lsereno

Yep, even after all this time (more than 18 months), I still am more careful of what I eat at breakfast. My tummy is still a little grumpy, so not to much grease or anything heavy. I have a couple of soy lattes, some greek yogurt, and a piece of toast or 1/2 cup of oatmeal. No, not all at once :-) I have coffee first, then breakfast about an hour later, then another coffee around 10 a.m. Lynda

I go to buffets with the family, but I was 8 months out before I went to one. I wouldn't pick one on my own, but if someone else wants to go, I'm in. Now that I can eat a little more, I like them because I can get a teeny spoon of several different things. As far as "getting your money's worth", if I have a good time, that's enough for me. The other people make up for what I don't eat. Lynda

I'm at goal and I've been maintaining for more than 6 months. There are quite a few of us out there. The thing with any of these operations is that is possible to not lose all the weight you want and it is possible to gain it all back. For me, gastric bypass was too invasive and had to many eating restrictions. I do think your final weight will be influenced by your starting weight. My understanding is that when you are very heavy your bones thicken a bit to support the extra weight and that, along with extra skin, can add a few pounds that simply won't go away. Lynda

four years - Congrats! I love to see stories from those more than 2 years out that are maintaining their weight. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Lynda

Congrats Blackberry Juice! Maintenance has always been the scariest thing for me. I'm so happy to see you are doing well with it. Lynda

I agree with cutting caffeine out early, so it won't affect you post-op. I love my coffee but I quit one month before surgery. It was a rough few days, but I was so grateful post-op to not have to deal with caffeine withdrawal. Lynda

It's Internet shorthard that means your results or experience could be different from mine. Lynda

When I first started eating, I had to take tiny, think less than a baby food spoon bites and chew for 30 seconds. Then I waited another 30 seconds and took another bite. At Kaiser Fremont, the guideline is to go back to the previous step if something bothers you, let your tummy settle, then try again. So I think going back to liquids, lettting your tummy settle and then trying again. I got most of my Protein from liquids (Protein powder, soy milk, and thinned greek yogurt) the first two weeks, but following that, when I was cleared for soft foods, I could eat about an ounce of soft protein, such as really moist chicken or lunchmeat. It took about 1/2 hour to eat it. Somedays I had more problems than others. And I had more success with soft foods later in the day, not at Breakfast. Also, are you on an acid reducer? If not, it might help. Your Dr. can prescribe one for you. Lynda

I think it's to be expected. Spoil yourself a little: I like lotion and lipgloss to lift my mood. Taking a shower, putting on perfume, clean clothes - they help me feel better. Go outside if the weather is nice and get some sun or at least some fresh air. I love to sit in my backyard and walk through my neighborhood. At one week, you won't walk far, but just getting out is the point. Think about how different life will be a year from now- next fall you will be much thinner and healthier and your strength will be back. What will you do? I walk more now and I love it. I have cute fall jackets and I'm considering buying a pair of knee high boots to wear over my skinny jeans. I can enjoy fall hikes without feeling like I'm going to drop with a heart attack. I can ride my bike for miles without tiring. Make an appointment to get your nails done or go to the movies with a friend.If you don't feel up to it yet, make the appt. for a few weeks out. Just seeing fun things on my calendar cheers me up. Buy a new book or rent a movie. Do something nice for someone else. Even a phone call to someone who could use a kind word. For me, doing for others is often the best mood enhancer. Think about what you have to be grateful for. Anything counts. For one thing, lots of people want to have the operation we have but can't afford it or can't have it due to some medical reason. After you do fun things, be sure to schedule a nap! I was pooped the first four months after surgery. Nap time was my favorite time of day. Best wishes on your journey, Lynda

I vary the temperature and flavor of my drinks. Some room temperature Water, some hot tea or decaf, some ice water. Early out, I drank on a schedule to get the water in. 1.25 cups before Breakfast (generally a decaf coffee and water to drink my morning vitamins) .25 cup in my yogurt smoothie at breakfast 2.25 cups before lunch (usually 2 cups ice water and water to take my lunchtime calcium) 2 cups before 4 p.m. (hot tea or a sugar free flavored water and another cup of water) 1 cup after dinner in my evening Protein shake 1.25 before bed (1 cup of hot tea or ice water and water for evening vitamins) Lynda

I haven't gotten a hunger headache. At first, I didn't get hungry and I ate on a schedule to get in my Protein and calories per day. I do get hungry now, but I still eat pretty much on a schedule to get in my protein and to avoid wanting to snack. If I skip protein and Water now, my snack cravings go through the roof. I do get hungry now too, but not the kind of hunger I had pre-op. Keep in mind, everyone reacts to surgery a little differently, so your mileage may vary. Lynda

Kaiser Fremont recommendations were 3 months for caffeine and 6 months for alcohol (following a good report at the 3 and 6 month check up). I followed their guidelines because my motto is better safe than sorry. I could not drink acidic drinks at first, but now at more than 18 months out, I drink whatever I please and it doesn't bother me. I started with port wine, regular wines and liqueurs, such as Kahlua. Lynda

Check with your Dr. 3 weeks out is very early to be banging around your tender tummy and putting it through more than 1G force. Lynda

When I noticed clothes got to big, I moved them to a bag. When I got a bag or so, I took them to a charity. I took a lot to my face-to-face support group. Lynda

Once the worst swelling passes post-op, everyone can eat more soft foods than solid Protein. That capacity for soft foods increases as time goes by, so it becomes more important to remember to eat firm protein first. I can eat a microwave bag of popcorn now, but I still max out at about 3 oz. of firm protein with a little veggies and some starch. Lynda

I'm with you Ms. Skinniness. My number one strategy is to not have stuff in the house. So I will buy the candy the day before Halloween and do my best to make sure the candy bowl is nearly empty at the end of the evening. I am at goal, so I do intend to enjoy some candy on Halloween. But not all day for weeks before and weeks after like I did pre-op. Lynda

I like the Anderson Split Pea Soup the best. It has the highest Protein count (9-10 grams per cup), and it didn't bother my stomach. Tomato was too acidic for me at first. I also like the Campbell's Cream of Mushroom, but be sure to strain out the mushroom bits. Lynda

Emily, You are right that weight gain can occur post op. Surgery is a big step and very personal decision. My feeling is that if you're not 100% sure, it's best to not to do it. The first step in the Kaiser program is a class that details what life will be like pre-op and post-op. And it describes other ways to lose weight, including other Kaiser options, such as a medically supervised liquid diet that is slowly phased back to a normal diet. They really stress surgery is not the best choice for everyone. Best wishes on your journey. Lynda

I think it the less calories and the change in the type of food. Be sure you are getting enough fluids. It helps! Lynda

I think it's the fat melting away under your skin. Now at goal, I'm bony, but skin is a little loose and soft feeling still. Of course, I just turned 56, so some loose skin just comes with age too. My tummy went from looking like a firm pumpkin to a kinda sqaushed overripe pumpkin to being pretty flat now that I'm at goal. Lynda

I agree that everyone's different. Try greek yogurt, thinned a little with Water. Protein drinks are also helpful. Try different foods. For me, oatmeal was a no go, as was any kind of starch other than a bite or two of a saltine, for the first coupla months. I did well with string cheese, lunch meat, tuna, applesauce, and melon chunks. Lynda

I was terrified and I was afraid I would die on the table, but I was more afraid I would die from weight-related health issues. That kept me focused on the prize. Every time you feel scared, work on something that will help you succeed. Use the energy to: Stock up on what your surgery program recommends you have on hand post op. Deep-clean the house so you can relax for a few months after surgery. If you have stuff others will have to do for you, write out procedures to make it easier on them and you. Gather phone numbers they might need. Buy post surgery treats for yourself such as trashy mags or bon-bon books Record TV shows and movies for watching when you're tired post-op. Buy a pretty nightie, robe, and slippers for the hospital and when you get home. Walk. Exercise is good for you. Check out this board and the VSG board on obesityhelp Go to an in-person support group if one is available. Before you know it, it will be surgery day. Frightening, yes, but really the first day of your new successful life controlling your weight! Best wishes on your journey, Lynda

I guess I'm the oddball in the group. I weigh daily. Right when I first get up, with my scale in the same location. When losing or tracking, I only record my weight on Friday. Weighing every day, I don't worry about a couple pounds variance. I have a set bounce zone of 5 lbs. either way. When I get close to the top of the bounce, I cut back on Snacks and sugary drinks. So far, it's working for me. Lynda

I'm in! Like Lovely Little Miss Diva, I'm at goal, but I want to stay there. My goal is 135, and my bounce range is 5 lbs. either way. I'd like to hit New Year's Day sqaurely at goal: 135. I'll be weighing in on Fridays. I'm grateful to have this challenge to help me in maintenance. I've been at goal six months, and I notice that I have to be more careful of snack creep these days. It's a choice every day. But seeing my beautiful little clothes and moving like a gazelle instead of lugging around makes it easier to choose the apple over the apple turnover. Lynda

My fav way to get protein post op: Vanilla protein powder, 1/2 cup soy milk, 1/2 cup water and a packet of Starbucks Via Instant Decaf, shaken so it doesn't get frothy. Vanilla protein powder, 1 cup soy milk, shaken so it doesn't get frothy. Unjury Chicken Protein Powder: Not my fav taste, but easy to travel with and the only thing I could tolerate immediately post-op. Greek Yogurt: The Fage 0 has 23 grams of protein per cup. Thin it with water and blend with a little orange juice ( about 1/8 cup) a couple of frozen berries, and some Splenda. I could do about 1/2 cup of yogurt like that within a week of surgery. Others like the fruit flavored, plain, and clear protein options, but I didn't care for any of them myself. Best wishes on your journey. Lynda