lsereno

If you're going to skip Vitamins, don't let it be B vitamins or Calcium. Once that damage is done, it can't be reversed. Re: the boyfriend, If he was your best friend's boyfriend, what would you tell her? Do that. Playing devil's advocate, maybe he is just mentioning your best qualities to him instead of commenting by silence about your weight, shape, etc. I agree with Cowgirl Jane's post. She's been down that road too. And finally, welcome to the Vet's Group! Lynda

Wanted to know what your typical day of eating looks like. I eat three meals a day and up to two Snacks. One between lunch and dinner and one after dinner. I generally eat Protein first, then a healthy carb, then veggies. I often have fruit with breakfast, in a salad at lunch or dinner, or as a snack with a little cheese or other protein. I choose low calorie foods that I enjoy. What are your must have's Non fat, Plain Fage Greek Yogurt (use it in dips or sweeten and add fruit) costco Rotisserie chicken (add it to Soups, salad, stir fry or eat plain with a little sauce) low fat cheeses and lunch meats whole grains such as whole wheat bread, crackers, barley, and oatmeal frozen mixed veggies romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes (chop a leaf and add a couple of tomatoes for a quick salad) frozen berries, fresh fruit soy milk and what foods do you not eat. I used to like these things but not so much post-op: Flour tortillas Breaded fried foods Potato chips Any super fatty food What has been working for you 1. I stock the healthy foods and drinks I like. 2. I weigh and measure my food most of the time to avoid portion creep. 3. I allow treats in my life, but if it's a treat I have a hard time limiting, I only eat it outside of the house or I buy it in portion controlled size. For example, I like white cake with frosting. I control how much I have by eating it out occasionally or by buying a single slice. I share it with someone else when I buy it or order it. 4. I choose exercise that I enjoy. For me that is a group activity that occurs early in the day close to my house. Right now, I am walking and bike riding most mornings. I walk with a group of friends. In the fall, I will be adding morning strength training classes at universe that is close to my house. 5. I re-evaluate how things are working for me and adjust my plan as needed. Originally I had a 5 lb. bounce range (5 lbs. above goal weight), but I found that was too much. I reset my bounce range to be just 2 lbs over goal weight and that is working much better for me. 6. When negative thoughts creep in, I ask myself "What would I say to my best friend?" and then I tell myself that instead. and if you have any triggers. I do not have these at home because I will eat too much of them: Cake, Good Cookies (I can leave the hard, storebought ones alone), Cheetos I like to eat after dinner. I have found a work around for that by choosing a very small snack or a healthy, low calorie one. I also like to eat while watching TV, but I make that an occasional indulgence now. A treat, not an every day thing.

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad the meds have helped with dizziness. Take care and be gentle with yourself. Lynda

My fav was GNC Gold Standard whey. Pre-op I enjoyed chocolate, but post-op, I only liked vanilla. I drank it mixed with Soy Milk or instant decaf from Starbucks. Post op I also drank unjury chicken. Not my fav flavor, but tolerable and it always set well. Lynda And check out World According to Eggface. She has a bazilliion Protein shake recipes. Lynda

I was that way for months. And even today, three years out, things still vary here and there. For me, I think the tiny tummy will always be more sensitive than the two ton tessie tummy I had pre-op. That tummy could down anything, and a lot of it. But for the most part, it's very stable now. Lynda

I was almost 55 when I had surgery. Got to an aggressive goal of BMI 21.8 in 9 months. Could have got that faster, but slacked off after I got to normal BMI. It's very doable, but weight is harder to take off the older you get. I followed my plan and stay at goal by weighing every day and adjusting as needed. I always eat Protein first and usually a lower fat protein. For example, at goal and 3 years out, today for dinner I had a cocktail, then about /2 hour later I had about 3 oz. grilled chicken skewered with a Vietnamese sauce and two slices of a Vietnamese spring roll (not fried) dipped in peanut sauce. For dessert tonight, I will have a tiny Tiramisu (about 1/4 cup) that I picked up at the restaurant and brought home for later (along with the rest of my chicken and spring roll, which I will probably eat for lunch tomorrow). Lynda

I'm actually relieved to hear this. Some days I wonder if the appetite will keep increasing. This is a relief to hear My appetite has stabilized and remains about the same. I do notice I crave sweets and junk more for a few days if I over indulge and I lose my appetite if I am sick or miss a meal as I mentioned earlier in this thread, but other than that, it's very stable. Lynda

The air mattress might be very difficult for you. Many people sleep in recliner the first few days at home. Is the air mattress raised up so you don't have to get up from near the floor? I was not allowed to pick up stuff from the ground or bend over too far for the first few days. But every doctor and program is different. If you are more comfortable with the friend with an air mattress and the air mattress is low to the ground, could you rent a bed from somewhere for a few days? Best wishes for an uneventful procedure and a speedy recovery! Lynda

In case you haven't seen it, there is a group for May 2014 Sleevers: http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1002-may-2014-sleevers/ I always like to check in with the May sleevers, because I'm a May sleever too: May 2011! Celebrating my 3rd surgiversary this year and looking forward to year 4..... Wishing you all a speedy, uneventful surgery and recovery. Lynda

Surgeon did say specifically 10 lbs., not 10%. That's the average they see with revisions. But Kaise only does revisions for complications such as GERD and ulcers, not for unsatifactory weight loss. However, some people getting revisions have had unsatisfactory weight loss, in addition to the complication that led to the revision surgery. I don't think they do band to sleeve revisions. It's more sleeve to RNY to treat GERD or revision of an existing sleeve or RNY to treat ulcers. Lynda

Hi Jane, Wouldn't there be some feeling of discomfort if a stricture were the issue? I'm leaning towards what Gamergirl said: after not eating much, the stomach kinda turns off. I have had this for short periods of time, but not for more than a couple of days at a time. Usually, it happens after I get busy and forget to eat a meal. I may have a hunger pain, but I'm too busy or where I can't get food. After those pangs go away, I don't feel hungry later and I have a hard time eating my normal amount. But it resets itself within a couple of days and I'm back to normal. I suggest eating really bland, nutritious foods that usually agree with you and eating on a schedule for a couple of days. For me, that means yogurt, chicken, soy milk, low fat cheese, crackers instead of bread, nothing spicy or acidic and no raw veggies. Lynda

Yes, I think there are others that have good weight loss with revision, but that's what they said. Maybe it's the same as weight loss after the surgery. They say to expect 60% EWL or something like that, but I had 100%+ EWL.

yeah, for me it's a non issue, but it's important info for younger sleevers!

Like others I picked "Other" because I enjoy eating out and have since shortly after surgery. At first, I ordered appetizers of soft seafood. Easy to share with the table and I could eat a few bites. Crab cocktails were another early fav. During weight loss, I stuck to really healthy choices, but I do splurge now and then at goal. Now, I order what I feel like. I do prefer healthier choices, but will occasionally enjoy a few fries, garlic bread, or a loaded potato. I don't like fried foods such as fried fish or catfish anymore. Too greasy and they bother my tummy. I also love places that have teeny tiny Desserts. PF Changs has some little desserts served in shot glasses. Perfect if I have any room left. Sometimes hubby and I split, sometimes I order off the appetizer side, and if I want something on the main dish side hubby doesn't want to share, I take some home or just leave it there if am traveling with a fridge (but I usually make sure my room has a fridge!). I eat out at least once per week. Lynda

You won't be alone. Our beloved Lil Miss Diva and Superstar Susan have either had the revision or are considering it. I know there are others. There is probably a group on the RNY board for Sleeve to RNY, like the one here for Band to Sleeve. Lynda

Revision is any other op on the stomach after WLS. For sleevers, it could be RNY, DS, or a modification of the sleeve due to ulcers. Lynda

Yes, I did see an article recently about gut bacteria and obesity. I think there is a link somewhere here on bariatric pal, but I don't remember where. Here's one article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/06/health/gut-bacteria-from-thin-humans-can-slim-mice-down.html?_r=0

My program recommends Bariatric Advantage: http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/categoryHandler?cat=Bariatric+Advantage+%3A+Multivitamins I can't comment on the taste because I take the pills. They are cheaper and calorie free. But I know many people have problems swallowing pills and prefer the chewables. Lynda

Sorry replied to the wrong thread!

I would try less honey first. It may bother you because of the high sugar content. Use a schedule to get those Protein shakes down. Once you get behind for the day, it's hard to catch up. Try to sip one ounce of Protein shake every 15 minutes. That's 8 oz. in two hours. Drink one before 10 a.m., One by 2 p.m. and one by 6 p.m. If you need more protein, start another a couple hours before your bedtime. Try different flavors and brands if you really hate what you are drinking. Lynda

I thought about my incentive clothes and knew what I would get, but didn't buy them till they fit because I can be very picky and wasn't sure what season I would be that size. Do watch out for blowing by a size. I had a too small dress in the closet and by the time I tried it on, it was too big. I agree, it's a good problem, but still one to watch for when shopping or queuing up the boxes of too small stuff. Lynda

Mary Roach writes about the procedure in detail in her book, Gulp. I really enjoyed the book. Not for the squeamish. Lynda

So sorry I haven't heard of that. I agree a second opinion can't hurt. I know revision to bypass can be done for GERD so not too far of a stretch to think of it for spasm. Best wishes for a quick resolution and speedy and full recovery. Lynda

Try to aim for 20-25 grams of Protein per meal in low fat or non-fat options. If you have room after eating protein, eat veggies till almost full, then a small amount of whole grain, starchy veggies, or fruit. Eliminate full fat cheese and nuts, trail mix and bars. If you need a snack, have protein, not fruit or other foods. If you are craving fruit, have a bite with meals after protein and veggies. Consider calorie free fruity drinks to help fill the urge for fruit. For example, instead of trail mix, have a low fat string cheese wrapped in a slice of lunchmeat. Still hungry? Have some veggies with a dip made from fat free greek yogurt mixed with ranch dressing. It's crucial you find the low fat, high protein foods you like NOW. You will lean on those more and more as the years go by. Many may disagree, but I feel 800 calories per day is plenty in the early phases after WLS. Track your calories to see where you are. And do be sure to drink your 64 oz. or more per day in calorie free fluids. Best wishes on your journey. It's not the easy way out, but for me it was the way out. Lynda

Oh, ha ha! I had people telling me that PRE-OP. You're too skinny to have surgery (Really? I'm 5'6" topped out at around 260 and was 254 when I joined the Kaiser Bariatric Program). I started hearing "don't lose any more" around 180 lbs, but I just kept going till I got to MY goal of 135. There's lots of possibilities. One, I think we do look gaunt in the face as the weight drops rapidly, esp. if your hair thins too, which mine did. Two, people are used to seeing you supersized, so approaching normal looks really thin to them. Three, some people just don't want you to get thinner than they are. Whatever, do what's best for you and keep smiling. Lynda