Sojourner

I have to do something physical...exercise, go through a box (we had over 300 when we moved last year) to downsize our inventory, clean out a closet to give away items(can actually brighten your day to see some older clothing items which you have shrunk out of ) or make that an "errand day" and choose an itinerary to focus thoughts outward and keep my focus on the road as I drive. I had to laugh at the typo..."threat" instead of "thread" ... !

It's very important to understand the differences in carbs...those which occur naturally in fresh fruits, veggies and dairy products are usually acceptable, you just can't make your carb choices the highest ones out there. Typically, as I was advised by my surgeon, the carbs we need to stay away from are the processed sugar and flours which have too many calories with too little nutrition. This is where reading nutrition labels becomes very important, as there are many hidden carbs in foods. You should avoid choosing any foods which have sugar added to them. I find it easier to make appropriate food choices if I shop only the periphery of the grocery store. I steer clear of the bakery, and focus on the produce, dairy and meat sections.

As Mis73 wrote, I'm also confused that your dietitian would approve of the quantity of food you are having per meal...I would have a concern that your pouch would be stretched and therefore you are able to tolerate the larger portions you mention. Is this dietitian one who typically works with a bariatric patient population? I measure my portions, because for me that's one of the necessary requirements to weight loss...I don't count calories, as my surgeon advised that was not necessary if i made good choices with food. I'm a slow looser, because it has been difficult due to physical limitations to get the amount and types of exercise I need for weight loss, and for me it's the exercise that makes a major difference in seeing the scale move. I still struggle with hunger...and have had to learn ways to manage it. I know that my success for weight loss requires me to have different patterns with eating. The most important point, which you have already referenced is that we are all individuals, and our journey through weight loss will be unique to the individual. Certainly I would love to loose the weight I need to faster than I am, but I also need to be able to physically manage through every day...if I exercised today like I used to before my car accident I would not be able to walk for the rest of the day. There are trade off's to everything...choose your priorities wisely, accept that we will not have identical journey's, stay busy with projects to distract your thoughts away from food, and take a day at a time. Best wishes...

From day 1 of my liquid diet to now, I have used Wheybolic Extreme Protein powder from GNC. I mix the shake with both 1% milk and a couple of ice cubes in the blender. I like both the Cookies 'n cream and chocolate flavors...when mixed with 1% milk each shake has 37g of protein. To me, and I am very sensitive to smell, there is no odor at all, and most importantly no chemical aftertaste. Your mileage may vary...

As others have previously said, the psych eval is only to ensure that your mood is stable and that you do not have any history or tendencies for eating disorders or an addictive personality. Post op your mind and body will be going though many adjustments, it would only complicate your recovery and eventual success with weight loss if you experience an exacerbation of depression or begin to evolve any addictions you may have had in the past. As you experience the many post op adjustments, having an adequate emotional support system is essential for a uncomplicated recovery from surgery and long term success with weight loss.

So happy to read of your insights and progress! It's also a reward to be able to see your horizons get wider as your mobility increases. Enjoy your trip...

Are you monitoring your portion sizes? Perhaps mushies would be tolerable? The concern I would have is that you are not getting the proper nutrition you need. I would be discussing this with your surgeon ASAP; their practice should have coverage to discuss medical issues and concerns 24/7.

I can't stress the importance of trying different brands of Protein shakes until you find at least one which you can tolerate and hopefully enjoy. Post op and periodically after fills you will need to return to your liquid diet, so let your Protein shake be your friend...I still have one several times a week when I have not met my protein goals for the day. I did find that my shakes tasted better when I mixed them with 1% milk, and blended them with a couple of ice cubes in the blender. You should get away from using straws, as post op using straws is not encouraged. During my pre and post op diets, I ended up with cravings for salt several times...and I was thankful for chicken broth. These pre and post op diets are limited...they don't go on forever. I had my band surgery delayed for over a year, so there was a high level of motivation for me to get through whatever I needed to to have the surgery. I kept my eyes focused on the prize of a healthier me...and took a day at a time. My favorite memory of that time was the luncheon I hosted for my woman's club the day before my surgery, when I was allowed only Clear liquids. One of the best restaurants in town...I watched everyone enjoy their Entrees while I sipped on my ice Water. You can do this...Best wishes...

Any food which has gotten dried out, such as those reheated in the microwave, meat has to be moist for me to be able to tolerate it. I can no longer tolerate bread of any description, or brown rice.

How long ago were you banded? There could be a problem with the position of your band. I would call your surgeon's office ASAP to let them know what is happening. Feel better...

I was told it was whenever I felt comfortable (AKA no pain).

Don't wait until your next appointment...ASAP is a better. The surgeon won't be able to help you if you don't communicate...

Does your surgeon know what is happening when you eat? What you are describing is not normal. There is no way for you to get proper nutrition long term if you can't eat. Hope you feel better...

There is a difference between naturally occurring carbs, such as those found in fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and dairy products, and those which are actually sugars or refined flours. The foods which have added sugars are ones which I am supposed to avoid. Our brain needs glucose to function, so we do need some carbs. My surgeon does allow 1 serving of complex carbs, such as sweet potato every day. I don't count calories or carb grams...I only do my best to make healthy choices for meals.

Ain't that the truth, MG!!! A classic line from the film "Forrest Gump" came to mind...can you guess which one?

So, you believe the "bandster diet" to be torture, and you reference your doctor as "stupid"... I predict your're going to be experiencing a major reality check very soon...I wish you luck, because it would seem that you will need all you can get. Best wishes to reach your goal weight...

Good advice to only eat when you are hungry...but a slippery slope to make assumptions about the motivations of others in the scenario you described about eating to please others. If one maintains healthy and appropriate boundaries for themselves, then they don't find themselves in an unhealthy relationship dynamic to want to please others, or to even believe that pleasing others in matters of individual well being is an appropriate approach to relationships. If one engages in interpreting the motives or thoughts of others, those thoughts are really only assumptions, and as such create communication which is often inaccurate and can result in hurt feelings or anger. The better approach is for each of us to focus on what one knows they need to do for themselves...and if others don't agree, then that is their problem. IMHO...your mileage may vary...

You should be "timing" your "meals"...20 minutes long, and whatever is left is leftover. I believe Protein shakes are different though...you need the excellent nutrition they provide as you heal post op. Just keep sipping...

Though post op we are supposed to get the majority of our necessary nutrients with our meals, there days when I know that i have not had sufficient Protein. A protein shake in the evening makes up for those deficits. I was advised not to use Carnation Instant Breakfast, because as others have mentioned it has too many calories and not nearly enough protein to meet the special nutrition needs of bariatric patients. Protein shakes made with quality protein powder have the "biggest bang" for the greatest amount of protein for the number of calories. Get in the habit of reading nutrition labels...you will likely be surprised at what you find! Best wishes...

Sip your liquids...chew your small bites of food well, eat slowly and you should not have any difficulties or discomfort.

Either way...no matter who knows and who does not, it's the stress this situation creates for you which will have a negative impact on you. I've always felt that it was important to stay in your comfort zone when deciding on how much and to who you discuss your surgery with. You should never feel that you need to disclose more information than you feel comfortable with. One lie usually leads to another, before long you likely will not be able to keep your stories straight. My solution would to disclose your surgery only to those who you feel comfortable with telling. Others, you should not feel obligated to answer questions which you do not choose to discuss. Primary consideration is keeping your stress manageable and in your comfort zone.

I had this discussion with my surgeon at my last appointment...my situation was a bit obfuscated by the fact that 1) I have had prior surgeries without experiencing any hair loss, 2) in addition to the band surgery in February I had my gall bladder removed 3 weeks ago, 3) I did not experience any hair loss until about 4 months post op, 4) I just found out another medical diagnosis I have which may cause hair loss. Difficult situation to sort through, however my surgeon that no matter the reason, the hair should stop falling out by the 9th month...and none of the conditions I have will result in permanent hair loss. I also take Biotin, however my surgeon did not feel that my hair loss was related to any Vitamin deficiency or lack of Protein.

You should be slowly sipping your liquids...drinking too fast will cause discomfort. What were your surgeon's instructions to you regarding portion size? I hope that you attended a pre op nutrition education class...if you did, you should already know what size portion is recommended for you. And you should also know what your daily Protein goal is. If you did not get this important in formation prior to your surgery, you definitely should ask for additional instructions from your surgeon or consult with a dietitian who works with bariatric patients. I was advised that each meal should consist of 3 oz of lean protein measured by volume after cooking, and 2 oz, also measured by volume, of a Fiber carb of my choice.

Small fluctuations in weight are normal...so attempting to resist the temptation to weigh yourself every day is important. One can avoid many negative thoughts and disappointments when you weigh yourself weekly. I gained 5 pounds after my gall bladder surgery, which is normal post op with swelling and Fluid retention. It was gone within 10 days. Don't blame your scale...and be certain to weigh yourself at the same time of the day, but not every day!