Amanda 3.0

That's so funny - one of those calculations suggests I might actually weigh under 100 pounds and be healthy. lol It was suggested by the nutritionist that I get to about 150, that would be just fine with me.

You will want fiber and Protein. Others have explained it better than I can. I just want to add that you can read labels and find foods with both. If you like Beans, or can learn to like beans, and certain grains like quinoa, you can kill two birds with one stone.

My husband didn't say much about it before my surgery. I was actually wondering if he understood the magnitude of this procedure. So, I asked him outright what he felt about me doing this. He said he was frightened but knew what I was doing was what I needed to be happy, but he loved me the way I was. He never did express any negative comments about the surgery, and when I about lost it in pre-op, he let the nurse know how upset I was (she gave me valium). At that time he could have just taken me home (I wanted to escape) with no complaints from me, but he knew that was just nerves causing that fit and so he got me through it. I think it is completely normal and sane to second guess yourself for a procedure such as this, especially since so many of us get uplifted by losing weight in preparation for the surgery! But, how many times have we lost the same 30 pounds (or more)?

I absolutely HATE the chewables that I bought prior to surgery. I thought I was so prepared by trying them ahead of time, but they have become so gross. Between the Multivitamins and the Calcium (each large tablets), the Vitamins are hard to manage, and represent too much of my solid intake. I bought the Celebrate brand. The multivitamins make me feel nauseous. I try to take them, but I have to lay down afterwards, unless I take them with some food, like a spoonful of cottage cheese. It's still a battle to keep it down. The calcium used to make me nauseous, but are less troublesome now. They are still gross. As a compromise, I take one Celebrate Multivitamin, and try to get in two calciums, each day. But I am back to my liquid multivitamins for the other dose. And, I plan on phasing in the gummies, although I will likely cut them up. Big, chunky, cloying chewables don't work for me long term.

I am at just over nine weeks and am just now finding hair in the shower and in my hairbrush. I am upping my Protein supplements (don't feel like eating much) and trying to get back on track with my Vitamins. I am still happy I did this, even if I were bald. Gosh, I hope I didn't just jinx myself! lol

I would be very careful. You might want to wait to get home to try them, as stuff with that much sugar or fat makes some people "dump". This is so NOT fun. I have experienced this with bottled supposedly "healthy" smoothies, and sometimes for mystery reasons. There are other things you can try that better support your Protein intake, but still get that coffee fix. For me, I add a scoop of chocolate Muscle Milk to a cup of slightly cooled coffee in my "Blender Bottle" every day. That's 16g of protein. My husband pours me one cup of coffee into my Blender Bottle every day, so it is just pennies a day. Just me, but I would avoid the bottled coffee drinks. You can do better at home, IMO.

Did you use regular semolina/white pasta or did you use a whole wheat or other type of spaghetti? I am not eating much food at all although I have only run into one negative food (avocado). I have managed two turkey meatballs with sauce.

Dooter, glad to hear from you! Please let the family help you as much as possible. You had a heck of a commute home from the hospital! Did you stop anywhere?

I am not in recovery. I just want to say that you are so wise to be addressing these things up front. I don't know how you are with 12 step programs, but you can check out Overeaters Anonymous. Also, a good counselor with experience in eating disorders would be helpful. I know of one in Dallas, if I run into trouble I will be in her office ASAP.

I didn't have any comorbidities. My knees were starting to complain though. And I was just plain tired of the battle, and waking up miserable every morning. I tried hard to do it the old-fashioned way but I'm 47 and the odds weren't in my favor. I've spent too many years feeling bad about myself. This is the best thing I have done, other than marrying my precious husband.

I was allowed to have coffee in the hospital, but no cream or sugar. Of course I was only able to get down maybe one tablespoon or so. The surgeon suggested one cup per day after that. Now I have one cup per day. I add a scoop of chocolate Muscle Milk to cooled coffee for 16g Protein. That's without any cream, sugar, or sweetener. I don't feel hungry afterward, maybe because of the scoop of protein.

Wow, talk about success! Way to go!

For something simple and quick, I add a few tablespoons of soup to a little canned chicken or turkey. I like the tomato basil bisque from Costco. The meat doesn't cause upset so much, it is just dry and feels like it is just sitting there in my sleeve. Blah.

McKinney here!

I was still on liquids at two weeks, so not sure that this is comparing apples to apples, but I wasn't really able to eat a half a cup of anything (if I recall correctly - seems like ages ago). Did you eat it slow? I have heard that mashed potatoes go right through, so maybe it was because of the type of food. I still haven't tried mashed potatoes.

Also, not related to your protein, but related to tips on savings with teen boys: You may wish to precook and freeze some Entrees for the rest of your family. Perhaps some casseroles, etc. if they like that sort of food. I am surprised by how unimportant food is to me even at nine weeks out, and by how hard it is to get motivated to cook. I used to be an avid cook, and while I am sure that will return, it isn't there now. Without a good game plan, it is way too easy to succumb to eating out for the rest of the family, which usually ends up being big bucks. Another option is to have stuff on hand for the boys to cook. Maybe get them a cookbook if they don't already cook.

costco will take them back, I am sure of that. But they taste pretty good and the sons would probably take them off her hands. They are great for on the go, and my husband likes them and takes one from time to time. I do not like the vanilla flavor, but my husband does. The vanilla has a bit of a grittiness to it.

I can't really answer your question as far as "how long" as I don't pay that much attention to when, but at just over nine weeks out, I have gone from size 18 jeans being a little tight to size 14 being very comfortable (same brand and style of jeans). Maybe your friends aren't saying anything because they are trying to be polite? Most of my friends haven't brought it up either, although it is glaringly obvious. Also, if the friends are larger people, they may feel a bit of a distance from you. Not sure, but some relationships do change, in my opinion/experience. I know all doctors are different, but mine said that at ~30 pounds lost at seven weeks or whatever, I was right on track and doing well. You are supposed to lose six pounds in one week? That's quite a bit of pressure. I wouldn't sweat it too much since you are doing what you are supposed to do.

Yeah, that would be tough! Where did you go? We are planning the Grand Canyon and some of Route 66 for spring break.

Check out the Premier Protein pre-made shakes. They are 30g of protein in 11.5 ounces. That's a lot of protein per ounce. Plus, they taste more pleasant than most. A lot of people rave about them. I buy them at costco, but have seen them at Sam's as well. I think I pay $26 for 18 shakes.

Congratulations! You have almost the exact same results as I did at week eight - and I did some traveling too. Isn't it great to have loose clothes and hear compliments! So happy for you! Whenever we travel I try to find a place to go hiking. You should have seen me in Phoenix in the 100+ degree summer. The vultures were circling overhead. lol

I started back on my thyroid pill at day four, I believe (the first day home from the hospital). I was terrified of it, so I broke it in two. I cut up any pills and take the pieces maybe 10 minutes apart.

People worrying about stalls should be directed to this thread so they don't panic or feel down. It's so uplifting to know that changes are happening even if the scale doesn't move.

Congratulations! That must feel so good! I was just noticing the same thing - my scale is moving slowly, something like three pounds in the last two weeks. BUT I am down another size in jeans. Woot woot!

I have been having a hard time staying warm, anyone else? I'm happy with my progress, but haven't dropped as much weight as some. I am surprised by how cold I am. At night I am sleeping in thermal pajamas, and a thick zip up jacket, socks, two blankets, and a heating pad for feet. We keep the house at 66 - 68 degrees at night. Also, my blood pressure is kind of low, usually around 100/70 or so but that is not really unusual for me. I had really good blood pressure before surgery. Does the feeling cold go away as I adjust? Brrrrr!