DLCoggin

My surgeon said no straws - you take in too much air which can stretch the pouch. I know some folks choose to use them but I think you have to be carefull about "expecting" some kind of pain or other physical response to signal you that there is a problem. You could drink from straws without suffering any obvious side effects but that does not mean that you are not stretching the pouch from the additional air that you're swallowing.

I think the first thing you want to do is get clear in your own mind that "going behind his back" is not a healthy or practical option. If his mind is made up, it's made up. But that can't be a reason for hiding what you want to do for your own health and well-being. Diet and exercise are good things. They are not the answer to why 65% of the U.S. adult population is either overweight or obese. They are not the answer to why 17% of U.S. children are overweight or obese. And they are not the answer to why similar numbers are found in the vast majority of developed nations worldwide. For some reason, folks who have never had a weight problem are absolutely convinced that they are experts and there is a simple solution. That is absolutely not true on both counts and there is a large (and growing) body of evidence that the problem is a very complex one. One that involves metabolic rates, hormones, genetics, brain signaling, federal policies, agricultural policies, industrial marketing and a dozen other things that "normal weight" folks know nothing about and often refuse to put forth any effort to learn about. If they don't want to know, they don't want to know. But allowing an uninformed, narrow-minded opinion to be used as a form of manipulation - out of the question.

I totally agree with BBdoodle. Tell them you had surgery and are still on a soft food diet. Not uncommon for a number of different surgeries. There is a learning curve when it comes to ordering from restaurants. Since you're on pureed foods, keep in mind that restaurants have blenders too. Ask them to blend up a veggie smoothie. Or blend one of their soups. There's a very good chance that it won't be the first time they had the request and most restaurants are more than willing to accomodate any reasonable request. When you get to solid foods and you're out for dinner with your significant other, order one entre and ask them to split it up on two plates. Some restaurants will charge you a "plating" charge but many are happy to split it for no charge. Or order your own and just put half in a doggie bag. It's amazing how much more cost effective "eating out" becomes when you're getting two and sometimes three meals from one order!! There is ALWAYS a way!!

My surgeon said no gummies. Never asked her why (she scares the crap out of me!) but I haven't had any problem with plain ol' Centrums and blood work is spot on.

I second all the votes for pb2. Much healthier than regular peanut butter and it is shocking how much it tastes like the "real thing". Really good and very versatile!

I agree with Jenn. There are a number of reasons that a spouse might not be supportive - from concern about the risks to worries about the cost and everything in between. Identifying the source of his concern/objections will give you (and us if you decide to share) a better idea of how to address his concerns. I think the majority of us opt for the surgery for health reasons and there are a lot of them. The associated risks are real but the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor. It isn't uncommon for an initial unfavorable reaction to become favorable once the spouse has all of the facts. You're gonna love the new you (and so will he)!!

Another great article from WebMD and an important topic for gastric bypass veterans. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/calcium-vitamin-d-foods

A new day and a new life is coming. When you think about it in that context, a month of waiting doesn't seem like such a high price. You're gonna love the new you!!

This one looks very promising!! 25g of protein in a 2.9oz serving. The ingredient list from Bariatric Advantage is: Serving Size = 2.9 fl. oz. Ingredients: Pure deionized Water, whey protein isolate (milk), Vitamins [ascorbic acid ©, niacin (B3), panthothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), riboflavin (B2), thiamin (B1), folic acid, Biotin and cobalamin (B12)], potassium sorbate, natural flavors, sucralose, acesulfame-potassium, red 40. Whey isolate is about 90% pure protein and although it is a milk byproduct, the isolate has been ultra filtered and most of the lactose is removed in the filtration process. Even some who are lactose intolerant have few problems with whey isolate. Looking forward to hearing the taste test results!! Thanks for sharing shrinkingDEE!!

Just emailed!

Your doctor's office told you to call the insurance company. The insurance company gave you your surgery date. And neither one has confirmed that you are approved. What is wrong with this picture? The insurance company knew your surgery date which could only have come from your doctor's office. But your doctor's office would not give you that information and referred you to your insurance company? I'm pretty easy going but I have to say that if it were me, I would have a "candid" conversation with my doctor's office on Monday. I would make sure they understand that the situation is unnecessary and unprofessional and I'm pretty sure "ridiculous" would come up in the conversation as well. I wouldn't hang up until they confirm that you have been approved. It's an absolute certainty that they have the answer - yes or no.

I agree with Jade - 37 pounds is certainly not insurmountable. I'd suggest going back to basics. Maybe start with a liquid diet for a week being sure to include at least 60g of Protein and even 100g would be fine. The protein will help jump start your metabolism and in response your body will likely start burning stored fuel. After a week of liquids, move on to pureed foods perhaps with one meal a day of soft foods for the second week. Third week - ease back into regular foods. Four to five meals a day. Measured portions. Start and maintain a daily food log - any number of very good apps for your phone. If you still have all of the information from your original surgery, go back and review what you did for the first six weeks or so post-op and repeat it. If you don't still have the information, contact your surgeon's office and request copies of their current information packet. Seeing your surgeon would be a good idea as well just to confirm that nothing else is going on. And seeing your nutritionist would also be a good idea. You've done it before and you can do it again!!

That's a lot of information for one post! LOL! I think you'll learn more and almost certainly get more responses if you narrow it down and ask more specific questions. Tons of knowledgeable and caring folks on here that will be glad to answer your questions. You have a surgery date so you likely have a lot of information from your doctor's office. Anything special that you'd like more info on?

From my experience and what I've read on the forum, you usually don't get a surgery date until you've been approved. But why stress over it - call you doctor's office and ask them. You should be able to get an answer in about two minutes! Much better than guessing and worrying about!!

Hope all goes well and they can get it cleared up by next week!!

Good for you Mami! So glad to hear that you're doing better!!

I don't know about anyone else but I didn't have to ask why losing 50 pounds is a milestone!! Congratulations and well done!! Delicious feelin isn't it? You're already loving the new you!!!

I imagine that you're getting very close to being able to go on a regular diet. It gets sooooo much easier when that time comes. It's amazing how much you can enjoy chewing! LOL! Hang in there! You're gonna love the new you!!

Any rational human being is frightened by surgery. Perfectly understandable and perfectly normal. I was scared to death! But I look back on it now and I honestly have to laugh at all of the things that I worried about - absolutely none of which happened. You're gonna love the new you!!

Five months out and you've lost 50 pounds. That's 10 pounds a month. Twelve months out at 10 pounds a month = 120 pounds. You're doing great!! Congratulations! Trust the process. Keep doing exactly what you're doing. The fact that your weight loss is different from mine (or anyone else) means absolutely nothing. Stay focused on following the protocol, stay active, trust the process, and stay away from the scales for a week or two. You're gonna love the new you!!

Severe pain of any kind - call your doctor. Kidney problems are sometimes associated with gastric bypass but symptoms after a couple weeks is unlikely. Best to be safe and talk it over with your doctor.

I've compiled an Excel file of almost 100 grocery store, fast food, and frozen items that are high in Protein. Forum rules don't allow me to post the file but I'd be glad to email it to you if you post or PM me your email address. I've sent it to dozens of folks on the forum. You might find some good ideas for ending the boredom!

You're welcome! Sometimes you just got to let it out. I think we've all been there. There are always going to be bumps in the road but when all is said and done, you're gonna love the new you!!

Just emailed!!

Just emailed!