Lissa

I use the Premier Nutrition Bars that are sold at Sam's Club. They aren't "great", but they are tolerable. I keep one in my purse at all times. Our Sam's only carries the mixed box which has Double chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Yogurt Crunch. I prefer the last one. I wish I knew of a meal replacement that wasn't sweet. Maybe someone will invent something...and, yes, I know about Unjury's chicken broth. :::Sneer::: I don't like it, unfortunately.

I bought the Dummies Book: Cooking for Bariatric Surgery Patients and a book called Hungry Girl 300 calorie recipes. I have a Nook, but bought the paper copies of these books. The Hungry Girl book isn't specifically for WLS patients, but she has lots of quick, cook in a mug, foods that we can use. She also leans toward vegetarian cooking, which some people may like. She does use eggs and cheese, but also uses TVP and tofu for some of her recipes. (I'm NOT a vegetarian, just noting it for others.) Good luck and let us know if you find other/better recipe books. There are also tons of recipes on the 'net. Have you checked out Egg Face's blog yet?

Well, BCole, congrats on starting a new chapter in your life very soon. It's natural to be nervous about surgery and about such a big lifestyle change. Whatever questions you have, they are answered here, just hit the search box and someone has asked that question before. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask. Many people here will chime in with info for you. Good luck on your journey!!

Oh, yes, I definitely believe things happen for a reason! Bless you for being able to help this family! I'm sorry that your surgery was postponed, but happy you were able to do something so nice for someone else. You have an awesome attitude and, hopefully, your approval will be just around the corner!!

New Life, I think it would be abnormal if you didn't have doubts. Spend lots of time doing your research and reading on this site. I was skeptical as well, but I've read tons and tons of posts from people who have lost 100 pounds or more. Look in VSG success Stories and read the posts from people who have reached goal. There are tons of those posts, too. Just for fairness' sake, read the Post-op thread and read about people who have complications (not a lot, yay), and about the discomfort many experience immediately post-op. That will give you an excellent idea of what to expect when it's your turn. As for me, I've been sleeved just over 3 months and I'm thrilled, both with my results (62 pounds so far) and with my post-op experience. I didn't have lots of post-op complications. I had very little pain and my energy level is through the roof! Good luck with your journey!!

My right hip has resumed hurting at night when I sleep. I can sleep on my left side, but is this just a normal side effect of losing the fat covering the joint? TMI, but I now have a raging round of diarrhea. Still doing 70g of protein and 64oz of water a day. I've read here and there that some foods might cause it, so I've been avoiding plain eggs and eating a little more cheese to compensate. I had the same thing last week, but I think that was a tummy bug that's been going around, combined with antibiotics for a UTI. This time it's "different" from the last time. I'm trying not to be TOO gross here. If it's not calmed down by tomorrow afternoon, I'll make an appt with the doc, but just looking for some real world advice.

Thanks, everyone. I'm a little over 3months and I'm staying hydrated and getting my protein. I may have to add some fiber, probably in some kind of mix. I had cheese and half a banana as a snack and I'll see how I'm doing in the morning. :\

One night here.

You aren't a failure!! You have a lower BMI than many of us, so you will probably lose slower than many others. Don't feel like a failure. When is the last time you lost 30 pounds in 3 months? How about never??? You're doing great! You'll be at goal while I'm still slogging away at my weight loss.

Thanks, GraceMarie!! I'll try that and see if things get better!

Nope, no odd smell! I can't even come up with a polite way to describe the difference between last time and this time. I may have to get graphic with the nurse, but I hate to leave that on the board for posterity. Yikes!!

Congrats! I'm so happy to see you on the loser's bench...and 21 pounds is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peacequeen, since this is your thread I'll happy dance for you first!!! I'm so happy you're going to be on the loser's bench soon! You deserve it, just for being so patient!!! Cattracks, you've got a lot to celebrate as well, so I'll happy dance a second time for you. Plus it counts as aerobic exercise! Congrats!! We neeed to make the loser's bench a little bigger for all the December Sleevers!

I think the head issues are as important as the body weight issues. I also think that seeing a therapist is an awesome idea for many of us. It helps us learn to deal with food as food, rather than as a source of comfort or as a friend. It's an inanimate object, for goodness' sake. I've seen the results of someone who had WLS and is terrified of gaining her weight back. I've posted about my friend's sister in law who lives on Protein shakes and is not compliant with anything regarding protein, food or Water. She ends up in the hospital about every 3 months (just went back this weekend, as a matter of fact). She is malnourished, dehydrated...and all of this is AGAIN. Yeah, we really have to watch what we think about our WLS journey and deal with the underlying issues or we'll end up like her.

Awesome, Rootman!! Congrats on the loss and the anniversary! I'm looking forward to my 1 year anniversary, too. Of course, mine is 9 months away! LOL

I refuse to hear negativity towards WLS. Those who know me know that I am working my tushie off, literally! WLS gave me a jump start, but it's not keeping the car running, KWIM? I've told all kinds of people about my WLS. Of course, I have a gajillion cousins and aunts, etc, who all know about the surgery and they'd tell it in a heartbeat. So, once my family knew, there was no way to keep quiet anyway. I also am of the opinion that the general public's attitude about WLS won't change until those of us who have had it start being vocal about it AND showing that it really does work. Everyone knows "someone" who had WLS and gained all their weight back. I'm thinking it's time people saw some of us who have WLS and don't regain our weight. Good luck with your journey!!

I like the Premier Nutrition bars, sold at Sam's Club. I keep one in my purse at all times, just in case I need something to eat and I'm nowhere near a good protein source.

Wow! I hope it does turn out to be just a reaction to the tape. Being allergic is no fun, but being "sick" is worse, especially this early post-op. Let us know, please?

The drain I had for 8 days post-op wasn't that big a deal, IMO. But, some docs use them and some don't. I haven't seen any evidence that one way is better than the other. It comes down to the doc's personal preference.

Renee, How close are you to TOM? Lots of ladies notice a couple of pound increase just before because we are retaining Water, then most see a loss immediately afterwards. That three week stall is a booger, isn't it!? I was so worried about mine, but just kept doing the water, doing the Protein, and then I had a big drop, 4 or 5 pounds, IIRC. I hit another one at the end of my 2nd month/beginning of the 3rd month, so I upped my walking and gained a pound. My regular doc told me that I wouldn't lose until I backed off the walking for a few days. I rolled my eyes when he told me that muscle weighs more than fat, but he's right. And, during that second stall, I lost inches in a hurry! That's when I dropped the second pants size, so always check your measurements when you stall on the scale. Also, always look for those NSV's (non scale victories). I've had tons of them lately and I make sure to keep my eyes open for them. Something as simple as being able to slide into a booth in a restaurant will thrill me, although I might not say anything to my dining companions. I was thrilled to be able to buy a belt...and then it was too big the first time I wore it! I had to adjust my car seat because I not longer need to sit way to one side so that the seat belt latch doesn't dig into my tush. Those are all somewhat silly, but they are the things that make me go YEAH! Good luck to you all!

Let's see, my calculator says that you are losing about 19 pounds a month or nearly 5 pounds a week. That's pretty freaking incredible, IMO!!! I, too, started at a higher BMI and I've lost 61 pounds in 3 months, 1 week, or just about 5 pounds a week. My surgeon is THRILLED at my progress, and so am I. That NP should be shot for telling you that you are not doing well. I think you're right on track and probably beating the average weight loss per week/month right across the board. Even adjusting for higher BMI (mine was 53/54 when I started), then you are rocking your sleeve! Don't jump off that ledge, instead go in that office and toss her out the window! She has no clue. I cannot imagine how she figures that you are losing too slowly. I'll be THRILLED to death if I'm at 94 pounds at 5 months out! My surgeon did say that the majority of our weight comes off in the first year, but that doesn't mean that we can't reach goal if we don'g reach it in some magical 12 month period. We CAN and WILL reach our goals, so long as we continue to do what is required, Protein, Water, exercise. I plan on being the poster child for WLS once I reach my goal, and your picture is going to be right beside mine. I'd say you should tell that NP to bite you, but she might actually do it. Wait until you hit goal, then I think you should parade your tiny butt through her office and say "How do you like me now?" I'm betting she won't even know who you are! BTW, this might actually be that NPs backwards way of thinking she's giving you motivation to stay on track, although I think that is pretty twisted. I think you're doing an amazing job and I hope to do as well as you are doing!!! Good luck...and stay off the ledge!!!

I refuse to see food as "good" or "bad". Food is either Protein or it isn't, in my book. I've eaten a slice of pizza since surgery, and I still had a loss the next day. Granted, it was a small slice, but it was good. I'm really working on the "eat anything you like in moderation" line. I can have cake, chocolate, Cookies, chicken, tuna, steak, whatever. There is no good or bad. My main goal is to meet my protein and Water requirements, preferably without snacking. Once those are met, if I am truly hungry, I can afford to have a little snack. Usually I choose something more healthy like nuts or a babybel cheese, but sometimes I have an ice cream sandwich or a SF pudding. I even ate a cannolli the other night! I'm not saying that you shouldn't watch what you eat, but a slice of pizza is not inherently evil. It's FOOD. Most of what you said about the pizza is no big deal. You ate the cheese and meat off the pizza. While it's a little greasy, that is basically protein. You even ate a few bites of the crust. That's not horrible either, because we need some carbs to keep our bodies running. What worries me is that you then reverted to old habits and "snuck" a piece of pizza. Truthfully, you didn't sneak anything. The only person who matters when you eat is YOU. By hiding, we don't negate the calories in a food, even though lots of us think that way. We only reinforce to ourselves that WE aren't in control, food is in control. I suggest you make an appt with the psyche counselor who did your evaluation, or another therapist who has experience with bariatric patients. You need to discuss with them what food means to you. For me, and lost of us, it was a comfort when things were bad, then a source of guilt because I gained so much weight from getting my comfort. I'm not saying you're crazy, but you probably need someone to help you change your outlook on food. Once it's not "good" or "bad" anymore, but just food, then it will be easier for you to resist those things that you decide you shouldn't be eating. BTW, I made pizza for 12 years, so it's not a trigger food for me. I usually order something that I know is healthier (baked chicken wings, no sauce) and use my own low fat dressing. Everyone is different in how foods affect them, but we all have similar issues to work out. Good luck!! And, sorry for writing a book yet again.

A cup of decaf coffee every day keeps me regular. Even before surgery, coffee kept things moving regularly for me. That hasn't changed.

I know a couple where the hubby had a vasectomy after they had 3 kids, but they had another baby anyway. After the baby was born, mommy had a tubal and daddy had a second vasectomy. Then they had child number 5. So, if God intends you to have children, you will have them, no matter what. My granny had 10 kids, then the doctor told her she had run out of umbilical cord. I thnk he did a tubal on her even though they weren't common or legal at the time. She didn't have anymore children, even though she wanted more. I had mine tied, cut and burned when my tubal was done. And the doc shortchanged me on the anesthetic, so I felt it all. If I ever get preggo, I'm going to sue that doc for pain and suffereing TWICE. LOL I seriously doubt that my tubal will come undone. I definitely do NOT want to start over on raising kids. Mine are 25 and 21. I would be lost with a newborn to care for 24/7. Personally, I'm waiting on grandkids!

Hip Hip Hooray!!! I'm thrilled for you!!!