lsereno

Congrats!!!! I second the idea of getting stuff you like in 2 sizes: one that's snug now and one size down and only buying two of any one clothing type except shirts and undies. I am just now at the size I managed to diet to before I started gaining again and decided to have surgery, so I haven't had to buy much yet except new bras (bought two that fit and two that are too small when Macy's had the buy two get two free sale), new workout pants, and a couple of shirts. Lynda

Congrats Kelly! Onderland and never leaving it again!!!!! Just a few more pounds and you'll be able to join the group for less than 30 lbs. to goal!! I'm so happy for you. Lynda

I feel for you! Most people take more time off work than you did. Can you negotiate shorter days or maybe take one day off per week for the next couple of weeks so it's not the full five day-forty hour load? I have found that standing and giving my tummy some uncrunched space helps when it starts feeling cranky. Also, I rinse my mouth with mouthwash or even just Water if it has a funky taste. I get a lump feeling sometimes but I haven't equated it with acid reflux. I had heartburn when I was pregnant many moons ago and that felt like a fire in my chest. The lump thing feels like I've eaten too much even though I may not have eaten anything. I think when I get overtired my stomach rebels and maybe swells a little more and that is the feeling. However, I really don't know if that is it or not. Be sure you are getting your water in. If you do that, most good things follow. Just try to make it through the next couple of weeks. I'm a little over a month out and I feel so much better that it's hard to remember just how crappy I felt the first two weeks. Lynda

I'm confident if the feeling of constant hunger subsided I'd be much more likely to succeed on a long term scale. You cannot count on not being hungry after the operation. While many lose their appetite, others are just as hungry as ever. Please search on "hungry" and "hunger." As for your BMI, there are others with lower BMIs who have had the operation. I think that is more a personal decision. Lynda

Thanks for the tips!! I have a few options now so I'll just wait and see how bad it gets. Right now I am enjoying my still thick hair while it lasts. Lynda

Hi all, Do you have hair extensions or did you use them while you hair was thinning or thin? I searched the forums but could only find one user who said she had them. I'm wondering how well they would work if you hair is falling out. I mean, they attach to your hair, so if it falls out, wouldn't they come out too? And I'm not sure how often they have to be touched up or the general expense. My hair is a normal thickness now, but I am only one month out. I like to plan ahead, so I'm researching hair solutions now. I know another option is a short, layered cut but my hubby hates short hair. And bless his heart, he is not picky about many things so I hate to disappoint him in this one area. Thanks in advance for your advice, Lynda

My heartetw was in the 50s the first week. It's back to normal now. Lynda

Congrats! We were sleeved the same day! I'm glad you are doing well. Enjoy the shirt - you have earned it!! Lynda

Hi all, I'm one month out today. What a difference a month makes! I'm 20.8 lbs down and pain free. I'm drinking and eating with big-girl utensils, cups, and plates. I'm exercising almost every day and needing fewer naps. I am so happy I had the operation, but I am really looking forward to being a few more months out, with more lost weight under my belt and a little less swelling in my tummy. I am soooo tired of eating, drinking, and taking my supplements, but I am slogging through to maintain my health. I'm getting more than 60 grams of Protein and 64 ounces of Water per day and averaging 450-550 calories per day. I take all the recommended supplements, except I often forget my mid-day Calcium. I'm not exercising enough, but plan to return to workouts with my trainer next week, which will get me to 5 days per week. I'm eating about 1.5-2 oz. of protein per meal. I've been sticking with high protein cheeses, poultry, fish, and shellfish. I love fruit and veggies, and I squeeze in 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup per day. Mostly melons, strawberries, green Beans and zucchini. After some early diarrhea I don't use any milk products that are not fermented. That means I'm avoiding cottage cheese and non-fat cheeses that have added whey and milk solids. I tolerate greek yogurt and reduced fat string cheese well. I'm drinking one Protein shake each evening, mixed with 1 cup plain, unsweetened soy milk. I haven't eaten much of other foods I see others having because the protein is not as high as other foods. For example potted meats, refried beans, Peanut Butter, and tofu. Here's a typical day for me now: Get up around 6. Start drinking water. Tuesday and Thursday: Walk with walking group. (Next week I will be with trainer Monday, Wed, and Fri) 9:00: Eat some greek yogurt and a bit of fruit, take supplements. 9:30-1: Putz around, try to get some exercise in doing housework or walking. 12-1: Eat 1.5-2 oz. protein such as lowfat string cheese and 97% fat free ham, chicken thigh meat, or ground turkey. Sometimes I have a saltine cracker too. 2-3: If I've been busy I usually need a mid-afternoon nap. 5-7: Eat dinner of 1.5-2 oz. protein, such as shrimp, scallops, chicken along with another bite or two of fruit or vegetables. Take evening supplements. 9:10: Drink protein shake and take last glass of water to bed with me. July 17 and two month anniversary here I come!! Lynda

This topic should probably be moved to recipes, but I don't know how. Anyhow, here's my new fav shrimp recipe, altered a bit from how it appears in the June issue of Better Homes and Gardens: Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp 2 tsp finely shredded lime peel 3 Tbsp lime juice 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic 2 Tbsp soy sauce 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp red pepper 1 Tbsp chopped cliantro 1 Tbsp honey 1 1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined. Mis all ingredeints except shrimp. Get grill hot while marinading shrimp. Shrimp should not marinate more than 20 minutes or the lime juice will start to "cook" the shrimp. Put marinade and shrimp in a seal-able baggie. Rub shrimp to work in marinade and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Turn baggie over, rub shrimp again, and refrigerate 10 more minutes. Remove shrimp from marinade, thread on skewers and cook till just done over hot coals. If I'm the only one eating shrimp, I cut the marinade in half and use 6 large shrimp from costco. I two or three at lunch the next day. Lynda

I don't think one ounce will last thirty minutes, but as you progress to 2-3 oz. per meal, for sure. I take a small bite, chew for 30 seconds, and wait another 30 seconds before taking another bite. Lynda

It's 1 scoop for 20 grams of Protein. I've tried the unflavored and the chicken Soup one. Lynda

Welcome! You'll find there are many people here who had a fairly low BMI at operation time. Mine was over 40 when I was accepted in Kaiser Fremont Bariatric program but around 35 the day I had the operation (Kaiser Fremont patients follow a 1200 calorie per day diet during the pre-op period). I've had people comment on my lower weight too. I just tell them thanks! I carry my weight well, but I'm looking forward to being a healthier weight and after years of struggle, I knew I needed help to get there. Lynda

Kaiser Fremont guidelines are 400-600 calories per day during the soft food stage, which typically starts at the 2 week post-op and lasts till the 6 week post-op. Lynda

Have a backup plan in case you are one of the people who can't swallow pills. The pill crusher with a little applesauce is popular and one that my nurse recommended if I had issues. I am one of the lucky ones. I was able to take all my pills the day after surgery (except the honking big Citricals - Kaiser Fremont gave me a two week reprieve on taking them!). Lynda

I had an undiagnosed hiatal hernia that was repaired at the same time as my VS. I had no symptoms. My Dr. asked my husband if I snored (I do) and he said I would snore less now that it was repaired. It added about an hour to my surgery time. I wouldn't worry if I were you. They will fix it if they find one. I considered it a two-fer! Lynda

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Hi Meggie, Can't speak for others but Kaiser Fremont advances you to soft foods at two weeks if all is going well. Soft foods include: Protein: Moist fish, chicken, shellfish, pork, and tofu Veggies: Soft cooked veggies Fruit: All fruits, peel removed Of course it's Protein first, so I haven't really had room for much veggies or fruit. I can eat between 1-2 oz. for lunch and dinner. At Breakfast, I have a hard time with solids, so I've been sticking with greek yogurt every day. Lynda

I don't think you are eating too much. Everyone's tummy heals at a different speed. Yougurt and Protein drinks are a lot easier to tolerate than solds. I was able to eat 1/2 c. yygurt without a problem within the first week of surgery. However, it's a day to day thing with solids. After an unfortunate incident with the slimy vomit others have mentioned, I'm really careful to stop as soon as I feel full. Even if it is just an ounce or a 1/4 cup. Good luck on your journey. If you are following your Dr's diet plan and you stop eating when you feel full, don't worrry! Lynda

Hi Holly, I'm with Kaiser Fremont Bariatrics program and I believe we are all prescribed Ursodiol. My Kaiser WLS "Bible" claims it lowers the chance you will have to have your GB removed to 2-3%. I'm happy to take them because the last thing I want is another surgery. I really hope my VS is the last surgery I ever have. Lynda

Congrats Irene! You look amazing! Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us. You have really helped me through more than one rough spot. Lynda

It has a higher Protein count. 20 grams per cup for the fatfree unsweetened that I use. I add Splenda to mine. Lynda

Gurgling is normal for the first couple of weeks. My tummy sounded like a mac truck was being driven through it. Now, half-wya through week 3, I mostly have embarrassing burps. Drink slooowly at first. It helps. At first, I drank one ounce every 15 minutes. I used a timer. I still can't tolerate room temp drinks. They must be hot or cold. I don't care for sweet drinks or ones that seem a little thick, like the Propel Water I tried today or the Isopure Protein drinks. Crystal Lite Pink Lemonaide is not sweet. I also like Lipton Diet Green Tea with Citrus. For hot, I like Starbucks decaf coffee and Sleepytime tea. Or just plain hot water if I'm cold. Lynda

Hi Purdy in Pink, 1) I've had surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago (May 24th) I was wondering how soon i can actually start to do some real excersizing.....more then just walking..... I'd wait for your first follow up to do more than walk if I were you. I had VSG on 5-17 and at the two-week post-op my Dr. OKd me for light exercise, slowly increasing strength over the next few weeks. 2) i'm having some mid to lower back pain..feels like i have about 50 knots tied up in there, anyone else experience lower back pain? I've been doing the heat/Ice, and no releif in a week? Any ideas? Try some back stretches. 3) I'm stuck in in a holding pattern in my weight loss............I lost 16 lbs in the first 6 days.....and only 1 more in over a week. Is this normal? I think so. I held at one weight for about a week and then dropped 3 lbs. Now I'm holding again, but I expect the weight to drop any day. Lynda

Hi Newbie, We were sleeved on the same day. I take a nap most days still. I also know what you mean about the tightness. I take really tiny bites and use a timer - one bit per minute. That helps but it can still be tough to get stuff down. I've had better luck with ground turkey products, such as turkey meatballs, turkey sausage, and turkey meatloaf (my fav), lunchmeat, and greek yogurt. I drink a Protein drink every evening to get me up to 60+ grams of protein. Yesterday I felt really sick after eating and I didn't feel 100% this morning so I have had liquid Protein all day. I have to admit- it feels so good to get a day off food!! I will go back to solids tomorrow. You could call your Dr. about the stomach acid. I have read many posts where people have tried several different ones before finding one or a combination of several that works for them. We are still healing - I know it will get better with time. Lynda