! Also -- congratulations!! How exciting it must be to be at that stage of seeing the weight peel off, and past the point of initial recovery, and past the point of choosing which surgery to get. I noticed that you chose to go with the sleeve as opposed to the Roux-y surgery. I think that's where I'm likely to begin, myself. I have bounced around, investigating what they call a SADI-s / Loop / SIPS surgery which has an extra component with the intestine beneath the sleeve, often done as a revision of the sleeve for those who regain weight or aren't satisfied with their results. It SEEMS to have fewer side effects than the Roux-y (full gastric) but I just don't know. I've also been given a fair amount of advice suggesting I try to find an expert to do the duodenal switch (DS) due to my BMI being in the high 50s/low 60s. I'm certainly willing to try to go that route but as someone else said -- there is usually a LOT of back and forth before committing to surgery and I'm almost 7 months into the program I'm at with my current surgeon. How long would it take me, realistically, to get this far again? WLS is such a difficult and scary commitment, and then getting on here BEFORE having a surgery has filled my brain with so many more complicated options. Its kind of hard for me to commit to big decisions and sometimes I wonder if learning more and more is making matters harder for me. I love to feel in control of what's happening with my body and try to inspect EVERY detail such as to avoid any regrets -- but sometimes staring at the water for too long makes one less likely to jump in, doesn't it? But you've DONE it! I think the sleeve is a great option and respect your choice, and am so happy that it has gone smoothly thus far. It could just be my perception, but most of the men I've seen post about their surgeries seem to indeed have a bit more gentle recovery, with fewer complications. I've seen a lot of folks caution me (this forum and others) about whether I'd be satisfied with the degree of weight loss if I were to go with a base sleeve, Roux-y, or SADI-s. This makes me really appreciate where you talked about that dark spiral and maxing out at 407. I say this as someone who feels like I understand pretty dang well what you're talking about because my max weight was 435! Being 'down' to 366 feels a heck of a lot better by comparison, and I got this far by myself, so maybe I don't need to be as concerned about satisfaction with the numbers as I do making sure I'm comfortable with the process of surgery to help me continue my weight loss journey. Please keep us in the loop as you continue on to your goal! Also - congratulations to the rest of you posting here who are inches from your goal weight or have already made it there!! No matter what surgery (or surgeries) helped you get there, you DID IT! Definitely an inspirational group of people here!

So I’m two weeks postop and I know that’s early but I went from 217 to currently being 189. I know everyone’s like you have to give it time “Be patient” but emotionally., i wish that results were more rapid. I’ve been at 189 for three days and I barely eat anything. I enjoyed tomato soup recently, but the creaminess of it, kind of upset my stomach so it just feels like protein shakes are the only thing that will help and sustain me. I guess I’m writing for some support and encouragement that in time I’ll see more changes. The 28 pound difference did make me happy and I want to continue to see changes, but I guess I’m just not being patient enough. Please share some support😔 here.

How are all of my fellow February peeps doing?? Hitting that 4-month post op was very exciting! I'll be honest, I struggle almost daily with my protein intake. I try, but usually only hit 40grams. I'm looking into what else I can add to make it closer to 70grams. Water intake is usually on point. The hair loss though...that **** is rough! Hopefully were on the tail end of that now. I can definitely tell a difference in my energy levels, I can't wait to get up and get moving most days now. I look healthier, cloths fit better, I just have a new outlook on life I feel like

I have to be honest about my experience so far with dietitians, and with post-bariatric advice and counseling in general. If you ask 100 dietitians what we are supposed to be doing, you will get 101 different responses. And if you ask them a second time, you will probably get even more. Too much protein, not enough protein, carbs are the devil, carbs are fine, low fat, don't worry about fat, count calories, only count macros, work out more, don't exercise too much... You've lost over 100 pounds. You are 12.8 pounds from your goal at only 5 months post-op, work out 6 days a week, and look and feel great. You seem really happy. I fail to see why you should change anything if you are happy with your results, unless you think the advice will benefit you. You know your body and what works for you, and unless your dietitian is a bariatric patient, she's never been through what you are doing first hand. Take what she says with a grain of salt, except salt is bad, unless it isn't because electrolytes are good...who knows?

My surgery is scheduled for June 20th! I'm currently in my preop diet but it is very modified. I only have to replace 1 meal with a protein shake and the rest of the meals consist of 1/2 cup lean protein and unlimited non starchy vegetables. Mine is modified b/c my BMI is not as high. Struggling with the dinner meal but trying to push through. Karli

I think he might have meant it was the fastest he'd seen a WLS patient's stomach empty, but he still shouldn't have said anything. That's why we're supposed to eat every 3 hours, that way we're able to get the protein, fiber, and nutrients we need without overeating or binging on junk. I think 2 hours is within normal ranges for us, although I would try, if you can, to eat every 3 hours and not every 2. And eat protein first, then fiber, then starches like veggies, then carbs and healthy fats.

I got Bulk Supplements Whey protein isolate from amazon. other than it makes things like soup a but creamier, I notice no taste at all.

I have the lemon and lime and it is fine for what it is. I tried the pre-mixed/made (found it weird that it was pea protein based) one first and once I could stomach it I then ordered the clear whey powder. I must get back to using it again, I have the little Robinsons no added sugar lemon pots that I carry with me everywhere that way it makes me drink water. I also use the MyProtein pancake mix, maple syrup flavour, as I find a couple of small ones with a bit of fruit is a nice sweet treat every now and then, though I use half their measurement advice as I can only eat two small pancakes. I then also use their crunchy peanut butter in some of my foods - satay chicken, homemade protein bars etc. In my next order I am going to get the peanut butter powder as I think it might be easier to incorporate.

So i am on this low carb high Protein liquid 3 week pre op protein diet and ive hit the hardest day ever..like.. day 3.5 For some reason its always the hardest days on day 3 and 4 of any low carb diet i have ever done... so i couldnt take it anymore. I needed to chew somthing! So i chose a dill pickle. Do you think its alright to have a dill pickle or two.. i knew if i didnt eat a dill pickle..then it would be somthing i really really really should not eat...like somthing high fat high carb... Im just trying to get through the next two days and then i know i will be okay.

You’ll find your rhythm, it might take a while but you’ll begin to understand what works for you and what doesn’t. When I first started working out I was doing 2 hours of cardio a day. When I knew better I cut it to 50 minutes a day and lost more fat that way. I would train glutes twice a week if I could but I get too sore because I don’t eat adequately to recover and for them to grow hence the once a week. If you can train glutes twice a week and rest well between the sessions (say beginning of the week and end) and eat well then go for it, nobody minds a juicy perky booty lol. Shoulders are not large muscles so I would limit it to 3 exercises a week (shoulder press, upright rows, lateral raises) and 2 bis and tris exercises as these are smaller muscles. I didn’t meet my protein goals for over 4 months post op. At 6 months I upped my calories to 800 and at 7.5 months (now) I’m averaging around 1000 calories a day, give or take. I have some fierce restriction so my portions are very small but I eat frequently (every 1.5-2 hours when I’m not busy or distracted). On weekends I forget to eat and can go 6 hours between meals but on weekdays I try to stay consistent and eat every 1.5-2 hours. It’s very unlikely that you’ve messed up your sleeve, you’re losing weight and keeping active so it sounds you’re doing it just right. You might be surprised to find out that you might need to eat much more (1800-2000 calories) to maintain your weight! My brother was sleeved 3 years ago and to maintain his weight (mind you he’s really slim) he’s eating around 3000 calories and he’s not active lol. Not saying you should jump to 1800 calories overnight but maybe gradually start increasing your calories until you hit the sweet spot and your weight stabilizes. Track everything and keep a food journal and note down your weight changes (loss, gain, maintenance). Remember you are very active and you WILL feel more hungry than someone who isn’t. Your body is new to weightlifting and is trying to build muscle, and building muscle requires a lot of calories. At 4 months post op I started serious weight training again and I was able to up my calorie intake when I was failing prior to that, I am just much hungrier working out than when I am not. At 3 months post op I was barely getting in 200 calories a day. Don’t doubt yourself, you’ve done amazing!

Keep in mind that most nutritionists, it's their job to tell you to stay within certain limits that were decided by prior care teams who-knows how many years ago, based on individuals who could be much different than you. Those limits may be absolute BS, but they have to cover their own ass and give you these 'healthy guidelines'. In my care team, I have three different nutritionists I've seen so far. One of them seems very open, very with it, and all her advice so far has been really helpful. The other two have been absolutely useless. (Ironically, one is constantly looking at my food logs and saying things like "and where do you see that you could have added more protein here" even though I'm usually already in the 80-100g range -- and I DO NOT work out) For what it's worth, I think you're doing exceedingly well. Every time I see you post around here, I pay attention because you really seem to be in tune with your own body. If you're not having any protein over-consumption symptoms and your labs are good, I would take what's useful from the NUT and throw the rest away. (Are they sending you for bloodwork routinely, or has that fallen through the cracks too?)

I see, fingers crossed it’ll go away soon 🤞🏼 Im drinking Premier Protein right now and I really like their Root Beer Float flavor (though it sounds nasty). Im just struggling a little since I am slightly intolerant to milk after surgery. Ive been trying to find the Premier water everywhere but I cant find it in-store or on their website ): Where did you get yours? I need to buy more fairlife so I can make my own shakes. Im trying to finish my pre-made Premiers to get rid of them

Ooooo that does look good! I am interested in that brownie yogurt- yummy!! I have found this protein bar called Fulfil OH. MY. GOSH! 150-160 CAL 5g fat, 15g carbs, 15g of protein and 1g of sugar. They make a few of flavors. I put it in the fridge or freezer and its literally such a dessert it feels like I am cheating lol More Yumminess (probably way more than you want lol) "dessert/sweet treats" -100cal bag of Emerald Nuts and a Ghirardelli dark chocolate square -Chomps make these taco flavored beef sticks 100cal, 7g fat, 0g carbs, 10g protein that are really good - Quest makes Frosted Cookies either chocolate or birthday cake 90cal 7g fat 1g sugar 5g protein -Fage 0% Greek yogurt, w/ slivered almonds, fresh fruit and honey drizzle -Carb Smart Mini Bars 50cal -Echo Earth Cocao Bliss (this is very very good and filled with nutrients) [https://earthechofoods.com/products/cacao-bliss-pouch]: 1scoop, with 4-8oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk topped with fat free whipped cream Meals: -Iced Coffee: Caffe Latte Premier Protein with decaf cold brew -Egg cups: 2C of liquid egg white, spinach, plum tomatoes, pepper, top each with Sargento thin sliced cheese and 1 piece of turkey bacon -Just Bare Bites Chicken tossed in 0cal Franks wing sauce -Cilantro Enchilada Crockpot chicken: Chicken breast, sliced onion, half a can of enchilada sauce then its cooked, shred it up and then add the cilantro I put it on top of cauliflower rice - Turkey Taco Salads- turkey, corn, black beans, tomatoes, reduced fat cheese with spinach -Spaghetti with turkey or very lean ground beef and low sugar or sodium sauce, instead of Pasta, I use Pasta Zero, its in the tofu section Okay Im done lol! These just are my top that I have made and liked and are in my loop of food.

you will then it gets annoying lol after reading the rest of the comments, maybe getting into a routine. I measure and weigh everything. I track everything. I don't really pay attention to fat and carbs, but usually with eating a lot of protein I am able to keep fat under 25-30g and carbs under 60g. movement is super duper important too! I workout min an hour everyday. I know that seems daunting but I started with walking 25min during my lunch break and I built up then about 2-3months ago I started to incorporate weights. I don't drink alcohol (mainly because I have alcoholic tendencies and I did try to have a drink a month ago and it ended up being a 3day binge of a lot so I know I cant) I don't drink carbonation just water, Gatorade zero, coffee, ect.... I know it sucks because we want to be able to eat whatever we want but the reality is that our bodies don't let us and we gain. It is something that we will struggle with the rest of our lives, BUT we choose our hard. to be overweight and hurt? or sacrifice all the treats or just indulge a little bit. I still eat ice cream off my husbands bowl, or have a sip of his soda. I dont restrict myself crazily. You got this!!! dont give up!!! were here to help!