lsereno

Oh boy. I sounded like a dump truck for months. But it does go away. And if you think that's embarrassing, just remember never trust a fart the first few weeks! Thank goodness I had a spare nightgown. Lynda

For head hunger, one trick I use is applying lip balm and hand lotion. The smell and feel distracts me. Lynda

I like the grilled chicken tacos, either Fresca or the ones sometimes on the dollar menu. I order two and don't eat much of the tortilla even now. Tortillas don't sit great for me post-op, even two years out. Too doughy. Lynda

I have a toothbrush with a timer built in. When I'm feeling energetic, I stand in front of the tub and squat down like I'm gonna sit on the edge of the tub repeatedly while I am brushing. Easy way to work in some squats. My butt's still a little flatter than I would like, but when I flex it - Booyah! Lynda PS I also walk about 3-4 hours per week.

Two years out, maintaining at goal weight: Breakfast: Small Soy Latte, then 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 oz. ham about an hour later Midmorning snack: 1/2 banana Lunch: 3/4 cup lima Beans (they were brothy, not all beans) Afternoon snack: low fat cheese stick Dinner: 6" subway Sweet Onlon Teriaki sandwich on whole wheat with spinach, cucumbers and red onions After dinner snack: small blueberry muffin, cup of tea with Splenda

Call the Dr. Can't hurt to ask. Lynda

Every Kaiser Bariatric program is a bit different. I went through Kaiser Fremont. Their program guide is available online at: http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/facilities/region/gsaa/area_master/departments/Bariatrics/binder.jsp Lynda

Congrats Aaron!

Amma, I just noticed you are only drinking very little Water. I used a shot glass and a timer to get my water in at first. One ounce sipped over 15 minutes Makes 4 ounces per hour. Teeny sips; take the whole 15 minutes to finish the ounce. I preferred room temp water. Not to cold or hot. Lynda

In addition to Laura-Ven's great advice, I strongly recommend trying out anything new at home first. You never know how new things may affect you and a little trial run at home can save you from a lot of discomfort and embarrassment in public. For me personally, I didn't drink for 6 months, and I started with wine because I couldn't take the acid in a margarita that early out. But everyone is different. Lynda

The diarrhea is common post-op, but check with your Dr. I remember they told me to watch and see if it was staying as bad or getting worse. I was lactose intolerant post-op. The only Protein Powder I tolerated well the first few days was unjury. After the first week, I did well with GNC Gold Standard whey. I mixed it with Soy milk. Lynda

I did. So many people seem to spring back and not need pain meds, but I was really pooped for weeks and needed pain meds for more than a week. Do get up and walk around a little even though you are tired. Be sure to get your fluids and eat your Protein. Both help promote healing. Give yourself time to recover and heal. Lynda

Thank you! Onward to year two at goal! Lynda

Hi there, Here's how I incorporated fruits and veggies early out: Yogurt shake for breakfast: greek non-fat yogurt, a couple of strawberries, a splash of OJ, bigger splash of Water, and some Splenda. Melons for snack:Watermelon and cantelope both sat well. Applesauce cups: another good snack 1/3 bananna: snack Frozen peas and carrots: Cooked them alongside whatever Protein I was having Zucchini: cut off a few slices with a mandoline slicer and cooked them alongside whatever protein I was having Soups: Split Pea, Veggie, Tomato, Butternut Squash Peppers and onions, spinach: Added to sandwich after I could tolerate bread again Spinach: wilt and serve under protein I couldnt eat much because early on protein took almost all my room, but I love veggies and fruit and would have felt deprived without any. To control constipation, I used a fiber supplement, benefiber and Colace stool softener. Lynda

Boy, I hear you! I'm at goal weight, but it doesn't look the same as it did when I was in my 30s. A few things I won't be wearing: Skirts or shorts that hit too far above the knee Bikini Halter top Shopping for a swimsuit and new underthings was not as enjoyable as I expected. I have extra skin that spills out and looks crappy unless I buy the right items. And on the way to goal, my midsection looked like the lumpy squash in the game Plants vs Zombies. I've found some cute capri pants that I wear instead of shorts. I have several cute skirts that hit at the knee. And I finally found a cute swimsuit at Macy's. You will get used to what is flattering and it will be easier to find as time goes by. Lynda

If you are tracking and getting 800-900 calories and you are still hungry, talk to your program coordinator about the PPI. For a lot of people, stomach acid feels like hunger. But with only 400 calories, you probably are legitimately hungry! Maybe add more calories at breakfast too. If you can't eat more at once, maybe the shake or yogurt early and then an hour later more Protein. Lynda

I have seen some people here that had the surgery while smoking, but my program (Kaiser Fremont) will not perform the surgery if you smoke. I'm sure this also covers e-cigs. I believe Kaiser tests for nicotine in the blood. I'd check with your program coordinator. Lynda

Laura-Ven, I see you are hungry all the time. Are you using a PPI? Are you getting a good amount of your Protein and calories at Breakfast? I agree that 800 to 900 calories per day is a good goal. I shoot for around 60 grams of protein per day, but everyone is different. Lynda

Hi Butterfly, I strongly recommend weighing and tracking your food, and weighing yourself at least once per week. If you can throw out the bad foods, then do that too. I can't have certain foods around because I will just eat them till they are gone. Exercise can be a great stress reducer. I have to exercise first thing when i get up or I simply won't do it. Thanks for coming back and sticking with it! You are so worth it! Lynda

Thanks! I feel good. Got the two year post-op appt next week. I've already got most of the blood work results back and so far, so good. Lynda

Hi Saira, We share a surgery date! I had VSG two years ago on May 17. Hope you all all the other May sleevers are doing great. It's a rough first few days, but so well worth it. Lynda

Yeah, if you only want popcorn, it's hard to be satisfied with a substitute. But it is only temporary. I think learning to say no is like building a muscle. It gets easier with time. Hats off to you for feeling good enough to even think about going to the movies 6 days out. I didn't even want to wear underwear because my tummy hurt when I did. I'm sure you'll see many good snack substitutes for popcorn at the movies. I sipped a decaf soy latte when I went to the movies early out. Lynda

Here's a couple of mine. Lynda

Thanks Laura-Ven! I'm still surprised that I fit them. When I fold them after washing they always look too small. Lynda