lsereno

I took a PPI for the first 6 months post-op and didn't notice any side effects when I stopped taking it. But everyone is different! Lynda

Maintenance mode. Weight: 134.9. I have had extra treats the last two days and my tummy feels it, so today is more healthy eating day. B: 1/2 c, soy milk, 3/4 c. cheerios, about an hour later 2 oz. lean ground beef S: 3 dried apricots L: 2 oz. lean ground beef, 1/3 c. brown rice/quinoa mix, 1/3 c. mixed green Beans, peppers, onions, eggplant, and butternut squash S: Decaf Soy Latte D: Not sure but lean Protein, 1/3 c. whole grain starch and 1/3 c. non starchy vegetable S: Under 200 calories. Maybe Fage 0 with splenda and blueberries

How much mayo? I stuck with no-fat or very low fat protein. Even in maintenance, I eat very low fat except for treats. I ate only a couple of bites of veggies with meals because I haf a hard time getting the protein in. But unless you are eating a lot of mayo and peas, it's probably just the dreaded three week stall. Lynda

Can't wait to see pics of the new little one! I know you will do great once baby gets here and your hormones settle back down. Lynda

Yeah, I gotta chime in on the title misdirect. And I'm scared to try any of the yummy Protein bars. I'm far enough out to get all my protein from my food. Lynda

Just found this sentence at the top of the forum when viewed from the website: This forum is dedicated to veteran Sleevers who are six or more months post-op, to discuss issues specific to those who are further along in their journey. You must have 100 posts in order to post here.

Thank you! The first weeks are the hardest. Just concentrate on getting your fluids and Protein in. I really relied on the Protein drinks early out. I do love the way I can eat now. I eat a small meal and I am full. I remember how pre-op, even if I ate healthy, I had to eat such a large quantity to feel full. Lynda

Stick to your guns. I generally ignore people who bug me because I don't want to prolong the drama. Lynda

First off, Swizzly at two years out if you're not a vet I don't know who is. If there are rules around who can post in the forum or what topics are OK, it should be a pinned post so we all know. I've seen so many ideas tossed around including: Six months out and 100 posts makes us a veteran Nine months out and 500 posts More than a year out. I think, bottom line, this forum is to discuss long term issues. For me, that includes getting to goal, regain, and maintaining. Long term strategies about what to eat in maintenance or for getting to/back to goal, exercise, and dealing with any health issues that occur long term (Vitamin deficiencies, bone loss, ulcers). Lynda And yes, at more than two years out and 15 months at goal, I do consider myself a Vet!

Yes! I had a hard time getting food down in the mornings. I often had a Protein shake for Breakfast or yogurt smoothie (greek yogurt, Water, splenda, splash of OJ and a couple of strawberries). I drank on a schedule because it was hard to get the water in. 6 a.m. Wake up: Before breakfast: 8 oz water (often as tea or decaf coffee) Breakfast around 8 a.m.: In smoothie: Protein Shake with 8 oz. water or water/soymilk mx By 10 am: 8 oz water By Noon: 8 oz. water By 3 pm: 8 oz. water By 5 pm: 8 oz water By 7 pm: 8 oz water By bedtime: Protein shake with 8 oz water or soymilk/water blend Leave glass of water on nightstand and sip when I wake up Lynda

I look deflated but I am! With more than 100 lbs. less of me, I do see baggy skin. Also, I'm closer to 60 than 50, so some of it is just age. Honestly, if I were in my 30s, I would consider plastic surgery, but at this point it is not worth it for me. I've looked at lots of pictures of people who have had plastics after WLS, and I am lucky that my skin has fared as well as it has. You will not see me in a bikini or short shorts or skirts and those cute little bras from Victoria's Secret don't look good on me, but I don't need to wear compression garments to wear a snug top and nothing hangs over in a fold anywhere. It has gotten better over the last year (I've been at goal for 15 months). Lynda Lynda

I got your spot ready! The nice thing about the goalies' bench is a lot of us fit in a small space because our butts are so small

I have read many people say the same thing. It does affect me more now but I drink less (1-2 drinks no more than 2 times per week) and I weigh less(over 100 lbs less!). I stay buzzed just as long as I did pre-op and it doesn't affect me faster. I didn't start to drink till I was six months out. Lynda

That is ugly. My Dr. told me that I had done so well the first year she knew I would be a long term success. I hope to prove her right as time goes by! When someone tells me that, I tell them "Yes, some people do gain the weight back but WLS has the highest long term success rate of any method for controlling weight." Lynda

Maintenance mode. Weight was 134.5 this a.m. B: 2 oz. 98% fat free ham, 1 slice WW bread, 1/2 c. cherries L: 1.5 oz. shrimp, 1/2 c. chopped tomatoes, 1/3 c. chopped green onion, cucumber, and celery, sqeeze of lime juice with 1 oz. Special K whole grain crackers, 1 oz. goat cheese, 1/2 T. chinese sweet chili sauce S: 1 c. watermelon, soy latte D: Going out tonight. Will have 1-2 cocktails with a higher-calorie than usual dinner S: ? Under 200 calories though

ldydrgnkpr, Congrats on staying at goal. I'm sorry to learn of your ulcer. Thank you for sharing the symptoms. It's easy to think all issues are behind us as we get further out from surgery, so it's good to know the symptoms of issues that can still crop up. I hope they are able to resolve the problem without surgery. I will be thinking of you. HatheryOnHerWay, Every plan is different. My plan (Kaiser Fremont) does not prohibit NSAIDs or other ulcer-inducing drugs, but does require you to take a PPI with them (PPI: proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole). Lynda

That's very similar to the amounts I consumed at 4 weeks. My plan also allowed chicken, pork, and fish, along with cooked vegetables. So I ate an ounce or two ounces of Protein at lunch and dinner instead of soup. Sometimes, I ate turkey chili. Lynda

Kaiser Fremont Bariatrics recommends the following labs at 6 mo., 1 year and then annually: Chem 10, ALT, AST, PT, Albumin, Prealbumin, Ferritin, Iron/TIBC, CBC, Serum B12, RBC folate, B1, 25 OH Vit D, PTH, Alk phos(metabolic bone disease) Vit A, glucose, lipids, HbA1c. Use “PNL BAR” in Order Entry in HC, Consider copper deficiency if unresolved hypochromic anemia. They also recommend annual bone density screening.

Thanks Laura! I know you will get to goal, I'm saving you a spot on the goalies' bench. Lynda

There is a lot of attrition following surgery. People focus on other things and don't come here as much. If you look at those of us that are at least two years out, there are just a handful of us compared to hundreds who are contemplating or recent post-ops. But support is here if you want it. I get most of my support from this group. I also participate in the VSG forum on Obesity Help and I still occasionally hit a F2F support group. I do these things to give back and to keep myself accountable. I DO NOT want to be a regain statistic. Lynda

It all depends on how your Dr. is progressing your foods. I was allowed soft cooked meats (except beef), and cooked veggies during weeks 2-6. If you make the ham salad yourself you can control the fat and what's in it so it meets your plan. I would try: 2 oz. Lowfat Ham 1 T. lowfat mayo 1-2 T. greek yogurt Small splash of pickle juice if you like pickle taste Blend till smooth. Lynda

Maintenance Mode today. Weight was 135.4 this a.m. Ate a bigger snack than planned last night. I had 1/2 c. Rasberry sorbet, 1 graham cracker, and later I had a granola bar. B: Soy Latte, 2 oz. 98% Fat Free Ham, 1 slice WW bread L: 1 slice WW bread, 1 oz. 98% Fat Free Ham, 1 slicelowfat cheese, 1/3 c. green Beans, onions and peppers S: 240 g. watermelon, 1 oz. Special K crackers, 1 oz. hummus D: 3 oz. shrimp, 1/2 c. Pasta, 6 cherry tomatoes S: 3/4 C. Fage 0 with 2 T. whipped cream cheese, 1/3 c. blueberries, 1 crushed graham cracker and splenda to taste

Welcome to the goalies bench Ms. Skinniness! There's room for lots of us here because our butts are so small :-) Lynda

I got mine at Bed Bath Beyond. They have cute little appetizer spoons and forks. Lynda