KatInFL

I eat so much seafood lately.... I'm not even sure how much mercury I could be ingesting. LOL I think shrimp are fairly low on the mercury scale but certain fish can be high. I should look it up, since I am not really tolerating chicken and my kid doesnt eat red meat at all. ~Kat

Thanks! My carbs are very low... I try to keep them around 5% of my total caloric intake. I haven't tracked my percentage of protein intake, so I will look at that. ~Kat

I can't speak for others but I count total carbs, not just net carbs. Trust me, my body doesn't care about the Fiber with the carbs...LOL I certainly don't manage 100 g of protein a day; I just can't eat enough to get that in! My sleeve buddy has had luck getting in that much protein with the help of two Protein drinks a day, at 35 g of protein each. I believe they are less than 200 calories, as well, but can't recall off the top of my head. My goal is 75 g of protein a day right now, at 14 weeks post-op, and I'm usually successful. I struggle to get 750 calories a day. I haven't yet had salad because I just don't have room for it and my protein. Today, I've had a Protein Drink, 2 slices of bacon, 6 oz of shrimp (I can eat the most volume of seafood compared to anything else), and a string cheese for 73 g of protein and 558 calories. I will probably have another shake or cheese stick or something, to get up to 75 g of protein. I'm going to have to change something soon, though, either calories or protein, because I feel like I've had to fight for the latest 5 lbs I've lost. ~Kat

I didn't exchange any money and mostly used my card. I did need cash at one point and was able to withdraw cash in US dollars. My sleeve buddy and her hubby did exchange some money, then found themselves trying to use up all their pesos before they left. Just about every place I went accepted US dollars, so it seemed easier to me to just use them. ~Kat

Sorry, Amber! I don't really hear of many people who are having surgery at Nova, other than Dr. Kelly patients. Maybe the coordinator can let your friends know if someone else is scheduled for that week and they can connect beforehand? ~Kat

Hi Karen, I believe it depends on the hospital. I had surgery at florence Hospital and there was a little built in daybed sort of thing that my travel companion slept on. ~Kat

I think you might be better served by determining a list of doctors, then narrowing down that list based on your needs and wants. For instance, when I first decided Mexico was the route for me, I made a spreadsheet of all the doctors. Then I made columns for other information, like did they operate in a hospital vs some sort of outpatient facility, cost, whether they used a coordinating company or an in-house coordinator, etc. This helped me narrow down to 3 or 4 doctors that I contacted personally and then was able to further narrow down from there. The reason I say this is because those of us who are post-op almost inevitably think our doctors are great. I know for myself (and I'd venture to guess for most) this is based on our experiences both pre- and post-op...but what makes a good experience for me might not equate to a good experience for you. I had varying priorities in a doctor which may or may not be the same as your priorities. Also, my surgeon was a part of a life changing event for ME. By nature (and barring any serious complications) I would imagine that most people have positive opinions about a care provider who helped manage a life changing event. Once you've got a list of doctors, and are working on narrowing down those that meet your needs, you can do a search on this forum for specific doctors or ask about experiences with specific doctors. People are usually happy to provide feedback on their own doctors; it's a little tougher to give doctor recommendations without knowing any of the basic information about what might meet your needs. ~Kat

I would ask them what their ideal carb intake for you might be. I keep my carbs pretty low.. I try for no more than 5% of my total caloric intake. I do have to tweak it periodically in an attempt to keep my momentum going and I'm definitely taking in more when I'm PMSing. ~Kat

I work from home, so I can relate to eating bc of the ease of just grabbing something from the fridge. It's helped me to be pretty regimented about when I eat. I know some people eat 5-6 small meals but that just doesn't work for me. I eat 3 meals and allow myself one snack, usually between dinner and bed. I also keep track of everything I eat, even when I slip and eat something I know I shouldn't. It helps me keep an eye on my overall intake. Additionally, I don't really keep anything in the house that I know will send me off the rails... no chips, candy, etc. My son doesn't need that stuff so it's easy for me to just not buy it. There are some bread products that I don't eat, but have for him but it's stuff that I don't typically want anyway. ~Kat

I think the cooking part of this is a symptom of a much bigger problem. Marriage does not require, in my mind, sacrificing what is good for you in favor of what works for your partner. ~Kat

I'm so sorry you are having problems. It's tough in any relationship when one spouse or the other goes through drastic changes. I hope y'all can see a counselor or someone to help you both navigate your way through this. ~Kat

I ate crushed glass at... Not really, that just made me laugh. I'm 3+ months post-op and haven't tried salad yet. I just don't have room by the time I get my Protein in. I would check your doctor's instructions... mine didn't allow for fresh veggies of any sort until 7 weeks post-op. ~Kat

Not sure if I'm looking for advice or sympathy. Dammit, I feel like crap! Started feeling poorly on Wed with UTI symptoms. Went to my PCP on Thurs, he said I definitely had blood in my urine but had to check twice for infection. He agreed it was likely a UTI, have me a Rx for Cipro, sent me on my way. By Friday evening, I was feeling worse... abdominal pain, nausea, and started vomiting. Saturday and today have been more of the same, with intermittent pain in my back on the right side. I take some pretty decent meds for chronic pain and nerve damage, so for me to feel discomfort takes quite a bit. I haven't been able to keep anything down other than some Powerade Zero and Popsicles. I took an anti-nausea med last night, which helped... although it knocked me out. I know my PCP is going to tell me to go to the ER. I guess I was just going whatever it was would pass. <sigh> Good news... I can definitely rule out gallbladder and appendix issues, as they are long gone. Thanks for listening to me whine. ~Kat

Thanks, Laura. Just got home a little while ago from the ER. Diagnosis was kidney infection and dehydration. They think I possibly passed a kidney stone but don't see any more. Glad I went as just getting IV fluids made a huge difference. I have better meds now, have shipped my kid to stay with my sister overnight, and am going to crawl in bed! ~Kat

LOL! Thanks! I hate to be a wimp and running to the ER over nothing... I appreciate the moral support I'm making the right call in going, at least. ~Kat

Wah!! That's my fear. :/ The only thing I don't have is a fever... but am also now on antibiotics. I know the ER is in my near future. Thanks, Laura. ~Kat

I bought single bottles at GNC. They had a few different flavors in single bottles. I'm glad I was able to try them bc they made me gag...a whole case would have been an absolute waste of $$ for me. ~Kat

You are correct...collagen is junk protein for us. There is an awesome thread, I think on the nutrition forum, that explains the science of why collagen protein is a waste. Milk by-product protein is what we need post-op...whey, caseinate, etc. ~Kat

This is different for everyone. If its not clear in your surgeon's or nutritionist's instructions, ask them. While I'm 3 + months post-op, I'm fairly certain my surgeon wouldn't be thrilled at the idea of my eating tacos. I will say that we are all adults and in charge of our own bodies....I work my sleeve in a way that is best for me and cant say that what I do works for everyone else. There are lots of sleeve friendly options at a Mexican restaurant. In my opinion, its one of the easier places for me to eat out. Refried Beans, fajitas (no tortilla), the inside of an enchilada or nutrition....they are all fantastic and give me what I need. ~Kat

Ditto! I tried steak around 7 weeks, I think... whenever I was cleared. It was amazing and is a regular part of my diet. It sits so much easier than chicken. I've almost completely eliminated chicken; it just doesn't sit well. Ground beef sits a little better than chicken, but steak is even better. Pork seems to be fine, seafood is my primary source of Protein, with red meat (steak mostly) making a frequent rotation in my meals. ~Kat

It really hasn't been an issue for me, thus far. Admittedly, I have had more experience with barbeque/cook out type gatherings than I have sit down restaurants. I think there is the potential for more scrutiny when you are at a sit down restaurant. At cook out type settings, I pick a little bit here and there with everyone else...fruit from the fruit tray, etc. No one has noticed I'm not eating the chips and dip. When it's time for burgers/hot dogs/etc, I eat my half a burger or hot dog or whatever it is that I'm having and throw away my plate when I'm done. No one has said anything about my not eating. It IS obvious that I'm doing something different, at 50+ lbs lost, so I think the general thought is just that I'm eating less and healthier. ~Kat

To me, it's the beauty of being a grown up. I don't OWE anyone any explanations. Truly, if someone came to me months from now and wanted to know why I hadn't told them or I opted to not tell them and then changed my mind, I'd just be honest. I wasn't really telling anyone because it was my journey and I wanted to get my feet under me and figure it out for myself before sharing with people. ~Kat

Keep experimenting until you find something you like! Try samples...get all the samples you can find. Go to GNC, the Vitamin Shoppe, and those type of places to get some samples while you order samples from other places online. Chike, unjury, and Syntrax nectar are all really popular brands that have a ton of variety. They all offer samples. I tried them all and found some that were palatable that way. I read a review of Click, ordered a sample, and that is my go-to Protein Drink. I drank the decaf until I was cleared for caffeine, now I drink the Mocha and vanilla Latte flavors. Big train fit frappe also offers samples. I also bought this e-book: http://www.amazon.com/Bariatric-Foodie-Perfect-Protein-ebook/dp/B00BMVSSXW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373557131&sr=8-2&keywords=bariatric+foodie The author also has a website that has a lot of tips for making better protein drinks and recipes: http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/ Early on post-op, I bought some DaVinci and Torani sugar-free syrups to add to the sample flavors I bought to change up the flavors. Don't give up, because your body needs the protein. I'm 3 months post-op and still have one protein drink every day. I struggle with eating Breakfast (I hate it) and getting enough protein in early in the day, so it helps me manage that. ~Kat

For me, this is simply not true. I'm not lying about it, I'm opting to keep it private. Not one single person has asked me if I had weight loss surgery. Only ONE person has specifically asked me how I've been losing weight. I answered that I have changed my diet and I've been exercising, which is true. I'm not at all ashamed of having VSG, just like I'm not ashamed of having had an unplanned ectopic pregnancy that required surgery, a hernia repair, or several surgeries for endometriosis. That doesn't mean that I think everyone in my workplace needs to know the details of my health or surgical procedures. Nor do I feel like it's my responsibility to be the poster child for weight loss surgery. If it works for some people to tell everyone and they feel like sharing is their way of expressed pride in having had the procedure, that's fantastic. I just think that opting to not tell everyone doesn't automatially equal shame or embarrassment. And a little appreciation for different perspective goes a long way. ~Kat

You will hear from both perspectives on this. It's a hotly and frequently debated topic around here. I say do what works for YOU. If you don't want other people to know, you certainly have that right. I mean, there's no expectation that people know all of our medical details. I didn't tell anyone when I had surgery to repair a hernia a couple of years ago nor did I tell everyone when I had to have surgery for endometriosis. In my mind, we all have the right to whatever amount of privacy works for us. I've read implications that if you don't tell you aren't proud and I don't think that's true. I'm enormously proud of my progress and *I know how hard I've worked and the adjustments I've had to make in my life. I have explained it like this, to the very few friends that do know I had VSG...it's not a secret, but it's private. It's something I don't want the general public to be privy to, partly because I feel like there's a lot of judgment that comes with WLS. Also, I didn't want the unending scrutiny of what I was eating, how much I was losing, etc. I still am not really comfortable with the attention when someone sees me for the first time in several months and notices the weight loss...I just don't love the attention. I DID opt to tell a couple of my very closest girlfriends and my boyfriend. I told my siblings, one of whom spilled the Beans to my mother...who I hadn't intended on telling. Her response was "I didn't think you were THAT big. How much do you weigh, to warrant surgery? And are you *sure you have tried everything else? I know if you put your mind to it, you could do it the right way." All of the things I knew she'd say that I didn't want to hear. I know that there's always the possibility that someone will tell someone else, in confidence of course, but if it happens, I will deal with it then. Again, do what works for you. If shouting it from the rooftops and being able to share your story works, then more power to you! If you would rather keep it quiet and not share, then do that. And you know what? You might change your mind about telling...and that's ok, too. To this point, if anyone who I haven't shared with asks how I've lost weight (honestly, only one person has asked,,,most people just comment that I look good), I say I changed my eating habits and am exercising, both of which are true. ~Kat